So, you’re looking for a job in the restaurant industry, but you think your standard resume will do the trick? Well, think again! The restaurant sector has its own codes and expectations. It’s no secret that this field is highly competitive, especially if you want to land a position in a top establishment. Recruitment in the restaurant industry is often fast-paced, employers don’t have time to browse through pages of resumes. They want efficiency, impact, and specificity.
Why doesn’t a general resume always work? A generic resume often lacks the necessary impact to stand out. It doesn’t emphasize enough the specific skills you need to excel in the restaurant industry, such as stress management, impeccable customer service, or speed of execution. By following tips to improve your resume and adapting it to the sector, you show recruiters that you know exactly what they expect and that you are ready to face the challenges specific to the restaurant industry.
How to Structure a Resume for a Restaurant Job
Now that you know why a specific resume is crucial, let’s see how to structure it.
Essential Sections
Here are the essential sections your resume should include:
- Personal Information: Name, last name, phone contact, and professional email (avoid addresses that are too funky, like “crepelover@…”).
- Professional Summary: A few impactful lines summarizing your experience and what you bring to the establishment. For example: “Experienced waiter with 5 years of experience in Michelin-starred restaurants. Passionate about customer service and gastronomy.”
- Work Experience: List your past experiences, emphasizing those relevant to the desired position. Include your role, main tasks, and accomplishments (for example, “Improved customer satisfaction by 15% in 6 months”).
- Key Skills: Here, you can create a bullet-point list of your most relevant skills. For example:
- Management of table service
- Order taking and payment management
- Stress and priority management
- Knowledge of wines and food-wine pairings
- Education: Degrees obtained, as well as specific certifications (for example, “HACCP training”).
- Languages: In the restaurant industry, especially in a tourist environment, mastering multiple languages is a definite asset.
Layout and Design: Mistakes to Avoid
First impressions matter. And no, a colorful resume with flashy colors won’t impress anyone. Opt for a clean and professional design.
Here are some tips:
- Readable font: Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, size 11 or 12.
- Hierarchy: Use clear subheadings for each section (H2, H3).
- Avoid large blocks of text: Space out your resume, use bullet-point lists for skills and tasks.
- Limit to one page: Unless you have more than 10 years of experience, one page is more than enough.
Key Skills to Highlight
In the restaurant industry, certain skills are simply indispensable. Employers are looking for candidates who possess a mix of technical and personal skills.
Technical and Personal Skills
Technical Skills:
- Table service: Ability to handle multiple tables at once while keeping a smile.
- Order taking: Proficiency in using electronic ordering systems.
- Stock management: Ability to manage product orders, avoid shortages.
Personal Skills:
- Teamwork: Ability to integrate into a team and collaborate effectively.
- Stress management: Staying calm during rushes, when the dining room is full.
- Attention to detail: Being attentive to the little things that make a difference for the customer.
Examples of Resumes for the Restaurant Sector
Sometimes, nothing beats visualizing to understand. Here are two examples of resumes specific to the restaurant industry.
Resume for Head Chef
| Section | Example Content |
|---|---|
| Summary | “Passionate head chef with 10 years of experience in gastronomy. Specialized in traditional and innovative French cuisine.” |
| Experience | Chef, Restaurant Le Gourmet – 2015 – 2020 – Creation of seasonal menus – Management of a team of 10 people |
| Skills | – Culinary creativity – Stock management – Food safety |
Resume for Waiter
| Section | Example Content |
|---|---|
| Summary | “Dynamic waiter with 3 years of experience in Parisian bistros. Appreciated for my fast and friendly service.” |
| Experience | Waiter, Café de Flore – 2018 – 2021 – Service for 100+ clients per day – Payment management |
| Skills | – Table service – Wine knowledge – Quick order taking |
Tips for Writing an Impactful Cover Letter
The resume is good, but the cover letter is the cherry on top. It’s not enough to repeat what’s in your resume. The letter should show your enthusiasm and motivation for the position.
Some tips for a successful cover letter:
- Personalize it for each position. Show that you know the establishment.
- Talk about what you can bring to the team, not just what you hope to get.
- Stay concise and direct, but don’t hesitate to show your passion for the restaurant industry.
Conclusion
So there you have it, you are now armed with all the tips to improve your resume in the restaurant industry. All that’s left is for you to take action. And remember, a good resume can make all the difference between staying in line or landing an interview.
Ready to take the next step? Share this article with your friends on social media or check out our other guides to refine every aspect of your application. If you’re looking for resume templates or tools to create one online, click here to discover our recommendations!
Céline, a crêpe enthusiast, shares her recipes and tips on her blog dedicated to this culinary art. As a passionate blogger, she explores all aspects of crêpes, from traditional to innovative creations. Join her for delicious and inspiring culinary adventures!
