Entry-Level Waiter Resume: Guide & Sample to Land Your First Job

From cafés to hotels, bistros, restaurants, nightclubs… A job as waiting staff will usually earn from around $23,000 a year, though this amount will depend above all on:

• The number of hours you work
• The type of work contract
• Tips

What’s the best way to write a resume for an entry-level waiter/waitress position?

To ensure you present yourself as professional, the proper layout and structure need to be adhered to in a resume for a waiter or waitress as follows:

Resume layout for a first-time waiter

• Opt for a simple and professional layout style, especially if you’re applying for a post in the hotel industry
• The font size should be between 10 and 12; recommended font types include Helvetica, Times New Roman or Calibri.

The structure of a first-time waiter resume

• Your first name, surname, headline, and contact information must all be clearly visible
• The same goes for your personal statement, which allows the reader to instantly pin down the position you are going for and what your experiences are.
• Follow this up with your academic background, since you have yet to gain any experience as a waiter or waitress.
• Indicate any work experience that you do have.
• Specify what skills you have, especially interpersonal skills.

Start things off with a headline for an entry-level waiter resume

As shown in this sample waiter resume, you need to indicate that you are looking for an ‘entry-level’ position. You can also provide details about the sector you wish to work in for your first experience in the field.

Sample headline - dos and don’ts

An example of a bad headline would be stating that you are a ‘waiter’ or ‘waitress’ when you don’t have any experience in this role, as well as neglecting to put the sector you are looking to work within if you are seeking your first role in a restaurant.

Should a photo be added to an entry-level waiter resume?

Work as a waiter means constant contact with customers. It is for this reason that you might think that it would be suitable to include a photo in your resume. However, this is not the case for the US, as well as other English-speaking countries like the UK and Ireland. We recommend you do not include a photo with your resume.

Choosing a title for your entry-level waiter resume

So, you want to secure your first job as a waiter in a restaurant? Then indicate this in your resume title: ‘Entry-level waiter in the food service industry’.

Work experience to include in a resume for a first-time waiter

Though previous work experience is not the be-all and end-all of your application, it can serve to highlight your scope for growth within the service industry.

If you need help with writing your resume, take a look at our online template here.

Describing previous work experience in your entry-level waiter resume

• Indicate the duration as well as the year of completion
• Include the recruiter’s name, as well as that of any clients for temp work
• Mention the job title
• Above all, include past responsibilities that highlight your customer service experience or your experience of serving people in general

Sample work experience sections for entry-level waiting staff

CORRECT

An example of a model work experience section would be: 2019 (3 months) – Front desk receptionist, London

Supdeco (First Event agency)

• Welcomed clients and received incoming phone calls
• Served hot and cold beverages during meetings
• Prepared food platters

INCORRECT

Receptionist, London

Supdeco (First Event agency)

• Welcomed clients

The education section of an entry-level waiter resume

What should come first: education or work experience on an entry level waiter resume?

So, you’ve completed a training course in hospitality and catering? Showcase this!

Moreover, if you are a degree holder, highlighting your academic background is highly recommended to make up for your lack of restaurant-related skills.

How should academic qualifications be laid out in an entry-level waiter resume?

Your education section needs to include the year of completion of each qualification, the name of each diploma, as well as the name of the institute which issued it.

Sample ‘Education Section’ for first-time waiting staff

You can download a waiter resume template online right now.

Skills to include in an entry-level waiter resume

When you’re trying to get your foot in the door of the restaurant industry (or other related sectors), interpersonal skills need to take center stage.

What are the main sought-after skills for an entry-level waiter or waitress?

In terms of Hard Skills, we can mention the following:

• Fluency in languages such as French and Spanish
• Experience using a till and handling transactions
• Basic knowledge of Portuguese
• Grasp of restaurant ordering software

• Customer-focused mindset
• Communication skills
• Friendliness
• Listening skills
• Desire to offer excellent service

Crafting the perfect personal statement for an entry-level waiter resume

Your personal statement needs to lay out your reasons for applying, drawing on the aspects of your personality that make you a perfect fit for the role.

Example of a compelling personal statement for a first-time waiter

In need of an example?

Additional sections to include in your entry-level waiter resume

Knowledge of foreign languages can be featured, whereas hobbies and interests do not necessarily need to be mentioned.