When searching for a job, your resume is the best tool you have to make a strong impression. However, if you do not create your resume correctly, employers may not even bother to read it, meaning you won’t get the job. The standards are very high, although that also means strong resumes which follow correct writing standards stand out from the crowd. You can craft a strong resume when you access to the right tools.
If you are wondering how to describe a serving job on a resume, take a look at the following writing guide, resume tips, and the included resume template. Implement these same strategies to make sure your resume is as strong as it possibly can be.
The expectations for a service job resume are different from other kinds of resumes. Before you begin writing yours, you should understand what you need to do to make your resume successful. These tips and suggestions will help you understand how to describe a serving job on a resume.
1. Have a good understanding of what qualities to exemplify
One of the biggest things your resume should accomplish is communicating that you have a mastery over the relevant skills. In a way, the best resumes focus entirely around different professional skills and attributes. If you know what qualities employers are looking for, you can figure out the best way to portray them specifically, greatly increasing your chances of employers hiring you.
For service positions, the most common appealing qualities are communication, leadership, critical thinking, negotiation, and, of course, service abilities. If you establish each of these skills in your resume, your document will mostly likely be quite strong.
2. Focus on active wording
All employers are looking for workers who are active. They want to hire someone who will not just stand by but take action when something needs doing. You can communicate these qualities by mentioning them in your resume, but you can also get the idea across in the way you write.
Use verbs extensively and always describe things you did and the positive result you achieved. It is typically expected for each bullet point in your experience section to have a strong action verb as its first word. This is a good way to ensure your resume focuses around action.
3. Include real metrics to improve your resume
One of the most important aspects to understanding how to describe a serving job on a resume is including real metrics. This serves multiple purposes. First, it will give readers a better understanding of exactly what you are capable of. Second, it greatly increases the credibility of your resume. With actual numbers backing up your claims, it makes it seem much less likely that you are exaggerating your skills and accomplishments.
4. Try to be as specific as you can
Being vague in your writing is the quickest way to lose the interest of employers. They want to be certain they are making the right decision when they choose to hire you. Describe previous responsibilities you had in detail and include as many different aspects of previous jobs as you can. This not only strengthens your writing, but it also makes the information more accessible. Readers will get a better understanding of who you are professionally if you are specific at all times.
5. Understand the importance of strong previous experience
The single most important part of your resume is the section that details previous experience. Your chances of employers hiring you are better if you have had multiple jobs with similar requirements and responsibilities. Service jobs are commonly entry-level positions, which might mean you have little experience. This can make it difficult to fill your experience section out, but that is okay. Include anything you can that establishes your abilities, even if it is an internship or school-related work.
6. Include the standard resume sections
The expectations for your resume are that it follows the standard. While only the experience section can describe previous serving jobs in explicit detail, every section of your resume is useful for establishing the skills and qualities you developed during your serving jobs. The standard sections you should include are a summary, a list of your qualifications and skills, the experience section, and an education section. Review the following resume template to see how you can use each section.
7. Follow the formatting expectations
The format of your resume is another incredibly important aspect. Many employers will simply not read your resume if it is clear just from looking at it that it has improper formatting. To avoid this, carefully follow the example of the following serving job resume template.
In your experience section, which is commonly considered the most important section, you should include a series of bulleted lists, one for each of your previous positions. You can vary depending on importance, but it is typically best to include between five and eight bullet points. Only write your current position in present tense, with all others in past tense.
8. Manage the appearance of your resume when proofreading
While the appearance of your resume should be the last of your concerns, it is still an important aspect to consider once you have finished writing. Because so many people usually apply for serving jobs, it is especially important that you do not give readers any excuse to dismiss you from the position. Avoid large blocks of unbroken text and big gaps of wasted space. These either are intimidating and difficult to read or they reflect poorly on you as a candidate. Do not neglect the proofreading step of resume writing.
A resume for a job in the service field can be very different from resumes in other industries. Take a look at this serving job resume template to see some especially beneficial writing techniques and strategies:
Professional Summary
Versatile and talented customer service professional with nearly eight years of working experience both in customer service and management positions. Intimately familiar with all standard service techniques and negotiation strategies. Adaptable and flexible while developing extensive problem resolution abilities on a daily basis. A professional with experience leading others and completing administrative responsibilities.
Core Qualifications
• Interpersonal and professional communication, both written and oral
• Critical thinking, evaluation, and analysis skills
• Excellent negotiation abilities
• Management and leadership
• Extensive service history
• Problem-solving skills
• Administrative experience
Working Experience
Shift Manager – May 2016 to present
Southern Department Store, Houston, Texas
• Oversee all operations during my shift, guiding all service employees to ensure they provide proper customer service at all times
• Interact with customers, answer questions, provide information, and assist in completing transactions
• Resolve customer conflict effectively and tactfully
• Create weekly schedule, managing labor costs and needs carefully
• Implement company policies and ideals during each and every interaction
• Delegate tasks to employees, taking individual talent and all requirements into consideration
• Meet all customer needs, improving customer satisfaction rating by 15%
Assistant Shift Manager – October 2013 to May 2016
Southern Department Store, Houston, Texas
• Provided assistance to the shift manager on a daily basis
• Led customer service operations when other tasks occupied the shift manager
• Counted registers at the end of the shift, accounting for all transactions and money
• Reported complaints and major conflicts to the shift manager or other management staff
• Held position in the top 10% of assistant shift managers for three years
Customer Service Representative – January 2010 to October 2013
Southern Department Store, Houston, Texas
• Interacted with customers, providing tactful and respectful service
• Handled money responsibly, making sure to give accurate change and count money carefully
• Maintained working knowledge of the store layout and product information to assist customers
• Completed an average of 70 transactions per hour
Education
Bachelor of Science in Communication
University of Houston – 2015