Facing the inherent challenge of accurately understanding complex customer orders can be daunting due to the diverse accents and slang in use. Our guide offers detailed strategies and practical tips to hone your listening skills, ensuring clear communication and impeccable service.
Structure, write, and edit your server CV to land the role of your dreams with our exclusive guide on how to:
- Create an attention-grabbing header that integrates keywords and includes all vital information;
- Add strong action verbs and skills in your experience section, and get inspired by real-world professionals;
- List your education and relevant certification to fill in the gaps in your career history;
- Integrate both hard and soft skills all through your CV.
Discover more industry-specific guides to help you apply for any role in the links below:
Resume examples for server
Explore additional server cv samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Lead Server Engineer
- Career Trajectory with a Focus on Progression - Ava Phillips's CV illustrates a clear career trajectory characterized by consistent upward mobility in the IT infrastructure field. From starting as a System Administrator at Sainsbury's, progressing to an IT Infrastructure Engineer at Tesco, and currently holding a senior role at BP, her growth showcases her dedication and adaptability in increasingly complex roles.
- Strong Emphasis on Achievements and Impact - The CV effectively emphasizes Ava's accomplishments, not just with numerical data but with tangible business impacts. Achievements like reducing downtime by 30% through automation and improving uptime by 15% demonstrate her ability to deliver significant operational improvements that align with business goals.
- Technical Depth and Proficiency in Industry-Specific Tools - Throughout the CV, Ava's expertise with industry-standard tools like VMware, Windows, Linux, and PowerShell is evident. The detailed mention of methodologies and certifications, like the VMware Certified Professional, showcases her technical depth and commitment to staying updated with cutting-edge technologies.
Junior Server Technician
- Structured and Relevant CV Sections - The CV is well-organized with distinct sections, making it easy to navigate. Each section, such as experience, education, skills, and achievements, relates directly to the role of a Junior IT Technician, ensuring all information is targeted and relevant.
- Demonstrates Consistent Career Development - Elsie Murray's progression from an IT Support Intern to an IT Support Technician showcases clear growth within the industry. This trajectory highlights a commitment to developing skills and gaining more complex responsibilities over time, which is vital for career advancement in IT.
- Focus on Quantifiable Impact - The candidate effectively emphasizes achievements with measurable outcomes, such as reducing response time by 30% and achieving 15% cost savings on equipment. This focus on the business impact of her contributions illustrates her value to potential employers beyond technical capabilities.
Senior Server Analyst
- Structured Presentation with Clear Focus - The CV is presented with a well-organized structure that guides the reader through Sophia's professional journey seamlessly. Each section is clearly defined, with concise bullet points that enhance readability and comprehension. The use of specific dates, locations, and job titles helps maintain a clear narrative.
- Impressive Career Trajectory with Consistent Growth - Sophia's career path shows a steady progression from a Junior SOC Analyst to a Senior role, with increasing responsibilities and leadership opportunities. Her move across different reputable organizations within the defense sector highlights her growing expertise and adaptability to complex cybersecurity environments.
- Technical Depth through Specialized Tools and Methodologies - The CV demonstrates Sophia's command over industry-specific tools like Microsoft Sentinel and Splunk, together with methodologies like the Mitre Att&ck Framework. Her proficiency in these highly specialized areas signifies a deep understanding of the technical landscape, crucial for advanced cybersecurity roles.
By Role
Server Administrator
- Comprehensive career progression in IT - Theodore Green's CV provides a strong career trajectory from SQL Developer to Senior SQL Database Administrator, demonstrating significant professional growth within the IT and database management fields. This indicates an ability to advance in complex and demanding environments, showing both expertise and leadership potential.
- Impressive problem-solving and optimization achievements - The CV details concrete and relevant achievements, such as optimizing SQL infrastructure to save 30% on cloud costs and increasing system scalability by 50%. These demonstrate Theodore's capacity to solve complex problems and deliver effective cost-saving and performance enhancements, which are highly valuable in any IT infrastructure role.
- Imparts strong cross-functional collaboration skills - Through experiences at NHS Digital and BT Group, Theodore has shown adaptability in collaborating across departments, such as aligning SQL projects with clinical safety and security protocols. This underlines his ability to effectively communicate with teams across different functional areas to achieve comprehensive and cohesive solutions.
Server Support Specialist
- Structured Presentation - The CV is well-organized, beginning with a succinct header that provides essential contact information. This is followed by a clear summary section that encapsulates the candidate's core strengths and achievements, prior to detailing their professional experience chronologically, which aids in easy navigation and understanding of their career path.
- Steady Career Progression - Freya Richardson's career trajectory illustrates consistent growth in the IT industry, progressing from a Linux Systems Engineer at IBM to a Network Administrator at Canonical and then advancing to a Linux Server Support Specialist role at Red Hat. This progression highlights not only her increasing levels of responsibility but also her adaptability to different organizational environments.
- Technical Proficiency and Unique Tools - The CV stands out for its deep technical expertise in Linux systems, emphasizing Freya's proficiency in tools such as Red Hat Linux, Oracle Linux, and Amazon Linux. The integration of unique skill sets like shell scripting and configuration management showcases her capability to drive automation and optimize server performance, crucial for the role of Linux Server Support Specialist.
Dining Room Server
- Comprehensive Structure and Clarity - The CV is organized into well-defined sections that clearly outline Henry White's career path, skills, education, and achievements. This makes it easy for hiring managers to navigate and assess his qualifications quickly, showcasing a balance of detail and brevity that maintains the reader's engagement.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - Henry's career demonstrates a clear progression from a Senior Server to a Dining Room Supervisor and Assistant Restaurant Manager. This advancement not only reflects his increasing responsibility and leadership skills but also highlights his dedication to the hospitality industry and his effectiveness in roles requiring coordination and management.
- Noteworthy Industry-Specific Contributions - The CV emphasizes specific contributions to the hospitality sector, like the introduction of training programs and feedback systems, which underscore Henry's capability to enhance team operations and improve guest experiences. His expertise in inventory management and event coordination further highlights his ability to optimize efficiency and satisfaction within the dining environment.
Server Operations Manager
- Strategic Career Progression - Charlie Thomas’s CV demonstrates a clear and strategic career trajectory, evolving from a Junior Ad Operations Executive to a Senior Ad Operations Manager at renowned companies like Channel 4, ITV, and Sky. This growth highlights a progression in responsibility and expertise within the ad operations sector, showcasing a commitment to both personal and professional development.
- Technological Proficiency in Ad Tech - The CV effectively emphasizes Charlie’s proficiency with specific industry tools and methodologies crucial to ad operations, such as dynamic ad insertion, CRM integration, and SOX compliance. This technical depth underscores their ability to handle complex advertising technologies and leverage them to optimize campaign performance and operational efficiency.
- Impactful Achievements and Business Relevance - The achievements section clearly illustrates Charlie’s capacity to drive substantial business outcomes, such as an 18% increase in campaign efficiency and a 15% improvement in post-sale revenue. These accomplishments not only highlight their results-oriented approach but also underscore the tangible impact of their work on business growth and operational success.
Server Infrastructure Architect
- Concise and Structured Presentation - The CV is well-organized, presenting each section with clarity and purpose. It opens with a succinct summary that effectively introduces Chloe Bell's extensive experience and key competencies. Each job role is detailed with precise bullet points, making it easy to identify responsibilities and accomplishments without overwhelming the reader.
- Career Growth and Progression - Chloe Bell has demonstrated significant career growth, moving from a Systems Engineer to a Senior Systems Engineer, and now to an Infrastructure Architect. This progression showcases her ability to handle increasingly complex problems and leadership roles within the infrastructure and cloud computing domain. Her career trajectory is marked by achievements in efficiency enhancement and cost reduction, reflecting a strategic approach to advancing her career.
- Technical Depth and Industry-Specific Expertise - This CV underscores Chloe’s proficiency with industry-specific tools and methodologies, such as VMware, PowerShell, Ansible, and Kubernetes. Her skills in deploying scalable infrastructure solutions and her experience across different IT environments highlight her technical depth. The inclusion of courses focused on virtualization and container orchestration underscores her commitment to staying current with evolving technologies.
Server Maintenance Technician
- Structured Content Presentation - Scarlett Murphy’s CV presents information in a clear and concise manner. Each section is well-organized, making it easy for readers to understand her career journey and accomplishments. The use of bullet points under each job position effectively highlights key responsibilities and achievements.
- Strategic Career Progression - The CV reflects a solid progression in the hospitality and facilities management industry. Scarlett moved from a Facilities Technician to a Maintenance Supervisor, and eventually to a Facilities Engineer. This trajectory demonstrates her ability to take on more complex roles and responsibilities over time, showcasing her growing expertise in facilities management.
- Innovative Industry-Specific Contributions - Scarlett’s CV highlights her contributions to energy efficiency and sustainability within the hospitality industry. Notable instances include her involvement in pioneering the installation of an energy-efficient HVAC system, which resulted in significant cost reductions. These efforts underscore her commitment to sustainable engineering practices and her technical depth in managing hotel facilities.
Banquet Server
- Structured career progression - Finley Robinson's CV demonstrates a clear and impressive career trajectory within the hospitality industry. It outlines their advancement from a Guest Relations Officer to a Banquet Coordinator, highlighting growing responsibilities and significant achievements that underscore their capability and dedication to the field.
- Strategic achievements with business impact - The CV effectively ties achievements to business results, beyond just listing numbers. It details accomplishments like a 20% increase in repeat business and a 22% rise in repeat bookings, directly correlating these improvements to enhanced guest experiences and bolstered revenue, showcasing Robinson's strategic impact on business success.
- Diverse skill set and cross-functional collaboration - Finley's experience reflects not only strong leadership and team management skills but also adaptability through cross-departmental initiatives. From streamlining event preparation processes to collaborating with culinary teams for menu innovations, their diverse skills contribute to overall operational excellence, crucial for a hospitality enthusiast in a dynamic industry.
Cocktail Server
- Exceptionally Structured and Clear Presentation - The CV is meticulously organized with clearly defined sections that flow logically, making it easy for readers to navigate through Sienna West's qualifications, experience, and skills. This clarity aids in quickly understanding her career path and professional accomplishments.
- Impressive Career Growth and Consistent Industry Experience - Sienna's career trajectory showcases consistent progression within the hospitality and bartending industry, demonstrating her commitment and expertise. Her roles advance from Beverage Attendant to Mixologist and Cocktail Bartender, highlighting her growth in responsibilities and skills.
- Strong Emphasis on Soft Skills and Leadership - The CV effectively underscores Sienna's soft skills, such as customer service excellence, team leadership, and communication, which are crucial in the hospitality industry. These skills, coupled with her ability to train staff and enhance team performance, reinforce her leadership capabilities.
Server Security Specialist
- Structured Career Progression - William Hall's CV demonstrates a clear and structured career trajectory, showcasing consistent growth and increasing responsibilities in the ICT security and sales strategy domains. Starting as a Sales Consultant, progressing to a Cybersecurity Account Manager, and now holding a specialist role at IBM, this progression highlights his development of expert knowledge and skills over time.
- Industry-Specific Expertise - The CV effectively showcases William's technical proficiency in cybersecurity solutions and information security compliance. His achievements in developing comprehensive business plans and executing targeted training programs underline his depth in using ISO 27001 standards and cybersecurity methodologies, which are crucial for anyone looking to make a significant impact in the ICT security field.
- Leadership and Collaboration - William Hall's experience section highlights his leadership capabilities and collaborative efforts, such as leading sales activity planning, partnering with IT security businesses, and facilitating key client discussions. These demonstrate his ability to lead teams and foster a collaborative environment essential for driving business success and client satisfaction in the technology sector.
Linux Server Administrator
- Structured and Clear Presentation - The CV is well-organized and concise, featuring a clear structure with defined sections for experience, education, skills, courses, achievements, and languages. This allows for easy navigation and ensures that key information is quickly accessible, reflecting the candidate's attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Progressive Career Growth - Ethan Palmer's career trajectory is marked by steady progression from a Linux Systems Engineer to a Senior Linux Systems Administrator role. This growth showcases his ability to advance within his field, demonstrating increased responsibility and expertise in managing large-scale systems and leading strategic projects.
- In-Depth Technical Expertise - The CV highlights Ethan's deep expertise in tools and methodologies specific to the industry, such as Caché Database Management and Linux Systems Administration. This technical depth is supported by certifications and courses that enhance his capability to manage and optimize complex database environments effectively.
Windows Server Administrator
- Structured Content with Clarity - The CV is presented in a clear, well-organized format that makes it easy to follow. Each section is succinct yet comprehensive, allowing readers to quickly absorb key information about the candidate's qualifications and career trajectory. This approach highlights Thomas Walker's extensive expertise in Unix and Windows server management, cloud solutions, and system administration.
- Progressive Career Path - Thomas Walker's career trajectory demonstrates a steady progression in roles and responsibilities, starting as an IT Systems Analyst and advancing to a Senior Systems Administrator position at IBM. The CV clearly outlines how he has developed technical proficiency and leadership capabilities over time, showcasing a growing influence on team management and project outcomes.
- Technical Depth and Industry-Specific Tools - The CV highlights Thomas Walker's proficiency with industry-specific tools and methodologies, such as Unix system administration, Azure cloud environments, Oracle database management, and MS SQL administration. This technical depth is complemented by certifications, such as the Microsoft Azure Administrator Certification, which underscores his commitment to continuous learning and expertise in cloud solutions.
Cloud Server Engineer
- Comprehensive Structure and Clarity - The CV presents information in a structured and clear manner, making it easy to follow Thomas Walker's career progression and achievements. Each section is well-defined, offering a concise overview of roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments, which allows potential employers to quickly assess his qualifications and fit for the role.
- Notable Career Advancement - Thomas has demonstrated significant growth in his career, transitioning from a Systems Engineer at IBM to a Senior Cloud Engineer at BAE Systems. This progression reflects his expanding expertise in cloud and DevOps solutions, as well as his ability to take on increased responsibilities and leadership roles.
- In-depth Technical Expertise in AWS and DevOps - The CV highlights Thomas's deep technical knowledge in industry-specific tools and methodologies such as AWS, Terraform, Ansible, and CI/CD pipelines. This technical depth not only underlines his proficiency but also his capability to drive infrastructure efficiency and automation in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Server Network Analyst
- Structured and Concise Presentation - The CV is neatly organized with well-defined sections that make navigation effortless. Each section is concise, ensuring that key points are highlighted without overwhelming the reader. This clarity aids in quickly identifying the candidate's primary strengths and experiences.
- Steady Career Progression - Edward's career trajectory reveals a consistent pattern of growth, moving from an IT Systems Administrator to a Senior Network Analyst. This progression demonstrates his ability to take on more significant responsibilities and adapt to more complex roles over time, reflecting dedication and professional development within the IT industry.
- Diverse Technical Expertise - The resume showcases a broad range of industry-specific skills, including expertise in network and server administration across multiple platforms, cloud services, and IT security frameworks. This depth of knowledge indicates the candidate's capability to handle various technological challenges and innovate using cutting-edge tools and methodologies.
Server Virtualisation Specialist
- Clear Structure and Conciseness - The CV is well-structured, with sections like experience, education, skills, and achievements clearly delineated. Each section is concise, providing only the essential information that directly relates to the role of a Windows Server Engineer, ensuring clarity and ease of reading for potential employers.
- Comprehensive Career Growth - Elsie Murray’s career trajectory shows significant growth and advancement, moving from a Systems Administrator to a Senior Windows Server Engineer. Each position builds upon the last, showcasing a clear upward path in responsibilities and expertise within large, reputable companies like Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Capgemini UK.
- Technical Expertise and Innovation - The CV illustrates a deep technical understanding of industry-specific tools and methodologies, such as the implementation of VMware and the usage of PowerShell for automation. This technical depth demonstrates not just proficiency but also a commitment to applying innovative solutions to improve system efficiency and reliability.
SQL Server Database Administrator
- Content presentation (clarity, structure, conciseness) - The CV is well-organized and succinct, with each section thoroughly encapsulating the candidate's essential qualifications and experiences. The use of bullet points in the experience section aids in quickly conveying achievements and responsibilities, thus improving readability and efficiency in communication.
- Career trajectory (growth, promotions, industry shifts) - Noah Jones has demonstrated clear career progression, advancing from an Assistant Database Administrator to a Junior SQL Database Administrator. The experiences show intent and consistent growth in the database domain, highlighting stable employment with credible advancements in responsibility and technical capability.
- Unique industry-specific elements (tools, methodologies, technical depth) - The CV showcases a robust understanding of industry-specific tools and methodologies such as SQL Server, SSIS, and Azure Key Vault. Noah’s proficiency in advanced T-SQL, performance tuning, and disaster recovery strategies reflects deep technical expertise, relevant to the biggest challenges faced in database administration.
Server Farm Manager
- Emphasizes Structured Progression and Growth - Samuel Campbell's CV outlines a well-defined career trajectory, showcasing significant growth from an agricultural technician to a farm manager. Each role builds upon the last, demonstrating his capability to take on increasing responsibilities and leadership roles. This structured progression accentuates his readiness to tackle managerial challenges in farm operations.
- Showcases Industry-Specific Expertise with Agricultural Techniques - The CV highlights specialized knowledge, like the implementation of biosecurity measures and adherence to Red Tractor standards. These industry-specific competencies ensure operational excellence and animal welfare, crucial for maintaining high standards in farm management. This technical depth emphasizes his suitability for roles that require a blend of practical and theoretical agricultural knowledge.
- Highlights Impactful Achievements Linked to Business Objectives - The achievements section directly ties Samuel's actions to business outcomes, such as enhancing productivity by 15% or securing £50,000 in grants. These quantifiable results not only affirm his effectiveness but also his strategic approach to farming operations. His capabilities in cost reduction and public engagement are presented in a way that communicates their importance in achieving organizational goals and sustainable growth.
Server Hardware Engineer
- Strategically Planned Content - The CV is impeccably structured, showcasing a refined layout that guides the reader through the professional journey with ease. The use of specific headings and bullet points ensures clarity, making it straightforward to identify key achievements and skills. This level of organization underscores Jack Taylor's ability to present complex information concisely, a crucial skill for a server engineer.
- Significant Career Progression - Jack Taylor’s career trajectory demonstrates impressive growth, from a Systems Engineer at Morrisons to a Senior Server Engineer at Tesco PLC. This progression highlights not only industry recognition but also a continuous expansion of responsibilities and expertise, reflecting his commitment to professional development and leadership in server infrastructure environments.
- Innovative Technical Proficiency - The CV emphasizes Jack's in-depth technical abilities with industry-specific tools like Windows Server, Linux Server, VMware, and advanced automation scripts using PowerShell and Ansible. This technical depth showcases his innovative approach and proficiency in leveraging modern technologies to optimize server infrastructure and drive operational efficiency.
How to ensure your profile stands out with your server CV format
It's sort of a Catch 22. You want your server CV to stand out amongst a pile of candidate profiles, yet you don't want it to be too over the top that it's unreadable. Where is the perfect balance between your CV format simple, while using it to shift the focus to what matters most. That is - your expertise. When creating your server CV:
- list your experience in the reverse chronological order - starting with your latest roles;
- include a header with your professional contact information and - optionally - your photograph;
- organise vital and relevant CV sections - e.g. your experience, skills, summary/ objective, education - closer to the top;
- use no more than two pages to illustrate your professional expertise;
- format your information using plenty of white space and standard (2.54 cm) margins, with colours to accent key information.
Once you've completed your information, export your server CV in PDF, as this format is more likely to stay intact when read by the Applicant Tracker System or the ATS. A few words of advice about the ATS - or the software used to assess your profile:
- Generic fonts, e.g. Arial and Times New Roman, are ATS-compliant, yet many candidates stick with these safe choices. Ensure your CV stands out by using a more modern, and simple, fonts like Lato, Exo 2, Volkhov;
- All serif and sans-serif fonts are ATS-friendly. Avoid the likes of fancy decorative or script typography, as this may render your information to be illegible;
- Both single- and double-column formatted CVs could be assessed by the ATS;
- Integrating simple infographics, icons, and charts across your CV won't hurt your chances during the ATS assessment.
PRO TIP
Use bold or italics sparingly to draw attention to key points, such as job titles, company names, or significant achievements. Overusing these formatting options can dilute their impact.
The top sections on a server CV
- Contact Information provides the means to reach you.
- Work Experience showcases your history in service roles.
- Key Skills highlight aptitudes in customer service.
- Education Background establishes your formal training.
- References affirm your capabilities through others.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your experience with diverse food and beverage services to show your capability in adapting to various dining environments and menus.
- Emphasise your customer service skills by providing specific examples of how you've positively impacted guest experiences and handled difficult situations.
- Include any relevant certifications, such as food safety or alcohol service, to demonstrate your commitment to industry standards and regulations.
- Mention your ability to work efficiently under pressure, particularly during peak dining hours, to illustrate your time management and organisational skills.
- Detail your teamwork and communication abilities, as these are crucial for coordinating with kitchen staff and ensuring seamless service.
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Our checklist for the must-have information in your server CV header
Right at the very top of your server CV is where you'd find the header section or the space for your contact details, headline, and professional photo. Wondering how to present your the name of the city you live in and the country abbreviation as your address;
- are tailored to the role you're applying for by integrating key job skills and requirements;
- showcase what your unique value is, most often in the form of your most noteworthy accomplishment;
- select your relevant qualifications, skills, or current role to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Still not sure how to write your CV headline? Our examples below showcase best practices on creating effective headlines:
Examples of good CV headlines for server:
- IT Infrastructure Specialist | Lead Server Administrator | MCSE Certified | Cloud Solutions | 10+ Years Experience
- Senior Systems Engineer | Enterprise Server Management | Virtualization Expert | ITIL and CCNP | 15 Years in IT
- Junior Server Technician | Recent Graduate | Passion for Linux Systems | CompTIA Server+ | Rapid Problem Solver
- Server Operations Manager | Strategic IT Planning | High Availability Systems | 12 Years of Leadership
- Advanced Server Support Analyst | Performance Optimisation | SQL Server Expert | VMware Pro | 7+ Years Field Experience
- Principal Server Architect | Scalable Infrastructure Design | Security Compliance Guru | AWS Certified | 20 Years Deep Expertise
Catching recruiters' attention with your server CV summary or objective
Located closer to the top of your CV, both the summary and objective are no more than five sentences long and serve as an introduction to your experience. What is more, you could use either to entice recruiters to read on. Select the:
- Summary, if you happen to have plenty of relevant experience. Feature your most impressive accomplishments and up to three skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for;
- Objective, if you're just starting your career off. Provide your career goals and answer how you see the role you are applying for will match your professional growth.
Judging which one you need to add to your server CV may at times seem difficult. That’s why you need to check out how professionals, with similar to your experience, have written their summary or objective, in the examples below:
CV summaries for a server job:
- With over 5 years of dedicated service in fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, I possess advanced knowledge of wine pairings, menu curation, and provide an exceptional dining experience. My proudest achievement was being awarded Employee of the Year for consistently exceeding performance targets and maintaining a customer satisfaction rating of 99%.
- Energetic professional with 8 years' experience in high-volume casual dining establishments, I bring expertise in POS systems, upselling strategies, and have a track record of improving average table turnover time by 20%. Recognised for leadership skills, I successfully trained and mentored a team of 15 servers, leading to our recognition as Best Customer Service in the city.
- Accomplished software developer with a decade of experience in agile environments, transitioning into the hospitality industry to pursue a passion for service and gastronomy. Adept in team coordination and project management, I am keen to leverage my problem-solving skills to enhance dining experiences and streamline restaurant operations.
- Dynamic marketing strategist with 6 years of experience crafting compelling brand narratives, seeking to change career paths and foster a passion for culinary arts and guest services. Bringing strong communication skills and a history of cultivating successful client relationships, aiming to transfer these strengths to exceed expectations in a high-paced restaurant setting.
- As a newcomer to the hospitality industry, I am eager to apply my interpersonal skills honed in volunteer roles and in academia. My objective is to learn from the ground up, delivering attentive service and contributing to a vibrant team while pursuing formal certifications in food safety and hospitality management.
- Introducing a fresh perspective to the server profession with no prior industry experience but armed with enthusiasm and a fast learner mindset. My goal is to immerse myself in the world of culinary service, building upon my extensive customer service background in retail to curate memorable dining experiences for patrons.
Best practices for writing your server CV experience section
If your profile matches the job requirements, the CV experience is the section which recruiters will spend the most time studying. Within your experience bullets, include not merely your career history, but, rather, your skills and outcomes from each individual role. Your best experience section should promote your profile by:
- including specific details and hard numbers as proof of your past success;
- listing your experience in the functional-based or hybrid format (by focusing on the skills), if you happen to have less professional, relevant expertise;
- showcasing your growth by organising your roles, starting with the latest and (hopefully) most senior one;
- staring off each experience bullet with a verb, following up with skills that match the job description, and the outcomes of your responsibility.
Add keywords from the job advert in your experience section, like the professional CV examples:
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Delicately balanced multiple table sections consistently, ensuring timely order placement and accuracy while providing exceptional guest service, contributing to a 20% increase in returning customers.
- Mastered the restaurant's point of sale (POS) system, reducing order processing times by 15%, and increasing efficiency during peak hours.
- Implemented upselling strategies for high-end menu items and wine pairings, boosting average table sales by 25% over a six-month period.
- Trained and mentored 10+ new servers, which helped in sustaining high service standards and maintaining the restaurant's reputation.
- Maintained a detailed knowledge of the menu, including allergen information, which decreased the incidence of allergic reactions by 100%.
- Managed timely conflict resolution with dissatisfied guests, turning potential negative reviews into positive ones, as evidenced by a 30% increase in positive online feedback.
- Adhered to and enforced rigorous hygiene and cleanliness standards, maintaining a 5-star hygiene rating throughout my tenure.
- Expertly catered to various events and functions, accommodating special requests and dietary needs, leading to a 10% rise in event bookings.
- Successfully kept composure during high-pressure shifts, including holiday seasons and promotional events, leading to personal commendation from the restaurant's management.
Work Experience
Head Waiter
The Ritz London
05/2016-12/2019
- Provided an exceptional dining experience for up to 60 guests per shift, effectively managing their orders and accommodating special dietary needs.
- Introduced an upselling strategy for premium beverages and desserts, which increased average table receipts by 15% over six months.
- Collaborated with the kitchen staff to streamline the order-to-service process, reducing average customer wait times by 10 minutes.
Work Experience
Dining Room Captain
Claridge's
01/2013-03/2015
- Successfully handled guest service for special events and private parties, ensuring personalized attention to over 100 guests on peak events.
- Trained and supervised a team of 5 junior servers, fostering a culture of teamwork and efficiency within the establishment.
- Implemented a feedback system from customers, leading to a 20% improvement in customer satisfaction scores.
Work Experience
Senior Server
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
06/2009-Ongoing
- Manage the daily setup of dining areas and service stations to maintain an organized workflow for a team of 10 servers.
- Designed and launched a themed weekly dining event that attracted on average 150 additional diners per event.
- Consistently achieved top sales performance in wine pairings, contributing to a 25% increase in wine sales.
Work Experience
Restaurant Server
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay
02/2014-12/2017
- Leveraged interpersonal skills to build rapport with guests, resulting in a personal clientele who returned regularly and increased sales by 20%.
- Instrumental in the restaurant earning a Michelin star by maintaining high standards of service and guest satisfaction.
- Developed a staff training programme on wine knowledge that improved the up-selling skills of the serving team.
Work Experience
Head Waitress
The Ivy
08/2015-08/2018
- Systematized a new reservation system that reduced no-shows by 30%, by following up with reminders and confirmations.
- Achieved an error rate of less than 1% on order accuracy, even during high-volume shifts serving upwards of 100 customers.
- Implemented a guest loyalty program that rewarded frequent diners, enhancing repeat business by approximately 35%.
Work Experience
Service Team Leader
Scott's Restaurant
03/2011-10/2014
- Pioneered a new cocktail menu with the bar team which became the highlight of the menu and boosted cocktail sales by 40%.
- Handled the stress of a fast-paced environment serving upwards of 200 patrons each evening while ensuring no compromise on service quality.
- Coordinated with the event planners to facilitate catering services at external events, substantially enlarging the customer base.
Work Experience
Service Specialist
Sexy Fish
07/2012-05/2016
- Operated a busy city-centre restaurant with an average of 500 customers served per week while maintaining high service standards.
- Played a key role in a project to redesign the dining area, which improved customer experience and received positive media coverage.
- Conducted training sessions on the point of sale system use for newly hired staff to ensure seamless integration into the service flow.
Work Experience
Lead Server
The Ledbury
11/2017-Ongoing
- Adeptly manage a culturally diverse guest list for high-profile events, often serving diplomats and celebrities with the utmost discretion and attention to detail.
- Instrumental in the development and execution of a seasonal menu relaunch that led to a record increase in average cover value of 20% within the first month.
- Spearheaded an initiative to source organic and local produce, further enhancing the restaurant’s reputation for quality and sustainability, and attracting a health-conscious clientele.
What to add in your server CV experience section with no professional experience
If you don't have the standard nine-to-five professional experience, yet are still keen on applying for the job, here's what you can do:
- List any internships, part-time roles, volunteer experience, or basically any work you've done that meets the job requirements and is in the same industry;
- Showcase any project you've done in your free time (even if you completed them with family and friends) that will hint at your experience and skill set;
- Replace the standard, CV experience section with a strengths or achievements one. This will help you spotlight your transferrable skills that apply to the role.
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PRO TIP
Talk about any positive changes you helped bring about in your previous jobs, like improving a process or helping increase efficiency.
Describing your unique skill set using both hard skills and soft skills
Your server CV provides you with the perfect opportunity to spotlight your talents, and at the same time - to pass any form of assessment. Focusing on your skill set across different CV sections is the way to go, as this would provide you with an opportunity to quantify your achievements and successes. There's one common, very simple mistake, which candidates tend to make at this stage. Short on time, they tend to hurry and mess up the spelling of some of the key technologies, skills, and keywords. Copy and paste the particular skill directly from the job requirement to your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Now, your CV skills are divided into:
- Technical or hard skills, describing your comfort level with technologies (software and hardware). List your aptitude by curating your certifications, on the work success in the experience section, and technical projects. Use the dedicated skills section to provide recruiters with up to twelve technologies, that match the job requirements, and you're capable of using.
- People or soft skills provide you with an excellent background to communicate, work within a team, solve problems. Don't just copy-paste that you're a "leader" or excel at "analysis". Instead, provide tangible metrics that define your success inusing the particular skill within the strengths, achievements, summary/ objective sections.
Top skills for your server CV:
HARD SKILLS
Knowledge of Food Service Regulations
Point of Sale (POS) System Operation
Food and Beverage Pairings
Order Taking/Handling
Menu Memorization
Cash Handling
Basic Culinary Skills
Inventory Management
Table Setting Techniques
Cleaning and Sanitisation Protocols
SOFT SKILLS
Communication Skills
Customer Service Orientation
Teamwork
Flexibility
Active Listening
Problem-Solving Ability
Attention to Detail
Patience
Multitasking
Stress Management
PRO TIP
Order your skills based on the relevance to the role you're applying for, ensuring the most pertinent skills catch the employer's attention first.
Education and more professional qualifications to include in your server CV
If you want to showcase to recruiters that you're further qualified for the role, ensure you've included your relevant university diplomas. Within your education section:
- Describe your degree with your university name(-s) and start-graduation dates;
- List any awards you've received, if you deem they would be impressive or are relevant to the industry;
- Include your projects and publications, if you need to further showcase how you've used your technical know-how;
- Avoid listing your A-level marks, as your potential employers care to learn more about your university background.
Apart from your higher education, ensure that you've curated your relevant certificates or courses by listing the:
- name of the certificate or course;
- name of the institution within which you received your training;
- the date(-s) when you obtained your accreditation.
In the next section, discover some of the most relevant certificates for your server CV:
PRO TIP
If there's a noticeable gap in your skillset for the role you're applying for, mention any steps you're taking to acquire these skills, such as online courses or self-study.
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Key takeaways
Impressing recruiters with your experience, skill set, and values starts with your professional server CV. Write concisely and always aim to answer job requirements with what you've achieved; furthermore:
- Select a simple design that complements your experience and ensures your profile is presentable;
- Include an opening statement that either spotlights your key achievements (summary) or showcases your career ambitions (objective);
- Curate your experience bullets, so that each one commences with a strong, action verb and is followed up by your skill and accomplishment;
- List your hard and soft skills all across different sections of your CV to ensure your application meets the requirements;
- Dedicate space to your relevant higher education diplomas and your certificates to show recruiters you have the necessary industry background.
