The clatter of plates, the sizzle of the grill, the murmur of happy diners – all these elements contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of a successful restaurant. But behind the scenes, a critical role often goes unacknowledged: the food runner. These individuals are the crucial link between the kitchen and the table, ensuring that every dish arrives promptly, accurately, and in pristine condition. If you’re looking to break into the food service industry or advance your career as a food runner, a well-crafted resume is your most valuable asset. This article will guide you through the process of creating a food runner resume that grabs attention, highlights your strengths, and ultimately lands you the job you deserve. We’ll delve into effective examples, essential skills, and proven strategies to help you showcase your potential and stand out from the competition. Let’s explore together how to make your food runner resume shine.
Understanding The Vital Role of A Food Runner
The job of a food runner is much more than just carrying plates from point A to point B. While efficiency in delivery is undeniably important, a successful food runner possesses a wider range of skills and responsibilities that contribute significantly to the overall dining experience.
Primarily, food runners are responsible for ensuring that food orders are delivered accurately and swiftly to the correct tables. This requires keen attention to detail, the ability to interpret order tickets, and a good memory. Imagine the frustration of a customer receiving the wrong meal – a food runner prevents these mishaps.
Food presentation is also a key aspect of the role. Food runners must ensure that each dish looks appealing and adheres to the restaurant’s standards. This might involve making minor adjustments, such as straightening a garnish or wiping away a stray sauce splatter.
Effective communication is paramount. Food runners act as a conduit between the kitchen staff and the serving staff, relaying information about order status, special requests, or any potential delays. They also interact with customers, answering simple questions about the menu or providing assistance as needed. The ability to handle customer inquiries with grace and professionalism is essential.
Moreover, food runners contribute to maintaining a clean and organized environment. They might bus tables, restock supplies, or assist with general cleaning duties to ensure the smooth operation of the dining area. Physical stamina is also a key requirement since the job often involves standing and walking for extended periods, as well as lifting trays of food.
Essential skills extend to teamwork, speed and efficiency, the ability to handle pressure during peak hours, and the knack for remembering orders amidst the bustling activity.
Crafting Your Resume: Structure and Formatting Matters
Your food runner resume is your first impression, so it needs to be professional, easy to read, and highlight your key strengths. There are standard sections that every resume should include: contact information, a summary or objective statement, work experience, skills, and education.
Getting Started: Laying the Foundation
Contact information should be at the top of your resume, prominently displayed. Include your full name, phone number, a professional-sounding email address, and, optionally, a link to your LinkedIn profile if you have one. Make sure your email isn’t something like “[email protected]”; stick to variations of your name to demonstrate your professionalism.
Next, you need to decide whether to include a resume summary or a resume objective. A resume summary is best for experienced candidates who want to quickly highlight their relevant achievements and skills. A resume objective, on the other hand, is more appropriate for entry-level candidates or those changing careers, as it allows you to state your career goals and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position.
Making it Readable: Formatting for Impact
Formatting is just as crucial as the content. Choose a clean and professional font, such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Use bullet points to break up large blocks of text and make your resume easier to scan. Maintain consistent formatting throughout the document, and use white space strategically to create a visually appealing and uncluttered layout. A well-formatted resume demonstrates attention to detail, a quality highly valued in food runners.
Choosing a Resume Format
There are generally three formats for resumes: chronological, functional, and combination. The chronological format lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. This is a good option if you have a consistent work history and relevant experience. The functional format focuses on your skills rather than your work history. This can be useful if you have gaps in your employment or are changing careers. The combination format combines elements of both the chronological and functional formats, highlighting both your skills and your work experience.
For a food runner position, the chronological or combination formats are usually the most effective, as they allow you to showcase your relevant experience and skills in a clear and concise manner.
Key Resume Sections: Examples and Practical Tips
Let’s dive into the specific sections of your food runner resume and explore some examples and tips to help you craft compelling content.
Contact Information: Accuracy and Professionalism
Example:
Jane Doe
(555) 123-4567
[email protected]
linkedin.com/in/janedoe (Optional)
Summary or Objective: Capturing Attention Immediately
Summary Example (Experienced):
Highly motivated and efficient food runner with three years of experience in fast-paced restaurant environments. Proven ability to deliver food orders accurately and promptly while providing exceptional customer service. Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Objective Example (Entry-Level):
Eager and reliable individual seeking a food runner position at [Restaurant Name]. Possesses strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to providing outstanding customer service. Quick learner with a passion for the food service industry.
Work Experience: Showcasing Your Accomplishments
Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and quantify your achievements whenever possible. Instead of simply stating “Delivered food orders,” try “Delivered food orders to tables accurately and efficiently, ensuring timely service.”
Example: Experienced Food Runner
Food Runner, The Italian Bistro, Anytown, USA (2020 – Present)
* Delivered food orders to tables accurately and efficiently, ensuring prompt and courteous service.
* Consistently received positive feedback from customers and servers for speed and accuracy.
* Maintained cleanliness and organization of the dining area.
* Assisted servers with bussing tables and restocking supplies.
* Delivered an average of one hundred orders per shift.
Example: Entry-Level Food Runner (with limited experience)
Team Member, Local Cafe, Anytown, USA (2022 – Present)
* Assisted with food preparation and order fulfillment.
* Provided excellent customer service by addressing customer inquiries and resolving complaints.
* Maintained a clean and organized work environment.
* Demonstrated strong teamwork skills by collaborating with colleagues to ensure smooth operations.
Skills: Highlighting Your Key Attributes
List both hard skills (technical skills) and soft skills (personal qualities). Categorize your skills for clarity.
Example:
Customer Service Skills: Customer service, active listening, problem-solving.
Technical Skills: Point of Sale (POS) systems, order management.
Physical Skills: Stamina, speed, attention to detail.
Teamwork Skills: Collaboration, communication, cooperation.
Education: Demonstrating Your Qualifications
Include your high school diploma or GED. If you have any relevant coursework or certifications, such as a food safety certification, be sure to mention them.
Food Runner Resume Examples: Putting It All Together
Let’s look at a couple of complete food runner resume examples to see how these elements come together.
Example One: Experienced Food Runner Resume
[Contact Information]
Summary:
Highly motivated and experienced food runner with five years of experience in high-volume restaurants. Proven ability to deliver exceptional customer service while maintaining speed and accuracy. Strong communication and teamwork skills, with a passion for providing a positive dining experience.
Work Experience:
Food Runner, The Upscale Steakhouse, Anytown, USA (2018 – Present)
* Delivered food orders to tables promptly and accurately, ensuring customer satisfaction.
* Consistently exceeded expectations for speed and efficiency, delivering an average of 120 orders per shift.
* Trained and mentored new food runners, providing guidance and support.
* Collaborated with kitchen staff and serving staff to ensure smooth communication and order fulfillment.
* Received numerous positive reviews from customers and colleagues for excellent service.
Skills:
Customer Service Skills: Customer satisfaction, conflict resolution, active listening.
Technical Skills: POS systems, order tracking, inventory management.
Physical Skills: Stamina, speed, attention to detail.
Teamwork Skills: Collaboration, communication, leadership.
Education:
High School Diploma, Anytown High School, Anytown, USA
Example Two: Entry-Level Food Runner Resume
[Contact Information]
Objective:
Enthusiastic and reliable individual seeking a food runner position at The Cozy Diner. Eager to learn and contribute to a positive dining experience for customers. Possesses excellent communication skills, a strong work ethic, and a passion for the food service industry.
Work Experience:
Team Member, Local Ice Cream Shop, Anytown, USA (2022 – Present)
* Provided friendly and efficient customer service.
* Prepared and served ice cream orders accurately and promptly.
* Maintained a clean and organized work environment.
* Demonstrated strong teamwork skills by assisting colleagues with various tasks.
Skills:
Customer Service Skills: Customer interaction, order taking, conflict resolution.
Physical Skills: Stamina, speed, attention to detail.
Teamwork Skills: Collaboration, communication, cooperation.
Education:
High School Diploma, Anytown High School, Anytown, USA
Action Verbs: Powering Up Your Descriptions
Use these powerful action verbs to make your resume more compelling:
Delivered
Assisted
Maintained
Communicated
Organized
Expedited
Resolved
Coordinated
Prepared
Ensured
Supported
Facilitated
Tailoring Your Resume: Customization is Key
Always tailor your resume to the specific job description. Carefully read the description and identify the key skills and requirements that the employer is seeking. Incorporate those keywords into your resume to demonstrate that you are a good fit for the position. For instance, some restaurants may mention needing knowledge of specific software for taking orders, or a minimum period in a comparable position.
Common Mistakes: Avoiding Pitfalls
Avoid these common resume mistakes:
Typos and grammatical errors
Generic or vague descriptions
Exaggerating skills or experience
Leaving out important information
Poor formatting
The Finishing Touches: Giving Yourself an Edge
In summary, a strong food runner resume is essential for landing the job you want. By following the tips and examples outlined in this article, you can create a compelling document that showcases your skills and experience. Remember to tailor your resume to each specific job application, proofread carefully for errors, and use action verbs to make your descriptions more impactful.
This article has armed you with everything you need to construct a persuasive account of your abilities. Your food runner resume now can become a winning ticket to a promising career! Take these examples, the suggested actions, and write your new resume today!
