Catering Assistant Resume Guide

Catering assistants work in the food service industry. They help with the preparation of food and beverages for events such as weddings, parties, and banquets. They may also help with set-up and clean-up.

You have a real passion for food and know your way around a kitchen like the back of your hand. But catering employers don’t know about your culinary skills yet. So to get their attention, you need to write an appetizing resume.

This guide will walk you through the entire process of creating a top-notch resume. We first show you a complete example and then break down what each resume section should look like.

Catering Assistant Resume

Table of Contents

The guide is divided into sections for your convenience. You can read it from beginning to end or use the table of contents below to jump to a specific part.

Catering Assistant Resume Sample

Unique Zboncak
Catering Assistant

[email protected]
612-580-6278
linkedin.com/in/unique-zboncak

Summary

Detail-oriented catering assistant with 6+ years of experience in food service and event planning. Seeking to leverage expertise in menu development and customer service to grow the catering business at ABC. At XYZ, increased sales by 15% through effective upselling techniques during events. Developed a reputation as a calm and efficient leader under pressure, often praised by clients for being able to handle last-minute changes seamlessly.

Experience

Catering Assistant, Company ABC
Spokane, Jan 2018 – Present

  • Supervised a team of 5 catering assistants to ensure the smooth running of events with up to 200 guests.
  • Thoroughly cleaned and prepared all food before service, adhering to strict hygiene standards.
  • Set up buffet tables and canapĂ© stations in a timely and efficient manner.
  • Demonstrated excellent customer service skills when dealing with enquiries and requests from guests.
  • Structured work schedules for catering assistants to optimize productivity during busy periods.

Catering Assistant, Company XYZ
Pasadena, Mar 2012 – Dec 2017

  • Actively assisted the head chef in preparing and cooking meals for up to 200 guests at a time, as well as plating and serving food according to catering standards.
  • Arranged buffet tables and other food stations with attractive displays of prepared dishes, ensuring that all utensils and napkins were readily available.
  • Developed strong working relationships with waitstaff, bartenders and other event personnel to ensure seamless service delivery during weddings, corporate functions and other events.
  • Served hors d’oeuvres, canapĂ©s and drinks to guests while they mingled & socialized, refilling trays when necessary; also provided table-side service during sit-down meals.
  • Introduced new menu items to customers at various events, which resulted in increased sales of those items by 20% on average.

Skills

  • Teamwork
  • Time Management
  • Catering
  • Event Planning
  • Communication
  • Food and Beverage
  • Hospitality
  • Event Management
  • Team Leadership

Education

High School Diploma
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011

Certifications

ServSafe Food Handler Certification
National Restaurant Association
May 2017

1. Summary / Objective

Your resume summary is like a teaser – it gives the reader an overview of your skills and experience as a catering assistant.

In this section, you can highlight your key strengths, such as your food safety certification, your ability to work long hours on your feet, and your experience dealing with customers.

Below are some resume summary examples:

Professional catering assistant with more than 5 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. Skilled in preparing food, setting up buffet tables, and cleaning kitchen areas. In previous roles increased customer satisfaction ratings by 27% through providing prompt and courteous service. Seeking to leverage abilities to become the next catering assistant at ABC Company.

Seasoned catering assistant with 5 years of experience in food preparation and service. At XYZ, managed a team of 15 people during high-volume events. Trained new employees on proper food handling procedures and safety protocols. Consistently received positive feedback from clients for the quality of food and service provided.

Energetic and detail-oriented catering assistant with 2+ years of experience in food service and event planning. Seeking to leverage organizational skills to support the ABC team with efficient and effective event coordination. Experienced in preparing large quantities of food, managing inventory, and setting up/breaking down events.

Reliable and hardworking catering assistant with 3+ years of experience in the food and beverage industry. Seeking to leverage my knowledge of food safety regulations and customer service best practices to contribute to the success of your catering business. At XYZ, provided support for a team of 10 servers during high-volume lunch and dinner hours. Demonstrated proficiency in preparing food items, managing stock inventory, and keeping work areas clean and organized.

Diligent catering assistant with more than 2 years of experience in food preparation, customer service, and event coordination. In previous roles increased sales by up to 20% through effective cross-selling techniques. Seeking to leverage exceptional organizational skills to excel as part of the ABC team.

Dependable catering assistant with 2+ years of experience in food service. Seeking to leverage background and knowledge of nutrition to grow with the XYZ team. At ABC, responsible for preparing food according to customer specifications while adhering to all safety and sanitation guidelines. Effectively managed catering events for up to 200 people, including weddings, corporate functions, and private parties.

Hard-working catering assistant with more than 4 years of experience in food preparation and service. Seeking to leverage my experience and knowledge to grow with the ABC team. At XYZ, managed a kitchen of 6 staff while preparing meals for up to 100 customers daily. Also increased efficiency by 30% through process improvements such as introducing a new meal prep schedule.

Committed catering assistant with 6+ years of experience in food service and customer relations. Proven ability to work calmly under pressure, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and resolve conflicts effectively. Seeking a challenging role at ABC where I can utilize my skills and knowledge to contribute to the success of your catering business.

Passionate catering assistant with 6+ years of experience in food service and customer relations. Seeking to leverage expert event planning skills and knowledge of dietary restrictions to take on a new challenge as the catering manager at ABC. In previous roles, increased client satisfaction ratings by 15% via creative menu planning that addressed unique needs.

2. Experience / Employment

In the experience section, you provide an overview of your employment history. This is typically written in reverse chronological order, which means your most recent job is listed first.

When stating what you did at each job, use bullet points. This allows the reader to quickly scan the information and understand what you are trying to say. When writing the bullets, be sure to include quantifiable results whenever possible.

For example, instead of saying “Prepared food for events,” you could say, “Successfully prepared and served food for up to 500 people at various corporate events.”

To write effective bullet points, begin with a strong verb or adverb. Industry specific verbs to use are:

  • Arranged
  • Set up
  • Decorated
  • Served
  • Cleaned up
  • Prepared
  • Cooked
  • Delivered
  • Billed
  • Coordinated
  • Supervised
  • Hired
  • Trained
  • Fired
  • Scheduled

Other general verbs you can use are:

  • Achieved
  • Advised
  • Assessed
  • Compiled
  • Demonstrated
  • Developed
  • Expedited
  • Facilitated
  • Formulated
  • Improved
  • Introduced
  • Mentored
  • Optimized
  • Participated
  • Presented
  • Reduced
  • Reorganized
  • Represented
  • Revised
  • Spearheaded
  • Streamlined
  • Structured
  • Utilized

Below are some example bullet points:

  • Reduced set-up time for events by 20% through more efficient organization of supplies.
  • Advised clients on menu selection, portion size and dietary restrictions to ensure that all guests would be able to enjoy the food at their event.
  • Cooked meals for up to 300 people at a time, ensuring that all orders were prepared correctly and in a timely manner.
  • Confidently handled special requests and accommodated last-minute changes with ease.
  • Improved guest satisfaction ratings by proactively addressing any issues that arose during service.
  • Revised the catering menu and increased sales by 15%.
  • Hired and trained 4 new servers, reducing turnover by 50%.
  • Effectively communicated with customers to take accurate orders and avoid misunderstandings.
  • Facilitated smooth service by coordinating the work of servers, bussers, bartenders, and kitchen staff.
  • Mentored 2 new employees in food safety procedures, resulting in 0 health code violations during my shift.
  • Prepared hot and cold food items according to company recipes and standards, ensuring that all dishes were properly cooked and presented.
  • Trained new catering assistants on food preparation, cooking techniques, portion control and customer service; developed an extensive training manual for future reference.
  • Efficiently managed the work flow in the kitchen during busy periods, reducing meal prep time by 15 minutes on average without compromising quality or taste.
  • Reorganized the storage area to increase space efficiency and reduce potential hazards; created a color-coded labeling system for quick identification of ingredients.
  • Assessed customers’ needs and made recommendations on menu selections; upsold additional items to 20% of customers while taking orders.
  • Optimized workflows and cut down on food preparation time by 20% through process improvements.
  • Expedited service times by pre-assembling menu items when possible and proactively addressing any potential delays.
  • Represented the company in a professional and courteous manner at all times, diffusing any customer complaints diplomatically.
  • Compiled accurate event orders by double-checking all details with customers and cross-referencing with catering menus.
  • Accurately prepared food according to strict dietary specifications 100% of the time, ensuring that all guests were satisfied with their meals.
  • Streamlined food preparation process by prepping ingredients in advance and delegating tasks to fellow kitchen staff.
  • Achieved daily targets for food production set by head chef, while maintaining quality standards.
  • Meticulously followed all health and safety guidelines when handling food and cleaning up the kitchen.
  • Formulated new menu ideas based on customer feedback and seasonal produce availability.
  • Cleaned up after every catering event, ensuring that all utensils and surfaces were sanitized according to regulations.
  • Participated in food preparation, set up and service for catered events with up to 500 guests.
  • Scheduled and coordinated catering staff of up to 15 people for various events, ensuring that all shifts were covered.
  • Presented a professional image at all times when interacting with clients and guests; received positive feedback from 98% of customers surveyed.
  • Proficiently used point-of-sale system to process payments and manage event billing; increased efficiency by 10%.
  • Billed customers accurately according to event specifications and provided itemized invoices upon request; resolved any discrepancies in a timely manner.
  • Consistently provided excellent customer service by anticipating guest needs, responding to inquiries and requests in a timely manner.
  • Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure that all food orders were prepared according to specifications and delivered to guests in a timely manner.
  • Decorated banquet halls and event spaces according to the client’s specifications, ensuring that all furniture and decorations were set up correctly and safely.
  • Fired food orders promptly and accurately, ensuring that all dishes were cooked to perfection.
  • Delivered food orders to guests’ tables quickly and efficiently, minimizing disruptions during events.
  • Resourcefully managed the set-up and breakdown of catering equipment for events with up to 500 guests, including setting up buffet tables, arranging place settings and decorating the event space.
  • Spearheaded the organization of all food and beverage orders for catered events, ensuring that all items were delivered on time and within budget; saved $1,000 on average per event.
  • Utilized excellent customer service skills to manage client expectations and ensure that they were satisfied with the catering services provided; received positive feedback from 98% of clients surveyed.

3. Skills

Skills specified in catering assistant job postings can differ greatly – one might emphasize customer service while another emphasizes food preparation. It is essential to tailor the skills section of your resume to each job you are applying for; this way, you have a better chance of being found by applicant tracking systems and also increasing the likelihood that a hiring manager will be impressed by your qualifications.

Below is a list of common skills & terms:

  • Catering
  • Catering Management
  • Catering Operations
  • Catering Sales
  • Communication
  • Cooking
  • Corporate Catering
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • Customer Service
  • English
  • Event Catering
  • Event Management
  • Event Planning
  • Food
  • Food and Beverage
  • Food and Beverage Knowledge
  • Food and Beverage Service
  • Food Cost Control
  • Food Handling
  • Food Preparation
  • Food Presentation
  • Food Safety
  • Food Safety and Sanitation
  • Food Service
  • Gluten-free Catering
  • Halal Catering
  • Hospitality
  • Hospitality Industry
  • Kosher Catering
  • Menu Planning
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Nut-free Catering
  • Off-premise Catering
  • On-premise Catering
  • Photoshop
  • Private Event Catering
  • Restaurants
  • Retail
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Team Leadership
  • Teamwork
  • Time Management
  • Vegan Catering
  • Vegetarian Catering
  • Wedding Coordination
  • Wedding Planning

4. Education

Including an education section on your resume will depend largely on how far along you are in your career. If you have just graduated and have no work experience, it is recommended to include an education section below your resume objective. However, if you have been working in the catering industry for years with plenty of relevant experience to showcase, omitting the education section is perfectly fine.

If including an education section, be sure to mention courses and subjects related to catering that you studied. Examples could include “Courses included Kitchen Management & Supervision, Food Preparation & Presentation, and Table Service” or “Assisted with catering for events such as weddings, corporate functions and birthday parties.”

High School Diploma
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011

5. Certifications

Certifications show that you are competent in a particular field and have been recognized by a professional organization. This can give you an edge over other candidates who do not hold any relevant certifications.

If you have any catering-related certifications, it is advisable to include them in this section of your resume. Doing so will demonstrate to potential employers that you are serious about your chosen career path and are fully capable of performing the duties required of the position.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification
National Restaurant Association
May 2017

6. Contact Info

Your name should be the first thing a reader sees when viewing your resume, so ensure its positioning is prominent. Your phone number should be written in the most commonly used format in your country/city/state, and your email address should be professional.

You can also choose to include a link to your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or other online platforms relevant to your industry.

Finally, name your resume file appropriately to help hiring managers; for Unique Zboncak, this would be Unique-Zboncak-resume.pdf or Unique-Zboncak-resume.docx.

7. Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter is a great way to introduce yourself and highlight your most relevant qualifications for the job you’re applying for. It should be 2 to 4 paragraphs long and include information that isn’t already mentioned in your resume.

Although cover letters aren’t always required, they give you an opportunity to stand out from other candidates by sharing more about who you are and what you have to offer.

Below is an example cover letter:

Dear Brenna,

I am writing to apply for the catering assistant position at your company. With more than three years of experience working in a catering environment, I have the necessary skills and qualifications to be a successful addition to your team.

In my current role as a catering assistant at [company name], I work closely with the head chef to prepare food for events ranging from small parties to large weddings. I am responsible for setting up and breaking down the kitchen, as well as keeping it clean and organized during service. I have also developed excellent time management and customer service skills while interacting with clients throughout the event planning process.

I am confident that I can be an asset to your catering business and would welcome the opportunity to put my skills and experience to work for you. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Catering Assistant Resume Templates

Axolotl
Bonobo
Cormorant
Dugong
Echidna
Fossa
Gharial
Hoopoe
Indri
Jerboa
Kinkajou
Lorikeet
Numbat
Ocelot
Saola