Resume Writing Tips for FOH Manager

Introduction

The role of a Front of House manager is pivotal in delivering excellent customer experiences and ensuring smooth restaurant or venue operations. A polished resume that clearly communicates your skills, achievements, and value to prospective employers is essential. Given the competitive nature of the hospitality industry, a weak or generic resume could mean missed opportunities. This detailed guide will walk you through key elements to include and how to present your professional background to stand out effectively.

1. Resume Summary

Your resume summary should serve as a concise snapshot of who you are as a FOH manager and what you bring to the table. It needs to immediately grab the hiring manager’s attention by outlining your key strengths, experience, and how you can solve their challenges.

Example: “Dynamic Front of House Manager with over 7 years’ experience leading high-volume restaurants to superior customer satisfaction and operational excellence. Proven ability to increase revenue by streamlining staff workflows, managing vendor relationships, and enhancing guest engagement.”

2. Key Skills

Highlighting relevant skills is vital for both the human reader and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Focus on a combination of managerial, interpersonal, and technical skills that define a strong FOH manager.

• Team Leadership & Staff Training
• Customer Service Excellence
• Conflict Resolution & Problem Solving
• Sales & Revenue Optimization
• Inventory & Vendor Management
• Scheduling & Labor Cost Control
• Point of Sale (POS) Systems
• Health & Safety Compliance
• Event Coordination
• Data-Driven Decision Making

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

While listing responsibilities shows what you were expected to do, quantifiable achievements demonstrate the impact you made. Focus your bullet points on measurable results that highlight your leadership and problem-solving capabilities.

Example Achievement: “Increased average table turnover rate by 15% within 6 months by implementing new seating strategies and staff training programs.”

4. Tailor to Job

Customize your resume for each job application. Analyze the job description and mirror the language and key requirements in your resume. This increases your chances of passing ATS scans and catching the recruiter’s attention. Focus on the most relevant experiences and skills for the specific FOH manager role.

5. Tools

• Oracle MICROS
• Toast POS
• Square POS
• QuickBooks
• Excel (for scheduling and budgeting)
• 7shifts (staff scheduling software)
• OpenTable reservation system
• SevenRooms (guest experience management)
• HotSchedules
• Harri (hospitality workforce management)

6. Metrics

• Percentage increase in customer satisfaction scores (e.g., +20% improvement)
• Revenue growth or sales uplift (e.g., $200K annual sales increase)
• Staff turnover reduction rates (e.g., decreased by 10%)
• Average table turnover rate improvements (e.g., from 40 to 46 tables per shift)
• Labor cost savings (e.g., reduced overtime expenses by 15%)

7. Education

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field
• Certifications such as ServSafe, Certified Food Safety Manager, or Leadership training programs

8. Format

• Use clean, professional fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri) and clear section headings
• Employ bullet points for easy scanning and keep margins uniform (0.5–1 inch)

9. Concise

Keep your resume focused, typically two pages maximum. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences. Prioritize the most impactful information and remove redundant details.

10. Bonus

• Include a professional LinkedIn profile link or online portfolio to provide additional context
• Use action verbs like “led,” “implemented,” “accelerated,” and “optimized” to create dynamic bullet points

Examples

• “Led a team of 15 FOH staff to achieve monthly upselling targets, increasing beverage sales by 25%.”
• “Implemented a digital reservation system, reducing booking errors by 30% and improving guest satisfaction.”li>

Conclusion

As a Front of House manager, your resume should clearly demonstrate your leadership abilities, operational expertise, and analytical skills through tangible achievements. By creating an optimized, tailored resume that highlights your impact on guest satisfaction, revenue growth, and team performance, you increase your chances of standing out in a competitive job market. Remember, your resume is more than a list of duties — it’s your personal brand story that convinces employers you’re the strategic leader they need at their front door.