Securing a Waitstaff position in Australia’s vibrant hospitality industry requires more than just a friendly attitude—you need a resume that demonstrates your ability to deliver exceptional customer service, handle fast-paced environments, and contribute to positive dining experiences. Whether you’re struggling to enter the hospitality sector or finding it challenging to showcase your service skills and achievements in compelling terms, crafting the perfect Waitstaff resume can feel overwhelming.
This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything necessary to create an outstanding Waitstaff resume that resonates with Australian employers. From understanding the critical responsibilities that create memorable dining experiences to presenting your skills and achievements in compelling, customer-focused language, we’ll help you transform your service experience into a powerful career advancement tool.
Waitstaff are essential ambassadors of hospitality excellence, responsible for creating positive dining experiences, managing customer relationships, and supporting restaurant operations that drive customer satisfaction and business success. With major Australian hospitality groups like Merivale, ALH Group, and countless restaurants, cafes, and venues across the country consistently seeking reliable service professionals, your resume must highlight your customer service abilities, teamwork skills, and proven ability to thrive in dynamic hospitality environments.
Waitstaff Resume (Text Version)
Waitstaff
Mobile: 0414 567 890
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jessicachen
Location: Melbourne, VICPROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Dedicated and enthusiastic Waitstaff professional with 4+ years of experience delivering exceptional customer service in fast-paced restaurant environments. Proven track record of maintaining 95% customer satisfaction ratings while managing up to 12 tables simultaneously during peak periods. Expert in menu knowledge, wine service, and POS systems with demonstrated ability to upsell and contribute to revenue growth. Strong background in team collaboration, conflict resolution, and creating memorable dining experiences that encourage repeat business and positive reviews.CORE COMPETENCIES
• Customer Service Excellence • Table Service & Food Presentation • Menu Knowledge & Wine Pairing
• Point of Sale (POS) Systems • Cash Handling & Payment Processing • Upselling & Revenue Generation
• Team Collaboration & Communication • Multitasking & Time Management • Conflict Resolution
• Food Safety & Hygiene Standards • Event Service & Functions • Training & Mentoring
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Waitstaff | The Garden Restaurant | March 2021 – Present
Providing premium table service for upscale dining establishment serving 200+ covers nightly with focus on fine dining experience and wine service.
• Consistently achieved 96% customer satisfaction scores through attentive service, menu expertise, and personalised dining recommendations
• Managed section of 12 tables during peak service periods, maintaining efficiency and quality standards while maximising table turnover
• Increased average spend per table by 25% through effective upselling of premium wines, desserts, and specialty menu items
• Trained and mentored 8 new waitstaff members on service standards, menu knowledge, and customer interaction techniques
• Coordinated with kitchen and bar staff to ensure seamless service delivery and timely meal presentation for special dietary requirements
• Handled customer complaints and special requests with professionalism, achieving 98% successful resolution rate
Waitstaff | Café Central | June 2019 – February 2021
Delivered table service and customer support for busy café environment serving breakfast, lunch, and coffee throughout the day.
• Served 100+ customers daily while maintaining friendly, efficient service and accurate order processing
• Operated espresso machine and prepared specialty coffee beverages during peak morning periods
• Processed cash, EFTPOS, and mobile payment transactions with 100% accuracy and balanced till at end of each shift
• Supported café operations through table clearing, basic food preparation, and maintaining cleanliness standards
• Assisted with catering orders and function service for corporate events and private parties up to 50 guests
• Demonstrated flexibility by covering different shifts and supporting colleagues during busy periods
Food Service Assistant | University Campus Dining | February 2018 – May 2019
Provided food service support in high-volume campus dining facility serving 500+ students and staff daily.
• Assisted with food preparation, service, and presentation maintaining health and safety standards
• Operated POS system processing 200+ transactions daily while managing queues efficiently during peak meal times
• Maintained food service areas, equipment, and dining spaces ensuring cleanliness and compliance with hygiene requirements
• Worked collaboratively with kitchen staff and supervisors to ensure smooth service flow and customer satisfaction
• Participated in special event catering and function support for university conferences and student activities
• Received commendation for reliability, positive attitude, and willingness to assist during high-pressure periods
EDUCATION
Certificate III in Hospitality | William Angliss Institute | 2019
Certificate II in Kitchen Operations | Box Hill TAFE | 2018
Bachelor of Business (Marketing) – Part-time | Swinburne University | In Progress
CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING
• Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) | VIC | Current
• Food Safety Supervisor Certificate | Current
• First Aid Certificate | Australian Red Cross | Current
• Coffee Machine Operation Certification | 2020
• Customer Service Excellence Training | Australian Institute of Management | 2021
TECHNICAL SKILLS
• POS Systems: Revel, Toast, Square, Lightspeed
• Payment Processing: EFTPOS, contactless, mobile payments
• Reservation Systems: OpenTable, ResDiary, Bookatable
• Coffee Equipment: Espresso machines, grinders, specialty brewing
• Basic Food Preparation: Salads, appetizers, dessert plating
ACHIEVEMENTS
• Employee of the Month (4 times) | The Garden Restaurant | 2021-2023
• Customer Service Excellence Award | Café Central | 2020
• Outstanding Team Collaboration Recognition | University Campus Dining | 2019
• Achieved 98% customer satisfaction rating consistently over 2+ years
LANGUAGES
• English: Native proficiency
• Mandarin: Fluent (speaking, reading, writing)
• Cantonese: Conversational
AVAILABILITY
• Full-time availability including weekends, evenings, and public holidays
• Flexible scheduling and willing to cover additional shifts as needed
• Available for special events and function service
What is The Best Format for a Waitstaff Resume?
The reverse chronological format is the optimal choice for Waitstaff resumes in Australia, as it clearly demonstrates your progression through hospitality roles and service experience development. This format allows employers to quickly assess your work history and understand how you’ve built expertise across different service environments and customer interactions. Start with your most recent position and work backwards, emphasising growth in responsibility, service complexity, and customer satisfaction achievements.
For fonts, choose professional options like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Use 14-16 point font for your name and contact information, and 10-12 point font for body text. This ensures excellent readability while maximising space for your service achievements and hospitality skills. Maintain consistent 1-inch margins on all sides and include adequate white space between sections to create a clean, professional appearance.
Always submit your resume as a PDF unless the job advertisement specifically requests another format. PDF files preserve your formatting across different devices and systems, ensuring your carefully structured presentation remains intact when reviewed by hiring managers and restaurant operators.
Your resume should include these essential sections:
Header: Include your full name, mobile number, professional email address, LinkedIn profile URL (optional for entry-level roles), and city/state. Include your availability information as this is crucial for hospitality employers.
Summary: Write a compelling 3-4 line overview highlighting your years of service experience, customer satisfaction achievements, key skills, and core competencies relevant to waitstaff responsibilities.
Experience: Detail your work history with emphasis on hospitality roles, service achievements, and responsibilities that demonstrate your ability to deliver excellent customer experiences and work effectively in team environments.
Education: List your formal qualifications, focusing on hospitality, business, or related studies that support your service capabilities and career development.
Other sections: Include certifications, technical skills, languages, and relevant achievements that strengthen your appeal as a hospitality professional.
What Experience Should Be on Your Waitstaff Resume?
Your experience section should demonstrate your progression in hospitality roles and showcase your development of customer service skills and operational knowledge. Focus on positions that highlight your ability to provide excellent table service, handle customer interactions, work effectively in teams, and contribute to positive dining experiences. Include specific details wherever possible while focusing on achievements that show your impact on customer satisfaction and restaurant operations.
Highlight experience in customer service, food and beverage service, POS operation, and team collaboration. If you’ve worked in different types of establishments (fine dining, casual dining, cafes), managed special events, or received recognition for service excellence, these experiences demonstrate the versatility and dedication valued in hospitality roles. Include any experience with training others, handling difficult situations, or contributing to operational improvements.
Waitstaff | Riverside Bistro | April 2020 – Present
• Delivered exceptional table service for 150+ covers nightly, consistently achieving 95% customer satisfaction ratings
• Managed section of 10 tables during peak periods, maintaining service quality while maximising efficiency and table turnover
• Increased average transaction value by 20% through knowledge-based menu recommendations and strategic upselling
• Processed 100+ daily transactions using POS system with 100% accuracy in cash handling and payment processing
• Collaborated with kitchen and bar teams to ensure seamless service delivery and accommodate special dietary requests
• Trained 6 new staff members on service standards, menu knowledge, and customer interaction best practices
Waitstaff | Riverside Bistro | April 2020 – Present
• Served food and drinks to customers
• Took orders and delivered meals to tables
• Cleaned tables and helped in restaurant
• Used cash register and handled money
• Worked with other staff members
• Helped train new employees sometimes
Entry-Level Waitstaff Resume Samples [Experience]
If you’re entering your first waitstaff role, focus on any customer service experience, volunteer work, or transferable skills from other industries. Emphasise your enthusiasm for hospitality, willingness to learn, and any relevant skills that show your potential for success in food service environments.
Retail Sales Assistant | Fashion Boutique | June 2023 – Present
• Provided personalised customer service to 50+ daily customers, achieving 92% satisfaction rating through attentive assistance and product knowledge
• Processed sales transactions and handled cash with 100% accuracy while managing multiple customer interactions simultaneously
• Demonstrated strong multitasking abilities during busy periods, managing fitting room operations, stock replenishment, and customer enquiries
• Contributed to 15% increase in add-on sales through effective product recommendations and styling advice
• Maintained store presentation standards and collaborated with team members to ensure smooth operations
• Received recognition for exceptional customer service and positive attitude during challenging situations
Retail Sales Assistant | Fashion Boutique | June 2023 – Present
• Worked in retail store helping customers
• Used cash register and handled payments
• Did various tasks around the store
• Worked with team members on different projects
• Tried to sell extra products to customers
• Kept store tidy and organised
How to Write the Education Section for your Waitstaff Resume
Education demonstrates your commitment to professional development and provides foundation knowledge that supports effective hospitality service. While practical experience often carries significant weight in waitstaff roles, relevant qualifications show employers your dedication to the industry and understanding of service principles. Include hospitality certificates, business studies, or related qualifications that support your service capabilities.
For Waitstaff positions, employers particularly value hospitality-specific training that covers customer service, food safety, and industry knowledge. If you’ve completed certificates in hospitality, food handling, or customer service, these demonstrate your professional approach and commitment to industry standards. Ongoing study also shows ambition and career development focus.
Waitstaff Resume Example [Education]
Certificate III in Hospitality | TAFE NSW | 2022
Certificate II in Food Processing | Box Hill Institute | 2021
Year 12 Certificate (VCE) | Melbourne High School | 2020
How to Write the Skills Section for your Waitstaff Resume
The skills section for Waitstaff should balance customer service capabilities with practical hospitality competencies and teamwork abilities. Include 8-12 skills that directly relate to waitstaff success, focusing on areas like customer interaction, service delivery, technical proficiency, and collaboration. Avoid generic service skills that every candidate will include—instead, highlight specific capabilities, certifications, or technical knowledge that demonstrate your professional competence and reliability.
Tailor your skills to match the job advertisement, using identical terminology where possible. Many Australian hospitality employers look for specific capabilities like RSA certification, POS experience, or multilingual abilities, so alignment with stated requirements can significantly improve your chances of securing an interview.
Waitstaff Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
• Table Service and Food Presentation
• Point of Sale (POS) System Operation
• Cash Handling and Payment Processing
• Menu Knowledge and Wine Service
• Food Safety and Hygiene Compliance
• Coffee Preparation and Service
• Reservation System Management
• Inventory Management and Stock Control
• Event and Function Service
• Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)
Waitstaff Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
• Customer Service Excellence
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Multitasking and Time Management
• Team Collaboration and Support
• Problem-solving and Adaptability
• Attention to Detail and Accuracy
• Patience and Stress Management
• Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness
• Professional Appearance and Demeanor
• Reliability and Punctuality
How to pick the best Waitstaff skills:
1. Review the job advertisement carefully and identify specific service requirements, technical systems, and interpersonal capabilities mentioned
2. Match your experience to required competencies, emphasising customer satisfaction achievements and service delivery excellence
3. Include a balance of technical skills (POS systems, food safety) and interpersonal abilities (customer service, teamwork)
4. Prioritise skills that demonstrate your ability to handle fast-paced environments and deliver consistent service quality
5. Consider establishment-specific requirements like fine dining experience, wine knowledge, or multilingual capabilities
6. Ensure your skills reflect current hospitality practices including contactless service, dietary accommodation, and digital ordering systems
Waitstaff Resume Examples [Skills]
• Customer Service Excellence: Consistently achieved 96% satisfaction ratings through attentive service and personalised dining recommendations
• Multitasking: Successfully managed 12-table section during peak periods while maintaining service quality and efficiency
• Upselling: Increased average transaction value by 22% through effective menu knowledge and strategic product recommendations
• Team Collaboration: Worked seamlessly with kitchen and bar staff to ensure timely service delivery and customer satisfaction
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Waitstaff Resume?
Additional sections can significantly enhance your Waitstaff resume by demonstrating professional commitment, versatility, and unique capabilities that set you apart from other candidates. These sections are particularly valuable in the Australian hospitality sector, where employers appreciate multilingual abilities, flexibility, and additional certifications that enhance service delivery.
Languages: Australia’s diverse dining scene highly values multilingual staff who can serve international tourists and multicultural communities. List languages with proficiency levels, as this can significantly increase your employment opportunities.
Certifications & Training: Include RSA certification, food safety certificates, first aid training, or specialized hospitality qualifications. These demonstrate your professional approach and compliance with industry requirements.
Availability: Clearly state your availability including weekends, evenings, and public holidays. Hospitality employers need staff during peak service periods, so flexibility is highly valued.
Awards and Recognition: Include any employee of the month awards, customer service recognition, or performance achievements that validate your service excellence and professional dedication.
Additional Skills: Mention relevant capabilities like barista training, wine knowledge, or special event experience that can expand your role potential and value to employers.
Volunteer Experience: Include relevant volunteer work that demonstrates service orientation, community engagement, or event experience that transfers to hospitality environments.
Waitstaff Resume Examples [Other Sections]
Certifications
• Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) – Victoria | Current
• Food Safety Supervisor Certificate | Australian Institute of Food Safety | Current
• First Aid & CPR Certificate | Australian Red Cross | Current
• Barista Skills Certificate | Coffee School Australia | 2023
Languages
• English: Native proficiency
• Italian: Fluent (speaking, reading)
• Spanish: ConversationalAvailability
• Full-time: Monday to Sunday including public holidays
• Flexible with shift patterns and additional hours as required
• Available for special events and function service
Extra Information
• Have RSA and other hospitality certificates
• Can speak some other languages
• Available to work most times
• Won some awards for good service
Tip: You can also include relevant interests that demonstrate hospitality passion (food and wine appreciation, cooking), service orientation (community volunteering), or cultural awareness (travel, international cuisine knowledge). Keep personal interests brief and only include them if they add professional value or demonstrate relevant hospitality qualities.
How to write a Waitstaff Resume Objective or Resume Summary
Your professional summary is critical real estate that determines whether hiring managers continue reading your resume. For Waitstaff positions, focus on your service experience, customer satisfaction achievements, and your approach to creating positive dining experiences. This section should immediately communicate your hospitality capabilities and demonstrate your understanding of excellent customer service and teamwork in restaurant environments.
Key elements to include:
• Years of hospitality experience and types of establishments you’ve worked in
• Customer satisfaction ratings or service quality metrics you’ve achieved
• Key skills and certifications relevant to waitstaff responsibilities
• Personal qualities that make you effective in hospitality environments
• Availability and flexibility that meets employer needs
Waitstaff Resume Summary Examples
Enthusiastic hospitality professional with 3+ years of waitstaff experience delivering exceptional customer service across casual and fine dining environments. Proven track record of maintaining 95%+ customer satisfaction ratings while efficiently managing multiple tables during peak periods. RSA certified with expertise in POS systems, wine service, and upselling techniques. Strong team player with multilingual abilities and full availability including weekends and holidays.
Friendly person with some restaurant experience. Good at talking to customers and working in busy places. Looking for waitstaff job where I can use my people skills and earn money. Available to work different shifts and willing to learn new things.
For entry-level candidates without direct waitstaff experience, focus on transferable skills, enthusiasm for hospitality, and relevant qualities that demonstrate your potential for success in service environments.
Entry-Level Waitstaff Resume Summary Examples
Customer-focused professional with 2+ years of retail sales experience and genuine passion for hospitality excellence. Demonstrated ability to handle multiple customer interactions simultaneously while maintaining friendly, professional service. Recently completed Certificate III in Hospitality and obtained RSA certification. Excellent communication skills, cultural awareness, and full availability for flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends.
Recent hospitality course graduate looking for first job as waitstaff. Good with people and like working in restaurants. Want to learn about food service and gain experience in hospitality industry. Available to work and willing to do any tasks required.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Waitstaff Resume
LinkedIn alignment with your resume is increasingly important in Australia’s hospitality sector, where professional networking and industry connections can lead to career opportunities and advancement. Your LinkedIn profile should complement your resume while leveraging the platform’s features to showcase your hospitality passion and professional development. Unlike your resume’s detailed service focus, LinkedIn allows for broader discussion of your career goals and industry interests.
When updating your resume, consider updating your LinkedIn profile to ensure consistency in employment dates, skills, and professional accomplishments. LinkedIn offers opportunities to connect with hospitality professionals, follow industry trends, and demonstrate your commitment to career development in the food service sector.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Waitstaff
• “Hospitality Professional | Waitstaff | Customer Service Excellence | RSA Certified”
• “Food Service Specialist | Table Service Expert | Multilingual | Team Player”
• “Experienced Waitstaff | Fine Dining Service | Wine Knowledge | Customer Satisfaction Focus”
• “Waitstaff at Local Restaurant”
• “Hospitality Worker”
• “Server and Food Service”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
Your LinkedIn summary can be more personal and aspirational than your resume summary, incorporating your passion for hospitality and vision for career development. Include your enthusiasm for creating memorable dining experiences, commitment to service excellence, or goals for advancement within the hospitality industry. In the Australian market, LinkedIn summaries can showcase personality while maintaining professional focus.
Use first-person language and include your approach to customer service and teamwork. LinkedIn’s professional networking focus allows you to discuss your hospitality philosophy, learning goals, and commitment to industry excellence in ways that complement your service-focused resume.
Showcasing Waitstaff Experience on LinkedIn
Expand your resume achievements into LinkedIn’s format by providing context around your service approach and customer satisfaction strategies. Share insights about hospitality trends, service excellence, or professional development that demonstrate your industry engagement and growth mindset.
Use LinkedIn’s volunteer experience and accomplishments sections to highlight community involvement, additional training, or hospitality-related activities that reinforce your commitment to service and professional development.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Waitstaff
Prioritise LinkedIn skills that align with hospitality requirements: customer service, food and beverage service, team collaboration, and hospitality management. Seek endorsements from supervisors, colleagues, and hospitality professionals who have witnessed your service capabilities and work ethic.
Consider highlighting emerging skills in areas like digital ordering systems, contactless service, or sustainable hospitality practices that demonstrate your adaptability and forward-thinking approach to service delivery.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Waitstaff
Connect with hospitality professionals, restaurant managers, and industry leaders across the Australian food service sector. Follow hospitality groups, restaurant associations, and industry publications to stay informed about trends and opportunities in the Australian market.
Optimise your profile for Australian hospitality employers by including relevant keywords and mentioning familiarity with Australian dining culture, service standards, and hospitality regulations. Reference hospitality training institutions, industry certifications, or professional development activities to demonstrate commitment to career advancement and professional excellence.
Creating a compelling Waitstaff resume requires service excellence, professional presentation, and a clear understanding of how exceptional hospitality creates memorable dining experiences and drives business success. By following this guide’s framework and examples, you’ll be well-equipped to craft a resume that showcases your service capabilities and commitment to hospitality excellence.
Remember to customise your resume for each application, highlighting the specific experiences and skills that align with the employer’s service style, establishment type, and customer base. Your resume should tell a compelling story of service dedication, customer satisfaction achievement, and professional growth that positions you as a valuable addition to any hospitality team.
To complete your application package, consider preparing for common hospitality interview questions and demonstrating your knowledge of the establishment you’re applying to. For additional guidance on hospitality career development and professional opportunities, visit Restaurant & Catering Australia for industry insights and career development resources.
