Resume Writing Tips for Restaurant General Manager

Introduction

Securing a role as a restaurant general manager requires more than just experience and skills — it demands a compelling resume that clearly communicates your value to potential employers. Given the dynamic and fast-paced nature of restaurant management, your resume must effectively showcase your leadership capabilities, operational achievements, and ability to improve profitability while ensuring excellent customer satisfaction. Crafting such a document requires strategic focus, attention to detail, and an understanding of what recruiters seek in top candidates.

1. Resume Summary

The resume summary is your elevator pitch on paper. It should be a concise 3-4 sentence paragraph outlining your experience, key competencies, and the unique qualities you bring to the role. Use this section to immediately grab the hiring manager’s attention by highlighting your most impactful achievements and leadership philosophy.

Example: "Dynamic Restaurant General Manager with over 8 years of experience leading high-volume establishments to increased profitability and operational excellence. Skilled in team leadership, cost control, and customer satisfaction strategies that drive repeat business. Proven record of optimizing workflows to reduce labor costs by 15% while elevating service standards."

2. Key Skills

Listing key skills tailored to a restaurant general manager role helps both recruiters and ATS systems quickly identify your core competencies. Incorporate a blend of hard and soft skills that align with the job description.

• Team Leadership & Staff Development
• Inventory & Supply Chain Management
• Budgeting & Financial Analysis
• Customer Service Excellence
• Health & Safety Compliance
• Vendor Negotiations
• POS & Restaurant Management Software
• Quality Control & Food Safety
• Marketing & Promotions
• Conflict Resolution & Communication

3. Achievements

Focus on achievements rather than just listing duties. Hiring managers want to see measurable results that demonstrate your impact. Use action verbs and quantify outcomes with metrics wherever possible.

Instead of saying "Managed daily operations," write "Streamlined daily operations, increasing table turnover rate by 20%, contributing to an annual revenue increase of $500K."

4. Tailor to Job

Customize your resume for each application by incorporating keywords and skills from the job description. This not only passes ATS filters but also shows you understand the employer’s needs. Highlight relevant experience that closely matches the role’s requirements.

5. Tools

• Point of Sale (POS) Systems (e.g., Toast, Square, Micros)
• Inventory Management Software (e.g., MarketMan, Yellow Dog)
• Employee Scheduling (e.g., 7shifts, HotSchedules)
• Financial & Accounting Tools (e.g., QuickBooks, Aloha)
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Social Media Platforms for Marketing
• Food Safety & Compliance Tracking Tools
• Business Intelligence & Reporting Tools
• Performance Management Systems

6. Metrics

• Increased annual revenue by X% or $X amount
• Reduced labor costs by X% through schedule optimization
• Improved customer satisfaction scores by X points or %
• Decreased food waste by X% to improve profit margins
• Boosted employee retention rate by X% through engagement programs

7. Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field
• Relevant certifications such as ServSafe Manager, Food Safety Certifications, or Leadership Training

8. Format

• Use a clean, professional layout with clear section headings and bullet points for readability
• Keep your resume to two pages maximum, focusing on relevant and recent experience

9. Concise

Be succinct and avoid unnecessary jargon or filler words. Each bullet point should deliver clear, impactful information that contributes to your overall narrative as an effective restaurant leader.

10. Bonus

• Include a brief section for professional affiliations or volunteer work related to hospitality
• Add a link to a professional online profile or portfolio (such as LinkedIn) for additional context

Examples

• Implemented a new inventory tracking system that reduced food costs by 12% within six months.
• Led a cross-functional team of 25+ employees achieving a 95% customer service satisfaction rating consistently for two years.

Conclusion

A powerful resume for a restaurant general manager must do more than list experience — it needs to compellingly showcase your leadership, analytical skills, and tangible impact on the restaurant’s success. By focusing on achievements, relevant skills, and measurable metrics, and by tailoring your resume to each job, you significantly enhance your chances of standing out. Remember, the goal is to clearly communicate your ability to lead teams, optimize operations, and deliver exceptional customer experiences, ultimately helping your future employer thrive in a competitive market.