resume for customer service restaurant

Customer Service Resume [2024] - Examples & Guide

Looks great, right?! Follow the steps below to create a resume that’ll have employers in a frenzy to hire you.

You’re a customer service representative.

You keep customers satisfied by providing solutions to their concerns.

But now it’s time to ease your future employer’s concerns by providing a resume that shows your value as a customer service employee.

This involves highlighting your most notable skills and experiences.

Not sure how to do this?

Well, just follow the simple steps in this guide.

• An example of a finished customer service resume that works
• How to write a customer service resume that’ll fill up your interview diary
• How to make a customer service resume stand out [with top tips & tricks]

Before we get into the details, you can check the customer service resume example at the top, created with our very own resume builder .

Looking fore more specific resume examples? Check out this list of customer service resume examples:

• Barista Resume
• Bartender Resume
• Server Resume
• Waiter Resume
• Receptionist Resume
• Cashier Resume
• Event Planner Resume
• Flight Attendant Resume
• Bar and Restaurant Manager Resume

How to Format a Customer Service Resume

Before you can serve the hiring manager, you need to organize your work station!

But what do we mean by this?

Well, just like your work station, your resume needs to be arranged in a way that doesn’t lead to confusion and delays.

Choosing the correct resume format allows the hiring manager to instantly see your most notable achievements, instead of having to hunt for them. 

The most common resume format is “ reverse-chronological ”, and it is one that we always recommend to customer service representatives. 

The following two resume formats also get our approval…

• Functional Resume – If you’ve got the natural talent to help customers, but lack the hands-on experience, this resume format is recommended. A functional resume focuses on skills, which makes it ideal for those who lack experience or who have gaps in their employment history.
• Combination Resume – Have previous experience in the customer service industry? Then you may want to use this format. Specifically, the format combines both “Functional” and “Reverse-Chronological”.

Use a Customer Service Resume Template

Right, time to fire-up your text editor and get typing!

But wait there.

Although great for creating simple files, there are better alternatives when creating a customer service resume. 

You see, text editors don’t hold its structure, which can result in layout breakages.

Want to avoid an afternoon of headache? Use a customer service resume template. You can tailor any of the following resume templates for a customer service specialist resume.

What to Include in a Customer Service Resume

The main sections in a customer service resume are:

• Work Experience
• Contact Information

To really make an impression, you can also add these optional sections:

• Awards & Certification
• Volunteer Experience

Interests & Hobbies

So those are the customer service resume sections , but what do you write for each of them? 

Let’s find out!

Want to know more about the different sections? View our guide on What to Put on a Resume .

How to Correctly Display your Contact Information

You should treat your contact section with the same care that you treat your customers.

Failure to do so could result in misspellings and wrong numbers, which makes it impossible for the recruiter to offer you an interview! 

The contact information section on your resume must include:

• Professional Title – Align this to the role you’re applying for, so “Customer Service Assistant”
• Phone Number – Check each number carefully
• Email Address – Keep your email professional ([email protected]), unlike that one from your childhood ([email protected]).
• Location – City+Country
• Optional - relevant social media
• Joe Blogs - Customer Service Assistant. 101-358-6095. [email protected]
• Joe Blogs - Customer Service Hero. 101-358-6095. [email protected]

How to Write a Customer Service Resume Summary or Objective

Establishments are always on the lookout for customer service representatives.

But this fact only makes competition more intense.

And with this in mind, we shouldn’t be surprised that recruiters spend just a few seconds on each resume.

If only there was a way to get the recruiter hooked and read through your whole resume?

Fortunately, you can this with a resume summary or objective .

As a customer service representative, you know that friendly introductions go a long way. Similarly, both resume summaries and objectives are short paragraphs that introduce your skills and experiences. 

But what is the difference between a summary and an objective?

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence summary of your most notable restaurant experiences and achievements.

• Enthusiastic customer service representative with five years of retail experience responding to all manner of customer inquiries. Career highlights included being awarded “Employee of the Month” for 36 months out of 48 months and receiving 99% positive customer survey results at XYZ Convenience. Seeking a role at ABC Tech, where my service skills can be leveraged to achieve and maintain the highest level of customer service.

A resume objective is a 2-4 sentence snapshot of your goals and aspirations.

• Passionate and hard-working student working towards graduating with a BA in History from UT Austin. Relevant experience includes serving customers in a campus bar. Eager to become the new customer service representative role at XYZ Tech to leverage interpersonal skills for the highest quality of service.

Got relevant work experience? Use a resume summary. 

Got the skills, but can’t back it up with experience? Use a resume objective.  

How to Make Your Customer Service Work Experience Stand Out

Recruiters hate nothing more than risk.

You see, their job is on the line if they hire the wrong person.

As such, you need to prove you have what it takes, and your work experience section is the easiest way to do that

Here’s the best way for customer service representatives to structure the work experience section:

• Position name
• Company Name
• Responsibilities & Achievements

Customer Service Representative 

YXZ Convenience Store

03/2017 - 04/2021

• Achieved highest up-sell rates in both 2017 (2.8%) and 2019 (3.2%)
• Worked at the customer information desk for 10+ hour shifts
• Welcomed 1000+ customers during store opening event
• Won “Employee of the Month” three months in a row by engaging with customers in personal, yet professional manner

The key here is to showcase how valuable you were to your previous employer. Doing so will have companies competing against each other for your skills.

Instead of saying…

“Spoke to all customers”

“Won “Employee of the Month” three months in a row by engaging with customers in personal, yet professional manner”

Simply put, the first sentence states that you spoke with customers, but it doesn’t say whether you were successful in doing so.  

The second statement goes into more detail and backs-up your claims with awards.

What if You Don’t Have Any Work Experience?

Maybe you’re a student looking for their first customer service job?

Or maybe, you have experience in the field, but never in a retail environment?

Don’t worry, as there are ways to get around this.

All you need are the core job skills and a willingness to learn.

And you can showcase this with related job experience or school projects. 

For example, if you’ve ever worked as a cashier, you can talk about any crossover skills and experiences. Just like a customer service representative, you were friendly, dealt with customers concerns, and operated a POS/computer. 

Use Action Words to Make Your Customer Service Resume POP!

Let’s image that you’re a job recruiter.

Sitting down to read the same generic resumes, one after another.

No one stands out. In fact, all resumes are blending into one.

This exercise highlights the importance of making your resume different from the other applicants. 

One of the best ways to do this is to use power words :

How to Correctly List your Education

After showcasing your experiences, you should delve into your education to date. 

There’s no magic tricks with this section, just enter your education history in this format:

• Degree Type & Major
• University/School Name
• Years Studied
• GPA, Honours, Courses, and anything else you might want to add

High School Diploma

Lynbrook High School, California

Graduated 2018

Still concerned about your education section?

The answers below may help you:

What if I haven’t finished my current education yet?

• No problem. Just mention your education to date

Should I include my high school education?

• It’s recommended to only include your highest form of education. If that’s your high school diploma, then list it

What do I put first, my education or experience?

• For a bartender role, your experiences always come first 

Need more advice? Check out our guide on how to list education on a resume .

Top 10 Skills for a Customer Service Resume

Whether you’re skilled enough to multi-task while on the phone or operate POS systems with ease, the recruiter is waiting to find out. 

However… to keep your resume to one page, you can’t list every skill you own.

So, which skills don’t make the cut?

It comes down to looking at the job description to identify what the company wants from their new customer service representative. 

Will the specific skill be beneficial to the company?

If so, list it!

For some inspiration, here are some of the best customer service resume skills:

Hard Skills for Customer Service Professionals:

• Computer Skills
• Mathematical Skills
• Product Knowledge
• Point of Sale (POS) Systems

Soft Skills for Customer Service Professionals:

• Personable and friendly 
• Endurance (long hours)
• Conflict resolution 
• Time management 
• Team player
• The hiring manager will typically ask interviewees for examples of when they have shown the skill listed. As such, only include skills that you actually posses.

Here’s a more comprehensive list of 100+ must-have skills this year .

What Else Can You Include?

Ask yourself one question..

Is your resume the BEST it can be?

Although we have completed every essential resume section, we have to do everything it takes to win that interview.

Adding the following sections could be the deciding factor in whether you’re interviewed for the customer service representative role or not.

Awards & Certifications

Have you ever won an employee of the year (or month) award?

Have you completed any additional courses to expand your knowledge?

Whether it’s an award or certification, make space for this section if you have something that you’re proud of.

Here are some quick example:

• Employee of the Year 2019 – XYZ Convenience 
• Learning How to Learn – Coursera Certificate

Applying to an establishment in China Town?

Then being fluent in Mandarin is a good way to shortcut your resume to the top of the pile.

Whether the job description requires it or not, being able to speak multiple languages is impressive – and no one can argue with that!

Rank the languages by proficiency:

• Intermediate

Now, you may be wondering, “how does my love of animals affect my customer service skills?”

Well, it doesn’t.

But employers want customer service representatives who will fit in with the rest of the staff.

Your hobbies allow the hiring manager to see behind your qualifications and learn more about who you REALLY are.

Here’s which hobbies & interests you may want to mention.

Include a Cover Letter with Your Resume

As a customer service representative, you need to leave a positive impression.

Your application is no different.

And the best way to leave an unforgettable impression is to write a convincing cover letter.

You see, resumes give the vital information, but nothing speaks to a recruiter like a cover letter that delves deeper into who you are and why you want the job.

Here’s how to create a structure that works.

You should complete the following sections:

Personal Contact Information

Include your full name, profession, phone number, email, and address 

Hiring Manager’s Contact Information

Include their full name, position, location, email

Opening Paragraph

To hook the hiring manager, the start of your resume needs to pack a punch. Use concise language to mention:

• The position you’re applying for
• Your experience summary and best achievement to date

Once you’ve sparked the hiring manager’s interest, you can delve further into the following specifics:

• Why you chose this specific establishment
• What you know about the establishment’s culture
• How your skills will be beneficial to the establishment
• If you have worked in similar industries or positions before

Closing Paragraph

Avoid ending the conversation abruptly, you should:

• Conclude the main points of your letter
• Thank the hiring manager for their time and the opportunity
• End with a call to action. This is a good way to continue the conversation further. A simple “At your earliest opportunity, I’d love to discuss more about how I can help XYZ with...” will work.

Formal Salutations

Although this letter shows your personal side, the letter should end professionally. Use something like, “Kind regards” or “Sincerely.”

For extra advice and inspiration, read our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter .

Key Takeaways

You know your customer service skills are good enough to get the job.

And if you follow the above advice, the recruiter will know that too!

Let’s conclude what we’ve learnt:

• The resume format needs to suit your specific situation. Prioritize the reverse-chronological format, and then follow the content layout tips
• Use an attention-grabbing resume summary or objective
• In your work experience section, show your value by highlighting your most relevant and best achievements, rather than day-to-day duties
• Attach a convincing cover letter for a personable application

That was a lot of information, but now you’re all set to make a Customer Service resume of your own!

Suggested Reading:

• Resume Keywords and How to Use Them
• Should You Include a Photo on Your Resume in 2024?
• The Best Strategy for Getting a Raise [+Examples]

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5 Restaurant Server Resume Examples for 2024

Restaurant Server Resume

• Restaurant Server 2
• Restaurant Server 3
• Restaurant Server 4
• Restaurant Server 5
• Restaurant Server Resume Writing 101

Restaurant servers carry an establishment’s dining experience on their backs – without your food service skills, eating out at a restaurant would feel incomplete.

Employers and diners alike appreciate the personal touch you bring to the table, and there’s no reward quite like seeing customers leave with happy, full bellies at the end of a service shift.

Let our restaurant server resume and cover letter writing guide take care of you while you do the same for your customers. You’ll be ready to take on your next role in no time!

or download as PDF

Restaurant Server 2 Resume

Restaurant Server 3 Resume

Restaurant Server 4 Resume

Restaurant Server 5 Resume

Why this resume works

• Take a cue from Sarah’s resume—it’s a full-course meal. She’s been mastering the art of service for a little over a decade, and while slinging plate at Champps Kitchen + Bar, she manages to boost reservations by an eye-popping 64%. It’s the kind of success story that makes recruiters want to book a table for an interview with you.

Related resume examples

• Server Bartender
• Fine Dining Server
• Banquet Server
• Event Server

What Matters: Your Skills & Work Experience

As a restaurant server, your job is to get food and drinks from the kitchen to the table. That’s not all, though – in between, you’ll be juggling taking orders, seating diners, and presenting the bill to customers who are done with their meals.

In the skills section of your resume, show the recruiter how your multitasking and memorization abilities will help you do well in your next role.

Here are some of the best restaurant server skills to include in your resume.

9 best restaurant server skills

• Beverage sales
• Table bussing
• Customer service
• Food safety
• Restaurant experience
• Sanitation standards
• Wine knowledge

Sample restaurant server work experience bullet points

Depending on the employer, you might not need formal work experience to land a restaurant server position. However, adjacent industry experience like hospitality or retail and informal work experience like volunteer work and extracurricular activities can help you get ahead of other job applicants.

In your work experience section, show the reader how you put into practice the skills listed in your resume. Add some quantifiable metrics to help with visualizing your efforts and contributions.

Here are a few samples:

• Managed the close-out process according to restaurant SOP two nights a week, and distributed tips on a daily basis to front- and back-of-house service staff 
• Provided food and drink suggestions based on diner interests to increase the up-sell rate and improve average check by 16% 
• Checked in on guests without being overbearing, leading to a customer satisfaction rate of 28% over the target 
• Quickly developed relationships with customers, and maintained positivity while servicing up to 7 tables during prime-time hours 
• Learned up-to-date knowledge of the menu and specials of the day to proactively recommend appetizers and main courses to diners, leading to a reduction in inventory waste of 9% 

Top 5 Tips for Your restaurant server resume

• Experienced restaurant servers will prefer a reverse chronological format, but a functional resume format will emphasize relevant food service skills if you’re a newbie. Format it in this order: contact information, your career objective if you have one, your skills, your work experience, then your education. If you have any informal work experience like volunteer experience, put this last.
• There are only so many ways you can rephrase “I served customers food at my workplace” – if you’re having trouble populating your restaurant server resume, try adding a career objective to show the reader what you’d like them to focus on.
• Try our career objective guide , or structure your career objective like so: “As a driven and adaptable recent graduate with a passion for all things culinary, I would love to apply my hospitality skills to facilitating distinctive gastronomic experiences. Ready to leverage my background in food service to leave a lasting impression on La Grenouille’s clientele.”
• Food service is notoriously go go go – it’s best to keep your resume short by highlighting only the important and relevant details to show the reader how you are familiar with such a fast-paced industry. Your resume can go up to two pages if you have more than 10 years of experience.
• Job postings are full of clues on what the potential employer wants most – just like how you would attend to a table that’s hailing you down first, list the most important and relevant skills at the top of your skills section so that recruiters know what to focus on.
• You wouldn’t leave a table without their bill after they’re done eating – don’t leave your job application hanging, either. Check in with the recruiter by email or call after you’ve sent in your resume so the association stays fresh and you have the chance to address any possible issues with your application.

Yes, you should – even though you don’t need any formal education to become a restaurant server, some employers prefer that you disclose your high school diploma or GED. If you have a relevant degree in hospitality or culinary arts, that’s a plus!

Yes! It’s implied that you’ll be on location as you have to work in person as a restaurant server. The recruiter might also want to know about your commute as this will affect shift scheduling and calling in for any emergency work shifts.

It’s most likely that your job application will go to a recruiter or a hiring manager, but you can also address it to the serving manager or the restaurant manager if you know who they are.

Line Cook Customer Service

SAMUEL CAMPBELL

Moscow, ID ***** 208-***-**** [email protected]

Professional Summary

Experienced employee with over 10 years experience in customer service Excellent reputation for resolving problems and improving customer satisfaction. Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organizational skills eager to secure entry-level Job Title position. Ready to help team achieve company goals. Skills

Product Availability

Work Schedule Creation

Performance Tracking and Evaluations

Administration and Reporting

Work History

Asphalt Laborer 05/2015 to 09/2022

Donohue Asphalt – Spokane/CDA, Wa/id

Spread asphalt, gravel and other materials at work locations using variety of tools and equipment.

Clear areas in preparation for laying down asphalt. Directed traffic around site locations using appropriate signage and team communication. Transported, organized and fetched materials throughout each shift. Directed team members to keep work moving smoothly and meet challenging project timelines. Worked on driveways, roads, parking lots and other projects alongside Number-person crew. Opening Shift Manager 01/2007 to 03/2015

Sues Pioneer Kitchen – Toppinish, WA

Opened doors on time, greeted patrons and offered assistance with locating needed items. Stocked, monitored and maintained inventory of diverse products. Trained employees on Product or Service, ensuring compliance with top quality standards. Line Cook Supervisor 07/2001 to 12/2006

Branding Iron Restaurant – Toppinish, WA

Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.

Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail and quality.

Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction and repeat business. Line Cook 02/1996 to 07/2001

Gear Jammer Restaurant And Lounge – Yakima, WA

Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction and repeat business. Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.

Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross- contamination.

Diploma 08/1997

Davis High School - Yakima, WA

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Resumes and CVs

Explore our Resume Guide:

• Tips for creating or improving your resume
• Tailor your resume to be a perfect fit for a particular opportunity
• Use our checklist to ensure your resume includes all relevant information

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CV vs. resume — what's the difference?

Both a resume and CV (curriculum vitae) are documents that outline your education, experience and skills. However, they differ in their purpose and layout.

• When applying to a job in the U.S., a resume is almost always the preferred document.
• In many other countries, a resume is known as a CV. However, the term CV refers to a different document in the U.S.
• In the U.S., CVs are most commonly used in academic environments, such as when applying to graduate school, jobs in academia or research positions.
• CVs are more detailed than resumes and may be many pages long, while resumes are concise, usually only 1-2 pages in length.
• CVs include more details on academic accomplishments including research, publications and teaching, while resumes focus on work experiences, education and skills.

What should I include in a CV?

*Note - for details about what to include in a resume, see our Vandal Resume Guide (PDF) .

Possible categories to include in your CV:

• Education and training
• Research experiences
• Teaching experiences
• Work experiences and internships
• Projects, works, exhibitions and performances
• Certificates, licenses and credentials
• Publications (authored or contributed to)
• Conferences and workshops (attended or presented)
• Fellowships, grants or other funding
• Advising/mentoring
• Skills such as languages, technical, computer
• Service, volunteerism and leadership
• Areas of knowledge, expertise or research interest
• Awards and accomplishments
• Affiliations or memberships

CV Example (PDF)

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