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Catering Sales Resume Examples

By Silvia Angeloro

Jul 18, 2024

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12 min read

"Discover how to craft a standout catering sales resume that sells like hotcakes. Learn to highlight key skills, accomplishments, and experience to impress hiring managers in the culinary and event planning industry."

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Writing a catering sales resume can be like serving up a five-course meal: without the right ingredients, your efforts might fall flat. With the competitive job market, your resume needs to stand out and highlight your expertise in closing deals, managing client relationships, and planning events. One of the biggest issues catering sales professionals face is showcasing their unique skills and experiences in a clear and compelling way. Confusing layouts and unclear bullet points can make employers lose interest quick. Are you struggling to translate your client-winning charm onto paper?

Here’s why choosing the right resume template is essential. A well-structured template helps you clearly outline your achievements and skills, making it easy for employers to see your potential. It ensures that your resume is easy to scan, keeping the focus on your accomplishments. With the right design, you’ll present your expertise in a polished and professional manner, giving you a significant edge over the competition.

Need inspiration? We have over 700 resume examples that can guide you in crafting the perfect catering sales resume. Take the next step in landing your dream job!

Key Takeaways

  • A well-structured resume template is essential for showcasing your achievements and skills effectively, ensuring hiring managers can easily scan and recognize your potential.
  • Highlight your sales accomplishments, experience in managing client relationships, and successful event planning in your catering sales resume to make a significant impact.
  • Employ modern fonts like Rubik and Montserrat, maintain one-inch margins, and use clear section headings to improve readability and compatibility with ATS systems.
  • Include quantifiable achievements using strong action words such as "increased," "managed," and "improved" to demonstrate your impact in previous positions.
  • Tailor your resume with relevant sections like Contact Information, Professional Summary, Work Experience, Skills, Education, Certifications, and additional sections like Awards or Volunteer Experience to strengthen your application.

What to focus on when writing your catering sales resume

A catering sales resume should highlight your ability to drive revenue and manage client relationships effectively. Demonstrate your experience in planning and executing successful events, along with your skills in negotiation and customer service. To boost its impact, consider including:

  • Detailed sales achievements and revenue growth figures.
  • Examples of large or high-profile events you've managed.
  • Positive client testimonials or feedback.
  • Relevant industry certifications or training.

Must have information on your catering sales resume

When crafting your catering sales resume, it's vital to include sections that highlight your sales skills and industry knowledge. Key sections to consider are:

  • Contact Information
  • Professional Summary
  • Work Experience
  • Skills
  • Education
  • Certifications

Additional sections such as Awards, Volunteer Experience, or Professional Affiliations can further strengthen your resume. Make sure to tailor each section to showcase your expertise in catering sales.

Which resume format to choose

For a catering sales resume, the best format is the reverse-chronological style, as it highlights your most recent experience first, which hiring managers prefer. Use modern fonts like Rubik and Montserrat to give your resume a contemporary look, steering clear of outdated fonts like Arial and Times New Roman. Always save and send your resume as a PDF to ensure it looks the same on any device. Maintain one-inch margins to keep your document clean and readable. Use clear section headings such as "Experience," "Education," and "Skills" to help ATS systems effectively scan your resume. Section headings should be bold and easy to find.

A catering sales resume should have the following sections:

  • Contact Information
  • Objective or Summary
  • Work Experience
  • Education
  • Skills
  • Certifications (if any)
  • References (optional)

Resume Mentor's free resume builder handles all of these elements seamlessly for you.

How to write a quantifiable resume experience section

Creating an effective resume experience section is all about showcasing your past roles and achievements in a clear and compelling way. You should start with your most recent job and work backward. Generally, you should include jobs from the past 10 to 15 years. If you have many relevant roles, you might choose to go back further, but be mindful of space.

Make sure to include job titles that align with the roles you are targeting. Tailor your resume for each application by highlighting experiences and skills that are most relevant to the job description. Use action words to describe your achievements rather than just listing your duties. This shows your impact in previous positions.

Examples of strong action words include "increased," "managed," "developed," and "improved." These words convey what you accomplished rather than just what you did. Focus on quantifiable achievements, like "increased sales by 25%" or "improved customer satisfaction rates by 15%." This helps potential employers understand your value.

Now, let's look at two examples of resume experience sections:

John Doe
Catering Sales Manager
ABC Catering Services
New York, NY
Leading catering company specializing in corporate and private events
  • Responsible for meeting sales goals.
  • Worked with clients to manage catering orders.
  • Reported to higher management about sales results.

This example is not effective. The bullets list vague responsibilities without showcasing any achievements or quantifiable results. The descriptions are too general and don’t highlight any successful outcomes.

Consider this improved example:

John Doe
Catering Sales Manager
ABC Catering Services
New York, NY
Leading catering company specializing in corporate and private events
  • Increased sales by 30% within the first year.
  • Managed a portfolio of over 50 corporate clients.
  • Developed a client feedback mechanism that improved customer satisfaction by 20%.

This example is much better. The bullets focus on measurable achievements, like increasing sales and improving customer satisfaction. Each bullet point begins with a strong action word and includes specific numbers that demonstrate the candidate's impact on the company. This style of writing effectively conveys your value to potential employers and makes a strong case for why they should consider you for the role.

Catering sales resume experience examples

Ready to take a bite out of your catering sales career? Here's a menu of resume experience sections, each with a unique flavor. Whether you're seeking to highlight achievements or demonstrate leadership, these examples are sure to satisfy!

Achievement-focused

When you want to showcase your wins, highlight the specific achievements and milestones you've reached in your role.

Work Experience

Senior Catering Sales Manager

Gourmet Catering Co.

June 2018 - Present

  • Increased client retention rate by 20%
  • Won 'Top Performer' award in 2019 and 2020
  • Closed deals worth over $1.2 million

Skills-focused

Emphasizing specific skills can show employers that you have the toolkit needed for success.

Work Experience

Catering Sales Executive

Elegant Events

March 2015 - May 2018

  • Developed strong client relationships through regular follow-ups
  • Successfully managed complex event logistics
  • Proficient in CRM software and sales analytics tools

Responsibility-focused

Showcase your ability to handle crucial responsibilities and manage key tasks effectively.

Work Experience

Catering Sales Director

Delightful Dinners Co.

January 2020 - Present

  • Managed a team of 5 sales representatives
  • Allocated budgets and tracked sales metrics
  • Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations

Project-focused

Highlight specific projects you have handled, demonstrating your ability to manage and execute.

Work Experience

Project Manager, Catering Sales

Feastive Catering

April 2017 - December 2019

  • Coordinated with vendors and suppliers
  • Developed project timelines and benchmarks
  • Ensured client satisfaction through regular updates

Result-focused

Emphasize the outcomes and impacts of your work, showing the tangible results you have achieved.

Work Experience

Business Development Manager

Heavenly Catering Services

February 2016 - March 2020

  • Generated $1 million in new business
  • Improved client satisfaction scores by 25%
  • Reduced operational costs by 15%

Industry-Specific Focus

Tailor your experience to the specific nuances of the catering industry, demonstrating your direct relevance.

Work Experience

Catering Consultant

Luxury Feast Co.

May 2014 - August 2018

  • Familiar with industry trends and client expectations
  • Developed menus in collaboration with chefs
  • Conducted on-site evaluations for event venues

Problem-Solving focused

Showcase your knack for tackling challenges and finding effective solutions.

Work Experience

Logistics Coordinator

Prime Catering Inc.

January 2016 - November 2019

  • Identified and mitigated potential risks
  • Streamlined setup and breakdown processes
  • Handled last-minute changes with minimal disruption

Innovation-focused

Demonstrate your capability to bring fresh ideas and improvements to your role.

Work Experience

Creative Director, Catering Sales

Green Plate Catering

June 2017 - September 2021

  • Designed unique, themed event packages
  • Implemented eco-friendly catering practices
  • Leveraged social media strategies to attract clients

Leadership-focused

Highlight your leadership skills and your ability to guide and motivate teams.

Work Experience

Sales Team Leader

Top Events Catering

October 2015 - April 2020

  • Provided ongoing training and mentorship
  • Conducted performance reviews and set goals
  • Facilitated team-building activities

Customer-focused

Showcase your dedication to meeting and exceeding customer expectations.

Work Experience

Customer Relations Manager

Fine Dine Events

July 2013 - February 2018

  • Developed personalized catering packages
  • Met with clients to determine their specific needs
  • Resolved customer complaints swiftly and effectively

Growth-focused

Highlight your role in driving growth and expanding business opportunities.

Work Experience

Market Expansion Manager

Global Gastronomics Inc.

March 2016 - June 2021

  • Opened 3 new offices and targeted emerging markets
  • Formulated and executed a strategic growth plan
  • Increased client base by 40%

Efficiency-focused

Emphasize your ability to improve processes and enhance efficiency.

Work Experience

Operations Manager

Quick Serve Catering

January 2017 - December 2020

  • Automated invoicing and tracking systems
  • Streamlined order and delivery processes
  • Reduced waste through better inventory management

Technology-focused

Show how you leveraged technology to improve your performance and outcomes.

Work Experience

Tech-Savvy Sales Manager

Innovative Eats

April 2014 - August 2019

  • Trained team on new software
  • Utilized data analytics to boost sales strategies
  • Optimized contact management for better client interactions

Collaboration-focused

Showcase your ability to work well with others towards common goals.

Work Experience

Marketing and Sales Liaison

The Catering Collective

June 2015 - November 2020

  • Coordinated on joint promotional campaigns
  • Worked with chefs to craft special event menus
  • Engaged with vendors for seamless event execution

Training and Development focused

Showcase your commitment to training and mentoring others.

Work Experience

Training and Development Manager

Catering Success Academy

September 2016 - March 2021

  • Conducted workshops and seminars
  • Provided hands-on mentorship
  • Evaluated and enhanced training methods

Write your catering sales resume summary section

Writing your resume summary for a catering sales position involves highlighting your experience, skills, and passion for catering and sales in a well-crafted paragraph. You want your summary to catch the eyes of hiring managers quickly. Describe yourself with keywords that matter in the catering sales industry—terms that reflect your customer service abilities, sales skills, and experience managing events. Your summary should be a snapshot of your professional identity and key achievements.

A resume summary and a resume objective are different. A summary focuses on your professional experience and accomplishments, while a resume objective states your career goals and what you aim to achieve in the role. A resume profile usually blends these two elements, offering a brief professional identity along with career ambitions. A summary of qualifications lists your key skills and accomplishments. Below are two examples to illustrate what makes a resume summary effective or ineffective.

SUMMARY
Experienced catering sales professional with strong sales skills and good event management experience. Seeking a challenging role where I can use my skills.

This summary is ineffective. It is too vague, lacks specific achievements, and fails to describe what makes you unique. Phrases like "strong sales skills" and "good event management experience" are general and don't offer much insight. It also focuses more on what the applicant is seeking rather than what they can offer.

SUMMARY
Dedicated catering sales professional with over 8 years of experience in exceeding sales targets and managing high-profile events. Proven ability to increase client satisfaction through personalized events planning and keen attention to detail. Adept at coordinating with chefs and staff to ensure flawless event execution.

This summary is effective. It clearly states your experience, significant achievements, and unique skills that make you a standout candidate. It shows your dedication, specific accomplishments, and what sets you apart, making you more compelling to hiring managers.

By using clear, concise language and focusing on your strengths, you can create a powerful resume summary that gets noticed.

Listing your catering sales skills on your resume

When writing your skills section for a catering sales resume, keep in mind that skills can be highlighted in a standalone section or woven into other parts like experience and the summary. You should emphasize your strengths and soft skills, pointing out your ability to communicate and build relationships. Hard skills refer to specific, teachable abilities or knowledge sets. Skills and strengths not only show what you're capable of but also serve as important keywords.

Skills
Event Planning, Customer Relationship Management, Sales Strategy, Contract Negotiation, Menu Development, Budget Management, Marketing, Team Leadership

This skills section is effective because it highlights key areas relevant to catering sales. Each skill is easy to read and directly related to the role, ensuring it catches the eye of hiring managers or recruiters. It avoids redundancy and presents an organized list that quickly communicates your professional skills.

Best hard skills to feature on your catering sales resume

Catering sales professionals should spotlight hard skills that demonstrate their ability to manage events, work with clients, and handle logistics efficiently. These skills should communicate industry knowledge and technical ability.

Hard Skills

  • Event Planning
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
  • Sales Strategy Development
  • Contract Negotiation
  • Menu Development
  • Budget Management
  • Marketing Campaigns
  • Vendor Coordination
  • Presentation Skills
  • Reservation Systems
  • Data Analysis
  • Forecasting Sales
  • Proposal Writing
  • Inventory Management
  • Business Development

Best soft skills to feature on your catering sales resume

Soft skills in catering sales should showcase your interpersonal abilities and your knack for working under pressure. These skills should convey how you interact with clients and manage teams.

Soft Skills

  • Communication
  • Adaptability
  • Problem-Solving
  • Team Collaboration
  • Time Management
  • Customer Service
  • Attention to Detail
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Negotiation Skills
  • Leadership
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Organizational Skills
  • Creativity
  • Resilience
  • Initiative

How to include your education on your resume

The education section is an important part of your catering sales resume. It not only shows your academic background but also can indicate to employers how well you’ve prepared for the job. Tailor this section to the job you’re applying for and exclude any irrelevant education. For instance, if your degree aligns with catering or sales, it becomes valuable information.

When including your GPA, make sure it’s above 3.0 to make a positive impression. If you graduated with honors like cum laude, include this distinction. Clearly listing your degree, institution, and graduation dates is also essential.

Education
Bachelor of Arts in History
University of Nowhere

This example is ineffective because it includes a degree unrelated to the catering sales field. It doesn’t highlight any relevant achievements or skills and omits key distinctions.

Education
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
University of Culinary Arts
GPA
3.8
/
4.0

This example is effective because it lists an appropriate degree for a catering sales role. Including a high GPA demonstrates academic excellence and commitment. This information portrays you as a qualified candidate.

How to include catering sales certificates on your resume

Including a certificates section in your catering sales resume is vital. It highlights your qualifications and shows the hiring manager your expertise and dedication to your profession. List the name of each certificate clearly. Include the date when you were awarded the certificate. Add the issuing organization to lend credibility. Certificates can also be included in the header for quick visibility. For example, you can mention "Certified Professional Catering Executive (CPCE)" next to your name.

Here is a good example of a certificates section for a catering sales resume:

Certificates
Certified Professional Catering Executive (CPCE)
National Association for Catering and Events
ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification
National Restaurant Association
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)
Events Industry Council

The example demonstrates how each certificate is relevant to a catering sales role. It includes well-recognized certifications in the industry, showing that you are well-qualified. The issuer name boosts credibility and trust. Listing this clearly in your resume helps you stand out from others. Having dates displayed along with each certification also gives it a timeline, showing continuous professional improvement. Make sure your certificates are up to date to reflect your current expertise. This approach will make your resume more compelling to potential employers.

Extra sections to include in your catering sales resume

Crafting a resume that stands out can be a game-changer for landing your dream job in catering sales. Including a language section, hobbies and interests, volunteer work, and books section can make your resume more appealing and personalized.

  • Language section — Highlight additional languages you speak to show your ability to communicate with diverse clients. For example, stating fluency in Spanish can set you apart if catering to a Spanish-speaking market.
  • Hobbies and interests section — Showcase hobbies that align with catering skills, like cooking or event planning, to demonstrate your passion and hands-on experience. Such interests make you more relatable and a well-rounded candidate.
  • Volunteer work section — Describe volunteer efforts related to event organizing or catering to show your community involvement and initiative. This can give an impression of your commitment and transferable skills.
  • Books section — List books you've read on hospitality or sales to display continuous personal development and industry knowledge. Mentioning titles like "Setting the Table" by Danny Meyer can illustrate your dedication to learning.

Pair your catering sales resume with a cover letter

A cover letter is a one-page document that you send along with your resume when applying for a job. It provides a personalized introduction and highlights how your skills and experiences align with the job role. A well-crafted cover letter can grab the attention of hiring managers and set you apart from other applicants.

For a catering sales position, your cover letter should focus on showcasing your sales skills, your knowledge of the catering industry, and your ability to build strong customer relationships. Mention any past successes in increasing sales, organizing events, or creating effective marketing strategies. Tailor your experiences to show how they make you the perfect fit for this specific job.

Ready to craft your standout cover letter? Use Resume Mentor's cover letter builder for an easy creation process. You can export it as a PDF to ensure your content and formatting remain intact and professional.

Alexander Taylor

San Francisco, California

+1-(234)-555-1234

help@resumementor.com


Dear Hiring Manager,

I am intrigued by the opportunity to contribute to your team with my extensive background in catering sales and event management. Your company's reputation for delivering exceptional event experiences aligns perfectly with my professional values and goals.

During my tenure at Hilton Hotels & Resorts, I successfully increased event bookings by 30% through a combination of targeted outside sales calls and strategic networking efforts. My abilities in client relationship management and revenue optimization were key to this achievement and consistently exceeded organizational targets.

I am keen to bring my expertise in catering sales strategy and event planning to your team. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my background, skills, and experiences can be an excellent match for your needs. Please feel free to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,

Alexander Taylor

Catering Sales
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