Skill Profile

Restaurant Server

Improve your resume's success rate by using these Restaurant Server skills and keywords.

Jump To

Looking for keywords for a specific job? Search for your job title here.





© 2025 Resume Worded. All rights reserved.

Restaurant Server
Similar Professions
Skills

Restaurant Server Resume Keywords and Skills (Hard Skills)

Here are the keywords and skills that appear most frequently on recent Restaurant Server job postings. In other words, these are the most sought after skills by recruiters and hiring managers. Go to Sample Templates ↓ below to see how to include them on your resume.

Remember that every job is different. Instead of including all keywords on your resume, identify those that are most relevant to the job you're applying to. Use the free Targeted Resume tool to help with this.

Choose a category
  • Food & Beverage
  • Hospitality
  • Restaurant Management
  • Food Service
  • Waiting Tables
  • Customer Service
  • Catering
  •  Find out what your resume's missing
    •
  • Social Media
  • Hospitality Management
  • Fine Dining

Resume Skills: Customer Service

  • Budgeting
  • Inventory Control
  • Scheduling
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Customer Service
  • Quality Control
  • Table Setup
  • Food & Beverage Pairings
  • Order Management
  • Customer Relationships
  • Customer Retention
  •  Match your resume to these skills
    •

Resume Skills: Management Tools

Resume Skills: Hard

Resume Skills: Languages

Resume Skills: Software

Resume Skills: Safety & Compliance

Resume Skills: Culinary

Resume Skills: Technical

  • Point Of Sale (POS) Systems
  • Reservation Platforms
  • Ordering Systems
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Reservation Systems
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
  •  Match your resume to these skills
    •

Resume Skills: Financial

Resume Skills: Food Safety

Resume Skills: Technology

Resume Skills: Hospitality

  Does your resume contain all the right skills? Paste in your resume in the AI Resume Scan ↓ section below and get an instant score.

Compare Your Resume To These Restaurant Server Skills (ATS Scan)

Paste your resume below and our AI will identify which keywords are missing from your resume from the list above (and what you need to include). Including the right keywords will help you get past Applicant Tracking Systems (i.e. resume screeners) which may scan your resume for keywords to see if you're a match for the job.

Sample Restaurant Server Resume Examples: How To Include These Skills

Add keywords directly into your resume's work experiences, education or Skills section, like we've shown in the examples below. Use the examples below as inspiration.

Select a free resume example
Your Name
Restaurant Server
City, Country  •  (123) 456-789  •  [email protected]  •  linkedin.com/in/your-profile
EXPERIENCE
Outback Steakhouse June 2020 - Present
Restaurant Server
Revitalized customer service strategies, addressing complaints promptly and professionally, resulting in the restaurant receiving a 90% positive feedback rating from patrons.
Implemented a dynamic new food service protocol that increased table turnaround time by 20%, contributing to higher revenue.
Facilitated staff training on the most effective waiting tables technique, improving overall operational efficiency by 30%.
Championed the use of social media to advertise daily specials; led to a 10% increase in walk-in customers and boosted online engagement.
Collaborated with management to improve the restaurant's fine dining services, increasing repeat clientele by 15%.
The Cheesecake Factory March 2018 - May 2020
Lead Server
Optimized the existing food & beverage menu leading to an increase in sales by 25%.
Enhanced guest experience by offering superior customer service, resulting in a 20% increase in repeat customers.
Proposed and facilitated Beverage Training workshops for 50+ staff members to improve cocktail knowledge and upselling tactics.
Starbucks January 2016 - February 2018
Barista
Led the morning team, consistently earning the highest customer satisfaction scores within the district.
Excelled in latte art, leading to a 15% increase in Instagram followers and higher footfall.
Contributed to a reduction in service time by 10% by coordinating efficiently with other team members.
EDUCATION
Resume Worded Academic Center June 2020
Associate’s degree in Restaurant, Culinary, and Catering Management
Emphasis in Food safety and handling procedures
Earned ServSafe Food Handler certificate during study period
Resume Worded Institute December 2015
Barista Basics Certification
Part-time certification alongside full-time work at Starbucks
Learned fundamentals of coffee varieties and brewing techniques
SKILLS
Culinary Skills: Food & Beverage Pairings, Menu Development, Special Dietary Needs
Customer Service: Conflict Resolution, Customer Relationships, Customer Retention
Technical Skills: Point Of Sale (POS) Systems, Reservation Platforms, Ordering Systems
Financial Skills: Cash Handling, Revenue Growth, Inventory Management
OTHER
Certifications: ServSafe Food Handler certificate (2016), CPR and First Aid Certified (2018)
Leadership & Volunteering: Volunteer server at local nonprofit soup kitchen (2017 - Present), Captain of local community basketball team (2016 - Present)
Professional Development: Completed online courses in Restaurant Management and Customer Service
Awards: Employee of the Month at Outback Steakhouse (August 2020), Starbucks Barista Champion (2017)
Your Name
Restaurant Supervisor
City, Country  •  (123) 456-789  •  [email protected]  •  linkedin.com/in/your-profile
EXPERIENCE
Coached.com December 2017 - Present
Restaurant Supervisor
Implemented strategic plan to streamline restaurant management operations, resulting in a 10% reduction in overhead costs.
Played a pivotal role in the execution of seasonal catering events, contributing to a 35% increase in event profits.
Negotiated with vendors for better terms leading to a 5% decrease in annual food costs.
Elevated hospitality service standards, leading to a 20% increase in positive customer reviews.
Conducted weekly staff meetings focused on improving food service efficiency resulting in a 15% decrease in customer wait times.
Buffalo Wild Wings March 2015 - November 2017
Assistant Manager
Coordinated logistics for major sporting events, enhancing the overall guest experience and increasing sales by 18%.
Developed effective restaurant marketing strategies that resulted in an average 12% increase in monthly sales.
Managed a team of 25 servers, elevating customer service standards and decreasing staff turnover by 20%.
Panera Bread January 2013 - February 2015
Shift Supervisor
Increased efficiency through the development of a weekly scheduling system that reduced absenteeism by 50%.
Streamlined back-of-house operations leading to a 20% reduction in food waste.
Leveraged social media platforms to drive engagement with the restaurant’s guests, improving online ratings by 15%.
EDUCATION
Resume Worded Institute June 2018
Certified Food Service Manager
Passed with distinction, achieving top 10% score nationally
Resume Worded University May 2012
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Management
Concentration in Restaurant Management
Award: Dean's List - 2010 & 2011
SKILLS
Restaurant Management: Budgeting, Inventory Control, Scheduling, Conflict Resolution, Customer Service, Quality Control
Software: POS Systems, MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), OpenTable, NCR Aloha, Square POS
Safety & Compliance: Food Safety Certification, OSHA Regulations, Alcohol Beverage Compliance, TIPS Certified
OTHER
Certifications: ServSafe Food Handler & Alcohol Certification (Renewed 2020)
Leadership & Volunteering: Volunteer, Local Food Bank; Organized quarterly events for community to promote food sustainability (2016-Present)
Professional Development: Completed leadership development program at the National Restaurant Association, 2018
Your Name
Food and Beverage Manager
City, Country  •  (123) 456-789  •  [email protected]  •  linkedin.com/in/your-profile
EXPERIENCE
Resume Worded October 2017 - Present
Food and Beverage Manager
Launched new tableside service concept that increased customer satisfaction and resulted in an additional $500K in annual revenue.
Executed a food and beverage pairing menu based on regional cuisine which elevated the fine dining experience and increased per-person check average by 20%.
Orchestrated high-profile catering events which increased visibility and reputation.
Implemented a new employee on-boarding program that reduced turnover by 22%.
Led the initiative to gain approval for a wine and spirits license that resulted in an increase in total sales by 40%.
Red Lobster August 2015 - September 2017
Restaurant Manager
Managed weekly inventory and ordering leading to a 15% reduction in food costs.
Implemented robust hospitality management training for staff, leading to improved customer satisfaction scores by 30%.
Enhanced the restaurant’s social media presence, resulting in a 18% increase in online reservations.
Caviar January 2013 - July 2015
Catering Coordinator
Coordinated and executed large-scale corporate events, increasing company revenue by $200K annually.
Secure contracts with local businesses, increasing corporate catering services by 25%.
Developed strong relationships with vendors, receiving discounts and freebies which reduced overall event costs by 10%.
EDUCATION
Resume Worded Academic Center Sep 2017
Advanced Certificate in Restaurant Management
Award: Advanced Restaurant Management certificate (Top 5% participants)
Resume Worded University May 2012
Bachelor's in Hotel Management
Concentrations: Food and Beverage Management, Marketing
Award: Dean's List 2011 (Top 15%)
SKILLS
Management Tools: OpenTable, 7Shifts, Avero Slingshot, Toast POS, Optimity
Hard Skills: Stock Management, Supplier Negotiation, Financial Reporting, Menu Engineering, Food Safety Regulations, Restaurant Marketing
Languages: English (Native), Spanish (Conversational)
OTHER
Certifications: ServSafe Manager Certification (2020), Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 Award in Wines (2018)
Leadership & Volunteering: Resume Worded Food Network (Volunteer Chef, 2018 - Present)
Awards: Manager of the Year, Red Lobster (2017)
Your Name
Dining Room Server
City, Country  •  (123) 456-789  •  [email protected]  •  linkedin.com/in/your-profile
EXPERIENCE
Resume Worded January 2021 - Present
Lead Dining Room Server
Boosted overall customer experience by 45% by consistently delivering exceptional food service and maintaining attention to detail.
Coordinated and led a team of 8 servers, improving operational efficiency by 27%.
Utilized Adobe Photoshop to design and implement new menu, culminating in a 35% increase in monthly sales.
Olive Garden June 2019 - December 2020
Dining Room Server
Enhanced customer server strategy that resulted in a 22% hike in overall customer satisfaction.
Earned 'Server of the Month' award six times for excellence in punctuality, ordering accuracy, and customer service.
Successfully managed demanding dinner rush hours, resulting in an average ticket closure time reduction of 10%.
EDUCATION
Resume Worded Academic Center February 2021
Certification in Food & Beverage Operations
Awarded Scholarship for exceptional performance
Resume Worded University Graduated May 2019
Bachelor of Science - Hotel & Restaurant Management
Recipient, Best Service and Hospitality Student Award
Majors: Beverage Management and Commercial Food Production
SKILLS
Food Service Skills: Food & Beverage Pairing, Menu Programing, Kitchen Management, Catering, Beverage Dispensing, Plate Presentation
Administrative Skills: Inventory Management, Point of Sales (POS) Systems, Guest Services, Time Management, Cross-functional Team Leadership, Conflict Resolution
Technical Skills: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Basic Computer Troubleshooting, Basic Understanding of Health & Safety Regulations
OTHER
Certifications: ServSafe Food Handler Certificate (2021), Certified Wine Specialist
Community Service: Volunteer, Feed the Community - daily food preparation and delivery service for needy families
Professional Development: Ongoing coursework: Mastering the Art of Coffee, Advanced Pastry Techniques
Your Name
Restaurant Server
City, Country  •  (123) 456-789  •  [email protected]  •  linkedin.com/in/your-profile
EXPERIENCE
Coached.com May 2021 - Present
Senior Restaurant Server
Trained and supervised 10 new hires, leading to a 30% reduction in training time and faster onboarding.
Implemented new hospitality management processes, resulting in 21% improved customer satisfaction ratings.
Managed the company's social media accounts to promote daily specials, achieving a 40% growth in followers within 6 months.
Texas Roadhouse April 2018 - April 2021
Restaurant Server
Initiated food & beverage pairing suggestions, increasing wine sales by 31%.
Implemented CPR training for staff, leading to a safer dining atmosphere and increased customer trust.
Provided exceptional table service, raising personal tip average by 18%.
EDUCATION
Resume Worded Institute May 2021
Certification in Advanced Food & Beverage
Part-time certification during Senior Server role at Coached.com
Resume Worded University April 2018
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
Focus on restaurant operations management
Completed coursework in customer service and human resources
SKILLS
Restaurant Service: Table Setup, Food & Beverage Pairings, Customer Service (Expert), Order Management
Food Safety: Allergen Awareness, Food Preparation Standards, Health and Safety Compliance
Technology: Point of Sale Systems (Micros, POSiTouch), Reservation Systems (OpenTable)
OTHER
Certifications: ServSafe Food Handler Certification, ServSafe Alcohol Server Certification
Volunteering: Local Soup Kitchen - Serving Meals (2019 - Present)
Courses: Professional Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) - Level 3 Award in Wines (2020)
Your Name
Waitstaff
City, Country  •  (123) 456-789  •  [email protected]  •  linkedin.com/in/your-profile
EXPERIENCE
Resume Worded December 2020 - Present
Head Waiter
Cultivated a fine dining atmosphere by establishing rigorous service standards, resulting in a 50% increase in positive online reviews.
Led a team of 5 servers, increasing the overall team efficiency by 23% through effective shift management.
Organized monthly writing training sessions for staff, significantly improving communication with guests and boosting customer feedback scores by 34%.
Applebee's July 2018 - November 2020
Waitstaff
Maintained comprehensive knowledge of menu items, contributing to a 20% increase in add-on sales.
Implemented new system for handling busy periods, reducing customer wait times by 15%.
Received 'Waitstaff of the Year' award in 2019 due to exceptional customer service and teamwork.
EDUCATION
Resume Worded Institute May 2020
Advanced Certification in Food and Beverage Management
Core subjects: Restaurant Operations, Menu Planning, Staff Management
Resume Worded Academic Center June 2018
Associates in Hospitality Management
Specialization in Customer Service Excellence
Internship: Applebee's (January 2018 - May 2018)
SKILLS
Customer Service: Conflict Resolution, Multitasking, Table Management, Menu Knowledge
Technical Skills: POS Systems (Aloha, Micros), Microsoft Office Suite, Reservation Software (OpenTable, ResDiary)
Languages: English (Native), Spanish (Conversational)
OTHER
Certifications: ServSafe Food Handler Certification, TIPS Certified
Volunteering and Community Service: Meal Service Volunteer, Local Food Bank (2021 - Present)
Awards: Employee of the Month, Applebee's (October 2019), Highest Customer Satisfaction Score (Quarter 4, 2019)
Your Name
Hostess Server
City, Country  •  (123) 456-789  •  [email protected]  •  linkedin.com/in/your-profile
EXPERIENCE
Coached.com October 2019 - Present
Senior Hostess Server
Decreased waiting times by 20% by creating an efficient table assignment system
Led a team of 6 hostesses resulting in a 30% improvement in customers' dining experience
Implemented a customer feedback system that led to 35% improvement in food and service quality
Pizza Hut May 2017 - September 2019
Hostess Server
Boosted weekday sales by 15% by initiating a weekday happy hour promo
Used social media to promote restaurant events resulting in a 10% rise in event attendance
Improved customer service scores by 20% through implementation of a new server training program
EDUCATION
Resume Worded Institute November 2016
Certificate in Advanced Food Hygiene
Part-time course covering regulation, risk assessment, and contamination control in hospitality settings
Resume Worded University May 2015
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
Awarded University Scholarship based on excellent academic performance
SKILLS
Customer Service: Complaint resolution, Retention strategies, Empathy, Conflict management
Technical Skills: Point of Sale (PoS) Systems, MenuPro, OpenTable, MS Office, Wi-Fi networking
Languages: English (Native), Spanish (Conversational), French (Basic)
Management: Team leadership, Staff training, Schedule management, Inventory control
OTHER
Certifications: ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification (Current until 2024), First Aid & CPR Certified
Volunteering: Taste of Resume Worded Festival (Event Volunteer, 2019-2021), Local Food Bank (Regular Volunteer, 2015 - Present)
In-house Training: Completed 'Delivering Fantastic Customer Service' course at Coached.com, 2020
Awards: Employee of the Month, Pizza Hut (June 2018 & February 2019)
Your Name
Restaurant Event Coordinator
City, Country  •  (123) 456-789  •  [email protected]  •  linkedin.com/in/your-profile
EXPERIENCE
Resume Worded January 2018 - Present
Senior Event Coordinator
Managed over 300 large-scale corporate events leading to a 20% increase in annual revenue
Improved customer satisfaction ratings by 30% through strategic event planning and execution
Carried out extensive research to identify potential event opportunities, increasing the portfolio by 25%
Cheesecake Factory May 2015 - December 2017
Event Coordinator
Increased client retention by 15% by establishing strong client relations and delivering top-notch service
Collaborated with marketing team to promote events through social media resulting in a 10% increase in event bookings
Enhanced team spirit by setting clear expectations and promoting synergistic work environment
EDUCATION
Resume Worded University May 2017
Master of Business Administration - Hospitality Management
Specialized coursework in Event Planning and Restaurant Management
Resume Worded Academic Center April 2015
Certification in Professional Event Coordination
Comprehensive training in budget management, contract negotiation, and venue selection
SKILLS
Event Planning Software: Social Tables, AllSeated, Tripleseat, EventPro, Trello, Asana
Communication & Negotiation: Vendor Contract Negotiation, Public Speaking, Budget Communication, Event Presentation
Logistical Proficiency: Event Scheduling, Venue Management, Supply Coordination, Emergency Planning
Languages: English (Native), Spanish (Conversational), French (Basic)
OTHER
Certifications: ServSafe Manager Certification, Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE)
Leadership & Volunteering: American Cancer Society Relay For Life (Event Organizer, 2019 - Present), Local Food Bank (Volunteer, 2015 - Present)
Projects: Organized annual food and wine festival, bringing together 50+ local vendors and attracting 5k+ attendees (2018 - Present)
Awards: Restaurant Association Event Coordinator of the Year (2019), Resume Worded Outstanding Employee Award (2018)
Your Name
Restaurant Manager
City, Country  •  (123) 456-789  •  [email protected]  •  linkedin.com/in/your-profile
EXPERIENCE
Coached.com August 2020 - Present
Restaurant Manager
Increased overall revenue by 25% by optimizing food and beverage management processes
Cut down employee turnover by 20% by fostering a supportive working environment and implementing ongoing training programs
Successfully negotiated lower prices with food suppliers, resulting in a 10% reduction in monthly overhead costs
TGI Friday's January 2017 - July 2020
Assistant Restaurant Manager
Improved brand reputation by elevating customer service standards, increasing positive online reviews by 30%
Successfully implemented a new POS system, which improved order processing times by 20%
Launched a revamped menu that corresponded with customer preferences, increasing sales by 15%
EDUCATION
Resume Worded University December 2016
Master of Business Administration - Hospitality and Tourism Management
Concentration in Food Service Management
Resume Worded Institute May 2014
Bachelor of Science - Hotel and Restaurant Management
Minor in Business Administration
Awards: Dean's List 2011 - 2014 (Top 20% of class)
SKILLS
Management Softwares: OpenTable, MICROS, Oracle Hospitality, Aloha POS, Square POS, HotSchedules
Finance & Accounting: QuickBooks, Profit & Loss Analysis, Cost Accounting, Budgeting & Forecasting, Cash Handling
Compliance: Food Safety Regulations (ServSafe Certified), Liquor Laws & Regulations, Health & Safety Regulations
Languages: English (Native), Spanish (Conversational), French (Basic)
OTHER
Certifications: Certified Food Manager (2021), Certified Sommelier (2019)
Leadership & Volunteering: National Restaurant Association (Member & Voluntary Speaker, 2017 - Present), Big Brother Big Sister (Mentor, 2015 - Present)
Conferences & Courses: Food Management Summit (Participant, 2020, 2021), Hospitality Training Course (Completed, 2019)
Awards: Manager of the Year, Coached.com (2021)

How do I add skills to a Restaurant Server resume?

1
Review the job posting closely.

Go through the Restaurant Server posting you're applying to, and identify hard skills the company is looking for. For example, skills like Customer Service, Waiting Tables and Social Media are possible skills. These are skills you should try to include on your resume.

Expand
2
Add industry skills like Food Service and Catering.

Add other common skills from your industry - such as Hospitality, Food & Beverage and Restaurant Management - into your resume if they're relevant.

Expand
3
Add skills into your work experience.

Incorporate skills - like Hospitality Management - into your work experience too. This shows hiring managers that you have practical experience with these tools, techniques and skills.

Expand
4
Use the exact job title.

Try to add the exact job title, Restaurant Server, somewhere into your resume to get past resume screeners. See the infographic for how to do this.

Expand

Word Cloud for Restaurant Server Skills & Keywords

The following word cloud highlights the most popular keywords that appear on Restaurant Server job descriptions. The bigger the word, the more frequently it shows up on employer's job postings. If you have experience with these keywords, include them on your resume.

Top Restaurant Server Skills and Keywords to Include On Your Resume

Restaurant Server Soft Skills

Here are common soft skills that appear on Restaurant Server job postings. Unlike hard skills, which refer to tools, software or techniques, soft skills focus on character traits and interpersonal skills. Instead of listing these phrases on your resume, try to show them through your bullet points like in the examples below.

  • Teamwork
    Expand
  • Time Management
    Expand
  • Communication
    Expand
  • Multitasking
    Expand
  • Organization Skills
    Expand
  • Customer Satisfaction
    Expand
  • Problem Solving
    Expand
    • Interpersonal Skills
    • Skilled Multi-tasker
    • Phone Etiquette

    Tip: Do not list these words or phrases on your resume, and instead focus on the hard skills we described above.

    Get your Resume Instantly Checked, For Free

    Upload your resume and we'll spot the issues in it before an actual Restaurant Server recruiter sees it. For free.

    Restaurant Server Resume Templates

    Here are examples of proven resumes in related jobs and industries, approved by experienced hiring managers. Use them as inspiration when you're writing your own resume. You can even download and edit the resume template in Google Docs.

    Resume Example
    SQL Server Developer

    SQL Server Developer Resume Sample
    Go to Resume Page

    Resume Example
    Professional

    Professional Resume Sample
    Go to Resume Page

    Resume Example
    Highlights (Free)

    Highlights (Free) Resume Sample
    Go to Resume Page

    Resume Example
    Modern Two-Column

    Modern Two-Column Resume Sample
    Go to Resume Page

    Resume Example
    Clean Modern

    Clean Modern Resume Sample
    Go to Resume Page

    Resume Example
    Entry-Level (Free)

    Entry-Level (Free) Resume Sample
    Go to Resume Page

    Browse Skills from Similar Jobs

    Server Assistant
    See Skills  
    Restaurant Chef
    See Skills  
    Cocktail Server
    See Skills  
    Director Restaurant
    See Skills  
    Server Administrator
    See Skills  
    Food Server
    See Skills  
    Server Trainer
    See Skills  
    Windows Server Administrator
    See Skills  
    Restaurant General Manager
    See Skills  

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What skills should you put on a Restaurant Server resume?

    Some effective Restaurant Server skills you can add to your resume include:

    • Food & Beverage
    • Hospitality
    • Restaurant Management
    • Food Service
    • Waiting Tables
    • Customer Service
    • Catering
    • Social Media

    What soft skills are common in Restaurant Server roles?

    Soft skills like Teamwork, Time Management, Communication, Multitasking and Organization Skills are essential for Restaurant Server roles and jobs.

    Target your Resume to a Job Description

    While the keywords above are a good indication of what skills you need on your resume, you should try to find additional keywords that are specific to the job. To do this, use the free Targeted Resume tool. It analyzes the job you are applying to and finds the most important keywords you need on your resume.

    It is personalized to your resume, and is the best way to ensure your resume will pass the automated resume filters.

    Start targeting your resume

    © 2025 Resume Worded. All rights reserved.

    Turn your LinkedIn profile into an opportunity magnet.
    In just 10 seconds, our free AI-powered tool will show you how to get 5x more jobs and opportunities on LinkedIn.
    Optimize your LinkedIn for free
    "This tool was ridiculously helpful. In just one week after making the changes the AI suggested, I received three times the number of profile views and had five recruiters pitching me jobs on LinkedIn. I can't thank you enough!"
    -Ashley L.
    Is your resume good enough?
    Find out why you aren't getting as many callbacks as you should with a free resume review.
    In just 30 seconds, we'll score it on key criteria hiring managers look for and tell you if it falls short.
    Get a free resume review
    Get expert insights from hiring managers
    ×