Hiring in the restaurant industry is tough.

Between no-shows, underqualified applicants, and the never-ending rush to fill shifts, it's easy to feel like you're stuck in a hiring loop.

One of the most overlooked tools in this process is the job application form.

If you're still handing out paper forms or asking for resumes that barely tell you anything, it's time to modernize.

A well-designed restaurant job application can save you hours and help you spot quality candidates faster.

Let’s break down what makes a great application and give you a ready-to-use template that works.

Why your job application form matters

A job application form is more than just a formality. It's the first real interaction a candidate has with your business. If it's too generic, you’ll attract the wrong people.

If it’s too long or confusing, you’ll lose good ones before they even finish.

The best applications are simple, focused, and tailored to restaurant roles. A good form can help you:

• Reduce time spent on unqualified candidates
• Collect consistent, comparable info from every applicant
• Get key answers upfront about experience, availability, and certifications
• Speed up hiring by knowing who’s worth calling right away

What to include in your restaurant job application

Here’s what you should ask to get what you need, without overloading the candidate.

1. Basic Info

• Full name
• Phone number
• Email address
• Preferred method of contact

2. Position and Availability

• Which role are you applying for? (Server, cook, dishwasher, etc.)
• Are you looking for part-time or full-time work?
• When can you start?
• What days and times are you available to work?
• Are you available on weekends and holidays?

3. Work Experience

• Have you worked in a restaurant before?
• Briefly describe your most recent hospitality job
• What skills do you bring to this role?

4. Certifications (if applicable)

• Do you have a food handler’s permit?
• Do you have a valid alcohol server certification?

5. Short Answer Section
Add one or two simple questions like:

• How do you handle a difficult customer?
• Why do you want to work at our restaurant?

6. References

• Name, contact info, and relationship (optional but helpful)

7. Signature & Consent

• A basic acknowledgment that the info is accurate
• Optional: permission to contact references

How to create a simple restaurant job application template

Truffle makes it easy to go from blank page to job-ready in minutes. Here’s how to build a restaurant job application inside Truffle using their five-step process.

Step 1: Job Description

Star by singing up for a free trial. Then click "Create job." You'll need to outline the basics of your open role.

What to include:

• Job title (e.g. “Part-Time Line Cook” or “Weekend Server”)
• Department (Front of House, Back of House, Kitchen Staff, etc.)
• Employment type (Part-time, full-time, seasonal)
• Location type (On-site or hybrid)
• City and state

Tips:

• Keep the tone casual but professional
• Mention any shift details (e.g. evenings, holidays, split shifts)
• Highlight what makes your team a great place to work
• Check out our library of restaurant job descriptions

Step 2: Intake — Define your ideal candidate

The Intake section helps Truffle understand what kind of candidate you're actually looking for.

You’ll answer a few short prompts like:

• Must-have requirements (e.g. food safety certification, weekend availability, 1+ years kitchen experience)
• What you expect this person to achieve in their first few months
• Traits that make people successful on your team (like staying calm during the dinner rush)

This step helps Truffle suggest better filters and screening questions.

Step 3: Knockout Questions

Knockout questions save you hours by filtering out applicants who don’t meet the basics.

Examples for restaurants:

• Are you legally allowed to work in this country?
• Do you have a valid food handler’s card?
• Are you available to work weekends?
• Are you over 18? (If your restaurant serves alcohol)

You can choose from Truffle’s recommended questions or add your own.

Step 4: Screening Questions

These help you learn more about qualified candidates before you call them.

Best types of questions for restaurant roles:

• Why do you want to work here?
• How do you handle high-pressure situations?
• Tell us about a time you had to deal with a difficult customer.
• What does great service mean to you?

Bonus: Truffle offers audio-based responses so you can actually hear how a candidate communicates.

Step 5: Review and publish

Before you post, you can:

• Preview exactly how your application looks
• Test the audio screening flow
• Get a shareable link to embed on your website or job boards

Once published, Truffle starts screening candidates instantly and flags the best ones for review.

You can find an example restaurant job application form here.

Final thoughts

Your application form sets the tone for your restaurant's hiring process. Make it clear, respectful of the applicant’s time, and tailored to the work. That alone can help you find people who are a better fit and who actually show up.

Questions? Looking for more templates? Let us know and we’ll create more resources like this.