Restaurant Resume Examples & Templates
8 free customizable and printable Restaurant samples and templates for 2026. Unlock unlimited access to our AI resume builder for just $9/month and elevate your job applications effortlessly. Generating your first resume is free.
Restaurant Resume Examples and Templates
Restaurant Staff Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong customer service focus
This resume highlights your dedication to customer service, which is vital for any restaurant role. Your experience in ensuring a pleasant dining experience and receiving positive feedback shows you can enhance customer satisfaction, a key aspect for a Restaurant position.
Quantifiable achievements
You effectively showcase your impact through quantifiable results, like a 20% increase in repeat customers. This kind of detail demonstrates your ability to drive business success, which is appealing for a Restaurant role.
Relevant work experience
Your work history in both Tandoori Palace and Spice Junction provides a solid foundation of experience. You've handled various responsibilities that align with a Restaurant role, making you a strong candidate.
Well-structured resume
The resume is clearly structured with distinct sections for experiences, education, and skills. This organization makes it easy for employers to quickly identify your qualifications for the Restaurant position.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Lack of specific skills
Your skills section includes important abilities, but adding specific skills related to the restaurant industry, like 'cash handling' or 'menu planning', could strengthen your application. It will help you match better with job descriptions.
Underutilized summary
Missing keywords
While your experience is strong, incorporating more industry-specific keywords from job postings can improve ATS compatibility. Phrases like 'customer engagement' or 'food service management' could enhance your visibility to recruiters.
Limited detail in education section
The education section provides basic information but lacks details on relevant coursework or projects. Including specific subjects or skills learned can better align your academic background with the needs of a Restaurant role.
Line Cook Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong action verbs used
The resume effectively uses strong action verbs like 'Prepared' and 'Collaborated,' which showcase the candidate's proactive role in kitchen operations. This is important for a Line Cook, as it highlights their contributions in a fast-paced environment.
Quantifiable achievements
Quantifying results, like the '15% increase in customer satisfaction ratings,' adds credibility to the candidate's experience. It shows potential employers that they can deliver measurable improvements, a vital aspect for a Line Cook in a competitive setting.
Relevant skills included
The skills section lists essential abilities like 'Food Safety' and 'Team Collaboration,' which are crucial for a Line Cook. These skills align well with the responsibilities typically expected in restaurant environments.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Generic intro statement
The intro could be more tailored to the specific restaurant role. Adding details about specific cuisines or cooking styles would make it more appealing for a Line Cook position.
Limited use of keywords
The resume lacks some keywords that might be in job descriptions, such as 'expediting' or 'inventory management.' Including these terms can help with ATS optimization and show the candidate’s familiarity with industry practices.
No mention of certifications
If the candidate has any food safety certifications or culinary awards, including them would enhance credibility. This is often important for employers in the restaurant industry, especially for a Line Cook.
Sous Chef Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Clear leadership and team development
You show strong leadership at Eleven Madison Park, supervising 18 staff and promoting five line cooks. That tells hiring managers you can run busy stations and grow talent. It fits a sous chef role that needs hands-on coaching and steady oversight during fine-dining service.
Quantified operational impact
You include measurable wins like cutting ticket times by 25% and lowering food cost from 35% to 30%. Those numbers show you can boost speed and margins. Employers for high-volume, fine-dining kitchens want this kind of concrete, results-driven evidence.
Relevant certifications and technical skills
You list ServSafe Manager and core skills like HACCP, menu development, and cost control. That matches regulatory and operational needs for a sous chef. Hiring systems will pick up those keywords during ATS scans.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Summary could be more role-specific
Your intro is strong but reads general. Tighten it to mention daily service leadership, private events, and staff scheduling. That makes your value obvious for this specific sous chef role at a high-volume, fine-dining restaurant.
Add more front-of-house collaboration examples
You note menu work and service execution, but you rarely mention working with hosts, sommeliers, or managers. Add one or two lines about coordinating with front-of-house. That shows you can sync timing and guest experience.
Format for ATS and scannability
Your experience uses HTML lists and sections, which may confuse some ATS. Convert to plain bullet points and short phrases. Put a concise skills list near the top and include common keywords like mise en place and par-cooking.
Head Chef Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong quantified achievements
You use clear numbers to show impact, like 18% average check growth, 22% more weekly covers, and 12% ingredient spend reduction. Those metrics prove you drive revenue, control costs, and scale service, which hiring managers for a Head Chef at a high-end French restaurant want to see.
Relevant fine-dining experience
Your profile highlights long tenure in Michelin and luxury hotel kitchens, including current Head Chef at Le Meurice. That history shows you know haute cuisine pacing, tasting-menu work, and the standards required to lead a brigade in an elite French dining room.
Leadership and development focus
You emphasize team building and training, like mentoring seven chefs and running quarterly workshops. That shows you can grow talent, keep standards high, and sustain service quality—key duties for a Head Chef overseeing kitchen staff and succession planning.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Summary could be tighter and tailored
Your intro lists many strengths, but it reads like a list. Tighten it to two short sentences that state your unique value for Le Meurice: leadership, menu vision, and measurable ops results. That will grab attention quickly.
Limited mention of guest or critic feedback
You note maintained guest satisfaction but don’t cite scores, reviews, or awards. Add a concrete metric or notable review to prove dining-room reputation. That strengthens your case for maintaining a top-tier dining experience.
Skills and keywords could be expanded
The skills list is strong but short. Add precise tools and processes like HACCP audit experience, vendor negotiation, menu costing software, and inventory systems. That will improve ATS hits and show operational depth.
Restaurant Manager Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong quantifiable results
Your resume shows clear numbers tied to impact, like SGD 7M annual revenue and an 18% year-over-year gain. You also cite cost reductions and satisfaction increases, which prove you drove measurable business outcomes relevant to a restaurant manager role.
Relevant operations and leadership experience
You list progressive roles at respected Singapore properties, from Ritz-Carlton to Marina Bay Sands. You highlight team size, turnover reduction, and SOP rollout, which match the operational and people leadership duties this role requires.
Targeted skills and education
You include focused skills like cost control, P&L ownership, and guest experience, plus a hospitality degree. Those keywords align well with hiring filters for full-service dining management roles and help ATS matching.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Summary could be more specific
Your intro states broad strengths but repeats resume facts. Tighten it to one punchy sentence that states your target role, top metric, and core strength. That makes your value immediate for recruiters scanning resumes.
Add software and systems keywords
You mention a digital reservation solution but omit specific tools. Add names like POS, reservation platforms, and inventory systems you used. That boosts ATS hits and shows practical tech skills employers expect.
Make achievements scannable with bullet highlights
Your experience descriptions are full and strong, but long HTML lists can hide key wins. Add a short achievement bullet under each role with the top metric and action. That helps hiring managers read your strongest wins quickly.
General Manager Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong impact statements
The resume showcases impressive achievements, like increasing annual revenue by 25% and enhancing employee satisfaction scores by over 30%. These quantifiable results clearly demonstrate Juan's effectiveness as a General Manager in a competitive restaurant environment.
Relevant educational background
Juan's MBA in Business Administration, with a focus on strategic management and retail, aligns well with the demands of a General Manager role. This education supports his ability to lead teams and optimize operations effectively.
Effective skills section
The skills listed, such as 'Leadership' and 'Customer Relationship Management', are essential for a General Manager in a restaurant setting. This alignment with industry needs enhances the resume's appeal and ATS compatibility.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Lacks a tailored summary
The introductory statement could be more tailored to the specific restaurant role. Including specific phrases or goals relevant to the restaurant industry would give a stronger first impression and connect better with hiring managers.
Website presence not highlighted
Juan's contact information includes a link to a profile, but there's no mention of a personal website or portfolio. Highlighting online presence could offer additional insights into his experience and leadership style, making the resume more compelling.
Limited use of industry-specific keywords
While the resume includes relevant skills, incorporating more industry-specific keywords related to restaurant management, like 'food safety' or 'menu development', could improve ATS matching and attract more attention from recruiters.
Executive Chef Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong impact in work experience
The resume highlights significant achievements, such as a 25% increase in customer satisfaction and a 15% reduction in food costs. These quantifiable results show the candidate's ability to create value, which is crucial for an Executive Chef role.
Relevant culinary skills listed
The skills section includes essential abilities like 'Menu Development' and 'Culinary Management,' which align well with the responsibilities of an Executive Chef. This helps in passing ATS filters and appealing to hiring managers.
Clear and concise introduction
The introduction succinctly summarizes Arjun's experience and strengths, making a strong first impression. It establishes his credibility and relevance for the Executive Chef position right away.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Lacks specific keywords
The resume could benefit from more industry-specific keywords related to culinary trends and techniques, like 'sous-vide' or 'farm-to-table.' Adding these terms can enhance ATS compatibility and attract attention from recruiters.
Limited detail in education section
The education section lacks specifics about coursework or projects that directly relate to the Executive Chef role. Including this information could showcase Arjun's depth of knowledge and practical skills in culinary arts.
No summary of leadership style
The resume doesn't mention Arjun's leadership approach or style in managing teams. A brief description of how he fosters teamwork or develops junior chefs could strengthen his appeal as a leader in the kitchen.
1. How to write a Restaurant resume
Finding a job in a restaurant can be tough, especially when many applicants have similar skills and experience. How can you make your resume catch the hiring manager's attention? They want to see clear examples of your contributions and impact in previous roles, not just a list of duties. Many job seekers, however, focus more on generic phrases rather than showcasing their unique achievements.
This guide will help you create a resume that highlights your strengths and relevant experiences in the restaurant industry. You'll learn how to turn simple responsibilities into compelling statements, such as changing "Assisted in food preparation" to "Prepared 200+ meals daily, ensuring high standards of quality and presentation." We'll cover key sections like your summary and work experience. By the end, you'll have a resume that stands out and effectively communicates your value to potential employers.
Use the right format for a Restaurant resume
When writing a resume for a restaurant position, choose a format that best showcases your experience and skills. The chronological format is typically the best choice for those with consistent work history in the industry, as it highlights your career progression. If you have gaps in your employment or are changing careers, consider a functional or combination format that emphasizes your skills over specific job titles.
Regardless of the format, ensure your resume is ATS-friendly. Use clear sections and avoid complex graphics or tables that may not be read correctly by applicant tracking systems.
Craft an impactful Restaurant resume summary
Your resume summary gives employers a quick overview of your experience and skills. For seasoned candidates, a summary works best, while entry-level applicants or those changing careers should use an objective. A strong summary formula is: '[Years of experience] + [Specialization] + [Key skills] + [Top achievement]'. This helps to quickly communicate your value.
For example, a candidate with five years of restaurant experience might say: 'Dedicated restaurant professional with 5+ years in fast-paced environments, specializing in customer service and team leadership, recognized for increasing customer satisfaction scores by 20%'. This formula clearly showcases your experience, skills, and achievements, making it compelling for hiring managers.
Good resume summary example
Summary:
'Experienced restaurant manager with 7 years in fine dining, excelling in team leadership and operational efficiency. Awarded 'Best Restaurant Manager' at Schiller-Cartwright for increasing revenue by 30% in one year.'
Why this works: This summary is specific, showcases relevant experience, and highlights a measurable achievement that sets the candidate apart.
Bad resume summary example
Objective:
'Looking for a restaurant position to utilize my skills and provide great service.'
Why this fails: This statement is vague and lacks specific information about the candidate's experience, skills, or what they can bring to the role.
Highlight your Restaurant work experience
List your work experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with your most recent job. Include your job title, the company name, and the dates you worked there. Use bullet points to detail your responsibilities and achievements, beginning each point with a strong action verb. For example, instead of saying 'Responsible for managing staff', say 'Led a team of 10 servers to improve service quality.'
Quantifying your impact is key. Use metrics to showcase your contributions, such as 'Increased sales by 25% during peak season' instead of 'Helped increase sales'. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can also help structure your achievements effectively.
Good work experience example
• Led a team of 15 staff members at Hamill and Schumm, resulting in a 25% increase in customer satisfaction ratings within one year.
Why this works: This bullet point uses an action verb, quantifies the achievement, and clearly shows the impact made in the role.
Bad work experience example
• Managed restaurant operations and trained new employees.
Why this fails: This example lacks specific numbers or achievements and does not effectively communicate the impact of the candidate's work.
Present relevant education for a Restaurant
Your education section should include the school name, degree, and graduation year or expected date. For recent graduates, make this section more prominent by including your GPA, relevant coursework, or honors. If you have significant work experience, this section can be less prominent, and you can omit your GPA.
Also, consider listing relevant certifications, such as food safety or bartending certifications, either here or in a dedicated section to further highlight your qualifications.
Good education example
University of Culinary Arts
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
Graduated: May 2020
GPA: 3.8
Why this works: This entry is clear, includes relevant information, and highlights the candidate's academic achievements.
Bad education example
Community College
Studied Restaurant Management
Why this fails: This entry lacks specifics and does not provide information about a degree or graduation date, making it less impactful.
Add essential skills for a Restaurant resume
Technical skills for a Restaurant resume
Soft skills for a Restaurant resume
Include these powerful action words on your Restaurant resume
Use these impactful action verbs to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities:
Add additional resume sections for a Restaurant
Consider including additional sections like Projects, Certifications, or Volunteer Experience to further showcase your qualifications. These can add depth to your resume and demonstrate your commitment to the industry. For instance, listing a relevant project can illustrate your skills in action, while certifications show your dedication to professional development.
Good example
Certifications:
Certified Food Safety Manager
Bartending Certification from the Beverage Academy
Why this works: This entry clearly shows relevant certifications that enhance the candidate's qualifications for restaurant roles.
Bad example
Volunteer Work:
Helped at a local food bank.
Why this fails: This entry is too vague and does not highlight relevant skills or experiences that connect to the restaurant industry.
2. ATS-optimized resume examples for a Restaurant
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are tools that help employers manage the hiring process by filtering resumes. They scan for keywords and specific formatting to decide which resumes make the cut. Optimizing your resume for a restaurant role is crucial because many companies use ATS to streamline their hiring. If your resume doesn't align with what these systems look for, it might get rejected before a human even sees it.
To improve your chances, use standard section titles like 'Work Experience', 'Education', and 'Skills'. Incorporate relevant keywords from restaurant job descriptions, such as 'customer service', 'food safety', 'menu development', and 'team leadership'. Avoid complex formatting like tables or images that ATS might struggle to read. Stick to standard, readable fonts and save your file as a .docx or PDF to ensure it's easily accessible.
Common mistakes include using creative synonyms instead of the exact keywords that job descriptions list. Also, relying on headers or footers can lead to important information being missed by the ATS. Make sure to include critical keywords related to skills, tools, or certifications that are essential for the restaurant job you want.
ATS-compatible example
Experience:
- Delivered exceptional customer service during busy lunch and dinner shifts at Glover-Hansen, ensuring a pleasant dining experience for all guests.
- Trained new staff on food safety standards and menu offerings, improving team efficiency by 15%.
Why this works: This example includes clear, relevant keywords and showcases specific achievements. It uses standard formatting, making it easy for ATS to parse.
ATS-incompatible example
Work History:
- Worked at Corwin Group where I did a lot of things for customers and helped them enjoy their meals.
Why this fails: This description lacks specific keywords and details about achievements. It uses vague language, making it harder for ATS to identify relevant experience.
3. How to format and design a Restaurant resume
When crafting a restaurant resume, choose a clean and professional template. A reverse-chronological layout works best, as it highlights your most recent experience first, making it easy for hiring managers to see your qualifications. This layout is also ATS-friendly, ensuring your resume gets past automated systems that many restaurants use.
Keep your resume to one page if you're entry-level or mid-career. If you have extensive experience, a two-page resume can be acceptable, but be concise. Focus on relevant experience and achievements that show off your skills in the restaurant industry.
For fonts, stick with professional options like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia in sizes 10-12pt for body text and 14-16pt for headers. Adequate white space is crucial; it makes your resume easier to read and more appealing. Avoid complex designs with heavy graphics, as they can confuse ATS and make your resume look cluttered.
Well formatted example
Saul Gerhold Ret.
Head Chef
Brown and Sons
June 2020 - Present
- Managed a team of 10 kitchen staff, improving efficiency by 25%
- Developed seasonal menus that increased customer satisfaction scores by 15%
This clean layout ensures readability and is ATS-friendly.
Poorly formatted example
Juan Witting
Kitchen Manager
Prohaska Group
June 2019 - Present
- Oversaw kitchen operations and staff
- Implemented new inventory processes
- Designed various dishes
While this format is decent, it lacks white space and clear section headings, making it harder for ATS to parse and for hiring managers to read.
4. Cover letter for a Restaurant
Writing a tailored cover letter for a restaurant position is key to catching the hiring manager's attention. This letter complements your resume by showcasing your genuine interest in the role and the establishment. It’s your chance to express why you’re a great fit for the team.
Start with the header. Include your contact details, the date, and, if possible, the restaurant's contact information. This makes your letter look professional.
The opening paragraph should grab attention. Clearly state the restaurant position you’re applying for and express your excitement about working there. Mention a compelling qualification or where you found the job listing to create a personal connection.
In the body paragraphs, connect your experience to what the restaurant needs. Highlight key projects or roles, such as customer service experience or teamwork skills. Use examples that show your relevant skills, like managing a busy service or creating a welcoming atmosphere. Tailor your content by using specific keywords from the job description.
Finally, in the closing paragraph, reiterate your enthusiasm for the position. Express confidence in your ability to contribute positively to the team. Include a clear call to action, like requesting an interview, and thank the reader for their time.
Keep your tone professional yet friendly. Each cover letter should feel unique to the job you’re applying for. Avoid using generic templates and focus on what makes you the right person for this restaurant.
Sample a Restaurant cover letter
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am excited to apply for the Restaurant Server position at Olive Garden. I discovered this opening on your website and immediately felt drawn to the welcoming atmosphere and commitment to excellent customer service your restaurant is known for. With over three years of experience in the food service industry, I believe I can contribute positively to your team.
In my previous role at The Cheesecake Factory, I consistently received positive feedback for my ability to manage multiple tables during busy shifts. I was recognized as Employee of the Month for my dedication to providing an exceptional dining experience. My experience also includes training new staff members, which has helped me develop strong leadership and communication skills.
I am particularly impressed by Olive Garden's focus on fresh ingredients and authentic Italian cuisine. I share a passion for quality food and believe my attention to detail aligns with your values. I thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy working collaboratively to ensure guests have an enjoyable experience.
Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to bring my skills and enthusiasm to the Olive Garden team. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your restaurant's success.
Sincerely,
Jordan Smith
5. Mistakes to avoid when writing a Restaurant resume
Creating a resume for the restaurant industry can be challenging. You want to make sure your skills and experiences shine through, but common mistakes can hold you back. Paying attention to detail can make a big difference in how potential employers view your application.
Avoiding these common pitfalls will help you present yourself in the best light.
Be specific about your job duties
Mistake Example: "Helped in the kitchen and served customers."
Correction: Provide clear details about your responsibilities. Instead, write: "Prepared and plated over 150 dishes daily while maintaining a clean and organized kitchen. Served customers efficiently in a busy dining environment."
Tailor your resume for each position
Mistake Example: "I worked in various restaurants."
Correction: Customize your resume to highlight relevant experience. Instead, say: "Worked as a line cook at Joe's Bistro, specializing in Italian cuisine, and managed a team of 3 during peak hours."
Check for typos and grammar errors
Mistake Example: "Accurate in taking orders and preparing fooood."
Correction: Always proofread your resume. A better way to phrase it would be: "Accurate in taking orders and preparing food."
Avoid irrelevant information
Mistake Example: "Hobbies include hiking and watching movies."
Correction: Focus on skills relevant to the restaurant job. Instead, include: "Trained in food safety and customer service, with a passion for creating a positive dining experience."
Use a clean and professional format
Mistake Example: A cluttered resume with multiple font styles and colors.
Correction: Keep your resume simple and organized. Use one font and clear headings. For example, use bold for job titles and italics for company names.
6. FAQs about Restaurant resumes
Creating a resume for a restaurant position can be straightforward if you focus on the right skills and experiences. This section provides helpful FAQs and tips to guide you in crafting a resume that highlights your strengths in the culinary world.
What skills should I highlight for a restaurant resume?
What skills should I highlight for a restaurant resume?
Focus on skills like customer service, teamwork, and time management. Also, mention specific culinary skills, like food preparation and knowledge of food safety standards.
What's the best format for a restaurant resume?
What's the best format for a restaurant resume?
A chronological format works best. Start with your most recent job and list your experiences in reverse order. This helps employers see your career progression quickly.
How long should my restaurant resume be?
How long should my restaurant resume be?
Keep it to one page, especially if you're early in your career. Highlight the most relevant experiences and skills to make a strong impression.
How can I showcase my experience in a busy restaurant?
How can I showcase my experience in a busy restaurant?
Use specific examples, like managing a high volume of tables or handling peak hours efficiently. Quantify your achievements, such as increasing customer satisfaction scores.
Should I include certifications on my resume?
Should I include certifications on my resume?
Yes, include any relevant certifications, like food handler's permits or barista training. These show your commitment to quality and safety in the restaurant industry.
Pro Tips
Use Action Words
Start each bullet point with strong action verbs like "managed," "prepared," or "served." This makes your contributions clear and impactful.
Highlight Customer Interaction
Restaurants are all about customer service. Mention specific instances where you went above and beyond to satisfy customers, as it shows your dedication.
Tailor Your Resume
Customize your resume for each job application. Highlight experiences and skills that match the specific restaurant’s style and requirements.
7. Key takeaways for an outstanding Restaurant resume
Writing a resume for a restaurant position can be straightforward if you focus on the right elements. Here are some key takeaways to consider:
- Use a clean and professional layout that's easy to read and ATS-friendly.
- Highlight relevant skills like customer service, teamwork, and food safety that match the specific restaurant role.
- Include strong action verbs and quantify your achievements, such as 'served 100+ customers daily' or 'increased sales by 20%.'
- Optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems by naturally incorporating keywords from the job description.
Don't forget to showcase your passion for the restaurant industry! Use resume building tools or templates to help you craft a resume that gets you noticed.
Similar Resume Examples
Simple pricing, powerful features
Upgrade to Himalayas Plus and turbocharge your job search.