Restaurant General Manager Resume Template

Are you a seasoned restaurant general manager looking to take your career to the next level? Your resume is the first impression you make on potential employers, and in a competitive industry like hospitality, it needs to be polished, professional, and truly showcase your accomplishments. Don't let a poorly structured resume hold you back from landing your dream job. This restaurant general manager resume template provides a solid foundation for highlighting your skills, experience, and leadership qualities in a way that resonates with hiring managers.

This template isn't just a blank document; it's a strategic framework designed to highlight the key areas employers seek in a top-performing general manager. We've considered the industry's demands, focusing on elements like P&L management, team leadership, customer service excellence, and operational efficiency. By using this template, you can confidently present a clear, concise, and compelling narrative of your career journey.

Ready to transform your resume from a simple list of jobs into a powerful tool that gets you noticed? Download our restaurant general manager resume template and start crafting a document that reflects your true value. We've included tips and suggestions throughout to help you tailor the template to your specific experience and the requirements of the positions you're targeting. Let's get you hired!

Why use a restaurant general manager resume template

Using a restaurant general manager resume template offers a strategic advantage in a competitive job market. These templates are specifically designed to highlight the skills and experience most valued by hiring managers in the restaurant industry. They provide a structured framework that ensures you include all essential information in a clear, concise, and professional manner, increasing your chances of making a positive first impression.

A well-designed template also ensures your resume is ATS (Applicant Tracking System) friendly. Many restaurants, especially larger chains, use ATS software to filter applications based on keywords. Templates optimized for ATS include common industry terms and skills, helping your resume bypass the initial screening process and reach a human reviewer. This is crucial for getting your foot in the door.

Furthermore, using a template saves you significant time and effort. Instead of starting from scratch, you can simply fill in the pre-formatted sections with your own information. This allows you to focus on crafting compelling descriptions of your accomplishments and responsibilities, rather than worrying about formatting and design. A template ensures consistency in font, spacing, and layout, resulting in a polished and professional document.

Finally, a good template can guide you in presenting your experience in the most impactful way. It often includes suggestions for quantifying your achievements (e.g., "Increased sales by 15% in Q3") and highlighting relevant skills (e.g., cost control, staff management, customer service). By using a template, you can ensure that you are showcasing your qualifications in a way that resonates with potential employers and demonstrates your value as a restaurant general manager.

Key skills for restaurant general managers

The role of a restaurant general manager demands a diverse skillset encompassing both hard and soft skills. Success in this position requires a blend of operational expertise, leadership ability, and customer service acumen. Demonstrating these skills effectively on your resume is crucial for catching the attention of hiring managers and showcasing your suitability for the role.

Hard skills are essential for managing the day-to-day operations of a restaurant. These include proficiency in areas such as financial management (budgeting, P&L analysis), inventory control (ordering, waste reduction), and point-of-sale (POS) systems. A strong understanding of food safety regulations, labor laws, and restaurant technology is also vital. Highlighting these technical skills assures employers that you can effectively manage the practical aspects of running a successful restaurant.

Soft skills, often referred to as interpersonal skills, are equally important for a restaurant general manager. Leadership qualities such as team building, conflict resolution, and employee motivation are essential for creating a positive and productive work environment. Excellent communication skills are necessary for interacting with staff, customers, and vendors. Problem-solving abilities are crucial for addressing unexpected challenges and ensuring smooth operations. Demonstrating empathy, adaptability, and a strong work ethic will further enhance your candidacy.

• Leadership & Team Management: Motivating staff, delegating tasks effectively, performance management, and fostering a positive work environment.
• Financial Acumen: Budgeting, P&L analysis, cost control, revenue generation, and inventory management.
• Customer Service: Handling customer complaints, ensuring customer satisfaction, and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
• Communication: Clear and concise written and verbal communication with staff, vendors, and customers.
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Quickly assessing situations, identifying solutions, and making sound decisions under pressure.

When crafting your resume, quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. Instead of simply stating "managed inventory," provide specific details such as "Reduced food waste by 15% through improved inventory management practices." Tailoring your skills section to match the specific requirements of the job description will further increase your chances of landing an interview.

Structuring your resume: sections to include

A well-structured resume is crucial for showcasing your qualifications as a restaurant general manager. Hiring managers often quickly scan resumes, so clear organization and relevant content are essential. Consider these core sections:

• Contact Information: Include your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile URL. Ensure your email address is professional.
• Summary/Objective: A brief summary highlighting your experience and key skills relevant to the restaurant general manager role. Alternatively, an objective statement can be used if you are changing careers or are early in your career.
• Skills: List both hard and soft skills. Hard skills might include inventory management, cost control, and POS system proficiency. Soft skills could be leadership, communication, and problem-solving. Tailor this section to the specific requirements of the job description.
• Experience: Detail your previous work history, focusing on accomplishments and responsibilities that demonstrate your management capabilities. Use action verbs and quantifiable results whenever possible to highlight your impact.
• Education: Include your degrees, certifications (e.g., ServSafe), and any relevant training.

Beyond these core sections, consider adding optional sections to further strengthen your resume:

• Awards and Recognition: Highlight any awards or recognition you've received for your performance or contributions.
• Volunteer Experience: Relevant volunteer work can showcase leadership or community involvement.
• Languages: List any languages you speak fluently, especially if the restaurant caters to a diverse clientele.

Remember to tailor your resume to each specific job you apply for. Analyze the job description and emphasize the skills and experiences that align with the employer's needs. Use keywords from the job posting to increase the chances of your resume being selected by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Consistency in formatting and a clean, easy-to-read layout are also crucial for a positive first impression.

Writing a compelling resume summary/objective

The resume summary or objective is your first chance to grab the attention of a hiring manager. It's a brief statement at the top of your resume that highlights your key skills, experience, and career goals. For a Restaurant General Manager role, it's crucial to tailor this section to showcase your leadership abilities, operational expertise, and commitment to providing exceptional customer service. Choosing between a summary and an objective depends on your career stage. A summary is best for experienced professionals, while an objective might be more suitable for those early in their careers or seeking a career change.

A strong resume summary for a Restaurant General Manager should emphasize your proven track record of success in managing restaurant operations, boosting profitability, and building high-performing teams. Quantify your achievements whenever possible. For example, instead of saying "Managed restaurant operations," say "Managed a high-volume restaurant, increasing sales by 15% in one year." Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you possess the specific skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Focus on the most relevant aspects of your experience and how they align with the requirements of the position.

Conversely, if you're using a resume objective, focus on your ambition and how you plan to contribute to the success of the restaurant. Highlight your transferable skills and express your enthusiasm for the industry. Even if you lack extensive experience as a General Manager, you can showcase your leadership potential, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to learning and growing within the organization. Remember to research the company and tailor your objective to reflect their values and mission.

Here are some key elements to include in your Restaurant General Manager resume summary or objective:

• Years of experience in the restaurant industry.
• Specific areas of expertise (e.g., P&L management, inventory control, staff training, customer service).
• Quantifiable achievements (e.g., increased sales, reduced costs, improved customer satisfaction).
• Leadership skills (e.g., team building, conflict resolution, performance management).
• Relevant certifications or training (e.g., ServSafe, TIPS).

By crafting a well-written and targeted resume summary or objective, you can make a strong first impression and significantly increase your chances of landing an interview for your desired Restaurant General Manager position. Remember to keep it concise, impactful, and tailored to each specific job you apply for.

Showcasing work experience effectively

The work experience section is the heart of your restaurant general manager resume. It's where you demonstrate your ability to lead, manage, and improve restaurant operations. Instead of simply listing your responsibilities, focus on quantifying your accomplishments and highlighting the positive impact you've had on previous employers. Use action verbs to start each bullet point and clearly communicate the value you brought to each role.

When describing your experience, tailor each bullet point to match the requirements of the specific restaurant general manager role you are applying for. Review the job description carefully and identify the key skills and responsibilities the employer is seeking. Then, craft your bullet points to showcase how your experience aligns with those requirements. For example, if the job description emphasizes cost control, highlight instances where you reduced expenses or improved profitability.

Quantifying your achievements is crucial. Whenever possible, use numbers and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work. For instance, instead of saying "Improved customer satisfaction," say "Improved customer satisfaction scores by 15% within six months by implementing a new customer feedback system." Numbers provide concrete evidence of your capabilities and make your accomplishments more compelling. Consider using metrics related to revenue growth, cost savings, efficiency improvements, staff retention, and customer satisfaction.

Use keywords strategically throughout your work experience section. Restaurant general manager resumes should be optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Research common keywords related to restaurant management, such as "P&L management," "inventory control," "staff training," "food safety," "customer service," "budgeting," and "vendor negotiations." Incorporate these keywords naturally into your bullet points to increase the chances of your resume being selected for further review. Avoid keyword stuffing, which can be penalized by ATS.

Finally, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your bullet points. Briefly describe the situation you faced, the task you were assigned, the actions you took, and the result you achieved. This framework helps you present your experience in a clear, concise, and impactful manner. For example: "Oversaw the opening of a new restaurant (Situation), tasked with achieving profitability within the first year (Task). Implemented a comprehensive marketing plan and streamlined operations (Action), resulting in exceeding revenue projections by 20% and achieving profitability within nine months (Result)."

Resume Example: restaurant general manager resume template

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to restaurant general manager resume template. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

Quantifying achievements in your resume

Quantifying your achievements is crucial for making your resume stand out and demonstrating your impact as a restaurant general manager. Instead of simply listing your responsibilities, use numbers, percentages, and specific data points to showcase the results you've achieved in previous roles. This helps potential employers understand the value you bring to the table and see tangible evidence of your skills and experience.

When quantifying your achievements, consider various aspects of restaurant management, such as revenue growth, cost reduction, operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and employee performance. For example, instead of saying "Managed inventory effectively," you could say "Reduced food waste by 15% through improved inventory management processes, resulting in $5,000 in monthly savings." This provides concrete evidence of your capabilities and demonstrates the financial impact of your work.

Here are some examples of quantifiable achievements you can include in your restaurant general manager resume:

• Increased revenue by X% in Y months.
• Reduced employee turnover by Z% through improved training and retention programs.
• Improved customer satisfaction scores by A% based on post-meal surveys.
• Successfully launched B new menu items, resulting in a C% increase in sales.
• Negotiated D% discounts with suppliers, saving the restaurant $E annually.
• Improved operational efficiency by F%, reducing wait times by G minutes.

To identify quantifiable achievements, review your past performance evaluations, sales reports, inventory records, and customer feedback. Think about the specific actions you took and the positive outcomes that resulted from your efforts. Use action verbs that highlight your accomplishments and focus on the results you achieved. Remember to tailor your achievements to the specific requirements of the restaurant general manager position you're applying for.

By quantifying your achievements, you transform your resume from a list of generic responsibilities into a powerful marketing tool that showcases your value and makes you a more competitive candidate for restaurant general manager roles. This data-driven approach allows employers to quickly assess your potential and see the positive impact you can have on their organization.

Optimizing for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software programs used by many companies to filter and rank job applications. To ensure your restaurant general manager resume template is seen by a human recruiter, it's crucial to optimize it for these systems. This means understanding how ATS works and tailoring your resume to align with its requirements. Failure to do so may result in your resume being automatically rejected, even if you are a highly qualified candidate.

Key strategies for ATS optimization include using relevant keywords throughout your resume. These keywords should be taken directly from the job description and reflect the skills, experience, and qualifications the employer is seeking. Focus on hard skills, specific industry jargon, and the tools or software mentioned in the posting. Avoid using overly creative language or jargon that an ATS might not recognize. Remember, the goal is to make it easy for the ATS to understand and categorize your resume accurately.

Formatting is another crucial aspect of ATS optimization. Use a simple and clean format with standard headings like "Summary," "Experience," "Skills," and "Education." Avoid using tables, images, graphics, or text boxes, as these can often be misinterpreted by ATS. Stick to common fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, and use a font size that is easy to read (10-12 points). Save your resume as a .docx or .pdf file, depending on the employer's instructions, as these formats are generally ATS-friendly. Avoid sending your resume as an image or in any other non-standard format.

In addition to keywords and formatting, pay attention to the structure of your resume. Present your information in a clear and logical manner, starting with a concise summary of your qualifications and then detailing your experience and skills. Use bullet points to highlight your accomplishments and quantify your results whenever possible. Ensure your work history includes the company name, your job title, and the dates of employment. By following these guidelines, you can significantly increase your chances of your resume making it through the ATS and into the hands of a hiring manager.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Crafting an effective resume for a Restaurant General Manager position requires careful consideration of what recruiters and hiring managers are seeking. This FAQ section addresses common questions to help you optimize your resume and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Q: What are the most important skills to highlight on a Restaurant General Manager resume? Focus on showcasing your leadership, operational management, financial acumen, and customer service skills. Examples include team leadership, P&L management, inventory control, staff training and development, conflict resolution, menu planning, and regulatory compliance. Quantify your achievements whenever possible; for example, "Reduced food costs by 15% through improved inventory management" or "Increased customer satisfaction scores by 10% through enhanced staff training."

Q: How far back should my work history go? Generally, aim to include the past 10-15 years of relevant experience. Focus on positions that demonstrate your progressive growth and increasing responsibility within the restaurant industry. If you have earlier roles that are particularly relevant or highlight specific skills, you can briefly mention them, but prioritize your more recent and impactful experiences.

Q: Should I include a professional summary or objective statement? A professional summary is highly recommended. It provides a concise overview of your skills, experience, and career goals, allowing recruiters to quickly assess your fit for the role. Tailor your summary to the specific requirements of the job you're applying for, highlighting the qualifications that align with their needs. An objective statement is less common and generally less effective, as it focuses on what you want rather than what you can offer the employer.

Q: What's the best resume format for a Restaurant General Manager? The reverse-chronological format is typically the most effective, as it emphasizes your work experience in chronological order, starting with your most recent position. This format allows recruiters to easily see your career progression and relevant skills. However, if you have gaps in your employment history or are changing careers, a functional or combination format might be more suitable, as they prioritize your skills and qualifications over chronological work history. Ensure that whatever format you choose is ATS-friendly by using common fonts, clear headings, and avoiding excessive graphics or tables.

Resume Example: restaurant general manager resume template

Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to restaurant general manager resume template. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.

Closing Thoughts

We hope this restaurant general manager resume template has provided a solid foundation for crafting your own compelling resume. Remember to tailor each section to highlight your unique skills and experiences, focusing on quantifiable achievements and demonstrating your leadership abilities.

Before submitting your resume, take the time to carefully proofread it for any errors in grammar or spelling. Also, consider revisiting our website for additional resources, including industry-specific advice and cover letter templates, to further enhance your job application and increase your chances of landing that interview!