Restaurant Manager Resume Examples & Writing Tips for 2025
Jul 18, 2024
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12 min read
Need the recipe for success? Check out our restaurant manager resume guide now.
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- •Increased restaurant revenues by 15% through improving service quality and optimizing menu items.
- •Implemented and enforced new SOPs, reducing operational costs by 10% over one year.
- •Trained and developed a team of 25 staff members, resulting in a 20% improvement in customer service ratings.
- •Overhauled the inventory management system, leading to a 5% decrease in food waste.
- •Managed financial tasks including payroll and budgeting, achieving a 95% accuracy rate.
- •Coordinated special events and promotions, increasing foot traffic by 30%.
- •Assisted in managing daily operations, achieving a 98% customer satisfaction rating.
- •Streamlined reservation processes, reducing wait times by 25%.
- •Collaborated with kitchen staff to enhance menu offerings, resulting in a 12% increase in average order values.
- •Conducted employee performance reviews, leading to a 15% improvement in staff retention.
- •Handled conflict resolution with guests, maintaining a 4.8/5 star rating on TripAdvisor.
- •Supervised a team of 20 employees, improving service speed by 20%.
- •Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations, resulting in zero infractions during inspections.
- •Oversaw the training program for new hires, increasing onboarding efficiency by 30%.
- •Managed inventory and supplier relationships, reducing food costs by 8%.
- •Facilitated staff meetings to address operational improvements, increasing team engagement by 25%.
- •Supported the restaurant manager in daily operations, achieving a 90% customer satisfaction rate.
- •Developed promotional strategies that boosted sales by 10%.
- •Monitored inventory levels, reducing overstocking and shrinkage by 15%.
- •Assisted in financial reporting and budget management, maintaining a 3% variance to budget.
- •Coordinated with marketing to launch a successful seasonal menu.
Writing a resume for a restaurant manager job can feel like balancing a tray of drinks during a lunch rush. You’re a pro when it comes to managing a busy eatery, but can you show that off on your resume and back it up with stats and facts?
Hiring managers are looking for leaders, not just operation experts. However, balancing your hands-on experience and your leadership know-how on paper can be tough. It’s your job to show that you’re a good all-rounder, keeping the plates spinning fast.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to write a compelling restaurant manager resume that ticks all the boxes. Read on to find out how you can cook up a storm.
Key takeaways
- Focus on demonstrating your impact with concrete figures like sales growth, cost reductions, or team performance. Example: "Increased quarterly sales by 20% through improved customer engagement."
- Showcase how you've led and developed teams, handled customer service, and fostered a positive workplace culture. Include leadership certifications like Certified Restaurant Manager (CRM) or ServSafe Manager to validate your skills.
- Use a clear, skimmable format with short, impactful sentences and bullet points. Focus on what adds value and avoid unnecessary details to ensure the resume is easy to read.
- Demonstrate how you’ve initiated changes to improve the business, such as reducing food waste, improving operational processes, or attracting new customers. Prove that you’re always seeking ways to innovate.
- Customize your resume for each position, ensuring your skills, experience, and qualifications match the job description and requirements.
How to use this restaurant manager resume guide
We’ve created this restaurant manager guide to help you with the trickier side of applying for jobs. We understand that it’s not always easy—that’s why we’re here to help.
Luckily for you, we’ve got a bunch of tools, tips, and examples to help you stand out in the competitive job market. Ready to get started? Follow the steps below to make the most of this resource. Use our resume builder for a polished and professional finish.
- Begin with the introduction to understand the basics of effective resume building in the hospitality sector.
- Review the key takeaways for quick insights on what makes a restaurant management resume stand out.
- Follow the section-by-section layout to structure your resume efficiently, focusing on skills, experience, and achievements relevant to restaurant management.
- Utilize our specialized resume builder designed for hospitality professionals.
- Learn from real-world examples of successful restaurant managers to see effective resume strategies in action.
- Focus on tips and highlights that are particularly beneficial for enhancing a restaurant manager’s resume.
- Tailor your resume to emphasize your ability to manage restaurant operations, staff, and customer service for maximum impact.
- Refer to trusted resources that offer advice and examples specific to the restaurant industry.
- Apply what you’ve learned to create a compelling resume that showcases your management skills.
- Save and regularly update your progress to keep your resume current with your latest experiences and accomplishments in restaurant management.
Armed with our resume builder and this guide, you have everything you need to land your next restaurant manager job.
Ready to get cooking? Let’s take a look at the first step in the process.
What to focus on when writing your restaurant manager resume
When you’re writing your restaurant manager resume, you need to focus on your key skills, measurable achievements, and industry-specific expertise. Try to quantify these feats with metrics to show the hiring manager what value you bring to the table.
It’s important to grab the reader's attention quickly. So, make sure your resume layout is simple, skimmable, and attractive. Having an eye-catching resume is half of the job.
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The impact you made on sales
Money talks—literally. When you’re writing your restaurant manager resume, focus on the bottom line. How did your efforts boost the business’ sales? Use metrics to illustrate how you impacted the company’s income. The more impressive the stats, the better your odds.
PRO TIP
Be clear about your results. Rather than using vague or inspiring terms, get straight to the point. How much did you increase the profits by and when?
Here’s an example you can use for inspiration:
“Consistently increased quarterly sales by 20% through improved customer engagement.”
Dazzle with your people management skills
Managing a restaurant is all about people. You’re at the front of the ship, so you need to lead it toward success. Let the hiring manager know how you do just that. Include details of your management style and the training you’ve delivered to teams.
Provide any leadership qualifications you have
Some examples of these include Certified Restaurant Manager (CRM) from AHLEI or the ServSafe Manager Certification.
Note: You can add these to the education section on your resume.
Write in a clear and concise way
Hiring managers don’t have a long time to look at your resume. Make sure your writing style is short and sweet. You can start by writing down everything you want to share. When you’ve finished, read it back and edit out any sentences or paragraphs that don’t add value.
Use bullet points!
This format is skimmable and easy for the hiring manager to read. Wherever possible, swap blocks of text for bullet points instead.
Let them know you’re an innovator
How did you improve your last company? As a manager, it’s your job to look for new initiatives and schemes to make the business better. When it comes to restaurants, that could mean reducing food waste, improving productivity, and appealing to new customers.
Impress with numbers
Don’t just shout about your achievements—put statistics on them. When talking about the innovations you’ve made, add evidence to back up your claims.
For example, you might include the following:
“Implemented cost-saving measures resulting in a 15% reduction in food waste.”
Now you know what to focus on, let’s take a look at how to lay out your resume.
How to choose the right resume format
As a general rule, we recommend using the reverse-chronological format for a restaurant manager resume. This is the standard resume format in the U.S., and hiring managers expect it.
It begins with your most recent achievements, such as work experience and education, at the top of each section and lists older entries as you move down the page.
What resume font should you use as a restaurant manager?
We recommend using modern fonts, such as Arial and Rubik.
Avoid serif fonts, such as Georgia, as these can be harder to read.
How should you save your resume file?
Always save your resume as a PDF. This way, the formatting will be consistent.
How large should your resume margins be?
Your margins should be between 0.5 to 1 inch to maintain readability.
What to include in your resume header
Your resume header sits at the top of the page and includes your contact details. It should be clear, concise, and readable.
Here’s what you should list:
- Your name: Write your first and last name.
- Job title: Next, add the role for which you’re applying. (Hint: Restaurant Manager)
- Contact details: Provide your email address and a business phone number.
- Location: Simply list your location and, of course, whether you’re willing to relocate.
Remember: You don’t need to include a photo for this position.
How to write a resume summary
Next up, let’s talk about your resume summary. This is a short paragraph at the top of the page that summarizes your top achievements. It should be eye-catching, engaging, and specific to you. Get all of that right, and you’ll go far.
You should include your strongest career points, any key skills, and your most notable achievements.
Here are some ideas you can use:
- Your proven track record in the restaurant sector (plus metrics).
- Special skills that are rare in the industry.
- Persuasive action words to highlight your leadership skills.
You should tailor your resume summary for each new job. Make sure your application meets the specific needs of the hiring manager.
Using action-driven language and tangible metrics, this summary is certain to grab the hiring manager’s attention. It clearly outlines the candidate’s most important attributes.
How to write a quantifiable resume experience section
You need ample work experience on a resume. If you’ve been in the hospitality industry for years, now’s the time to start shouting about it. Only feature up to 10 to 15 years of work experience and focus on roles relevant to restaurants and customer services.
Target your resume
Be sure to tailor your work experience. Look at the job advert and use the same keywords and terminology the hiring manager uses. This quick hack swiftly shows the hiring manager you’re the best person for the job.
Kick things off with the main details of your role. That includes the company name, location, your title, and dates of employment. Add bullet points below that cover your top achievements. As always, add metrics and statistics to show your impact.
06/2015 - 01/2020 
- •Increased overall sales by 20% through strategic promotions and upselling initiatives.
- •Streamlined inventory management, reducing waste by 15% and cutting food costs by 10%.
- •Led a team of 25 staff members, achieving a 90% employee retention rate and improving training programs.
- •Enhanced customer satisfaction ratings by 18%, earning the restaurant a spot in the top 10 for customer reviews in the city.
Using clear language, this resume experience sample is immediately engaging. It includes the candidate’s most important feats (to date!) and adds a bunch of context, too.
Metrics—such as the “90% employee retention rate”—show that the manager has what it takes to lead. Always be as specific as possible when it comes to your results.
Restaurant manager resume experience samples
When writing your work experience section, you can take a few different approaches. Below, we’ve shared three options that you may use:
Achievement-focused
It’s all about the bottom line. Be clear about the achievements you gained, and back them up with metrics. This gives the hiring manager a clear idea of your skills and experience.
06/2015 - 01/2020 - •Boosted revenue by 25% year-over-year through targeted marketing campaigns and refined menu offerings.
- •Increased customer retention by 30% by implementing personalized service strategies and loyalty programs.
- •Reduced operational costs by 12% through process improvements and supplier negotiations.
- •Achieved a 95% customer satisfaction rate, earning top-tier reviews across multiple platforms.
Skills-focused
What are your most impressive skills? Spotlight the talents you’ve picked up during your restaurant manager career. Illustrate how you use each of these skills to your advantage.
06/2015 - 01/2020 - •Expert in team leadership, managing and training a team of 25+ staff to ensure smooth daily operations.
- •Proficient in budget management, consistently keeping expenses within 5% of forecasted limits.
- •Skilled in customer relationship management, cultivating repeat business, and increasing loyalty program sign-ups by 40%.
- •Experienced in conflict resolution, handling guest concerns promptly, and maintaining a 95% satisfaction rate.
Industry-specific focused
The hospitality industry is vast, and no two restaurant managers are the same. Focus on your specific field—i.e. the type of restaurant you’ve worked in. You should do this if you’re applying for a role in the same type of eatery.
06/2015 - 01/2020 - •Specialized in fine-dining management, ensuring exceptional guest experiences for up to 100 patrons per night.
- •Led wine pairings and menu consultations, increasing wine sales by 20% through expert staff training and customer engagement.
- •Implemented advanced reservation systems, reducing wait times by 30% and enhancing overall guest satisfaction.
- •Managed high-end catering events, increasing catering revenue by 40% and maintaining top-tier service standards.
Listing your skills on your resume
Thinking about what skills to put on a resume? It’s all about getting the balance right. As a restaurant manager, you need to lead your team while also overseeing the operations of the location. It’s a tall order, but you’re up to the job.
Start by looking back at the job advert. What skills are listed in the core criteria? Highlight any you have and then include them in your restaurant manager resume. Use the exact same terminology as the advert. This will help you impress the reader and get past the ATS (Applicant Tracking System).
- ATS is software used by companies to manage job applications. It automates the recruitment process by scanning resumes for keywords and qualifications to determine which candidates best match the job criteria, thereby streamlining the hiring process.
- Contrary to myths, fonts, colors, and columns don’t typically affect parsing. Focus on job-specific language, consistent formatting for dates, and clear bullet points to maximize ATS readability.
Best hard skills to feature on your restaurant manager resume
Hard skills are at the heart of your restaurant manager role. Also known as technical skills, these resume competencies help you get the background aspect of the job. Whether that means using certain software to manage stock or planning the rotas, you need to be at the top of your game. Be sure to pinpoint the talents you’ve nailed down.
Best soft skills to feature on your restaurant manager resume
Hard skills may help you keep things ticking over. However, you need soft skills to inspire, motivate, and manage your team. Identify the traits that allow you to lead with confidence, manage difficult situations, and help support your staff.
Education on resume
While many restaurant managers don’t have college degrees, you still need to include education on your resume. Use the reverse-chronological order when detailing your education, any extra training, and any certificates you have under your belt.
Start with your high school education—adding your GPA if it’s above 3.5. You can also list any professional certifications. Examples entail certificates such as the Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS) and the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification.
09/2008 - 06/2012 05/2016 - 05/2016 03/2017 - 03/2017 Extra sections to include in your restaurant manager resume
You’ve served the mains… but what about the side dishes? Look for ways to give your restaurant manager resume a little more pizazz. Once you’ve completed all of the above, consider adding some additional (and optional) sections to your resume.
Language section
Speaking a second language could be your competitive edge. For example, if you’re working in a French bistro, you may have to chit-chat with a French chef. Include any languages you speak plus your proficiency level.
Hobbies and interests section
When you’re not working, how do you spend your time? Boast about any hobbies that make you a better restaurant manager. For example, you may list your interest in cooking or the fact that you enjoy going to restaurants, or that you manage a sports team.
Volunteer work section
If you lack experience in restaurants, don’t panic. You can bolster your work experience section with some volunteer work. Only include positions that are similar to your managerial duties. Think about roles where you had to lead a team, for example.
03/2018 - 11/2019 - •Led a team of 15 volunteers to organize and manage community events, including local food festivals and charity drives.
- •Coordinated logistics, set schedules, and ensured that all tasks were completed on time and within budget.
- •Collaborated with local businesses and vendors to secure donations and sponsorships.
06/2020 - 12/2021 - •Assisted in managing teams of volunteers to ensure smooth operations during fundraising dinners and auctions.
- •Handled customer relations and ensured all guests had an enjoyable experience, much like restaurant service.
- •Monitored inventory, organized event spaces, and made quick decisions to resolve any issues that arose.
PRO TIP
Don’t overload your restaurant manager resume! When adding extra sections, think about how they add value to your application. What do they tell the hiring manager about you?
Conclusion
Landing your next restaurant manager job starts with crafting an amazing resume. In this guide, we’ve shared the tools and advice you need to make that happen. Why not start drafting your application now? Use our resume builder tool to get the ball rolling.
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