Head Waiters are senior members of the food service team and are responsible for training junior staff, evaluating customer satisfaction, promoting special menu items, monitoring waiters, assigning tasks, and solving customer complaints. Based on our collection of sample resumes, essential qualifications for this job are serving skills, customer service orientation, teamwork, leadership, the ability to stand for extended periods of time, and communication abilities. Most Head Waiters make display of a high school diploma in their resumes.
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How to Format a Head Waiter Resume
A head server can choose one of three resume formats. The hybrid and chronological format rely on a consistent and rich work history to outline your skills and accomplishments. The functional resume relies on specialized training to outline your wait staff qualifications. We can look at the two sample candidates below to examine the key differences between these formats. Candidate A highlights their decade of experience, but Candidate B relies on a rich history of skills to downplay less than a year’s worth of professional experience.
Although the functional resume can highlight your managerial, restaurant and customer service skills, we strongly advise against using it unless you have a direct connection with the restaurant management staff. This resume is highly informative, but the customizable sections baffle online applicant tracking systems (ATS) and negatively impact your resume’s score. This strategy can dramatically reduce the number of interview callbacks you receive if submitting your application through an ATS.
1. Candidate A — Hybrid or Chronological Resume
Head Waiter — Restaurant
Candidate Info
- 9 years of experience
- 2 years at this job
- HS High School Diploma
Work Experience
Head Waiter, Leaning Tower
May 2020 - present
- Oversee and maintain the online reservation system to ensure optimal table turnover.
- Train all wait staff and arrange menu samplings and wine tastings to increase staff knowledge of the restaurant’s offerings.
- Provide guests with an exceptional dining experience and quality service.
2. Candidate B — Functional Resume
Scrum Master
Candidate Info
- 1 year of experience
- 6 months at this job
- BS Hospitality Management
Professional Skills
Customer Service
- Ran the hostess station alongside the senior hostess to greet all guests.
- Expedited and inspected food items before serving customers to ensure quality.
- Partnered with kitchen staff to time dishes and ensure simultaneous delivery for each table.
Team Management
- Organized in-season menu tastings to ensure accurate descriptions of meals.
- Organized on-site sommelier training to educate wait staff on wine offerings.
- Trained all wait staff on proper note taking to ensure dietary restrictions are communicated to the entire kitchen staff.
Head Waiter Resume Samples
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Candidate Info
31
years in workforce
3
years at this job
Front of House Supervisor/head Waiter
Trained and supervised up to 150 new hires and regular wait staff.
- Coordinated with catering staff on groups and parties upwards of 50 persons.
- Maintained quality control of dining and bar areas grossing upwards of $10,000 daily.
- Assisted in payroll duties of fulltime and part time staff upwards of 35 biweekly.
- Lead spokesperson at all company events grossing over $500,000 annually.
- Supervised and directed press releases and contract negotiations for artist and vendors.
- Devised marketing strategies for new clients and coordinated resources for community affairs.
- Spearheaded company public relations campaign introducing it locally in state and out of state.
Candidate Info
11
years in workforce
4
years at this job
Trainer, Head Waiter, and Scheduling Supervisor
Casual fine dining waiter for 250 seat establishment, specializing in steaks, seafood, and basic wine sales.
- Started at the ground level and advanced to Head Waiter within 15 months of tenure.
- Successfully performed as Manager On Duty for most weekday nights, and managed the schedule for servers and bussers for a staff of 15.
- Championed by current boss at Westmark Inn to apply for the position after turning 21 (the age required in AK to serve alcoholic beverages).
Candidate Info
38
years in workforce
18
years at this job
Head Waiter
Started off as a waiter and was promoted to head waiter after several years with the company
- Demonstrated ability to provide guests with genuine hospitality and to deliver
- Assisted in room service and provided excellent food and beverage service to hotel guests
- Participated in planning, preparing, cooking, and serving meals when a cook was not available
- Called in for distressed flights (Miami International Airport) and responsible for providing meals for passengers for one night stay
Candidate Info
2
years in workforce
2
years at this job
BS
Restaurant / Hotel Management
Key Employee/trainer/bartender/head Waiter/server
Supported the management team by upholding restaurant quality, sanitation and safety standards.
- Trained and certified all new hourly hires by following corporate guidelines.
- Handled all routine customer problems, ensuring all concerns were corrected and customers left satisfied.
- Supported and coached the front-of-the-house staff in excellent customer service.
- Prepared and conducted pre-shift meetings to provide clear direction on daily focuses.
Candidate Info
5
years in workforce
5
years at this job
AAS
Culinary Arts
Head Waiter & Bartender
Acted as manager on duty during shifts as needed, included opening and closing duties,
checking in and out servers per shift, and accurate cash drops
- Provided guests with an exceptional dining experience and quality service
- Expedited and inspected food items prior to serving customers to ensure quality maintenance
- Held responsibility of handling/serving all food and beverage items as per the policies of the state (TABC)
Candidate Info
10
years in workforce
7
years at this job
AS
Nursing Education
BS
Computer Science
BS
Nursing Education
Head Waiter
Trained new staff on restaurant guidelines and policies, good customer service and computer system.
- Assisted manager with making plans for banquets for weddings, corporate events and parties.
- Answered customers' questions on menu items, ingredients and differences between dishes.
- Catered events at customers' houses. Served food, attended to guests and broke down event at the end of the evening.
Candidate Info
3
years in workforce
1
year at this job
C
Certificate
Head Waiter
Trained new waiter and waitress on customer service expectations, safety procedures, proper food handling, and restaurant protocols.
- Monitored dining area to ensure best customer experiences.
- Helped customers with their inquiries and resolved issues promptly.
- Consistently checked on customers to ensure satisfaction with each food course and beverages.
- Effectively communicated with all staffs regarding new protocols.
- Managed closing duties.
- Became head-waiter after about four months.
Candidate Info
2
years in workforce
2
years at this job
HS
High School Diploma
AA
Clinical Psychology
Shift Leader/ Head Waiter/ Bartender
Maintained all records and self-managed any needed department improvements.
- Promoted three times and consistently recognized by management and corporate office on positive attitude and ability to deliver superior customer service.
- Responsible for delegating all closing tasks to fellow associates, and staying until all duties and tasks were completed.
- Held and maintained duties of head waiter including, but not limited to, incoming and outgoing
- Distributed all money designated for "tip pool" to the designated employees.
- Promoted to Bartender, maintaining knowledge of mixed drinks and providing a daily inventory on all liquor for the management's weekly order.
- Educated new hires and promoted associates, as a trainer, on all policies and procedures.
- Utilized teamwork in Holiday Contest, resulting in top seller and the top selling team.
Candidate Info
3
years in workforce
3
years at this job
C
Stcw 95
BA
Social Sciences
Head Waiter
- Specialized in Fine Dining Italian Cuisine with Wine Service
- Ensured all waiter duties were preformed efficiently and correctly
- Served customers in a friendly and professional manner
- Awarded Employee of the Month in January 2002 for highest wine sales
Candidate Info
6
years in workforce
3
years at this job
AS
Applied Science
BBA
Bachelor of Business Administration
Head Waiter/bartender
Trained, coached and mentored staff to ensure smooth adoption of new programs and policies.
- Managed cash drops and supervised the balance of daily shift revenue.
- Served as mentor to junior team members to enforce teambuilding.
- Performed administrative activities such as placing inventory orders and budgeting.
Candidate Info
3
years in workforce
3
years at this job
BS
Bachelor of Science
MS
Master of Science
Head Waiter/ Junior Manager
Provided excellent customer service while managing restaurant staff
- Worked closely with management and staff to always lead by example
- Awarded employee of the year in 2005
- Maintained and built relationships with management, staff and customers
Candidate Info
8
years in workforce
8
years at this job
BS
Business Management
Waiter, Head Waiter, Bartender
- Devised operating schedules for up to 50 employees to ensure adequate coverage for all events
- Motivated team of up to10 servers per event to increase operating efficiency and ensure customer satisfaction
- Lead a team of 4 employees to maintain three-floor catering hall with projects including painting, landscaping, and general repairs
- Completed diverse construction projects to increase the grounds appeal for wedding ceremonies
Candidate Info
6
years in workforce
1
year at this job
Liberal Arts
Head Waiter
Prepared and plated appetizers, entrees, and desserts according to the Chefs Specifications
- Ensured presentation was aesthetically pleasing
- Welcomed and inform guest of seating arrangements and menu selection
- Supervised waiters on room coordination and adjustments
Candidate Info
4
years in workforce
4
years at this job
Pta
Head Waiter
- Perfect customer service delivered
- Took necessary steps to meet customer needs and effectively resolve food or service issues. Resolved guest complaints promptly and professionally.
- Prepared items according to written or verbal orders, working on several different orders simultaneously.
Candidate Info
4
years in workforce
4
years at this job
Culinary Arts
Head Waiter, Bartender, Trainer, Manager
Promote guest satisfaction with genuine hospitality and service.
- Managed monetary deposits and server reports on daily basis.
- Coached servers/bartenders to maximum level of performance.
- Participated in team building and staff training up holding company policy and procedures.
- Ms. [company name] 2008 (Overall Job Performance Award).
Candidate Info
9
years in workforce
BS
Health Science
Head Waiter
Responsible for training new employees
- Developed product knowledge and understanding of operations of food establishments
- Minimized hazards and contamination in the food and work environment
- Assisted with management of daily inventory check
Candidate Info
3
years in workforce
3
years at this job
Head Waiter
Delivered exceptional friendly and fast service.
- Trained new waiters and floor staff on guest service expectations, safety procedures, proper food handling and restaurant protocols.
- Answered menu questions and recommended dishes when requested.
- Managed closing duties, including restocking items and reconciliation of the cash drawer
Candidate Info
13
years in workforce
6
years at this job
BS
Bachelor of Science
Bartender/head Waiter
Responsible for the daily operation of the bar and restaurant while maintaining good relationships with all clientele. Collaborated with restaurant management and wait staff to streamline ordering and inventory process. Communicated with all front and back of house vendors on a weekly basis.
- Managed inventory and ordering with a $1,500 budget weekly
- Coordinated with eight vendors to ensure all needs are met
- In charge of training and informational classes for all employees
Candidate Info
22
years in workforce
3
years at this job
BA
Anthropology
Head Waiter
Assisted customers with menu item questions.
- Handled cash, receipts, register tapes, checks, credit card receipts, and supporting documentation to ensure that all funds and transactions balanced at the end of shift.
- Received and fulfilled all responsibilities from senior staff to ensure effective flow of operations.
- Maintained strong communication with all workers through positive attitude and reinforcement
Candidate Info
4
years in workforce
5
months at this job
HS
High School Diploma
AS
Biology
Head Waiter
Greeting and assisting guests with menu options, wine lists and informing them of daily specials
- Routinely assigned to serve large parties within the restaurant's private dining area.
- Managed closing duties, including restocking items and payment processing.
- Coordinating with kitchen staff to ensure timely and accurate order preparation.
- Continually visiting guest tables to promote inviting and attentive service.
- Assisting colleagues during rush periods to promote teamwork and a positive guest dining experience.
- Training new waiters on guest service expectations, procedures, proper food handling, and restaurant protocols.
Candidate Info
5
years in workforce
5
years at this job
BBA
Marketing
Head Waiter/assistant Manager
Led training program for new hires
- Managed employee work schedule
- Provided courteous and friendly customer service
- Performed accounting and inventory functions
- Resolved customer and employee issues and complaints
Candidate Info
5
years in workforce
2
years at this job
BA
Cultural Institutions Careers
MA
Communications
Head Waiter/assistant Manager
- Assisted in reservation management for 50 seat restaurant.
- Coordinated special events for large parties.
- Provided critical training to new employees.
Candidate Info
8
years in workforce
5
years at this job
AAS
Process Technology
Aas Process Technology
Head Waiter / Trainer / Server
Trained new servers on proper techniques used and menu knowledge
- Ensured shift sales balanced with cash collected
- Overlooked all credit card receipts and filed them for corporate office
- Overlooked all sales of fellow employees
Candidate Info
1
year in workforce
1
year at this job
AA
Criminal Justice
BA
Psychology
Head Waiter
Waited, Bussed and assisted with any job necessary within the restaurant.
- Managed the restaurant when the owner was in vacation.
- Interacted with clients to ensure they were happy with their service.
- Kept track of stocks (food and wine).
- Assisted the owner designed food preparation.
- Keep track of other employees.
Candidate Info
3
years in workforce
3
years at this job
HS
High School Diploma
Medical Billing And Insurance Coding
Head Waiter
- Trained and periodically assisted all cashiers
- Ordered supplies and tracked inventory
- Interview, hired and scheduled staff
- Performed opening and closing duties
- Processed orders for customers accurately and within "service" times
Candidate Info
11
years in workforce
5
years at this job
AS
Arts
BS
Political Science
Head Waiter/in-store Trainer
- Assist management through leadership of staff
- Assisted manager with closing of store, including reconciling cash drawer and distributing tip allocations to other staff members.
- Evaluated daily sales figures
- Selected by in-store management team to train new staff members
Candidate Info
7
years in workforce
6
years at this job
BA
Communications
Supervisor/head Waiter
Expedited communication between upper level management and general personnel.
- Served as additional help for restaurant, including cashier and handling of monies.
- Facilitated working environment by maintaining a clean and sanitized facility.
- Assisted subordinates and supervisors in identifying and resolving problems.
- Responsible for training new employees and directing staff.
- Responsible for the seating and serving customers.
Candidate Info
7
years in workforce
6
years at this job
AS
Applied Science
BS
Hotel Administration
Head Waiter
Took guests order and served it in a timely manner
- Dealt with guests concern and complaints in an effective way
- Assisted the Manager with training of new staffs
- Ensured thorough effective supervision of all Food and Beverage Services
Candidate Info
2
years in workforce
2
years at this job
C
Certificate
BFA
Creative Writing
Head Waiter/cook
- Managed the wait staff for dinner service.
- Multi-tasked waiting tables, running the cash register, and bussing tables.
- Prepared food for dinner service.
- Cooked, prepared food, greeted people, and worked the cash register with one other employee through lunch service.
Top Head Waiter
Resume Templates
Head Waiter Resume FAQ
What are the head waiter’s responsibilities?
The head waiter is responsible for most of the customer-facing aspects of a restaurant. They train their fellow wait staff and bussers, oversee dish and cutlery settings, promote evening specials, advise customers on wine and co*cktail pairings and address customer concerns.
Head Waiter Duties and Responsibilities
Head waiters have supervisory responsibilities on top of their serving responsibilities. We researched head waiter job descriptions to come up with the following list of the most relevant head waiter duties and responsibilities:
Guide patrons to their seats Head waiters work with the host/hostess to guide patrons to open tables, informing them of the day's food and drink specials. They must maintain an upbeat and friendly attitude throughout this process.
Assign Waitstaff to Tables Head waiters also work with the host/hostess to assign tables to waitstaff in addition to waiting on their own tables.
Place Food and Drink Orders Head waiters take the orders from their tables, communicating with the kitchen and bar staff to place food and drink orders. They also check that the waitstaff place orders correctly and deliver them to the correct tables.
Train New Waitstaff The head waiter trains new waitstaff on basic techniques and the specific expectations and procedures of their employer.
Manage Waitstaff This includes creating weekly schedules, managing callouts, coordinating shift covers, and disciplining waitstaff as necessary.
Perform Opening and Closing Duties These include tasks such as making sure the dining area is clean, opening or closing the registers, cleaning windows, and preparing the specials board.
Head Waiter Skills
Head waiters must be experts in basic food service technique, such as how to properly carry food trays, open wine at the table, and memorize orders. They must thrive in a fast-paced environment, as popular restaurants can get insanely busy. Head waiters have to possess leadership qualities. The position also requires poise—patrons and their team should never see them stressed. In addition, head waiters need the following skills to gain employment.
- Cooperating with the host/hostess to seat patrons and assign wait staff to tables
- Training new staff in food service technique and restaurant procedures
- Managing customer concerns and complaints about staff using conflict resolution skills
- Providing excellent customer service to set a good example for staff
- Keeping staff content with excellent leadership and communication skills
Head Waiter Education and Training
There is no academic requirement for head waiters other than a high school diploma. In some states, they must earn an official food handler’s card from the state. Most of their education comes from on-the-job training. They learn all they need to know through years of experience as a waiter.
Head Waiter Salary
According to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median hourly wage for waiters and waitresses, which includes head waiters, is $9.61. Those in the bottom 10 percent make below $8.22, and those in the top 10 percent make above $18.49. Pay is largely dependent on the type of restaurant and the amount of tips.
Head Waiter Resources
Those who work as head waiters typically want to grow within the restaurant industry. The following resources would be useful for those planning on advancing within the field of restaurant management:
Associations of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals - The Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals was founded in 1960 and has since grown to more than 14,000 members across the country. This group is dedicated to nutrition education, a useful topic for those who see themselves advancing in the restaurant industry.
Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management - The Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management is a general organization for those who have management responsibilities in the hospitality industry. They have many head waiters among their ranks.
The Foodservice Blog - This blog was started, and is still operated, by executives in the foodservice industry who got their start at the bottom of the ladder. They have excellent articles that range from personal anecdotes to instructional articles on foodservice technique.
Food News Feed - Food News Feed is a general food industry blog that posts a combination of food service tips, industry trends, and innovative recipes.
Foodservice Management Fundamentals - This book covers the fundamentals of operating a food service establishment. It is a good read for head waiters with general manager aspirations.
The Food Service Professional Guide to Controlling Restaurant and Foodservice Operating Costs -This is another good read for head waiters who see themselves operating a restaurant someday. It takes a survey approach to cover all the important areas.
*The names and logos of the companies referred to above are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with JobHero.
