Crafting a CV that effectively showcases your interpersonal skills and ability to work under pressure can be a daunting challenge for a waiter. Our guide provides targeted advice on how to highlight these competencies, ensuring your application stands out to hospitality recruiters.
What information should you include in your waiter CV? Learn how to create your interview-landing and job-winning profile with our bespoke guide on:
- Applying best practices from real-world examples to ensure your profile always meets recruiters' expectations;
- What to include in your work experience section, apart from your past roles and responsibilities?
- Why are both hard and soft skills important for your application?
- How do you need to format your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker Software (ATS) assessment?
If you're writing your CV for a niche waiter role, make sure to get some inspiration from professionals:
Resume examples for waiter
Explore additional waiter cv samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Senior Waiter
- Focus on Career Advancement and Leadership - Sophia Brooks' career trajectory showcases significant growth, from starting as a waiter to becoming a senior waiter with leadership roles in fine dining establishments. Her progression reflects a honed ability to manage teams, guide new staff, and streamline operations, demonstrating readiness for roles of greater responsibility.
- Strong Emphasis on Achievements and Business Impact - The CV effectively uses numbers to highlight Sophia's impact on business outcomes, such as improving customer satisfaction scores by 30% and reducing service time by 25%. These metrics align with business goals, illustrating her ability to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.
- Comprehensive Skill Set with Industry-Specific Expertise - Sophia's CV covers a breadth of skills relevant to the fine dining industry, such as wine pairing and menu planning. Her completion of industry-relevant courses further underscores her refined expertise, making her a valued asset in roles that require in-depth knowledge and high-quality service delivery.
Junior Waiter
- Structured and Clear Presentation - The CV is well-organized, starting with the candidate's name and contact information, followed by a succinct career summary. Each section is clearly labeled, creating a seamless flow from experience to education and skills, which aids in quick comprehension and highlights essential details without overwhelming the reader.
- Continuous Growth in Hospitality - Harry Williams shows a clear developmental trajectory within the hospitality industry, moving from an intern position at Castle Hotel to a junior waiter's role at Ivy Brasserie. This progression illustrates not only a deepening of responsibility but also an increased skill set and adaptability in diverse hospitality settings.
- Diverse Skill Set with Relevant Certifications - The candidate's skills section lists critical competencies like upselling, teamwork, and time management, essential in a high-pressure dining environment. Additionally, certifications such as the "Level 2 Award in Food Safety" are directly relevant to the role, highlighting a commitment to industry standards and continuous professional development.
Trainee Waiter
- Strategically Structured Experience Timeline - The CV offers a clear and logical progression in Edward's professional journey, showcasing a steady climb from Restaurant Server to Senior Waiter and finally a Waiter at prestigious restaurants. This trajectory indicates his consistent growth and ability to take on more responsibilities over time.
- Impact Through Diverse Skill Application - Edward's CV highlights numerous achievements that directly tie into business enhancements like boosting guest satisfaction by 25%, increasing sales by 18%, and reducing onboarding time by 30%. These accomplishments reflect his strategic use of soft skills such as team leadership and customer relations to drive measurable business outcomes.
- Inclusion of Relevant Certifications and Ongoing Education - By listing specific courses like Advanced Wine & Spirits Certification and Food Safety & Hygiene, the CV emphasizes Edward's commitment to maintaining industry-relevant knowledge. This strategy underpins his proficiency in hospitality, portraying him as a well-rounded and continuously improving professional.
Experienced Waiter
- Strong emphasis on leadership and team development - The CV effectively highlights the candidate's leadership abilities through demonstrated success in developing training programs that improved team efficiency by 30% and leading teams to achieve significant revenue increases. These experiences underscore their capacity to drive both individual and collective advancement within high-paced hospitality environments.
- Well-documented career progression - The candidate shows clear upward mobility, having progressed from a Food and Beverage Assistant at The Ritz London to senior roles at major hotels like Radisson Blu and Hilton Liverpool. This trajectory illustrates a solid foundation in hospitality, enhanced by progressively responsible positions, reflecting their dedication and competence.
- Incorporation of industry-relevant skills and certifications - The inclusion of specialized certifications like the Hospitality Leadership Certificate from eCornell and course completion with the Institute of Hospitality demonstrates a commitment to professional growth. These credentials, paired with extensive skill sets such as guest feedback analysis and conflict resolution, emphasize both technical expertise and a proactive approach to learning within the hospitality industry.
By Role
Head Waiter
- Effective Content Presentation - The CV displays an organized structure, with clearly defined sections that are easy to follow. Each section is concisely written, delivering essential information without overwhelming the reader. By using bullet points for key achievements and responsibilities, the CV ensures clarity and facilitates quick comprehension of Isabella's qualifications.
- Impressive Career Trajectory - Isabella Watson’s career path demonstrates steady growth within the hospitality industry, progressing from a waitstaff position at Malmaison Newcastle to a head waiter role at The Ritz London. Her promotions reflect her dedication and capability, particularly in leading teams and improving guest experiences, emphasizing her readiness for greater responsibilities within luxury dining environments.
- Impactful Achievements with Business Relevance - The CV highlights Isabella’s ability to positively impact business outcomes. Key achievements such as increasing guest satisfaction scores by 20%, reducing order processing time by 30%, and boosting wine sales by 15% underscore her capacity to enhance operational efficiency and drive revenue. These accomplishments demonstrate not only her skills but also her effectiveness in contributing to the organization's strategic goals.
Assistant Waiter
- Structured progression in hospitality and customer service - Chloe Bell's career journey showcases a clear, structured progression through leading roles across esteemed companies in the hospitality sector. Starting as a Front of House Coordinator and advancing to Customer Experience Manager, her trajectory reflects a consistent climb up the leadership ladder, highlighting growing responsibilities and skills in managing customer relations and service delivery.
- Effective implementation of industry-specific tools and techniques - The CV emphasizes Chloe's adeptness with industry-specific tools such as POS systems and reservation software, which she used to enhance efficiency by 25% at Sainsbury's. Her strategic application of upselling techniques also stands out, significantly improving revenue, demonstrating her technical depth in the hospitality sales domain.
- Recognition through impactful achievements - Each accomplishment in Chloe's career is followed by measurable, relevant business impacts. For instance, her Customer Satisfaction Award for the highest regional satisfaction scores and her implementation of processes that reduced reservation handling by 40% point to her capacity for driving genuine value and operational improvement in the organizations she has worked with.
Banquet Waiter
- Structured Career Progression - The CV demonstrates a clear and upward career trajectory, showcasing Matilda's growth from a Banquet Supervisor to Senior Banquet Manager. Her steady progression within the hospitality industry underlines her dedication and ability to take on increasingly challenging roles, indicating a robust career development plan and mastery of her field.
- Strong Emphasis on Leadership and Soft Skills - Throughout the CV, there is a strong focus on Matilda's leadership abilities, including team mentorship and staff training, which are crucial for overseeing large-scale events. Her soft skills are underscored by her ability to manage diverse teams and improve team dynamics, leading to increased satisfaction and reduced turnover, highlighting her effectiveness as a leader.
- Impactful Achievements with Business Relevance - The CV does not merely list achievements; it connects them with business outcomes, such as enhancing client satisfaction and boosting revenue through innovative solutions and efficient service protocols. This contextual emphasis showcases her capability to effect positive change and deliver value in measurable ways, which is critical for advancing in the competitive luxury hospitality sector.
Cruise Ship Waiter
- Well-structured career progression - The CV effectively traces Daniel's career development from a Barista to a Senior Bartender, highlighting a pattern of growth within the hospitality industry. This trajectory not only indicates his ambition and dedication but also his ability to take on increasing responsibilities and leadership roles.
- Industry-specific achievements with business impact - Daniel's introduction of a new cocktail menu, leading to a £5,000 monthly sales increase, and his 15% boost in customer satisfaction show a deep industry understanding. These accomplishments highlight his ability to generate substantial revenue and enhance customer experience, crucial for roles in hospitality management.
- Diverse and adaptable skill set - The CV showcases Daniel's proficiency in both technical and interpersonal skills, such as bartending, inventory management, and conflict resolution. This combination ensures he can effectively manage both operational tasks and customer interactions, proving his adaptability in dynamic hospitality environments.
Room Service Waiter
- Structured Career Progression - Matilda Hunter’s CV highlights a clear trajectory of advancement within the hospitality sector, moving from a Senior Waiter to an In Room Dining Supervisor. This progression demonstrates her ability to thrive and grow within high-profile establishments such as The Ritz, The Savoy, and Claridge's.
- Strong Leadership and Team Management - The CV details Matilda's capacity to lead and manage teams effectively, evidenced by her role in overseeing a team of 15 staff and achieving a 15% increase in peak service efficiency at The Ritz London. Her leadership is further reinforced by initiatives that reduced onboarding time and turnover rates, enhancing team performance overall.
- Implementation of Innovative Solutions - Matilda has a proven track record of implementing strategic initiatives that lead to measurable improvements. Her introduction of a new training program, signature dining events, and wine pairing series underline her innovative mindset, driving guest engagement and enhancing revenue.
Cocktail Waiter
- Strategic Career progression - Sophia's career trajectory demonstrates a marked progression through prestigious hospitality venues, moving from Bar Staff to Senior Cocktail Waitress at The Savoy. Each role is marked by increasing responsibilities, reflecting her growth and adaptability in the luxury hospitality industry.
- Emphasizes leadership and team dynamics - The CV highlights Sophia’s capability to lead and enhance team performance. Her initiative in launching a new staff training program and leading a team to craft signature cocktails underscores her leadership in improving staff skills and customer service within high-pressure environments.
- Prominent focus on client-centric achievements - The achievements section is particularly impactful, emphasizing Sophia's influence on guest satisfaction and revenue. Her efforts resulted in a 30% rise in bookings and consistently met sales targets, showcasing her ability to drive business success while maintaining high service standards.
Event Waiter
- Clarity and Structure in Presentation - Olivia Turner's CV excels in presenting information in a clear and structured manner. Each section is well-organized, making it easy for potential employers to quickly grasp her qualifications and experiences. The use of concise bullet points for job responsibilities and achievements enhances readability, allowing specific accomplishments and skills to stand out effectively.
- Career Growth and Advancement - The CV displays a strong career trajectory, demonstrating Olivia's growth from a Guest Services Manager to a Senior Event Coordinator. Her progression through prestigious institutions like The Ritz London and the Savoy Hotel reflects her ability to excel in high-pressure, luxury environments, showcasing her drive and capability to handle increasingly complex responsibilities over time.
- Achievements with Business Impact - Olivia's achievements are highlighted with a clear focus on their business relevance. For instance, increasing event revenue by 30% and reducing event response times highlight her ability to make a substantial impact on operational efficiency and financial performance. Such accomplishments exhibit her commitment to enhancing not just client satisfaction but also the profitability and reputation of the organizations she works with.
Catering Waiter
- Clear career progression and industry stability - Poppy Griffiths’ CV reflects a steady progression in the hospitality industry, highlighting advancement from a Junior Waitress to a Senior Waitress. Her journey through esteemed dining establishments like The Ivy and D&D London indicates her sustained commitment and growing influence in the field.
- Impactful achievements with business relevance - The CV emphasizes substantial business impacts through her roles, such as a significant 40% increase in table turnover and customer satisfaction, a 25% boost in wine sales, and a noteworthy reduction of service errors by 30%. These achievements not only showcase her ability to enhance operations but also underline her effectiveness in driving revenue growth and improving customer experience.
- Specialized skill set in hospitality and event management - Poppy’s expertise is aptly underscored by her proficiency in areas such as wine & food pairing, event coordination, and training & development. Additionally, certifications like the Wine & Spirit Education Trust Level 2 and coursework in advanced food and beverage service demonstrate her dedication to advancing her professional skill set in hospitality.
Hotel Waiter
- Clearly structured for readability - The CV presents information in an organized manner, with each section distinctly categorized, making it easy for readers to navigate and locate specific details. This clarity enhances the overall presentation and maintains the reader's engagement.
- Career growth through prestigious establishments - Theodore Green's career trajectory is highlighted by progressive roles at high-profile establishments like The Ritz London and The Savoy. This upward movement from a waiter to a supervisory position illustrates significant career development and increasing responsibility.
- Focus on guest relations and satisfaction - A key theme throughout the CV is the emphasis on guest satisfaction. Achievements such as enhancing customer experience at banquet events and increasing repeat business demonstrate a deep commitment to ensuring exceptional guest relations, crucial for a hospitality professional.
Fine Dining Waiter
- Strong career trajectory in luxury dining - Ivy Ward exhibits impressive career growth within the fine dining industry. Transitioning from a waiter at The Ritz to senior roles at renowned establishments like The Fat Duck and The Ledbury, her advancement is marked by increased responsibilities and the management of significant projects that enhance customer satisfaction and service efficiency.
- Unique industry-specific achievements - The CV highlights industry-specific successes, such as implementing feedback systems that increased positive reviews by 30% and spearheading a wine sales initiative that boosted revenue by 15%. These initiatives demonstrate Ivy Ward’s deep understanding of gastronomy service delivery and her ability to drive business growth through innovative solutions.
- Exceptional adaptability and cross-functional collaboration - Ivy Ward shows adaptability through her capacity to work seamlessly across different roles and locations. Her experience coordinating between front-of-house and kitchen staff indicates a strong ability to manage cross-functional teams, improve service delivery by 15%, and ensure cohesive operations within fast-paced luxury environments.
Bistro Waiter
- Effective Content Structure - The CV is systematically organized, beginning with a succinct summary, followed by well-detailed and bulleted experience sections that make it easy to navigate and understand the candidate’s career progress. Each section, from education to achievements, is clearly delineated, facilitating quick comprehension of key competencies and accomplishments.
- Demonstrated Career Growth - Ruby Gibson's career trajectory in the hospitality industry shows a clear path of progression from a Food and Beverage Assistant to a Senior Waitress. This progression is supported by increasingly complex responsibilities and leadership roles, reflecting honed skills and consistent upward movement in her professional journey.
- Significant Business Impact - The CV highlights achievements with substantial business relevance, such as enhancing customer satisfaction by 30% and improving table turnover rate by 25%. These metrics portray her ability to generate tangible improvements in service efficiency and customer experience, directly benefiting business outcomes.
Wine Waiter
- Comprehensive Career Progression - The CV effectively traces Edward Mitchell's career journey within the food and beverage industry, showcasing a clear upward trajectory starting from a Beverage Assistant to a Food & Beverage Supervisor at prestigious hotels. This progression reflects not only his growing responsibilities but also his dedication to the industry.
- Strong Results Through Measurable Impact - Achievements are detailed with specific metrics, such as increasing guest satisfaction by 20% or reducing average guest wait times by 25%. These figures provide concrete evidence of his capability to drive improvements and deliver tangible business outcomes, key in a role characterized by customer service excellence.
- Diverse Skill Set and Leadership Abilities - The emphasis on skills like Customer Service, Beverage Management, and Team Leadership highlights Edward’s breadth of expertise in both operational and leadership roles. His ability to train and improve his team’s efficiency by implementing innovative strategies illustrates strong adaptability and cross-functional experience.
Poolside Waiter
- Exceptional Structuring and Clarity - The CV is presented with impeccable clarity and structure, allowing the reader to easily navigate through each section. Key elements such as experience, education, and skills are concisely articulated, ensuring the most relevant information is highlighted effectively.
- Remarkable Career Growth and Experience - Isabelle's career trajectory showcases significant growth within the hospitality industry, moving from roles such as Hostess to Waitress, and extending her expertise as a Barista. Her progression is marked by increased responsibilities, illustrating her dedication and upward mobility in hospitality roles.
- Impactful Achievements with Quantitative Results - The CV impressively lists achievements that are not merely descriptive but quantifiable, demonstrating her ability to drive tangible business impacts. Metrics shown, like enhancing customer satisfaction by 20% and increasing sales through upselling, offer a clear picture of her effectiveness and value in hospitality service delivery.
Casino Waiter
- Clear career progression - Finley Robinson's CV illustrates a strong upward trajectory within the hospitality industry, evident in the progression from Waiter to Head Waiter at reputable establishments in Bristol. This advancement highlights consistent growth and recognition for their contributions to improving customer service and overall dining experiences.
- Emphasis on leadership and team development - The CV places a significant focus on Finley's leadership capabilities, particularly in leading teams to achieve substantial improvements in efficiency and customer satisfaction. The implementation of a training program that boosted team performance and reduced errors by 20% stands as a testament to their effective leadership skills.
- Comprehensive skill set tailored to hospitality - The listed skills, such as customer service, event coordination, and upselling techniques, are directly relevant to the hospitality industry, demonstrating Finley's ability to deliver exceptional dining experiences. Additionally, certifications in hospitality marketing and professional wine tasting add a layer of technical depth to their expertise, enhancing their suitability for higher-level roles within the sector.
Caf�� Waiter
- Concise yet comprehensive content presentation - The CV effectively organizes the candidate's achievements and experiences using clear headings and bullet points, making it easy to digest. Each job description is succinct yet illustrative of their impact, ensuring the reader can quickly grasp the scope of responsibilities and accomplishments.
- Progressive career trajectory - Over the course of his career, Daniel has demonstrated significant growth and advancement within the hospitality industry. Progressing from a Food Service Assistant to a Waiter, and notably taking on mentoring responsibilities, showcases his ability to adapt and thrive in various professional settings.
- Strategic focus on customer satisfaction - Daniel’s CV places a strong emphasis on customer service techniques and initiatives that have led to marked improvements in guest satisfaction and repeat business. This aligns perfectly with industry expectations, emphasizing the importance of customer loyalty and its impact on business success.
How to ensure your profile stands out with your waiter CV format
It's sort of a Catch 22. You want your waiter 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 waiter 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 waiter 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 waiter CV
- Professional Experience section demonstrates the hands-on experience you have in hospitality.
- Customer Service Skills section showcases your ability to interact with guests and provide exceptional service.
- Knowledge of Food and Beverages highlights your understanding of different cuisines and drinks.
- Multitasking and Time Management Skills reflect your efficiency and ability to handle a busy restaurant environment.
- Certifications and Training include any relevant qualifications like food safety certification or bartending license.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your customer service skills, mentioning any experience where you have successfully managed customer queries and resolved issues, showcasing your ability to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Emphasise your ability to multitask by providing examples of busy shifts where you efficiently balanced taking orders, serving food, and managing payments, all while maintaining a friendly demeanour.
- Include any experience with Point of Sale (POS) systems or cash handling to indicate your preparedness to handle transactions and familiarity with common restaurant technology and processes.
- Detail your knowledge of food and beverages by mentioning any training or certifications in food safety, barista skills, or wine knowledge to demonstrate your capability in providing informative suggestions to guests.
- Mention any team leadership or training experience to show your potential for growth within the hospitality industry, and your ability to work collaboratively with others.
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Our checklist for the must-have information in your waiter CV header
Right at the very top of your waiter 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 waiter:
- Senior Waiter | Wine Expertise | Hospitality Management Certificate | 8+ Years of Upscale Dining Experience
- Head Waitress | Team Leadership | Customer Service Excellence | Food Hygiene Cert | 10 Years’ Service
- Skilled Waiter | Barista Qualified | Efficiency & Upscale Service | 5 Years in Michelin-Starred Restaurants
- Professional Server | Multilingual | Event Catering Specialist | 7 Years Industry Experience | Commis Waiter Background
- Lead Waiting Staff | Silver Service Trained | Guest Relations Pro | Table Management | 12 Years Expertise
- Waitstaff Supervisor | Mixology Passion | Staff Training & Development | 6 Years at High-Volume Venues
Choosing your opening statement: a waiter CV summary or objective
At the top one third of your CV, you have the chance to make a more personable impression on recruiters by selecting between:
- Summary - or those three to five sentences that you use to show your greatest achievements. Use the CV summary if you happen to have plenty of relevant experience and wish to highlight your greatest successes;
- Objective - provides you with up to five sentences to state your professional aims and mission in the company you're applying for
CV summaries for a waiter job:
- Energetic waiter with over 5 years of high-volume restaurant experience at renowned London eateries, adept at memorising menus and maintaining a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Acknowledged for exemplary customer service, earning the ‘Employee of the Year’ award twice.
- Seasoned professional boasting 8 years in customer-facing roles within the bustling Edinburgh hospitality scene. Mastering pos systems and wine pairings, my career highlight includes increasing upsells by 30% through personalised recommendations.
- Former retail supervisor pivoting to the hospitality industry with a strong foundation in customer satisfaction and team management, eager to leverage extensive communication and organisational skills to excel in a fast-paced restaurant environment.
- Accomplished event coordinator transitioning into the realm of hospitality, bringing forth a wealth of experience in organising large-scale events, keen analytic abilities, and a passion for creating unforgettable guest experiences through meticulous attention to detail.
- As a recent graduate with a zeal for hospitality and gastronomy, I am committed to learning the intricacies of exceptional customer service and am eager to contribute my energetic approach and quick-learning abilities to thrive as a waiter.
- Seeking an entry-level role to embrace the challenges of the hospitality sector, my objective is to apply my enthusiasm, dedication, and adeptness at interpersonal relationships to deliver top-tier service as part of a dynamic waiting team.
Narrating the details of your waiter CV experience section
Perhaps you've heard it time and time again, but, how you present your experience is what matters the most. Your CV experience section - that details your work history alongside your accomplishments - is the space to spotlight your unqiue expertise and talents. So, avoid solely listing your responsibilities, but instead:
- adverts' keywords and integrate those in your experience section;
- Use your CV to detail how you've been promoted in the past by including experience in the reverse chronological order.
Before you start writing your waiter CV experience section, dive into some industry-leading examples on how to structure your bullets.
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Managed a busy section of up to 10 tables, ensuring prompt and attentive service which increased customer satisfaction and repeat patronage.
- Memorised restaurant’s wine stock and the meals they best complemented, resulting in daily wine sales increases of 20%.
- Assisted in the implementation of a new point-of-sale (POS) system, leading to a 15% reduction in order processing time.
- Trained and mentored 5 new waiting staff, focusing on customer service excellence and efficiency, enhancing team performance.
- Adept at handling difficult or dissatisfied customers, resolving complaints with patience and diplomacy, maintaining a positive dining experience.
- Collaborated with the kitchen team to accurately communicate special dietary requirements, ensuring customer health and satisfaction.
- Consistently achieved top sales awards for upselling appetisers and desserts, contributing to higher average checks for the restaurant.
- Orchestrated smooth service during high-profile events, banquets, and busy weekends, often serving upwards of 100 guests per shift.
- Conducted daily inventory checks of supplies and tableware, leading to a more efficient restocking system and reducing wastage by 10%.
Work Experience
Senior Wait Staff
Luigi's Fine Italian Dining
04/2013-12/2016
- Effectively managed a section of 10 tables in a high-volume Italian restaurant, consistently achieving top sales figures among the team by upselling premium dishes and wines.
- Implemented a customer feedback system that led to a 20% improvement in guest satisfaction scores and a significant reduction in wait times.
- Trained and mentored 5 new staff members, ensuring they adhered to restaurant protocol and maintained the establishment's high standards of service.
Work Experience
Waiter and Technology Liaison
Tech Savvy Bistro
06/2017-08/2019
- Developed an innovative tablet-based ordering system that cut order processing time by 35%, contributing to smoother operations during peak periods.
- Enhanced wine sales by 25% through targeted recommendations based on customer behavior analysis and attentive listening to preferences.
- Actively managed inventory control, reducing waste by 15% through diligent monitoring and strategic order placement.
Work Experience
Customer Experience Specialist Waiter
Green Plate Eatery
01/2020-Ongoing
- Collaborated with the management team to organize weekly themed dining events, driving a 40% increase in mid-week bookings.
- Personalised guest experiences with attentive service and detailed knowledge of menu items, leading to a 50% repeat customer rate.
- Championed the restaurant's commitment to sustainability by suggesting locally-sourced produce, cutting down on carbon footprint and engaging with eco-conscious clientele.
Work Experience
Front of House Waiter
The Gourmet Garden
11/2011-05/2014
- Boosted dessert sales by enthusiastically describing the chef's special creations, resulting in a weekly average increase of 30% dessert orders.
- Coordinated with the kitchen staff on a special diet menu which catered to specific nutritional needs and allergies, facilitating an inclusive dining experience.
- Managed cash and payment transactions for dining customers, maintaining accurate financial records and demonstrating trustworthiness and efficiency.
Work Experience
Lead Wait Staff
Celebrations Banquet Hall
09/2015-02/2018
- Introduced a tableside cocktail preparation service which added an interactive element to dining and increased beverage sales by 20%.
- Assisted in the planning and execution of private dining events for up to 100 guests, delivering impeccable service and detailed attention to customer needs.
- Facilitated staff training workshops focused on speed and efficiency, elevating the team’s performance and reducing customer waiting time by an average of 10 minutes.
Work Experience
Waiter and Menu Expert
Season's Harvest Restaurant
03/2009-07/2011
- Mastered a rotating seasonal menu, providing guests with detailed explanations and recommendations that highlighted the chef's specialties and locally sourced ingredients.
- Piloted a customer loyalty program that grew a regular patron base by 35% over two years, contributing to consistent restaurant revenues.
- Directed a workflow improvement initiative that reallocated staff duties based on peak times, optimizing efficiency and reducing customer wait time.
Work Experience
Waiter and Outdoor Seating Coordinator
Terrace Delights
05/2012-06/2015
- Orchestrated a daily setup routine for outdoor dining which accommodated an additional 40 guests, expanding seating capacity and increasing overall revenue by 15%.
- Spearheaded a cross-training program for waitstaff to handle barista duties, diversifying staff skills and improving service flow during breakfast and brunch services.
- Managed a wine-pairing initiative, which involved in-depth staff training on pairing principles and boosted wine orders by an average of 15% per shift.
Work Experience
Michelin Star Service Waiter
Celestia Culinary Room
08/2019-Ongoing
- Provided a consistently exemplary level of service in a prestigious Michelin-starred establishment, contributing to its reputation for excellence in customer care.
- Regularly communicated with high-profile guests to ensure their dining experiences exceeded expectations, fostering positive relationships and securing high-value repeat business.
- Led a VIP service training for staff to handle celebrity and influencer visits, ensuring privacy, discretion, and an exclusive dining experience.
Swapping your professional experience (when you have none) with skills and more
Never underestimate the importance of relevancе when it comes to your waiter CV. Even if you don't happen to have much or any standard (full-time contract) professional experience, this doesn't mean you shouldn't apply for the role. Instead of a bespoke CV experience section:
- Showcase more prominently any internships, part-time roles, and volunteer experience that are applicable to the role and have taught you job-crucial skills;
- Feature a strengths or achievements section with your transferrable skills or talents you've obtained thanks to your work or life experience;
- Write an objective statement that clearly outlines your values as a candidate and defines your career ambitions;
- List your education or certificates that match the job profile closer to the top of your CV.
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PRO TIP
If applicable, briefly mention a situation where things didn’t go as planned and what you learned from it, demonstrating your ability to learn and adapt.
Hard skills and soft skills to showcase your unique skill set on your waiter CV
Did you know that your CV will mostly likely be assessed by recruiters based on skill alignment? And that means that the way you feature your key skills across different CV sections will play a crucial role in landing you that first interview. We recommend you add your:
- technical capabilities or hard skills in your CV experience, certificates, projects, etc. Use your past accomplishments to prove your technical capabilities. List up to a dozen different software or hardware in your dedicated skills section to match the job keywords;
- personal and communication skills or soft skills in your CV strengths, achievements, summary/ objective, etc. Soft skills are a bit more difficult to prove. How do you define your aptitude in active listening? So, instead of just listing the skill name, include a tangible metric to show your success.
On a final note, when you're in a hurry to create your profile, you may misspell a particular technology or soft skill. That's why we suggest you copy and paste the particular skill name (or keyword), directly from the job advert. This would also help you to pass any initial Applicant Tracker System (ATS) tests.
Top skills for your waiter CV:
HARD SKILLS
Menu Knowledge
POS System Operation
Food Safety Understanding
Table Setting Etiquette
Beverage Service
Order Memorization
Cash Handling
Wine Pairing Basics
Food Preparation Basics
Multi-tasking
SOFT SKILLS
Customer Service Excellence
Communication
Active Listening
Teamwork
Patience
Problem-Solving
Time Management
Adaptability
Attention to Detail
Stress Management
PRO TIP
Focus on describing skills in the context of the outcomes they’ve helped you achieve, linking them directly to tangible results or successes in your career.
Listing your university education and certificates on your waiter CV
The best proof of your technical capabilities would be your education and certifications sections. Your education should list all of your relevant university degrees, followed up by their start and completion dates. Make sure to also include the name of the university/-ies you graduated from. If you happen to have less professional experience (or you deem it would be impressive and relevant to your application), spotlight in the education section:
- that you were awarded a "First" degree;
- industry-specific coursework and projects;
- extracurricular clubs, societies, and activities.
When selecting your certificates, first ask yourself how applicable they'd be to the role. Ater your initial assessment, write the certificate and institution name. Don't miss out on including the completion date. In the below panel, we've curated relevant examples of industry-leading certificates.
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.
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Key takeaways
Your successful job application depends on how you well you have aligned your waiter CV to the job description and portrayed your best skills and traits. Make sure to:
- Select your CV format, so that it ensures your experience is easy to read and understand;
- Include your professional contact details and a link to your portfolio, so that recruiters can easily get in touch with you and preview your work;
- Write a CV summary if you happen to have more relevant professional experience. Meanwhile, use the objective to showcase your career dreams and ambitions;
- In your CV experience section bullets, back up your individual skills and responsibilities with tangible achievements;
- Have a healthy balance between hard and soft skills to answer the job requirements and hint at your unique professional value.
