by When applying for a restaurant position, showcasing the right set of server skills for resume can significantly impact your chances of landing an interview.
Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting out in hospitality, it’s crucial to highlight the technical and interpersonal competencies that make you a standout candidate.
This article will guide you through the essential skills to put on resume for server, helping you demonstrate your ability to provide excellent service, manage multiple tasks, and contribute to a positive dining experience for guests.
Great server resume examples
What is the server?
A server, in the context of job roles, refers to a professional who works in the hospitality industry, primarily in restaurants, cafes, bars, or similar establishments.
Key responsibilities of a server:
- Accurately recording customer orders and any special requests.
- Promptly delivering orders while adhering to presentation standards.
- Providing friendly and attentive service to ensure guest satisfaction.
- Understanding menu items, including ingredients, preparation methods, and potential allergens.
- Addressing complaints or concerns effectively and professionally.
- Managing transactions, such as cash, card payments, and tips.
Top skills for server resume
When creating a standout application, it’s essential to include both hard and soft skills. These competencies reveal your ability to succeed in a fast-paced, customer-facing role while also highlighting your versatility for other professions.
Hard skills for a server resume
- Point of Sale (POS)
The expertise refers to the ability to operate and manage computerized systems that handle customer transactions, track sales, manage inventory, and process payments.
What serving skills it includes:
- Accurately inputting customer orders into the system for preparation by the kitchen or bar.
- Handling various payment methods, including cash, credit/debit cards, mobile payments, and gift cards.
- Monitoring and recording daily transactions.
- Identifying and resolving basic system errors, such as payment processing issues or connectivity problems.
- Using the system to track stock levels, flag low inventory, and reduce waste.
POS proficiency demonstrates efficiency and professionalism, contributing to a positive dining experience.
Professions that benefit from similar server resume skills:
- Food Safety and Sanitation Knowledge
Refers to understanding and adhering to health and hygiene standards in food preparation, handling, and storage to prevent contamination, illness, and legal violations.
What skills of a server it includes:
- Maintaining personal cleanliness, including proper handwashing, use of gloves, and keeping hair tied back.
- Regular cleaning and disinfecting of kitchen tools, countertops, and equipment.
- Ensuring ingredients are stored at the correct temperatures and conditions to avoid spoilage.
- Keeping raw and cooked foods separate, using color-coded utensils, and following strict preparation guidelines.
This competency prevents foodborne illnesses, protecting customers and the establishment’s reputation.
Careers requiring comparable server qualities:
- Chefs
- Healthcare workers
- Laboratory technicians
Relevant resume examples with server skills
- Menu Knowledge and Dietary Awareness
Server’s familiarity with the restaurant’s menu offerings and their ability to address restrictions, allergies, and preferences.
Skills needed to be a server:
- Knowing the ingredients, preparation techniques, and flavors of every dish.
- Identifying which menu items are suitable for specific dietary preferences (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free).
- Recognizing common allergens and ensuring that dishes are safely prepared.
- Understanding seasonal or promotional items and how they differ from regular offerings.
Being well-versed in the menu demonstrates expertise and builds trust with diners.
Roles in other sectors that demand these talents:
- Nutritionists
- Personal trainers
- Retail product specialists
Resume templates with server skills
- Cross-Selling
Practice of suggesting complementary or additional items to a customer based on their initial purchase or preferences. In a restaurant setting, this may involve recommending appetizers, drinks, or desserts to increase the total sale.
Upselling server skills examples:
- Proposing items that go well together, such as a wine to pair with a main course or a side dish to complement an entrée.
- Recommending limited-time specials or combo deals that align with what the customer is ordering.
- Going beyond basic service by adding value and improving the overall experience.
Customers are more likely to return to an establishment where they feel their preferences are understood and valued.
Work environments that rely on these server qualities:
Great resume examples with server skills
- Order Taking and Delivery
Precision in noting customer orders, communicating them to the kitchen, and delivering the right dishes is vital for minimizing mistakes and maintaining a smooth workflow.
List of server skills for resume:
- Recording orders precisely, whether by memory or writing them down.
- Ensuring that orders are served promptly and at the right temperature.
- Reviewing requests before submission and delivery to verify correctness, particularly for complex or customized requests.
- Managing multiple tables or customers by prioritizing orders and ensuring they are delivered in a seamless and efficient manner.
This competencies help maintain smooth workflow in both the front-of-house and kitchen areas, reducing delays and improving service times.
Positions outside serving that need these serving skills:
Great examples of server skills on resume
- Mathematical Competence
Ability to use basic arithmetic and numerical reasoning to solve problems efficiently, especially in situations that involve financial transactions.
What server resume skills it includes:
- Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing to calculate totals, tips, and change.
- Understanding how to calculate tips based on percentages.
- Accurately dividing a check among several customers.
- Applying discounts, promotions, or coupons correctly, ensuring the math is precise for billing.
The capacity prevents issues with the cash register or discrepancies in the daily till, contributing to accurate financial records.
Careers requiring comparable abilities:
Serving skills on resume examples
- Beverage Crafting
It involves understanding the ingredients, presentation, and techniques required to create high-quality beverages, such as cocktails, specialty coffee, teas, and mocktails.
Server skills to put on resume:
- Expertise in preparing coffee using methods such as espresso machines, French presses, and pour-overs.
- Crafting fresh juices, smoothies, and specialty sodas, with a focus on presentation and flavor combinations.
- Skillfully garnishing drinks to enhance visual appeal and complement the flavors.
- Tailoring beverages to customer preferences, such as adjusting sweetness, strength, or flavor.
Mastery of drink recipes ensures that beverages are consistently high-quality and served quickly.
Roles where these skills of a server are applicable:
Resume examples with skills for a server
Soft server resume skills
- Communication: Effectively exchanging information with colleagues and management to guarantee clarity and smooth service delivery.
- Collaboration: Working seamlessly with team members to secure efficient operations.
- Flexibility: Adapting quickly to changes in customer needs, shifts in tasks, or unexpected challenges in a dynamic environment.
- Problem-Solving: Identifying issues and finding effective solutions swiftly, ensuring minimal disruption to customer satisfaction.
- Multitasking: Managing multiple tasks simultaneously, such as taking orders, serving meals, and processing transactions, especially in busy settings.
- Patience: Remaining composed and level-headed when facing difficult situations, ensuring smooth interactions.
- Dispute Management: Handling conflicts or misunderstandings with professionalism and tact, aiming for a resolution that benefits all parties involved.
- Attention to Detail: Ensuring that all orders are accurate and deliveries are precise.
- Time Efficiency: Prioritizing tasks effectively to deliver prompt service while maintaining the quality of the customer experience.
- Emotional Awareness: Recognizing and responding to the emotions of customers and peers to maintain positive relationships and a harmonious environment.
- Active Engagement: Listening intently to guests to fully understand their needs, confirming orders, and addressing concerns thoroughly.
- Composure Under Pressure: Maintaining focus and calmness in high-pressure moments to validate continued quality.
- Compassion: Showing mastery and genuine concern for customers' experiences, ensuring their needs are met with care and attention.
How to format skills section of resume for server
- Tailor the capacities to the occupation you’re applying for. Look at the job posting and focus on the competencies that match the requirements.
- Write each ability as a separate bullet point. Place the most valuable one for the role at the top of your list.
- You can show your proficiency level (e.g., Advanced, Intermediate, Basic) or provide context to describe your experience.
- Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes. Including keywords can help your document get noticed.
- If applicable, you can link certain server qualities with achievements.
Resume examples with server skills
Mary Stryker
Tyler, TX 75757
Email: mary.stryker@gmail.com
Phone: (245) 394-9875Objective
Dedicated and highly motivated server with experience providing excellent customer service in fast-paced environments. Skilled in multitasking, conflict resolution, and enhancing guest experiences through attentive service and menu knowledge. Looking to contribute my expertise in customer service and team collaboration at a top-tier restaurant.
Skills
- Exceptional communication skills
- Ability to resolve customer complaints calmly
- Proficient in POS systems such as Toast and Square
- Skilled in balancing customer requests
- Knowledge of drink recipes, garnishing, and upselling premium beverages
- Consistently maintain organized workstations in line with health and safety guidelines
- Capable of prioritizing tasks efficiently to ensure prompt food delivery
Professional Experience
Server
Applebee's, Tyler, TX
March 2022 – Present
- Provide high-level customer service in a fast-paced, casual dining restaurant.
- Upsell appetizers, desserts, and beverages, increasing average check size by 15%.
- Resolve customer complaints and issues promptly, ensuring satisfaction and repeat business.
- Collaborate with kitchen staff to ensure orders are prepared and delivered correctly and efficiently.
Server
Chili's, Tyler, TX
June 2020 – February 2022
- Provided excellent service in a busy family-friendly restaurant environment, managing 4-6 tables per shift.
- Ensured timely delivery of food and drinks to tables while maintaining cleanliness and order in the dining area.
- Assisted in training new employees on customer service protocols and POS systems.
- Delivered a personalized experience to guests by offering menu recommendations and maintaining a friendly atmosphere.
Bartender/Server
The Cheesecake Factory, Dallas, TX
March 2019 – May 2020
- Provided exceptional service in a fine dining environment, specializing in cocktails, wine pairings, and menu pairings.
- Mastered the art of drink crafting, consistently producing high-quality cocktails and drinks for guests.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations for alcohol service, and promoted signature beverages to customers.
- Assisted in opening and closing duties, including cash handling and inventory checks.
Education
Tyler High School, Tyler, TX
High School Diploma, 2018
Certifications
- TIPS Certified, Responsible Beverage Service Training (Expires 2026)
- Food Handler Certification, Texas Department of State Health Services (Expires 2025)
Conclusion
Successfully listing your server skills on a resume can significantly enhance your chances of landing a job in the hospitality industry.
Highlighting key abilities like multitasking, conflict resolution, and knowledge of food safety showcases your professionalism and attention to detail. Tailoring your strengths to the specific role will not only make your application stand out but also demonstrate your suitability for the position.
Ultimately, a strong skills section serves as a powerful tool to leave a lasting impression.
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