Restaurant Resume: How to Craft a Standout Application

1. Highlight Your Culinary Skills and Experience

Begin your resume with a strong summary statement that showcases your culinary expertise and relevant experience. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible, using specific numbers and metrics to demonstrate your impact. For example, you might mention the number of dishes you prepared, the size of the kitchen you managed, or the revenue you generated.

In your work experience section, list your previous restaurant positions in reverse chronological order. For each role, provide a concise description of your responsibilities and accomplishments. Use action verbs to highlight your skills and contributions, and be sure to tailor your resume to each job you're applying for.

2. Showcase Your Passion for the Industry

Go beyond simply listing your job duties and responsibilities by highlighting your passion for the restaurant industry. In your summary statement or cover letter, explain what drew you to this field and what motivates you to succeed. Mention any relevant hobbies or interests, such as cooking, baking, or wine tasting.

You can also demonstrate your passion through your work experience. Describe how you went above and beyond in your previous roles, such as volunteering for extra shifts or developing new menu items. Share any positive feedback you received from customers or managers.

3. Highlight Your Soft Skills

In addition to your culinary skills, employers are also looking for candidates with strong soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Highlight these skills in your resume by providing specific examples of how you used them in your previous roles.

For instance, you might mention how you effectively communicated with customers to resolve complaints or how you worked with a team to create a successful new menu. You could also describe how you solved a problem, such as a kitchen equipment malfunction or a busy night with limited staff.

4. Tailor Your Resume to Each Job

It's important to tailor your resume to each job you're applying for. Take the time to read the job description carefully and identify the key skills and experience that the employer is looking for. Then, highlight those skills and experience in your resume, using specific examples to demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the job.

You can also tailor your resume by customizing your summary statement and cover letter to each job. In your summary statement, highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job you're applying for. In your cover letter, explain why you're interested in the specific position and company, and how your skills and experience make you a great fit for the role.

Restaurant Resume