Crafting a Winning Resume for Restaurant Managers: A Comprehensive Guide

In the bustling world of food service, a restaurant manager's role is pivotal, and crafting a resume that reflects this importance is crucial. This guide delves into the nuances of resume writing specifically for restaurant managers, offering tailored advice to help you stand out. Whether you're a seasoned veteran in the food service industry or aspiring to take your first managerial role, this guide will equip you with the know-how to create a resume that resonates with your professional journey and aspirations. Here, you'll find industry-specific tips, real-life examples, and practical advice to ensure your resume not only showcases your skills and experiences but also captures the essence of what makes you an exceptional candidate for restaurant management.

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Restaurant Manager Resume Example

Crafting a Standout Restaurant Manager Resume: An In-Depth Example

Resume Format or Structure for Restaurant Managers

When it comes to crafting a resume for a restaurant manager position, the structure and format are as crucial as the content itself. A well-organized resume not only makes a great first impression but also helps potential employers quickly understand your qualifications and professional journey. Here's a detailed guide on structuring a restaurant manager's resume.

1. Start with a Clear Header Your resume should begin with a clear header that includes your full name, professional title (Restaurant Manager), and contact information. This should include your phone number, email address, and optionally, your LinkedIn profile or professional website.

2. Professional Summary or Objective Following the header, include a concise professional summary or objective. This section should highlight your years of experience, key skills, and specific achievements or career goals. It's your chance to make a strong first impression, so be specific about what you bring to the table as a restaurant manager.

3. Professional Experience The professional experience section is the heart of your resume. List your past roles in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. For each position, include your job title, the name and location of the restaurant, and the dates of your employment. Under each role, add bullet points detailing your responsibilities and accomplishments. Quantify these achievements with figures and percentages whenever possible to add credibility.

4. Education In this section, list your educational background, starting with the highest degree obtained. Include the name of the institution, its location, and your graduation year. If you have a degree in hospitality, business, or a related field, make sure to highlight it.

5. Skills Here, list the skills that are particularly relevant to a restaurant manager. This can include leadership, budget management, staff training, customer service excellence, and knowledge of industry-specific software.

6. Additional Sections Consider adding sections for certifications, languages, or any other relevant accomplishments. For restaurant managers, certifications in food safety or hospitality management can be particularly valuable.

7. Keep it Concise and Relevant Your resume should be no longer than two pages. Be concise and focus on the experiences and skills most relevant to a restaurant management position.

Formatting Tips:

• Use a clean, professional font like Arial or Times New Roman.

• Keep the font size between 10 and 12 points for readability.

• Use bullet points for easy scanning.

• Leave ample white space to prevent the resume from looking cluttered.

• Save your resume in PDF format to preserve the formatting.

By following these guidelines, your resume will not only present your experience and skills in a clear and professional manner but also demonstrate your understanding of the importance of organization and attention to detail -- key qualities in any successful restaurant manager.

Crafting an Impactful Resume Summary or Objective for Restaurant Managers

A well-crafted resume summary or objective can set the tone for your entire resume, providing a snapshot of your professional expertise and goals. For a restaurant manager, this section is your chance to highlight your leadership skills, experience in the food service industry, and specific achievements. Here's how to write a compelling summary or objective for a restaurant manager's resume.

Resume Summary

1. Highlight Your Experience Start your summary by mentioning your years of experience in the industry. For example, "Seasoned Restaurant Manager with over a decade of experience in fast-paced, high-volume dining environments."

2. Showcase Key Skills Include specific skills that are relevant to a restaurant manager's role. This could be expertise in areas like team leadership, customer service, budget management, or operational efficiency.

3. Mention Achievements If you have notable achievements, like significantly increasing a restaurant's revenue or reducing costs, mention these in your summary. Use numbers to quantify these accomplishments.

Example Summary

Example

"Dynamic Restaurant Manager with 10+ years of experience in leading operations for upscale metropolitan restaurants. Proven track record in boosting customer satisfaction and retention while managing efficient, high-performing teams. Successfully increased annual revenue by 20% through strategic marketing and menu optimization."

Resume Objective

1. State Your Career Goals An objective is more about what you aim to achieve in your career. For instance, "Aspiring Restaurant Manager seeking to leverage extensive customer service and team management skills in a challenging food service environment."

2. Align with the Employer's Needs Tailor your objective to align with the specific needs or goals of the restaurant you're applying to. This shows that you have done your homework and are serious about the role.

3. Keep it Concise An objective should be brief and to the point, ideally no more than two sentences.

Example Objective:

Example

"Motivated and customer-focused individual aiming to transition into restaurant management. Eager to apply five years of frontline food service experience and a passion for culinary excellence to drive operational success in a high-volume dining setting."

Remember, whether you opt for a summary or an objective, this section should be tailored to each job application, reflecting the specific requirements and expectations outlined in the job posting.

Detailing Work Experience on a Restaurant Manager's Resume

The work experience section is a critical component of a restaurant manager's resume. It's where you demonstrate your practical experience and achievements in the field. Here's how to effectively present your work experience:

Structuring the Work Experience Section

1. List in Reverse Chronological Order Start with your most recent job and work backwards. This format is preferred as it shows your career progression.

2. Include Relevant Details For each position, list the job title, the restaurant's name, its location, and the dates of your employment.

3. Use Bullet Points for Clarity Under each job, use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements. This makes your resume easier to read and allows employers to quickly scan your qualifications.

Demonstrating Achievements and Responsibilities

1. Quantify Achievements Whenever possible, quantify your achievements with numbers, percentages, or other metrics. For example, "Increased monthly revenue by 15% through strategic menu redesign and marketing initiatives."

2. Highlight Leadership and Management Skills As a restaurant manager, your leadership and management skills are crucial. Mention experiences where you led a team, managed operations, or trained staff. For example, "Managed a team of 30 staff members, overseeing all aspects of restaurant operation, from front-of-house to kitchen management."

3. Showcase Problem-Solving and Innovation Mention any specific challenges you faced and how you addressed them. This could be anything from redesigning the workflow to improve efficiency, to implementing a new customer service strategy.

4. Include Specific Projects or Initiatives If you spearheaded any special projects or initiatives, such as organizing events, introducing new menu items, or implementing sustainability practices, include these details.

Example Work Experience Entry

Example

The Gourmet Bistro, New York, NY
Restaurant Manager May 2018 - Present

• Increased overall customer satisfaction ratings by 20% through staff training and implementation of a customer feedback system.

• Successfully managed and scheduled a team of over 40 employees, maintaining optimal staff levels and reducing overtime costs by 10%.

• Developed and executed marketing campaigns in collaboration with local businesses, resulting in a 25% increase in weekend patronage.

• Implemented cost-saving measures in food and beverage procurement, reducing overall expenses by 15% while maintaining quality standards.

By following these guidelines, your work experience section will not only demonstrate your competence and achievements as a restaurant manager but also show potential employers your ability to contribute positively to their business.

Highlighting Education in a Restaurant Manager's Resume

The education section of a restaurant manager's resume, while typically straightforward, can still be strategically crafted to showcase your qualifications. Here's how to effectively present your educational background:

Structuring the Education Section

1. List in Reverse Chronological Order Start with your highest degree or most recent educational achievement and work backwards. This is the standard format for resume education sections.

2. Include Essential Details For each entry, include the degree or certification obtained, the name of the institution, its location, and your graduation year (if recent or particularly relevant).

3. Highlight Relevant Coursework or Achievements If you have taken courses directly relevant to restaurant management or the hospitality industry, mention these. Similarly, if you had any notable achievements during your studies (like awards or leadership roles), include these as well.

Example Education Section

Example

Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
University of Nevada
Las Vegas Graduated: 2016

• Relevant Coursework: Food Service Management, Business Administration, Hospitality Marketing

Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Culinary Institute of America
Hyde Park, NY Graduated: 2013

• President of the Student Culinary Council

• Completed internship with renowned farm-to-table restaurant in New York City

Certifications

• ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification

• Certified Restaurant Manager (CRM)

Tips for Recent Graduates or Those Without Formal Education

Pro tip

If you're a recent graduate with limited work experience, you can bolster your education section by including internships, extracurricular activities, or projects that demonstrate skills relevant to restaurant management.

Pro tip

If you do not have formal education in hospitality or restaurant management, focus on other aspects of your resume, such as your work experience and skills, and consider including any informal training or workshops you've completed.

By carefully crafting your education section, you can demonstrate the foundation of knowledge and skills that support your practical experience in restaurant management.

Emphasizing Skills on a Restaurant Manager's Resume

The skills section of a restaurant manager's resume is where you get to showcase the abilities that make you a great fit for the role. It's important to highlight both hard and soft skills relevant to restaurant management. Here's how to approach this section:

Identifying Key Skills for Restaurant Managers

1. Hard Skills These are the technical skills specific to restaurant management, such as:

• Knowledge of Point of Sale (POS) systems

• Inventory management

• Budgeting and financial management

• Understanding of food safety and hygiene regulations

• Menu planning and food costing

2. Soft Skills Soft skills are equally important and include:

• Leadership and team management

• Excellent communication skills

• Customer service orientation

• Problem-solving and decision-making

• Ability to work under pressure

Presenting Skills Effectively

1. Tailor to the Job Description Review the job description carefully and tailor your skills section to match the skills sought by the employer.

2. Use Bullet Points List skills in bullet point format for easy scanning. You can separate them into 'Hard Skills' and 'Soft Skills' if you have enough of each, or mix them together if they are fewer.

3. Be Specific Instead of vague terms like 'good leader', specify what makes you a good leader, for example, 'experienced in team building and staff training'.

Example Skills

Example

• Proficient in using POS systems and restaurant management software (e.g., OpenTable, TouchBistro)

• Skilled in inventory management and cost control

• Expertise in staff training and development

• Strong customer service and conflict resolution abilities

• Experienced in menu development and food costing

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Able to work efficiently in high-pressure environments

By highlighting a mix of hard and soft skills, you'll demonstrate to potential employers that you have the comprehensive skill set required to be a successful restaurant manager.

Recommending Additional Sections for a Restaurant Manager's Resume

Beyond the standard resume sections, there are additional segments you can include to enhance your resume as a restaurant manager. These sections can provide a more holistic view of your qualifications and experiences, making your application stand out. Here's what you can consider adding:

Certifications and Licenses

1. Relevant Certifications Include any industry-relevant certifications that you have obtained. For restaurant managers, certifications in food safety, hospitality management, or wine and spirits can be particularly impressive.

Example

• Certified Food Safety Manager (CFSM)

• Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 Award in Wines

Volunteer Experience

2. Relevant Volunteer Work If you have volunteered in roles relevant to restaurant management or the hospitality industry, include these experiences. It demonstrates your passion and commitment to the field.

Example

• Volunteer Coordinator, Local Food Festival
  • Austin, TX (2018 - Present)

Languages

3. Language Proficiency Fluency in multiple languages can be a significant asset in the diverse and multicultural environment of the food service industry.

Example

• Fluent in English and Spanish

• Basic proficiency in French

Professional Affiliations

4. Memberships in Professional Organizations Memberships in relevant professional organizations can show your dedication to staying connected and updated in your field.

Example

• Member, National Restaurant Association

• Member, American Culinary Federation

Awards and Honors

5. Industry Awards or Recognitions If you have received any awards or recognitions in your career, include them. This could be anything from 'Manager of the Year' to recognition for customer service excellence.

Example

• Awarded 'Manager of the Year 2020' by Regional Restaurant Association

Personal Projects or Interests

6. Personal Projects Related to the Industry If you have undertaken any personal projects, like a food blog or a community cooking class, that highlight your passion for the industry, include these.

Example

• Creator of 'The Local Palate', a food blog focusing on sustainable and local dining in the Pacific Northwest

By including these additional sections, you provide a more comprehensive picture of who you are professionally and personally, showcasing the diverse skills and experiences that make you a unique and valuable candidate for a restaurant manager position.

Writing an Effective Cover Letter for a Restaurant Manager

A well-written cover letter can significantly enhance your application for a restaurant manager position. It's an opportunity to personally address the employer, highlight your most relevant experiences, and express your enthusiasm for the role. Here's how to craft a compelling cover letter:

Introduction

1. Address the Employer Personally If possible, address the hiring manager or the person responsible for hiring directly. This personal touch can make a significant difference.

2. State the Position You're Applying For Clearly mention the restaurant manager position and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

3. Briefly Mention Your Background Introduce yourself with a brief mention of your professional background in the hospitality or food service industry.

Body

4. Highlight Key Experiences Dive into your most relevant experiences that align with the job description. Discuss specific examples where you demonstrated skills crucial to a restaurant manager role, such as leadership, efficiency in operations, or improvements you've made in previous positions.

5. Connect Your Skills to the Job Requirements Explain how your skills and experiences make you a great fit for this particular role. Be specific about how you can contribute to the restaurant's success.

Conclusion

6. Reiterate Your Enthusiasm Conclude by reiterating your enthusiasm for the role and the value you believe you can bring to the team.

7. Call to Action End with a call to action, such as expressing your eagerness to discuss your application in an interview.

8. Professional Closing Use a professional closing, like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name.

Example Opening of a Cover Letter

Remember, a cover letter is your chance to tell a story that your resume can't. It should complement your resume, not repeat it, and provide a more personal insight into your professional persona.

Further Sections and Final Thoughts for a Restaurant Manager Resume

In the final sections of a restaurant manager resume, you have the opportunity to wrap up your application with additional insights and a strong closing. Here's how to approach these sections:

Further Sections

Depending on your background and the specific requirements of the job you're applying for, you might want to add sections that showcase other aspects of your professional life. This could include:

1. Professional Development Discuss any ongoing learning or professional development activities you're involved in. This could be courses, seminars, or workshops relevant to restaurant management.

2. Community Involvement Mention any community involvement or initiatives you've participated in, especially those related to the food and hospitality industry.

3. Interests and Hobbies While not always necessary, sharing some personal interests or hobbies can give a fuller picture of who you are and help you stand out. Ensure that these are presented professionally and are somewhat relevant to the role or industry.

Final Thoughts

1. Tailoring Your Resume Emphasize the importance of tailoring your resume to each specific job application. Highlighting the most relevant experiences and skills for each role can significantly increase your chances of success.

2. Importance of Professionalism Remind readers of the importance of maintaining a professional tone and appearance throughout their resume. This includes attention to detail, proofreading for errors, and ensuring a clean, readable format.

3. Encourage Action End with an encouragement for action. Encourage the reader to not only use the tips and guidelines provided but also to actively seek out opportunities to improve and showcase their skills.

As you finalize your resume, remember that it is a dynamic and evolving document. Continuously update and tailor it to reflect your growing experience and the specific demands of each new opportunity.

With a well-crafted resume, you're not just recounting your past work; you're opening the door to future possibilities in restaurant management."

Pro tip

By including these additional insights, your resume goes beyond just a list of experiences and skills; it becomes a comprehensive and engaging presentation of your professional story.

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Key Takeaways for Crafting a Restaurant Manager Resume

In summarizing the key points of creating an effective resume for a restaurant manager, it's essential to remember the following takeaways:

1. Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the specific restaurant manager position you're applying for.

2. Professional Summary/Objective: Use the summary or objective section to make a strong first impression. Clearly articulate your experience, skills, and what you can bring to the role.

3. Highlight Relevant Experience: In the work experience section, focus on your achievements and responsibilities in previous roles that are directly relevant to restaurant management. Use quantifiable results to demonstrate your impact.

4. Education and Certifications: Include your educational background, especially if it's related to hospitality or management. Also, list any relevant certifications that can give you an edge, such as food safety or wine and spirits knowledge.

5. Skills Section: Clearly list both hard and soft skills relevant to restaurant management. This could include leadership, customer service, budget management, and knowledge of industry-specific software.

6. Additional Sections: Consider adding sections for certifications, languages, volunteer experience, awards, or other relevant achievements that can make your resume stand out.

7. Cover Letter: Complement your resume with a well-written cover letter that provides a more personal insight into your professional qualifications and enthusiasm for the position.

8. Professionalism: Ensure your resume is professionally formatted, error-free, and easy to read. This reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

9. Continuous Improvement: View your resume as a living document that should be updated and improved continuously as your career progresses.

By keeping these key points in mind, you can craft a compelling and comprehensive resume that effectively showcases your qualifications and sets you apart as a candidate for a restaurant manager position.

FAQ about How to Write a Restaurant Manager Resume

In this section, we address some common questions related to crafting a resume and cover letter for a restaurant manager position. These FAQs provide additional clarity and guidance to help you create an effective application.

Q1: How long should my restaurant manager resume be?

A1: Ideally, your resume should be one to two pages long. It's important to be concise and include only the most relevant information. If you have extensive experience, focus on the most recent and relevant positions.

Q2: Should I include references on my resume?

A2: It's not necessary to include references on your resume. Instead, have them ready to provide upon request. Use the space on your resume to focus on your skills, experience, and achievements.

Q3: How can I make my resume stand out?

A3: Tailor your resume to the job description, use quantifiable achievements, and ensure it's well-formatted and error-free. Including additional sections like certifications or awards can also make your resume stand out.

Q4: What if I don't have experience as a restaurant manager?

A4: Focus on transferable skills from other roles, such as leadership, customer service, or budget management. Highlight relevant volunteer work, internships, or coursework that demonstrate your potential as a restaurant manager.

Q5: How important is the skills section in a restaurant manager resume?

A5: The skills section is very important as it quickly shows employers that you have the specific abilities they are looking for. Include a mix of hard and soft skills relevant to restaurant management.

Q6: Do I need to include a cover letter with my resume?

A6: Yes, a cover letter is highly recommended. It allows you to personally address the employer, explain why you're a great fit for the role, and show your enthusiasm for the position.

Q7: Can I use a template for my resume?

A7: Yes, using a template can help ensure your resume is well-organized and professionally formatted. However, make sure to customize it to reflect your personal experiences and the specific job you are applying for.

Q8: How often should I update my resume?

A8: Update your resume regularly, especially when you gain new experiences, skills, or certifications. Keeping your resume current ensures you're always ready for new opportunities.

These FAQs provide a solid foundation for understanding the key aspects of writing a restaurant manager resume and cover letter, helping you to present your qualifications effectively.

Other Related Resume Examples from Food Service Sector

• Executive Chef Resume

• Pastry Chef Resume

• McDonald's Resume

• Restaurant Manager Resume

• Food and Beverage Manager Resume

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Written byAllie Manning, Content Manager

Allie Manning, with her rich background in North American corporate recruitment, brings invaluable insights to her blog articles on resume and cover letter writing. Her experience in hiring gives job seekers a unique advantage in crafting standout applications, blending practical advice with real-world expertise.