Quick Guide:
- Customer service, communication and attention to detail — these are the top skills employers want in Servers.
- Use clear, measurable achievements from any relevant work to make your resume stand out and feel authentic.
- Balance both hard skills and soft skills.
- Tailor your resume wording to match the specific job description of each restaurant — this shows you're attentive and prepared.
- Boost your chances with relevant certifications.
- If you have little or no formal server experience, emphasize transferable skills from school, part-time jobs, internships or volunteer work — these all count!
If you're aiming for a Server job, you're likely competing with dozens of other candidates who all say they're “great with people.” So, what truly makes your resume stand out to a manager at a busy restaurant? The key is in the specific skills you highlight — and, even more importantly, how you customize them to fit each job opening.
In this article, you’ll learn which Server skills for resume matter most, how to highlight your experience confidently and what to include to give yourself the best shot at getting hired — regardless of your background.
Top Server Skills Employers Want To See on Your Resume
Since 41% of recruiters say they look for skills first when reviewing resumes, listing the right skills can make all the difference in whether you get called for an interview.
Below, you'll find the most sought-after abilities every Server should feature on their resume, plus some real-world examples to spark inspiration.
Customer service skills
Delivering outstanding guest experiences is the heart of any Server's job. Employers want to see that you can make patrons feel welcome, anticipate their needs and handle issues calmly.
Examples: “Provided attentive service to guests in high-volume environments” or “Consistently received positive customer feedback for friendly, efficient service.”
Communication abilities
Servers need to communicate orders clearly, relay guest requests to the Chef and coordinate with the kitchen quickly. Strong verbal and listening skills prevent mistakes and keep things running smoothly — even if you’re new!
Resume keywords for this skill include: “Effective communicator,” “collaborated with staff” and “explained menu items clearly to guests.” If you’ve ever explained drinks, specials or promotions as a Barista or Cashier, that counts here.
Attention to detail
Missing a dietary request or entering the wrong order can ruin a guest’s evening. Employers want Servers who show great attention to detail to prevent costly errors and keep food safe.
Try phrases like: “Ensured order accuracy for 30+ tables per shift” or (with less experience) “Double-checked customer orders and special requests as a cashier/barista.”
Multitasking and time management
A successful Server juggles multiple demands — handling several tables, delivering food hot and completing side work. Employers look for proof that you can work efficiently during rushes, whether those are lunch hours or a morning coffee line at a café.
Highlight: “Managed multiple tables during peak hours” or, for other jobs, “Handled 20+ customer orders quickly during busy shifts.”
Teamwork and collaboration
Great service is always a team effort. Employers favor Servers who help their coworkers, support new staff and get along with managers and Chefs. If you’ve ever run food for others or helped train someone, mention it.
Use lines like: “Worked closely with kitchen staff to facilitate smooth service” or “Assisted team members with large parties.”
POS system and technology proficiency
Modern restaurants rely on digital ordering and payment systems. Even a little experience with POS terminals or tablets — think of a stint at a coffee shop or retail store — is valuable.
Resume ideas: “Operated Toast POS system efficiently,” “Trained on Square/iPad ordering” or “Trained new hires on digital check management.”
If you haven’t yet used a restaurant-style POS, mention any checkout/register experience and eagerness to learn (“Quick study with new tech — comfortable with digital POS systems”).
Knowledge of food and beverage
Knowing the menu, key ingredients and potential allergens allows servers to upsell confidently and help guests. If you’ve had to describe coffee blends or even basic sandwich ingredients as a Barista or Cashier, add that context.
Include phrases like: “Educated guests on daily specials and wine pairings” or, for limited experience, “Explained coffee blends and menu items to customers daily.”
How To Showcase Server Skills Effectively on Your Resume
Presenting your skills in the right way helps your resume make an impact. Focus on action-oriented, honest language, and use examples even from jobs outside the traditional restaurant world.
Aspiring Servers and restaurant job seekers should also see top resume skills in hospitality for more practical ideas.
Using action verbs and quantifiable achievements
Strong resumes use words like “delivered,” “coordinated,” “resolved” or “trained,” then back them up with results you achieved. Wherever you can, add numbers — like the number of customers helped or positive reviews received. Don't forget real stats from any customer-facing job.
Example: “Delivered prompt service to 40+ tables nightly, resulting in a 95% guest satisfaction score.”
Not a Server yet? Try: “Handled orders and assisted over 30 customers at a fast-food counter during busy shifts, providing friendly service and earning positive feedback.”
Tailoring skills for specific job descriptions
Not every restaurant values the same traits. Carefully read the posting and mirror their language. For a fine dining Server, highlight wine knowledge and etiquette. For a diner, it could be speed and friendliness they want.
Rework your skills section to match what the employer is looking for — using keywords that appear in the job listing (like “detail-oriented” or “team player”).
Differences Between Hard and Soft Server Skills
Employers seek a mix of hard and soft skills in Servers. Hard skills are technical abilities learned through training; soft skills are personality traits affecting how you interact with guests and coworkers.
Examples of hard skills for Servers
- Operating POS systems (Micros, Toast, Aloha, Square)
- Safe food handling (knowledge of sanitation rules and regulations)
- Understanding recipes and ingredients (or learning menus quickly)
- Beverage and alcohol service knowledge
- Cash handling and making change accurately
Examples of soft skills for Servers
- Empathy and patience with guests (even when they’re in a rush or frustrated)
- Adaptability in fast-paced situations or new environments
- Problem-solving when facing complaints or difficult situations
- Positive attitude and professional demeanor under pressure
- Stress management during busy shifts (from exam weeks to brunch crowds!)
Additional Ways To Impress Employers Beyond Your Resume
Good skills on paper are important, but you can stand out even more by supplementing your resume with credentials, references and a strong interview performance — even if you’re still new to serving.
Relevant certifications
Completing certifications shows you take food safety and compliance seriously. Look for a Food Handler Card, ServSafe certification or a responsible alcohol service card in your area.
How to get certified: Most Food Handler courses in the US are available online and cost less than $20. Just google “Food Handler certification” or “ServSafe certification” along with your state to find local providers. Once you finish, add the certification to your resume and keep a digital copy to share with employers.
Interview preparation tips
Be ready to share quick, real stories that demonstrate your skills — for instance, a time you handled a difficult customer at the coffee shop or your role during a chaotic student group project under pressure. Practice clear, confident answers that align with your resume.
Research the restaurant in advance and skim their menu so you can ask thoughtful questions (or pronounce specialty dishes correctly!). Showing authentic excitement for the role — and a willingness to learn — doesn’t go unnoticed.
If you want to make a great first impression, don’t forget to check out our tips on how to dress for your Restaurant Server interview.
Extra Resources for Aspiring Servers
- How To Become a Server
- Server Demographics
- What Is the Minimum Wage for Restaurant Servers?
- Etiquette for Restaurant Servers: Everything You Need To Know
- Pros and Cons of Being a Restaurant Server
- What Is the Minimum Age To Work as a Restaurant Server?
- How Long Are Server Shifts?
