how to write a resume for restaurant job

Restaurant Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

• Resume Examples
• Resume Text Examples

How To Write a Restaurant Resume

• Entry-level
• Senior-level

Restaurant Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

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

Energetic waiter with over two 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 and satisfaction
• Efficiency improvement
• Food and beverage service
• High-volume restaurant operations
• Lightspeed POS
• Menu and order memorization
• Payment processing
• Task prioritization
• Team collaboration
• Time management

Professional Experience

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

• Quickly and courteously serve food and beverage orders to around 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
• 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

Sarah Ortiz (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | San Diego, CA 12345 | www.linkedin.com/example

Sous chef with five years of experience helping oversee the preparation of quality Mexican cuisine for upscale restaurants. Recognized for leading culinary teams to streamline operations and reduce waste by up to 20%.

• Cost reduction and elimination
• Executive chef support
• Food presentation
• Kitchen operations
• Latin American cuisine
• Menu design
• Process improvement
• Team leadership

Sous Chef, Spice Cocina, San Diego, CA | May 2018 to present

• Collaborate with the executive chef to create and prepare innovative Latin dishes, design menus, and enhance food presentation
• Lead a team of eight line cooks and kitchen personnel, coordinate daily kitchen operations, and ensure compliance with quality standards
• Created three dishes with Carolina Reaper and Scorpion pepper ingredients (including a carne asada meal with Scorpion chili-infused guacamole), leading to a new spice challenge that grew sales $100,000

Sous Chef, Cantina La Vida, San Diego, CA | May 2016 to May 2018

• Developed menu, prepared food, and managed inventory in coordination with the head chef
• Trained restaurant personnel on safe food storage and effective portion control
• Helped kitchen team reduce waste by over 20%, saving $40,000 per year
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) – Culinary Arts, San Diego Culinary Institute, San Diego, CA | 2016

ServSafe Manager, National Restaurant Association | 2016

William Adams (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Washington, DC 12345 | www.linkedin.com/example

Restaurant manager with more than nine years of experience driving revenue growth, reducing staff turnover, and building goodwill with customers. Draw on broad, deep knowledge of restaurant best practices and health and safety regulations. Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish.

• Budgeting and cost accounting
• Conflict resolution
• Marketing strategy development
• Regulatory compliance
• Staff training and coaching
• Talent retention
• Team leadership and motivation

Restaurant Manager, Culinary Cafe, Washington, DC | May 2015 to present

• Helped plan and design the restaurant’s front and kitchen prior to the grand re-opening
• Increased seating capacity 20% while maintaining compliance with health codes and regulations
• Spearheaded marketing campaign that increased revenue 68% and led to six months of sold-out reservations
• Improved customer satisfaction ratings by 9% using instant reservations software that minimized wait times

Assistant Manager, Faster Food Restaurant, Alexandria, VA | October 2013 to April 2015

• Performed multiple walkthroughs daily to ensure the dining area met corporate guidelines for cleanliness and table turnover
• Reduced staff turnover by introducing more flexible time-off policies and a bidding system for p.m. shifts
• Cut costs 8% by reducing inventory waste and establishing stricter overtime controls

Bachelor of Business Management, University of Richmond, VA

Fluency in Spanish

When writing your resume for restaurant jobs, use each section to show you can help provide pleasant dining experiences to customers. The tips and examples below will help your resume display these skills — including sales, customer service, and using computer reservation systems — to get you interviews for your next restaurant job.

1. Create a profile by summarizing your restaurant qualifications

Catch hiring managers’ attention by giving the top three to five reasons you’ll excel in your target restaurant job. For instance, maybe you’re a dedicated manager who consistently finds ways to improve food quality and service. Or you might be a diligent sous chef with years of experience helping streamline kitchen operations. If you speak two or more languages, cite that in your profile to emphasize how to collaborate and engage with a diverse customer base.

Most job seekers find it easier to write their profile last.

Profile Example

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

2. Add a compelling section featuring your restaurant experience

Use the experience section to give examples of your success in previous restaurant jobs — this helps hiring managers envision you thriving at their business. Cite times when you helped restaurants improve efficiency, food quality, sanitation, customer service, guest reservations, or the bottom line.

For instance, maybe as a waiter, you used cross-selling methods to increase orders of desserts and appetizers. Or maybe, as a restaurant manager, you updated reservation systems to help reduce guests’ average wait time. Quantify each achievement in terms of a clear percentage or dollar amount if those figures are available.

Professional Experience Example

3. list your education and certifications relevant to restaurant work.

Give basic details on any degrees you’ve earned. Also, specify your college major, minor, or coursework if it was on a relevant topic like hospitality or culinary arts. These details can give you an edge by showing employers you have a strong knowledge base in your field. For the same reason, include any training or certifications you’ve earned that may be useful in your target restaurant job.

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

• Degree Name — [Major, Minor], School Name, [City, ST or online] | [Year]
• [Select Coursework]
• Certification Name or Title, [Awarding Organization] | [Year]
• [Description]

4. List your key restaurant skills and proficiencies

Add a key skills section to show the various ways you can help a restaurant deliver positive dining experiences. Feel free to include soft skills, technical skills, point-of-sale (POS) systems, or various types of cuisine as long as each item overlaps in some way with your target restaurant job.

Below are some common skills and keywords for restaurant resumes:

How To Pick the Best Restaurant Resume Template

As with most vocations, restaurant workers should use a resume template that’s clear and straightforward. Opt for a layout that lets the hiring manager quickly spot your best career details. Select a traditional resume font , and avoid any template with a colorful or elaborate design. Also, ensure the template complies with applicant tracking systems (ATS) employers use to screen resumes.

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

The following hard and soft skills would be in demand on most restaurant candidate’s resumes.

Hard skills:

• Knowledge of all restaurant positions (culinary manager, hospitality manager, service manager)
• Financial management and budgeting
• Understanding of health and safety regulations
• Knowledge of food and beverage operations
• Inventory management
• Sales and marketing skills
• Understanding of POS systems
• Familiarity with restaurant industry trends
• Knowledge of labor laws
• Tech-savviness
• Understanding of restaurant KPIs
• Knowledge of menu engineering
• Data analysis skills
• Understanding of supply chain management
• Knowledge of wine and spirits
• Experience with event planning
• Ability to develop and implement marketing strategies
• Proficiency in a second language (optional but beneficial)
• Experience with employee scheduling
• Understanding of local food and drink regulations
• Experience with social media marketing
• Understanding of dietary restrictions and allergies

Soft skills:

• Excellent communication skills
• Leadership abilities
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Time management abilities
• Adaptability in various situations
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Creativity in problem-solving and innovation
• Passion for food and hospitality
• Ability to handle pressure and stress
• Strong customer service skills
• Conflict resolution abilities
• Decision-making skills
• Staff recruitment and training
• Attention to detail
• Negotiation skills
• Multi-tasking abilities
• Interpersonal skills
• Cultural awareness
• Project management skills
• Ability to uphold brand standards
• Ability to foster a positive work environment
• Listening skills
• Ability to implement and manage change
• Ability to motivate staff
• Ability to create and maintain relationships with vendors
• Strong work ethic
• Ability to cultivate a loyal customer base
• Ability to handle constructive criticism and feedback

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

I would look for a proven track record in a similar role is essential. This includes experience in managing daily operations of a restaurant, dealing with staff, customers, and suppliers, and making sure the restaurant meets its profitability goals.

Also, exceptional customer service skills are a must. Restaurant managers need to ensure customer satisfaction by providing excellent food and service. Understanding of financial management is crucial. This includes managing budgets, controlling costs, and ensuring the restaurant's profitability.

Strong supervisory and leadership skills are required. This includes the ability to motivate and manage a team, resolve conflicts, and make important decisions. Additionally, an understanding of state and industry regulations is necessary to ensure compliance. Depending on the role, experience in developing and implementing menu items can be a valuable skill. This includes understanding customer preferences and current food trends.

For leadership roles, the ability to hire, train, and retain staff is crucial. This includes conducting interviews, providing training, and overseeing staff development. Also, experience in marketing the restaurant through various channels, including social media, is increasingly important. As technology evolves, being comfortable using restaurant management software and digital platforms for ordering, reservations, and customer feedback is becoming more important.

With the growing demand for sustainability, knowledge, and implementation of sustainable practices in the restaurant industry could be a plus.

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

Candidates should articulate their management style and how it aligns with the restaurant's culture. This could be in the form of a written statement or during an interview. Also, showcase your leadership qualities, through examples of teams they've led, successful projects you’ve spearheaded, or your approach to team development and training. Provide a detailed account of their previous management experiences, including the size of the teams you’ve managed and the volume of business you’ve overseen. If possible share metrics around employee retention at past jobs.

Highlight specific accomplishments in your career. This can include instances where they have increased sales, improved customer satisfaction, or successfully managed a busy shift. Be ready to provide references from past employers, colleagues, or even subordinates. These references can provide insights into the candidate's work ethic, reliability, and effectiveness as a manager.

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

In your resume and cover letter, emphasize your skills that align with the demands of a restaurant manager. Key skills often include team management, customer service, budgeting, marketing, and knowledge of food safety regulations. Demonstrating proficiency in using restaurant management software will also give you an edge.

To excel as a restaurant manager, you need to be a great communicator, a problem solver, and a high degree of adaptability. Providing examples of these qualities during your interview will prove advantageous.

Attend industry events, engage with online communities, and join professional hospitality associations to build your network. These connections can provide valuable insights and potential job opportunities. Staying up-to-date with industry trends will prepare you for your role and demonstrate your passion for the industry to potential employers. To stay informed, subscribe to industry publications, attend webinars, and follow influential figures in the hospitality sector on social media.

Frequently Asked Questions: Restaurant Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for restaurant resumes -.

One of the best ways to enhance your resume is by starting each bullet point with a strong action verb. Dynamic verbs keep the hiring manager’s attention and show the varied nature of your experience. The following list can help you find a good mix of action verbs for your restaurant resume:

How do you align your restaurant resume with a job posting? -

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that between 2022 and 2032, jobs for food preparation and serving will increase at the average rate for all U.S. jobs, with around 2.5 million openings per year. 

You can get more interviews in this growing industry if you tailor your resume for each application. Look at the job post and highlight words that are repeated, emphasized, or otherwise seem important. These key words can tell you what details you may want to feature in your resume profile or key skills sections (as long as they’re accurate to your experience).

Another great way to tailor your resume 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 employers and the one who posted the job. For example, maybe you’ve worked for restaurants of a similar size or cuisine. Or you might have worked at restaurants with a similar service model, such as family style, fast-casual, or fine dining. Working these details into your descriptions makes your resume more relevant to the job opening.

What is the best restaurant resume format? -

Most restaurant workers should use the combination (or hybrid) format. True to its name, this format combines two important features of other resume formats: the chronological format’s experience section and the functional format’s profile section. (The resume examples on this page all use combination format.) 

A combination resume offers the best of both worlds by fusing these two features. The experience section lets you outline your recent work history – essential information for most employers. At the same time, the profile section lets you display your career highlights at the top, regardless of whether they’re from that work history or another part of your background. As a result, you can present yourself both clearly and strategically. With this format, you give hiring managers the best view of your experience and relevant strengths, so they can make an informed decision to call you for an interview.

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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.

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Restaurant Resume: A Complete Writing Guide & Examples

In this article, we will be discussing the importance of having a well-written restaurant resume and the key components that should be included in it. A restaurant resume serves as a primary tool that potential employers use to assess a candidate’s credentials, work experience, skill set, and qualifications. Crafting a well-written restaurant resume is essential to stand out from the crowd and make a great first impression.

Importance of a restaurant resume

A restaurant resume is an essential document when applying for any job in the hospitality industry, including restaurants, cafes, bars, catering services, and hotels. Having a comprehensive and well-written restaurant resume is crucial for any job seeker as it communicates their skills, experience, and work history to potential employers. In today’s competitive job market, an excellent restaurant resume can make the difference between landing a dream job or not getting a call back.

Key components of a restaurant resume

A well-written restaurant resume should include the essential components such as a professional summary, work experience, skills, education, and any relevant certifications. To craft a successful restaurant resume, it is important to highlight previous relevant work experience in the food and hospitality industry. Including any noteworthy achievements, such as increasing sales or managing a team of servers, can also elevate a candidate’s chances of getting hired. Additionally, including skills and certifications such as food handling, culinary skills, and wine expertise may also improve the likelihood of getting a job offer.

Having a strong restaurant resume is essential in today’s competitive job market. It is important to include the necessary key components that showcase your experience, qualifications, and skills to potential employers. In the next sections of this article, we will delve deeper into each component of a successful restaurant resume and provide some examples to help you craft a tailored and effective one for your job search.

As a restaurant job seeker, the research phase is crucial to ensure that you’re targeting the right industry and conducting an effective job search. Here are some tips to help you get started:

A. Researching your target restaurant industry

Start by researching your target industry in great detail. This will involve understanding the types of restaurants that operate in your area, the job market, industry trends, and competitive landscape.

Online research can be an excellent starting point. Look for industry publications, trade associations, and job boards that focus on the restaurant industry. Use this information to inform your job search strategy and tailor your resume to align with the expectations of the industry.

B. Analyzing job descriptions and requirements

Once you’ve identified opportunities in your target industry, review job descriptions and requirements in great detail. This will involve analyzing the language used and the specific skills and experience required.

Make a list of the requirements that consistently appear across the job descriptions you’re interested in. Use these as a guide to tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your most relevant skills and experience.

C. Identifying relevant skills and experiences

Finally, identify the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the jobs you’re targeting. Look for opportunities to showcase your experience in customer service, food preparation, organizational skills, leadership abilities, and problem-solving.

In your resume, highlight your accomplishments and specific responsibilities that showcase your skills and experience in these areas. Use action words and specific examples to help to demonstrate your value to potential employers.

By conducting thorough research, analyzing job descriptions, and identifying the most relevant skills and experiences, you’ll be well on your way to creating a winning restaurant resume.

Remember, the key is to tailor your resume to the specific needs of the industry, showcasing how your skills and experience make you the ideal candidate for the jobs you’re targeting.

Planning and Preparation

When it comes to crafting a strong restaurant resume, proper planning and preparation are essential. In this section, we will cover three important aspects to consider during this stage.

A. Choosing the Right Resume Format

The format you choose for your restaurant resume can make or break your chances of getting hired. There are three main types of formats to choose from: chronological, functional, and hybrid.

If you have a strong work history with no employment gaps and are applying for a job similar to your past roles, a chronological format is ideal. It lists your experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with your most recent position.

If you’re switching careers or have employment gaps, a functional format can help highlight your skills and achievements. This format focuses on your abilities rather than your work history.

Hybrid formats combine the best of both formats, allowing you to showcase your skills and experience chronologically. Choose the format that best suits your experience and career goals.

B. Gathering Personal and Professional Details

Before you begin crafting your restaurant resume, gather all the personal and professional details you’ll need. This includes your contact information, work history, education, skills, and achievements.

Ensure that your information is accurate, up-to-date and easy to read. Use bullet points to list your skills and achievements and quantify your achievements whenever possible.

C. Creating a Cover Letter

In addition to your restaurant resume, you’ll also need a cover letter that highlights why you’re the perfect candidate for the job. Use this opportunity to showcase your enthusiasm for the restaurant industry and explain how your skills and experience make you a great fit for the open position.

Ensure that your cover letter is tailored to the specific job you’re applying for and addresses the hiring manager by name, if possible.

By choosing the right format, gathering all the necessary information, and creating a stand-out cover letter, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a strong restaurant resume.

Writing the Restaurant Resume

Whether you’re a seasoned restaurant professional or just starting out in the industry, knowing how to write a compelling restaurant resume can make all the difference in your job search. Here are some tips to ensure your resume stands out from the crowd:

A. Writing an attention-grabbing resume objective

Your resume objective should be a brief statement that highlights your professional goals and what you can bring to the restaurant. A strong objective can make a great first impression and entice hiring managers to keep reading. Consider tailoring your objective to the specific restaurant you’re applying to, and make sure it’s clear and concise.

B. Highlighting relevant skills and experiences

When it comes to highlighting your skills and experiences, focus on those that are most relevant to the restaurant industry. This might include your experience working in busy kitchens, your customer service skills, or your ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. Be sure to provide specific examples to demonstrate your expertise.

C. Including industry-specific keywords

Using industry-specific keywords throughout your resume can help you get noticed by hiring managers and increase your chances of landing an interview. This might include words like “food preparation,” “menu planning,” “inventory management,” and “staff training.” Make sure to incorporate these keywords naturally throughout your resume, rather than forcing them in where they don’t fit.

D. Formatting and organizing the resume

Finally, formatting and organization are key when it comes to making a great impression with your resume. Use a clean and easy-to-read font, and make sure your resume is well-organized with clear section headings. You might also consider adding relevant graphics or images to help your resume stand out visually.

A great restaurant resume should demonstrate your passion for the industry, highlight your skills and experiences, and make a strong impression on potential employers. With these tips, you should be well on your way to crafting a winning resume that gets you noticed in the competitive restaurant job market.

Examples of Restaurant Resumes

When it comes to writing a restaurant resume, it can be helpful to see examples of resumes that have been successful in the past. Here are three examples of resumes for different restaurant positions:

A. General Manager Resume Example

Name:  Sarah Johnson

Contact Information:

• Phone: (555) 555-1234
• Email: sjohnson. [email protected]

Results-driven and detail-oriented restaurant professional with 8 years of experience in general management. Proven track record of driving operational efficiency, increasing revenue, and delivering exceptional customer service. Skilled in team leadership, financial management, and strategic planning. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Experience:

General Manager, XYZ Restaurant

• Oversaw daily operations of a high-volume restaurant, ensuring efficient service and customer satisfaction.
• Developed and implemented strategies to optimize profitability, including cost control and revenue generation initiatives.
• Managed a team of 30+ staff members, providing training, coaching, and performance evaluations.
• Established and maintained relationships with vendors, negotiated contracts, and managed inventory.
• Implemented quality control measures to ensure consistency in food and service standards.

Assistant Manager, ABC Restaurant

• Assisted the general manager in daily operations, including staff supervision, scheduling, and inventory management.
• Contributed to the development and implementation of marketing campaigns to drive customer traffic and increase sales.
• Monitored and maintained quality standards, addressing customer feedback and resolving issues promptly.
• Conducted training sessions to ensure staff adherence to company policies and procedures.
• Assisted with financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis.

Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management University Name, Year of Graduation

• Team Leadership
• Operations Management
• Financial Analysis
• Customer Service
• Staff Training and Development
• Inventory Management

B. Server Resume Example

Name:  John Anderson

Phone: (555) 555-5678 Email: [email protected]

Experienced and customer-focused server with a solid understanding of restaurant operations. Skilled in providing prompt and efficient service, maintaining a positive attitude, and building rapport with customers. Strong multitasking and problem-solving abilities.

Server, XYZ Restaurant

• Greeted customers, took orders, and provided menu recommendations in a friendly and knowledgeable manner.
• Demonstrated excellent knowledge of food and beverage offerings, ensuring accurate and efficient order delivery.
• Anticipated and fulfilled customer needs, ensuring a positive dining experience.
• Maintained cleanliness and organization of assigned work station, restocked supplies, and handled cash transactions.
• Collaborated with the kitchen staff to ensure timely and accurate order preparation.

Server Assistant, ABC Restaurant

• Assisted servers with table setup, refilling beverages, and delivering food orders.
• Ensured tables were clean and set according to restaurant standards.
• Responded to customer inquiries, provided assistance, and resolved any issues or complaints.
• Collaborated with the front-of-house team to ensure smooth and efficient service.
• Supported other areas of restaurant operations as needed.

High School Diploma School Name, Year of Graduation

• Food and Beverage Knowledge
• Order Taking and Delivery
• Problem Solving
• Communication Skills
• Attention to Detail

C. Line Cook Resume Example

Name:  Jessica Martinez

Phone: (555) 555-9012 Email: [email protected]

Talented and dedicated line cook with a passion for creating exceptional culinary experiences. Extensive knowledge of food preparation techniques, kitchen safety, and sanitation standards. Strong multitasking abilities and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments.

Line Cook, XYZ Restaurant

• Prepared and cooked menu items according to recipes and established standards.
• Ensured proper food handling, storage, and labeling procedures.
• Maintained a clean and organized work station, adhering to safety and sanitation guidelines.
• Collaborated with other kitchen staff to ensure efficient flow of orders and timely service.
• Assisted in inventory management, including monitoring stock levels and replenishing supplies.

Prep Cook, ABC Restaurant

• Prepared ingredients, including chopping vegetables, marinating meats, and measuring spices.
• Assisted in the assembly and garnishing of menu items.
• Followed recipes and portion control guidelines to ensure consistency in taste and presentation.
• Cleaned and sanitized kitchen equipment and utensils.
• Assisted in the receiving and storage of food deliveries.

Culinary Arts Certificate Culinary School Name, Year of Graduation

• Food Preparation
• Kitchen Safety and Sanitation
• Culinary Techniques
• Time Management

Use these examples as inspiration and customize them to highlight your own skills, experience, and qualifications. Remember to tailor your resume to the specific restaurant position you are applying for, and use action verbs to describe your achievements and responsibilities.

Tips for Writing a Standout Restaurant Resume

If you want to impress potential employers and land a job in the restaurant industry, follow these tips to make sure your resume stands out.

A. Quantify your achievements

Don’t just list your job responsibilities – use numbers and figures to showcase your accomplishments in previous roles. For example, if you increased sales or improved customer satisfaction, include those metrics to help demonstrate your value to potential employers.

B. Highlight your unique selling proposition

Think about what sets you apart from other candidates and make sure that stands out in your resume. Whether it’s your special skills, unique experience, or certifications, make sure to highlight them so that potential employers can see why you’d be the best fit for the job.

C. Focus on the most relevant experiences

Tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for by focusing on the experiences that are most relevant to that position. Highlight any experience you have working in a restaurant or similar industry, and emphasize the skills and knowledge that would be useful in the role.

D. Keep it concise and targeted

By following these tips, you’ll make sure your restaurant resume is a standout and lands you the job of your dreams!

Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Restaurant Resume

When it comes to crafting a restaurant resume, there are several common mistakes that you should avoid. These mistakes can make you appear unprofessional and may cost you a job opportunity. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:

A. Typos and grammatical errors

When you submit a resume, it is important to make sure that it is free of typos and grammatical errors. These mistakes can make your resume appear sloppy and unprofessional. Be sure to proofread your resume carefully before submitting it to potential employers.

B. Providing irrelevant information

When it comes to your restaurant resume, it is important to focus on the relevant information that will make you stand out as a candidate. Avoid including irrelevant information such as your personal hobbies, unless they are related to the industry or the job you are applying for.

C. Being too generic or vague

Generic or vague statements on your resume can make you appear as an unqualified candidate. Be specific with your skills and experiences, and tailor your resume to the needs of the specific job you are applying for.

D. Including false information

It may be tempting to embellish your skills or experience on your resume, but it is important to be truthful. Including false information on your resume can damage your reputation and cost you the job.

A well-crafted restaurant resume can be the key to landing your dream job in the industry. Avoiding these common mistakes can help you present yourself as a professional and qualified candidate.

Cover Letter Writing Tips

When it comes to crafting a restaurant resume, a well-written cover letter can set you apart from other applicants. Here are some tips to help you create a compelling cover letter:

A. Understanding the Purpose of a Cover Letter

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself to the hiring manager and explain why you are a good fit for the position. It should complement your restaurant resume by providing more information about your skills, experience, and qualifications.

B. Formatting and Organizing the Cover Letter

Your cover letter should be organized in a clear and easy-to-read format. Use a professional font and keep your paragraphs concise. Make sure you address the hiring manager by name and double-check for any spelling or grammar errors.

C. Including Relevant Experiences and Qualifications

Highlight your relevant experiences and qualifications that make you an ideal candidate for the position. Use specific examples to showcase your skills, such as your ability to handle busy shifts or knowledge of different cuisines.

D. Highlighting Your Motivation and Enthusiasm for the Position

Finally, it’s important to convey your motivation and enthusiasm for the position. Show that you have researched the company and know what they are looking for in a candidate. Share what excites you about the role and how you are committed to providing excellent service to customers.

By following these cover letter writing tips, you can make a strong impression on the hiring manager and increase your chances of landing the job.

Sample Cover Letters

In addition to a well-crafted resume, a strong cover letter is essential for securing a job in the restaurant industry. Below you will find three examples of cover letters tailored to specific positions within the industry.

A. Cover Letter Example for General Manager

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to apply for the General Manager position at [restaurant name]. My extensive experience in the food and beverage industry, combined with my leadership skills, make me an ideal candidate for this role.

I have worked in various roles within the industry, including server and bartender, and have advanced to management positions due to my hard work and dedication to providing exceptional customer service. In my current role as [current job title], I have successfully led a team of [number of employees] and have increased profits by [percentage or dollar amount].

As General Manager, I would bring a commitment to excellence, a passion for creating memorable dining experiences, and a proven track record of success in managing restaurant operations. I am confident that I can lead your team to even greater success and am excited to be considered for this opportunity.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further in an interview.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

B. Cover Letter Example for Server

I am excited to apply for the Server position at [restaurant name]. With my [number of years] years of experience in the food and beverage industry, I am confident in my ability to provide exceptional service to your customers.

In my current role at [current job title], I have developed strong communication and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work well under pressure. I am proficient in recommending menu items, taking orders accurately, and ensuring timely and efficient service.

As a team player with a positive attitude, I am committed to creating a welcoming environment for all customers. I am eager to contribute my skills to your team and ensure that each and every guest has a memorable dining experience.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview.

C. Cover Letter Example for Executive Chef

I am writing to apply for the Executive Chef position at [restaurant name]. As an experienced chef with a passion for crafting innovative dishes using locally sourced ingredients, I am thrilled at the opportunity to bring my skills to your team.

In my current role as [current job title], I have developed a reputation for creating dishes that are both delicious and visually stunning. I have led my team in creating seasonal menus and have established relationships with local farmers and food purveyors to ensure the freshest ingredients.

As Executive Chef, I would bring a commitment to excellence, a passion for creating new dishes, and a strong track record of culinary success. I am confident in my ability to lead your kitchen team to even greater heights and am excited to be considered for this opportunity.

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Restaurant resume examples & templates

Choosing the right resume format for restaurant jobs

Include your contact information, make use of a summary, outline your restaurant work experience, include the relevant key skills that make you a great restaurant employee, pick the right resume layout and design for a restaurant resume, what type of salary you can expect in restaurant jobs, restaurant resume text only.

Restaurants are some of the most popular workplaces for people at every stage of their careers. In fact, nearly one-third of all Americans had their first job in a restaurant! Restaurants offer a wide range of opportunities from entry-level positions as bussers and hosts to more advanced roles in the kitchen or as a restaurant manager.

Whether you’re looking for a summer server position or a full-time job as a sous chef, you’ll need a great resume that highlights your strengths and previous experience—or the right traits needed to work in a fast-paced environment. This restaurant resume example and guide is designed to help you create a job-winning application with ease.

Resume guide for a restaurant resume

Accelerate success with Resume.io. Our guides and resume examples cover over 500 professions, and our resume builder makes creating a compelling resume easier than ever.

This resume guide and corresponding restaurant resume example will cover the following:

• How to write a restaurant resume
• How to add your contact information
• Using summaries
• Adding your experience
• Listing education and relevant experience
• Picking the right resume design/layout
• What the restaurant job market looks like, and what salary you can expect

How to write a restaurant job resume

The very first step in writing your restaurant resume is understanding what sections to include. Your resume should contain the following elements:

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

Restaurants are a great place to gain professional experience even if you’re a student or recent grad. If you have limited experience, your restaurant job resume should be crafted to highlight your positive attitude and ability to quickly transition into the fast-paced environment of a restaurant.

Consider these points when writing your restaurant resume:

• While you’ll want to list any previous duties you’ve handled in restaurant settings, make sure to focus on accomplishments as well. Use numbers and statistics to give more weight to your employment history bullet points. You could describe the number of clients served, number of tables in the restaurant, or any awards you or the restaurant won.
• Your resume should be tailored to each restaurant you apply to. Customizing your resume means updating the skills and employment history bullet points to match the needs of the company, and also including the restaurant name and the job title in your professional summary. Also, make sure to update your formatting to match the vibe of the restaurant. A fine dining establishment will call for a different look than a homestyle diner.

Optimize for the ATS

While local restaurants may still ask for emailed or paper copies of your resume, larger chains will almost certainly use online hiring portals to collect applications. When applying online, remember that a human hiring manager may not be the first to read your resume. Virtually all medium and large companies now use ATS recruitment software built into online hiring portals to screen and evaluate candidates. These algorithms scan resumes for keywords—most of which you can find in the job description. Only the highest-ranking resumes pass through to be reviewed by the hiring manager while the rest get filtered out.

Here are a few steps to take to increase your chances of making it past this hurdle:

• Make sure to read the job description closely and highlight any duties or skills that are relevant to the specific restaurant and role.
• Place these “keywords” throughout your resume where appropriate for your skills and experience.
• Use the employer’s exact language to ensure that the ATS picks up the keywords you’ve included.
• Never try to cheat the ATS by adding excessive keywords or lying about your experience—the hiring manager will find out soon enough!

To learn more about conquering the ATS, check out our article on resume ATS optimization .

Choosing the right resume format for restaurant jobs can be tricky. The first question to ask yourself is “How much relevant experience do I have to show?”

If you have at least three hospitality or restaurant-related roles to add to your resume, then we recommend that you stick with the reverse chronological resume format. This format is focused primarily on the employment history section, listed in reverse chronological order , and allows you to expand on your academic and professional experiences up to this point. This is the format you will find in our adaptable restaurant resume example because it’s the structure that most hiring managers expect to see from professional candidates.

If you’re still a student or have virtually no experience, you may opt for the functional format . This format focuses on skills right at the top of the page and may include a very short employment history section, or no employment history section at all. A combination, or hybrid resume format , allows you to emphasize your skills while still showing a bit of previous work experience.

Your contact information allows the hiring manager to get in touch with you to set up an interview and is thus an extremely important part of your resume. Your name, phone number, and email address should be placed in an attractive and professional header at the top of the page. Here are some of the key pieces of information to include:

• Full name & title . List your first and last name and include the name of the role from the job description like head chef, server, host, busser, or restaurant manager.
• Professional email address . Use a clean format like [email protected] . Don’t use a quirky, unprofessional email address or an .edu even if you are a student.
• Phone number . List a number where you can be easily contacted and make sure to set up a professional voicemail greeting.
• Location . For restaurant jobs, be sure to list your city and state to show that you’re in the right area to be considered for the job. Your home address is not necessary.

If applying in the U.S., Canada, or the U.K., don’t include:

• Date of birth: Not necessary and could potentially lead to age discrimination .
• Personal details: Marital status, social security number, passport number , etc.

Tiffany Greenspan

Restaurant general manager

090-080-0000

[email protected]

restaurant worker

Restaurant managers are busy, so help them see your best attributes by creating a targeted summary. These 3-4 lines at the top of the page are meant to catch the employer’s attention and give them just enough information about your skills and experience to make them want to read the rest of your resume.

Start by including a few adjectives that describe your most impressive personality traits or amount of experience you have. Use action verbs in the simple past or present tense to talk about your accomplishments. Add numbers and statistics to quantify your successes and provide concrete details where possible. Name drop any impressive previous employers or awards that you or the restaurant won, and make sure to include the name of the restaurant you’re applying to for a personal touch.

Your summary, sometimes called a profile, should get to the point about why you’re a stronger candidate than others who have completed the same basic duties in restaurants. Make sure to match the tone with that of the restaurant and use specific language from the job description to show that you understand the employer’s needs.

Need inspiration for your summary? Check out our related resumes: 

• Restaurant manager resume sample
• Hospitality and catering resume example
• Server resume sample
• Cook resume example

You can find adaptable restaurant resume example summaries below:

Seasoned server with 10+ years of experience working in delivering first-class service to dining patrons in busy restaurants at banquets. Extremely customer-focused and dedicated to maintaining restaurant and food industry standards, while enhancing the positive reputation of dining establishments. Excited to bring customer service experience to the esteemed Dunley’s Dining Room.

Motivated and creative cook with several years of experience working in fast-paced kitchens. Adept in working with other culinary professionals to achieve goals and ensure customer satisfaction. Committed to using safe and sanitary cooking practices and maintaining an organized and clean cooking area. Ready to bring experience and fresh ideas to California Kitchen’s Brentwood location.

Attentive and effective restaurant manager with 5+ years of experience managing large, family-style dining rooms. adept in all aspects of successful restaurant management. Ability to motivate diverse teams and develop a sense of purpose and unity to create exceptional dining experiences for customers. Passionate about the food service industry and eager to bring my years of experience and growth to the Winham Farms Greenwood location.

Although you can land a restaurant job with no experience, hiring managers will be interested to see any previous work experience in restaurants or in hospitality positions. Start this section by listing your current (or most recent) job and working your way back to your first job (or until you’ve covered the past ten years of relevant experience). Include the job title, employer name, dates worked, and location.

Under each subheading, aim to add 3-5 bullet points that describe your key duties and accomplishments in concise statements, omitting “I.” To show the impact you had on previous workplaces, start each bullet point with an action verb like managed, organized, led, created, or crafted. Make sure to include numbers and statistics that show your value and achievements.

Take a look at these bland bullet points:

• “Served meals in busy restaurant”
• “Quickly took orders”
• “Worked with staff to clean tables”

Now check out these results-based points :

• “Memorized 25+ dishes and allergen information in high-end dining room”
• “Upsold wine, appetizers, and dessert to increase sales by 20%”
• “Collaborated with team to clear and reset 40 tables per service”

Take a look at the restaurant employment history resume sample below:

Lead Server at The Cheesecake Factory, Miami  November 2016 - Present 

• Train and mentor new servers, ensuring high standards of service and customer satisfaction
• Coordinate with kitchen staff and management to optimize restaurant operations and resolve issues
• Consistently receive positive feedback from customers and management for excellent service and professionalism

Bartender at Applebee's, Fort Lauderdale  July 2014 - October 2016 

• Created signature cocktails and provided expert recommendations to customers
• Managed bar inventory and placed orders to maintain adequate stock levels
• Collaborated with servers and kitchen staff to ensure timely and accurate service

How to write an restaurant resume with no experience

It’s totally possible to land a restaurant job with no experience. In fact, many restaurant workers are students or first time job seekers. However, there is still an art to crafting a resume with no experience and it comes down to showing that you have the right personality traits to learn quickly and thrive in the unique workplace that restaurants offer.

In order to write a restaurant resume with no experience, focus on any customer service or hospitality-related experience you do have and show the hiring manager why you’re a motivated candidate who is eager to learn and contribute.

If you’re a student, you can emphasize skills gained through education, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or personal projects that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and time management are valued by employers because they are hard to teach but can be applied across a wide variety of positions.

Don’t forget the power of personal connections as well. Ask family and friends if they have any connections within the restaurant industry and consider stopping by the location in person to meet the manager and make a positive first impression face to face before submitting your resume.

The skills section might seem like the easiest part of your resume to complete, but it actually serves a key purpose in getting you past the ATS we mentioned earlier and also showing the hiring manager your unique qualities at a glance. For servers and other restaurant workers, make sure to combine hard and soft skills to show that you’re a well-rounded candidate. Hard skills are technical proficiencies that are often industry-specific like POS systems, upselling, knowledge of wine, or cooking techniques. 

Soft skills , on the other hand, are personal traits like motivation, communication, collaboration, and adaptability that are extremely necessary to provide a positive customer experience in restaurants. Make sure to reread the job description for an idea of what the restaurant manager is looking for. 

Here’s what the skills box looks like in our restaurant resume template. 

Key Skills and Proficiencies

Detail your education & relevant certifications.

While you may not be required to have any formal education for restaurant jobs, the education section is an essential component of any complete resume and serves to provide the restaurant manager with an overall picture of your background. If you’re a recent grad, you may want to place this section above your employment history, while more experienced professionals should do the opposite. 

List your degrees and high school diploma from most recent to oldest as you did for your work history. Add the degree name, school, dates attended, and location. If you’re still a student, you can also add 1-2 bullet points that showcase academic achievements like leadership positions, relevant coursework, or impressive grades. Just make sure to only pick details that have a clear link to the restaurant job you’re applying to.

Beyond formal education, this section is a great opportunity to list certifications or training relevant to your restaurant work like food hygiene or bartending courses.

Associate of Science in Culinary Arts, Johnson & Wales University, North Miami  September 2012 - June 2014

To work in a restaurant, you won’t need an overly complicated resume layout, but you should still strive to create a positive and professional first impression through your design choices. Make sure your header stands out and clearly showcases your name and contact information. An accent color can help with this, although for more high-end restaurants, a neutral color scheme is often a better choice. 

Make sure to include lines for separating sections along with bolded subheadings and bullet points to keep your resume easy to read. Expertly designed resume templates are a great way to create a clean and professional look that you can easily adapt for each restaurant you apply to.

Restaurant job market and outlook

Restaurant employment continues to fluctuate since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, overall growth remains positive. According to the National Restaurant Association , demand for employees is still high, meaning you should be able to find a restaurant job during the course of your job search.

The salary for restaurant jobs varies widely based on location and the exact position, but here are a few examples of median annual salaries from U.S. data.

• Server: $21,722 via Salary.com
• Restaurant manager: $58,000 via Salary.com
• Line cook: $35,000 via Salary.com
• Host: $24,000 via Salary.com
• Fast food assistant manager: $47,000 via Salary.com

Experienced restaurant professional seeking a management position that utilizes my skills in team leadership, customer service, and efficient restaurant operations to contribute to the success and growth of a renowned dining establishment.

Employment history

• Customer Service 
• Excellent Communication Skills 
• Leadership Skills 
• POS systems 
• Extensive knowledge of food and beverage pairings

Key takeaways for building a restaurant resume

Restaurant jobs are a great stepping stone into the professional world, or even a possible career path for those looking to become chefs and managers. Make sure to create a resume that highlights relevant industry experience or focuses on transferable skills and motivation if you’re still a student. Use action verbs, numbers, and concrete information to clearly explain why you’re the best candidate for the specific role.

A strong layout and presentation is also an important part of showing a hiring manager that you would fit into the restaurant work environment. Our online resume builder allows you to quickly create an attractive resume to impress employers and land a restaurant job in no time.

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates

How to Write a Kick-Ass Restaurant Resume

Resume & Interview Tips

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A Guide To Writing a Simple Yet Effective Restaurant Resume So You Can Land Your Dream Job and Enter the Beautiful Hospitality Field!

While restaurant work is unique, the hiring process follows many of the same steps as any other industry, and it all starts with submitting a resume. 

Crafting a resume that highlights your skills in a way that connects with the job you’re applying for is essential to making a great first impression and hopefully landing that interview—but it’s easier said than done. 

Many of us hate talking about ourselves and find it challenging to connect the dots between our experiences and what is asked for in a job post. 

To help you out, we’re breaking down the basics of writing a kick-ass restaurant resume so you can start your job search on the right foot. 

3 Steps To Writing a Resume for a Restaurant

Restaurant resumes don’t need to be super fancy—but there are a few steps that you don’t want to miss. We’ll break down the basics here. 

Step 1: Introduce Yourself with a Professional Summary or an Objective Statement

Including a professional summary or an objective statement at the top of your resume is a great way to stand out from other applicants. It can demonstrate your enthusiasm and build context around your resume and the job you’re applying for.  

While they seem similar, they do serve different purposes. Knowing when to use one over the other is best to get the most out of your resume. 

A professional summary is appropriate if you’re experienced in the role you’re applying for. 

Highlight your qualifications in a short paragraph of about 2-3 sentences. 

Basic Professional Summary Example:

“Dedicated hospitality professional with over five years of experience providing exceptional service in fast-casual restaurant settings. Leveraging a strong knowledge of wine, beer, and spirits, I increased sales by 15% through thoughtful recommendations that enhanced the customer experience.”

Adding specific achievements, like increasing sales, decreasing food waste, improving operations, etc, are nice to have in a resume—but it’s not always necessary. Don’t get hung up on it if you’re unsure what to include. A general statement will work just fine! 

If you’re applying for an entry-level position or changing careers, an objective statement would be more fitting than a professional summary. 

Again, include 2-3 sentences highlighting your career goals and what you hope to achieve in the position you’re applying for. 

Basic Objective Statement Example:

“Motivated retail professional with a strong background in customer service, eager to bring my skills to a full-service restaurant as a host. My enthusiasm for the hospitality industry and my commitment to exceptional service make me a valuable asset to your team.” 

Whether including a professional summary or an objective statement, you always want to tailor it toward the role you’re applying for. So you’ll likely do some light editing to this part of your resume between applications. 

Pro Tip:   The professional or objective statement shouldn’t replace a cover letter . While it may seem redundant, you can go into more detail in a cover letter and address specific job requirements.

Step Two: Build Your Work History

Your experience is the star of your resume—so you’ll want to spend some time fine-tuning your message by ensuring that you only include relevant information. 

Tips to consider when writing your work history: 

• Include the most recent 3-5 experiences
• Organize experiences in reverse chronological order
• Focus on the core responsibilities and achievements of each role
• Use action verbs and keywords from the job descriptions

Suppose your work history has gaps, or you don’t have recent hospitality experience. In that case, you should include a cover letter to explain the reasoning and highlight your career goals when applying for the positions. 

You can also tailor each work history to highlight transferable skills that will help you succeed in the role you’re applying for. But again, be sure to utilize that cover letter to further connect the dots between your resume and your application. 

While you might not need to edit your work history each time you apply for a job—it’s a good idea to go through and find opportunities to tailor experiences. 

Pro Tip: Create an original resume document that you can use as your starting point. Then, each time you want to apply for a job, make a copy and edit it to tailor it to the specific role. 

Step 3: Add Education, Certifications, and Additional Sections

Reserve the last part of your resume to include education, volunteer experiences, or certifications relevant to the role. 

Education and volunteer experiences should be listed with dates and in reverse chronological order as you did with your work history, while certifications can be listed in any order. 

Remember, just because you have a long list of things to include doesn’t mean you need to add them all to your resume—so prioritize the experiences and certifications that will give you a leg up as a candidate. 

Alternatively, you can add a skills section if you don’t have relevant education or certifications. Use bullets to organize a list of soft and technical skills that prepare you to succeed in the role. 

It’s a good idea to format this section into two columns to optimize the space in your resume. 

Pro Tip: If you have any recognitions or awards, be sure to include them as an additional section below your work history. 

Characteristics of a Good Restaurant Resume 

If this isn’t your first rodeo and you’re just looking for general recommendations to ensure your resume isn’t overlooked—no problem. 

As an employment site for the hospitality industry, we see thousands upon thousands of resumes daily and know a good one when we see it. 

Here are the top characteristics of a good restaurant resume:  

• Relevant Every experience, certification, and skill included in your resume must be relevant to the position you’re applying to. Review your resume for information unrelated to the job description and either remove it or make it relevant.
• Concise Ideally, your resume should only be a single page long. Ensuring the relevancy of the information you include will help, but you can also remove any fluff words or extra descriptions that obscure your qualifications for the position. 
• Tailored  The key to a great resume is showing how your experience aligns with the job you’re applying for. Review the job description and tailor your professional or objective statements, work experiences, and education or certifications. Use keywords to address specific requirements listed in the job description. 
• Simple Your resume needs to be easy to comprehend and scan—don’t let complex formatting get in the way. Just stick to a simple format, utilizing subheadings and bullet points, and let your experience speak for itself. 
• Proof Read Proofing your resume is essential to making a great first impression. You don’t want blaring typos, grammatical errors, or formatting issues to make your resume look unprofessional and rushed. Getting fresh eyes on your resume by sharing it with a friend is a great way to spot any problems. 

Once your resume is built and ready to go, check out who’s hiring on Poached ! As the nation’s leading hospitality employment site, you’ll find the best jobs in your area or land a fun destination job, and the best part is that it’s free to anyone looking for work in the industry! 

Plus, we have tools to help you manage your resumes and applications to stay on track of your career goals. 

About the author

Ashley McNally likes to cook, loves to bake, and is always dreaming of her next meal. With over 13 years of experience working in various roles within a restaurant — McNally has made a home in hospitality.

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How to write a restaurant resume?

[ Click here to directly go to the complete restaurant resume sample. ]

"The secret of a successful restaurant is sharp knives." - George Oswell

One common thing that every restaurant job profile need is a resume that gets noticed by the recruiters.

Here is the chance to sharpen your restaurant resumes with help from the expert guides at Hiration.

Brace yourself for a complete renovation of your resume for restaurant with professional help and a little effort from you.

Here is a summary of our Restaurant Resume 2022 Guide:

• Give your resume an individual identity of its own by writing your full name as the resume header. Avoid writing "CV" or "resume" as your header.
• Use the reverse chronological order across all sections in your resume for restaurant jobs.
• Avoid lengthy paragraphs and strictly stick to framing points
• Incorporate the keywords that the recruiter has used in your target job-listing for your restaurant resume as long as you can justify using these keywords in your resume.

An individual cannot run a restaurant on his/her own. There is a web of job profiles that need to be filled up by different individuals as per their expertise.

Well, it does not matter as long as you know where you stand in your professional status.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to frame your resume for restaurant job profile that you are cut out for.

This blog also contains various restaurant resume examples to provide visual assistance in helping you to frame your resume for restaurant job.

By the end of this blog, you will learn:

• What is a resturant resume?
• How to write a professional resume header?
• How to present your personal informaiton in the restaurant resume?
• How to create a professional experience section in the restaurant resume?
• How to write your education section on the restaurant resume?
• How to write a professional restaurant resume summary?

In the meanwhile, you can use Hiration's Online Builder to write a shortlist-worthy resume from scratch. It contains 100+ content templates and 25+ design templates that you can use to curate the perfect resume for you.

You can go to our online builder to get pre-filled templates and fill them with your details as per the requirement.

This blog will cover the following topics:

What is a Restaurant Resume & why do you need it?

[ Back to Table of Content ]

Your resume is the first means of interaction between you and the recruiter. It can be the reason for your selection and the reason for your rejection (bitter as it may be, it can go either way!).

This is why your resume is important. This is also the same reason you need to perfect it.

However, writing a shortlist-worthy resume in today's world is not easy because of the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) that most recruiters today are using to meet their recruitment needs.

Without a resume that ranks high on the ATS, you have a very limited chance of getting shortlisted for your target job.

You need a resume that is ATS worthy and for that, you need expert guidance.

And here's the best part:

We will help you write an ATS-targeted restaurant resume from scratch and we have also provided restaurant resume examples for you to frame the perfect resume.

So read on!

In the meanwhile, if you're new at writing resumes and don't know where to start, head over to Hiration's Guide for beginners on how to write a resume.

Here is the complete sample of your restaurant resume:

• Organized extravagant events every 3 months to boost & promote brand name which generated 20% more revenue
• Generated 30% of customers foothold by booking and hosting live shows & game screenings of final matches
• Monitored 200+ seat dining room service to ensure guest satisfaction & deliver high-quality service
• Furnished seating arrangements to manage 20+ reservations daily & walk-in customers simultaneously
• Communicated with customers to ensure 100% satisfaction with the ambience & service of the restaurant
• Interfaced with 30+ customers daily to assess & recommend dishes to up-sell special items on the menu
• Streamlined customer acquisition strategies to increase the sale of memberships programs by 15%
• Maintained constant communication between management & other employees to provide smooth operations
• Trained 8 servers on restaurant methodology and practices for detail & comprehensive understanding
• Managed a team of 60+ to provide high-quality service to customers
• Supervised & coordinated with a staff of 40+ to provide fast & courteous customer service
• Accurately communicated with 20+ kitchen staff & entered orders into POS systems to facilitate billing
• Memorized restaurant’s wine stock leading to daily wine sales of USD ~170, increasing the company's average by 15%
• Implemented new menu introduction strategies which increased customer purchases of seafood by 10% on average
• Provisioned 30+ tables after getting the customers seated by presenting menus & assisting with their orders
• Administered food resource & memorized orders in a 140+ seat restaurant by writing the patron’s food orders on slips
• Operated POS terminals to input customer orders by swiping credit cards & entering cash amounts received
• Preserved hygienic dining experience for customers by keeping neat tables & floors of the dining area
• Felicitated as 'Best Server' by getting 80% votes of customers in the 2017 Customers' Choice Award
• Accumulated 15% revenue during the wine tasting event attended by 120+ customers
• Languages : English, Spanish, French

Restaurant Resume Sections

Make your resume for a restaurant job stand out above all other applicants by perfectly framing every section in your resume for a restaurant.

Every section plays a different part in enhancing your restaurant resumes. You cannot neglect any of the sections in your resume.

Here is the list of all your functional sections that need to be filled:

• Personal Information
• Profile Title
• Professional Experience

The list given below refers to the optional section that you need to fill if you need to enhance your restaurant resume:

• Certifications (if any)
• Awards & Recognition (if any)
• Volunteering Experience (if any)
• Additional Information (if any)

You can also read our 2022 Guide to writing sections in a resume to learn all about resume sections.

How to write your Restaurant Resume?

Framing a flawless resume for restaurant can be tricky and confusing due to its complexities. But that can be solved if you follow the three important steps given below:

• Master Restaurant-Resume
• First draft Restaurant-Resume
• Final draft Restaurant-Resume

Read on to understand the importance of these given steps which have been elaborated below:

Master Restaurant Resume

Composing the Master Restaurant Resume is the first stage of writing the perfect resume for restaurant. In this stage, you have to store all your career-related information in one place.

All you have to do is compile all the information that you might need while drafting your restaurant resumes.

Doing so will not only help you in writing your resume in the current time-line but also for future updates in your resume whenever there is a need.

You need not worry about those points which may seem unclear or irrelevant for your present profile as it can be used for future reference in case you want to update your resume.

Gathering all your information in the master draft restaurant resume will save you time and also help you avoid missing out on important points that can help enhance your efficiency.

First Draft of Restaurant Resume

Your resume consists of various section that reflects your information and details in various ways. Creating proper resume sections enhance your chance of being shortlisted.

Curate the following sections in your restaurant resume:

• Personal information
• Profile title

You can add these optional sections (if any) as per the requirement of the target job profile:

• Certification
• Awards & recognition
• Additional information

Final Draft of Restaurant Resume

In the final draft of your restaurant resume, create two very important sections:

Key skills section: This is the 2nd last thing to be composed in your resume for restaurant because you fill this section by scanning through your professional experience section. Listing out all your efficient points that are required in the target job helps enhance your restaurant resume skills.

Summary/Objective: Now the last thing to be composed is your summary/objective. For any experience above 3 years, you will have to write a summary. An objective should be written when you have anything less than 2 years of experience.

Follow the steps as discussed above while framing your restaurant resume to have a professional approach towards any target job profile that you are applying for.

You can also use our Resume Builder which is stocked with ready-to-use restaurant resume templates that you can personalize to suit your target job profile.

Restaurant Resume: Header

Your resume header is important. It needs to be as perfect as the rest of your resume.

Hiration Pro Tip : The header of your resume should have your full name. This gives your resume an individual identity of its very own. It also reduces the possibility of your resume getting mixed up with other resumes.

The important points to keep in mind while writing your header is listed below:

• You should not write “CV” or “Resume” as your resume header as it is implicit that you are submitting a resume.
• Write your full name to in the topmost part of your resume in 16-20 font size.
• Write only the initial in case you have a middle name.
• Example: Hailey Stan Bronson should be written as "Hailey S. Bronson".

Read our Guide on how to write the header on a resume , for more details on how to frame your name as the header of your restaurant resume.

Here is a snap of the header of your restaurant resume example for reference:

Go to Hiration Online Resume Builder to create your restaurant resume.

Restaurant Resume: Personal Information

The personal information is your contact information details which you share with the recruiters.

There is no excuse for you to get this section wrong at any cost. This is the only source for the recruiter to contact you.

Let us get an insight into what your personal information consists of:

Phone number: Always provide your active functional number. This will enable an interested recruiter to get in touch with you. So do yourself a favor and correctly compose your resume without spelling mistakes. Use your ISD Code as a prefix before your mobile number. Example:(+1) 82374 29371

E-mail ID: This is the most convenient way for the recruiter to get to you, so work on this and provide only your official email ID. Do not expect a recruiter to take you seriously if your email ID is [email protected] or [email protected] . Make sure to structure your professional email ID in this format: [email protected] .

Location: Unless you are inviting the recruiter over for dinner (which is not something you would do) do not give your home address. Provide only your current city of location. In case you are willing to re-locate make sure you mention that.

Be responsible for your personal information section and avoid adding unnecessary details that are not required by the recruiters.

For more details on how to write your personal information section, you can read our Guide on writing personal information on a resume.

Here is one of our restaurant resume examples to have a better understanding of what your personal information ideally consists of:

You can go to Hiration Online Resume Builder to create your resume:

Restaurant Resume: Profile Title

Your most recent job title is your profile title.

It is an important feature of your restaurant resume because it helps the recruiter to identify your level of seniority in your functional industry.

The below-attached restaurant resume example illustrates the ideal profile title:

From the restaurant resume example, we can make out that the applicant is a senior-level hostess as per her profile title.

So you see, the profile title in your resume leaves an impact on your professional status to the recruiters.

Here is a chance to get your free Resume Review Service from the experts of Hiration:

Restaurant Resume: Professional Experience

Treat your professional experience section as a huge blank canvas where you will be painting your previous work experience.

Let us get started with your masterpiece.

The following points can help you in perfecting your professional experience section:

STAR Format

• Framing points

Bucketing & Bolding

Use only one-liner points in the STAR format to create a cause-effect relationship in your statements.

STAR stands for:

• S : The situation you found yourself in at a workplace
• T : Every task that you were assigned as per the situation
• A : Any action that you took up to perform a given task
• R : The result of the action

STAR format makes your points specific and clear for the recruiters to understand what you are capable of as per your professional experience.

It elaborates on your previous work situation and the roles & responsibilities complied by you which produced positive results.

Adding the number of figures helps to specify your contribution and achievements for your previous organization to enhance your efficiency.

Framing Points

Paragraphs make your resume unnecessarily bulky and hard to read for comprehension.

On the other hand, framing your statements with bullet points makes your resume easier for the recruiter to read & comprehend.

No recruiter will spend more than 6 mere seconds to scan through your resume. So the trick is to make it easier for the recruiter to grasp your efficient skills at first glance.

Let us look at the given restaurant resume examples for better comprehension:

"Throughout my experience in the food and beverage service, I made sure to memorize the restaurant’s wine stock and led to daily wine sales averaging $170, which was higher than the company average sale. New strategies were implemented by me which ultimately led to an increase in the customer purchases of seafood by 10% on average. I was also responsible for the management of table service. My role was to provision 30+ tables after getting the customers seated and assisting them with their orders. I have also administered food resources in a 140+ seat restaurant by writing the patron’s food orders on slips and delivering a satisfying food and beverage service to the customers."

Memorized restaurant’s wine stock leading to daily wine sales averaging $170, higher than the company average Implemented new strategies and led to customer purchases of seafood by 10% on average Provisioned 30+ tables after getting the customers seated & assisting with their orders Administered food resource in a 140+ seat restaurant by writing the patron’s food orders on slips

Framing points: Analysis

Now, which restaurant resume example do you think a recruiter would prefer?

Any recruiter is more likely to read example 2 over example 1 because of the obvious fact that it is more readable and easier to comprehend.

We can conclude that from the given restaurant resume examples, it is wiser to frame points instead of using lengthy paragraphs to compose the professional experience section of your restaurant resume.

Bucketing & bolding enhances the effectiveness of your professional experience on your restaurant resume.

Let us look at the given restaurant resume examples to analyze why bucketing & bolding is important:

Monitored 200+ seat dining room service to ensure & deliver high-quality service Supervised & coordinated with 40+ staff to provide the best customer service. Managed 20+ reservations daily & walk-in customers simultaneously Communicated with customers to ensure 100% satisfaction of ambience & restaurant service Interfaced with 30+customers to assess & recommend dishes to up-sell items on the menu Streamlined customer acquisition strategies to increase 15% sale of memberships programs

Dining Room Management & Reservations Monitored 200+ seat dining room service to ensure & deliver high-quality service Supervised & coordinated with 40+ staff to provide the best customer service. Managed 20+ reservations daily & walk-in customers simultaneously Customer Relationship Management Communicated with customers to ensure 100% satisfaction of ambience & restaurant service Interfaced with 30+customers to assess & recommend dishes to up-sell items on the menu Streamlined customer acquisition strategies to increase 15% sale of memberships programs

Bucketing & Bolding: Analysis

Both the given restaurant resume examples are readable but if you observe closely, you can see that example 2 is more specific as compared to example 1.

In example 2 we have simply listed similar points under unique subheadings (bucketing) to make sure that the recruiters notice your key responsibilities.

Framing points alone are not enough, so use bolding to highlight your prominent skills and achievement to emphasize the highlights of your career in each statement.

You can also look at the restaurant resume example for better understanding of how your professional section should be framed:

Make sure to read our Guide to writing Professional Experience on a resume .

Restaurant Resume: Education

Your educational qualification has a huge impact on your restaurant resume. It enhances your level of efficiency in the target job.

The education section should be structured as given below:

{Name of the school/university} | {Location} | {Dates} (in month and year format) {Name of the degree} | {CGPA}

Add your GPA on your resume only if it is 3.0 or higher. Anything lower than that will be a disaster.

Be smart with what you skip and what you add to your restaurant resume.

Read our Guide: Education Section for more information.

Here is the one of the restaurant resume examples to see what your education section should consist of:

You can go to our online resume builder for creating your flawless restaurant resume:

Restaurant Resume: Certifications

This is an optional section to enhance your resume. Any added certifications can portray you as a promising candidate.

Look at the format for writing this section:

{Name of certification} | {Affiliating Institution} | {Location} | {Date} (in month and year format)

You can also read our 2022 Guide to list certification on a resume .

Restaurant Resume: Awards & Recognition

This is another important section that helps to enhance your restaurant resume.

Awards & recognitions make a statement of your achievements & career highlights which helps to make you stand out amongst other applicants.

Make sure to write only those awards that are relevant to your target profile because unnecessary pieces of information will not add value to your job application in any way.

For more information on this section, you can go to our Guide to writing awards & recognition on a resume .

Restaurant Resume: Volunteering Experience

Another important feature of your resume for restaurant is the volunteering experience section, especially for those with no professional exposure.

It is a hallmark of showmanship and initiative-taking, which is insanely attractive to a recruiter.

Volunteering experience can be anything and for your restaurant resume, you can mention any voluntary contribution related to catering or service, hospitality, or management.

Skip this section if you have enough professional experience.

In case you need more details on this section, you can read our Guide to writing volunteer work on resume .

Get your resume reviewed for free at Hiration’s Resume Review Service:

Restaurant Resume: Additional Information

This is the section to list all the additional information that will brand you as an efficient candidate.

You can mention any relevant hobbies you keep or languages that you speak.

Speaking more than one language is always seen as a plus point, especially in customer-facing industries such as a restaurant.

Thus, if you are multi-lingual, you should mention this fact in this section of your restaurant resume.

Look at one of the restaurant resume examples to have a visual understanding of how you can write your additional information section:

Check out our online resume builder to frame your perfect restaurant resume.

Restaurant Resume: Key Skills

Recruiters scan this section to look for relevant skills in a candidate. They check this section to see if you have enough skills required in the target job profile.

Every restaurant resume skills you mention must be justified in your professional experience section.

It is necessary to create a separate technical skills section if you are writing a resume for any technical related job profile.

For example, if you are writing restaurant resume skills that are related to any technical work, then it is a must to add your technical skills section.

Our Guide on how to list your skills on a resume will help you in perfecting this section.

Here is the restaurant resume example of what your restaurant resume skills section should consist of:

Go to Hiration Online Resume Builder to avail 100+ content templates and 25+ design templates:

Restaurant Resume: Summary

A summary of your resume is a brief overview of your professional experience and efficiency. Here is the chance to leave a positive impression on the recruiter.

If you frame the perfect summary, you are set to get in the good books of the recruiters.

Now, a resume summary should only be written by those professionals with 3 years or above of professional work experience. See if you fit in this criteria before writing one.

Mention your years of experience and add your prominent key skill to justify your contribution & achievements in your previous organizations.

Read our detail Resume Summary Guide for a better understanding of this section.

Look at the restaurant resume example to understand how a summary should be framed in your resume for restaurant:

From the restaurant resume example, we can see that a perfectly framed summary can get the recruiter to notice your efficiency with just a glance.

Restaurant Resume: Objective

Write an objective if you have minimal work exposure of 0-3 years. The trick here is to focus on any relevant skills, internship experience, and volunteering experience (if any) in this section.

This creates a positive impact on the recruiter and helps you demonstrate that despite the lack of experience, you have what it takes to contribute to the growth of your target organization.

Read our Guide to writing objective in a resume for more clarity on how an objective needs to be framed.

Avail 100+ content templates and 25+ design templates from our online resume builder to write your restaurant resume, the professional way:

Restaurant Resume Word Template

You can use Hiration's Professional Resume Review Service for your restaurant resume.

Your resume will be reviewed by our professional industry experts who will comprehend the below-given parameters:

• Compliance with industry norms
• Recruiter Friendliness
• Global Compatibility
• Resume Formatting (font, margins, the order of sections, etc.)
• Performance Assessment
• Design Compatibility
• Conversion Scope
• ATS Compliance
• Content Relevance

You can also avail free word template of your resume after it is reviewed.

Restaurant Resume Builder

The following resources are made available with the use of Hiration's Online Resume Builder to make your restaurant resume:

• Option to save unlimited resumes
• 20+ resume designs
• Full rich-text editor
• Unlimited PDF downloads
• 100+ content templates
• 1-click design change
• A sharable link
• Live resume editor

Here is your chance to create your perfect restaurant resume. Click on the Hiration's Online Resume Builder for your flawless resume for restaurant.

Key Takeaways

Here is a list of important points for you to keep in mind and follow religiously to frame your flawless restaurant resume:

• Resume summary and key skills should be written at the end, even though they appear on the top of your resume.
• Retain keywords only and do not use phrases in your key skills sections
• Your key skills section should ideally have the keywords mentioned in the job profile that you are interested in.
• Begin all one-liner points in your work experience with a power verb.
• Use power verb in the past tense for past profiles/projects and present continuous tense for present profiles and projects.
• Use bolding and bucketing in your work experience section to emphasize on your efficiency and create cause-effect relations.
• Use a resume summary if you have over 3 years of work experience, else write an objective to describe your zero to less than 3 years of work experience.

You have reached the end of our Blog Layout Guide for step-by-step instructions on the standard format that we follow for blog writing at Hiration.

Go to Hiration resume builder and create a professional resume for yourself. Additionally, reach out to us at [email protected] and you can get 24/7 professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries.

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Restaurant Worker Resume Examples

Writing your resume as a restaurant worker can be a daunting task. Restaurants often require a range of skills and experiences, and it can be difficult to decide what to include in your resume. This guide will provide you with tips on how to write a resume for a restaurant role, as well as helpful examples of successful resumes that other restaurant workers have used to get their dream job. With the right structure, content and formatting, you can create an effective restaurant worker resume that will help you stand out from the competition and get the job.

If you didn’t find what you were looking for, be sure to check out our complete library of resume examples .

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Restaurant Worker

123 Main Street | Anytown, USA 99999 | Phone: (123) 456-7890 | Email: [email protected]

Dedicated and organized restaurant worker with 10 years of experience in the food industry. Experienced in food preparation, customer service, cleaning, stocking, and other duties essential to a successful business. Possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to stay focused and on- task in a fast- paced work environment.

Core Skills :

• Food Preparation
• Customer Service
• Time Management
• Interpersonal Skills
• Positive Attitude

Professional Experience :

Kitchen Worker – Joe’s Cafe, Seattle, WA – 2009- 2019

• Prepared food orders as they were received, followed instructions from the cooks and wait staff
• Assisted with all aspects of kitchen operations, including stocking, cleaning, and organizing
• Ensured all safety and sanitation protocols were followed, including following HACCP standards
• Worked with the team to keep the kitchen running smoothly and efficiently

Server – Joe’s Cafe, Seattle, WA – 2003- 2009

• Greeted customers, took orders, and served meals
• Provided excellent customer service, resolving customer complaints in a professional manner
• Ensured tables were cleared and cleaned quickly and efficiently
• Collaborated with the kitchen staff to ensure timely food delivery

Education : High School Diploma – Seattle High School, Seattle, WA – 2001

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Restaurant Worker Resume with No Experience

Highly motivated and energetic individual with a passion for working in the restaurant industry. A quick learner who is looking to gain experience and knowledge while providing excellent customer service.

• Outstanding customer service
• Solid communication skills
• Flexible and adaptable
• Ability to take direction
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work in a fast- paced environment
• Basic computer skills
• Knowledge of food safety

Responsibilities

• Greet customers and take orders
• Assist in food preparation
• Ensure that food is served in a timely manner
• Ensure that the dining area is neat and clean
• Stock and restock supplies
• Follow food safety regulations
• Monitor food quality and quantity
• Follow all company policies and procedures

Experience 0 Years

Level Junior

Education Bachelor’s

Restaurant Worker Resume with 2 Years of Experience

A hardworking and proactive restaurant worker with 2 years of experience in the food service industry. Skilled in facilitating customer service and organization of kitchen and pantry areas. Able to effectively communicate with supervisors and coworkers in a highly demanding environment.

• Food preparation
• Food Safety
• Cash register operation
• Inventory management
• Customer service
• Multi- tasking

Responsibilities :

• Prepared food according to recipes and instructions
• Maintained clean and sanitary conditions of kitchen and pantry
• Ensured food safety standards were consistently followed
• Followed cash- handling procedures
• Monitored inventory and ordered supplies as needed
• Took orders from customers, relayed orders to kitchen staff and served meals
• Assisted customers with inquiries
• Collaborated with colleagues to provide an efficient and pleasant dining experience
• Resolved customer complaints in a timely and professional manner

Experience 2+ Years

Restaurant Worker Resume with 5 Years of Experience

Highly motivated and experienced Restaurant Worker with five years of comprehensive experience in the hospitality industry. Adept at providing exemplary customer service, dealing with challenging clientele, taking orders, and providing assistance to customers. Skilled in problem- solving and multitasking in a fast- paced environment. A team player with excellent work ethics, attention to detail, and a passion for providing quality service.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Outstanding customer service and problem- solving skills
• Knowledge of restaurant operations and procedures
• Ability to handle difficult customer service issues
• Demonstrated ability to multitask
• Experience with POS systems
• Time management capabilities
• Greeted customers and provided assistance in selecting menu items
• Responded to customer inquiries and resolved customer issues
• Ensured customer satisfaction by anticipating their needs and providing excellent customer service
• Answered phone calls and took orders
• Processed payment transactions and handled cash
• Kept the restaurant clean, sanitary, and orderly
• Maintained inventory records and tracked supplies
• Ensured all food items were cooked and presented according to standards
• Assisted in food preparation and serving of meals
• Operated the cash register and handled cash transactions
• Prepared and served drinks as well as prepared salads, desserts, and appetizers
• Assisted in closing duties and restocking supplies
• Trained new employees and provided on- the- job coaching

Experience 5+ Years

Level Senior

Restaurant Worker Resume with 7 Years of Experience

A highly motivated and experienced restaurant worker with 7 years in the foodservice industry. Possessing excellent customer service and communication skills, as well as a strong understanding of all restaurant operations. Skilled in menu and dish preparation, team management and training, financial operations and inventory management. Proven track record of providing top quality service and ensuring maximum customer satisfaction.

• Menu and Dish Preparation
• Team Management and Training
• Financial Operations
• Inventory Management
• Communication
• Greet customers, take orders, and ensure customer satisfaction
• Train and manage staff to ensure all operations are running efficiently
• Create, implement, and maintain daily menus and dish preparation
• Manage the financial operations of the restaurant, including cash handling, bank deposits, and inventory management
• Lead a team of employees, providing training and guidance as necessary
• Ensure the highest quality of customer service is provided at all times
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment for both customers and employees

Experience 7+ Years

Restaurant Worker Resume with 10 Years of Experience

Experienced restaurant worker with 10 years of experience in various restaurants. Skilled in customer service, food preparation, and cleaning. Dedicated to providing a high quality of service to each customer. Thrives in fast- paced and highly demanding work environment.

• Food safety regulations
• Order taking
• Cash handling
• Problem solving
• Greet customers, take orders and serve food
• Prepare meals according to recipes
• Maintain a clean, safe and sanitary work area
• Follow food safety regulations and guidelines
• Inform customers of specials and menu changes
• Assist with opening and closing duties
• Clean and restock work areas
• Handle cash, credit card transactions and other payments
• Ensure customer satisfaction by addressing customer concerns and complaints
• Answer phones and transfer calls to appropriate staff members
• Assist kitchen staff with food preparation, serving and cleaning.

Experience 10+ Years

Level Senior Manager

Education Master’s

Restaurant Worker Resume with 15 Years of Experience

Hardworking and dedicated restaurant worker with 15 years of experience in the foodservice industry. Skilled in customer service, food prep, and inventory management. Experience in maintaining the highest standards of food sanitation and safety. Proven ability to multi- task and handle the stress of a busy restaurant atmosphere. Committed to delivering excellent customer service and providing patrons with a pleasant dining experience.

• Food Safety and Sanitation
• Cash Handling
• Greet customers, take orders, and deliver food, beverages, and desserts in a timely manner
• Ensure that all food items are prepared according to company standards
• Maintain a clean work environment and follow all safety and sanitation guidelines
• Train new employees in restaurant operations and procedures
• Monitor inventory levels and order items as needed
• Balance cash registers and collect payments from customers
• Assist with food prep when needed and assist with other duties as assigned

Experience 15+ Years

Level Director

In addition to this, be sure to check out our resume templates , resume formats ,  cover letter examples ,  job description , and  career advice  pages for more helpful tips and advice.

What should be included in a Restaurant Worker resume?

When it comes to the restaurant business, employers are looking for applicants with experience and the right skill set. A well-crafted resume is an important tool for showcasing your qualifications and experience. If you have experience as a restaurant worker, crafting an effective resume is essential for getting the job you want. Here are some tips on what to include in your restaurant worker resume:

• Contact Information: Include your name, address, email and phone number at the top of the resume.
• Professional Summary: Summarize your qualifications and experience in a few sentences. Include information about your education, certifications and any special skills related to the restaurant business.
• Work Experience: Include a list of all of your restaurant-related work experience. For each job, list the year, the employer, the position title and a few sentences describing your duties and accomplishments.
• Education: Include any relevant education or certifications related to the job. If you do not have formal education, list any training or courses you have taken.
• Skills: List all of the skills you have which are related to the restaurant business. Include skills related to customer service, cooking, food safety, food preparation and serving.
• Language: List any languages you are proficient in, if applicable.
• Computer Skills: List any computer programs or software you are familiar with.
• Awards & Recognition: Include awards you have received or recognition for your work in the restaurant industry.

By using these tips, you can create a powerful resume for restaurant work that will help you stand out from the competition. With a well-crafted resume, you can increase your chances of getting the job you want.

What is a good summary for a Restaurant Worker resume?

A restaurant worker resume should be organized in a manner that clearly states your qualifications and experiences in the industry. It should include information such as job title, duties and responsibilities, accomplishments, and any relevant education or training. In addition, it should include any awards or certifications received, as well as any work experience outside of the restaurant industry. To make a great impression, it should also highlight your communication, customer service, and organizational skills. Lastly, it should include a positive summary of your overall experience as a restaurant worker. This summary should provide a brief overview of your skills and accomplishments, as well as your strengths and any positive customer feedback received.

What is a good objective for a Restaurant Worker resume?

A restaurant worker is an integral part of the team in any restaurant. A resume objective is a statement that sets the stage for the entire resume and sets the tone for the reader. When constructing a resume objective for a restaurant worker, it is important to keep in mind the job you are applying for and the goals of the restaurant.

A good objective for a restaurant worker resume should include:

• Demonstrating strong customer service skills
• Proving a commitment to the highest standards of food quality and safety
• Showing an ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrating the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and customers
• Possessing the ability to work as an individual or in a team setting
• Offering a flexible schedule and reliable attendance
• Providing up to date knowledge on the latest trends in the restaurant industry
• Promoting a positive atmosphere in the workplace
• Working towards the goals of the restaurant to ensure customer satisfaction.

How do you list Restaurant Worker skills on a resume?

When applying for a restaurant job, it is important to highlight your relevant qualifications on your resume. It is essential to include any skills or experience related to the job that you possess. Here is a list of some key skills to consider including when applying for a restaurant job:

• Food Preparation: Being able to work quickly and accurately in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Having knowledge about food handling regulations and safety protocols.
• Customer Service: Possessing excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Demonstrating an ability to provide exceptional customer service.
• Cooking: Having the necessary experience and knowledge when following recipes and preparing meals. Being able to operate food preparation equipment and apply the appropriate cooking techniques.
• Cleaning: Having the ability to clean and sanitize kitchen surfaces, equipment and utensils. Understanding the importance of following food safety guidelines.
• Knowledge of Menus: Having a working knowledge of the restaurant’s menu and being able to explain menu items to customers.
• Cash Handling: Having the ability to accurately handle cash transactions. Being familiar with point of sale (POS) systems, inventory management systems and cash registers.
• Teamwork: Demonstrating the ability to work effectively with other staff members. Being able to take direction, delegate tasks and provide feedback as needed.

By highlighting these skills on your resume, you will be able to showcase your qualifications and be more likely to secure the job.

What skills should I put on my resume for Restaurant Worker?

When creating a resume for a restaurant worker position, it is important to showcase the skills that will make you the ideal candidate for the job. Restaurant workers need to have a variety of skills to be successful. Here are some of the skills you may want to include on your resume:

• Customer service: As a restaurant worker, you will interact with customers on a daily basis. Make sure to include any customer service experience you have, such as working in a retail or hospitality setting.
• Multitasking: A restaurant worker must be able to multitask and prioritize tasks in order to keep the restaurant running smoothly.
• Food knowledge: It’s important to have an understanding of food and the ability to accurately describe dishes to customers.
• Food safety: As a restaurant worker, you need to have an understanding of food safety regulations and be able to safely handle food.
• Teamwork: Being able to work as part of a team is essential for any restaurant worker. Be sure to highlight any team experience you have.
• Attention to detail: As a restaurant worker, you must be detail-oriented and able to pay attention to small details that can make or break a customer’s experience.
• Adaptability: The restaurant industry can be unpredictable and it’s important to be able to adapt to changing customer needs and expectations.

By including these skills on your resume, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the skills necessary to excel in a restaurant worker role.

Key takeaways for an Restaurant Worker resume

When applying for a job as a restaurant worker, it’s important to make sure your resume stands out from the competition. A resume should highlight your relevant experience, skills, and strengths in order to make a positive impression on potential employers. Here are a few key takeaways that can help you create a resume that will get you noticed:

• Highlight your experience: Whether it’s in a fast-food chain or a five-star restaurant, list any experience you have in the hospitality industry. Detail specific duties you’ve handled in the past such as customer service, food preparation, or other tasks.
• Showcase your skills: Restaurant workers need to possess a variety of skills from multitasking to problem-solving. Make sure to include any skills you have that are relevant to the position.
• Demonstrate your reliability: Employers want to know that you’re dependable and can handle the job. List any awards or commendations you’ve received for your work and provide examples of how you’ve gone above and beyond expectations.
• Include references: Providing a list of references is a great way to show potential employers that you’re the right candidate for the job. Make sure to include their contact information and the positive qualities you think they can attest to.

By following these key takeaways, you can create an impressive resume that will help you stand out from the competition and land that restaurant job.

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9 Real Restaurant Manager Resume Examples That Worked in 2024

Restaurant Manager

Best for senior and mid-level candidates

There’s plenty of room in our elegant resume template to add your professional experience while impressing recruiters with a sleek design.

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

Restaurant Manager Resume

• Restaurant Resumes by Experience
• Restaurant Resumes by Type

If not for restaurant managers, nothing would get done in the restaurant industry. You hire personnel, coordinate schedules, order supplies, facilitate a warm environment, and maintain the budget. Your job helps shape modern social relations, community, city structure, and economy.

You shouldn’t have to become a professional at resume or cover letter writing to show employers your potential.

Thankfully, that’s not necessary. We’ve reviewed countless restaurant manager resumes, built tons of resume examples , and discovered what works and what won’t for landing interviews.

We distilled that information into nine free restaurant manager resume samples to help you make a resume to impress in 2024.

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• Your restaurant manager resume should  show  rather than tell your job performance. Use metrics to discuss the employees you managed, health inspection scores, quarterly or annual returns, money saved through efficiency, reviews, and staff retention.
• Important : don’t spell out the numbers. Numerals break up the visual monotony of letters and catch hiring managers’ eyes.
• If you opt for a summary, customize it to each job you apply for. Review the job description and incorporate essential skills. It’s additionally important to mention the restaurant by name.
• It might seem like a headache, but you’ll score fewer interviews if you fail to customize and mass spam a generic resume to employers.

Restaurant Assistant Manager Resume

• Try using words like “spearheaded” and “overhauled” to highlight the ability to work without constant supervision.
• Check the job description of the positions for which you apply. Though you can include skills related to all restaurant management jobs, you’ll have the best chance of getting past the ATS if you match your skills to those highlighted in the job description.
• Because of the competition for restaurant manager jobs, hiring teams automate the initial stage with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to accelerate the review process. Recruiters can filter resumes for specific job skills to remove any who may be a poor fit.
• Include relevant skills for restaurant managers, such as customer service and interpersonal skills, troubleshooting, organization, leadership, and flexibility.

Entry-Level Restaurant Manager Resume

• Demonstrating a history of serving, bartending, and supervising on your entry-level restaurant manager resume shows that you know the nuances of a dining establishment well enough to keep things running smoothly.

Restaurant General Manager Resume

• Employers try to sift through applicants quickly to determine legitimate candidates. Placing your most significant experience at the top of the page will ensure your restaurant general manager resume lands in the interview pile rather than the bin. 
• Focus on successes with metrics to back them up. For example, instead of writing “ job duties included budgeting and basic accounting skills ,” your resume would shine with “ generated restaurant target sales figures and individual server target sales, analyzing weekly data to make improvements, resulting in annual sales 11% above targets .”

Restaurant Assistant General Manager Resume

• Phrases with hard-hitting numbers, such as cutting labor costs by $376 per week and saving 16 minutes per day… and reducing food waste by 902 pounds and saving the restaurant $5,637 per month are precisely what we’re talking about here.

Fast Food Restaurant Assistant Manager Resume

• You want to go through the job description in detail, highlighting the buzzwords pertinent to the open position. Then, get creative and weave them appropriately into your masterpiece. It’s like seasoning your application just right to make sure it gets through that automated gatekeeper and catches the recruiter’s eye.

Restaurant Bar Manager Resume

• Find examples of how you streamlined processes across teams to bolster your resume. For instance, finding innovative ways to communicate with the kitchen staff shows your ability to make operations easier for everyone.

Pizza Restaurant Manager Resume

• If you have a background at any restaurant, you can highlight transferable skills. For instance, highlight using ingredients before spoilage as a chef (saving the restaurant money), engaging in positive customer service, and increasing delivery efficiency.
• Use active voice, action words, concise sentences, and metrics in every bullet point as you build your resume  to make your application professional and polished.

Fast Food Restaurant Manager Resume

• It’s best to highlight the most relevant jobs on your fast food restaurant manager resume . These should be at least two and no more than four work experiences.
• We recommend including three to six bullet points for each work experience and less than 200 characters per point. To achieve the most impact in the fewest characters, you need to use quantifiable metrics.
• If this is a challenge, don’t sweat it.  Writing the perfect resume  is no easy feat and may require some adjustment. Use our  resume checker  to see how you can make improvements that land you more interviews.

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Resume Examples

September 05, 2024

15 Cook Resume Examples

Cook up a resume that leaves hiring managers floored. These cook resume examples will help you become a surefire interviewee.

Resume Examples and Guide For

Recent Culinary School Graduate

Line cook with internship experience, fast food cook transitioning to restaurant, sous chef with 5+ years experience, head cook at fine dining restaurant, experienced banquet cook.

Pastry Cook

Vegan/Vegetarian Specialist Cook

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• What's the Best Education for a Cook Resume?
• What's the Best Professional Organization for a Cook Resume?

What Are the Best Awards for a Cook Resume?

What are good volunteer opportunities for a cook resume, what are the best hard skills to add to a cook resume, what are the best soft skills to add to a cook resume, what are the best certifications for a cook resume, tips for an effective cook resume, how long should i make my cook resume, what should the focus of a cook resume be.

An updated and modern resume is your secret ingredient to landing the perfect cooking job. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting your journey in the kitchen, this comprehensive guide will provide you with a smorgasbord of resume examples and expert advice to help you create a resume that sizzles. From entry-level line cooks to experienced sous chefs, we've got you covered with a variety of resume templates tailored to different experience levels and specialties in the cooking profession.

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Entry-Level Cook Resume Examples

This recent culinary school graduate resume example is perfect for a fresh culinary school graduate looking to secure their first professional cooking position. It highlights educational achievements and relevant internships.

Kelly Torres

[email protected] - (555) 123-4567 - Olathe, KS

Recent culinary school graduate with a passion for creating innovative dishes and a strong foundation in culinary techniques, seeking an entry-level cook position to apply my skills and contribute to a dynamic kitchen team.

Line Cook Intern

Gourmet Bistro

05/2022 - 08/2022

• Assisted in food preparation for a high-volume restaurant, serving 200+ covers daily
• Learned and executed proper food handling and safety procedures
• Collaborated with kitchen staff to maintain cleanliness and organization

Associate of Culinary Arts

Olathe Culinary Institute

09/2021 - 04/2024

• GPA: 3.8/4.0

Certifications

ServSafe Food Handler Certification

First Aid and CPR Certified

Knife skills • Food safety and sanitation • Basic sauce making • Meal planning and prep • Time management • Team collaboration

Why this resume is great

This resume shines because it emphasizes the recent graduate's culinary education and relevant internship experience. The objective statement clearly states the candidate's goal and passion. The skills section highlights both technical and soft skills crucial for a cook. Including certifications and awards demonstrates the candidate's commitment to excellence and food safety standards.

This line cook resume example showcases how to leverage internship experience to land a full-time line cook position, emphasizing practical skills gained in a professional kitchen setting.

Mateus Dias

[email protected] - (555) 987-6543 - Bridgeport, CT

Dedicated line cook with hands-on internship experience in fast-paced restaurant environments. Skilled in food preparation, kitchen sanitation, and team collaboration. Seeking to apply my culinary skills and passion for cooking in a full-time line cook position.

Savory Sensations Restaurant

01/2023 - Present

Bridgeport, CT

• Assist in preparing ingredients and assembling dishes for a menu of 30+ items
• Maintain cleanliness of workstation and adhere to food safety regulations
• Collaborate with kitchen staff to ensure timely food delivery during peak hours

Kitchen Assistant (Part-time)

Campus Dining Hall, Culinary Institute of America

09/2022 - 12/2022

• Prepared and portioned ingredients for large-scale food service operations
• Assisted in maintaining inventory and placing orders for supplies
• Ensured proper food storage and labeling practices

Associate of Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts - Culinary Arts

Culinary Institute of America

09/2022 - 12/2023

Hyde Park, NY

HACCP Principles Certification

Food preparation and presentation • Knife skills and culinary techniques • Kitchen equipment operation • Inventory management • Time management and multitasking • Teamwork and communication

This resume effectively highlights the candidate's internship experience, demonstrating practical skills gained in a professional kitchen. The summary succinctly presents the applicant's background and career objective. The experience section details specific responsibilities and achievements, showing familiarity with essential kitchen tasks. The skills section balances technical abilities with important soft skills, making this resume appealing to potential employers in the culinary field.

This fast food cook transitioning to restaurant resume example illustrates how a fast food cook can effectively present their skills and experience when seeking to transition into a traditional restaurant setting.

[email protected] - (555) 246-8101 - Joliet, IL

Energetic and adaptable cook with 2 years of experience in fast-paced food service environments. Seeking to leverage my speed, efficiency, and customer service skills in a traditional restaurant setting. Committed to maintaining high food quality standards and contributing to a positive kitchen atmosphere.

Burger Bonanza

06/2021 - Present

• Prepare and cook menu items for a high-volume fast food restaurant, serving 500+ customers daily
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation, adhering to strict food safety guidelines
• Collaborate with team members to ensure efficient order fulfillment during peak hours
• Received "Employee of the Month" award twice for outstanding performance and teamwork

High School Diploma

Joliet High School

09/2017 - 05/2021

Food preparation and cooking techniques • Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance • Speed and efficiency in high-pressure environments • Strong multitasking abilities • Excellent team communication • Basic understanding of various cuisines

This resume effectively bridges the gap between fast food and traditional restaurant cooking. It emphasizes transferable skills such as efficiency, teamwork, and adaptability. The professional summary clearly states the candidate's goal of transitioning to a restaurant setting. The work experience section highlights achievements and responsibilities relevant to any kitchen environment. Additional information about online courses and volunteer work demonstrates the candidate's commitment to expanding their culinary knowledge and skills.

Experienced Cook Resume Examples

This sous chef resume example showcases the skills and experience of a seasoned sous chef looking to advance their career in a high-end restaurant.

Camila D'Souza

[email protected] - (555) 369-2580 - Bellevue, WA

Innovative and detail-oriented Sous Chef with over 5 years of experience in upscale restaurants. Skilled in menu development, kitchen management, and staff training. Known for creating unique dishes that blend traditional techniques with modern culinary trends. Seeking to bring my passion for culinary excellence and team leadership to a prestigious restaurant.

Fusion Flavors Restaurant

03/2018 - Present

Bellevue, WA

• Assist Executive Chef in managing kitchen operations for a 120-seat fine dining establishment
• Develop and implement new menu items, resulting in a 15% increase in customer satisfaction
• Train and supervise a team of 12 line cooks, improving kitchen efficiency by 20%
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and maintain a 5-star health rating

Gourmet Grove

06/2015 - 02/2018

• Prepared high-quality dishes for a farm-to-table restaurant serving 150+ covers nightly
• Collaborated with the chef team to create daily specials using seasonal ingredients
• Maintained excellent food presentation standards, receiving consistent positive customer feedback

Bachelor of Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management

05/2015 - 05/2015

St. Helena, CA

Certified Sous Chef (CSC)

Advanced Food Safety Manager Certification

Advanced culinary techniques • Menu planning and development • Inventory management and cost control • Staff training and leadership • Food safety and sanitation • Wine pairing and mixology basics

This resume excellently portrays a seasoned sous chef ready for career advancement. The professional summary concisely presents key strengths and career objectives. The work experience section demonstrates a clear progression from line cook to sous chef, with specific achievements quantified. The skills section balances culinary expertise with essential management abilities. Certifications and awards add credibility and showcase the candidate's commitment to professional growth. The diverse language skills are a valuable asset in multicultural kitchen environments.

This head cook resume example is tailored for an experienced head cook looking to maintain their position in a high-end, fine dining establishment.

Thomas Schmidt

[email protected] - (555) 741-8520 - New York, NY

Accomplished Head Cook with 8+ years of experience in fine dining establishments. Expert in French and Italian cuisines, with a flair for modern gastronomy. Proven track record of leading kitchen teams, maintaining food quality, and enhancing dining experiences. Seeking to continue excelling in a prestigious fine dining environment.

Le Petit Château

09/2017 - Present

New York, NY

• Oversee daily kitchen operations for a Michelin-starred restaurant serving 80+ covers nightly
• Collaborate with Executive Chef to design seasonal menus and innovative tasting experiences
• Manage a team of 15 kitchen staff, fostering a culture of excellence and creativity
• Implement cost-saving measures, reducing food waste by 25% while maintaining quality
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety standards, maintaining a perfect health inspection record

Bella Italia

06/2013 - 08/2017

• Assisted in managing kitchen operations for a high-end Italian restaurant
• Developed and executed daily specials, increasing average check size by 18%
• Trained and mentored junior kitchen staff, improving team efficiency by 30%

Associate Degree - Culinary Arts

09/2010 - 05/2013

Certified Executive Chef (CEC)

Advanced Sommelier Certification

Advanced culinary techniques (French and Italian cuisines) • Menu planning and recipe development • Kitchen team leadership and training • Inventory management and cost control • Food presentation and plating artistry • Wine pairing expertise

This resume effectively showcases the expertise of a seasoned head cook in fine dining. The professional summary immediately highlights key strengths and specialties. The work experience section details significant achievements and responsibilities, demonstrating leadership and culinary skills. The education and certifications underscore the candidate's formal training and ongoing professional development. The skills section balances culinary expertise with essential management abilities. Awards and language skills add extra value, making this resume stand out in the competitive fine dining sector.

This experienced banquet cook resume example is designed for an experienced banquet cook seeking a position in a large-scale catering or hotel kitchen environment.

William Wilson

[email protected] - (555) 159-7530 - Hollywood, FL

Dedicated Banquet Cook with 6+ years of experience in high-volume catering and hotel kitchens. Skilled in preparing diverse cuisines for large-scale events, from intimate gatherings to grand galas. Adept at maintaining food quality and presentation while meeting tight deadlines. Seeking to bring my expertise in banquet operations to a prestigious hotel or catering company.

Senior Banquet Cook

Grand Plaza Hotel

07/2017 - Present

Hollywood, FL

• Lead food preparation for banquets and events serving up to 1,000 guests
• Collaborate with the culinary team to develop and execute diverse menu options for various dietary needs
• Manage food production timing to ensure all dishes are served fresh and at optimal temperature
• Train and supervise junior banquet cooks, improving team efficiency by 25%
• Implement portion control measures, reducing food costs by 15% while maintaining quality

Banquet Cook

Seaside Catering Company

05/2015 - 06/2017

• Prepared hot and cold dishes for various off-site events, ranging from 50 to 500 guests
• Assisted in menu planning and food presentation for themed events and weddings
• Ensured proper food handling and storage during transportation to maintain quality and safety

Florida Culinary Institute

09/2011 - 04/2015

Certified Working Pastry Chef (CWPC)

ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification

Large-scale food preparation • Menu planning for diverse events • Food safety and sanitation in banquet settings • Time management and multitasking • Team leadership and coordination • Buffet setup and presentation • Workshop on International Cuisines • Advanced Garde Manger Techniques Seminar

This resume effectively highlights the specific skills and experience required for a banquet cook position. The professional summary immediately emphasizes the candidate's expertise in large-scale food preparation. The work experience section details key responsibilities and quantifiable achievements in banquet and catering environments. The skills section balances technical culinary abilities with essential soft skills for banquet operations. Additional training demonstrates the candidate's commitment to expanding their culinary knowledge. This resume showcases a well-rounded banquet cook ready to take on challenges in high-volume food service settings.

Specialized Cook Resume Examples

This pastry cook resume example is tailored for a pastry cook with a passion for creating delectable desserts and baked goods in a professional kitchen setting.

Frank Cooper

[email protected] - (555) 963-8520 - Hayward, CA

Creative and detail-oriented Pastry Cook with 4 years of experience crafting exquisite desserts and pastries. Skilled in a wide range of baking techniques, from classic French pastries to innovative modern creations. Known for precision, artistic presentation, and the ability to work efficiently in high-pressure environments. Seeking to bring my passion for pastry arts to a renowned restaurant or bakery.

Sweet Dreams Patisserie

09/2019 - Present

Hayward, CA

• Create and execute a daily selection of pastries, cakes, and desserts for a high-end bakery
• Develop new recipes and seasonal dessert menus, increasing pastry sales by 20%
• Prepare intricate sugar and chocolate decorations for custom wedding and special event cakes
• Train and mentor junior pastry cooks in advanced baking techniques and food safety practices
• Manage ingredient inventory and coordinate with suppliers to ensure quality and freshness

Junior Pastry Cook

06/2017 - 08/2019

• Assisted in preparing desserts and pastries for hotel restaurants and room service
• Contributed to the creation of dessert menus for special events and holiday promotions
• Maintained cleanliness and organization of the pastry kitchen, ensuring compliance with health regulations

Associate Degree - Baking and Pastry Arts

09/2014 - 04/2017

Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC)

Advanced pastry and baking techniques • Cake decoration and sugar work • Chocolate tempering and sculpting • Recipe development and scaling • Food cost control and inventory management • Team collaboration and time management

This resume shines for a pastry cook position by highlighting specialized skills and experiences in the pastry arts. The professional summary immediately captures attention with the candidate's creativity and technical proficiency. The work experience section demonstrates a clear progression in responsibilities and achievements specific to pastry work. The skills section balances technical pastry abilities with essential soft skills. Awards and certifications add credibility and showcase the candidate's dedication to excellence in the pastry field. This resume paints a picture of a well-rounded pastry professional ready to elevate any dessert program.

This sushi chef resume example is crafted for an experienced sushi chef looking to showcase their expertise in Japanese cuisine and sushi preparation techniques.

Hiroshi Park

[email protected] - (555) 789-4560 - Oceanview, CA

Skilled Sushi Chef with 7 years of experience in authentic Japanese cuisine and modern fusion techniques. Expert in fish selection, preparation, and artistic presentation of sushi and sashimi. Committed to maintaining the highest standards of food quality, hygiene, and customer satisfaction. Seeking to bring my passion for Japanese culinary arts to a prestigious sushi restaurant.

Head Sushi Chef

Sakura Sushi Bar

Oceanview, CA

• Lead a team of 5 sushi chefs in a high-volume restaurant serving 200+ covers daily
• Source and select premium-quality fish and seafood from local and international suppliers
• Create innovative sushi rolls and seasonal omakase menus, increasing customer retention by 30%
• Train junior chefs in proper sushi preparation techniques and Japanese culinary traditions
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and maintain a spotless sushi bar

Umami Japanese Restaurant

06/2014 - 02/2018

Bayside, CA

• Prepared a wide variety of sushi, sashimi, and traditional Japanese dishes
• Assisted in inventory management and cost control for the sushi bar
• Collaborated with the head chef to develop fusion dishes combining Japanese and local flavors

Certificate in Japanese Culinary Arts

Tokyo Sushi Academy

04/2014 - 04/2014

Tokyo, Japan

Certified Sushi Professional

Expert knife skills and fish butchery • Sushi and sashimi preparation • Knowledge of Japanese ingredients and seasonings • Menu development and food costing • Customer interaction and education • Team leadership and training

This resume excellently showcases the specialized skills and experience of a sushi chef. The professional summary immediately highlights the candidate's expertise in Japanese cuisine and sushi preparation. The work experience section details key responsibilities and achievements specific to sushi chef roles, demonstrating progression and leadership. The skills section balances technical sushi-making abilities with important soft skills like customer interaction. Additional training and certifications underscore the candidate's commitment to continuous learning in Japanese culinary arts. This resume presents a well-rounded sushi chef ready to elevate any Japanese dining experience.

This vegan/vegetarian specialist cook resume example is designed for a cook specializing in vegan and vegetarian cuisine, highlighting their expertise in plant-based cooking techniques and menu development.

Brittany Miller

[email protected] - (555) 321-7890 - Paterson, NJ

Innovative Vegan/Vegetarian Specialist Cook with 5 years of experience in plant-based cuisine. Skilled in creating flavorful, nutritionally balanced dishes using a wide variety of plant-based ingredients. Passionate about promoting sustainable and ethical food practices. Seeking to bring my expertise in vegan and vegetarian cooking to a forward-thinking restaurant or health-focused establishment.

Lead Vegan Chef

Green Leaf Bistro

08/2018 - Present

Paterson, NJ

• Develop and execute seasonal plant-based menus for a 60-seat vegan restaurant
• Create innovative meat and dairy alternatives using whole food ingredients
• Train and supervise a team of 6 cooks in vegan cooking techniques and food safety
• Collaborate with local organic farmers to source fresh, sustainable produce
• Conduct cooking demonstrations and workshops for customers, increasing community engagement

Vegetarian Line Cook

Sprout & Spice Restaurant

05/2016 - 07/2018

• Prepared a diverse range of vegetarian and vegan dishes for a busy farm-to-table restaurant
• Assisted in menu development, focusing on gluten-free and allergen-friendly options
• Maintained strict adherence to cross-contamination prevention protocols

Associate Degree in Culinary Arts with Focus on Plant-Based Cuisine

Natural Gourmet Institute

05/2016 - 05/2016

Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate

Advanced plant-based cooking techniques • Vegan baking and dessert preparation • Nutritional balance in menu planning • Raw food preparation • Allergen management and substitutions • Sustainable kitchen practices

This resume effectively highlights the specialized skills and experience of a vegan/vegetarian cook. The professional summary immediately emphasizes the candidate's expertise in plant-based cuisine and commitment to sustainable practices. The work experience section showcases progression in vegan cooking roles, detailing key responsibilities and achievements. The skills section balances technical plant-based cooking abilities with important aspects like nutritional planning and allergen management. Additional training and volunteer work demonstrate the candidate's passion for plant-based cooking and community engagement. This resume presents a well-rounded vegan/vegetarian specialist ready to innovate in plant-based culinary settings.

Industry-Specific Cook Resume Examples

This hotel restaurant cook resume example is tailored for a cook seeking a position in a hotel restaurant, emphasizing versatility and the ability to handle diverse culinary demands.

[email protected] - (555) 654-3210 - Las Vegas, NV

Versatile and efficient Hotel Restaurant Cook with 6 years of experience in luxury hotel kitchens. Skilled in preparing diverse cuisines for multiple dining outlets, from casual to fine dining. Adept at handling high-volume service while maintaining food quality and presentation standards. Seeking to bring my culinary expertise and adaptability to a prestigious hotel restaurant.

Senior Cook

Grand Oasis Resort & Casino

Las Vegas, NV

• Prepare dishes for multiple hotel restaurants, including fine dining, casual dining, and room service
• Assist in menu development for seasonal offerings and special events
• Coordinate with banquet team to execute large-scale catering events for up to 500 guests
• Train and mentor junior cooks in various cooking techniques and hotel kitchen procedures
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards across all hotel food service operations

Luxe Hotel & Spa

06/2015 - 08/2017

Coastal Springs, CA

• Rotated through various stations in the main kitchen, gaining experience in different cuisines
• Assisted in preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner services for hotel guests
• Maintained cleanliness and organization of the kitchen, adhering to strict health regulations

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts

09/2012 - 04/2015

Certified Culinarian (CC)

Diverse culinary techniques (French, Italian, Asian, American cuisines) • High-volume food preparation • Menu planning and recipe standardization • Food cost control and inventory management • Team collaboration and communication • Adaptability to various dining concepts

This resume effectively showcases the diverse skills required for a hotel restaurant cook. The professional summary immediately highlights the candidate's versatility and experience in luxury hotel settings. The work experience section demonstrates progression in responsibilities and the ability to handle multiple dining outlets. The skills section balances culinary expertise with essential abilities for hotel operations, such as high-volume preparation and adaptability. Additional training shows commitment to expanding culinary knowledge. This resume presents a well-rounded hotel restaurant cook capable of excelling in various dining concepts within a hotel environment.

This catering company cook resume example is designed for a cook specializing in catering services, emphasizing skills in large-scale food preparation and event management.

Santiago Garcia

[email protected] - (555) 987-6543 - Pembroke Pines, FL

Dynamic and organized Catering Cook with 5 years of experience in high-volume food preparation for diverse events. Skilled in menu planning, on-site cooking, and maintaining food quality during transport and service. Adept at managing multiple tasks under pressure while ensuring client satisfaction. Seeking to bring my expertise in catering operations to a reputable event catering company.

Senior Catering Cook

Gourmet Events Catering

07/2018 - Present

Pembroke Pines, FL

• Prepare and execute menus for various events, ranging from intimate gatherings to large corporate functions of 1000+ guests
• Collaborate with event planners to create customized menus tailored to clients' preferences and dietary requirements
• Manage on-site cooking and food presentation for off-premise events
• Train and supervise a team of 8 catering cooks, improving efficiency and food quality
• Implement portion control and food cost reduction strategies, resulting in a 15% decrease in food waste

Catering Assistant

Tasty Bites Catering

05/2016 - 06/2018

• Assisted in food preparation and packaging for various catered events
• Maintained proper food safety and sanitation practices during transport and on-site service
• Helped with setup and breakdown of catering equipment at event venues

09/2014 - 04/2016

Certified Catering Professional (CCP)

Large-scale food preparation and planning • Menu customization and development • Food safety in transport and on-site service • Equipment handling and maintenance • Time management and multitasking • Client relations and communication

This resume effectively highlights the specific skills and experiences crucial for a catering cook. The professional summary immediately emphasizes the candidate's ability to handle large-scale food preparation and diverse events. The work experience section showcases progression in catering roles, detailing key responsibilities and achievements. The skills section balances technical cooking abilities with essential catering-specific skills like on-site cooking and client relations. Certifications and additional training demonstrate the candidate's commitment to professional development in the catering industry. This resume presents a well-rounded catering cook capable of handling the unique challenges of off-premise food service and event management.

This cruise ship cook resume example is tailored for a cook seeking a position on a cruise ship, highlighting skills in diverse cuisine preparation and adaptability to a unique working environment.

Maria Papadopoulos

[email protected] - (555) 123-4567 - Fort Lauderdale, FL

Enthusiastic and adaptable Cruise Ship Cook with 4 years of experience in high-volume, multi-cuisine food preparation. Skilled in working in fast-paced, confined kitchen environments while maintaining high food quality and safety standards. Experienced in catering to diverse international palates and dietary requirements. Seeking to bring my culinary expertise and strong work ethic to a reputable cruise line.

Oceanic Adventures Cruise Line

06/2019 - Present

• Prepare diverse cuisines for multiple dining venues aboard 3,000+ passenger cruise ships
• Rotate through various kitchen stations, including main dining room, buffet, and specialty restaurants
• Adapt menus to accommodate passenger dietary restrictions and food allergies
• Maintain strict adherence to maritime food safety regulations and sanitation standards
• Collaborate with an international team of cooks to create themed dinner nights and special events

Junior Cook

Coastal Breeze Resort

05/2017 - 05/2019

Key West, FL

• Assisted in food preparation for resort restaurants and room service
• Gained experience in various cuisines, including American, Italian, and Caribbean
• Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen areas, adhering to health and safety standards

Florida State College at Jacksonville

05/2015 - 05/2017

Jacksonville, FL

STCW Basic Safety Training Certificate

Crowd Management, Passenger Safety and Customer Service Certificate

International cuisine preparation • High-volume cooking and batch production • Adapting to confined kitchen spaces • Food safety and sanitation in maritime environments • Teamwork in multicultural settings • Flexibility and stress management

This resume effectively showcases the unique skills and experiences required for a cruise ship cook. The professional summary immediately highlights the candidate's adaptability and experience in high-volume, diverse cuisine preparation. The work experience section demonstrates familiarity with cruise ship operations and the ability to handle multiple dining venues. The skills section balances culinary expertise with crucial abilities for shipboard life, such as adapting to confined spaces and working in multicultural teams. The inclusion of maritime-specific certifications and availability for extended sea periods makes this resume particularly appealing for cruise line recruiters.

Cook Resume Examples by Cuisine

This Italian cuisine cook resume example is crafted for a cook specializing in Italian cuisine, highlighting expertise in traditional and modern Italian dishes.

Francesca Cortese

[email protected] - (555) 789-0123 - Providence, RI

Passionate Italian Cuisine Cook with 6 years of experience in authentic Italian restaurants. Expert in preparing traditional dishes from various regions of Italy, as well as creating modern interpretations of classic recipes. Skilled in pasta making, sauce preparation, and wood-fired pizza techniques. Seeking to bring my deep knowledge of Italian culinary traditions to a high-end Italian restaurant.

Bella Napoli Ristorante

09/2018 - Present

Providence, RI

• Lead kitchen operations for a 70-seat authentic Italian restaurant
• Develop seasonal menus featuring regional Italian specialties and modern Italian fusion dishes
• Prepare a wide range of pasta dishes, risottos, meat and seafood entrees, and traditional desserts
• Train junior cooks in Italian cooking techniques and the use of traditional ingredients
• Coordinate with local suppliers to source authentic Italian ingredients and regional specialties

Tuscany Trattoria

06/2015 - 08/2018

• Assisted in preparing appetizers, main courses, and desserts for a busy Italian eatery
• Specialized in handmade pasta production and wood-fired pizza preparation
• Maintained kitchen cleanliness and organization, adhering to food safety standards

Diploma in Italian Culinary Arts

Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners (ICIF)

Costigliole d'Asti, Italy

Certified Italian Cook

Traditional Italian cooking techniques • Regional Italian cuisine expertise • Fresh pasta making and sauce preparation • Wood-fired oven operation • Italian wine pairing knowledge • Menu development and food costing

This resume excellently showcases the specialized skills of an Italian cuisine cook. The professional summary immediately highlights the candidate's expertise in both traditional and modern Italian cooking. The work experience section demonstrates progression in Italian restaurants and details key responsibilities that align with high-end Italian cuisine. The skills section balances technical cooking abilities with knowledge of Italian culinary traditions. The inclusion of education and training in Italy adds authenticity and depth to the candidate's profile. This resume presents a well-rounded Italian cuisine specialist ready to elevate any Italian dining experience.

This asian fusion cook resume example is designed for a cook specializing in Asian fusion cuisine, emphasizing creativity in blending various Asian culinary traditions.

[email protected] - (555) 456-7890 - Huntington Beach, CA

Innovative Asian Fusion Cook with 5 years of experience in creating unique dishes that blend traditional Asian flavors with modern culinary techniques. Skilled in various Asian cuisines including Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Korean. Known for developing creative menu items that appeal to diverse palates. Seeking to bring my passion for Asian fusion cuisine to a cutting-edge restaurant.

East Meets West Bistro

Huntington Beach, CA

• Create and execute innovative Asian fusion dishes for a trendy 90-seat restaurant
• Develop seasonal menus incorporating elements from various Asian cuisines
• Prepare a range of dishes including dim sum, sushi, Thai curries, and Korean BBQ with modern twists
• Train and mentor junior cooks in Asian cooking techniques and fusion concepts
• Collaborate with bar staff to create Asian-inspired cocktails and food pairings

Bamboo Garden Restaurant

San Francisco, CA

• Assisted in preparing traditional Chinese and pan-Asian dishes for a busy restaurant
• Gained expertise in wok cooking, dumpling making, and sauce preparation

Associate Degree - Culinary Arts with Focus on Asian Cuisine

09/2012 - 04/2016

Napa Valley, CA

Asian cooking techniques (wok, steaming, grilling) • Fusion recipe development • Knife skills for intricate Asian garnishes • Asian ingredient knowledge and sourcing • Balancing flavors across different Asian cuisines • Food presentation with an Asian aesthetic

This resume effectively highlights the unique skills required for an Asian fusion cook. The professional summary immediately emphasizes the candidate's ability to blend traditional Asian flavors with modern techniques. The work experience section showcases progression in Asian fusion roles, detailing key responsibilities and creative achievements. The skills section balances technical cooking abilities with essential knowledge of various Asian cuisines and fusion concepts. Additional training in specific Asian countries adds depth and authenticity to the candidate's profile. This resume presents a well-rounded Asian fusion cook capable of innovating in this exciting culinary niche.

How to Write a Cook Resume

A well-structured cook resume should typically include the following sections:

• Contact Information
• Professional Resume Summary or Resume Objective
• Work Experience
• Resume Skills
• Additional Sections (e.g., Languages, Volunteer Work)

This outline ensures that you present all relevant information in a logical and easy-to-read format.

For most cook positions, a chronological resume layout is recommended. This format highlights your work history and career progression, which is crucial in the culinary field. However, if you're changing careers or have limited experience, a combination resume that emphasizes both skills and work history might be more effective.

Your cook resume header should include:

• Phone Number
• Professional Email Address
• City and State (full address not necessary)
• Optional: LinkedIn profile or professional website

Julia Chen Experienced Sous Chef (555) 123-4567 | [email protected] | Portland, OR LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/juliachen

Why it works

This example provides clear, professional contact information. It includes Julia's full name, her current position, a professional email, location, and LinkedIn profile. This gives potential employers multiple ways to contact her and immediately establishes her as a serious candidate.

Your cook resume summary should concisely highlight your culinary expertise, years of experience, specialties, and key achievements. It should be tailored to the specific job you're applying for and grab the employer's attention.

Skilled Sous Chef with 5 years of experience in fine dining establishments. Expertise in French and Italian cuisines, with a track record of developing innovative menu items that increased restaurant revenue by 20%. Adept at leading kitchen teams and maintaining high food quality standards.

This example specifically highlights the candidate's level of experience, areas of expertise, and a quantifiable achievement. It also mentions leadership skills, which are valuable for a Sous Chef position. This summary gives a clear picture of what the candidate can bring to the role.

Common cook responsibilities often include:

• Preparing ingredients and cooking meals according to recipes
• Maintaining kitchen cleanliness and adhering to food safety standards
• Managing food inventory and placing orders
• Collaborating with kitchen staff to ensure timely food delivery
• Creating new menu items and adjusting existing recipes
• Operating various kitchen equipment
• Plating dishes for visual appeal

Your cook resume experience section should detail your work history in reverse chronological order. For each position, include:

• Company name
• Dates of employment
• 3-5 bullet points describing your key responsibilities and achievements

Focus on quantifiable achievements and skills relevant to the job you're applying for.

06/2018 - Present

• Prepare and cook menu items for a high-volume restaurant serving 200+ covers daily
• Developed 5 new appetizer recipes that became top-selling menu items, increasing appetizer sales by 25%
• Trained and mentored 3 junior cooks, improving kitchen efficiency by 15%
• Implemented a new inventory system that reduced food waste by 20%

The good example provides specific details about the cook's responsibilities and quantifiable achievements. It shows the candidate's ability to handle high-volume cooking, develop new recipes, train others, and improve kitchen operations. The use of numbers adds credibility to the achievements.

If you're new to the culinary world, focus on these elements when creating your resume with no experience :

• Emphasize relevant education or training
• Highlight any internships or apprenticeships
• Include volunteer experience in food service
• Showcase personal cooking projects or food blogs
• List relevant skills, even if gained outside professional kitchens
• Emphasize your passion for cooking and willingness to learn

Kitchen Volunteer

Local Soup Kitchen

09/2022 - Present

• Assist in preparing and serving meals for 100+ individuals weekly
• Learn and apply food safety practices in a high-volume setting

Personal Cooking Project

• Develop and test recipes for a personal food blog, focusing on healthy, budget-friendly meals
• Photograph and style dishes for visual appeal

This example effectively showcases relevant experience and skills for someone without professional cooking experience. It highlights education, volunteer work, and personal projects that demonstrate passion and basic culinary knowledge. The skills section focuses on fundamental abilities that are valuable in entry-level cooking positions.

What's the Best Education for a Cook Resume?

While formal education isn't always required for cook positions, including relevant educational background can be beneficial. Consider including:

• Culinary school degree or diploma
• Relevant coursework or specialized training
• Apprenticeship programs
• High school diploma (if it's your highest level of education)
• Any additional culinary workshops or courses

2018/09 - 2020/05

• Specialization in Farm-to-Table Cuisine
• Completed advanced courses in Molecular Gastronomy and Wine Pairing

The good example provides specific details about the culinary education, including the institution, degree, graduation date, and relevant specializations. This gives potential employers a clear understanding of the candidate's formal culinary training and areas of expertise.

What's the Best Professional Organization for a Cook Resume?

Membership in professional culinary organizations can demonstrate your commitment to the field and ongoing professional development. Some reputable organizations include:

• American Culinary Federation (ACF)
• Research Chefs Association (RCA)
• International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP)
• World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS)
• National Restaurant Association (NRA)

When listing professional organizations on your resume, include your membership status and any leadership roles or significant contributions.

Including relevant awards on your cook resume can set you apart from other candidates. Some prestigious awards in the culinary field include:

• James Beard Foundation Awards
• Michelin Stars (for restaurants you've worked in)
• ACF competitions medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze)
• Local or regional culinary competition awards
• Employee of the Month/Year awards from previous employers

Gold Medal, ACF Regional Hot Food Competition

"Rising Star Chef" Award

First Place, City-wide Farm-to-Table Recipe Contest

Employee of the Year

Volunteer experience can demonstrate your passion for cooking and community involvement. Consider including:

• Cooking for local soup kitchens or homeless shelters
• Participating in culinary education programs for underprivileged youth
• Assisting with meal preparation for charity events
• Volunteering at food banks or community gardens
• Offering cooking demonstrations at community centers or schools

Culinary Instructor

Youth Cooking Program

01/2022 - Present

Local Community Center, Cityville, USA

• Teach basic cooking skills to underprivileged youth aged 12-18
• Develop curriculum focusing on nutritious, budget-friendly meals
• Organize monthly community dinners prepared by program participants

Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities that are easy to quantify. For a cook resume, consider including:

• Knife skills
• Food safety and sanitation
• Menu planning and recipe development
• Specific cooking techniques (e.g., sous vide, flame grilling)
• Knowledge of dietary restrictions and allergens
• Inventory management and food costing
• Proficiency with kitchen equipment
• Understanding of various cuisines

Soft skills are personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively with others. Important soft skills for cooks include:

• Teamwork and collaboration
• Time management
• Attention to detail
• Stress management
• Adaptability
• Communication
• Problem-solving

Certifications can validate your skills and knowledge in specific areas of cooking. Some valuable certifications for cooks include:

• ServSafe Food Handler or Food Protection Manager Certification
• American Culinary Federation (ACF) certifications (e.g., Certified Culinarian, Certified Sous Chef)
• Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Certification
• Specialty cuisine certifications (e.g., Certified Pizzaiolo, Certified Sushi Chef)
• Dietary specialist certifications (e.g., Certified Dietary Manager)

HACCP Certification

Certified Specialist in French Cuisine

To create a standout cook resume:

• Tailor your resume to the specific job and restaurant type
• Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and achievements
• Quantify your achievements with numbers and percentages when possible
• Highlight your specialties and any unique skills or experiences
• Keep your resume concise and well-organized
• Proofread carefully to avoid errors
• Consider including a link to your online portfolio or food blog if applicable

For most cook positions, aim to keep your resume to one page , especially if you have less than 10 years of experience. If you have extensive experience or are applying for a senior position like Executive Chef, a two-page resume may be appropriate. Remember, quality is more important than quantity – focus on including the most relevant and impressive information.

The focus of a cook resume should be on demonstrating your culinary skills, experience, and achievements. Emphasize:

• Your expertise in specific cuisines or cooking techniques
• Achievements that improved restaurant operations or customer satisfaction
• Leadership experience and ability to work in a team
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
• Creativity in menu development or dish presentation
• Adaptability to different kitchen environments

Tailor your resume to highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific cooking position you're applying for.

Crafting an effective cook resume is an art that combines showcasing your culinary skills, professional experience, and passion for food. By following the guidelines and examples provided in this comprehensive guide, you can create a resume that stands out to potential employers in the competitive culinary world. Remember to tailor your resume to each specific job application, highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the position. With a well-crafted resume, you'll be one step closer to landing your dream cooking job and advancing your culinary career. Whether you're an aspiring line cook or a seasoned chef, your resume is your first opportunity to demonstrate your culinary prowess – make it count! To start building your cook resume, sign up for Huntr today .

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How to Write a Professional Resume Summary? [+Examples]

Do you want to land more job interviews? The easiest way to achieve this is by attracting a recruiter’s attention straight away by summarizing the highlights of your career right at the start of your resume — in a section called the resume summary. 

The purpose of this resume section, which is also known as a professional summary or resume statement, is to create a good first impression. It sums up your work experience , skills, and achievements into a short and concise sales pitch where you are the product. 

Do it well, and your future employers will be more inclined to read the rest of your resume.

Without further ado, let’s show you how to write an exceptional professional summary that will not only get you to more job interviews but will also help you land a job. 

This guide will show you:

What is a professional summary?

Why do you need a professional summary, how to write a professional summary.

• What to do when you don’t have any experience in the field?
• What are a resume objective and a resume profile?
• Examples of professional summaries from real professionals.

TL;DR video guide: How to write a professional summary for a resume 

A professional summary gives the hiring manager a quick overview of your skills and achievements without them having to dive into the rest of your resume. It sits at the top of your resume, beneath your name and contact information. You can think of it as a teaser for the rest of your resume.

It should sum up your top skills, experiences, and achievements as they pertain to the job description.

Take a look at the sample below to see what it looks like in practice: 

The professional summary section is also known as a:  

• Resume summary 
• Qualifications summary 
• Resume statement 
• Heading statement 
• Competencies 
• Career summary
• Experience summary
• Personal statement 

However, don’t mistake a professional summary for a resume objective or profile . We’ll discuss the differences between them later in this guide. 

How long should a professional summary be? 

Generally speaking, a resume summary should be quite short. The most common length is 3-5 sentences or bullet points. It shouldn't be longer than 5-6 concise bullet points , but it also shouldn't be shorter than 2 bullet points. 

You can also replace the first bullet point with a short introductory paragraph that includes your job title, years of experience, and specialization. 

While many people still don't include the resume profile section in their resumes, it's a mistake. But why is it a mistake?

• You want to grab the recruiter's attention from the get-go.
• You'll make their life a bit easier because you'll immediately tell them who you are.

The thing is, recruiters are busy people , they go through dozens, sometimes hundreds of resumes before they can find a few qualified candidates. 

Do you know what this means? Shortcuts. At first, recruiters will be skimming resumes in search of specific keywords and phrases that align with what the company is searching for.

That’s why you want to include the best resume summary you can come up with because a good summary section consists of nothing but these juicy bite-size phrases and keywords that a recruiter can spot at a glance. 

In short, a professional summary allows you to turn a recruiter's time limitation into an advantage. 

Christy's word of advice

While recruiters are indeed busy, did you know that the information that recruiters only give each resume 6 seconds of their time isn't true? 

“This one's a little bit of a myth. It takes about six seconds to screen the resume for the key information that I'm looking for, such as location, summary, keywords, or if there's a skills section. Within this time frame, I should be able to get a feel for who you are and what you're looking for. But it's mainly about six seconds for me to pick out the basic information I need. It doesn't mean that I'm going to spend just six seconds on it or that I won't continue reading after. ” —   Christy Morgan , Kickresume's Resident HR Expert

As we said before, a good professional summary should compel an employer to read the next section of your resume — that’s all. If it manages to do that, then it has accomplished its purpose. 

However, doing this is easier said than done, as it can be tricky to cram the most exciting bits of your career into a 3-5 bullet points summary. 

Luckily, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to craft an impressive resume summary.

Before you start writing:

• Write other resume sections, and then write your professional summary last. It’s surprisingly easy once you’ve already written other sections of your resume. All you have to do is cherry-pick the most impressive facts and stats.
• Pick the essential keywords from the job listing, so you can tailor your summary. Start with the job listing that made you apply for the job. Carefully reread it and find the most important keywords. These are the nouns or phrases that best describe the job position, related skills, as well as the ideal candidate. Before you begin to write, think about how they intersect with your own skills and experiences. In this way, you also have a higher chance to get through the ATS systems which companies use .

Once you start writing:

• In the first bullet point, write your professional title. Don’t forget to add the number of years of experience. You want to communicate your professional identity immediately. You can also write it in bold. It can look something like this: “Certified Project Management Professional with over 4 years of experience”.
• Pick the 3-4 most impressive parts of your resume and reword them into snappy bullet points. Tease your potential employer into reading further. Did you earn a recognition for the best customer service? Or hit 95% of sales targets for five consecutive years? These are the things that deserve a mention at the top of your resume!
• Translate each achievement into numbers. Each bullet point should contain at least one piece of quantifiable data. Use percentages, numbers, or impressive sales figures. It gives the hiring manager a better idea of how you performed in your previous jobs. Numbers attract attention. Take advantage of that.
• Sum up what you have to offer. Instead of saying what you want, keep in mind what they want. Make clear what values you can bring to the company. Look for common threads in your work history and for skills that apply most to the job.

How to use keywords in a resume summary

A professional summary can do more than catch the attention of the recruiter. It can also make your resume more ATS-friendly. 

It's a great place where you can squeeze in one or two ATS-friendly keywords , and it will still look natural.

Such keywords can be your industry-relevant hard skills, previous job positions, notable clients, certificates and courses from notable institutions, or a note-worthy university (if you recently finished your degree). 

Moreover, you should add keywords and relevant skills from the job listing.

Don't get too creative with the heading, though. While replacing the professional summary headline with “Snapshot” sounds great, ATS doesn't know what it means and therefore wouldn't recognize it.

Pro tip: Remember, while it's important to incorporate keywords into your resume summary, it's crucial to ensure these keywords align with your abilities and experiences. The ATS might shortlist your resume, but the hiring manager will quickly realize in an interview if those keywords were merely resume filler. Always maintain honesty and authenticity while drafting your summary.

Professional resume summary examples for most common careers

Now that you know the ins and outs of writing a resume summary, here are a few examples that can inspire you when writing your summary:

Professional summary example for customer service

Performance-driven and motivated customer service rep offering 4+ years of relevant experience. Eager to join the Techia team and contribute to the growth of the company. In the previous role, the ability to make customers comfortable and relaxed allowed for 98% customer service survey results and had 25% more sales than the average employer. 

Professional resume summary example for retail

Dedicated and hard-working storekeeper with a Business Administration degree. Eager to bring my strong attention to detail and accuracy to J&R inc. Adept at communicating with vendors and suppliers, coordinating various business operations, and maintaining documents and files in order. In the past jobs brought an extra $50k of sales per quarter and increased customer satisfaction by 20%. 

Professional summary example for nursing resume

Motivational and resourceful Orthopedic Nurse with 10 years of experience with in-depth knowledge in trauma recovery, aggressive pain management techniques, and post-surgical recovery. Especially proficient in providing external fixation care and continuous motion therapy along with neuromuscular status monitoring. Committed to work as an orthopedic nurse for people who are struggling with mobility issues due to accidental injuries and degenerative disease affecting bones and muscles.

Professional summary example for administrative assistant

Self-driven and accurate Executive Assistant skilled at performing various office/administrative duties, such as coordinating meetings, maintaining calendar and schedule, filing documents, and managing company correspondence. Highly self-motivated with a solid work ethic and multitasking abilities.

Professional summary example for data analyst

A graduate in Information Systems with two years of hands-on data analytics experience. Passionate about working with large amounts of data and to turn this data into information, information into insight and insight into business decisions. I also have a keen interest in the field of data visualization and am fascinated by the power to compress complex datasets into approachable and appealing graphics.

Professional summary example for warehouse worker

Hard-working and dedicated Warehouse Worker with 2+ years of extensive experience in inspecting incoming shipments, preparing and processing orders, and performing various administrative duties. The Employee of the Month Award winner with a strong attention to detail and accuracy and determination to achieve exceptional results. Offers excellent time management skills and important ability to work independently or in a team.

Professional summary example for receptionist 

Customer-oriented and performance-driven Front Desk Assistant skilled at performing various administrative tasks, improving all office processes and procedures, and providing support to Office Managers. Great communicator with a Business Administration degree from a well-known university and an exceptional ability to remain calm in stressful situations. Possess well-developed communication skills and excellent time management abilities.

Resume summary example for management

A Project Manager with 16 years of experience in IT projects. Responsible for the management of teams of up to 15 direct and 7 indirect employees. Has High level knowledge in project execution using best practices of waterfall and agile methodologies. High level knowledge of Jupyter Notebook, MS Project, MS Excel, MS Word. 

Professional summary example for project manager

Logistics & Planning PMO for Anheuser-Busch InBev with +7 years of experience in Supply Chain Operations & Project Management. Lived and worked for ABI in 6 cities in past years, managed +300 direct & indirect employees and +0.5 billion BRL over the years. At ABI experienced the routines in breweries operations & urban distribution. As Project Manager build the Zone Logistics Project area for ABI LAN, being responsible for 4.0 Supply Chain, integrating the technologies WMS, YMS, TMS and Tracking.

Resume summary example for stay-at-home mother

Performance-driven and knowledgeable Stay At Home Mother skilled at conducting detailed market research, developing new sales tools, creating reports, and promoting products and services. Certified Marketing Management Professional with an extensive knowledge of multiple marketing software programmes, great communication skills, and excellent teamwork abilities. Currently looking for any Marketing related remote part-time job.

Professional summary example for student

Self-driven and knowledgeable computer science student with demonstrated experience in developing user-friendly software applications, coding and testing features, and providing engineering support. Oracle Certified Professional with extensive knowledge of multiple programming languages and software development tools, excellent problem-solving skills, and ability to perform well in a team.

How to write a resume summary if you're a fresh graduate/student?

If you’re a student or a fresh graduate, you probably don’t have much to brag about in your resume yet.

But that’s true only to some extent. Even as an entry-level candidate, you already have at least some experience and skills. You just have to find the right way to articulate them.

What’s more, it’s quite likely that the other candidates are just as inexperienced as you are. After all, experienced professionals rarely apply for entry-level positions. 

Because of that, your primary goal is to stand out and make the employer remember you . And you can do that even if your experience is limited.

It’s not like you’ve just spent most of your life at school and learned nothing. You just need to understand how your studies intersect with the job’s requirements.

 Here’s how you can write your professional resume summary as a student/fresh graduate:

• State your field of study, degree, and GPA (if it’s above 3.0).
• Mention relevant skills gained in internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer work.
• Add related coursework or school projects.
• Also, try to translate your most notable achievements into numbers. Maybe you were on the student council. You can mention how you received 800 votes and helped organize 5 large school events that were attended by 2,000 students.

In the end, a fresh graduate resume summary should look a bit like this: 

Hired by Bupa — Business Administration Intern

• An adaptable and responsible graduate seeking an entry-level position in the Business Analytics market, Business Consultancy or Financial market.
• My double degree in Business and Law and my previous job as a financial controller have provided me with a well-rounded background and enabled me to develop an analytical/logical approach to tasks, software skills, and the ability to work under pressure.
• In short, I am reliable, hard-working with strong attention to detail and eager to learn about new technologies and business issues. I am able to work well both on my own initiative and as a part of a team. I’m also able to travel abroad.

How to write a resume summary as an experienced professional?

If you have 10 to 15 years of professional experience under your belt, you’ve probably developed a long list of job-related accomplishments. Your qualifications summary is the ideal place to showcase the most impressive of them. 

On the other, with that extent of experience, it may be quite challenging to pick and choose the right information for your professional summary. 

So what should you do? 

• Start by carefully rereading the job advertisement.
• Highlight any skills you already possess that match this job offer.
• See if you can think of any past accomplishments that show how you successfully used those skills in your previous job.

For instance, are you an experienced sales and customer service professional? Sell it. Mention how you developed strategies that resulted in an over 15 % increase in new customers. Or how your rewards program reached a customer success rate of over 45 %. Numbers can be much more persuasive than words . 

Also, always remember to use action words and relevant keywords.

Here’s a professional summary resume example from an experienced professional: 

HubSpot — Director of Business Development Resume Summary Example

• Passionate Business Amplifier.
• Thrives in complex market segment entry and sales and marketing launch plans for technical products and services. Founder of the highly-impactful "HubSpot for Veterans" initiative. 
• Proven Growth Consultant and Entrepreneurial Coach for over 200 organizations. Advocate of lean startup and data-backed strategy. 
• Leadership spans career with direct application towards startups, Techstar accelerators, corporate business development, and government. ROI-focused relationship builder.
• Lifelong teacher and learner: Startup Institute, Techstarts, HubSpot Partner programs.

How to write a professional summary if you’re changing careers?

As a career changer , try to show how your past experience relates to the position you’re applying for or how it can help your future employer grow.

Are you a software developer who wants to work with a new programming language, let’s say Python? You can mention how you’ve already developed 7 mobile apps using JavaScript and HTML. Even something as small as completing a Python online course on CodeAcademy can work wonders.

But if you still feel like you don’t have any relevant job experience, consider writing a resume objective instead. Instead of past achievements and experiences, it highlights your transferable skills and motivation. Moreover, it explains why you seek to switch to a different industry.

On the other hand, make sure that you have absolutely no other solution, as a resume summary always makes a better impression than a resume objective . To learn more about a resume objective just scroll to the following chapter. 

Here’s an example of a professional summary for someone changing careers:

• Marketing professional with over three years of experience in digital advertising, aiming to transition from marketing to human resources
• Certified Human Resources Assistant with a working knowledge of all software programs needed for the position such as Bamboo HR and Zenefits.
• Was in charge of recruiting and supervising summer interns and co-managing marketing budgets.
• Won the Employee of the Month Award for completing all assigned tasks and projects in a timely manner.

How to write a professional summary for a resume with no work experience? 

A lot of people with no work experience default to writing a resume objective because they think they have nothing to summarize.

However, this usually ends up backfiring as the resume objective brings little to the table. That’s because the resume objective’s main focus is on you as opposed to a professional summary which focuses on solving the needs of a company.

Also, writing a summary objective can make you appear more inexperienced than you truly are. 

Instead, as someone with no work experience, you can write a professional summary by including: 

• Your education level;
• Adjectives that emphasize your work ethic (such as competent, decisive, and accountable);
• Relevant skills gained at school, volunteering , or internships; 
• Professional hobbies (for example if applying for an IT position, include that app side project you worked on). 

In addition, if you have volunteered or interned, know that regardless of whether they were paid or not, they're still considered work experience. As the skills and knowledge gained as a volunteer or intern can be quite valuable to an employer. 

With that said, here’s an example of a professional summary for someone with no work experience:

People United Foundation – Fundraiser Volunteer 

• Resourceful and talented fundraiser who uses new forms of technology and existing techniques to help raise money for organizations and groups. 
• Experienced in raising funds for various charitable and nonprofit institutes. 
• Adept at researching and presenting an array of innovative fundraising ideas to a variety of donor audiences. 
• Keen negotiator with exceptional communication time management and networking abilities. 

Resume summary vs resume objective and resume profile

While these terms are often interchangeable, a resume summary, a resume objective, and a resume profile are all slightly different things. Scroll below to see how. 

What is a resume objective?

First of all, a resume objective isn't the same thing as a resume summary. They share several common features but each serves a different purpose.

Like a resume summary, a resume objective also sits at the top of your resume. Though, it’s a bit shorter — usually about one to two sentences long . 

The biggest difference is that instead of your past accomplishments, it details your future goals.

Although a resume objective might not help hiring managers decide whether you’re qualified enough to solve their company’s problems, it may help you shift their attention away from your lack of experience.

With that said, resume objectives are a bit old-fashioned as they used to be more common in past. So it should only be written as a last resort.

What is a resume profile?

Most people think that the resume profile and resume summary are the same exact thing. And they aren't that wrong. 

However, there are some slight differences between the two. 

A resume profile tends to be a little longer than a resume summary. Still, you should try to keep it under 500 characters. Additionally, while a resume summary is simply a condensed version of your resume placed at the top of it, a resume profile focuses more on your professional accomplishments and successes. 

Still — a resume summary and a resume profile are basically the same thing. So don't worry too much about the difference between the two. Just make sure you'll include either of them in your resume. 

Final tips and tricks

We've already mentioned almost everything you need to write an effective professional summary. These are some of the final tips that didn't fit anywhere else in this guide:

• Emphasize proven experience. Instead of simply listing your skills , mention your previous accomplishments. For example, it’s much more impactful to say that you had your articles published in Forbes than to plainly claim that you’re a skilled writer.
• Try to avoid using the word “I” . It's not really necessary, especially if you write in bullet points. 
• Structure it well. Take it from a professional writer — bullet points are a godsend when you need to structure your text clearly without giving it too much effort. Not only will they naturally order your resume statement into clearly delineated logical parts, but they'll also make it look good and read well. Also, make sure to write your current job title in bold.
• Keep it short. Your summary shouldn’t be longer than 5 short sentences (or bullet points). Having a long summary sort of defeats the point of having a resume summary at all. Don’t add random things. The key is to be specific.
• Read it after yourself. When you’re finished writing, read through your summary from the perspective of a hiring manager, asking “Why should we hire you?” .

Oh, and if you want to turn your LinkedIn profile into a polished resume with just one click, we've got you covered.

How to write a resume summary?

Write your professional summary last. It’s surprisingly easy once you’ve already written other sections of your resume. In the first bullet point, include your job title and years of experience. Then cherry-pick the most impressive achievements and cram them into 4–5 bullet points.

There are some slight differences between a resume profile and a resume summary. A resume profile tends to be a little longer than a resume summary. Still, you should try to keep it under 500 characters. A resume profile also focuses more on your professional accomplishments and successes than a resume summary. 

Kaja Jurčišinová

Kaja Jurcisinova is a fresh graduate and a junior copywriter at Kickresume. Kaja completed her undergraduate degree in Art History at the University of St Andrews in 2018 and graduated with a Master’s in Arts and Culture from the University of Groningen in 2021. She was an intern at multiple cultural institutions across Europe, including the Dutch Museum Association in Amsterdam, the Matter of Art Biennale in Prague, and the European Cultural Centre in Venice. At the moment, she resides in Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland.

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• Use our checklist to ensure your resume includes all relevant information

• First Year Student pdf
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CV vs. resume — what's the difference?

Both a resume and CV (curriculum vitae) are documents that outline your education, experience and skills. However, they differ in their purpose and layout.

• When applying to a job in the U.S., a resume is almost always the preferred document.
• In many other countries, a resume is known as a CV. However, the term CV refers to a different document in the U.S.
• In the U.S., CVs are most commonly used in academic environments, such as when applying to graduate school, jobs in academia or research positions.
• CVs are more detailed than resumes and may be many pages long, while resumes are concise, usually only 1-2 pages in length.
• CVs include more details on academic accomplishments including research, publications and teaching, while resumes focus on work experiences, education and skills.

What should I include in a CV?

*Note - for details about what to include in a resume, see our Vandal Resume Guide (PDF) .

Possible categories to include in your CV:

• Education and training
• Research experiences
• Teaching experiences
• Work experiences and internships
• Projects, works, exhibitions and performances
• Certificates, licenses and credentials
• Publications (authored or contributed to)
• Conferences and workshops (attended or presented)
• Fellowships, grants or other funding
• Advising/mentoring
• Skills such as languages, technical, computer
• Service, volunteerism and leadership
• Areas of knowledge, expertise or research interest
• Awards and accomplishments
• Affiliations or memberships

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How to Write a Restaurant Description: Creating an About Page that Sells

Learn how to easily create a restaurant description that's engaging and attracts customers.

Key takeaways

• Your restaurant description is your elevator pitch—it needs to quickly highlight what makes your restaurant stand out, including your cuisine, atmosphere, location and dining experience.
• A well-crafted description helps customers understand exactly what to expect from your restaurant, making it easier for them to choose to order from you. 
• You’ll need to tailor your description to different platforms, whether it’s your website, Yelp or a third-party delivery app.

Creating a restaurant description is like crafting your elevator pitch. It’s your moment to show quickly how your food and brand stand out.

You’ve only got seconds to grab attention on your website, delivery apps, or your Google Business Profile. Clear communication connects your menu with the right customers with no confusion. 

And once you perfect your description, it’s much easier to write longer pages like your “About” page.

A good description highlights the food you serve, the atmosphere, the location, and the dining experience. These are simple things to list, but they can be hard to describe—especially in a way that appeals to guests.

If you need help crafting your own restaurant description, I’ve got you covered. I’ll guide you through simple ways to create a description that draws more customers in.

Before we start, let's go over some important words to know. These terms are all related, but each one means something a little different.

What should be in a restaurant description? 

At Owner.com, we’ve seen firsthand that a strong restaurant description helps you write better copy. And that helps boost conversions. What you include in your description on your homepage and Google Business Profile will depend on your unique restaurant. 

Of course, the details might vary depending on where you’re sharing it—like social media, where you’ll need to keep it shorter—but certain key elements consistently make an impact.

Here are the essential elements I’ve found most effective in drawing in customers:

• Cuisine: Highlight your signature dishes and what makes your food stand out. This is your chance to showcase your unique offerings and tempt people to visit.
• Atmosphere: Describe your vibe and ambiance. Are you cozy and intimate or lively and casual? Customers want to know what kind of experience to expect.
• Location: Make it easy for people to find you. This is crucial! An incorrect address or outdated hours of operation will drive customers away faster than anything else.
• Dining experience: Set clear expectations for the kind of service and overall experience customers will have. Whether you offer upscale dining or a laid-back feel, this gives them a sense of what’s in store.
• Your background: Share your story—what makes you unique. While this is often better suited for your “About Page,” a brief mention here can still give customers a connection to your brand and why you’re different.

By including these elements, you can create a description that captures attention and helps convert that interest into actual visits.

Steps to create your description 

Your restaurant description isn’t something you write once and forget about—it’s important to keep it updated as your business evolves and is something that the best restaurant websites feature. A well-crafted, up-to-date description is key to attracting new customers and converting their interest into visits.

Below are the steps I recommend to help you create a powerful description that showcases what makes your restaurant special and draws people in:

1. Create a clear picture of your ideal customer

First, you’ll want to decide who your ideal customers are—those who would most likely be regulars at your restaurant. You can help sort this out by taking a look at these different factors: 

• Demographics: Age, income, family size, occupation
• Psychographics: Lifestyle, values, interests, preferences
• Behavior: Dining habits, occasions, food preferences

An example persona details your target customer’s needs, habits and communication preferences so you can effectively reach them with marketing.

The owners over at Talkin’ Tacos do this perfectly and center themselves well in Miami’s vibrant scene. Surrounded by young, energetic crowds, they’ve nailed the vibe with their bold colors, cool artwork and trendy tacos.

Example: Let’s say you’re an Italian restaurant called Bella Cucina. You observe that the customers who most often visit you are families, with adults who are primarily 30 to 50 years old. They are middle to upper-class and are busy and family-focused, so they value time together and love kid-friendly options. They also want good value for money and dine regularly.

Now, I’ll show how you can apply these observations to find your menu-market fit. 

2. Identify your menu-market fit 

After you get a good sense of who your ideal customer is, you’ll then want to take a step further by identifying your menu-market fit—what makes you unique and stand out from other restaurants on the block. These unique factors could be things like: 

• Special, larger or premium dishes 
• Better prices and deals 
• Offering online ordering in addition to in-person dining 

Example: Let’s continue with the Bella Cucina example. Based on your observations, your ideal customers are families who value convenience and quality time together. To highlight your menu-market fit in your restaurant description, you could showcase your focus on offering affordable, family-sized pasta dishes or pizza specials that are perfect for sharing. 

You would also want to highlight that you offer online ordering and delivery options, making it convenient for busy families to enjoy your food at home. 

I explain this more in my post about creating a restaurant marketing plan , but here’s the gist: By understanding your menu market fit, you can create a compelling description that resonates with your customers.

3. Write the core version of your restaurant description 

Now that you have a clear picture of your ideal customer and have identified your menu-market fit, it's time to craft the core version of your restaurant description. Here, you’ll also want to incorporate keywords related to your restaurant that customers are going to type into Google. Having these keywords on places like your website really helps with SEO and gets your site ranking higher in search results. 

I like to recommend specific keywords like “best [CUISINE/MENU ITEM] in [CITY].” 

Pro tip: I love using Google Keyword Planner to help me figure out which keywords related to a restaurant customers are searching for—and it’s free! 

So, with that in mind, I’ve created an example of how everything comes together from the example we’ve been using:

Best Italian food in San Diego:

Authentic and Family-Owned Italian Cuisine

This is essentially a quick sentence that can act as a slogan for your homepage. See how our friends at Arubaya Fried Chicken do this too in a catchy way—notice how they also include an “order online” button right underneath to drive more customers to order: 

When it comes to writing restaurant descriptions, I’ve found that less is often more. Here are some of my pro tips if you want to make sure your restaurant description is as strong as possible:

• Keep it clear and concise so your message shines through. 
• Avoid jargon and overly fancy words—just focus on what makes your restaurant special.
• Highlight the atmosphere, the kind of dining experience you offer and what sets you apart. 

By keeping your restaurant description to the point and simple, you'll catch people's attention and make it easy for them to want to choose you as the spot they order from. 

4. Add assets and visuals to complement your copy 

Once you’ve nailed your restaurant description, the next step is to bring it to life with visuals. I always recommend including high-quality photos and videos that show off your mouth-watering dishes, inviting atmosphere and friendly staff. These assets help potential customers get a true feel for what your restaurant is all about.

Make sure your photos capture the essence of your food—from close-ups of your signature dishes to group shots of families enjoying meals together. 

Why Not Pizza does a great job of showcasing tasty-looking photos of their popular menu items alongside their description.

Including video content can also be a great way to give a virtual tour of your space or showcase your team in action, making your restaurant feel familiar before they even step inside. 

You can add images to your restaurant description that live on the About page on your website, your Google Business Profile and your Yelp page. 

Pro tip: Your restaurant description itself will vary depending on the channel you add it to. In the next section, I’ll show you how to modify your description to fit on different platforms.  

Fit your description to your most important channels  

Now that you’ve got your restaurant description, where should you put it? The simple answer is the more places, the better. 

But I’m here to help you tailor that description to fit the key platforms that are most important to you and where you see most of your customers coming from. This could be your About Page, Google Business Profile, Yelp, third-party apps, or your website. 

Each of these channels requires a slightly different approach, so let’s dive into how to customize your description to suit them perfectly, starting with your About page.

About page 

Your website’s About page is where you can tell your full story—it’s the more built-out version of the core restaurant description we wrote above.

Here, you have more space to expand on your history, mission and what makes your restaurant special—it’s your chance to really connect with customers on a more personal level. Let’s break it down. Your About page could include elements like your: 

• Restaurant's history and mission: Tell customers what inspired you to open your restaurant and what sets you apart. This could be things like showcasing causes you support or if you’re sustainable and eco-friendly. 
• Team: Introduce your staff and their expertise to build trust and credibility.
• Your values: Emphasize sustainability, community involvement or other core values to resonate with your target audience.
• Imagery: Adding images of your food is a no-brainer, but if you talk about your restaurant’s history, consider adding a blast from the past and feature the founders, or a photo of an old, original location. 
• Call to action (CTA): I would also recommend you encourage visitors to explore your menu, make a reservation or sign up for your email list on your About page. You can do this in the form of buttons on the page. Owner.com’s website builder has all of these CTAs integrated, so you don’t even have to think about adding these yourself.

For example, Bella Cucina could have an About page that looks a little like this: 

At Bella Cucina, we create a warm, family-friendly dining experience that brings people together over hearty Italian meals. Located in the heart of San Diego, we’re the go-to spot for families who want to enjoy time together without sacrificing quality or value.

Our menu features affordable, family-sized pasta dishes, hand-tossed pizzas, and Italian classics that everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—will love. We also offer convenient online ordering, delivery, and curbside pickup for busy nights. Whether dining in or taking a little taste of Italy home, we believe family time should always be delicious.

[Add online order button]

Google Business Profile 

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is your restaurant's online storefront. A well-crafted description can entice potential customers and boost your local search rankings .

You want to keep it short and sweet here, highlighting the most important details—your cuisine, vibe and location. This is about getting potential customers the essential info they need to make a quick decision.

And, you’ll want to use those relevant keywords like your cuisine type, location and unique selling points to boost your visibility in local search results. 

In this example below, they use a quick sentence highlighting what their restaurant is all about—and they use keywords like “sandwiches” and “craft beer” to help show up in customers' search results for that type of food in Pacific Beach. 

Yelp “from this business”

Yelp for Business is such an important platform for reaching new customers, and adding a great description really helps you stand out. Here’s how I recommend doing it and some tips to make it effective:

When you log in to Yelp for Business, head over to the "Business Information" section. You’ll see a spot labeled “From the Business”—this is where you’ll add your description. This is your chance to share your story and highlight what makes your restaurant special.

This is often the first thing people see when looking at a Yelp page, so here are some elements I recommend including: 

• Cuisine: Talk about your most popular or unique dishes.
• Atmosphere: Let people know what kind of experience they can expect when they visit.
• Specialties: Mention any signature dishes or unique offerings, like your family-sized meals or seasonal specials.

Here’s an example of a Yelp description that would be well-suited for Bella Cucina: 

At Bella Cucina, we’re all about bringing families together over delicious Italian meals in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Located in the heart of San Diego, we’ve become the go-to spot for families looking to enjoy time together without sacrificing quality or value.

Our menu features affordable, family-sized pasta dishes, hand-tossed pizzas, and Italian classics that everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—will love. Whether you’re dining in with us or grabbing a meal to go with our easy online ordering and delivery options, we believe that family time should always be delicious.

Come experience the warmth of Bella Cucina—where every meal feels like home.

Third-party delivery apps 

When it comes to third-party delivery apps , you might not have room for an extensive restaurant description like on your website or About Page. However, you can still make an impact by adding descriptions to your specific menu items. Here are some tips to take full advantage of this space:

• Highlight specific ingredients: Be sure to mention any unique or high-quality ingredients that set your dishes apart. For example, instead of just "Margherita Pizza," describe it as “Wood-fired pizza topped with fresh, locally sourced mozzarella, vine-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil leaves.”
• Get as descriptive as possible: Use vivid, sensory words to create a mouthwatering image for customers. Instead of saying “Spaghetti with meatballs,” try “Handmade spaghetti topped with tender, slow-cooked meatballs, all covered in our rich, house-made marinara sauce.”
• Add serving sizes if applicable: This tells customers exactly what to expect and can be particularly helpful for families or larger groups. For example, “Family-sized lasagna—serves 4-6.” 

By optimizing your menu descriptions, you’ll not only capture attention but also help customers make confident choices that lead to higher satisfaction—and more orders.

Social media 

Think punchy and engaging. This is where you can have fun with your description, using a more casual tone to connect with your audience. Keep it brief, but showcase your vibe and food in a way that catches attention fast. You can also get creative with emojis: 

🍝 Discover Bella Cucina! 🍕

Craving delicious, handmade Italian food with a family-friendly vibe? Come join us in the heart of San Diego’s Little Italy. 🇮🇹❤️

From our hand-tossed pizzas to family-sized pasta dishes, we’ve got something for everyone.

📍 [Address]

🔗 Order Online: [Website link]

📞 Call to order: [Phone Number]

Examples of strong restaurant descriptions 

If you need some more inspiration as you’re creating your restaurant description, look no further! Here are some examples of my favorites that are featured and why they work:

1. Metro Pizza lets their history shine 

I love Metro Pizza’s about page because their description roots the brand in a deep sense of history and tradition, starting with the origin of pizza in America and connecting it to their family’s journey. 

The description highlights the values of family, craftsmanship and community, giving readers a personal connection to the brand. It also creates a nostalgic atmosphere by tying the pizza experience to universal memories of family gatherings and local pizzerias. 

Why it works: ​​It ties the brand’s history to the broader story of pizza in America while making the experience feel personal and community-focused.

2. Chipotle highlights the quality of ingredients 

What I love about Chipotle’s homepage is the video playing in the background. It instantly grabs your attention by showing fresh, hand-prepped ingredients in action. This, paired with their description, really drives home how much they care about quality and transparency. You can see exactly what sets them apart: delicious, responsibly sourced food made right in front of you. It’s a great way to connect the visuals with the message.

Why it works: Chipotle's use of video with their description makes their commitment to fresh, responsibly sourced ingredients feel real and immediate, creating a strong connection between the brand and customers who care about quality and transparency.

3. Salt & Straw Ice Cream showcases their values 

Salt & Straw has nailed it with their storytelling approach on their About page. It's all about connecting with people on a personal level and sharing a genuine passion.

It starts with a mission statement, then leads into a personal and relatable narrative, explaining the founders' journey and how their vision for a neighborhood gathering place came to life through ice cream. By sharing their story, they make the brand feel human and authentic.

They also do a fantastic job of showing their values, from sourcing local ingredients to supporting community causes. This makes you feel like you're part of something bigger than just enjoying ice cream—you're supporting artisans, sustainability and important social causes.

Why it works: The page blends personal storytelling, brand values and a playful tone to create an emotional connection with the reader, making the brand feel both authentic and inviting. 

4. Sushi Me Rollin’ shows their passion 

What I love about Sushi Me Rollin's description is how fun and true to the brand it feels. They keep it casual with clever phrases like "we're not your average sushi joint," making them approachable and unique.

Plus, they really emphasize fresh ingredients and put a personal touch on everything they do. They also highlight that they were voted by sushi in their neighborhood. You can feel their passion for sushi, and it all comes across as genuine and inviting.

Why it works: The casual, fun tone makes Sushi Me Rollin feel approachable and authentic, helping customers instantly connect with their laid-back yet passionate vibe.

5. Shake Shack shares their journey

Shake Shack does a great job of sharing their journey from a single hot dog cart in New York to an internationally known brand. They emphasize their commitment to high-quality ingredients and community while also reflecting their fun, casual vibe. Their story feels approachable and authentic, appealing to customers who value both quality and a good time.

It feels genuine and makes you want to be part of their crew. Plus, their fun, laid-back vibe is contagious. It's clear they care about more than just burgers—they want to create a good time for everyone.

Why it works: Shake Shack inspires customers with a story of humble beginnings and shares how they give back to the community.

6. Sweetgreen emphasizes sustainability 

Sweetgreen's restaurant description focuses on their mission of connecting people with real food. They emphasize their values, such as sustainability, sourcing locally and supporting healthy lifestyles. Their focus on transparency, with stories about their farmers and suppliers, helps customers feel connected to the brand and its ethical choices.

Why it works: Sweetgreen’s focus on sustainability and transparency really connects with people who care about making ethical food choices. It helps build trust and creates a stronger, more personal connection with the brand.

Impress customers with your restaurant description  

Wowing customers with your restaurant description starts with crafting a clear, compelling story that captures your unique essence. By following my recommended tips, you’ll create a description that doesn’t just attract visitors but turns them into loyal patrons who keep coming back. 

If you want to level up your online presence, let’s partner up. Owner.com's AI-powered website builder can help you create a professional-looking site that drives more direct online orders customers. If that sounds good, schedule a free demo to talk with our team. 

About the author

Co-founder, CEO of Owner

Adam is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs, particularly in the restaurant industry. He believes that small business owners are heroes in their communities and is dedicated to supporting them achieve their goals.

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