So, the job search is on. Many people dread the process and see it as a race to the finish line where they’ll receive the prize of a job. While that should be your ultimate goal, there’s no sense in rushing it. Your CV is a great place to start and take time to figure out your core skills, which pub and restaurant job is right for you and which type of company you want to work for.

As you write the perfect CV you need think about what the recruiter is looking for and what will cause them to sort you into the no pile. CVs should display a bit of your personality, but still be professional. So you know that cringe email you made when you were 10? Don’t use it! 

First things, first - what is a hospitality CV? A hospitality CV highlights your experience and skills tailored to the fast-paced world of customer service. It’s your chance to showcase your ability to work in dynamic environments, interact with guests, and contribute to a positive team atmosphere. 

Although you won’t need a CV for our hourly roles, these tips are super helpful if you're aiming for management positions like General Managers and Head Chefs.

Here are some more dos and don’ts when writing your hospitality CV:

Do

Include why you want to work in hospitality

Ask yourself why you want a hospitality job. Maybe salt bae inspired you or you recently found your flair for whipping up recipes at home. Perhaps you just love food. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t?

Write a personal statement

Write a short paragraph at the top of your CV introducing who you are and what you can offer the company. Be clear and concise.

Include keywords

Your personal statement is the perfect place to sprinkle some keywords that the hiring manager is looking for. If you’re applying for a job in hospitality, interpersonal skills, knowledge of health and safety and quality assurance are a must. Look at the job description and pick out other keywords. 

For example, in a General Manager position, you'll want to emphasise leadership, financial management, and staff development. 

Use the STAR approach

Rather than claiming to be, “An experienced bartender with a track record of quality customer service”, back up your claims. The STAR approach will help you reveal more about your experience and give the hiring manager concrete evidence of your skills. 

Hospitality skills go beyond just serving customers - they're about creating memorable experiences through excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills help you thrive in a fast-paced environment, ensuring every guest leaves with a smile.

Explain gaps

If you have some time off between education and work where you did some casual catering work or went travelling, explain this on your CV. Simply leaving a gap might raise some eyebrows so it’s best to straighten it out and avoid any confusion.

Shout about your achievements

People tend to play down their skills and achievements, at least around their friends and family, but there’s no time for that with hiring managers. You need to talk yourself up and shout about your proudest achievements. However, it’s important to remain humble because 

84% of employers agree that they’re put off candidates who are arrogant. 

Great formatting can elevate your hospitality CV

Formatting your hospitality CV is super important because it’s the first impression you’ll make on potential employers. A well-organised CV helps your skills and experience stand out, making it easy for hiring managers to see why you’re the right fit for the role. 

In a fast-paced industry like hospitality, where attention to detail and efficiency are key, a cluttered or messy CV could send the wrong message. By keeping it clear, concise, and structured, you’ll show that you take the job seriously and are ready to bring those same skills to the workplace.

Don’t

Stuff it with buzzwords

Why is stuffing your CV with buzzwords a no go? Because they can come across as unimaginative. You may be a great team player and second-to-none when it comes to problem-solving but simply writing those on your CV looks inauthentic. Back up popular buzzwords you use with the STAR approach and think about unique words that the hiring manager won’t have skimmed over hundreds of times.

Include negatives 

If you’ve had a bad experience in a previous job or didn’t particularly enjoy the role you were in, keep the negativity out. Think about your CV as a ‘good vibes only’ space. Employers want to see what you learnt from previous jobs, not listen to you vent about what you didn’t like.

Offer irrelevant information

Sorry to break the news, but a recruiter doesn’t want to hear about your glory days as the egg and spoon champion in primary school, and probably won’t be too fazed that you know how to cook the perfect roast potato. Think of each line of your CV as "prime real estate" that should only be used for relevant skills and experience.

Lie

Even if you have very little experience, lies should be avoided at all costs. They’ll come back to bite you in the end and who wants to get a job that they didn’t earn on their own merit anyway?

Instead, focus on transferable skills from previous roles that align with the responsibilities of General Managers and Head Chefs.

Write a CV that leaves a lasting impression

Your CV needs to be original, attention-grabbing and leave the hiring manager wanting to learn more about you. If you follow these dos and don'ts when writing your hospitality CV, you’ll be sure to make a lasting impression.

Unlock rewarding careers with your standout hospitality CV

At Mitchells & Butlers, a restaurant job is more than just a job – it’s a career. 

It’s our goal to find talented and enthusiastic people who want to grow with our brand and share in our values. Whichever pub and restaurant job you choose we’ll make sure you feel a valued member of the team and get recognised for what you do.

Now you’ve learned how to whip up a great CV for the hospitality industry, find out more about the rewarding careers we can offer you at Mitchells and Butlers by browsing our general manager roles or positions in the kitchen. 

If you're interested in our bar and waiting jobs, there's no need for a CV—just apply now and let's get started!