Server duties and responsibilities for a resume
Pick the duties that match your real work, then turn the strongest ones into results with numbers.
- Greet guests, present menus and explain daily specials, ingredients and preparation methods
- Take food and beverage orders and enter them accurately into the POS system for the kitchen and bar
- Recommend dishes, wine pairings, appetizers and desserts to raise check averages
- Serve food and drinks promptly and check back to confirm each table is satisfied
- Communicate food allergies and special requests to the kitchen following restaurant procedures
- Resolve guest complaints and order errors quickly, bringing in a manager when needed
- Check guest ID before serving alcohol, following state law and house policy
- Prepare itemized checks, process cash and card payments, and close out tabs accurately
- Offer loyalty program sign-up or reward redemption at payment
- Clear and reset tables between seatings to keep table turns on pace
- Set tables with linens, silverware and glassware before service and for large parties
- Prepare simple items such as salads, desserts, coffee and garnishes during service
- Restock service stations with condiments, tableware, linens and coffee
- Assist hosts by answering reservation and takeout calls and greeting and seating guests
- Complete opening, running and closing side work, including rolling silverware and cleaning service areas
Server resume bullet examples
Entry level
- Served 40 to 60 guests per shift across a 5-table section in a 120-seat family restaurant while holding a 4.7 out of 5 average guest survey score.
- Entered every order into Aloha POS with modifiers and allergy notes, cutting kitchen remakes for the section to fewer than 2 per week.
- Suggested appetizers and desserts at every table, raising average check size 9% over 3 months.
- Completed opening and closing side work for a 12-table dining room on schedule for 6 straight months with no missed items on manager checklists.
Experienced
- Managed a 7-table section averaging 110 covers on weekend nights in a 220-seat steakhouse, earning a 96% positive guest survey rate.
- Increased wine and dessert sales 18% in one quarter by learning the full wine list and pairing recommendations, placing first among 24 servers in a monthly sales contest.
- Trained 9 new servers on menu knowledge, POS entry and steps of service, and all 9 passed the menu test within 2 weeks.
- Served 25+ private events of up to 60 guests, coordinating course timing with the kitchen and closing group checks with zero cash variance.
Server skills to list
| Hard skills | Soft skills |
|---|---|
| POS systems (Aloha, Toast, Square) | Guest service |
| Order taking and ticket accuracy | Communication |
| Menu knowledge and upselling | Multitasking |
| Cash handling and card payments | Teamwork |
| Food safety and sanitation | Composure under pressure |
| Allergy and special request procedures | Attention to detail |
| Responsible alcohol service and ID checks | Physical stamina |
| Wine and beverage knowledge | |
| Table setting and side work | |
| Reservation and waitlist systems |
Check which of these a specific posting uses with the ATS keyword checker.
Sample server job posting
Employers write postings like this one. Mirror its language where it is true for you.
Server · Fabrikam Grill · Columbus, OH
Schedule: Part time or full time, evenings and weekends · Pay: Hourly wage plus tips (varies by location)
Fabrikam Grill is a 140-seat neighborhood restaurant known for seasonal menus and friendly service. We are hiring servers who enjoy guests, work well with the kitchen and keep their section moving on busy nights.
Responsibilities
- Greet guests, explain the menu and specials, and make recommendations
- Take food and drink orders and enter them accurately in our POS
- Serve food and beverages promptly and check back on every table
- Follow our allergy procedure and pass special requests to the kitchen
- Check ID and serve alcohol according to state law and house policy
- Present checks, process payments and close out accurately at the end of each shift
- Complete opening, running and closing side work
Requirements
- Serving or customer service experience preferred; we train new servers
- Ability to stand and walk for a full shift and carry loaded trays
- Availability for evenings, weekends and holidays
- Food handler or alcohol server training if required by state or local law
- Clear communication and a team-first attitude
Benefits
- Paid training and shift meals
- Flexible scheduling
Apply online or in person Monday through Thursday, 2 to 4 p.m.
Tips for describing server work
Lead with volume and pace
Say how many tables, covers or guests you handled per shift and how big the restaurant was. A line like "6-table section, 90 covers on Saturdays" tells a manager more than "fast-paced environment."
Show sales results, not just service
Managers watch check averages, upsell rates and sales contest results. If your POS reports showed your numbers, round them honestly and put the best one in your first bullet.
Match the restaurant style
Fine dining wants wine knowledge, coursing and polish, while casual and high-volume spots want speed and table turns. Reorder your duties so the ones that fit the posting come first.
Put safety duties on the page
Allergy procedures, food safety and responsible alcohol service show a manager you can be trusted with guests. List any food handler or alcohol server certificate you hold with the program name and year.
Use the posting's own words
If the job ad says "guest experience" or names a POS system, use those exact terms where they are true for you. That helps both applicant tracking software and the hiring manager see the match.