When you're putting together your resume as a Food Server, it's important to choose a clean, professional template. A reverse-chronological layout works best because it clearly highlights your work history, making it easy for hiring managers to see your experience. This format is also friendly with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which many restaurants use to screen resumes.
Keep your resume concise, ideally one page, especially if you’re in the early stages of your career. If you have extensive relevant experience, two pages may be acceptable, but don’t let it get too cluttered. Always aim for clarity in your descriptions and bullet points.
Use professional fonts like Calibri or Arial in sizes 10-12pt for body text and 14-16pt for headers. Maintain plenty of white space to give your resume a clean look. Avoid overly creative designs and keep formatting simple to help both human readers and ATS easily navigate your information.
Common mistakes include using complex templates with columns or graphics that can confuse ATS. Excessive colors or unconventional fonts can make your resume look unprofessional. Lastly, be mindful of spacing; cramming too much information onto the page can make it hard to read.