Securing a job in the restaurant industry is trickier than it may seem. Although opportunities abound, this is a highly competitive sector. Thankfully, as in any industry, a well-crafted resume can make all the difference.
Whether you’re an experienced hospitality professional or just starting, your resume is your first chance to make a great impression. In this article, we’ll provide tips and insights on creating an impressive resume that stands out to restaurant employers.
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Elements of a Quality Restaurant Resume
Crafting an effective resume for any job involves highlighting your skills, experience, and achievements in a way that grabs the attention of hiring managers. The good news is that things are no different in the hospitality sector, so there’s no reason to try and reinvent the wheel.
The following few paragraphs will guide you through the essential components that make up a strong restaurant resume, ensuring you present yourself as the ideal candidate.
- Contact Information
We begin with the basics (you’d be surprised how many people get this wrong).
Ensure your contact information is prominently displayed at the top of your resume. Include your full name, phone number, email address, and a link to your LinkedIn profile. This makes it easy for hiring managers to reach out.
- Professional Summary or Objective
A professional summary is ideal for those with extensive experience, highlighting key achievements and skills. For those new to the industry, a resume objective can be more appropriate, focusing on your career goals and enthusiasm.
The key is to customize this section for each job application by mentioning the restaurant by name and adding as many details as possible to show your genuine interest.
Examples:
- Professional summary: “Efficient restaurant manager with over 7 years of experience in high-volume dining establishments. Successfully managed teams, improved customer satisfaction, and increased revenue by 20%.”
- Resume objective: “Hard-working server eager to enhance the dining experience at The Mizzenmast Restaurant. Recognized for excellent customer service and a friendly attitude during past catering roles.”
- Work Experience
List your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. Include job titles, company names, locations, and employment dates. Use bullet points to detail your responsibilities and achievements, and quantify results wherever possible to provide concrete evidence of your contributions.
Example:
- Server, The Cozy Café, New York, NY (June 2019 – Present)
- Delivered exceptional customer service in a fast-paced environment
- Managed inventory and supplies, reducing costs by 10%
- Trained new staff, improving overall team performance
- Skills
Highlight relevant hard and soft skills tailored to the restaurant industry. This could include POS system proficiency, inventory management, customer service, communication, teamwork, and whatever other skills you may deem relevant.
It is, again, crucial to tailor this section to match the job description of each position you apply for.
Example:
- Customer Service
- Time Management
- POS Systems (e.g., Aloha, Toast)
- Team Collaboration
- Conflict Resolution
- Education and Certifications
Include your educational background and relevant certifications, such as a ServSafe or food handler certification. This demonstrates your commitment to the industry and knowledge of best practices.
Example:
- Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management, University of Texas, Austin, TX (2016)
- ServSafe Food Handler Certification (2017)
- Awards and Achievements
List any awards or recognitions you may have received in your professional career. This could include “Employee of the Month” awards or customer service accolades, showcasing your dedication and excellence in your field.
Example:
- Employee of the Month, Savory Spice Restaurant (January 2020)
- Rookie of the Month, Delight Café (March 2018)
Tips to Make Your Resume Stand Out
Here are some essential tips to ensure your resume catches the eye of hiring managers in the restaurant industry:
- Customize for each job: Don’t send the same resume to every job. Show some effort and tailor it for each application. Mention the restaurant by name and include other details to demonstrate genuine interest.
- Quantify achievements: Numbers speak louder than words. Instead of saying you “improved sales,” say you “increased sales by 30%.”
- Use action verbs: Words like “managed,” “coordinated,” and “implemented” pack a punch and convey a proactive role.
- Showcase relevant experience: Even if your past roles weren’t in the restaurant industry, emphasize transferable skills like customer service and team leadership.
- Keep it concise: Aim for a one-page resume, especially for entry-level positions. Use clear, professional fonts and plenty of white space to ensure readability.
Conclusion
Your resume is your first impression — make it count! Customize it, quantify your achievements, and showcase your unique skills. Now, go polish that resume and get ready to wow your future employers. And if you’re actively seeking job opportunities and career advice, we recommend OysterLink as an invaluable resource. Happy job hunting!
