3 Catering Resume Examples & Writing Guide
Create an appetizing catering resume with our examples and expert tips. Discover how to showcase your skills and experience to impress employers. Inside, you'll find: - 3 professional catering resume samples - A step-by-step writing guide - Advice on key sections like skills and work history Get ready to cook up the perfect resume and land your dream catering job.
A catering resume is an important tool for getting hired in the food service industry. But creating a resume that grabs the attention of employers can be tricky. Many caterers struggle with knowing what information to include and how to make their experience and skills stand out.
That's where this guide comes in. It provides step-by-step advice on crafting each section of your catering resume, from the summary to the skills list. You'll learn what details to highlight and which common mistakes to avoid.
In addition, the article includes three real-world catering resume examples. These samples show the strategies in action and provide inspiration for your own resume. Whether you're an experienced catering professional or just starting out, you'll find tips you can put into practice right away.
By the end, you'll be well on your way to creating a catering resume that impresses hiring managers and helps you land more interviews. So let's dive in and start building a resume that does justice to your catering talents and achievements.
Common Responsibilities Listed on Catering Resumes
- Planning and organizing catering events, including menu selection, staffing, and logistics
- Consulting with clients to understand their preferences, dietary restrictions, and event requirements
- Managing food and beverage inventory, ordering supplies, and controlling costs
- Overseeing food preparation and presentation, ensuring quality and adherence to food safety standards
- Coordinating with event venues, vendors, and suppliers for seamless execution
- Supervising and training catering staff, including servers, bartenders, and kitchen personnel
- Developing and pricing catering menus and packages for various types of events
- Ensuring proper setup, service, and cleanup at catering events
- Maintaining accurate records of event details, invoices, and payments
- Monitoring and adhering to local health regulations and licensing requirements
- Networking and building relationships with potential clients and industry partners
- Staying updated on culinary trends, dietary preferences, and event planning best practices
- Managing event budgets and cost control measures
- Providing exceptional customer service and ensuring client satisfaction
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How to write a Resume Summary
Writing a top-notch summary or objective section for your resume, especially in the catering field, requires a blend of succinct messaging, clear language, and precise representation of your skills and experiences. It's akin to a culinary chef's signature dish; it needs to leave a lasting impression and must show perspective employers what you bring to the table. The purpose of this critical section is not to sell anything, but rather to reflect the professional you are today.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you craft an excellent summary or objective:
Skill Summary
Think of this as the main ingredient in your resume's recipe. Highlight your catering expertise and familiarity with different cuisine styles, event types, and food safety procedures. Showcase your leadership abilities if you've led a catering team before. Use clear, simple language and avoid unnecessary jargon.
Professional Objective
The professional objective is your opportunity to share your professional aspirations in the hospitality and catering industry. It should align with the specific role you're applying to, flagging your ambition and confirming you're in it for the long haul.
Remember, this isn't about crafting a magic potion to make your resume standout, it's about telling your unique story. Authenticity is key.
Experience Details
Substantiate your summary with a concise display of your experience. If you've catered for large-scale or high-profile events, mention these to give weight to your expertise and authority in the field.
Be careful with how you phrase these experiences; the goal is to communicate your proficiency, not flaunt any competitive edge.
Personal Traits
Lastly, your personal attributes can be assets in the catering field. Traits such as attention to detail, creativity, or ability to work under pressure can be valuable and bind your summary together.
Creating an engaging, high-quality resume summary is a crucial step in embarking on a job search. Work on it as craftily as you would a meal for a vital event. Remember, your goal is to leave the reader, much like your guests, satisfied and eager for more. Finally, do a thorough proofread for any pesky errors or human mistakes to elevate the overall quality and trustworthiness of your resume. But never lose the essence of you, which brings the magic into your objective.
Just keep this in mind, the job market realm is akin to a competitive culinary world, your delicately crafted resume is your ticket to standing out and embarking on a new professional journey. It's the crucial element that elevates your profile, with its standout details acting as the compelling factor to explore your candidature further.
Whether it's the culinary realm or the job market, your crafted prowess is crucial for standing out today. The magic lies in how compellingly you craft your resume, making it a standout choice and guiding your journey in this realm. So elevate, standout and do make it compelling, as you unveil your crafted prowess in this competitive world called today's job market.
Strong Summaries
- Experienced Catering Manager with over 10 years in the food service industry specializing in corporate and special events. Recognized for exceptional ability to plan, coordinate, and supervise catering staff, making sure they meet and exceed customer expectations.
- Passionate and creative Catering Coordinator with a strong background in gourmet cuisine and personalized event planning. Successful in managing high-volume catering operations and delivering perfect occasions to individuals and businesses.
- Highly skilled Catering Chef with 8 years of experience creating delectable meals for a range of events. Expert in designing and executing menu items that exceed client expectations while maintaining budget considerations.
- Professionally trained Catering Assistant with a knack for event planning. Proficient in managing staff and supplies to ensure a seamless and effective event catering experience.
Why these are strong?
These examples demonstrate the individual's experience and skill sets in the catering domain. They provide clear information about their specialized expertise, the number of years of experience they have, and their proficiency in handling specific catering tasks. Furthermore, they also showcase their passion, creativity, and dedication towards their job. Effective professional summaries such as these could help potential employers quickly understand the applicant's qualifications and whether they would be a good fit for the position.
Weak Summaries
- Around 5 years in the catering industry. Looking for a job.
- I've worked with food and people. Want to work in a busy environment.
- Catering worker. I did all types of tasks.
- Experienced in keeping clean spaces and customer satisfaction.
- I'm a hard worker. Looking for a new opportunity in order to enhance my skills.
Why these are weak?
These examples are deemed as bad for several reasons. Firstly, they are very vague and non-specific. A professional summary should detail a candidate's specific skills and experience within a field, and these summaries do not sufficiently do that. Moreover, using phrases like 'looking for a job' or 'I did all types of tasks' don't give the hiring manager a good sense of who the candidate is or what their role was. They are not remotely descriptive enough and therefore do not fully utilize the space given. They don't present any specifics about tasks undertaken, goals achieved, or skills utilized. Therefore, these summaries won't grab the attention of a potential employer and are unlikely to make your resume stand out among others.
Showcase your Work Experience
The importance of saturating your resume with potent, action-driving information cannot be understated. One area where your chances of securing that interview hinge majorly is the "Work Experience" section.
Although it is often unassuming, the 'Work Experience' section pulsates with unmatched potential to convince the recruiter that you are the right fit for the role. This section, in the heart of your resume, paints a dynamic picture of you as a professional - your accomplishments, your skills, your value-adds, and your potential.
Think of this section as not just a laundry list of duties you've performed in your past roles but a strategic tool to showcase your value proposition. It's all about presenting what you have done in the context of how it benefited the company you worked for.
Remember, the goal is specificity and impact. Instead of saying you were involved in catering services, articulate the specific responsibilities you undertook and the positive effects these tasks had. Did you enhance customer satisfaction? Did you supervise a team leading to increased efficiency?
This is the opportunity to underscore your abilities, not with stagnant job descriptions, but with demonstrations of what you've accomplished in your career to date.
Lastly, make use of tangible fleets and figures. These serve as backing to your claims and shows a results-oriented mindset.
Remember, the 'Work Experience' section should be thoughtfully weaved to demonstrate how you can add value as an experienced caterer. It's about living, active testimony of your work, stamped with impact, and resonating with the value you can offer to future employers.
Quantify your achievements and impact using concrete numbers, metrics, and percentages to demonstrate the value you brought to your previous roles.
Strong Experiences
- Managed a team of 10 catering staff, ensuring high quality service and client satisfaction
- Reduced overhead costs by 20% through strategic sourcing and procurement
- Maintained strict food hygiene and safety standards, resulting in zero incidents in 5 years
- Implemented a new menu plan which increased customer satisfaction by 15%
- Organized over 50+ corporate events and private functions
- Handled customer queries and complaints, resolving issues promptly and professionally
- Developed training programs for new hires, improving staff retention by 30%
Why these are strong?
The above examples are good practice because they quantify the impact made in previous roles. Instead of simply stating responsibilities, these bullet points demonstrate what the individual has achieved. Incorporating numbers provides concrete evidence of skills and capabilities. Additionally, they clearly show the person's accomplishments in terms of customer satisfaction, cost management, event organization, food safety, and team management, which are all critical areas in catering.
Weak Experiences
- I served food.
- Did stuff in the kitchen.
- Worked at catering events.
- I was a catering service point person.
- Handled some food preparation.
Why these are weak?
These examples are considered bad because they are vague and do not provide enough context about the individuals' specific responsibilities, achievements, or skills in their catering roles. In a resume, it's essential to be specific, quantifiable, and descriptive to accurately showcase the breadth of your experience and abilities. Statements like 'Did stuff in the kitchen' or 'Handled some food preparation' fail to capture what the person did, how they did it, what techniques they used, what type of food they prepared etc. Recruiters need these details to ascertain the suitability of the candidate for their requirements. Similarly, 'I served food' or 'Worked at catering events' doesn't shed light on individual contribution or the scope of events like whether it was a small intimate gathering or a large scale corporate event. 'I was a catering service point person' is too generic and doesn't mention the exact roles played and the outcomes.
Skills, Keywords & ATS Tips
Understanding the significance of both hard and soft skills in a catering resume is crucial when it comes to becoming more visible in job applications and standing out among other candidates. At the same time, realizing how keywords, applicant tracking systems (ATS), and matching skills come into play can boost your chances at securing your dream job. This article unravels these topics and shows their importance in a catering resume.
Hard and Soft Skills in a Catering Resume
Hard skills are learned abilities that you gain from education or work experience. In the catering world, they may include abilities like food preparation, menu planning, and knowledge of various cooking techniques. These skills demonstrate your competency in doing the job and can usually be measured or tested.
On the other hand, soft skills relate to your personality and how you interact with others. They include skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Though they might seem less important in a task-focused field like catering, soft skills are equally vital. They can determine how well you work under pressure, handle customers, and co-operate as part of a team.
Having both sets of skills on your resume will show potential employers that not only can you get the job done effectively, but you can also handle the interpersonal aspects associated with the role.
Keywords, ATS and Matching Skills
Keywords, especially those related to specific hard and soft skills, play a significant role in your resume getting noticed. This is where the connection with the ATS comes in.
Most big companies use ATS to filter out resumes that don't match their specific criteria. These systems work by scanning resumes for particular words or phrases that match the job description. By carefully reviewing the job posting and including relevant words or phrases, your resume can bypass the ATS filters and reach the hiring manager's desk.
However, it's crucial to ensure that these keywords naturally fit into your resume and indeed represent the skills you possess. An over-optimized resume with too many keywords can seem unnatural and might not pass through human review even if it gets past the ATS.
In essence, balancing relevant hard and soft skills, knowing how to maximize the use of keywords, and understanding the role of ATS can significantly elevate your prospects in your job search.
Top Hard & Soft Skills for Full Stack Developers
Hard Skills
Soft Skills
Top Action Verbs
Use action verbs to highlight achievements and responsibilities on your resume.
Education & Certifications
You're on the right path by trying to effectively communicate your experience and educational background in catering on your resume. Start by creating a dedicated section, titled 'Education' or 'Certifications'. List the name of the certification or degree, the institution, and the date of achievement. Specify the type of training, be it culinary arts, hospitality management, etc. Also, don't shy from including any relevant coursework or specialized training you've undergone. Remember, qualitative details can elevate your resume, making you a stand-out candidate.
Some of the most important certifications for Caterings
Certification for food safety and handling
Certification for catering and event professionals
Certification for food safety management
Certification for dietary managers
Certification for catering professionals
Resume FAQs for Caterings
What is the ideal format for a catering resume?
The ideal format for a catering resume is a combination resume, which highlights both your relevant skills and work experience. This format allows you to showcase your culinary abilities, customer service skills, and any relevant certifications or training.
How long should a catering resume be?
A catering resume should typically be one page in length, unless you have extensive experience in the industry. Focus on including the most relevant and recent information, and use clear and concise language to highlight your qualifications.
What sections should be included in a catering resume?
A well-structured catering resume should include sections such as a professional summary, relevant work experience, skills (culinary, customer service, etc.), certifications or licenses, and any relevant education or training.
How can I make my catering resume stand out?
To make your catering resume stand out, emphasize your attention to detail, ability to work under pressure, and excellent customer service skills. Highlight any experience with large-scale events, menu planning, or managing a team. Additionally, include any relevant certifications or training, such as food safety or alcohol service certifications.
As a caterer, you'll plan mouthwatering menus, execute flawless food prep and presentation, and ensure events run seamlessly from start to finish. When crafting your catering resume, emphasize your hospitality experience, food safety credentials, and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. Quantify accomplishments like "Flawlessly executed 50+ high-end weddings with 200+ guests." Let your passion for spectacular food and service shine through.
Passionate and detail-oriented Catering professional with over 8 years of experience in high-volume event planning and execution. Proven track record of delivering exceptional food quality, presentation, and service while managing teams of up to 50 staff members. Adept at creating innovative menus, managing budgets, and ensuring client satisfaction in fast-paced environments.
- Oversee all aspects of catering operations for events ranging from intimate dinners to large-scale corporate functions and weddings.
- Develop creative and customized menus based on client preferences, dietary restrictions, and event themes.
- Manage a team of 50+ staff members, including chefs, servers, and bartenders, ensuring seamless service and exceptional guest experiences.
- Implement cost-saving measures and negotiate with vendors to maintain profitability while delivering high-quality offerings.
- Consistently receive positive client feedback and referrals, contributing to a 25% increase in revenue year-over-year.
- Supervised a team of 30 catering staff members, ensuring efficient service and adherence to quality standards.
- Collaborated with chefs to create seasonal menus and adapt offerings based on client feedback and industry trends.
- Managed inventory and ordering processes, reducing waste and optimizing storage space.
- Trained and mentored new staff members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Assisted in the planning and execution of high-profile events, receiving praise from clients and management for attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
- Provided exceptional service to guests at various events, including corporate luncheons, cocktail receptions, and private parties.
- Assisted in the setup, execution, and breakdown of catering events, ensuring timely and efficient service.
- Maintained a clean and organized work environment, adhering to strict food safety and sanitation guidelines.
- Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in fast-paced, high-pressure situations, consistently receiving positive feedback from supervisors and clients.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline service processes, resulting in improved efficiency and guest satisfaction.
A Catering Assistant prepares, sets up, and serves food/beverages for events. Key duties include setting up buffets, serving guests, clearing tables, and cleaning up. Requires customer service skills, stamina for standing/lifting. When writing a resume, detail experience serving at events. Emphasize organization and time management abilities. Quantify achievements, like number of events staffed or guests served.
Highly motivated and detail-oriented Catering Assistant with a passion for creating exceptional dining experiences. Skilled in food preparation, service, and event coordination. Adaptable team player with a positive attitude and a commitment to delivering outstanding customer service.
- Assisted in the preparation and plating of meals for events serving up to 500 guests
- Collaborated with chefs and event coordinators to ensure timely and efficient service
- Maintained a clean and organized kitchen, adhering to strict food safety and sanitation standards
- Received multiple commendations from clients for exceptional service and attention to detail
- Trained and mentored new team members, fostering a positive and productive work environment
- Prepared and served a variety of artisanal sandwiches, salads, and baked goods
- Maintained accurate inventory records and placed orders for supplies as needed
- Developed a loyal customer base through personalized service and product recommendations
- Assisted in the planning and execution of special events and promotions
- Consistently received positive feedback from customers and management for high-quality service
- Shadowed experienced catering staff to learn best practices in food preparation and service
- Assisted in the setup and breakdown of catering events, ensuring efficient and seamless operations
- Prepared and delivered catering orders to clients throughout the city
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, contributing to overall kitchen efficiency
- Demonstrated a strong work ethic and eagerness to learn, leading to a positive internship experience
A Catering Manager plans and executes flawless food and beverage services for events of all sizes. They meticulously coordinate menus, staffing, budgets, and logistics while delivering exceptional customer experiences. Successful Catering Managers are organized multitaskers with superb leadership and client-management skills. When crafting your resume, emphasize relevant experience overseeing catering operations. Quantify achievements that demonstrate your ability to surpass expectations through seamless execution. Use clear, concise language highlighting your attention to detail and commitment to service excellence. A polished, error-free resume showcasing your qualifications is key.
Highly skilled and experienced Catering Manager with a proven track record of delivering exceptional culinary experiences for diverse clientele. Adept at leading and motivating teams, managing budgets, and ensuring smooth operations in fast-paced environments. Passionate about creating memorable dining experiences through innovative menu planning and flawless execution.
- Managed catering operations for high-profile corporate and social events, serving up to 1,000 guests
- Developed and implemented innovative menu concepts, resulting in a 25% increase in client satisfaction ratings
- Streamlined inventory management and procurement processes, reducing food waste by 15% and saving over $50,000 annually
- Led a team of 25 culinary professionals, fostering a positive work environment and providing ongoing training and development opportunities
- Collaborated with clients to create customized menus and service plans, consistently exceeding expectations and generating referral business
- Coordinated catering services for weddings, corporate events, and private parties, managing up to 10 events per week
- Implemented a client feedback system, resulting in a 95% satisfaction rate and a 20% increase in repeat business
- Developed and maintained relationships with local suppliers and vendors, ensuring high-quality ingredients and competitive pricing
- Assisted in menu development and recipe testing, contributing to the creation of several signature dishes
- Trained and mentored junior catering staff, promoting a culture of excellence and teamwork
- Supported catering operations for events ranging from intimate dinners to large-scale galas
- Assisted in food preparation, plating, and service, ensuring consistent quality and presentation
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen and service areas, adhering to strict food safety standards
- Collaborated with team members to execute successful events, demonstrating strong communication and problem-solving skills
- Received multiple commendations from clients and supervisors for exceptional service and attention to detail