What should I put on my resume for restaurant experience?
Navigating the world of restaurant work can be challenging, especially when it comes to crafting a resume that effectively showcases your skills and experience. Whether you’re a seasoned server, a kitchen assistant, or a manager, your resume is your ticket to landing that dream job in the food and beverage industry. In this article, we’ll explore the key components you should include in your resume to highlight your restaurant experience and make a lasting impression on potential employers.
1. Contact Information
Start with your basic contact information, including your full name, phone number, and professional email address. Make sure your email address is simple and easy to remember, avoiding any nicknames or unnecessary symbols.
2. Objective or Summary Statement
While a resume objective is becoming less common, a well-crafted summary statement can still be an effective way to introduce yourself to potential employers. Focus on your key strengths, such as teamwork, attention to detail, and customer service skills, and briefly mention your restaurant experience.
3. Work Experience
List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. Include the following details for each role:
– Company name and location
– Job title
– Dates of employment
– Key responsibilities and accomplishments
For each position, highlight your restaurant experience by focusing on the following aspects:
– Customer service: Emphasize your ability to provide exceptional customer service, such as handling difficult situations, upselling, and ensuring a positive dining experience.
– Teamwork: Showcase your ability to work well with others, including any experience in leading or training a team.
– Kitchen experience: If you have experience in the kitchen, mention your familiarity with kitchen equipment, food preparation, and sanitation practices.
– Special skills: Highlight any special skills you possess, such as language proficiency, knowledge of a particular cuisine, or experience with point-of-sale systems.
4. Education
Include your highest level of education, such as a high school diploma or a college degree. If you’re a recent graduate, you may also include any relevant coursework or certifications.
5. Additional Sections
Consider adding the following sections to your resume to further showcase your restaurant experience:
– Certifications: If you’ve obtained any certifications relevant to the restaurant industry, such as food safety or server training, include them here.
– Skills: Create a separate section to list any additional skills that are relevant to the job, such as fluency in multiple languages, experience with POS systems, or knowledge of a particular cuisine.
– Volunteer Experience: If you have any volunteer experience in the food and beverage industry, include it to demonstrate your passion for the field.
6. Customization
Tailor your resume for each job application by focusing on the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job description. Use keywords from the job posting to ensure your resume passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and catches the employer’s attention.
In conclusion, when crafting your resume for restaurant experience, focus on highlighting your customer service skills, teamwork abilities, and any relevant kitchen experience. By following these guidelines and customizing your resume for each job application, you’ll increase your chances of landing that perfect job in the food and beverage industry.
