When applying for a job, it is essential to showcase your relevant experience, including any previous positions you have held. If you have been a waitress and are wondering how to effectively include this experience on your resume, you’ve come to the right place! This guide will provide you with tips and examples to help you highlight your waitressing experience in both formal and informal ways. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Include Waitressing Experience
When applying for positions in professional industries or large corporations, it’s important to present your waitressing experience in a formal and professional manner. Here are some tips on how to do so:
- Create a Separate Work Experience Section: Begin by creating a dedicated section on your resume for your work experience. List your previous roles in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position as a waitress.
- Use a Clear and Concise Job Title: Instead of simply stating “Waitress,” consider using “Waitress/Server” or “Food Service Professional” to highlight the breadth of your responsibilities.
- Include Relevant Job Details: Under each job title, include bullet points highlighting your key responsibilities and achievements. Tailor these points to emphasize skills that are transferable to the new position, such as customer service, multitasking, or teamwork. For example:
“Provided exceptional customer service by taking orders, serving food and beverages, and ensuring guest satisfaction.”
“Managed a large section of the restaurant, maintaining a high level of organization and efficiency during busy shifts.”
“Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure accurate and timely delivery of food orders.”
Highlight Professional Development: If you have attended any relevant training programs or courses related to the food service industry, be sure to include them. This demonstrates your commitment to continuously improving your skills and knowledge. Showcase Leadership Roles: If you have assumed any leadership positions, such as being a shift supervisor or trainer, mention them to highlight your ability to take charge and guide others effectively. This can be especially valuable if you are applying for a leadership or managerial role. Quantify Your Achievements: Whenever possible, provide specific numbers or percentages to quantify your accomplishments. For instance, you could mention how many tables you served per shift or how much revenue you generated through upselling techniques.
Informal Ways to Include Waitressing Experience
While a formal resume style is often preferred for professional roles, there are certain industries or positions where a more informal approach may be suitable. Here are some tips for conveying your waitressing experience in a more relaxed tone:
- Adopt a Conversational Tone: Write your resume in a friendly and conversational manner, using language that feels natural to you. This creates a more casual vibe that aligns with the culture and expectations of certain industries, such as startups or creative fields.
- Create an “Experience” Story: Instead of listing your waitressing experience as separate bullet points, consider crafting a narrative-style paragraph that captures your overall experience. This approach allows you to showcase your personality and storytelling abilities. Here’s an example:
“I spent two incredible years as a waitress, mastering the art of exceptional customer service. From greeting guests with a warm smile to ensuring their needs were met throughout their dining experience, I took pride in creating positive memories for each customer. My ability to multitask and thrive in fast-paced environments allowed me to handle multiple tables seamlessly, earning me consistent praise from both customers and colleagues alike.”
Use Relevant Keywords: Identify keywords and phrases that are commonly used in the industry you are applying to and incorporate them naturally into your resume. This helps your application resonate with employers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Showcase Relevant Soft Skills: Emphasize the transferable skills you gained as a waitress, such as strong communication, adaptability, problem-solving, and empathy. These skills are highly valued in many industries and can set you apart from other applicants. Highlight Positive Customer Feedback: If you’ve received compliments or positive reviews from customers, include them on your resume. These testimonials add credibility and demonstrate your commitment to delivering exceptional service.
Remember to customize your resume to each job application, tailoring the language and highlighting the most relevant aspects of your waitressing experience that align with the job requirements. If needed, adjust the level of formality and tone based on the industry, company culture, and position you are applying for.
Now that you have a better understanding of how to include waitressing experience on your resume in both formal and informal ways, it’s time to revamp your resume and showcase your skills and accomplishments. Best of luck with your job search!
