Are you a skilled and passionate restaurant manager ready to take your career to the next level? Your resume is your first impression, and in a competitive industry like hospitality, it needs to be polished and professional to stand out from the crowd. That's why we've created this customizable resume template specifically designed for restaurant managers. It's structured to highlight your key skills, experience, and achievements in a way that resonates with hiring managers in the food service industry.
This template provides a clear and concise framework to showcase your leadership abilities, operational expertise, and commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences. We understand the unique demands of restaurant management, from overseeing staff and managing budgets to ensuring food safety and maintaining a positive work environment. This template will help you effectively communicate your capabilities in these critical areas, emphasizing the positive impact you've had on previous establishments.
So, whether you're seeking a position at a fine dining establishment, a fast-casual chain, or a vibrant local eatery, this resume template is your secret ingredient to landing that coveted interview. Simply fill in the blanks with your information, tailor it to each specific job application, and get ready to serve up your career success! Let's get started!
Why resume template for restaurant manager resumes matter
Using a resume template specifically designed for restaurant managers offers a significant advantage in today's competitive job market. Generic resume templates often lack the structure and focus needed to highlight the unique skills and experiences relevant to this demanding role. A tailored template ensures that your resume showcases your leadership abilities, operational expertise, and customer service skills in a way that resonates with hiring managers in the hospitality industry.
A well-crafted resume template provides a framework for presenting your qualifications effectively. It guides you in highlighting key achievements and responsibilities that directly align with the expectations of a restaurant manager. This includes showcasing your experience in areas like staff management, inventory control, cost optimization, and ensuring customer satisfaction. A dedicated template helps you avoid common pitfalls, such as using irrelevant information or failing to quantify your accomplishments.
Furthermore, restaurant manager resume templates are often optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These systems are used by many restaurants and hospitality groups to screen resumes electronically. ATS-friendly templates use keywords and formatting that make it easier for your resume to be parsed and ranked favorably. This increases the likelihood that your resume will be seen by a human recruiter.
Ultimately, a professionally designed restaurant manager resume template not only saves you time and effort but also enhances your chances of securing an interview. It allows you to present a polished and compelling case for your suitability for the role, demonstrating your understanding of the industry and your commitment to excellence.
Key Skills for Restaurant Manager Resumes
The "Key Skills" section of your restaurant manager resume is crucial for quickly demonstrating your qualifications to potential employers. It allows them to scan your core competencies and determine if you possess the necessary attributes for the role. A well-crafted skills section should highlight both hard skills, like inventory management and cost control, and soft skills, such as leadership and customer service. Tailor this section to each job application, emphasizing the skills that align most closely with the specific requirements outlined in the job description.
When compiling your skills list, prioritize those that directly address the demands of restaurant management. Examples include: proficiency in point-of-sale (POS) systems, experience with staff scheduling software, knowledge of food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP), and expertise in conflict resolution. Quantifiable achievements are valuable here. Instead of simply stating "inventory management," consider phrasing it as "Implemented inventory control system that reduced food waste by 15%." This adds credibility and demonstrates the impact of your skills.
Beyond technical skills, don't neglect the importance of soft skills. Restaurant management requires exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. Examples include: team building, training and development, customer relations, and decision-making under pressure. Consider including skills such as "budgeting and forecasting," "vendor negotiation," or "menu development" depending on the specific requirements of the target role. Always ensure that your skills are presented in a clear, concise, and easily readable format, making them readily accessible to both human recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
For ATS optimization, it's best to use keywords directly from the job description. Identify the key skills mentioned and incorporate them naturally into your skills section. Use both acronyms and full terms (e.g., "POS systems" and "Point of Sale Systems"). Consider grouping your skills into categories like "Technical Skills," "Management Skills," and "Customer Service Skills" for enhanced readability. Aim for a balance between specificity and breadth to showcase a comprehensive skillset while remaining targeted to the specific restaurant manager role.
Resume Example: resume template for restaurant manager
Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to resume template for restaurant manager. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.
Full Name
Email · Phone · City, Country · LinkedIn · Portfolio
Professional Summary
Results-oriented Restaurant Manager with 8+ years of experience in high-volume establishments. Proven ability to optimize operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive profitability. Expertise in team leadership, inventory control, and food safety management.
Key Skills
- Restaurant Operations Management
- Staff Training & Development
- Inventory & Cost Control
- Customer Service Excellence
- POS Systems (Toast, Micros)
- Food Safety & Sanitation (HACCP Certified)
Experience
Restaurant Manager — The Italian Place (2018–2023)
- Increased customer satisfaction scores by 20% through improved service standards and staff training.
- Reduced food waste by 15% by implementing an efficient inventory management system.
- Managed a team of 30+ employees, including servers, bartenders, and kitchen staff.
Assistant Restaurant Manager — Burger Heaven (2016–2018)
- Assisted in the daily operations of a high-volume restaurant, ensuring smooth and efficient service.
- Supervised staff and provided guidance on customer service and operational procedures.
Projects (Optional)
- New Menu Implementation: Led the successful launch of a new menu, resulting in a 10% increase in sales.
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management — University of Example (2016)
- ServSafe Manager Certification
Additional
- Awards: Employee of the Month (3 times)
- Languages: English (Native), Spanish (Conversational)
Structuring your work experience section
The work experience section is arguably the most crucial part of your restaurant manager resume. It's where you showcase your accomplishments and demonstrate how your skills and experience align with the requirements of the role. Don't just list your duties; focus on your achievements and quantify them whenever possible. Use action verbs to start each bullet point and paint a clear picture of your contributions to previous employers.
When structuring this section, prioritize relevance. List your most recent and relevant experiences first, working backward chronologically. For each position, include the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment. Underneath each entry, use bullet points to highlight your key responsibilities and accomplishments. Frame these points in terms of how you improved efficiency, increased profitability, enhanced customer satisfaction, or successfully managed staff.
To make your resume more impactful and ATS-friendly, incorporate keywords from the job description. This will help your resume get past initial screenings and demonstrate that you possess the specific skills and experience the employer is looking for. Examples of relevant keywords for a restaurant manager resume include "inventory management," "staff training," "customer service," "budget management," "P&L responsibility," "food safety," "POS systems," and "conflict resolution." When describing your experience, try to weave these keywords naturally into your bullet points.
Consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your bullet points. This method helps you provide context, explain your role, describe your actions, and highlight the positive outcomes you achieved. For example, instead of writing "Managed staff," you could write: "Improved staff morale and reduced turnover by implementing a new training program (Action) that resulted in a 15% increase in employee satisfaction scores (Result)."
Finally, tailor your work experience section to each specific job application. Carefully review the job description and identify the key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Then, emphasize the experiences and accomplishments that best demonstrate your ability to meet those requirements. Avoid generic descriptions and focus on showcasing your unique value proposition as a restaurant manager.
Highlighting your accomplishments
When crafting your resume for a restaurant manager position, it's crucial to go beyond simply listing your responsibilities. You need to showcase your accomplishments – concrete examples of how you've made a positive impact in your previous roles. This demonstrates your value to potential employers and sets you apart from other candidates. Focus on quantifiable achievements whenever possible, using numbers and data to illustrate your success.
Think about situations where you improved efficiency, increased sales, reduced costs, or enhanced customer satisfaction. For example, instead of saying "Managed staff," try "Successfully trained and managed a team of 20+ employees, resulting in a 15% reduction in employee turnover." This specific detail provides a much stronger impression. Remember to tailor your accomplishments to the specific requirements of the job description, highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role.
Use action verbs to start your accomplishment statements and create a dynamic and engaging narrative. Strong verbs such as "achieved," "exceeded," "implemented," "optimized," and "led" will help you convey your contributions effectively. Consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your accomplishment statements. This helps you provide a clear and concise explanation of the context, your role, the actions you took, and the resulting outcome. This approach makes your accomplishments more compelling and easier for recruiters to understand.
- Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Use numbers, percentages, and dollar amounts to illustrate your impact.
- Focus on results rather than just responsibilities. What difference did you make?
- Tailor your accomplishments to the specific requirements of the job description.
- Use strong action verbs to start your accomplishment statements.
- Use the STAR method to structure your accomplishment statements.
Finally, remember to proofread your resume carefully to ensure that your accomplishments are presented clearly and accurately. Ensure consistent formatting and use proper grammar and spelling. A well-crafted resume that highlights your accomplishments is your key to landing an interview and securing your dream restaurant manager position.
Education and certifications
A strong education and relevant certifications can significantly enhance your candidacy for a Restaurant Manager position. While a specific degree isn't always mandatory, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and professional development through certifications is highly valued. Focus on highlighting qualifications that showcase your understanding of restaurant operations, food safety, and leadership principles.
Common educational backgrounds for Restaurant Managers include degrees in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Culinary Arts, or related fields. Include the name of the institution, the degree earned, and the graduation date (or expected graduation date). If you have a high GPA or received any academic honors, be sure to mention those as well. Relevant coursework, such as restaurant management, food and beverage control, or marketing, should also be briefly highlighted if space permits.
Certifications are crucial for demonstrating expertise and staying current with industry standards. Some of the most valued certifications for Restaurant Managers include: ServSafe Manager (food safety), TIPS (alcohol service), Certified Restaurant Manager (CRM), and certifications related to specific cuisines or restaurant management systems. List the certification name, the issuing organization, and the expiration date (if applicable). Including certifications demonstrates your proactive approach to professional development and your commitment to providing a safe and compliant dining environment.
When listing your education and certifications, prioritize the information most relevant to the specific job description. For example, if the job description emphasizes fine dining experience, highlight any culinary arts training or certifications. Similarly, if the role requires managing a high-volume establishment, emphasize experience with inventory management systems and any related certifications. Tailoring your education and certifications section to the specific requirements of the position can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed.
Don't forget to include any ongoing education or professional development activities. This shows your dedication to staying informed about the latest trends and best practices in the restaurant industry. Even attending workshops or online courses related to restaurant management can be included to demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement.
Resume Example: resume template for restaurant manager
Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to resume template for restaurant manager. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.
Alice Johnson
[email protected] · (555) 123-4567 · Anytown, USA · linkedin.com/in/alicejohnson · portfolio.com/alicejohnson
Professional Summary
Highly motivated and experienced Restaurant Manager with 8+ years in the hospitality industry. Proven ability to lead teams, optimize operations, and enhance customer satisfaction. Seeking a challenging role to leverage expertise in driving profitability and delivering exceptional dining experiences.
Key Skills
- Team Leadership & Training
- Inventory Management
- Customer Service Excellence
- Budgeting & Cost Control
- POS Systems (e.g., Toast, Aloha)
- Menu Development & Implementation
- Conflict Resolution
- Food Safety & Hygiene
Experience
Restaurant Manager — The Italian Place (2018–2023)
- Improved customer satisfaction scores by 15% through enhanced staff training and service protocols.
- Managed a team of 20+ employees, including servers, bartenders, and kitchen staff, ensuring smooth daily operations.
- Utilized POS systems (Toast) to track sales, manage inventory, and generate reports.
Assistant Restaurant Manager — The Burger Joint (2016–2018)
- Increased restaurant revenue by 10% through effective marketing initiatives and promotional campaigns.
- Successfully managed inventory levels, reducing food waste by 8%.
Projects (Optional)
- Menu Revamp: Developed and implemented a new menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, resulting in a 12% increase in sales.
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management — University of Anytown (2016)
- ServSafe Manager Certification
Additional
- Awards: Employee of the Month (3 times) · Languages: Spanish (Conversational)
Optimizing for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software applications used by employers to automate the recruitment process. They scan, parse, and rank resumes based on keywords, skills, and experience. To ensure your resume for a restaurant manager position passes through the ATS filter, it's crucial to optimize it for these systems. This means using a simple, clean format, incorporating relevant keywords, and avoiding elements that can confuse the parser.
One of the most important aspects of ATS optimization is keyword usage. Identify the keywords used in the job description and strategically incorporate them into your resume. These keywords should be relevant to the restaurant manager role and reflect your skills and experience. Consider using variations of keywords, such as "restaurant management," "restaurant operations," and "restaurant leadership." Avoid keyword stuffing, which can negatively impact your ranking. Instead, integrate them naturally throughout your resume in your skills section, work experience descriptions, and summary statement.
Formatting also plays a crucial role in ATS compatibility. Use a standard font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in a readable size (10-12 points). Avoid using tables, images, headers, footers, or text boxes, as these can often be misinterpreted by the ATS. Use clear section headings like "Experience," "Skills," and "Education" to help the ATS categorize your information accurately. Save your resume as a Word document (.doc or .docx) or a plain text (.txt) file, as these formats are generally more ATS-friendly than PDFs. While PDFs are visually appealing, they can sometimes cause parsing errors.
When describing your work experience, use action verbs to highlight your accomplishments and quantify your results whenever possible. For example, instead of saying "Managed restaurant operations," say "Managed restaurant operations, increasing customer satisfaction scores by 15% and reducing food waste by 10%." This demonstrates your impact and provides concrete evidence of your skills. List your experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role. Also, be consistent with your formatting throughout the resume to ensure a clean and professional presentation.
Resume Example: resume template for restaurant manager
Below is a simple and clean resume example tailored to resume template for restaurant manager. Replace placeholder details with your own achievements.
Jane Doe
[email protected] · (555) 123-4567 · Anytown, USA · LinkedIn.com/in/janedoe
Professional Summary
Highly motivated and experienced Restaurant Manager with 8+ years of expertise in leading teams, optimizing operations, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Proven ability to drive revenue growth, manage budgets effectively, and ensure seamless restaurant operations.
Key Skills
- Restaurant Management
- Team Leadership
- Customer Service
- Budget Management
- Inventory Control
- POS Systems (e.g., Toast, Aloha)
- Food Safety & Hygiene
Experience
Restaurant Manager — The Bistro (2018–Present)
- Increased restaurant revenue by 20% within the first year through targeted marketing and improved customer service initiatives.
- Managed a team of 25+ employees, including training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
- Utilized POS systems and inventory management software to optimize stock levels and minimize waste.
Assistant Restaurant Manager — The Diner (2016–2018)
- Assisted in all aspects of restaurant operations, including ordering, inventory, and customer service.
- Implemented new training programs that improved employee performance and reduced turnover.
Projects (Optional)
- New Menu Rollout: Led the successful launch of a new menu, resulting in a 10% increase in sales.
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management — University of Anytown (2016)
- ServSafe Manager Certification
Additional
- Employee of the Month (The Bistro, 2020) · Fluent in Spanish
FAQs
Crafting a compelling resume for a Restaurant Manager position requires careful consideration of your experience and skills. A common question is: what information should I prioritize? Focus on quantifiable achievements wherever possible. Instead of simply stating you "managed staff," highlight metrics like "reduced employee turnover by 15% in one year" or "increased employee satisfaction scores by 20%." Tailor your resume to each specific job posting by carefully reviewing the listed requirements and incorporating relevant keywords throughout your experience and skills sections. Remember, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan for these keywords, so using the same language as the job description increases your chances of landing an interview.
Another frequently asked question revolves around the length and format of your resume. While a one-page resume is often recommended, it's acceptable to extend to two pages if you have extensive relevant experience. Choose a clean, professional resume template that's easy to read and visually appealing. Consider using a chronological format to showcase your career progression or a functional format if you have gaps in your employment history or want to emphasize specific skills. Regardless of the format you choose, ensure your resume is well-organized, error-free, and easy for recruiters to scan quickly. Proofread carefully!
Finally, many candidates wonder about including "soft skills" on their resume. While technical skills are crucial, soft skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving are equally important for a Restaurant Manager role. Integrate these skills throughout your resume by providing specific examples of how you've demonstrated them in previous positions. For example, instead of just listing "communication," describe how you "effectively communicated with kitchen staff and front-of-house employees to ensure seamless service." You can also dedicate a small section to "Key Skills" where you include a mix of both technical and soft skills, ensuring they are relevant to the specific job requirements. Remember to use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments, making your resume more impactful.
Final review checklist
Before submitting your restaurant manager resume, take the time to meticulously review every section. This final check will help ensure that your resume is free of errors, highlights your qualifications effectively, and is tailored to the specific restaurant manager roles you are targeting. A polished and error-free resume demonstrates attention to detail, a crucial quality for restaurant managers.
Pay close attention to the following areas during your final review:
- Contact Information: Is your email address professional? Is your phone number accurate? Is your LinkedIn profile URL included and up-to-date?
- Grammar and Spelling: Run a spell check and grammar check. Have a friend or colleague proofread your resume for errors you may have missed. Incorrect grammar and spelling can create a negative impression.
- Formatting: Is your resume easy to read? Is the font consistent and professional? Are headings and subheadings clear and concise? Is there enough white space? Ensure your resume is ATS-friendly by using standard fonts and avoiding tables or images where possible.
- Content: Does your resume clearly highlight your skills and experience relevant to restaurant management? Are your accomplishments quantified whenever possible? Does your resume target the specific requirements of the job description?
- Tailoring: Have you tailored your resume to each specific job you are applying for? Review the job description carefully and ensure your resume includes keywords and phrases that match the requirements.
Finally, consider saving your resume in both PDF and Word formats. PDF ensures that your formatting remains consistent across different devices and operating systems, while Word format may be required by some employers or applicant tracking systems (ATS). By taking the time to conduct a thorough final review, you can increase your chances of landing an interview and ultimately securing your desired restaurant manager position.
Closing Thoughts
We hope this restaurant manager resume template has provided you with a solid foundation for crafting a compelling resume that showcases your skills and experience. Remember to tailor this template to reflect your unique background and the specific requirements of the positions you're applying for. Pay close attention to action verbs and quantifiable achievements to truly make your resume stand out.
Don't hesitate to revisit this site for more resources, tips, and updated templates as you continue your job search. We wish you the best of luck in finding your ideal role as a restaurant manager!