waitress cv personal statement

Waitress or Waiter CV example

If you’re looking for a job as a waitress or waiter, a strong CV is essential.

To get noticed by recruiters and employers, your waitress/waiter CV needs to stand out from the crowd and prove that you will be a great hire.

This guide along with example waitress/waiter CV will provide you with everything you need to create a powerful CV and start landing job interviews.

Guide contents

• Waiter/waitress CV example

Structuring and formatting your CV

• Writing your CV profile

Detailing work experience

• Your education
• Vital skills for your waiter/waitress CV

CV templates 

Waiter / Waitress CV example

This example CV shows you how a typical waiter or waitress CV might look, but your own CV will be unique to your experience and the jobs you are applying for.

Throughout the following guide, I will explain how your own CV should be laid out, and exactly what content to include in each section, in order to create an interview-winning CV.

I will also discuss the most important skills that need to be highlighted throughout your CV.

Build your CV now 

The structure and format of your CV are it’s foundations. And the stronger your foundations are, the easier it is to build an effective CV.

Structure and format do two important things for your CV.

1) They create the overall outlook of your CV to ensure you appear professional

2) They organise the information on the page so that recruiters/employers can find the information they need quickly and read your CV with ease.

This infographic provides a summary of how your CV should be laid out and styled for maximum effect.

Formatting tips

In order to keep your CV looking sharp and professional, ensure that you stick to the following guidelines.

• Use a simple font that is easy to read and gives the document a professional feel
• Keep the colour scheme basic with black text on a white background
• Don’t overcomplicate the CV with pictures, logos or graphs

Structure overview

In summary your CV should contain the following sections, in this order:

• Name and contact details – clearly positioned at the very top of your CV so that readers instantly know who you are, and how to contact you
• Profile/Personal statement – Introductory paragraph summarising your offerings
• Work experience – List your previous roles (focusing on waiter/waitress experience)
• Education – Round off your CV with your qualifications

Now that you know how to structure and style your CV, here’s how you craft each section…

Contact details

To ensure that recruiters and employers can contact you easily, place your contact details at the very top of your CV.

Tip: Never hide your contact details at the bottom of your CV, or they may get missed and you will lose out on opportunities.

The only contact details you must include are,

• Telephone (mobile preferably)
• Email address

Keep theses details tucked into the top corner of the CV and try not to take up too much valuable CV space with them.

You do not need to include:

• Your full address – it’s too much detail, your general location is enough
• Your date of birth, sex, nationality etc. – These details are surplus to requirement
• A photograph – Hiring decisions are not made on looks, so photos waste space

Your waitress/waiter CV profile

To catch the eye of busy recruiters or restaurant managers, you need to write a strong introductory profile (or personal statement ) at the top – just under your contact details.

Your profile should be short and punchy, providing readers with a high-level summary of your skills, knowledge and experience.

It should also be heavily tailored towards waiter/waitress roles to ensure that you encourage people to read the rest of your CV.

So what do you need to put into your CV profile?

These four areas are a good place to start…

Customer service skills – Waiting is a customer focused role, so your profile show must sell you as a professional who is confident dealing with the public. Skills like verbal communication, relationship building , and complaint handling will be important to feature. (see our customer service CV example )

Where you’ve worked – Whether you’ve you worked in high-end luxury restaurants or student bars, employers will want to know the environments you have had exposure to.

Relevant qualifications – English and maths are useful qualifications in a role that involves frequent communication and transaction handling.

Quick tip: To truly understand what needs to appear in your profile, you should spend some time researching your target roles to find out what the most important candidate requirements are.

You can see some example CV profiles here

Add a core skills list

To boost the effectiveness of your profile, add a core skills list underneath it.

A core skills list is a bullet pointed list split over 2 or 3 columns that highlights all of your most valuable skills and knowledge.

When somebody opens your CV, the core skills section will give them an instant understanding of what you have to offer within seconds – great for creating the right first impression.

Once you’ve introduced yourself via your profile and core skills, employers will want to know where you’ve worked, and what jobs you’ve undertaken.

List your work experience in reverse chronological order (newest to oldest) like in the diagram below.

If you have waiting or other service-industry experience, then focus on those roles. If not, then focus on the customer facing elements of your other jobs.

If you have no direct work experience , you can also list voluntary work, school work placements or personal projects if they involve relevant waitress skills .

Quick tip:  If you struggle with spelling and grammar, try our quick-and-easy CV Builder

Structuring your role descriptions

The purpose of your role descriptions is to show recruiters how you apply your skills in the workplace to benefit your employers and customers.

Structuring your roles properly will make it easy for readers to digest the information in them, and allow you to highlight the facts you want them to see.

Use the structure from this annotated example to achieve this.

In your waiter/waitress CV, here’s how you should fill out each section.

Role outline

Give readers a solid introduction to your role to build some context for them. This outline should explain the type of restaurant or bar you work in, and what the overall function of your job is.

For example:

“Reporting to duty manager for this leading City upmarket wine bar, fulfilling orders alongside bartenders and ensuring enjoyable experiences for all customers.”

Key responsibilities

Once you’ve set the scene for readers with your outline, list your responsibilities to show how you put your skills and knowledge to good use in order to support customers and colleagues.

• Taking food and drink orders from customers via POS system, serving a range of alcoholic beverages and cocktails
• Communicating with bar team of 15 and kitchen staff to ensure special customer requests are met and exceeded

Achievements

If you have any impressive achievements that have impacted your employer or customers, you should highlight them at the bottom of your role.

• Managed 3 successful private corporate events which led to repeat bookings and significant revenue for the business.
• Implemented drinks promotion to provide quick sale of expiring stock and avoid wastage, saving around £5,000 for the business.

Add your education underneath your work experience by simply listing your qualifications and when they have been gained. You can also add the school/college/university if you like.

If you have any vocational qualifications for the service industry then be sure to make them prominent and maybe even expand on them a little.

Hobbies and interests

Hobbies and interests are totally optional as they don’t always have a huge effect on hiring decisions.

If you have some really impressive interests like marathon running, then in might be worth mentioning them.

Also, if you have any interests that involve working with the public, they could be worth mentioning to demonstrate some transferable skills . For example, you might organise charity fundraising events which would involve plenty of customer service skills.

Quick tip: Travelling can often be a great interest to add to your CV as a waitress or waiter. In a role that involves so much human interaction, the experience of travelling, meeting new people and seeing different cultures can boost your social skills massively – this can be very attractive to an employer.

Vital skills for your waiter / waitress CV

Every person’s CV will be unique according to their own experience and target roles. However, certain skills are crucial to waiter/waitress positions.

The following skills should almost definitely appear in your waiting CV:

Customer service – The ability to deal with customers and provide high levels of service, is paramount in any customer facing role .

Transaction processing – Taking orders accurately, relaying them to colleagues and collecting payments via card and cash.

Food/drink preparation – Whether you serve teas and coffees, wine and champagne, or cocktails, your CV should demonstrate your knowledge.

Events support/management – Bars and restaurants often run events that require lots of skill and hard work to manage. If you have any events experience, you should include them in your CV.

Communication – Working in a waiting role requires constant communication with customers and colleagues, so be sure to give some solid examples.

Relationship management – From working closely with chefs , to meeting and greeting customers, building rapport with them and managing their orders, relationship management is key to ensuring customers are comfortable and have a great experience.

Complaint handling – Unfortunately complaints will happen in service roles, so you need to show employers that you can handle them effectively to achieve positive results for both customers and the business.

Health and safety – In bar and restaurant environments where food and drink is being prepared and served, it’s crucial that staff have sound knowledge of health and safety environments.

Writing your waitress or waiter CV – conclusion

When applying for waiting roles, a strong CV is essential to get noticed and land interviews with the best employers.

To ensure your CV stands out from the competition, use a simple but professional structure to create a pleasant reading experience to start with.

Pack your profile and roles full of in-demand waiting skills and use your roles to show potential employers what you can offer them.

Good luck with the job search!

Waiter Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

You’re a waitress or waiter.

You serve unbeatable service to your hungry customers.

But now it’s time to serve an unbeatable resume to your future employer.

This involves presenting your skills and experiences on a silver platter.

Not sure how to do this?

Well, just follow the simple steps in this guide.

• An example of a finished waiter or waitress resume that works
• How to write a waiter or waitress resume that’ll fill up your interview diary
• How to make your waiter or waitress resume stand out [with top tips & tricks]

Before we get into the details, here’s a waiter and waitress resume example, created with our very own resume builder:

Looks great, right?! Follow the steps below to create a resume that’ll have the restaurants in a frenzy to invite you for a trial shift.

Hunting for a different job in the customer service industry? Check out more resume examples that might interest you:

• Server Resume
• Barista Resume
• Bartender Resume
• Cashier Resume
• Customer Service Resume
• Bar and Restaurant Manager Resume
• Receptionist Resume
• Event Planner Resume
• Flight Attendant Resume

How to Format a Waitress or Waiter Resume

Before you can serve the hiring manager, you need to set the table!

But what does this mean?

Well, the resume needs to follow a format that is easy to digest.

This will please the hiring manager, which is always a good thing!

The most common resume format is “ reverse-chronological ”, and it is one that we always recommend to waiters and waitresses.

Essentially, this format allows the hiring manager to immediately see the benefits in hiring you, rather than having to dig down to the bottom of the page. We recommend all waiters and waitresses start with this format.

The following two resume formats also get our approval:

• Functional Resume – If you’re confident in your ability, but lack the restaurant experience, this resume format is recommended. A functional resume focuses on skills, which makes it ideal for those who lack experience or who have gaps in their employment history.
• Combination Resume – Got both skills AND work experience? Then you’ll want to use this format. Specifically, the format combines both “Functional” and “Reverse-Chronological”.

Once you’ve chosen the correct format for your personal situation, you need to organize set a few resume layout rules.

For a professional look, we recommend…   

• Margins - Border with a one-inch margins on all sides
• Font - Pick a professional font that stands out, but not too much
• Font Size - Use 11-12pt for general text and 14-16pt for headings
• Line Spacing - Use 1.0 or 1.15 line spacing
• Resume Length - Try and stick to a 1-page limit. For guidance, view these one-page resume templates .

Use a Waitress or Waiter Resume Template

There’s no argument that Word is a great program for creating simple files.

But when it comes to presenting a well-formatted resume, you should look elsewhere.

You see, Word isn’t the best for holding structure.

Want to avoid an afternoon of headache? Use a waiter or waitressing resume template .

What to Include in a Waiter or Waitress Resume

The main sections in a waiter or waitress resume are:

• Work Experience
• Contact Information

To really make an impression, you can also add these optional sections:

• Awards & Certification

Interests & Hobbies

So those are the resume sections , but what do you write for each of them? 

Let’s find out!

Want to know more about the different sections? View our guide on What to Put on a Resume .

How to Correctly Display your Contact Information

Now, there’s no need for creative content here, but it must be factually correct. 

Get this section wrong, and you can forget about receiving any interview invitations!

The contact information section must include:

• Title - Align this to the role you’re applying for, so “Waitress” or “Waiter”
• Phone Number – Check each number carefully 
• Email Address - Keep your email professional ([email protected]), unlike that one from your childhood ([email protected]).
• Location - Applying for a job abroad? Mention your location.
• Hanna Fakester - Waitress. 101-358-6095. [email protected]
• Hanna Fakester - Superwoman Waitress. 101-358-6095. [email protected]

How to Write a Waitress/Waiter Resume Summary or Objective

Restaurants are always on the lookout for staff.

But this is a fact that only increases competition among your peer group.

With so much competition in the job market, it is no surprise that recruiters spend less than 6 seconds on each resume.

Yep, you heard that correctly!

Although scary, this fact highlights the importance of a powerful resume.

Specifically, you need an opener that hooks the reader in a matter of seconds.

To do this, use a resume summary or objective .

As a waitress or waiter, you know that a friendly introduction is important. Similarly, both resume summaries and objectives are short introductions that go on top of your resume, just under your contact information.

But what is the difference between a summary and an objective?

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence summary of your most notable restaurant experiences and achievements.

• Experienced waitress with more than five years of restaurant experience providing personable table service at prestigious establishments in London. Awarded “Employee of the Month” for 36 months out of 48 months. Seeking a waitressing role at Restaurant X, where my service skills can be leveraged to achieve the highest quality of service at Restaurant XYZ.

A resume objective is a 2-4 sentence snapshot of your goals and aspirations.

• Enthusiastic and friendly waitress looking for a waitressing role at Restaurant Z. Passionate about keeping customers happy and satisfied. Relevant experience includes serving groups of customers at a local cafe. Skilled in POS and table setting, with a vast knowledge of Italian cuisine. 

So, should restaurant staff use a summary or an objective?

Generally, applicants with relevant work experience should choose a resume summary. An objective is suited to people with the basic skills, but lack relevant experience, like those who are transferring to the restaurant industry for the first time.

How to Make Your Waiter or Waitress Work Experience Stand Out

Recruiters love nothing more than an employee with work experience.

As such, this section is your best chance to impress.

Here’s the best way for waitresses and waiters to structure the work experience section:

• Position name
• Company Name
• Responsibilities & Achievements

The Rising Sun

07/2017 – 03/2020

• Served food to 80+ people a night and multiple tables at a time
• Educated customers on menu items and daily specials, while offering my personal recommendations based on their feedback
• Welcomed and seated customers in a 96-guest restaurant , while taking their preferences into account to keep everyone happy
• Always engaged customers with a personal, yet professional manner, which helped me to win “Employee of the Month” four months in a row

Focus on how you were a valuable asset at your previous place of work. Doing so will allow the recruiter to see the obvious benefits to making you a member of the team.

Instead of saying:

“Member of bar staff”

“Served food to 80+ people a night and multiple tables at a time”

Simply put, the first statement says nothing. It shows you were a member of staff, but doesn’t go into any other details about your position.

The second statement shows that you had to serve tables under stressful conditions to a large amount of customers. 

Hard numbers that prove your skills – can’t argue with that!

What if You Don’t Have Any Restaurant Work Experience?

Maybe you’re studying and looking for your first waitress or waiter job?

Or maybe, you have experience in hospitality, but never in a restaurant setting?

Don’t worry, there are other options.

You just need to show that you have the basic skills and that you’re willing to learn.

For example, if you’ve worked as a hotel receptionist, you can talk about any crossover skills and experiences. Just like a waitress, you would have to be friendly, deal with groups of people, and operate a cash register. 

Use Action Words to Make Your Waiter or Waitress Resume POP!

Spare a thought for the hiring manager for a minute…

You see, they are faced with the same words in every single resume they read. 

But it doesn’t have to be like that. 

In fact, you can use some action words to make your achievements stand out:

• Conceptualized
• Spearheaded

How to Correctly List your Education

Next, it’s time to talk about your education.

There’s nothing too complicated with this section, just simply enter your education history in the following format:

• Degree Type & Major
• University Name
• Years Studied
• GPA, Honours, Courses, and anything else you might want to add

Majoring in Culinary Arts

Boston State University

2018 - Present

• Relevant Courses: Food and Beverage Operations, Food Microbiology and Hygiene, Kitchen Techniques, and Pastry Techniques

Now, you don’t need a degree or higher education to be a waitress, so you may have a few questions in regards to this section. Here are the answers to some of the most frequent questions that we get:

What if I haven’t completed education yet?

• Simply mention every year or the modules that you have studied to date.

Should I include my high school education?

• Generally, you should only include your highest form of education.

What do I put first, my education or experience?

• For a waiter or waitress role, your experiences always come first.

Need more advice? Check out our guide on how to list education on a resume .

Top 10 Skills for a Waiter or Waitress Resume

Whether you’re skilled enough to juggle three plates with one hand or have the ability to remember five orders from the top of your head, the hiring manager will want to know.

However… you can’t list every skill in your arsenal.

So, what do hiring managers want to see?

Essentially, you need to look at the job ad to identify which skills the restaurant is looking for.

Here are some of the most common skills...

Hard Skills for Waiter/Waitress Resume:

• Math (basic calculations)
• POS & cash register 
• Table setting
• Italian cuisine 
• Cognac, whisky, vodka, rum, gin

Soft Skills for Waiter/Waitress Resume:

• Personable and friendly 
• Endurance (long hours)
• Conflict resolution 
• Time management 
• Team player
• The hiring manager will typically ask interviewees for examples of when they have shown the skill listed. As such, only include skills that you actually posses.

Here’s a more comprehensive list of 150+ must-have skills this year.

What Else Can You Include?

Hurrah! We’ve now covered all of the essential sections.

But don’t call final-orders just yet. 

Your resume needs to stand out !

Adding the following sections could be the deciding factor in whether you’re hired for the waitress or waiter role.

Awards & Certifications

Have you ever been employee of the month?

Have you completed any relevant courses on coursera?

If you’ve got something to be proud of, put it in your resume!

• “Employee of the Month” - The Rising Sun
• “Learning How to Learn” - Coursera Certificate

Applying to an Italian restaurant?

Then being fluent in Italian is a good way to shortcut your resume to the top of the pile.

Whether the job description requires it or not, being able to speak multiple languages is impressive – and no one can argue with that!

Rank the languages by proficiency:

• Intermediate

Now, you may be wondering, “ how is my soccer hobby related to my work as a waiter?”

Well, your hobbies allow the hiring manager to learn more about you as a person. 

Interests show that you’ll be a good addition to the team, especially if your hobbies involve social interaction.

Here’s which hobbies & interests you may want to mention.

Include a Cover Letter with Your Resume

Want to really make an impression?

Then you should write a convincing cover letter .

You see, a resume is great at giving the essential facts, but nothing speaks to a hiring manager like a well-written cover letter .

The hiring manager has to read through generic resume after generic resume. 

In fact, it’s not uncommon for the hiring manager to get confused between multiple applications!

A cover letter instantly allows you to make a personal connection .

Oh, and cover letters shows the hiring manager that you care about working for their company.

Here’s how to create a structure that works:

You should complete the following sections:

Personal Contact Information

Include your full name, profession, phone number, email, and address 

Hiring Manager’s Contact Information

Include their full name, position, location, email

Opening Paragraph

To hook the hiring manager, the start of your resume needs to pack a punch. Use concise language to mention:

• The position you’re applying for
• Your experience summary and best achievement to date

Once you’ve sparked the hiring manager’s interest, you can delve further into the following specifics...

• Why you chose this specific restaurant
• What you know about the restaurant culture
• How your skills will be beneficial to the restaurant
• If there are any similar industries or positions you have worked in before

Closing Paragraph

Avoid ending the conversation abruptly, you should:

• Conclude the main points of your letter
• Thank the hiring manager for their time and the opportunity
• End with a call to action. This is a good way to continue the conversation further. A simple “At your earliest opportunity, I’d love to discuss more how I can Restaurant X” will work.

Formal Salutations

Although you should remain personal, the letter should end in a professional manner. Use something like, “Kind regards” or “Sincerely.”

For extra advice and inspiration, read our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter .

Key Takeaways

Because if you follow the above advice, you’re about to get that waitress or waiter job!

Let’s total up everything we’ve consumed:

• Choose the correct format for your specific situation. Prioritize the reverse-chronological format, and then follow the best practices on content layout
• Draw the recruiter in with a short, snappy resume summary or objective
• In your work experience section, highlight your most relevant and best achievements rather than your restaurant duties
• Make your application personal and specific with a convincing cover letter

Suggested reading:

• 10+ Best Answers for Why Do You Want to Work Here?
• Why Should We Hire You - 10+ Best Answers
• 22+ Strengths and Weaknesses for Job Interviews [2024 Best Answers]

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9 Waitress Resume Examples Proven to Work in 2024

Best for careers that encourage creativity

Browsing for creative resume templates? In graphic design, photography, or event planning? Make a statement with this modern resume.

Resume Builder

Like this template? Customize this resume and make it your own with the help of our Al-powered suggestions, accent colors, and modern fonts.

• Waitstaff Resumes
• Waitress Resumes by Experience
• Waitress Resumes by Role

It takes a village to raise a child and run a restaurant. Diners, cocktail lounges, and five-star restaurants—none could function without a strong service staff.

Waitresses and hostesses are the first contact points for incoming customers, so naturally, waitresses must be punctual, informative, and detail-oriented to excel in their roles. If you feel you have all those characteristics, you may have what it takes to be a fantastic waitress!

You just need to translate those skills and personality traits onto your waitress cover letter and resume. Believe us. We get it— making a resume  from scratch can be daunting, but  the following nine waitress resume samples and  resume writing tips  can help you get moving down the path toward your dream waitress position in 2024 .

Waitress Resume

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• If you mention being “customer-oriented,” that skill should be displayed in some of your bullet points.
• For example, saying that you “maintained a courteous attitude, ensuring shoppers enjoyed a positive experience” breathes life into what you already listed as a strength.
• Hiring managers love seeing your impact in previous roles, especially when you use metrics to quantify it in both your resume and when creating a cover letter .

Waiter Resume

• From there, you can showcase your ability to work with others to improve customer satisfaction and overall performance.

Waitress Resume No Experience

• For example, cashier, sales associate, and waitress positions are customer-facing and require you to be approachable and empathetic—two valuable soft skills you can apply to any job, not to mention—life!
• Your objective should describe your professional background in a nutshell, giving employers an idea of your skillset.
• Like the resume summary, the objective’s value comes from customization, so mention the name of the restaurant you’re applying to and why you’d like to join their team. 

Head Waitress Resume

• What is ATS? It’s the software employers use to sort candidates based on the number of keywords (skills) they have in common with the desired skills in the  job description . By including a relevant skills section, the ATS won’t spit out your resume. 
• What if you’re newer to your field and lack extensive work history? Weave in highly-relevant projects which can stand in as experience.
• The key to telling your work story via projects is to treat them like real work experience. List your projects in a bullet point format, laden with metrics to showcase your impact.

Waitress Server Resume

• The most important thing is setting yourself apart from the rest by providing realistic achievements accompanied by their measurable impact.

Bartender Waitress Resume

• Have the title on your resume match the role to which you’re applying. This helps the reader associate you with the job.
• Consider including a two-to-three-sentence  resume summary  if you boast at least 10+ years of industry expertise.
• Tailor your resume by mentioning the target employer by name and giving a concise but vivid snapshot of your years in the field and any specializations you’ve honed.

Cocktail Waitress Resume

• Unfortunately, it’s too easy to forget to list essential and basic information on your resume, but don’t fret! You can quickly  check if your resume has everything it needs .
• Even seemingly disconnected jobs you’ve had can be linked to waitress roles.
• For example, from a glance, a receptionist position at a law firm and a cocktail waitress role might seem like very distant cousins at best. Still, upon closer inspection, you’ll discover that both require excellent customer service and organizational skills.

Hostess Waitress Resume

• Stick with a professional template, but don’t be afraid to add a hint of color for style and interest. A dash of color lets the employer know you’re a professional with personality. 
• This structure lists your most recent work history at the top, followed by older experience, and gives the employer an easy-to-read synopsis of your best first. 

Bottle Service Waitress Resume

• Instead, determine whether a hobby or interest might be relevant enough to include.
• Imagine that a hiring manager brings up your hobby during an interview; whoa! Game changer? If you listed ice hockey on your resume, be prepared to demonstrate how that interest relates to your career aspirations as a bottle service waitress! Relevance is the key to successfully using  hobbies and interests on your resume . 
• We recommend sprinkling in numbers and stats to prompt employers to read your resume more thoroughly and provide hard evidence highlighting your successes. 

Related resume guides

• Restaurant Manager

Waiter / Waitress CV Examples

Start creating your CV in minutes by using our 21 customizable templates or view one of our handpicked Waiter / Waitress examples.

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Wondering how to create the best possible waiter or waitress CV?

You’ve come to the right place!

Browse our hand-picked waitress CV examples so you can get started writing the perfect waitress CV to score that interview.

How to write a Waitress CV?

To write a Waitress CV, consider the following:

• Select a reverse chronological CV template.
• Add the following sections: CV header, work history and skills.
• Emphasize multi-tasking, good verbal communication and strong work ethic in your CV.
• List the workload handled and type of work performed.
• Customize this CV for each job.

Waitress CV Objective

Waitresses are responsible for taking orders and delivering food and beverages to restaurant customers. As a waitress, you will be expected to have excellent people skills, exemplary time management, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Your CV should show that you are a skilled, confident ‘people person’ who can bring the right attitude to a tough job.

Waitress CV Skills

These skills are a great asset to a waitress CV:

• Food safety knowledge
• Food industry knowledge
• Customer service
• The ability to thrive in a high-stress environment
• Multi-tasking
• Cash handling
• Passion for people

Customize your Waitress CV for specific positions

Different restaurants can have very different expectations and company cultures. Hours vary greatly, so a flexible schedule is often an asset. Multilingualism can also be an asset. Your waitress CV should reflect the needs of the position you are applying to - different positions will require different experience levels and types.

• Waitress CV Resume Example - Experience Section
• Competently and accurately processed charges, produced bills and collected payments.
• Checked and completed financial transactions for other staff members.
• Recorded and monitored transactions in MICROS system to ensure delivery of prompt service.
• Consistently monitored compliance with healthy and safety policies and procedures.

Waitress CV Format

Waitress CVs are written in reverse-chronological order, with the most recent positions at the top of the CV. Previous restaurant and customer service experience should be emphasized. For waitress CV samples that really stand out, consider browsing our 8,000 live resumes sorted by position and title here .

Copyright © 2024 Workstory Inc.

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Waiter/Waitress Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

• Resume Examples
• Resume Text Examples
• How To Write a Waiter/Waitress Resume
• Entry-level
• Senior-level

Waiter/Waitress Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Clark Ryan (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Philadelphia, PA 12345 | www.linkedin.com/example

Energetic Waiter with 2+ years of experience in a high-volume chain restaurant. Provide courteous, attentive service while driving sales of daily specials, appetizers, and desserts. Fast learner who adapts readily to new work challenges and conditions.

• Customer Service & Satisfaction
• Efficiency Improvement
• Food & Beverage Service
• High-Volume Restaurant Operations
• Lightspeed POS
• Menu & Order Memorization
• Payment Processing
• Task Prioritization
• Team Collaboration
• Time Management

Work Experience

Waiter, Applebee’s, Philadelphia, PA | October 2020 to Present

• Quickly and courteously serve food and beverage orders to ~30 customers per shift
• Use Lightspeed POS system to process cash, credit, debit, and gift card payments
• Support other servers and kitchen staff by completing side work such as cleaning, restocking, and food running

Highlight :

• Used cross-selling methods to increase personal appetizer and dessert sales by 25%

Receptionist, LMN Incorporated, Philadelphia, PA | September 2019 to September 2020

• Consistently praised for strong efficiency and customer relations in a fast-paced environment

Candidate: Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA | expected May 2023

Certification

• ServSafe Food Handler, National Restaurant Association

Carly Williams (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Philadelphia, PA 12345 | www.linkedin.com/example

Collaborative Waitress with nearly seven years’ experience at popular Italian restaurants. Enjoy working on a team to provide guests a memorable and positive dining experience. Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish.

• Customer Relations & Service
• Menu & Ingredient Memorization
• POS Systems (Toast, Upserve)
• Process Streamlining
• Product Sales & Promotions

Professional Experience

Waitress, Le Virtu, Philadelphia, PA | April 2019 to Present [Rustic Italian restaurant with 75 seats]

• Take and serve food and drink orders to patrons of this popular local restaurant
• Proactively learn new seasonal food and cocktail menus to provide guests up-to-date information on menu and specials
• Use POS system to input orders and process cash, debit, credit, and gift card payments
• Perform side work (including setup, sanitization, restocking, and assisting other servers) to help maintain a clean, efficient facility
• — Named “Employee of the Month” 3 times for top-quality customer service and team support

Waitress, Birra, Philadelphia, PA | June 2016 to April 2019 [Casual Italian restaurant with 90 seats]

• Took orders and promptly delivered food and beverages to guests
• Increased personal sales 20% by effectively promoting specials and food-alcohol pairings
• Fluency in Spanish

Julie Bonner (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Philadelphia, PA 12345 | www.linkedin.com/example

Personable Waitress with 10+ years of experience in fast-paced restaurant settings. Skilled at memorizing menus, training new hires, and providing top-caliber service to customers. Draw on strong knowledge of POS systems, including Toast, TouchBistro, and Upserve.

• Cross-Team Collaboration
• New Hire Training
• Personnel Management
• Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems
• Team Leadership & Motivation

Head Server, The Capital Grille, Philadelphia, PA | December 2019 to Present [Upscale restaurant with 100 seats]

• Oversee shifts of 10-12 servers in a high-pressure work environment
• Take food and drink orders for ~40 guests per shift
• Memorize daily specials, seasonal cocktail list, and regular menu to quickly address customer questions and advise on possible allergens and substitutions
• Onboarded and trained 20 new servers to date

Waitress, Talula’s Garden, Philadelphia, PA | October 2016 to November 2019 [Farm-to-table restaurant with 50 seats]

• Served food and drink orders to ~20 guests per shift
• Studied extensive list of locally sourced ingredients to accurately answer guests’ menu questions
• Anticipated customers’ needs by promptly refilling drinks, providing extra napkins, and clearing away empty plates
• Recommended food-beverage pairings on request

Waitress, Cantina Los Caballitos, Philadelphia, PA | August 2012 to September 2016 [Popular casual Mexican restaurant]

• Served food and drink orders to guests in a fast-paced work setting
• Performed side work such as cleaning and restocking to help maintain a pleasant, efficient facility
• Processed cash, credit, debit, and gift card payments on POS system
• Bachelor of Arts (BA), Temple University, Philadelphia, PA

How to Write a Waiter/Waitress Resume

You can write a great resume for your waiter or waitress job search by showing you provide guests with a positive dining experience. To convince hiring managers you’re right for their restaurant, you’ll want to emphasize relevant skills such as engaging with customers, working quickly with kitchen staff, or handling special orders and menu questions. You can also enhance your resume by giving background details that align with your job targets, such as the types of cuisine you’ve served or the size of restaurants you’ve worked at.

The following tips and examples will help you organize your best information into a resume that gets you closer to your next waiter or waitress job.

1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your waiter/waitress qualifications

In a brief paragraph, your Profile should describe your top qualifications for your target waiter or waitress role. Think about the ways you’ve excelled in past service jobs and what you’ve been praised for by restaurant managers, customers, or other waitstaff. For instance, maybe you’ve shown high efficiency in bringing food and drink orders to customers. Or you’ve taken on training duties for junior waitstaff at your current restaurant and want to continue those in your next role. You may also want to cite your experience in a similar dining environment or type of cuisine, if possible, so restaurant managers see that you’d train quickly.

Entry-Level Profile Example

Senior-level profile example, 2. outline your waiter/waitress experience in a compelling list.

A strong Experience section describes not just your relevant duties but also the positive impact of those duties on each restaurant where you’ve worked.

You can show your impact as a waitress or waiter by giving specific numbers on your performance. These may include how many customers you served, how much revenue you brought in, or where you ranked on your team for guest satisfaction. When data isn’t available, you can still show results by explaining how the job responsibility promoted the restaurant’s overall success. For instance, if one of your task areas was side work like cleaning and restocking, you could mention how these duties helped the kitchen staff stay efficient and on-task preparing food orders.

Entry-Level Experience Example

Waiter , Applebee’s, Philadelphia, PA | October 2020 to Present

Mid-Career Experience Example

Waitress , Le Virtu, Philadelphia, PA | April 2019 to Present

[Rustic Italian restaurant with 75 seats]

• Proactively learn new seasonal food and cocktail menus
• Named “Employee of the Month” 3 times for top-quality customer service and team support

3. Include your waiter/waitress-related education and certifications

For purposes of finding a waiter or waitress job, your education and certifications are probably less important than any service experience you have. But know that for some restaurant managers, a school diploma or relevant certification can give you an edge over other applicants, so you’ll want to include those credentials. Also, consider citing any formal training you’ve had on safe food handling since that’s a requirement for servers in some states.

Below are templates and examples to help you format your education and certification details on your resume. Note that optional template areas are in [brackets].

• Degree Name — [Major], School Name, City, ST | [Year]
• Certification Name or Title, [Awarding Organization] | [Year]

4. List your waiter/waitress-related skills and proficiencies

You can enhance your waiter or waitress resume with a “Key Skills” section covering customer relations, payment processing, and food and beverage service. In addition to these core areas, you may want to add any skills you have in restaurant POS systems.

Also, consider using this section to show your background in the type of dining environment you’re now seeking. For instance, if you’d like to work in a high-volume restaurant and have experience, include the phrase “High-Volume Restaurant Operations.” Below is a list of common skills for waitress or waiter resumes:

How to Pick the Best Waiter/Waitress Resume Template

As with most vocations, waitresses and waiters should use a resume template that’s clear and straightforward. Choose a visual format that lets the hiring manager quickly review your most impressive career details. Select a simple resume font , and avoid any template that has an overly colorful or elaborate design.

Chris Shatto - Hospitality Recruiter and Expert Contributor, Linkedin

Meet our Expert: Chris is a respected hospitality leader with over 20 years of experience in upscale and luxury hotels and clubs, and is the owner of Gecko Hospitality, a renowned recruiting firm.

1. What are the most in-demand skills for waitstaff that should be featured on a candidate’s resume? -

Hard skills:

• Knowledge of POS systems: Familiarity with common restaurant software and hardware is crucial.
• Food safety knowledge: Understanding of food handling and sanitation guidelines.
• Menu knowledge: Ability to explain menu items, make recommendations and answer customer queries.

Soft skills:

• Communication: Articulate, clear, and patient communication with guests and team members.
• Multitasking: Managing multiple tasks at once, keeping cool under pressure.
• Conflict resolution: Handling customer complaints and issues calmly and effectively.

Additional qualities:

• Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with kitchen and front-of-house staff.
• Professionalism: Maintaining a positive attitude, even in stressful situations.
• Certifications/awards: Any relevant recognitions, such as ServSafe certification or 'Employee of the Month' awards.

2. What work experience and other accomplishments are hiring managers looking for in a waitstaff? -

• Prior serving experience: This is often the first thing hiring managers look for. Whether it's in a fast food joint, a casual dining establishment or a high-end restaurant. Your ability to handle customers, take orders, serve food, and clear tables efficiently and professionally can significantly boost your chances.
• Customer handling: You should have experience dealing with a variety of customers. This includes handling complaints, providing excellent service, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for all guests.
• Food and drink handling: Experience with handling food and drinks is crucial. This includes knowledge of different types of cuisine, beverages, and the appropriate serving etiquette.
• Menu familiarity: You should demonstrate a thorough understanding of the restaurant's menu, including the ability to make recommendations and answer questions about ingredients, preparation methods, and dish pairings.
• POS system experience: Experience with Point of Sale (POS) systems is often required.
• Knowledge of safety and health guidelines: Understanding and adhering to health and safety guidelines, such as food handling procedures and cleanliness standards, is essential in this role.
• Communication and teamwork skills: These are key in a busy restaurant environment. You must be able to communicate effectively with customers, kitchen staff, and other waitstaff to ensure smooth operations.
• Adaptability: Restaurants are fast-paced environments. Your ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances, such as sudden rushes or unexpected issues, will be highly valued.
• Extended hours capability: The ability to work long hours, often on your feet, is a common requirement in the restaurant industry.
• Personal attributes: Hiring managers also value personal qualities like attentiveness, patience, and a positive attitude. These traits can greatly enhance the dining experience of customers.

3. What else besides a resume should a waitstaff candidate be prepared to provide hiring managers? -

• Cover letter: A well-crafted cover letter allows us to gauge your communication skills and understand your motivation for applying to our restaurant. It also shows their knowledge about our establishment, demonstrating their commitment and interest.
• Sample menu: Candidates who provide a sample menu with suggested drinks and dishes demonstrate creativity and an understanding of our cuisine and branding. This could be especially beneficial for restaurants that frequently change menus or have a unique culinary focus.
• Recommendations: Letters of recommendation from previous employers give us insights into their work ethic, reliability, and team spirit. This is crucial in the fast-paced hospitality industry, where teamwork is key.
• Certifications: Relevant certifications, such as food safety or alcohol service training, underscore a candidate's dedication to professional development and adherence to industry standards.
• Additional job experiences: Experiences outside of waitstaff roles, perhaps in customer service, event planning, or even theater (for performance and presentation skills), can bring additional value to their role within our restaurant.
• Availability schedule: A candidate's schedule gives us an idea of their flexibility. In the restaurant industry, the ability to work during peak hours, weekends, and holidays is often a necessity.
• Personal testimonials: Testimonials from previous customers can provide a firsthand account of the candidate's customer service skills, attentiveness, and ability to create a positive dining experience.

4. What advice would you give a waitstaff candidate about their job search? -

• Optimize your LinkedIn profile: Recruiters often use LinkedIn to find potential candidates. Make sure your profile is up-to-date, includes a professional photo, and showcases your skills and experience. Consider asking colleagues or previous employers for recommendations to boost your profile's credibility.
• Network: Reach out to contacts within the hospitality industry. Attend industry events, join online forums or groups related to your profession. Networking can often open doors to opportunities that aren't advertised.
• Research potential employers: Before applying, research each restaurant to understand their style, values, and customer base. This information will help you tailor your applications and prepare for interviews.
• Apply to relevant job opportunities: Use job search engines, industry-specific job boards, and company websites to find suitable opportunities. Don't limit yourself to advertised positions; consider sending speculative applications to restaurants you're interested in.
• Prepare for interviews: Anticipate common interview questions and prepare thoughtful responses. Practice makes perfect. Also, think about questions you can ask the interviewer to show your interest in the role.
• Follow-up: After an interview, send a thank you note expressing your continued interest in the role. If you haven't heard back within the expected timeframe, it's acceptable to follow up with a polite inquiry.

Frequently Asked Questions: Waiter/Waitress Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for waiter/waitress resumes +.

You might do dozens of things during a busy shift to provide guests with a great dining experience. But it can be hard to put that in writing on your resume. You may find yourself running out of action verbs to describe your work. To help you vary the language in your job descriptions, we put together this list of strong resume verbs for waiters and waitresses:

How do you align your waiter/waitress resume with a job posting? +

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that jobs for waiters and waitresses will increase by about ten percent between 2021 and 2031. This growth rate is faster than the average for all US jobs.   You can get more interviews in this growing field if you tailor your resume for each application. One great way to do this is by adding brief descriptions of the restaurants where you’ve worked in brackets right next to or below the restaurant name. Restaurant descriptions let you show any similarities between your past workplaces and the one that posted the job. For instance, maybe you’ve worked for restaurants of a similar size, cuisine, or service philosophy. By adding these details to your descriptions, you can make your resume that much more relevant to each new waiter or waitress job opportunity.

What is the best waiter/waitress resume format? +

In nearly all cases, you should use a Combination (or Hybrid) resume because it’s easiest for hiring managers to learn about your pertinent skills and experience – it’s also easiest for you to modify based on your job goals.   With the Combination format, you highlight your most relevant skills and experience in your Experience or Work History section and an intro section. (This combination of work history and intro content is where the format gets its name.) Usually, your resume intro should include a Profile summary and a Key Skills section. You may also include an Awards or Career Highlights section. Choose the details for these intro sections carefully. Make sure each item helps show your overall excellence as a waitress or waiter.

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Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

Check Out Related Examples

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Line Cook Resume Examples and Templates

Busser Resume Examples and Templates

Build a Resume to Enhance Your Career

• How to Show Your Customer Service Skills on a Resume Learn More
• How to Turn Basic Duties Into Powerful Achievements on Your Resume Learn More
• How Far Back a Resume Should Go Learn More

Essential Guides for Your Job Search

• How to Write a Resume Learn More
• How to Write a Cover Letter Learn More
• Thank You Note Examples Learn More
• Resignation Letter Examples Learn More

CV Examples Waiter / Waitress

Waitress / Waiter CV Example + Guide

Waiting staff is in high demand, many companies in the restaurant industry, hospitality industry and events & catering industry have repeatedly said that they have a hard time to fill positions with these critical frontline staff with essential customer service skills. Continue reading to learn all you need to know to make a Waiter / Waitress job-winning CV to land your next waitstaff position.

• 1 How to write a CV for a waiter / waitress
• 1.1 The best waitress / waiter CV format
• 1.2 Action verbs for waiter / waitress CV
• 2 Waiter / waitress CV examples
• 2.1 CV Waiter with experience example
• 2.2 CV Waitress example with no experience
• 3 Waiter / waitress CV structure
• 3.1 CV Header
• 3.2 CV Profile Summary
• 3.3 CV Work Experience
• 3.4 How to include skills
• 3.5 CV education section
• 3.6 Other sections

How to write a waiter / waitress CV

Good restaurants and other food establishments in the hospitality industry, think of their menus as a marketing document to sell their delicious options to their clientele. And that's exactly how you should see your waitress CV / waiter CV. Carefully read the job descriptions to better understand what is the establishment looking for in their waiter or waitress frontline staff is key. Once you have a clear understanding of who is your potential employer, you have a list of their ideal candidate's skills and basic job requirements, it's time to find the best CV format, write a short description about you highlighting why are you the perfect person for the job , and finally start matching each one of the preferred skills with your skills, studies and previous experiences in different sections .

If you want to substantially increase your chances of getting an interview and/or trial shift, go the extra mile: Beyond reading the job description, do some research about the establishment or institution: what's their ambience like?, what's their signature dish, drink or event?, what does their employer brand tells you about them?, what do they stand for?, what do they feel proud of?, what's their marketing like?, etc. Even if you live in the same city, why don't you go check it out?

The best CV format for a waitress / waiter

And just as it happens with restaurant menus, choosing the right waiter CV format is crucial . The goal of your waiter CV is non-other than helping you present your previous work experience, quality service skills and mindset, in a way that captures the attention of both hiring managers and recruiting software alike.

To do so, you need to find the right balance: if your CV is too plain, there is a big chance it will blend in with the rest of CVs that look the same being harder to read by a human, specially after having read hundreds of them, and if your CV has too much formatting and isn't done right, chances are a software could miss on some of its content. See if you can see the difference between the waiter CV sample on the right and the one on the left by dragging the green dot:

One of the MUSTs of a waiter CV format is that it lets you set up distinct sections with a clear heading in order to add and as many sections as you need in order to summarize your excellent communication skills, your work history and food service industry skills, aligning them with your objective and more importantly with the job requirements of the restaurant positions you are applying to.

Action verbs for waiter / waitress CV

Action verbs are brilliant idea to enhance your CV content. Here we attach a non-exclusive list of action verbs that will boost your CV's chances:

• Established
• Facilitated
• Implemented
• Incorporated
• Orchestrated
• Outperformed
• Reorganized
• Revitalized
• Strengthened
• Transformed

Waitress waiter CV example

Here you can see and download two real waiter resume samples, that job seekers with and without experience can take as a starting point to craft their best waiter waitress cv yet. Job seekers in the server industry from the UK, Australia, Canada, etc. have became job application pros , getting 4 times more interviews for waiting staff openings, only by following the tips on this guide. In addition to checking these waiter resume examples out, make sure you read and follow the specific tips and examples for each section in your CV.

CV Waiter with experience example

The following waiter/waitress resume example belongs to a professional waiter with extensive experience in the server industry, working different roles in food establishments. With specific education in the hospitality industry.

Waitress CV example without experience

The following CV belongs to a waitress with no experience as waiting staff , however, she's got many waitress skills, that she has used to perform job duties in other work experiences outside a restaurant service. So if this is your case, don't hesitate to add previous non-waiting roles that are useful to show-off your excellent customer service skills to the potential employer.

On the contrary, if you are looking for a waitstaff job and don't have any transferable work experiences at all, don't panic: You can skip the "Work Experience" section all together, proving proof of your waitressing skills through other life experiences as well as a "hard skills" and a "core skill set" sections going beyond a simple core skills list, taking the time to describe them with use cases.

Waiter / waitress CV structure

As we mentioned previously, one of the most important traits of a good waitress / waiter CV format is its flexibility, and its ability to divide the information in clear readable blocks or sections with an introductory header to introduce each of them. This will help digest your CV to both humans and machines alike. Here, we cover the most important parts of a good waiter resume sample that achieves the described goal:

Waiter contact information section and CV headline

You can also refer to this section of the CV as the CV header , since it is always placed at the top of your CV. It should include the following elements:

• Your name and surname . Don't use nicknames or abbreviations, include your birth name, or if you have transitioned, include the official name you currently go by of course.
• Right below your name and surnames, include a CV headline , a one-line sentence summary that describes you as a professional, always including your desired job title + one of your most impressive skills. Here you can see some examples.
• A contact details subsection where you will add your email address and phone number. You can always add more elements like your location/postal address, your personal website, blog or your profile in relevant social media platforms. Don't include any of these if they aren't somehow related with your professional experience.

More and more, the postal address is disappearing from the CV, and candidates only include their location (or desired location where they hope to find a job at) within the contact details subsection. However , it is important to mention that in the case of the hospitality and food service industry, there are cases where you should most definitely include your postal address if you have a place near the workplace and this is an advantage over other candidates. A couple of examples could be a café in the City of London, opening very early in the morning will prefer a waiter/ waitress that lives 2 tube stations away, than someone that has a 1.30h train ride to get there at 6.30 in the morning. The second example is even a more extreme one, where just the fact that your CV includes a local address could get you hired without even having an in-person interview: This is due to a very common situation in many popular tourist destinations, where high-season rents are skyrocketing, making it virtually impossible to find an affordable place to stay for the season while working as a waiter waitress or other customer service frontline staff. In this case, including a local address (you don't have to own it, you don't even have to be the tenant, as long as you have permission to crash in the place is enough for you to list it on your CV as your address) will give you an extreme advantage, since customer service industry businesses are literally struggling to find any candidates.

Waitress / waiter CV headline examples

Food-runner and hospitality management graduate

Experienced bartender in high-volume dining establishments

Head Waiter with 15+ years experience in fine dining

Maître d'hôtel with 5 years of experience

Waitress with experience in high-volume dining establishments

Waiter with outstanding customer service skills

Captain waitress with sommelier training and experience

Food-runner

Head Waiter

Maître d'hôtel

Captain waitress

Summary or Personal Statement: The Waitress CV entrées

You can include a sentence resume objective to conclude your profile summary, in order to align your upcoming career goal with the job or jobs at hand.

Summary for waiter CV examples

Personal Statement

I am a bilingual professional waitress, fluent in English and Spanish, with 4 years experience in 2 cafeterias located in the City of London. I excel at taking customer orders, brewing coffee with espresso machines, food handling procedures and handling customer payments using different point of sale systems like toast or SAP.

Furthermore, I have excellent communication / active listening skills and pay close attention to details, striving to find out customer preferences, delivering high quality services always with a big smile.

I am a professional Waitress, and I am committed to delivering the highest quality service in everything I do. Committed to ensure customer satisfaction.

Work Experience Section: The main course for waitresses with experience

Hiring managers looking to fill waitstaff jobs, look at this section to see what previous roles qualify you to fill the position at their establishment. Therefore, it is worthwhile to pay close attention to this CV section.

It is important to mention that the Work experience section isn't a complete list including each one of the jobs you have previously had. Include only a maximum of 5 or 6 relevant serving positions you've held, and sort them in reverse chronological order, with the most recent role on top.

More waiters than you think make the common mistake of adding a simple list of their roles without describing them at all. This is a massive mistake, here are the elements you shouldn't miss when adding each job to your career history:

• The role or position you occupied
• The establishment or company you worked for as well as their location
• The dates you worked there, preferably using a Month/Year format
• One short paragraph introducing the company and team you worked with, providing some context
• A short list with the role's most important job duties, focus on those relevant for the position you are applying to
• Wrap it up with your biggest achievements in the role

Use as many relevant numbers you can in role descriptions in order to prove your skills and demonstrate your achievements. For example, by providing the number of covers you would serve per shift, is a much more valuable way to say that you are used to working under pressure.

As we mentioned in the waitress CV example, it is still possible to have a great waitress or waiter CV even without explicit waiting experience . Candidates with experience in other industries, should add their experiences, focusing on the skills that are transferable to desired waiter CV skills. For instance, essential customer service skills that every waitress/waiter should hold are: strong communication skills, being a team player, the ability to work under stressful conditions or active listening skills along a problem-solving approach.

Candidates with no experience at all, should then prove these skills in other resume sections like a core skills list section, a volunteer experiences section or a 3 paragraph profile summary section.

See CV waitress example no experience

Waiter CV role description example

01/2017 - 02/2019

WAITER & HEAD WAITER | Reid's Palace*****, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

Seafront 5-star boutique hotel with a maximum capacity of about 330 guests and 5 restaurants. I stared as a waiter and climb the ladder to head waiter at Ristorante Villa Cipriani. Taking care of 100+ covers per service and a menu of 60+ dishes and a wine menu of more than 100 stocks, my main duties were:

• Guest greeting and establishing meaningful relationships with guests that ate at the restaurant for several days during their stay
• Introducing the menu, dish of the day and giving recommendations and taking orders
• Typical sommelier duties, recommending wine pairings
• Food and beverage service, including fresh fish de-boning
• Constant check ins to ensure customer satisfaction and avoid complaints

During my time at Reid's Palace, I had the honor of receiving over 100 reviews where guests explicitly mentioned my name and thanked me for my service.

Key Responsabilities:

• Greeting guest and accommodating them
• Menu deliver
• Taking customer orders
• Delivering orders
• Providing wine pairing recommendations
• Other food handling procedures

How to include your waiting skills in the CV

After reviewing hundreds of waiter waitress CVs, we came to the conclusion that it isn't easy for candidates to include their waiting skills in their CV.

As a general rule, try to always show off your skills within your role descriptions , job duties and profile summary for waiter CV. This is true specially when it comes to soft skills such as communication or problem-solving skills, since these skills shouldn't just be listed in your CV and should instead be added with real live cases .

The only case in which you can list your soft skills is if you don't have related work experience, in this case you should add a brief description to each of them.

Instead, you can, include one or more hard skill sections listing hard skill sets. But this doesn't mean you shouldn't as well try your best to include use cases of every given hard skill.

Skills sections example:

HARD SKILLS

• Serving skills
• Restaurant industry operations
• Wine spairing
• Cooking techniques and food safety
• Restaurant point-of-sale systems

SOFT SKILLS

• Briefly communicating complicated messages and stories is natural to me, this is probably why I studied a triple major in Philosophy, politics and economics, or I have been a tour guide.
• I grew up playing football at Hoërskool President High School team, and I continued playing in amateur university categories. This   along with my family's example has shaped my team-playing skills. Every business works like a machine, if it isn't synchronized, the machine isn't efficient and is at risk to broke down at any time.
• Studying while working weekly 30h shifts has taught me to balance and optimize resources, making me comfortable with deadlines and periods of intensive work loads.
• Handling customer complaints is not one's cup of tea, however overtime I have developed active listening skills and de-escalation techniques to keep calm, apologize if necessary and address issues with a professional voice.

RESTAURANT INDUSTRY SKILLS

• Restaurant operations
• Fine dining skills
• Communication skills
• Stress tolerance
• Problem solving

Should you include education in a waiter / waitress CV?

Even though you don't need formal education to land most restaurant jobs, you should always include your highest degree you have in your CV. Here is a decision tree with different scenarios, to decide which education / degrees you should include in your "Formal Education" CV section:

• If you hold a university degree, or masters , include them both, and avoid including any other previous education.
• If you attended university but didn't finish it, include it without a graduation date, instead you can specify how many courses did you do. Include your A-Levels, GCS Es or similar higher education certificates. No need to add your high school diploma.
• If you only hold A-Levels, GCSEs or similar, include them along with your High school diploma.
• If the highest degree you obtained is the high school diploma , include just the high school diploma.
• If you didn't graduate from high school , then skip the education section.

In order to include your formal education, follow this structure for each degree you add:

• Starting and graduation dates
• Degree name / Major
• Institution
• GPA, Honors and any courses or projects relevant to the position you are applying to (Optional)

Other relevant sections for a waiter / waitress CV

Each candidate has a different story to tell, therefore there isn't a set of sections that fits all, and that's why you want to choose a CV template that lets you add as many sections as you need to properly tell your story and show your full potential as a waitress / waiter. Useful sections, specially for candidates without experience, are:

• Skills summary
• Interests & hobbies
• Community charities

Montse Lorente

Coach & recruiter @ kaelon.co and co-founder @ cvonline.me

• • Managed a team of 10 wait staff in a high-end café environment, consistently receiving customer satisfaction scores above 95%.
• • Initiated a new table-management system to decrease customer wait times by 20%, resulting in a 10% increase in repeat business.
• • Spearheaded the implementation of a dynamic, seasonal menu leading to a 15% increase in sales.
• • Conducted monthly staff training, focusing on customer service excellence and efficiency, which reduced service errors by 25%.
• • Collaborated closely with the kitchen team to perfect dish presentation, contributing to a feature in 'Southampton's Finest Dining' guide.
• • Developed a specialty cocktail menu that boosted evening sales by an average of 30% per shift.
• • Effectively managed a team of 6 servers during busy shifts, ensuring efficient turnover without compromising service quality.
• • Introduced an upselling strategy for desserts and high-margin wines, which enriched average bill size by 12%.
• • Facilitated weekly meetings to review customer feedback and develop service improvement plans, decreasing complaints by 18%.
• • Collaborated with management to organize themed dining events, increasing monthly bookings by 20%.
• • Handled inventory management for dining utensils and linen, maintaining optimal stock levels and reducing waste by 10%.
• • Provided attentive service to an average of 50 patrons per shift, ensuring a positive dining experience.
• • Assisted in a menu redesign project that saw a 15% increase in customer orders of signature dishes.
• • Regularly handled reservation coordination, leading to more structured seating plans and reduced wait times for guests.
• • Demonstrated multitasking skills during peak hours, often covering additional sections to maintain service standards.

Waitress CV Examples & Guide for 2024

Your waitress CV must spotlight your customer service skills. Highlight any experience where you interacted with customers and ensured their satisfaction. In the second section, focus on your ability to multitask. Describe situations where you managed multiple tables or tasks efficiently, showcasing your organizational prowess.

All CV examples in this guide.

Traditional

• CV Format Tips
• Summary or Objective?
• Experience on Your CV
• No Experience?
• Top CV Skills
• Education & Certifications
• Key Takeaways

One specific CV challenge you might face when crafting a waitress CV is articulating your customer service skills to appeal across different industries. Our guide provides tailored advice on showcasing your transferable skills in a manner that resonates with varied employers, ensuring your application stands out.

• Applying the simplest CV design, so that recruiters can easily understand your expertise, skills, and professional background;
• Ensuring you stand out with your header, summary or objective statement, and a designated skills section;
• Creating your CV experience section - no matter how much expertise you have;
• Using real life professional CV examples to enhance the structure and outline of your profile.

If you still have no muse to write your professional CV, find some more industry-leading examples.

• Restaurant Assistant Manager CV Example
• Bar Manager CV Example
• Fast Food CV Example
• Restaurant CV Example
• Server CV Example
• McDonalds CV Example
• Cook CV Example
• Barista CV Example
• Pastry Chef CV Example
• Waiter CV Example

How to ensure your profile stands out with your waitress CV format

• list your experience in the reverse chronological order - starting with your latest roles;
• include a header with your professional contact information and - optionally - your photograph;
• organise vital and relevant CV sections - e.g. your experience, skills, summary/ objective, education - closer to the top;
• use no more than two pages to illustrate your professional expertise;
• format your information using plenty of white space and standard (2.54 cm) margins , with colours to accent key information.

Once you've completed your information, export your waitress CV in PDF, as this format is more likely to stay intact when read by the Applicant Tracker System or the ATS . A few words of advice about the ATS - or the software used to assess your profile:

• Generic fonts, e.g. Arial and Times New Roman, are ATS-compliant, yet many candidates stick with these safe choices. Ensure your CV stands out by using a more modern, and simple, fonts like Lato, Exo 2, Volkhov;
• All serif and sans-serif fonts are ATS-friendly. Avoid the likes of fancy decorative or script typography, as this may render your information to be illegible;
• Both single- and double-column formatted CVs could be assessed by the ATS ;
• Integrating simple infographics, icons, and charts across your CV won't hurt your chances during the ATS assessment.

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Incorporate a touch of colour in headers or section breaks, but keep it professional and ensure it doesn’t detract from readability, especially in more conservative industries.

The top sections on a waitress CV

• Work experience showcases your previous roles and relevance to serving.
• Key skills section demonstrates expertise in customer service and multitasking.
• Educational background provides insight into your level of training and qualifications.
• Awards and Certifications highlight exceptional service or industry-specific recognitions.
• Languages spoken can be a valuable asset in diverse dining environments.

What recruiters value on your CV:

• Highlight your customer service skills by detailing experiences where you have successfully managed customer enquiries, handled complaints, and delivered exceptional dining experiences.
• Emphasise your multitasking abilities, as a waitress often has to manage multiple tables, remember complex orders, and deliver prompt service without errors.
• Detail any knowledge of food and beverage that you possess, such as familiarity with various cuisines, dietary restrictions, or wine pairings, to show that you can enhance the dining experience.
• Include any relevant training, such as food hygiene certificates, or mention experience with point-of-sale systems and other relevant technology to demonstrate your readiness to start with minimal training.
• Note down examples of working in high-pressure environments or busy periods like Christmas or Valentine's Day to show that you can maintain composure and efficiency during peak times.

Recommended reads:

• How to Write a CV Heading: Templates, Examples & Guide
• Why and How to Present Your CV in PDF Format

What information should you include in your waitress CV header?

The CV header is potentially the section that recruiters would refer to the most, as it should include your:

• Contact details - your professional (non-work) email address and phone number;
• Professional photograph - if you're applying hinting at the value you bring as a professional.

Many professionals often struggle with writing their waitress CV headline. That's why in the next section of this guide, we've curated examples of how you can optimise this space to pass any form of assessment.

Examples of good CV headlines for waitress:

• Senior Waitress | Exceptional Customer Service | Wine Expertise Certification | 10+ Years in Fine Dining
• Head Waitress | Team Leadership | NVQ Level 3 in Hospitality Supervision | Health & Safety Focused
• Waitress | Customer Satisfaction Champion | Experienced in High-Volume Settings | 5 Years' Service Excellence
• Professional Waitress | Silver Service Trained | Barista Certified | Multilingual | 8 Years Hospitality Industry
• Waitress & Team Mentor | Food Safety Level 2 | Passion for Culinary Trends | 7 Years Progressive Experience
• Junior Waitress | Entry-Level | Outstanding Interpersonal Skills | Enthusiastic Learner | Commitment to Quality Service

What's the difference between a waitress CV summary and objective

Why should it matter to you?

• Your waitress CV summary is a showcasing your career ambitions and your unique value . Use the objective to answer why your potential employers should hire you based on goals and ambitions. The objective is the ideal choice for candidates who happen to have less professional experience, but still meet some of the job requirements.

Before you select which one will be more relevant to your experience, have a look at some industry-leading CV summaries and objectives.

CV summaries for a waitress job:

• Seasoned waitress with over 7 years of experience in high-volume restaurants, demonstrating advanced skills in customer service and order management. Recipient of 'Employee of the Month' award thrice for enhancing guest satisfaction and loyalty through attentive service and problem-solving abilities.
• Dynamic professional with 5 years of expertise in event coordination, now seeking to transfer strong organisational and interpersonal skills to the hospitality industry. Proven track record in managing complex logistics and creating memorable experiences for clients and guests alike.
• Former retail manager with a decade of experience in fast-paced customer-centric environments, aiming to apply a strong work ethic, exceptional leadership, and proven ability to increase sales to a new career as a waitress, with a focus on contributing positively to the dining experience.
• Dedicated individual with a passion for providing excellent service and a history of fostering a positive dining atmosphere. With over 8 years in the industry, I've honed my ability to work efficiently under pressure and have been acknowledged for increasing repeat business by ensuring customer delight.
• Enthusiastic and quick-learner eager to embark on a career in hospitality as a waitress. Keen to use my excellent communication skills and positive attitude to create an inviting atmosphere for guests. Committed to developing my abilities and contributing to team success.
• Aspiring to join the hospitality sector, I am determined to leverage my interpersonal skills and capacity for swift learning. Through my experience as a volunteer coordinator, I have cultivated a dedication to service and am excited about the opportunity to grow and excel in a dynamic restaurant environment.

More detailed look into your work history: best advice on writing your waitress CV experience section

The CV experience is a space not just to merely list your past roles and responsibilities. It is the CV real estate within which you could detail your greatest accomplishments and skills, while matching the job requirements. Here's what to have in your experience section:

• Prove you have what the job wants with your unique skill set and past successes;
• Start each bullet with a strong, action verb, and continue with the outcome of your responsibility;
• Use any awards, nominations, and recognitions you've received as solid proof of your skill set and expertise ;
• align your experience with the role responsibilities and duties.

For more help on how to write your CV experience section, check out the next section of our guide:

Best practices for your CV's work experience section

• Maintained a comprehensive knowledge of menu items and daily specials to provide accurate information to customers, ensuring dietary needs and preferences were accommodated.
• Developed strong rapport with regular patrons by remembering personal preferences and greeting them by name, enhancing their dining experience and fostering loyalty.
• Efficiently managed multiple tables in a high-volume environment, prioritising tasks and delivering prompt service to maintain customer satisfaction and swift table turnover.
• Handled payments and transactions with accuracy and integrity, ensuring all financial procedures were followed in line with company policies.
• Demonstrated up-selling techniques by recommending premium dishes and beverages, contributing to an increase in average sales per table.
• Collaborated with kitchen staff to communicate special requests or dietary restrictions, ensuring food was prepared to customer specifications and satisfaction.
• Resolved customer complaints with discretion and professionalism, taking swift action to correct any issues and preserve the establishment's reputation.
• Assisted in maintaining cleanliness and organisation throughout the dining area, adhering to health and safety regulations to provide a pleasant environment for patrons.
• Participated in team meetings and training sessions to continuously improve service standards and stay updated on restaurant promotions or menu changes.
• Provided exceptional table service to an average of 50+ customers per shift in a high-volume, fine dining environment, elevating guest satisfaction through personalised attention and swift issue resolution.
• Successfully upsold food and beverage pairings, contributing to a 15% increase in monthly sales for premium wine selections.
• Assisted in organising and executing themed dining events, which saw a customer turnout increase of 30%, fostering repeat business and heightened brand loyalty.
• Led a team of wait staff during busy shifts, efficiently coordinating dining room activities and contributing to a 10% increase in service efficiency.
• Collaborated with kitchen staff to streamline order processing, reducing average customer wait times by 5 minutes.
• Designed a staff training manual, enhancing new waitresses' onboarding process resulting in faster deployment to the dining floor.
• Implemented a customer feedback system using digital platforms which increased positive online reviews by 40% within the first six months.
• Expertly maneuvered between diverse dining sections, managing workload for 20+ tables while maintaining high service standards.
• Orchestrated a 'Local Produce Week' to showcase regional dishes, driving a 25% surge in reservations and strengthening community relations.
• Introduced a cocktail tasting event to the drink menu that became a monthly highlight, doubling beverage revenue on event nights.
• Trained over 30 new staff members in providing elite customer service which subsequently increased the overall customer satisfaction rate by 20%.
• Managed inventory and performed weekly stock assessments to prevent shortages, maintaining optimal levels and reducing waste by 12%.
• Leveraged strong organisational skills to manage simultaneous customer orders without errors, maintaining a 98% accuracy rate throughout tenure.
• Pioneered a new service protocol that enhanced service delivery, cutting table turnover times by 15% and increasing evening dinner service capacity.
• Championed a customer loyalty program that increased repeat customer visits by 18% over a one-year period.
• Mastered a complex, ever-changing craft beer menu, becoming the go-to waitress for beer recommendations and pairing advice, spiking craft beer sales by 20%.
• Participated in the launch of a new seasonal menu, working closely with the chefs for tastings and feedback, which resulted in a 30% increase in menu item sales.
• Organised after-hours team-building events that boosted staff morale, markedly enhancing team cooperation during peak service hours.
• Sourced and introduced eco-friendly disposable serveware, aligning with company sustainability goals and cutting down costs by 5% due to bulk purchasing.
• Adeptly handled the introduction of a new point-of-sale system, training colleagues to use the technology, which reduced order times by an average of 2 minutes.
• Developed daily sales reports that highlighted best-selling items, aiding the management team in strategic menu planning and inventory control.
• Boosted weekend brunch sales by 25% through social media promotion and local food blogger engagements.
• Implemented table management strategies that handled customer flow during peak periods, markedly reducing customer wait times by 20%.
• Curated a special event menu for private parties, which became a profitable avenue accounting for 15% of quarterly revenue.

Writing your CV without professional experience for your first job or when switching industries

There comes a day, when applying for a job, you happen to have no relevant experience, whatsoever. Yet, you're keen on putting your name in the hat. What should you do? Candidates who part-time experience , internships, and volunteer work.

• 300+ Keywords for Your CV in 2024: Examples & How-To Guide
• How to Craft an Effective CV for a Part-Time Job

Include examples of how you adapted to new tools, environments, or work cultures, showing your flexibility.

Hard skills and soft skills to showcase your unique skill set on your waitress CV

Did you know that your CV will mostly likely be assessed by recruiters based on skill alignment? And that means that the way you feature your key skills across different CV sections will play a crucial role in landing you that first interview. We recommend you add your:

• technical capabilities or hard skills in your CV experience, certificates, projects, etc. Use your past accomplishments to prove your technical capabilities. List up to a dozen different software or hardware in your dedicated skills section to match the job keywords;
• personal and communication skills or soft skills in your CV strengths, achievements, summary/ objective, etc. Soft skills are a bit more difficult to prove. How do you define your aptitude in active listening? So, instead of just listing the skill name, include a tangible metric to show your success.

On a final note, when you're in a hurry to create your profile, you may misspell a particular technology or soft skill. That's why we suggest you copy and paste the particular skill name (or keyword), directly from the job advert. This would also help you to pass any initial Applicant Tracker System (ATS) tests.

Top skills for your waitress CV:

Food service management

POS operation

Cash handling

Order taking

Table setting

Food preparation knowledge

Health and safety compliance

Beverage serving

Menu memorisation

Inventory management

Communication

Customer service

Multitasking

Time management

Active listening

Adaptability

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Focus on describing skills in the context of the outcomes they’ve helped you achieve, linking them directly to tangible results or successes in your career.

Further professional qualifications for your waitress CV: education and certificates

As you're nearing the end of your waitress CV, you may wonder what else will be relevant to the role. Recruiters are keen on understanding your academic background, as it teaches you an array of hard and soft skills. Create a dedicated education section that lists your:

• applicable higher education diplomas or ones that are at a postgraduate level;
• diploma, followed up with your higher education institution and start-graduation dates;
• extracurricular activities and honours, only if you deem that recruiters will find them impressive.

Follow a similar logic when presenting your certificates. Always select ones that will support your niche expertise and hint at what it's like to work with you . Balance both technical certification with soft skills courses to answer job requirements and company values. Wondering what the most sought out certificates are for the industry? Look no further:

If there's a noticeable gap in your skillset for the role you're applying for, mention any steps you're taking to acquire these skills, such as online courses or self-study.

• How to Include CV Coursework on Your CV
• How to Showcase Your Educational Achievements on CV: Examples, Templates, & Guide for 2024

Key takeaways

Write your professional waitress CV by studying and understanding what the role expectations are. You should next:

• Focus on tailoring your content to answer specific requirements by integrating advert keywords through various CV sections;
• Balance your technical know-how with your personal skills to showcase what the unique value would be of working with you;
• Ensure your CV grammar and spelling (especially of your key information and contact details) is correct;
• Write a CV summary, if your experience is relevant, and an objective, if your career ambitions are more impressive;
• Use active language by including strong, action verbs across your experience, summary/objective, achievements sections.

Looking to build your own Waitress CV?

• CV Examples

Frequently Asked Questions about Waitress CVs

Q: how should i format my waitress cv a: use a clean and professional format with clear headings and bullet points. ensure the cv is easy to read and highlights your key skills and experiences..

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8 CV Examples for First Job (Templates + Guide for 2023)

How to Showcase In-Demand Leadership Skills Across Your CV

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• Create a winning waiter / waitress CV – all you need to know!
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Waiters and waitresses are key frontline staff in restaurants, fast food outlets, hotels, pubs and many other food establishments. Don't be fooled into thinking you don't need to craft a professional waiter or waitress CV to get hired, though.

Because people often start as a waiter or waitress after leaving school, many think it's an entry-level job, but that's wrong. Professional waiters and waitresses are highly sought after locally and internationally. Highly skilled waiting staff can travel extensively while earning money.

Generally, waiters and waitresses must wear a branded uniform since they're considered frontline staff.  They also work shifts, including at night, over weekends and on public holidays.

Frontline staff are the 'face' of any business, and owners and managers value employees who do their job with passion and enthusiasm. Top-quality waiting staff care about their employer brand as if it's their own and have a natural desire to want to make customers feel welcome and happy.

If you want to convince a prospective employer that you have what it takes to keep customers happy and coming back, your waiter or waitress responsibilities CV must showcase that attitude right away. It's a reflection of your professional self, so it must impress.

This article shows you how to best highlight your skills and strengths, and we give you a waitress or waiter CV example to see how it's done.

Create your professional CV now

Waitress or Waiter CV example UK

Download this Waitress cv example as PDF

From this CV template waitress, you can see how Alex charts her career in the restaurant industry very clearly and with enough detail without rambling on. Her summary tells readers at a glance how many years of experience she has and that she wants to further her career in hospitality. Alex also indicates that she's worked with different types of cuisine, which would attract various kinds of customers. This shows the reader that she's flexible and adaptable. Note too how her interests tie in with her job. Undoubtedly, Alex is looking for long-term career prospects where she can improve her management skills. She has opted for the perfect Auckland template for its clear lines and easy readability. Alex hasn't included a photo, but you can include a photo on your CV . 

Planning the basics waiter or waitressing CV

Compiling a winning CV requires upfront planning, so set some uninterrupted time aside.

Approach it as a project that gets what you have to offer on paper as accurately as possible so that the reader gets to know you by just scanning through it.

At the heart of every good tailored CV is a master CV for a waiter or waitress. It's a comprehensive document covering all your education, skills , and working history.

The document must -

• Flow, be logical and reader-friendly
• Be plain black font on a white background
• Be error-free with no spelling mistakes or bad formatting
• Be well presented, uncluttered, well-spaced, organised and professional
• Start with your most recent or current job and work backwards to your first job
• List education and qualifications in the same way
• Include both soft and hard skills
• Include accurate reference details with each job or role

Take time and ensure that nothing gets left out because this CV forms the foundation of all future job applications . It can be as long as is necessary, so be detailed.

Include every job title, all responsibilities and any achievements in each role. Obviously, this will be time-consuming, but it's essential for future success.

While you're writing your master, make copies of all relevant qualifications, awards, letters of reference and anything else that matters. Save it all together in a secure file with your CV for waitress or waiter and keep it where you can access it easily.

Always proofread and edit your master carefully, so it's error-free. If possible, ask someone else to check it for errors as well. You don't want basic grammar errors putting readers off.

Include your skills

Waiter or waitress CV skills will vary from one employer to another, but core skills are required across the board.

Don't overlook anything when compiling your waitress or waiter CV skills. List soft and hard skills, even if you only used them for a short while. Soft skills may not be so apparent to you because you use them daily.

So for each role, take time to figure out what you did or do and which skills are necessary to do your job to the best of your abilities.

Here some crucial soft skills needed by waitresses and waiters -

• Adaptability: coping in varied and often rapidly changing situations
• Multitasking: serving more than one table at a time
• Empathy: understanding someone's emotions and point of view
• Self-control: remaining calm and level-headed in the face of change and challenge
• Patience: knowing when to wait, when to respond and when to take action
• Effective listening: listening to understand and letting the speaker know they're heard
• Soft-selling: promoting food and drink to increase sales without being intrusive
• Attention to detail: taking orders accurately and checking bills before they reach the patron
• Positive language: using upbeat and reassuring talk to calm negativity and win customer confidence
• Clear communication: relaying information in a straightforward and easy to understand manner
• Taking responsibility: ensuring that queries get resolved, irrespective of who is at fault

Technical skills will vary depending on the business, but you will need -

• Intermediate level of computer literacy to operate order and POS software
• Knowledge of food types and different alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• Complete understanding of how processes in the restaurant operate
• Knowledge of health, hygiene and safety regulations
• Understanding of menu and off-menu items and special offers
• Numeracy and basic accounting skills to ensure transactions are processed accurately

Personal statement versus a profile summary

You don't need a personal statement for a waitress or waiter CV, but you want to write a profile summary at the start of each tailored waitress or waiter responsibilities CV. Although you can write one summary and tweak it for several similar applications, it's best to rewrite the summary each time if there's any time-lapse.

Here are examples of summary statements at different levels of skills and competency. The bold text indicates pertinent info that immediately lets the reader know vital details before reading the rest of the CV.

Waitress - profile summary example - senior

Head Waitress with over 15 years of experience in different sectors of the restaurant industry. Keen and enthusiastic with an eye for detail, I am service orientated and friendly. An energetic team player and leader who stays motivated and proactive even in peak times, I intend to make a career for myself in hospitality , particularly food and beverage.

Waitress - profile summary example - experienced

Dedicated Waiter with 7 years of experience in private catering . Service and ensuring guests' every need is met with friendly professionalism is my main focus. Experienced in the service of both small, intimate occasions and large parties of 100 guests and more. I am keen to broaden my experience internationally .   

Waitress - profile summary example - inexperienced

Entry-level school leaver who wants to build a career in the hospitality sector . Although I currently have no experience , I am a quick learner who has a passion for food and beverage. I volunteered as a server at local charity events while I was at school, and I am keen to start as an assistant or a waiter. I will prove to be a highly motivated employee, who's eager to learn.

What's the difference between a profile and a personal statement?

A profile summary is a brief statement included at the beginning of your CV, whereas a personal statement is a longer, separate motivation .

A profile summary is usually less than 100 words ; a personal statement ranges from 500 to 1000 words .

Profile summaries can also be called – 'overview', 'professional summary', 'skills/qualification summary' or 'professional bio'.

Which one should I use?

Professional, management, executive and specialist roles benefit from a personal statement. They can be used for entry into graduate training programs and internships as well.

On the other hand, every CV for a waitress or waiter benefits from a brief profile summary because it allows the reader insight into who you are before reading your CV.

That's why it's essential to take your time when you write both statements and that you write them specifically for each job you apply for. It's your opportunity to stand out from other CVs since all applicants have similar qualifications and experience.

An optimistic, honest and informative profile summary or personal statement is your key to winning the first interview.

What must I say?

Even though a profile summary is short, it must still be relevant to the reader. Working from the job post and using your experience, include hard and soft skills, years of experience and any keywords you can identify. You want to match your summary with the employer's requirements as much as possible.

Keep these points in mind –

• The job title
• Highlight your knowledge
• Include years of experience
• Cover vital soft and hard skills
• Match it to the employer's requirements

A personal statement must contain the same details like your profile summary, but it's expanded to give broader information about your skills and experience. It also allows you to express vital info like why you went into a specific career, would like to go into it, or why you want to change careers.  

Take the time to match your personal statement with the employer's requirements as much as possible too.

Whatever info you decide to include, keep both statements friendly, conversational and upbeat; it's the first impression prospective employers have of you.

How to use your master waitress or waiter CV

Once your master waiter or waitress CV is complete, you can apply for jobs quickly and be sure you won't omit any important details.

When you see a job you'd like to apply for, read through it very carefully, noting the main requirements. Often employers use keywords in the job description to parse applications.

Parsing is a way of sorting suitable applicants from the rest using keywords and scoring. If your CV for waitress job ends up with the 'rest', you won't hear a word again other than a polite standard message of regret.

The best way to identify keywords in a job post is to sift through the job responsibilities for directly relating words. Keep in mind that companies might have different titles for waiter or waitress jobs, and they can be called servers or waiting staff instead. If, for example, the job title and description use the word 'server', adapt your waiter or waitress CV to 'server' instead.

Your next step is to condense your master into a slick CV waiter or waitress that gets through parsing software and immediately draws the reader's attention.

You achieve this by extracting relevant and crucial info from your master and transferring it to a waiter or waitress skills CV tailored for the specific job.

It's vital to know that recruiters and employers spend only seconds on each application before moving on because they're looking for exact information . If they don't see it, they don't read further.

Placing pertinent keywords in your application from the start keeps them reading. It also tells them that you read the job ad thoroughly and you're not a time-waster.

There are a few rules for tailored customer services CVs –

• Keep the same clear, concise black and white format of the master
• Length matters, so don't exceed 2 to 3 pages
• Make it relevant to the job only
• Keep the language positive, proactive and easy to read
• Check spelling, dates and sequence carefully
• Don't include contact details of references; instead, say ' available on request '
• Also, include the note – 'a detailed CV is available on request'

To sum it up

Getting your dream waitress or waiter job is in your hands because we get out what we put in as with everything in life. Spending time upfront planning and compiling a master waiter or waitress responsibilities CV is investing in your future.

Here are the key points to writing a perfect waiter or waitress duties CV –

• Spend time crafting a comprehensive master CV
• Save your master and all relevant documents in a secure file that's easily accessible
• Read job posts carefully and pick up keywords
• Compile a summary CV from your master using only info that's relevant to the job
• Write an upbeat personal summary into the CV focusing on the job requirements

When you send your application –

• Always send your tailored CV and covering letter in pdf format
• Don't send any other documents unless  specified as essential
• Check that your contact details are easy to find on the CV
• Don't include reference contact details with an initial application

Waitress and Waiter CV FAQs

We answer some of your most pressing concerns -

What is a master waiter or waitress job description CV, and how do I use it?

A master CV for waitress or waiter is a compilation of your highest level of schooling, through further education to your first job and on to your current, or most recent, employment.

Why do a master waitress or waiter CV?

Ultimately, to save time and present yourself in the best way possible every time. Once you have all the info accurately in one place from start to end, you don't ever have to do it again, and all that's required is to update it annually.

When must I include reference details?

Only once the recruiter or employer has made contact with you and requested reference details. Don't include references on a CV , particularly phone numbers and email addresses, when you first respond to a job post. Instead, say, 'references available on request' .

If the recruiter gets back to you for a telephone interview, they may ask for references, but if they don't, just leave it. Your application might be unsuccessful at this stage, or the interviewer can prefer to take references in the final hiring stages.

Including reference details upfront puts both you and the referee at risk .

Firstly, you're sharing someone's personal details with people you know nothing about. This leaves the referee at risk if their details get into the wrong hands.

Secondly, unscrupulous recruiters may contact the referee first before they contact you. This is an unfair practice, but you can do little about it if you gave them the details.

Finally, if a referee is surprised by a call they're not expecting, they might not take it or not recall all your details and give a weak sounding reference.

When you're job hunting, it's always best to contact your referees beforehand and remind them that they'd agree to provide employment references for you. When a few years have passed, it can be difficult to remember dates, job responsibilities and other crucial details.

Giving a past employer a heads up ensures that they're still willing and available to provide a reference. It helps ensure that all your references are confirmed and promotes your skills and abilities accurately too.

Should I include hobbies and interests on my CV?

If including hobbies and interests in a CV or personal statement, only mention those relevant to the job . Avoid irrelevant memberships and personal achievements as well.

Remember that recruiters and employers are pressed for time and won't read anything immaterial. Hobbies and interests are excellent for our health and well-being but don't include them unless they relate to the job.

Great examples of interests or hobbies for a waiter or waitress to add to his cv;

• charity work
• wine tasting
• organic ingredients
• cocktail mixing

Waitress or waiter FAQs

Are you interested in a career as a waiter or waitress or thinking of changing careers in that direction? Here's how you can do it -

What education do I need?

There's no minimum education level required, and some GCSEs are usually adequate. Your schooling must allow you to be good with numbers and to communicate fluently.

Although fluent English is a prerequisite in the UK, speaking other languages can get you a job overseas or on a cruise ship.

There are levels of further education available that include an introduction to the hospitality industry and food and beverage service.

Do I need additional skills?

High school education is enough for waiter and waitress roles because most employers are willing to train their staff.

There are short courses and online courses that will improve your CV and make potential employers see that you're serious about your career. That will give you a definite advantage over other applicants.

Good knowledge and interest in types of food and beverages is another benefit since you'll be required to understand and promote menu and off-menu items.

Are there different fields of speciality?

The restaurant and catering industries are very diverse and offer a broad range of foods and service styles. Menus are as vast as there are regions, cultures and ingredients in this world. Some establishments specialise in certain types of cuisine, while others have a menu that changes daily.

Waitresses and waiters work in establishments that serve food directly to customers, and these range from cafeterias to roadhouses, pubs, steakhouses, Michelin Star restaurants and many more.

Service styles include plate, cart, platter, buffet and family-style and range from very formal silver service to informal service.

Each establishment has its own culture, and you can specialise in many different areas. The more skilled and specialised you are, the more your skills will be in demand, and the better you can handle your next salary negotiation.

Is there career progression?

There's plenty of scope for a waiter or waitress to progress in their career, and the great thing is that you can enter as a school leaver and gain on the job experience and training.

Progression opportunities include head waiter, maître D or restaurant manager. You can also move into food and drinks preparation positions such as bartender, barista, sommelier or chef if you're willing to study further and broaden your skills.

How do I get started?

Before you do anything, compile a waiter or waitress CV master so that you waste no time applying for jobs when you see relevant posts.

If you've just completed school or are thinking of changing careers, approach food establishments and catering services in your area. Sometimes speaking to people directly wins you an interview when you lack experience.

Otherwise, check job boards and your local newspaper classifieds.

Although a personal statement isn't usually a requirement for this kind of role, it can be a good idea to motivate your career choice when you have little or no experience.

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Waitress CV Examples & UK Templates

As a waitress, you’re the backbone of the hospitality industry and a master multitasker with a knack for remembering even the most complicated orders and serving them up with a positive attitude. 

The health crisis and great resignation has led to a huge demand for servers and restaurant staff which means if you’re looking for a waitress job, the field is wide open. The first step to landing one of these plentiful positions is creating a CV that will wow the restaurant manager and have them ringing you up in no time.

Resume.io is here to make your job search a breeze. With dozens of occupation-specific CV examples and writing guides, we’ll help you create an application that conveys your top skills and personality traits. 

Here’s what we’ll cover in this guide, along with the corresponding waitress CV example:

What does a waitress do?

• How to write a waitress CV (tips and tricks)
• The best format for a waitress CV
• Advice on each section of your CV (summary, work history, education, skills)
• Professional CV layout and design hints.

Waitresses and waiters are primarily responsible for communicating between customers and the kitchen in restaurants and other dining establishments. That means greeting diners, explaining daily specials, serving drinks, taking orders, bringing food and processing payments.

Waitresses may also be asked to take on other responsibilities in the restaurant such as helping at the bar, preparing tables and silverware or even aiding with light kitchen duties if needed.

Waitresses work in close collaboration with other restaurant staff including managers, hostesses, cooks, bartenders and dishwashers.

The health crisis has led to a shortage of about 188,000 workers in the hospitality industry. Most of the missing workers are waitresses and cooks, according to the BBC .

How to write a waitress CV

A waitress CV should showcase your skills and previous experience in a well-organised format. Here is the structure that most CVs will follow:

• The CV header
• The CV summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The CV skills section
• The education section

Waitresses are not only expected to have the physical skills needed to take orders and serve food, they are also asked to have a cheery and helpful disposition that will leave customers with a pleasant experience to remember.

No restaurant can survive on first-time customers, so creating an environment that diners want to return to is one of the essential functions of the wait staff. By conveying these innate qualities on your waitress CV, you can show the employer that you’re committed to the success of their business.

Although the manual tasks of running orders might be similar in many establishments, waitresses who can show an interest in the particular restaurant’s opening will be able to stand out among applicants who are looking for any old job. Make sure to mention similarities between the new employer and places you’ve worked before. You can also express your interest in the cuisine, customer base or unique style of the restaurant on your CV, most notably in the summary (more on that straightaway!)

Choosing the best CV format for a waitress

As a waitress, you have a few options when it comes to choosing a CV format. However, any candidate with previous experience will find the reverse chronological format to be their best choice. This format is preferred by hiring managers because it features an employment history section where you can list your related jobs going back until about 10 years. 

The functional CV format is another option for job seekers with limited work history. This format focuses more on skills and minimises employment history. It is best reserved for first-time job seekers and students . The combination, or hybrid, CV format can be a great happy medium for people with only one or two previous positions to show.

Don’t forget to consider how you’ll be submitting your CV. If you’re printing it and delivering it in person, make sure to use high-quality paper and ink. If emailing, don’t forget to save as a PDF so the formatting won’t change between computers. If uploading, you’ll want to check the employer’s preferred file format first.

CV summary example

Just as a waitress’ greeting sets the tone for the entire meal, the summary of your CV is the place to add some personality and individuality to an otherwise monotone document. In these 3-5 sentences, you’ll want to call the employer’s attention to your previous experience, skills and strengths. If you have a connection to the restaurant or are a fan of their cuisine, it doesn’t hurt to mention it here. After all, a waitress who is passionate about the work makes for a better candidate. Below you’ll find the summary from our adaptable CV example.

Professional and enthusiastic waitress with several years of experience serving food in busy dining establishments. Committed to adhering to health and safety standards, while serving as a helpful and positive team member. Awarded for motivated attitude and the ability to multitask and work well under pressure.

Employment history sample

If you’ve held previous jobs, the employment history section is the place to mention them. While waitresses don’t necessarily need to have previous restaurant experience to land their first position, it helps to highlight transferable skills or work in other areas of the hospitality industry. 

You’ll want to list the job title, employer name, dates worked and location in a bold subheading format. Then, add a list of 4-5 bullet points that call attention to your responsibilities and achievements. Make sure to add concrete numbers or information wherever possible. This helps quantify your impact and prove your abilities to the prospective employer. Check out our CV sample below for more ideas on creating this section.

Waitress at Sigmunds, Essex  October 2019 - January 2022 

• Served as a dedicated and enthusiastic waitress 5-6 nights weekly.
• Worked as a collaborative team member to achieve the highest level of customer service.
• Worked in accordance with all health and safety standards to promote wellness and an enjoyable dining experience.
• Remained professional and polite under all circumstances.
• Worked to accommodate patrons with personal dietary preferences and restrictions.
• Helped to train new employees when needed.
• Upheld the high standards and extraordinary reputation of the Sigmunds experience.

Server at Elegant Elephant, Leeds J uly 2018 -September 2019 

• Served as an enthusiastic and efficient server in this busy restaurant in downtown Leeds.
• Accurately handled all financial transactions and provided customers with the proper change.
• Memorised 30+ menu items plus daily specials and accurately relayed information to customers.
• Worked as a strong team member to ensure that customers had the most pleasant dining experiences.
• Maintained the highest standards of safety and hygiene throughout the restaurant as per city and restaurant regulations.
• Reported to the restaurant manager and supervisor and completed all assigned tasks.

CV skills example

Your skills are at the heart of your job as a waitress, but the CV skills section is not alway the easiest place to showcase them. That’s because this section is often formatted as bullet points, meaning you’ll only get a word or two to describe your key competencies. Prioritise the skills requested in the job description and highlight any areas of expertise that could make you stand out from other candidates. Include a mix of hard skills – or technical abilities – along with soft skills. See our adaptable CV example below.

• Excellent Customer Service Skills
• Knowledge of Food Safety
• Advanced Communication Skills
• Teamwork Skills
• Motivated Attitude
• Strong Mathematical Skills

Waitress CV education example

While waitresses usually aren’t required to have formal education to perform their job, the education section on a CV is standard and shouldn’t be overlooked. Add your secondary school or any other degrees you possess along with the educational institution and dates attended. It’s also fine to add a degree in progress if you are still studying. Check out our education section CV sample below.

Leeds Secondary School for the Arts, Leeds  September 2013 - May 2018 

• 4 GSCEs – English, Art and Design, French, History

CV layout and design

The layout and design might not seem like key considerations of your waitress CV, but they play a bigger role than you might imagine. Just like a restaurant’s interior, cleanliness and menu tell the customer what their dining experience might be like, the layout and design of your CV communicate your professionalism and attention to detail.

While waitresses won’t need an elaborate layout, a simple, well-organised one can make it easier for the employer to find the information they are looking for. A pop of colour may even be acceptable depending on the restaurant’s style. Make sure to choose professional font styles and sizes and to stay consistent with your design choices throughout your CV.

If you’re not ready to fuss with CV formatting, you may want to consider using a professionally-designed CV template to take the guesswork out of the process and ensure your CV looks as good as it sounds.

Key takeaways for a waitress CV

• Waitresses are in high demand as many workers have left the restaurant industry to find other employment – so now is the time to create that CV!
• Craft a summary that captures your personality and more innate qualities while also sharing your motivation for applying to the particular role.
• Opt for the reverse chronological structure whenever possible as it allows employers to quickly evaluate your previous experience.
• Check out our waitress CV sample for more ideas on creating a great page layout.

Attractive CV templates at your fingertips

Entry-Level Waiter Resume: Guide & Sample to Land Your First Job

Are you ready to kickstart your career as a waiter? Crafting a compelling resume is your first step!

In this guide, we’ll show you how to create a standout waiter resume that catches the eye of hiring managers.

Whether you're new to the workforce or looking for a career change, this guide will help you create a resume that opens doors. Let’s get started on your journey to becoming an exceptional waiter!

All resume examples in this guide

Entry Level Waiter Resume Example

Maria davies.

Laurel, Maryland 410-619-3231 [email protected]

Entry-level waitress in the food service industry

Professional Summary Dynamic, versatile, and punctual individual looking to secure my first experience as a waitress in a restaurant.

Education High School Diploma Ridgeview High School June 2022

Work experience - 2022 - (3 months) – Receptionist, fixed-term contract, Rockville, Maryland Supdeco (First Event agency)

• Welcomed clients and received incoming phone calls
• Served hot and cold beverages during meetings
• Prepared food platters

(3 months) - Activity leader in summer camp (children aged 8-12), fixed-term contract, Maryland Baltimore Summer Camp

• Organized sport games activities for the children
• Served food to the children in the canteen
• Fluent in French and Spanish
• Excellent customer service skills
• Great communicator

From cafés to hotels, bistros, restaurants, nightclubs… A job as waiting staff will usually earn from around $23,000 a year, though this amount will depend above all on:

• The number of hours you work
• The type of work contract

What’s the best way to write a resume for an entry-level waiter/waitress position?

To ensure you present yourself as professional, the proper layout and structure need to be adhered to in a resume for a waiter or waitress as follows:

Resume layout for a first-time waiter

• Opt for a simple and professional layout style, especially if you’re applying for a post in the hotel industry
• The font size should be between 10 and 12; recommended font types include Helvetica, Times New Roman or Calibri.

The structure of a first-time waiter resume

• Your first name, surname, headline, and contact information must all be clearly visible
• The same goes for your personal statement, which allows the reader to instantly pin down the position you are going for and what your experiences are.
• Follow this up with your academic background, since you have yet to gain any experience as a waiter or waitress.
• Indicate any work experience that you do have.
• Specify what skills you have, especially interpersonal skills.

Start things off with a headline for an entry-level waiter resume

As shown in this sample waiter resume, you need to indicate that you are looking for an ‘ entry-level’ position. You can also provide details about the sector you wish to work in for your first experience in the field.

Sample headline - dos and don’ts

An example of a bad headline would be stating that you are a ‘waiter’ or ‘waitress’ when you don’t have any experience in this role, as well as neglecting to put the sector you are looking to work within if you are seeking your first role in a restaurant.

Should a photo be added to an entry-level waiter resume?

Work as a waiter means constant contact with customers. It is for this reason that you might think that it would be suitable to include a photo in your resume. However, this is not the case for the US , as well as other English-speaking countries like the UK and Ireland. We recommend you do not include a photo with your resume.

Choosing a title for your entry-level waiter resume

So, you want to secure your first job as a waiter in a restaurant? Then indicate this in your resume title: ‘ Entry-level waiter in the food service industry’.

Work experience to include in a resume for a first-time waiter

Though previous work experience is not the be-all and end-all of your application, it can serve to highlight your scope for growth within the service industry.

If you need help with writing your resume, take a look at our online template here.

Describing previous work experience in your entry-level waiter resume

• Indicate the duration as well as the year of completion
• Include the recruiter’s name, as well as that of any clients for temp work
• Mention the job title
• Above all, include past responsibilities that highlight your customer service experience or your experience of serving people in general

Sample work experience sections for entry-level waiting staff

Supdeco (First Event agency)

• Welcomed clients

The education section of an entry-level waiter resume

What should come first: education or work experience on an entry level waiter resume.

So, you’ve completed a training course in hospitality and catering? Showcase this!

Moreover, if you are a degree holder, highlighting your academic background is highly recommended to make up for your lack of restaurant-related skills.

How should academic qualifications be laid out in an entry-level waiter resume?

Your education section needs to include the year of completion of each qualification, the name of each diploma, as well as the name of the institute which issued it.

Sample ‘Education Section’ for first-time waiting staff

Lake Valley High School

You can download a waiter resume template online right now.

Skills to include in an entry-level waiter resume

When you’re trying to get your foot in the door of the restaurant industry (or other related sectors), interpersonal skills need to take center stage.

What are the main sought-after skills for an entry-level waiter or waitress?

In terms of Hard Skills, we can mention the following:

• Fluency in languages such as French and Spanish
• Experience using a till and handling transactions
• Basic knowledge of Portuguese
• Grasp of restaurant ordering software
• Customer-focused mindset
• Communication skills
• Friendliness
• Listening skills
• Desire to offer excellent service

Crafting the perfect personal statement for an entry-level waiter resume

Your personal statement needs to lay out your reasons for applying, drawing on the aspects of your personality that make you a perfect fit for the role.

Example of a compelling personal statement for a first-time waiter

In need of an example?

‘Dynamic, versatile and punctual individual looking to secure her first job as a waitress in a restaurant.’

Additional sections to include in your entry-level waiter resume

Knowledge of foreign languages can be featured, whereas hobbies and interests do not necessarily need to be mentioned.

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Static and dynamic content editing

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CV examples

Waiter/Waitress CV

Alex, a Waitress with professional experience, has opted for the creative California CV template. This template showcases work experience, skills, and key achievements within each job.

"Waitress with 10+ years of experience in fast-paced environments. Influential team leader, adept at supervising waiters to ensure high-quality customer service. "

Table of contents

How to Write a Waiter/Waitress CV

In the UK, an increasing number of individuals are juggling multiple jobs to ensure financial stability, with over a fifth of the workforce reported by a recent study by Restaurant Online . In the face of prevalent challenges like high inflation and economic hardships, many have to work multiple jobs to make ends meet—a stark reality of our times.

For many, additional employment can serve as a decent side hustle especially for students or recent graduates . With our CV writing guide, we can help you improve your CV to land more interviews. For this article, we offer examples across a range of professions and situations, including but not limited to:

Trainee waiter

Cocktail waitress

Head waiter

Waiter at a fine dining restaurant.

Waiter/Waitress CV example

Download this waiter or waitress CV sample in PDF

Alex, a driven and flexible waitress, strives to advance her career in the hospitality sector. The California template she utilises is user-friendly, effectively showcasing her work history, personal summary, and skill set in a coherent and organised manner.

Customise this waiter/waitress CV example

If you’re unsure whether to add a photo to your CV , look at our article to see if it’s required.

What should be included in a waiter/waitress CV?

A good CV needs to include fundamental information pertinent to hospitality or catering. These can include customer service skills, experience working in a fast-paced environment, or, generally, having a positive attitude.

Even though the aesthetics of a CV, including the choice of template, may seem like the first thing you need to do, it shouldn’t be the main focus of your CV. Remember that the goal is to show how your experience and skills will benefit the company you would like to work for. Recruiters and employers are only skimming through for the essential details, so make sure you keep it concise and compelling.

Below are key sections to incorporate into your CV. Once you have filled it in with essential information, consider adding optional sections such as awards or references.

When deciding which sections to include, create a master CV that elaborates on the scale and type of each project you’ve worked on. Once done, move on to composing a job-specific CV focusing on one specific role within your field of interest.

Personal profile for a waiter/waitress CV

A personal profile, also known as a personal statement, is a section that aims to reflect your career aspirations and goals, giving recruiters an engaging first impression. It gives potential employers a glimpse into what you can offer before they delve into the details of your experience and soft skills .

Head Waiter CV example

Dedicated and seasoned hospitality professional with over 5 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. Proven track record of leadership and exceptional customer service skills. Adept at managing a team effectively, ensuring smooth restaurant operations, and delivering a memorable dining experience to patrons. Possesses strong communication, organisation, and problem-solving abilities, along with a deep understanding of restaurant protocols and standards.

Waiter or Waitress CV example

Energetic and personable waiter passionate about delivering outstanding service to guests. Experienced in providing attentive and efficient service, taking orders accurately, and anticipating guests' needs. Skilled in maintaining a positive attitude under pressure, fostering a welcoming atmosphere, and contributing to the overall success of the restaurant team.

Trainee Waitress CV example

Enthusiastic and eager trainee waitress passionate about learning and growing in the hospitality industry. Possesses a strong work ethic, willingness to take direction, and a positive attitude. Quick learner, committed to mastering the skills required to provide exceptional service to guests.

Event Waiter/Waitress CV example

Dynamic and adaptable event waiter/waitress with experience catering to diverse events and gatherings. Proficient in providing seamless service during weddings, corporate functions, and special occasions. Skilled in working efficiently in fast-paced environments while maintaining attention to detail and upholding the highest standards of hospitality. Committed to ensuring the success of each event by delivering exceptional service and creating memorable experiences for guests.

Cocktail Waiter/Waitress CV example

Creative and knowledgeable cocktail waiter/waitress with a passion for mixology and crafting memorable beverages. Experienced in providing personalised recommendations and enhancing the guest experience through innovative cocktails and attentive service. Strong understanding of beverage preparation techniques and ingredients with proven success in creating a vibrant atmosphere and contributing to the overall ambience of the establishment.

Fine Dining Waiter/Waitress CV example

Sophisticated and polished fine dining waiter/waitress with a background in upscale restaurants and luxury hospitality. Possesses extensive knowledge of wine pairings, fine cuisine, and formal service protocols. Impeccable attention to detail and refined interpersonal skills with proven success in providing exemplary service to guests.

Part-time Waiter/Waitress CV example

Reliable and flexible part-time waiter/waitress with a commitment to delivering exceptional service while balancing other responsibilities. Possesses strong time management skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Adept at building rapport with guests and contributing positively to the team dynamic.

Hostess CV Example

Warm and welcoming hostess with two years of experience in the hospitality industry. Excel in greeting guests with a friendly smile, managing reservations efficiently, and seating guests in a timely manner. Possess excellent communication skills and a knack for multitasking in a fast-paced environment. Committed to providing exceptional customer service and ensuring a seamless dining experience for every guest.

Entry-Level Waiter CV Example

Motivated and enthusiastic entry-level waiter with a passion for the hospitality industry. Eager to kickstart my career in a dynamic restaurant environment where I can learn and grow. Possesses strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and a willingness to take on new challenges

An optimistic, honest, informative personal profile can help you secure an interview. Read how to write a personal profile on a CV to learn more about what makes a good personal profile and proven strategies.

Top skills for a waiter/waitress CV

For someone with little or no experience, skills on a CV can be an essential part of what makes your CV land more interviews. One way is to follow a skills-based CV format or strategically incorporate skills throughout your CV. While identifying and emphasising these skills may be difficult, evaluating your strengths and pinpointing your core skills can significantly enhance your CV.

The following outlines foundational skills to be a good waiter/waitress:

Food and health safety knowledge

Sales & Marketing

Point-of-sale system

Customer service

Adaptability

Detail-orientated

Multi-tasking

Communication

Refer to the following CV examples for more insights into the type of skills you might need to include on a CV.

Kitchen porter CV

Catering Assistant CV

Hospitality CV.

Work experience section on a waiter or waitress CV

When writing your work experience section , focus on duties and achievements to give a better glimpse into your role and interests. For each job experience, write down achievements such as increased sales, appraisal, references from past employees, or how you accomplished customer satisfaction. Back up your claims with data while demonstrating the value you can add to the company. If you are applying for a more experienced role, such as a Restaurant Manager , apply measurable outcomes to your work experience section.

Part-time Waitress, The Ivy, 2021-2024

Addressed and resolved customer orders, serving food and drinks promptly to maintain high-level of customer satisfaction. Provided menu recommendations, answered questions, and shared additional information with restaurant customers to enhance their dining experience. Liaised with kitchen staff and Restaurant Manager to ensure smooth operation.

Awarded "Employee of the Month" for exceptional customer service performance and positive customer feedback.

Provided exemplary table service that increased our guest base by 40% within six months.

Waitress, Soho Boutique Hotel, London, 2021 - Present

Greet and seat customers in a friendly and professional manner. Assist guests with menu selections and provide recommendations based on their preferences. Take and accurately input food and beverage orders into the POS system. Serve food and drinks promptly and ensure the correct presentation of dishes. Address any customer inquiries or concerns promptly and courteously.

Successfully led and motivated a team of 15+ waitstaff, resulting in improved customer service ratings and increased efficiency in restaurant operations for three consecutive years.

Implemented training programs for new waitstaff, resulting in reduced training time and improved performance.

Head Waitress, Langham Hotel, London, 2023 - Present

Provide exceptional customer service, ensuring guest satisfaction and repeat business. Managed table assignments and seating arrangements to optimise dining room flow and efficiency. Oversee daily operations, including opening and closing duties, scheduling, and inventory management. Resolve customer complaints and addressed any issues to maintain a positive dining experience.

Successfully planned and executed special events, such as wine tastings, holiday celebrations, and themed nights, attracting new customers and generating additional revenue.

Developed and promoted seasonal promotions, resulting in increased sales and heightened customer engagement.

These examples showcase different levels of experience and responsibilities within the role of a waitress, providing a range of possibilities for inclusion on a CV. For more tips as a student or graduate, refer to the below CV writing guides:

Part-time CV

School leaver CV

Volunteer CV.

Read our blog on how to develop confidence and overcome interview nerves , especially if you’re unfamiliar with the job market and interview process. We suggest thoroughly researching and reading the job requirements before you attend your interview.

Below are examples of transferable skills that can be highlighted in your work experience section:

Customer service: Volunteering at a community event or charity fundraiser where you interacted with guests and provided assistance.

Teamwork and collaboration: Mention any group projects or team-based activities you participated in during your education or previous employment.

Communication skills: Any experience in roles that required clear and effective communication, such as tutoring, mentoring, or leading group activities.

Multitasking abilities: Volunteer work where you had to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, such as organising events, coordinating schedules, or handling logistics.

Qualifications to become a waiter or waitress in the UK

No higher education degree or qualification is necessary to become a waiter or waitress in the UK. Rather than focusing on qualifications, most recruiters seek practical experience and are keen to hire people with the crucial skills and qualities to excel.cStructuring the education section should be in an easy-to-read format to make it presentable to recruiters. This information is enough for recruiters and managers when reviewing applications for waitressing roles.

Another strategy is to list transferable skills you may have acquired from side activities or other jobs. These could include customer service or event planning, for example. In addition, if you’ve taken relevant courses or certifications , make sure to include them as well on your CV.

Furthermore. you can strengthen your CV by adding languages or hobbies and interests . Ensure these details are relevant to the role and add value to your application.

Key takeaways

Creating an effective CV involves prioritising key sections, strategically including relevant work experience and skills, and using a professional CV format. Utilise these examples to showcase your expertise and value to organisations. For those without or with little experience, emphasise transferable skill or consider completing short courses to maximise your chances of securing a job.

Next steps?  

Smooth out any imperfections using our CV Builder , equipped with professional designs for you to select from. To compliment your CV, explore our array of cover letter templates . For extra support, engage with our expert CV Writing Service . Find further information in our career blog for time-saving tips, how to include crucial sections, and gain a clearer understanding of your distinct professional value to showcase hiring managers.

How would you describe a waiter on a CV?

A waiter role on a CV can be described as a customer-oriented hospitality professional with expertise in delivering exceptional service in restaurant environments. They possess strong communication skills, a good understanding of food and beverages, and the ability to multitask effectively.

How should you format a waiter or waitress CV?

When writing your CV, using a professional and transparent format is essential. However, a CV for a waiter looks different from person to person depending on their situation and career goals. The most common format of writing a CV is reverse chronological order , with the most recent placements at first.

How long should a waiter or waitress CV be?

The length of a waiter or waitress CV should generally be kept concise and to the point, typically one to two pages in length. Refer to how long should a CV be for more information.

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