Entry-level waiter sample resume and skills

Further information about being a first-time waiter

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:

Sample Entry Level Waiter Resume

Here is a sample resume for an entry-level restaurant waiter or waitress

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

The structure of a first-time waiter resume

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

Sample work experience sections for entry-level waiting staff

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:

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.

Languages in a entry level waiter or waitress

Within the hotel or restaurant sectors, especially in establishments located in tourist areas, knowledge of foreign languages will be particularly valuable.

You can indicate your level of fluency (score) in line with any certificates that you have obtained – for example in German (Goethe Zertifikat), Spanish (SIELE) or French (DELF/DALF).

Hobbies and interests for entry level waiter or waitress

Whether you should mention your hobbies will depend on who your employer is; if you are applying for a job as a waiter in a golf club, it could be relevant to mention that you love golf.

Otherwise, there’s no need to specify your interests.

References in your entry level resume

Do you have a handful of experiences in the food service or customer service domains? You are not expected to include them in your resume.

If you have the room, you can simply put: references available upon request.

This will allow you to show good faith.

Summary: key points for crafting the perfect entry-level waiter resume

Writing a cover letter for an entry-level waiter position which compliments your resume

Are cover letters strictly necessary? The answer is a resounding yes.

Your cover letter is not a case of simply reiterating the fact that you have a particular qualification, but instead of laying out the reasons behind your desire to apply for this position (waiter) within this particular sector (restaurant, hotel, nightclub, etc.).

Cover letters allow you to give more detail about the key missions assigned to you in previous roles, and to bring them in line with the tasks you hope to take on in your future role.

You can find a selection of sample cover letters on our job search blog.