Check your waiter or waitress CV against the job advert
Front-of-house adverts want friendly, quick and reliable people. Show the kind of venue, the pace and what guests got from you.
Start with your advert
Every waiter or waitress advert is different. The list below is what adverts for this job usually ask for, not what yours does. So start with your advert:
- Read the advert and copy out every "must have" or "essential" line, then the "desirable" ones.
- For each one, find the line in your CV that proves it. If you can't point to a line, that's a gap.
- Fill the gap with something true: a duty, a setting, a qualification or a result you really have. If you don't have it, say what you have that's closest, or leave it out.
Our guide to matching your CV to a job description goes through this in more detail.
What waiter or waitress adverts usually ask for
Type of venue and service
Why they askCasual, fine dining, hotel and events service are different.
How to show itName the venue type and your section.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Served a section of [number] tables in a [type of venue].
Pace and volume
Why they askBusy services need people who stay calm.
How to show itGive covers or busy times if you know them.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Worked [busy services, such as weekend evenings] of up to [number] covers.
Upselling and drinks knowledge
Why they askSome adverts mention upselling, wine or cocktails.
How to show itDescribe what you recommended.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Recommended [drinks, specials, desserts] and [wine pairings if true].
Tills and payments
Why they askMost venues use an EPOS system.
How to show itName it if you can.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Took orders and payments on [EPOS system]; cashed up at close.
Allergens and licensing
Why they askAllergen awareness and serving alcohol responsibly are legal responsibilities.
How to show itMention allergen training and Challenge 25 or a personal licence if you have one.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Allergen awareness training ([year]); followed Challenge [21 / 25] when serving alcohol.
Only use a line if it's true for you. Swap each [gap] for your own detail: the setting, the number, the tool or the result. If you can't fill a gap honestly, cut that part of the line.
Mistakes that cost waiter or waitress applications
- Not stating availability.
- Leaving out allergen awareness.
Questions
How do I get a waiting job with no experience?
Show any customer-facing work, teamwork from school or sport, and your availability. Many venues train new staff.