A server resume in Canada should show your alcohol service certificate (Smart Serve in Ontario, Serving It Right in BC, ProServe in Alberta), how many tables or guests you handled, a sales number such as average bill, the POS systems you know and that you can work evenings and weekends.
Server resume checklist
Alcohol service certificate for your province, near the top
Section size or guests per night
A sales result: average bill, specials sold, wine or dessert sales
POS systems you have used (for example Squirrel, Toast or Lightspeed)
Availability for evenings, weekends and holidays
City, phone and email. No photo, birth date or SIN
Tickets and certificates for servers
Ticket
Why it matters
How much
Smart Serve Ontario
In Ontario, anyone who sells, serves or delivers alcohol needs Smart Serve or another approved course. It lasts 5 years. Put it near the top. Source
Required by law
Serving It Right British Columbia
Serving It Right is British Columbia's mandatory training for serving alcohol. Generally, licensees, managers and servers need it. It is valid for 5 years. Source
Required by law
ProServe Alberta
In Alberta, servers, bartenders and some other staff at licensed places must get ProServe within 30 days of starting. Source
Required by law
Food Handler certificate All except British Columbia
Many kitchens hire people who already have a food handler certificate. In Ontario, every food premises must have at least one certified food handler on site during every hour it is open. In Quebec, food businesses must have staff with MAPAQ food hygiene and safety training (manager or food handler). Source
Often asked for
FOODSAFE certificate British Columbia
In British Columbia, a food business must have a FOODSAFE certified person (or an equal course) on site. Kitchens often ask for it. Source
Often asked for
Server resume example (Canada)
A one-page example you can copy. The person is fictional.
Priya Shah
Server
Toronto, ON · (416) 555-0188 · priya.shah@example.com
Summary
Server with 2 years in busy family and patio restaurants. Friendly, fast and good with regulars.
Server, Lakeview Patio, Toronto, ONApr 2024 to Present
Serve a 6-table section of up to 70 guests a night in a 140-seat restaurant.
Raised my average bill 12% by suggesting specials, drinks and desserts.
Close out cash and card payments on Lightspeed with no shortages in 2 years.
Check ID and follow Smart Serve rules for every alcohol order.
Host and food runner, Maple Diner, Toronto, ONSep 2022 to Mar 2024
Seated up to 200 guests on weekend mornings and managed the wait list.
Ran food for 3 servers and kept tables cleared and reset.
Skills
Lightspeed and Squirrel POS · Wine and cocktail basics · Allergy questions · Cash handling
Education
Ontario Secondary School Diploma, 2022
Before and after
Before
Served customers and took orders.
After
Served a 6-table section (up to 70 guests a night) and raised my average bill 12% by suggesting specials and drinks.
Before
Hard-working people person looking for any job.
After
Server with 2 years in busy family and patio restaurants. Smart Serve certified. Available evenings and weekends.
Common questions
Do servers need Smart Serve in Ontario?
Yes. Anyone who sells, serves or delivers alcohol in Ontario needs an approved course such as Smart Serve. In BC the course is Serving It Right, and in Alberta it is ProServe.
What should a server with no experience put on a resume?
Customer-facing work such as retail, cashier or volunteer events, your alcohol service certificate, your availability and any cash handling you have done.
Should I put tips on my resume?
No. Show sales instead, such as average bill or how many specials you sold. Tips are private income.
Is one page enough?
Yes. Most server resumes fit on one page.
Sources
Last updated November 14, 2026. Rules change, so check the source before you rely on it.
AGLC: Liquor Licensee Handbook (March 2026) (page dated March 26, 2026, checked November 14, 2026) AGLC's ProServe page did not load on the checked date. The rule was confirmed from AGLC's own handbook listing.