How to Write a Hospitality Resume (With Template and Tips)

By Indeed Editorial Team

Published 12 October 2022

The Indeed Editorial Team comprises a diverse and talented team of writers, researchers and subject matter experts equipped with Indeed's data and insights to deliver useful tips to help guide your career journey.

An effective resume can help you make a positive impression on a hiring manager or recruiter hiring hospitality staff. A resume that highlights your skills and experience can show your suitability for a vacant hospitality role. Learning how to write a clear and persuasive resume can help you secure an interview and advance through the recruitment process. In this article, we explain what a hospitality resume is and how to write one, with a step-by-step guide, a resume template and example and some helpful tips.

What is a hospitality resume?

A hospitality resume is a document that displays the professional experience, skills and qualifications of someone applying for jobs in the hospitality industry. These jobs may include positions for waitstaff, bartenders, cooks, chefs, baristas, ushers, ticket collectors, concierges and hospitality venue managers. Hospitality resumes typically emphasise a candidate's past hospitality experience and important industry skills, such as customer service and cash handling.

How to write a hospitality resume

Here are the common steps for writing a hospitality resume:

1. List your full name and personal details

Note your full name on the top line of your resume and your contact details on the second. You can include a landline or mobile phone number, your email address and your city and state or territory. You may like to create an email address using a combination of your first and surname to present a more professional image to hospitality businesses.

2. Write a powerful personal summary

Write two or three sentences that summarise who you are and why you're a good hospitality employee. For example, you might mention the number of years you've worked in hospitality, your certifications and the personality traits that help you succeed. Try to write a personal summary that convinces the employer you're the right person for the job.

3. Explain your professional experience

Create a reverse-chronological list of your relevant current and past jobs to show the employer how prepared you are for the role. Jobs with the same title as the vacant position are the most relevant, but any hospitality experience shows you have transferable skills. If you have limited hospitality experience, you could also mention jobs that use similar skills. For example, retail jobs are good preparation for hospitality roles as they also focus on customer experience. For each role, include the job title, period of employment, business name and location and a bullet point list of achievements and duties.

4. Promote your skills

A separate skills section that lists between five and 10 skills can highlight the abilities that make you an asset to a hospitality business. Many hospitality skills are soft skills, such as customer service, time management and communication. You could also mention technical skills such as making cocktails and operating an EFTPOS machine, depending on the vacant role.

5. Include your education

Qualifications are optional for many hospitality roles. Listing any qualifications you've obtained can give you an advantage over other candidates. Your education list can also show you have the minimum qualifications for management positions or you have the potential to advance to these roles. You may include a range of qualifications in this section, including degrees, vocational certificates, high school qualifications and hospitality certificates, depending on your achievements. If you have a degree or vocational certificate, you can omit your high school qualifications as these qualifications are prerequisites.

Template resume for a hospitality job

Here's a template you can reference when writing your resume for hospitality jobs:

[First name] [Last name]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State]

Professional Summary
[Two to three sentences that highlight years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements as a professional.]

Experience
[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results.
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

Education
[Certification name], [Host organisation], [Year completed or expiration date]

Example resume for a hospitality job

Here's an example of a resume for a hospitality job written using the template above:

Dylan Stone
0402 325 043 | dstone@email.com | Gold Coast, QLD

Professional Summary
Dynamic bartender with seven years of experience in the hospitality sector. Extensive knowledge of beers, wines and mixology. Strives to enhance customer experience and foster a positive atmosphere.

Experience
Bartender | November 2018–Current
Vue Lounge | Gold Coast, Qld

Increased bar takings and tips by 15% since assuming the position
Make 30 different cocktails including two personal creations: The Goldy and Sunset Surprise
Advise customers unsure of drink selections which beverages may suit their tastes
Maintain secure and accurate cash drawers
Deliver friendly service to maintain a positive atmosphere in accordance with Responsible Service of Alcohol standards

Waitstaff | June 2015–October 2018
Sunshine Wharf Restaurant | Brisbane, Qld

Greeted diners, collected their orders and delivered their meals and drinks accurately
Memorised three daily specials and answered any questions about these and standard menu items
Cleaned and set tables to maintain an attractive dining room

Education
Responsible Service of Alcohol card, Waratah Training Academy, 2018
School Certificate, Brisbane Waters High School, 2016

Tips for writing a resume for a hospitality job

Here are some tips that can help you develop a resume that impresses a hiring manager or recruiter hiring hospitality professionals:

Be concise

A concise resume helps your most important achievements and skills stand out. Many hospitality job resumes can be less than a page. While you may use up to two pages when applying for a management role, editing your resume can make it more persuasive. The template above can help you create a concise resume. If you want to edit your resume, consider which information is relevant to the position. If you have held a variety of hospitality jobs, you may like to only include details of your most recent jobs or jobs similar to the one you're applying for.

Related: How Long Should a Resume Be?

Write a unique personal summary

Many hospitality workers emphasise similar qualities, such as their reliability and work ethic, in their personal summaries. Hospitality is an industry where personality matters, so do your best to make yourself seem more unique in your personal summary. You may like to ask your colleagues or friends what makes you unique before writing this section.

Tailor your bullet points to the vacant role

Consider what experiences and achievements have helped you prepare for the vacant hospitality position. Then you can list bullet points that show you can excel in that role. For example, if the job advertisement states the business expects the successful candidate to lead a team, you might emphasise past managerial experience.

Proofread your resume

While you may feel excited to submit your resume, it's important to proofread your resume first. Proofreading your resume helps you identify any accidental errors, such as typographical errors or spelling mistakes. You can then correct them before your potential new boss sees them to appear more professional.