6 Free Waiter/Waitress Resume Examples [PDF + Doc] for 2024

Creating a strong resume is key to securing a Waiter/Waitress job. By using the right format, quantifying your achievements and tailoring your resume, you’ll increase your chances of landing interviews and getting hired. 

To help you accomplish this, we’ve provided six free Waiter/Waitress resume templates in this article. Note that we might use Waiter or Waitress interchangeably throughout the article, but they both apply to the same role.

Best Waitress Resume Examples To Help You Get An Interview

We will explore different resume templates tailored to various types of dining environments.

From fast food chains to fine dining restaurants, we will provide insights into how you can showcase your qualifications and highlight relevant skills to make a strong impression on potential employers. 

We will also share tips on how you can create a compelling resume, even if you have no prior experience waiting tables.

Why this Waitress resume works

The resume highlights attentiveness, commitment to providing excellent customer service and ability to upsell, as proven by measurable achievements in the work experience section.

According to a report from Review Trackers, an online reputation management software, the word “service” was the most frequently mentioned keyword in an analysis of over 331,920 reviews from more than 1,300 restaurants. 

[Source: Review Trackers]

This emphasizes the importance of highlighting your passion for creating a positive dining experience on your resume, as exceptional service directly influences the restaurant’s image. 

Entry-Level or Beginner Waitress Resume

[Your Name]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]

Objective

Eager to learn and grow as a Waitress at [Name of Company]. Committed to maintaining cleanliness, upholding [Name of Company]’s standards and providing excellent customer service. 

Professional Experience

Cashier/Server (Part-Time)
[Restaurant Name] – [City, State]
June 2023 – Present

• Greet customers, take orders and accurately enter them into the Point of Sale (POS) system
• Collaborate with team members to ensure smooth operations during rush hours, reducing wait times by 10%
• Provide excellent customer service by addressing guest inquiries and resolving minor complaints promptly

Volunteer Server
[Restaurant Name] – [City, State]
April 2023 – May 2023

• Served meals to over 200 attendees at community events
• Helped set up tables, distribute meals and clean up after events
• Gained valuable hands-on experience in fast-paced service settings and learned the importance of customer satisfaction and teamwork

Skills

• Customer service-oriented with excellent communication skills
• Ability to multi-task and perform well under pressure
• Fast learner with a strong attention to detail
• Teamwork and collaboration in fast-paced environments

Education

High School Diploma (in progress)
[Name of school], [City, State]

Why this entry-level or beginner Waitress resume works

This resume shows that even without previous experience as a Waiter, you can still write a compelling resume. 

The key is to emphasize your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, your willingness to learn and your eagerness in being able to provide excellent customer service. Highlight relevant skills gained through volunteer work or other roles, showcasing how these experiences contribute to a strong foundation for a successful career in the restaurant industry.

Café or Bar Waitress Resume

[Your Name]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]

Professional Summary

Highly motivated Waitress with two years of experience in café and bar settings. Proficient at delivering top-notch service in fast-paced environments, with a strong focus on creating an enjoyable and welcoming experience for guests. Skilled in making specialty coffee drinks, serving cocktails and upselling menu items. Passionate about ensuring customer satisfaction and maintaining a clean, safe and organized workspace.

Work Experience

Waiter/Barista
[Café Name] – [City, State]
June 2022 – Present

• Served an average of 80+ customers daily in a high-traffic café, ensuring prompt and friendly service
• Accurately handled customer orders, customized drink preferences and food items, maintaining a 95% order accuracy rate
• Collaborated with team members to handle peak-hour service, reducing customer wait times by 20% during rush periods
• Consistently received positive feedback on customer service, contributing to a 4.8/5-star rating on review platforms

Waiter/Bartender
[Bar Name] – [City, State]
May 2021 – June 2022

• Served patrons in a busy bar environment, handling up to 30 orders per hour during peak times while maintaining high service standards
• Increased daily bar sales by 12% through effective upselling of premium spirits and signature cocktails
• Managed customer tabs and processed payments through the Point of Sale (POS) system, reducing transaction errors by 20%
• Provided personalized drink recommendations to guests, which led to a noticeable improvement in customer return rates

Skills

• Expertise in preparing and serving specialty coffee and cocktails
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Ability to multi-task and work effectively in fast-paced environments
• Proficient in Point of Sale (POS) systems for order processing and payment
• Upselling techniques to boost food and beverage sales
• Strong knowledge of food safety and alcohol regulations
• Teamwork and adaptability during peak service hours

Certifications

• Alcohol server certification
• Food handler certification

Why this cafe or bar Waitress resume works

This café or bar Waitress resume is effective because it highlights skills that are important in fast-paced dining environments. By emphasizing customer service, multitasking and problem-solving abilities, the resume showcases how well-suited you are for the demands of the role. This template can also be used as a cocktail Waitress resume.

Room Service Waitress Resume for Hotel Jobs

[Your Name]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]

Professional Summary

Detail-oriented room service Waitress with two years of experience in providing exceptional in-room dining services within luxury hotel settings. Skilled in delivering timely and accurate room service, coordinating with kitchen staff and maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and professionalism. Proficient at handling special guest requests, upselling menu items and ensuring guest satisfaction in fast-paced, upscale environments. 

Work Experience

Room Service Waitress
[Hotel Name] – [City, State]
June 2022 – Present

• Delivered in-room dining services to over 100 guest rooms per shift, ensuring orders were accurate, presented attractively and delivered within hotel-standard timeframes
• Collaborated closely with kitchen staff and other hotel departments to handle special dietary requests, guest preferences and urgent room service orders, reducing delivery errors by 20%
• Upsold premium beverages, desserts and daily specials, increasing room service sales by 15% on average per month
• Adhered strictly to food safety and hygiene regulations, resulting in a 100% compliance record during health inspections

Room Service/Waitress
[Hotel Name] – [City, State]
May 2021 – June 2022

• Served an average of 80+ room service orders daily, providing timely service to guests and ensuring a professional dining experience
• Assisted in creating personalized dining experiences for guests, offering recommendations and upselling menu items, which led to a 10% increase in repeat guest orders
• Coordinated with the kitchen and housekeeping departments to ensure trays and dishes were cleared promptly, maintaining cleanliness and preventing guest room disruptions

Skills

• Strong customer service and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to multi-task and handle large volumes of orders efficiently
• Expertise in upselling food and beverage items to increase revenue
• Knowledge of hotel operations and guest service standards
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to guest satisfaction
• Food safety and hygiene regulation compliance

Certifications

• Food handler certification

Why this room service Waitress resume works

It emphasizes relevant skills such as timely service delivery, upselling techniques and guest satisfaction, while also showcasing achievements that directly impact hotel operations and guest experience.

The inclusion of measurable achievements, such as a 15% increase in room service sales through upselling and a 20% reduction in delivery errors, showcases the candidate’s ability to drive revenue and maintain high service standards.

Finally, the focus on food safety compliance and personalized guest experiences, such as fulfilling special dietary requests and promoting repeat guest orders, reinforces a commitment to both quality service and guest satisfaction, important traits for a successful Room Service Waitress.

Fine Dining Waitress Resume

[Your Name]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]

Professional Summary

Experienced and detail-oriented fine dining Waitress with four years of experience in delivering exceptional service in upscale restaurant environments. Highly skilled in wine pairings, multi-course meal service and anticipating guest needs to ensure a seamless and elegant dining experience. Proven track record of upselling premium dishes and beverages while maintaining a professional demeanor. 

Work Experience

Fine Dining Waitress
[Restaurant Name] – [City, State]
June 2021 – Present

• Delivered exceptional fine dining service to an average of 60+ guests per shift, focusing on personalized attention and anticipating guest needs
• Expertly guided guests through multi-course meals, offering recommendations on menu items and providing wine pairing suggestions, resulting in a 20% increase in wine sales
• Developed a strong rapport with regular guests, contributing to a 15% increase in repeat clientele and positive reviews on platforms like OpenTable and TripAdvisor

Fine Dining Waitress
[Restaurant Name] – [City, State]
May 2019 – June 2021

• Achieved a 95% satisfaction rate by consistently providing attentive, refined service, with a focus on enhancing the guest’s dining experience
• Upsold daily specials, premium wines and dessert courses, leading to a 12% increase in average check size over a two-year period
• Assisted in hosting private dining events, delivering impeccable service to VIP guests, ensuring a smooth and luxurious experience for up to 100 attendees

Skills

• Expertise in fine dining service, including multi-course meal service
• Advanced wine pairing knowledge and ability to upsell high-end items
• Strong attention to detail in order accuracy and guest preferences
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of food and beverage pairings
• Commitment to maintaining a refined, welcoming dining atmosphere
• Adaptability and team coordination in high-pressure environments

Education

High School Diploma, [Name of school], [City, State]

Certifications

• Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 2
• Food safety certification 

Why this fine dining Waitress resume works

This fine dining Waitress resume highlights key accomplishments, skills and responsibilities critical to success in upscale restaurant settings. This includes experience with multi-course meal service, premium wine pairings and delivering refined, personalized guest service.

Working in a fine dining restaurant requires a more formal and sophisticated approach to service, from carefully arranging mise en place to presenting menus with poise. This resume demonstrates these qualities by showcasing expertise in elegant table settings, guiding guests through complex menu options and anticipating their needs to provide an exceptional dining experience.

Head Waitress Resume 

[Your Name]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]

Professional Summary

Dedicated and detail-oriented Head Waitress with six years of experience in upscale and high-volume restaurants. Proven ability to lead a team of Waiters, deliver outstanding customer service and enhance dining experiences. Strong organizational and leadership skills, with expertise in staff training, conflict resolution and ensuring a smooth flow of operations during busy shifts. 

Work Experience

Head Waitress
[Restaurant Name] – [City, State]
June 2020 – Present

• Supervise a team of 10+ Waiters, ensuring efficient table service, adherence to restaurant standards and exceptional guest experiences
• Train and mentor new and existing staff on service protocols, menu knowledge and customer service techniques, resulting in a 15% increase in team efficiency
• Coordinate with kitchen staff and management to handle special guest requests, dietary restrictions and large party reservations
• Handle guest complaints and resolve issues promptly, ensuring a 95% guest satisfaction rate based on feedback and reviews
• Assisted in developing new operational procedures that improved order accuracy and reduced service times by 20%

Lead Waitress
[Restaurant Name] – [City, State]
May 2017 – June 2020

• Led a team of Waitresses during busy shifts, coordinating service to ensure seamless and timely delivery of food and beverages
• Developed positive relationships with regular patrons, which contributed to an increase in repeat business and a loyal customer base
• Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations, maintaining cleanliness and sanitation of the front-of-house area

Waitress
[Restaurant Name] – [City, State]
June 2015 – May 2017

• Provided friendly and efficient service to guests, taking and delivering orders accurately while managing up to eight tables simultaneously
• Maintained thorough knowledge of menu items, ingredients and preparation techniques to answer guest inquiries and provide recommendations
• Supported team members during busy shifts, contributing to a collaborative work environment and high-quality guest service

Skills

• Team leadership and staff training
• Strong customer service and interpersonal communication
• Conflict resolution and problem-solving
• Proficiency in Point of Sale (POS) systems
• Upselling and menu knowledge
• Time management and multitasking in fast-paced environments
• Attention to detail and adherence to service standards
• Inventory management and scheduling

Education

High School Diploma, [Name of school], [City, State]

Certifications

• Food safety certification 

Why this Head Waitress resume works

This Head Waitress resume is effective because it balances strong leadership experience, proven accomplishments and relevant skills while providing quantifiable metrics to demonstrate success. This approach helps the candidate stand out as a capable and results-driven professional in the restaurant industry.

How To Write a Waitress Resume

Now that we’ve shown you different resumes for Waitresses tailored to different establishments, let’s take a closer look at the key sections that make up a resume to help you better understand how to write one for your desired role. 

Include your contact information

As you’ve seen in all of our Waiter/Waitress resume samples, it’s important to give Hiring Managers all the information they need to find and contact you. Therefore, make sure you include your name, phone number and email address at the top of your resume when writing it.

Waitress summary vs Waitress objective

Wondering which one to use? 

A summary provides a snapshot of your professional background in terms of experience and abilities. It highlights your core strengths such as customer service expertise, cash handling and attention to detail. Be concise but impactful, making it clear why you’re the perfect candidate for the role.

Below are two examples, one of a summary and one of an objective.

Waitress Resume Summary

Dedicated and service-oriented Waiter with a proven track record of enhancing customer satisfaction in fast-paced dining environments. Successfully increased customer feedback ratings by 25% through attentive service and proactive communication. Committed to upholding high standards of cleanliness and efficiency while providing exceptional dining experiences.

An objective on the other hand shares what you aim to attain by applying for the job. This is ideal for those without experience or changing careers. 

Similar to a summary, an objective can include your skills, experience and qualifications. The main difference between the two is the intent — a summary is for showcasing your past while an objective is for stating your future goals.

Waitress Resume Objective

Motivated and detail-oriented individual seeking a Waiter position at [Restaurant Name], aiming to contribute to a positive dining experience while growing within the team. Committed to learning the ins and outs of the service industry, improving efficiency and helping the restaurant achieve continued success through exceptional customer service.

Add relevant work experience

This section of your Waiter resume should take up the most space and showcase your professional journey so far. To list your previous experience in detail in your Waitress experience resume, include:

• Job title
• Company name
• Location
• Dates of employment
• Key responsibilities
• Quantifiable contributions and achievements

Include your Waiter Skills

We’ve listed some of the most common Waitress resume skills you should include when creating your own resume.

Hard skills for Waiter resume

• Cash handling
• Physical stamina
• Upselling skills
• Basic math
• Knowledge of food safety standards

Soft skills for Waiter resume

• Customer service
• Multitasking
• Communication 
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving

Top 3 Things To Keep In Mind Before Sending Your Waitress Resume

Here are some more tips to help your resume stand out. 

Tailor your resume for the specific role or establishment 

As shown in our Waiter resume examples, we tailored them based on the establishment. Though this takes time, it yields better results as Restaurant Owners or Hiring Managers can easily see how relevant your skills and experience are to what they’re looking for. 

In addition, different establishments call for different skill sets. For example, fine dining Waiters/Waitresses must know food and service etiquette and exhibit formal demeanor and language, while fast food Waiters/Waitresses focus on speed and friendly service.

Part of tailoring your resume involves analyzing your potential employer’s job description and matching your qualifications. Use the words repeatedly mentioned in the ad to boost your chances of passing the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) screening. 

Use active words in describing your work experience

Active words are action verbs. Examples include:

• Delivered exceptional service that contributed to a 15% increase in sales during peak hours
• Managed the training program for junior Waiters, enhancing their skills in customer interactions
• Maintained high customer satisfaction scores by consistently exceeding service expectations

Active words are even more powerful when combined with quantifiable achievements. Mentioning “15% increase” helps Hiring Managers understand the impact of your work and can boost your resume for Waiter.

Active words catch attention and show that you played a direct role in contributing to the restaurant’s success. 

In contrast, passive words suggest a lack of involvement:

• Was responsible for increasing sales
• Had involvement in developing a training program to help new Waiters
• Worked on improving customer satisfaction

Ensure your resume has proper formatting and is error-free

Before hitting “send”, make sure your resume is easy to read and organized. Use a clear, readable font like Times New Roman or Helvetica, and keep the font size between 10 to 12 points.

Proper formatting means that your headings, such as “Education,” “Skills” and “Work Experience,” are distinct and consistent throughout, using bold or larger fonts to clearly separate sections.

This structure not only helps Hiring Managers find the most important information quickly, but it also ensures that your resume looks professional. 

Finally, review your resume for spelling to ensure it’s error-free.

Importance of Waitress Cover Letter

Every good resume is complemented by a cover letter for Waitress. 

In it, you can explain why you’re interested in the job and why you believe you’d be a good fit. It’s also a great opportunity to express your passion for working in the hospitality sector and with people in general.

[Source: Forbes]