RESUME MISTAKES
Avoid These Caterer Resume Mistakes
Turn common slip‑ups into hiring opportunities with proven fixes.
How This Page Helps
Help catering professionals identify and correct resume errors that keep them from landing catering contracts or kitchen manager roles.
Spot hidden ATS blockers
Learn industry‑specific wording
See before‑and‑after examples
Apply quick formatting rules
Boost interview callbacks
Common Mistakes That Kill Your Chances
Each mistake includes why it hurts, how to fix it, and before/after examples
Missing Quantifiable AchievementsHIGH
Why it hurts
- Hiring managers can’t gauge your impact
- ATS may overlook key performance keywords
How to fix
- Add numbers for events served, guests catered, revenue growth
- Use action verbs and specific metrics
❌ Before
Managed catering events for corporate clients.
✓ After
Managed 30+ corporate catering events per month, serving up to 500 guests each, increasing client repeat rate by 25%.
ATS Tip
Include numeric keywords like 'served', 'guests', 'events', 'revenue'.
Detection Rules
No numbers or percentages
Only generic verbs present
Resumly Tip
Resumly flags missing metrics and suggests adding quantifiable data.
Listing Generic Duties Instead of Specialized SkillsMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- Fails to differentiate you from other caterers
- ATS may not match niche keywords like 'menu planning' or 'food safety compliance'
How to fix
- Replace duties with skill‑focused bullet points
- Highlight certifications (e.g., ServSafe) and specialized services (e.g., buffet setup)
❌ Before
Prepared food and served guests.
✓ After
Designed custom menus for 50+ events, ensured ServSafe compliance, and coordinated buffet setups for up to 300 guests.
ATS Tip
Use industry terms such as 'menu development', 'food safety', 'event logistics'.
Detection Rules
Bullets start with generic verbs like 'prepared', 'served' without context
Lack of industry keywords
Resumly Tip
Resumly suggests swapping generic verbs with skill‑rich phrases.
Improper Date and Location FormattingLOW
Why it hurts
- ATS may misread employment dates
- Recruiters struggle to see career timeline
How to fix
- Use consistent month/year format (MM/YYYY)
- Place city, state after company name
❌ Before
Catering Assistant – FoodCo (2019 – 2021) New York
✓ After
Catering Assistant, FoodCo – New York, NY (06/2019 – 08/2021)
ATS Tip
Standardize dates to MM/YYYY and separate location with commas.
Detection Rules
Date ranges use hyphens without months
Location not separated
Resumly Tip
Resumly auto‑formats dates and locations to ATS‑friendly style.
Using Uncommon File Types or Overly Fancy DesignMEDIUM
Why it hurts
- ATS may not parse PDFs with complex graphics
- Hiring managers may not open .pages or .odt files
How to fix
- Save as simple PDF or .docx
- Keep design clean with standard fonts
❌ Before
Resume saved as .pages with decorative borders.
✓ After
Resume saved as PDF (1‑page, Arial 11, no graphics).
ATS Tip
Stick to PDF or DOCX; avoid tables that split across pages.
Detection Rules
File extension not .pdf or .docx
Presence of decorative elements
Resumly Tip
Resumly checks file type and warns about ATS‑unfriendly layouts.
Formatting Guidelines
File Types: PDF, DOCX
Sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Key Skills, Professional Experience, Education & Certifications, Awards & References
Naming: FirstName_LastName_Caterer_Resume
Consistency
Length: 1‑2 pages, max 1,200 words
Date Format: MM/YYYY
Location Format: City, State (e.g., Chicago, IL)
Resume Quality Checklist
- Use a clear professional title (Caterer, Event Chef)
- Include quantifiable results for each role
- Incorporate catering‑specific keywords
- Format dates as MM/YYYY
- List location as City, State
- Save as PDF or DOCX without graphics
- Proofread for spelling and grammar
ATS Alignment Guide
Common ATS Systems: iCIMS, Workday, Greenhouse, Lever
Keyword Strategy: menu planning, food safety, event logistics, budget management, client relations
Heading Format: Use standard headings like 'Professional Experience' and 'Key Skills'
Quick Fix Workshop
Paste your current catering resume text below
- Add numbers to achievements
- Swap generic duties for skill‑focused bullets
- Standardize dates and locations
- Convert to ATS‑friendly PDF
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