Writing a strong Server CV
Hiring managers reviewing a server CV look for evidence that you can deliver reliable front-of-house service in a specific setting, whether that’s casual dining, fine dining, banquets, hotels, bars, or high-volume restaurants. Your CV should name the POS platforms you’ve used, such as Toast, Square, Micros, or Aloha, and show familiarity with reservations, table turns, allergen awareness, alcohol service rules, and cash handling. Include details such as section size, average covers per shift, menu type, wine or cocktail knowledge, and any food safety or responsible beverage service certifications required in your region.
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Three things that matter most
- Describe the service style and pace you are used to, such as fine dining tasting menus, brunch rushes, banquet service, or 150-cover dinner shifts. This helps managers quickly match you to their floor setup.
- Include the systems and procedures you know, including Toast, Aloha, Micros, OpenTable, tip pooling, cash-outs, side work, and closing reports. These details show you can step into service with less training.
- Mention menu knowledge that affects guest safety and sales, such as allergen handling, dietary substitutions, wine pairings, craft beer, cocktails, or dessert upselling. Restaurants value servers who protect guests while increasing check averages.
Skills hiring managers look for
Frequently asked
How do I write a server CV with no restaurant experience?
Emphasise transferable experience from retail, events, cafés, hotels, customer service, or volunteer roles where you dealt with customers, payments, queues, or complaints. Add any food handler or alcohol service certification you have completed, even if it was online. If you have trial shifts, catering gigs, or school hospitality experience, list the service tasks you performed rather than leaving the CV empty.
What should a fine dining server include on a CV?
A fine dining server CV should mention service standards such as coursing, wine service, tableside presentation, tasting menus, reservation notes, and VIP guest handling. Include the type of cuisine, average covers, section size, and any knowledge of pairings, allergens, or premium spirits. If you worked with systems like SevenRooms, OpenTable, Micros, or Toast, include them clearly.
Should I include tips, sales, or check averages on a server CV?
You can include sales-related details when they are accurate and appropriate, such as average covers per shift, high-volume service, private events worked, or experience increasing wine, dessert, or cocktail orders. Avoid listing personal tip income unless it is directly relevant to the employer’s expectations. It is usually stronger to show the environment you handled and the revenue-supporting tasks you performed.
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