resume summary examples for bartender

Build my resume

• Build a better resume in minutes
• Resume examples
• 2,000+ examples that work in 2024
• Resume templates
• 184 free templates for all levels
• Cover letters
• Cover letter generator
• It's like magic, we promise
• Cover letter examples
• Free downloads in Word & Docs

9 Bartender Resume Examples That Work in 2024

Best for senior and mid-level candidates

There’s plenty of room in our elegant resume template to add your professional experience while impressing recruiters with a sleek design.

Resume Builder

Like this template? Customize this resume and make it your own with the help of our Al-powered suggestions, accent colors, and modern fonts.

Bartender Resume

• Bartender Resumes by Experience
• Bartender Resumes by Role
• Event Bartender Resumes

You can serve a drink with the best of them. No matter the customer, you can strike up a conversation like you’re the best of buddies.

No doubt, you’re skilled in what you do; you shouldn’t also have to be an expert at  creating a resume  or writing an effective cover letter to prove that.

Nothing is worse when you’re applying for bartender jobs than staring at a blank  resume template .

We’re here to eliminate any confusion and provide some logical guidance with our  nine bartender resume samples and tips that have actually worked in 2024 to help bartender pros like you land jobs .

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• On your bartender resume, most likely you shouldn’t bother with a  resume objective . Consider one if you’re undergoing a career change into bartending or if you can customize it for each role you’re applying for.
• All customer experience is relevant on your resume when you’re a bartender. You can make your experience on your bartender resume relevant by focusing on the people. Your ability to handle conflict, strike up pleasant conversations, and ensure guest satisfaction is exactly what will win the day.
• Did you have the opportunity to coach junior staff or other service staff during your tenure as a bartender? Any sort of leadership experience will  help your resume stand out  among the hundreds of other applicants for the bartender roles you’re applying to.

Entry-Level Bartender Resume

• Bartending experience is not vital to helping you land an entry-level bartending role. Rather, it’s much more important to your entry-level bartender resume that you have some serious people skills.
• You can learn the tools and tricks of the trade on the job as a bartender, but what can’t be taught is the ability to interact with customers of all stripes.
• For example, if the  job description  repeatedly mentions “customer service” or “people first,” then be sure to list those as skills, so long as they honestly describe you.

Experienced Bartender Resume

• For example, try writing your work experience bullet points with action verbs like “led,” “exceeded,” and “provided” to display leadership.
• When applying for a senior bartending role, leadership experience will help you stand out among other applicants and improve your chances of getting an initial interview.
• Don’t get carried away, but choosing a complementary accent color might be the perfect touch. We’ve got a nice selection to choose from in our  resume tool .

Server Bartender Resume Example

• An effective way to showcase your talent and understanding of the two roles is to weave your skills throughout your work experience bullet points.
• In addition to highlighting your skills, present your content like a pro with a  stylish resume template  for a successful first impression.
• In step with this knowledge, your  resume should be formatted  with education taking up less space as work experience increases. 

Bartender Mixologist Resume

• Don’t make employers scour for your information . If they can’t find what they’re seeking at first glance, they may not glance again at your mixologist resume .
• You can make important features stand out by using contrasting fonts or small pops of color. And be consistent in your  resume format  for each work experience!
• Whenever possible, add numbers to demonstrate your impact as a mixologist. While not always easy, it will always be worth it. Seeing hard numbers helps the hiring manager conjure a tangible depiction of what you can do.

Theatre Concessions Lead Bartender Resume

• Place education, skills, certifications, and relevant hobbies in a column beside your experience section to continuously draw the reader’s attention to selling points that make up for the limited experience.
• Also, use increasingly energetic and knowledgeable language to describe new achievements.
• For example, mention the expanding customer headcounts you served or the larger volumes of stock you managed, and highlight your advancement by introducing fresh skills with each job.

Nightclub Bartender Resume

• Nightclubs are high-volume environments that demand high levels of service. Adding a career objective to a nightclub bartender resume is an effective way to make a case for your competency.

Banquet Bartender Resume

• Highlight your certifications in Responsible Serving or Health and Safety to emphasize professionalism on your banquet bartender resume.

Event Bartender Resume

• For example, if you’ve worked in high-end fashion events, you can showcase those kinds of  skills on your resume . Conversely, if you’ve worked events for programmers, demonstrate your flexibility to bartend for an entirely different crowd (nerdy audience?).
• Flexibility is key as an event bartender!
• We suggest the reverse-chronological  resume format , which strategically lists your most current and probably most relevant work history at the top, followed by older experience.

Related resume guides

• Bartender cover letter
• Food Service Worker

Land your next job with our AI-powered, user-friendly tool.

Gut the guesswork in your job hunt. Upload your existing resume to check your score and make improvements. Build a resume with one of our eye-catching, recruiter-friendly templates.

• Work in real-time with immediate feedback and tips from our AI-powered experience. • Leverage thousands of pre-written, job-specific bullet points. • Edit your resume in-line like a Google Doc or let us walk you through each section at a time. • Enjoy peace of mind with our money-back guarantee and 5-star customer support.

Resume Checker Resume Builder

Bartender Resume - Examples & Writing Guide for 2024

You take orders all night long. You serve delicious drinks to your thirsty customers.

But now a new order has come in – a bartender resume!

However, a well-written resume doesn’t flow from a tap.

How do you write a bartender resume, anyway?

Well, just follow this step-by-step guide.

• An example of a finished bartender resume that works
• How to write a bartender resume that’ll fill up your interview diary
• How to make your bartender resume stand out [with top tips & tricks]

Looking for a job in the service industry, but not as a bartender? Here's other resume examples that might be helpful for your job hunt :

• Barista Resume
• Bar and Restaurant Manager Resume
• Waiter Resume
• Server Resume
• Cashier Resume
• Customer Service Resume
• Event Planner Resume
• Receptionist Resume
• Volunteer Resume

How to Format a Bartender Resume

Before the hiring manager can be served, you need to prepare the bar!

But what do we mean by this?

Well, before you start writing, you need to choose a format.

The most common resume format for bartenders is “ reverse-chronological ”, and it’s one that we always recommend.

Essentially, this format puts your most recent and notable achievements up-top, which allows the hiring manager to immediately see the benefits in hiring you. We recommend all bartenders start with this format.

The following two resume formats can also be used:

• Functional Resume – If you’re confident in your bar skills, but haven’t worked in a bar environment, this resume format is recommended for you. You see, a functional resume focuses on the skills you have, not your experience. 
• Combination Resume – Worked in a bar before, which allowed you to perfect your skills? Then you’ll prefer this format. Specifically, the format combines both “Functional” and “Reverse-Chronological” formats.

Once you’ve chosen the correct format for your situation, you need to organize set a few resume layout rules.

For a professional bartender resume, we recommend this layout:

• Margins - One-inch margins on all sides
• Font - A font that stands out, but remains professional
• Font Size - Use a 11-12pt font size for normal text and 14-16pt for headers
• Line Spacing - Use 1.0 or 1.15 line spacing
• Resume Length - Try and stick to a 1-page limit. For guidance, view these one-page resume templates .

Use a Bartender Resume Template

Now, if you have already started your resume, there’s a good chance you’re doing it via a Word document.

Although it’s a great program for simple documents, Word is far from the best tool creating resumes that look professional.

You see, Word isn’t the best for holding structure.

In fact, one small change can cause the whole document to fall apart!

To remove the headache and hours of frustration, use a bartender resume template.

What to Include in a Bartender Resume

Like a Gin & Tonic, keep your bartender resume simple.

The main sections in a bartender resume are:

• Work Experience
• Contact Information

To really impress the hiring manager, you can also add these optional sections:

• Awards & Certification

Interests & Hobbies

So those are the sections you need, but what do you write for each of them? 

Let’s find out!

Want to learn more about each of the different sections? View our guide on What to Put on a Resume .

How to Correctly Display your Contact Information

Now, this section is pretty straightforward, but it does require one thing…

Get this section wrong, and the recruiter may end up calling a very confused pensioner! 

The contact information section must include:

• Title - Align this to the role you’re applying for, so “Bartender”
• Phone Number - Check this number carefully 
• Email Address - Keep your email professional ([email protected]), not like that email from your younger days ([email protected]).
• (Optional) Location - Applying for a job abroad? Mention your location.
• Paul Duke, Bartender 101-358-6095. [email protected]
• Paul Duke, Bar King. 101-358-6095. [email protected]

How to Write a Bartender Resume Summary or Objective

Bars are always on the lookout for more staff.

But this fact has only led to an increase in competition.

And with so many applying people for the jobs – the bar is high.

In fact, recruiters receive SO MANY resumes, that they are forced to spend just a few seconds on each resume.

Yes, that’s correct!

Although frightening, this fact highlights the importance of catching the recruiter’s attention.

To do this, use a resume summary or objective .

As a bartender, you know that a friendly first impression is important. Similarly, both resume summaries and objectives can be thought of in the same way. They are short paragraphs that introduce your resume.

They are both opening paragraphs, so what is the difference between a summary and an objective?

A resume summary is a 2-4 sentence summary of your most notable bar experiences and achievements.

• Experienced bartender with more than four years of bar experience providing personable service at various bars across Brooklyn. Awarded “Employee of the Year” in both 2018 and 2019. Seeking a bartender role at XYZ BAR, where my service skills and beverage knowledge can be leveraged to achieve the highest quality of service at your establishment. 

A resume objective is a 2-4 sentence paragraph of your goals and aspirations.

• Enthusiastic and friendly cocktail-lover looking for a bartender role at BAR XYZ. Passionate about keeping customers happy and satisfied. Relevant experience includes serving groups of customers at a local restaurant. Skilled in POS, beverage serving, and maintaining a tidy bar.

So, should a member of bar staff use a summary or an objective?

Generally, those who have experience working as a bartender should choose a resume summary. An objective is ideal if you have the necessary skills, but haven’t worked as a bartender before. 

How to Make Your Bartender Work Experience Stand Out

Bars love nothing more than a bartender who has “been there and done it”.

As such, your work experience section is the best chance to impress.

Here’s how to structure your work experience section:

• Position name
• Company Name
• Responsibilities & Achievements

The White Oak

06/2017 – 05/2020

• Served drinks to hundreds of people every night during 10+ hour shifts
• Educated customers on the drinks and cocktail menus
• Always communicated with a personal, yet professional tone, which helped me to win “Employee of the year” for both 2018 and 2019

As you can see, the above example focuses on the applicant’s best achievements. This allows the recruiter to see the benefits to hiring this applicant.

Instead of saying:

“Drink server”

“Served drinks to hundreds of people every night during 10+ hour shifts”

Bars need employees they can rely on. So it’s a smart idea to show that you’re a hardworking applicant who can cope with long shifts.

What if You Don’t Have Any Relevant Bar Experience?

Maybe you’re still at university, and looking for your first bartender job?

Or maybe, you have experience with serving customers, but never in a bar?

Whatever the situation, the hiring manager needs someone they can trust. 

With that said, just because you’ve never worked as a bartender, doesn’t mean you lack the relevant skills and experiences to be a bartender!

You just need to show that you have the bar skills and that you’re keen to learn.

For example, if you’ve worked as a barista in a coffee shop, you can talk about any crossover skills and experiences. Just like a bartender, you would need to be able to deal with groups of people, operate a cash machine, and have a positive attitude. 

Use Action Words to Make Your Bartender Resume POP!

Imagine you’re the hiring manager for a minute.

And you’re forced to read the same generic resumes, one after another.

However, the hiring manager’s pain is your gain .

You see, you can make your resume stand out by using some power words :

• Conceptualized
• Spearheaded

How to Correctly List your Education

Now, you don’t need a degree to work as a bartender.

But that doesn’t mean you should skip this section.

In fact, all you need to do is enter your education history in the follow format:

• Degree Type & Major
• University Name
• Years Studied
• GPA, Honours, Courses, and anything else you might want to add

B.A in Bar Management

Boston Institute of Culinary Arts

• Relevant Modules : Bar Management, Drink Pairing, Bar Operations, Food Service Fundamentals, and Bar Inventory and Supply Chain]

Now, you don’t need a higher education to be a bartender, so you may have a few questions in regards to this section. Here are the answers to some of the most frequent questions that we get:

• What if I haven’t finished my current education yet?

No big deal. Simply mention the courses you have completed to date.

• Should I include my high school education?

Generally, you should only include your highest form of education. If that happens to be a high school diploma, then list it.

• What do I put first, my education or experience?

For a bartender role, your experiences always come first.

Need more advice? Check out our guide on how to list education on a resume .

Top 12 Skills for a Bartender Resume

Whether you’re a cocktail-craftsman or able to handle 15-drink orders, the hiring manager will want to know.

This is the place for boasting about your most notable skills.

But is there anything specific that the hiring managers want to see?

Well, yes. 

You can look at the job ad to identify which specific skills the bar is looking for.

Here are some of the most common bartender skills:

Hard Skills for a Bartender:

• Math (basic calculations)
• POS & cash register 
• Cocktail making
• Food and wine pairing
• Health and hygiene protocols 
• Barware and bar utensils
• Maintenance of a tidy bar

Soft Skills for a Bartender:

• Personable and friendly 
• Endurance (long hours)
• Team player
• Memory and recall
• Conflict resolution
• Don’t get too confident with the soft skills. You see, the recruiter will likely ask for examples of when you have displayed the skill listed. As such, only include skills that you actually posses.

Here’s a more comprehensive list of 150+ must-have skills this year .

What Else Can You Include in a Bartender Resume?

Boom! You should now have nailed all of the essential sections.

But don’t call final-orders just yet. 

Your bartenders resume needs to stand out!

Just like a slice of fruit on top of your cocktail, these optional sections can make a significant difference to the end result – whether you get the job or not!

Awards & Certifications

Have you ever won an employee of the month award?

Have you completed any third-party courses, like those on coursera?

Whatever it is, sing it loudly in your resume!

Here’s a quick example:

Awards & Certificates

• “Learning How to Learn” - Coursera Certificate 
• “Employee of the Year 2019” - The White Duck

Applying to a French wine bar?

Then being fluent in French is a good way to shortcut your resume to the top of the pile.

Whether a specific language is required or not, being able to speak multiple languages is impressive – and no one can argue with that!

Rank the languages by proficiency:

• Intermediate

Now, you may be wondering, “how is my love of dancing related to my work as a bartender?”

Well, it allows the hiring manager to learn more about WHO you are. 

So, if you want to show that you’ll be a good addition to the bar staff, make sure to list your personal interests and hobbies. 

Here are some hobbies & interests you may want to mention.

Include a Cover Letter with Your Resume

Want an application that stands out?

Then you should write a convincing cover letter.

You see, a resume is vital for giving the important information.

But nothing speaks to a recruiter like a well-written cover letter.

Do it correctly, and you can become an unforgettable candidate.

Oh, and cover letters show that you care about working for their bar.

Here’s a winning structure:

Your cover letter should include the following sections…

Personal Contact Information

Include your full name, profession, phone number, email, and address 

Hiring Manager’s Contact Information

Include their full name, position, location, email

Opening Paragraph

To hook the hiring manager, you need an opening paragraph that steals their attention. Use concise language to mention:

• The position you’re applying for
• Your experience summary and best achievement to date

Once you’ve got their attention, you can delve further into the following specifics...

• Why you chose this specific bar
• What you know about the bar culture
• How your skills will be beneficial to the bar
• If there are any similar establishments you have worked in before

Closing Paragraph

Avoid ending the conversation abruptly, you should:

• Conclude the main points of your letter
• Thank the hiring manager for their time and the opportunity
• End with a call to action. This is a great way to take the conversation further. A simple “At your earliest opportunity, I’d love to discuss more about how I can help BAR XYZ” will work.

Formal Salutations

Although the cover letter should have a personal touch, the letter should end in a professional manner. A simple “Kind regards” or “Sincerely” will work a charm.

For extra advice and inspiration, read our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter .

Key Takeaways

Because if you follow the steps in this guide, you’re about to become a bartender!

Let’s total up what we’ve consumed today:

• Choose the best format for your specific situation. We recommend the reverse-chronological format and then following the best practices on the layout
• Hook the recruiter with a brief resume summary or objective
• Highlight your most relevant and notable work experiences rather than your bar duties
• Match your resume with a convincing cover letter to stand out

Suggested reading:

• How to Make a Barista Resume in 2024 [Examples + Guide]
• How to Create a Combination Resume [Examples + Template]
• 101+ Achievements to List On Your Resume [In 2024]

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

• Knowledge Base
• Free Resume Templates
• Resume Builder
• Resume Examples
• Free Resume Review

Click here to directly go to the complete bartender resume sample.

How to create a perfect bartender resume?

You mix drinks with the flair of a rockstar but you write resumes with the expertise of a 5-year-old.

If this sounds anything like you, it’s time to flip the page and level up.

Just like how you assess the customer's preferences and recommend a drink, your bartender's resume must be drafted based on the needs and requirements of the recruiter.

Read on to learn more about how to create a bartender resume and the following related FAQs:

• What are the roles and responsibilities of a bartender
• How to write a bartender resume?
• How to write a perfectly professional experience section for a bartender resume?
• How to create the skills section for bartender resumes?
• How to write a perfect bartender resume summary?

Bartender Roles and Responsibilities

Before you begin writing your bartender resume, you must understand the general duties of a bartender.

We all know that bartenders prepare and serve drinks to customers but what else does this job entail?

Given below are some of the common bartender duties:

• Preparing alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages for customers
• Interacting with customers while taking and serving orders
• Planning and curating the bar menu and cocktail recipes
• Checking customers’ identification to ensure they are of legal drinking age
• Maintaining bar inventory and restocking supplies
• Delivering excellent customer experience to help create pleasant experiences
• Ensuring compliance with local and state food & beverage regulations
• Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene of the bar area
• Handling monetary transactions and maintaining an accurate record of the same in the cash register

Always ensure to refer to the responsibilities given in the job listing to tailor your resume accordingly.

Also read: What is the job description of a bartender?

How to Write a Bartender Resume?

To streamline the process of drafting a compelling bartender resume, you must create your resume in stages.

Here's the breakdown:

Master Bartender Resume

The master resume stage is the first stage in writing resumes.

Compile all your work-related information and write them down in one place - a master file.

Relevant or irrelevant, old or new, don’t leave out any information about your career trajectory so far.

Following this approach facilitates easy recollection of information, ensures you don’t miss out on any detail, and streamlines the process of choosing details you need to include in your bartender resume for now and for future updates as well.

Bartender Resume - First Draft

The second stage of resume writing involves making the first draft of your resume.

Given below is the list of sections that you should compose as part of the first draft stage of resume-writing:

• Personal information
• Profile title
• Work experience
• Certification
• Awards & recognition
• Additional information

You must refer to the job listing to determine which information from your master file needs to be included in each of these sections.

Bartender Resume - Final Draft

In the final stage, you have to compose the following sections:

Key skills section: To write this section objectively, all you have to do is pick out your core skills from the professional experience section of your bartending resume.

Summary or objective section: The resume summary or objective is the last and final thing that you should compose while writing your bartending resume. If you have worked for 3 years and above, write a bartender resume summary. If you haven’t, write a server bartender resume objective instead.

Also read: What are the top interview Q&As for bartender jobs?

Bartender Resume Format

There are 3 types of resume formats when it comes to curating resumes:

• Reverse Chronological Resume Format
• Functional Resume Format
• Combination/Hybrid Resume Format

And although there is no such thing as one format fits all, the most commonly used resume format is the reverse chronological resume format.

This format presents your most recent work experience first, followed by the older ones, and makes your resume easy to read.

Being an ATS (Applicant Tracking Software is used by the majority of companies to select the most relevant resumes for a vacancy) targeted format, also helps your resume rank high in the ATS and helps you get shortlisted.

Also read: What is the best way to format your resume in 2022?

Bartender Resume Header and Personal Infomation

The top section of your bartender resume is called the header.

And as a rule of thumb, the resume header must be your full name with a font size of 16-20 points. If you have a middle name, initialize it.

Take a look at the following snapshot of bartender resume header as an example:

Right below your resume header comes the section for your personal details.

The personal information section is a small but very resourceful element of your bartending resume. If you get this wrong, you might never hear from the recruiter irrespective of how perfect your resume is.

Your personal details must include:

• A reachable mobile number (with ISD code and a “+” sign before the number)
• A professional email address (preferably your full name)
• Location (city and state)
• A link to your online portfolio/website

Hiration Pro Tip : Do not mention details of your marital status, political inclinations, religious beliefs, race, and sex to avoid any biased judgment.

Also read: How to create a great resume header?

Profile Title for Bartender Resume

The profile title of your resume should be your current designation/job profile.

It is the second-largest text in your resume with a font size of 14-16 points.

Take a look at the following snapshot to see how you must write your profile title:

Professional Experience Section for Bartender Resume

The professional experience section of your bartender resume is a vital part of your resume as it showcases your skills and expertise in action.

While drafting this section, ensure that you follow the given guidelines:

• Describe your roles and responsibilities in the form of bullet points using the STAR format
• Use grouping & highlighting to draw the recruiters’ attention to key details
• Use power verbs to begin your sentences and use achievement figures

The STAR format stands for Situation (the background of the task assigned to you), Task (the task that was assigned to you, Action (the strategy you used to handle the assigned task and Results (the result of your action)

This format highlights the cause-effect relationship of the work that you have done in a concise yet impactful manner.

When you utilize this format to frame your bullet points, it highlights the cause-effect relationship of the work that you did in a concise yet impactful manner.

Here’s how it works:

"As part of my roles & responsibilities at Black Fish Steakhouse, I was in charge of processing & delivering orders from multiple customers in a highly charged, high-pressure environment. I also recommended drink alternatives regularly to accomplish the task of making sales of cocktails averaging $5,000 per week. I also delivered high-quality customer service by recommending & serving the best beverages to our customers. Bu deploying extensive knowledge of fine wine and whiskey, I was also able to attract and retain high-end customers who kept coming back for more. Additionally, I catered & resolved customer queries and served a delightful cocktail mix to over 100 customers daily".

• Processed & delivered orders from multiple customers in a high-pressure environment
• Recommended alternatives to successfully sell cocktails averaging $5,000 per week
• Steered the delivery of high-quality customer service by recommending & serving the best beverages
• Attracted & retained high-end customers by deploying extensive knowledge of fine wine and whiskey
• Catered & resolved customer queries and served delightful cocktail mix to 100+ customers daily

As you can see, in the first example, the bulky paragraph doesn’t make much of an impact and it rather seems boring to read.

While in the second example, the information is delivered concisely and compellingly.

Grouping & Highlighting in your Bartender Resume

While framing points is a good approach in terms of summarizing your roles & responsibilities, it isn’t enough.

By highlighting your key achievements and grouping similar points under a single bucket, you can enhance the readability of your resume and impress the recruiters more.

Here are two examples:

• Catered & resolved customer queries and served delightful cocktail mix to 100+ customers on a daily basis

Customer Servicing & Relationship Management

You see both examples are readable, but example 2 is easier to comprehend. It also eliminates the need to read each point, one after another.

Take a look at the following snapshot of an ideal professional experience section of a bartender resume:

Also read: How to add work experience in a resume?

Bartender Resume Education Section

The education section of your bartender resume consists of the following elements:

• School/university you have attended
• Courses you have pursued
• Location of your school/university
• Enrollment and graduation dates in the month and year format

If you have a GPA of 3.5 and higher, you can mention the same like in the following sample:

Also read: How to list education on your resume?

Bartender Resume Certification Section

Mentioned below is a list of things that should go in the certifications section of your resume for bartender jobs:

• Name of the certification course you have pursued
• Name of the certifying institute
• Location of the institute
• Enrollment and completion date of the course in a month and year format

Bartender Resume Key Skills Section

When a recruiter goes through your resume, the key skills section is the first thing that they notice.

The recruiter might not even bother to go through the rest of your resume if you don’t have the requisite skills. Hence the importance of highlighting the keywords that you can pick from the job listing in the key skills section of your bartender resume.

Mentioned below is a list of bartender resume skills that you can add in your key skills section if they stand true to you:

• Cocktail knowledge
• Cocktail mixing
• Knowledge of food and beverages
• Drink recommendations
• Order processing
• Hygiene & Sanitation
• Safety & compliance

Take a look at the following sample of the key skills section in a bartender resume:

Also read: What skills should you put in your resume?

Bartender Resume Summary

Your bartender resume summary is a written testament to your skills and capabilities as a professional in 2-3 lines .

It is a short statement of your past achievements, roles & responsibilities in all the organizations that you have worked for.

So here are a few hacks to help you curate the perfect bartender resume summary:

• Write your bartending resume summary at the end after concluding the rest of your resume
• Pick the key achievements of your career from the work experience section of your resume and include them in your resume summary
• Use the keywords that the recruiter has used in the job listing
• Write a bartender resume objective if you have less than 3 years of work experience

Given below is an example of a bartender resume summary:

Also read: How to become an expert at writing resume summaries?

Bartender Resume Sample

• Processed & delivered orders from multiple customers in a high pressure environment
• Steered the delivery of high quality customer service by recommending & serving the best beverages
• Trained a team of 3 junior servers regarding bar rules and quality standards
• Assisted in administrative tasks such as taking calls & managing financial transactions
• Ensured 100% compliance with the health and safety procedures of the steakhouse chain
• Facilitated back-end bar operations including negotiations with vendors and supply management
• Serviced 50+ customers on a daily basis as part of processing orders, serving food and offering wine/beverages
• Interfaced closely with the senior bartender to learn the art of preparing , pouring and mixing drinks
• Consistently coordinated with 5+ chefs to improve the menu as per the feedback of the guests

Key Takeaways

• Write the dates in month and year format in your bartending resume.
• Write the location in city/state format if you are applying for a job in the same country.
• Use reverse chronology order in your resume for bartender jobs.
• Write the location in city/country format if you are applying for a job in another country.
• Highlight your bartender resume skills in the skills section of your resume.
• The professional experience section of your bartender resume should be framed in one-liners .
• Begin all the points in your work experience section with a power verb .
• Use power verbs in the past tense for past profiles/projects.
• Use power verbs in the present continuous tense for present profiles and projects.
• Use grouping & highlighting points to perfect the professional experience section of your resume for bartenders.
• Write a bartender resume objective if you have less than 3 years of work experience.

If you want to build a stellar bartender resume without breaking a sweat, use Hiration’s AI-powered resume builder with 24/7 chat support.

You can also reach out to us at [email protected] and get professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries.

Share this blog

Subscribe to Free Resume Writing Blog by Hiration

Get the latest posts delivered right to your inbox

Stay up to date! Get all the latest & greatest posts delivered straight to your inbox

Is Your Resume ATS Friendly To Get Shortlisted?

Upload your resume for a free expert review.

Home / Resume Examples / Bartender Resume Sample

Bartender Resume Example and Guide

The food and beverage industry was the worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Despite that setback, employment of bartenders is projected to increase by 18 percent between 2021 and 2031. If you're eyeing a job behind the bar, a strong resume brings you a step closer to getting the job.

The average salary of a bartender in the United States is $23,085, according to Salary.com . Salaries can range from $17,403 to $31,410 and depend on your expertise and experience.

By tailoring your resume to match the bar industry requirements, you stand a better chance of beating the competition and securing an interview. So, how do you show your potential employer that you're the right candidate for the job?

Below, you’ll find a professional bartender resume example to inspire you . In addition, you’ll learn how to write a resume from scratch and ensure it passes the ( Applicant Tracking System ) ATS screening.

Important tip : Learn how to create a cover letter to accompany the resume. Recruiters are more likely to read a resume if you include a cover letter in your application.

How to Write a Bartender Resume

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to craft a perfect bartender resume.

1. Format Your Resume

Before you start writing, you must first decide on a resume format and resume layout to use. There are three main resume layouts:

• Chronological resume
• Functional resume
• Combination/hybrid resume

The layout you select will be determined by your experience level.

For instance, if you have several years of experience under your belt, like in our example, the chronological resume is the best layout. Not only does it allow you to highlight your work experience, it is ideal if you’re applying for a job in your industry. Moreover, the layout is applicable if you don’t have significant work history gaps.

If you’re fresh out of college with no work experience, a functional resume is ideal since it lets you highlight your skills.

The hybrid or combination resume combines both layouts. That is, it lets you display your professional work experience and specific skills in your field. Use this layout if you are a highly skilled and experienced professional or intend to change careers.

Once you choose the layout, the next step is to create the ideal resume layout structure. A standard resume outline will contain:

• Professional summary : a short paragraph that captures a summary of your qualifications and achievements
• Skills : a list of relevant skills to demonstrate your abilities
• Work history : a detailed employment history, duties, and responsibilities in bullet-point format
• Certification : a list of all bartender-relevant licenses and certification
• Education : a summary of your education history
• Additional section : any other relevant skills, like languages and awards

The sections are interchangeable, depending on the resume layout you pick. The other consideration when writing your bartender resume is the format. Here are a few things you should know:

• Keep the margins at one-inch on all sides.
• Font size and type. Choose a universal font like Calibri or Cambria and use the standard size, which is 12.
• Use different formats like italics, bold and uppercase to emphasize specific details.
• Your resume length should be one page.
• Use 1.0 or 1.15 line spacing.
• Use white spaces in plenty – it’s easy for the eyes.

2. Write a Bartender Resume Career Summary or Objective

Keep in mind that, a job posting attracts hundreds of applications , and recruiters won't have the time to go over all the applications. Therefore, you want to write a summary that will motivate the hiring manager to spend more time on your resume.

The professional summary is the opening paragraph that summarizes your most notable experiences and achievements.

Use the space to indicate how long you’ve worked in your career and what you can offer.

If you don’t have work experience, write an objective for your bartender's resume. The objective focuses on your goals, aspirations, and skills rather than experience.

3. Describe Your Bartender Skills

The recruiter will want to know what you're capable of before they get to hire you. So, before you list your skills, go back to the job ad to check the company’s requirements. That way, you can better match your skills to those requirements.

The most common, bartender job skills include:

• Interpersonal communication skills
• Time management skills
• Multi-tasking
• Active listener
• Customer service
• Excellent memory
• Leadership skills
• Good organization skills
• Attention to detail
• Cash handling
• Beverage knowledge
• Cocktail making
• Food and beverage pairing

Keep the skills short and list no more than 10 skills that match the bartender job description.

4. Work Experience Section

Keep in mind that the hiring manager will skim through your resume. Therefore, your best approach is to list your employment history in reverse-chronological order . That way, you get to neatly display the relevant work experience, starting with the most recent.

It's essential to first start with the title of the position you held, followed by the name of the company where you worked. Next, indicate the start and end dates of your employment with the company. If you're still working here, indicate “Present” instead of the end date.

Finally, describe, in detail, your job responsibilities in bullet-point format. This makes it easier for the employer to scan and learn more about your background as a bartender. Mention your achievements, as well, so the recruiter can see what benefits you’ll bring to the business.

Remember, most recruiters use the ATS to screen resumes . Therefore, add the most relevant keywords to your descriptions so that they can be picked by the system. That is why we insist you keep referring to the job ad to know the correct keywords to use.

In addition, use action words like cleaned, stocked, prepared, served, greeted, maintained, and so on. These words describe what you actually did rather than what you were responsible for.

Another secret to help you win the job is to quantify your achievements using numbers , thus making them measurable.

5. Certification

In the food and beverage industry, certifications are mandatory. These will vary from one state and locality to another. For example, in Illinois, you must acquire the Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education Training (BASSET) to be allowed to sell and/or serve alcohol.

You must also obtain a state-approved Food Handlers Card, also known as a food handler certificate. You’ll need to check with your local and state administration to ensure you possess all the legal documents required to sell and serve drinks in a restaurant.

6. List Your Education Correctly

It may seem like a no-brainer to display your education level, but it's not that black and white. You must know how to make it work for your bartender's resume. The most crucial thing is relevance.

If you have the relevant bartending experience, there’s no need to include high school on your resume. Simply list the highest form of education. If you haven’t completed your current education, mention the course, and expected date of completion.

What if I don’t have bartending experience? Nothing to worry about. Make your resume shine by listing the relevant coursework and academic achievements under education.

The correct format for listing your academic history is as follows:

• Degree type and Major
• University name
• Year of graduation
• GPA, honors, courses

Here’s an example:

• Bar Management
• Food Service Fundamentals
• Customer Service and Bar Etiquette
• Cocktail Preparation (incl. garnish and presentation)
• Liquor regulation and legal implications
• Bar inventory and supply chain
• Drink pairing

7. Additional Section

Have any awards, other relevant certifications, languages, interests, or hobbies? Use them to garnish your bartender resume to make it stand out. If you have membership in professional associations, they could win you extra points.

The additional section of your resume offers you room to add things that may double your chances of landing an interview.

Key Takeaways

Bartending is a creative and people-focused job, and you should design your resume to reflect those attributes. Keep your resume to one page and choose the best resume template that suits your career level the most.

Remember to always refer to the job description so you can customize the resume to match the specific company requirements. Most importantly, match your resume with an attention-grabbing cover letter to increase your chances of getting hired.

Bartender cover letter

• • Provided excellent customer service at events ranging from 25 to 150 patrons
• • Named "Employee of the Month" just after 4 months from joining
• • Managed money while crafting cocktails in a high volume environment with 300 clients
• • Developed 2 craft cocktails later implemented on the menu
• • Organized various pub-themed parties for different occasions which were very helpful for the revenue of the bar raising it by 20-30%
• • Served an average of 150 customers in a busy hour with complete accuracy
• • Increased the permanent customers of the restaurant with 10% by my custom cocktail called "Diablo"
• • Worked effectively within a team of 3 bartenders in busy conditions
• • Coordinated 20+ truck drivers in 4 continents
• • Input daily trip information into computer systems, while checking drivers schedules twice per day
• • Maintained 200+ records related to delivery and customer satisfaction

15 Bartender Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Customize this resume with ease using our seamless online resume builder.

All resume examples in this guide

Entry-Level Bartender

Senior Bartender

Bar Manager

Bartender Server

Cocktail Bartender

Fine Dining Bartender

Head Bartender

High Volume Bartender

Hotel Bartender

Server Bartender

Bartender Mixologist

Theatre Concessions Lead Bartender

Event Bartender

Bartender cover letter example

Resume Guide

Resume Format

Resume Header

Resume Summary

Resume Experience Section

Education & Qualifications

Social & Technical Skills

Listing Bartender Certificates

More Relevant Resume Sections

Writing a Bartender Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

By Experience

Ever since you were little, you never wanted a desk job. So you set your sights on something more thrilling - bartending!

Yet, regardless how much paperwork you expect to do in the future, you still must be able to whip up a fine resume. If you want to get hired, that is.

So, how do you write a first-class Bartender resume ?

This complete guide will teach you how to:

• Use a variety of extra sections to add character

A professional bartender is someone who can do his or her best work when he or she doesn’t feel like it…

Bruce Tomlinson, CEO of HR Wallingford Group

Choose an appropriate format for your bartender resume

Your work history and skills will determine which resume format is best for you.

Generally, if you have more than 5 years of practical experience, then you should use the reverse-chronological resume format .

Recruiters love it because this layout focuses on your career progression. And how much you’ve developed and diversified your skill set.

But if you’ve done bartending on the side and want to switch doing it full time, pick the hybrid resume format .

Its flexible layout helps showcase both your relevant experience and transferable skills.

Yet, if you’re just starting out, the functional resume format may be your best option. It lets employers know what you’re good at and you can help their business succeed.

Now, what about what’s on your resume? Let’s get into more detail.

We did a little experiment to verify how different resumes perform against various ATS tools.

It turns out that no matter the resume layout, formatting and styling are significantly more important. More specifically:

• Section Headings: ATS tools rely on the proper naming of resume sections. For instance, if you’re detailing your talents, ensure you’ve tagged the section as “Skills”.
• File Format: Our research indicates that PDFs perform better because they preserve the overall design and layout of your resume.
• Fonts: Using a distinctive font can be one way to show some flair and character on your resume. ATS systems accept most of the popular Google fonts.
• Colors and Design: The hospitality and management field can be diverse and colorful. Try to match the style of your potential employer. If it’s classy, stay classy.
• Length/Columns: Hiring managers prefer to see a concise and impactful resume. Flaunt your communication skills. Try to fit your work history within a single page.

Even if the gig was non-paid, it’s a valuable experience which tells recruiters you can work under pressure.

Attach links to your Instagram or Pinterest in the resume header

If you first started dabbling in mixology as a hobby and you’ve recorded your story, share it in the resume header .

Whether it’s a YouTube channel or a TikTok profile, don’t hesitate to link them. The same goes for Instagram and Pinterest. Especially if you have good mood boards to display.

These will prove to recruiters that you’re always willing to learn and take pride in what you do. And they will make your resume more outstanding in the process.

At the same time, don’t forget to mention your:

• Current or preferred job title, if you’re switching careers
• Phone number
• Professional email
• Relevant social media profiles

Once you have everything down, keep in mind to check if all the listed links work. The final result should resemble the one below:

Build a captivating Bartender resume summary

You’ve piqued recruiters’ interest, now you have to hook them in. Mix the best cocktail of experience and skills you can. Serve it in the form of a resume summary .

This is a short freeform paragraph at the top of your resume, where you can draw attention to your top achievements.

To do this, write a summary of no more than 5-6 sentences, where you detail:

• How many years of practical experience you have
• 1-2 major work accomplishments which showcase your abilities
• Technical and social talents that helped you be the bartender you are

Pay attention to how and which skills you list. ATS tools read resumes from top to bottom.

By mentioning relevant hard skills in your resume summary, you have a better chance to be picked first.

Take a look at the following examples. The first one describes the work history and achievements of a beginner bartender.

By contrast, the second one illustrates how to frame your achievements, if you’re not sure how to fit them all within the section.

Demonstrate a compelling Bartender experience section

You’ve already teased recruiters with an overview of your work experience . It’s time to prove you’re worth your salt.

Hiring managers want to see you in action. That’s why the experience section is by far the largest one on your resume.

It doesn’t matter how many entries you include in the experience section. Just remember to format them accordingly and stay relevant to the job ad. To do that, you must cite:

• Your current job title and credentials you’ve gained during your tenure, such as Certified Cicerone.
• Full name of your past employer and a one-sentence description of the company’s main business operations.
• Employment dates or the period you were involved in the particular side gig (for instance, festivals and fairs).
• The location of your former workplace.
• All the milestones you’ve achieved along the way. Keep in mind to include no more than 5 bullet points.

For each of the above-mentioned bullet points describe a different aspect of your work. But don’t just list your duties and responsibilities.

Link them to quantifiable and verifiable outcomes.

Cite data and numbers. Present a challenge you were faced with and then explain how you overcame it.

For instance:

“ Reduced supplies costs by 61% by reviewing the bar’s current best selling products and then re-negotiating contracts with vendors. ”

Negotiation skills are difficult to measure. Yet, no company will deny that saving money is among its top priorities.

Another way to boast being able to save money is:

“ Reduced work-related accidents by 30% after I rearranged the equipment behind the bar and secured a safe way to transport supplies from the storage facilities to the bar. ”

The key is to put your skills and achievements in context.

We’ve prepared an excerpt from a real bartender resume to illustrate this better. Check out how Andre Polson has detailed his experience at the Night Owl Club:

• • Attracted more than 30,000 additional monthly customers by introducing a custom menu for individuals with dietary restrictions, thus increasing revenue by $750,000 per month.
• • Collaborated with the local police department by introducing a new failsafe method of reporting sexual assault attempts, thus reducing active cases by 68%.
• • Planned and executed a half-hour bartending show for the 2019 WCIT Trade Summit, which resulted in a 392% increase in inquiries for corporate parties.
• • Organized monthly Ladies Only nights where women can try new drinks and party safely. This resulted in increasing the club's popularity by 240%.

Display your education and relevant qualifications

Granted, you can become a bartender even with a highschool diploma. Still, reference your academic background. Especially if you’re switching careers.

If you have a hospitality management or food service degree, that means you have a more in-depth view of the industry. You’re not limited to bartending alone.

In essence, you have the foundation on which to grow further in the industry.

The education section is not hard to fill out. All you need to do is:

• State the name of your degree
• Name the institution, issuing the document
• List the number of years you’ve attended the course
• Mention relevant majors and minors
• Provide your GPA, if you’ve graduated recently

You can use the sample below as a reference:

Highlight your top social and technical bartender skills

The best way to tailor your resume to a specific position is to align it to the job ad. Read the descriptions very carefully.

See if you can match some of the required skills with examples of your own. It’s crucial to display how you employ your talents.

More importantly, your abilities will help you get a callback for a job interview.

ATS tools vet for the hard skills listed in the job ad. Make sure you use the same naming conventions.

Chances are, recruiters have used the same spelling and formatting when fine-tuning the software.

By contrast, soft skills prove that you can fit well with the team, while attending to customers in the meantime.

Remember to create a nice blend between your social and technical talents.

With that in mind, we’ve gathered some of the most in-demand tech skills to get you started:

Must-have 24 technical skills for a bartender:

• Wine and food pairing
• Knowledge about allergies and dietary restrictions
• Alcohol serving laws and standards
• HACCP guidelines
• OSHA regulations
• Work area maintenance
• Coordination and dexterity
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds
• Stamina and strength
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Cash handling
• POS systems
• Cash registers
• Knowledge of suppliers and stock ordering
• Safe use of cleaning equipment and supplies
• Inventory management
• Good hygiene
• Budgeting and basic math skills
• Event coordination and organization

What about your social abilities?

Everything you do matters. Soft skills are measured by the impact of your efforts. Think about the last time you did something that made a customer’s experience better.

Now take the formula you used for the experience section entries and describe your social skills. Like so:

As you can see, even if you can’t put a number on your achievements, there is still a way to show you are proactive at work.

But before you start writing, take into account what’s listed in the job description.

We asked hiring managers if there are any social skills they are always looking for in a candidate. This is what they shared:

28 trending soft skills for a bartender resume:

• Customer service
• Personability
• Communication skills
• Storytelling
• Task delegation
• Task prioritization
• Conflict resolution
• Problem solving
• Resourcefulness
• Adaptability
• Flexibility
• Leadership skills
• Collaboration skills
• Detail-oriented
• Organizational skills
• Time management skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Memorization skills
• Being an active listener
• Multitasking
• Process optimization skills
• Accountability
• Responsibility

Show a selection of your best bartender certificates

Displaying your certificates helps not only those who are switching careers. But also industry experts who wish to point to their specialized skills.

For instance, imagine you’re a sales agent who dabbles in mixing cocktails in her spare time. You don’t have a hospitality degree, but you can flaunt your mixology certificate.

In contrast, if you do have a restaurant and bar management degree, you can point to your specialized skills by boasting a Master Cicerone certificate.

Whatever the case, don’t forget to include the:

• Name of the issuing organization
• Name of your certificate
• Dates of obtainment or expected course completion

If your certificate has an expiration date, make sure it’s valid before you add it to your resume.

9 brag-worthy bartender certificates for your resume:

• Mixology Certificate
• Certified Beer Server
• Certified Cicerone
• Advanced Cicerone
• Master Cicerone
• Beer Judge (BJCP)
• Cider Judge (BJCP)
• Mead Judge (BJCP)
• Business of Craft Beer Certificate

Expand your resume by introducing other relevant sections

There are numerous ways to make your bartender resume stand out. One method is to diversify your layout by attaching extra sections to your resume.

Note that these may differ based on how many positions you’re applying to. Stay relevant to the job ads and curate your resume accordingly.

Having this in mind, some of the most popular sections for bartenders include:

• Licenses and association memberships
• Languages (ASL, Spanish, Italian, etc.)
• Acting and improv clubs
• Hobbies and volunteering gigs

Compliment your bartender resume with a matching cover letter

Finally, if you really want to leave a lasting impression, write a convincing cover letter .

You may think this is going overboard for a bartender role. But we bet it’s something recruiters won’t expect of their candidates, too.

If you’re career hopping, this is the best way to explain your situation and boost your chances.

So, how do you write one?

Usually, cover letters are divided into three main paragraphs:

• The first one begins with a greeting to the hiring manager, responsible for reviewing candidates for the role. Then a brief overview of your top achievements follows.
• Use the second paragraph to elaborate on your talents and how you’ve applied them in real life situations. Always provide results.
• End the letter with a short statement on when and where you can be contacted for further discussions. Don’t forget to thank the recruiter for their time.

Key takeaways

• Consider your experience and choose a suitable resume format
• Link your YouTube or TikTok in the resume header, if you’ve recorded your work
• List your proudest work milestones in the resume summary
• Tie your experience to verifiable and quantifiable results
• Create a balanced mix of your key social and technical talents
• Tailor your resume by adding extra sections that make sense for the job ad
• Pair your bartender resume with compelling cover letter

Bartender resume examples

Explore additional bartender resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

The Barback position is crucial in ensuring smooth operations in any bar setting.

Familiarity with bar operations, bar setup, resetting, and cleaning tends to emerge from hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment.

In your resume, showcase any experience involving close cooperation with bartenders, proactivity in restocking supplies and ingredients, and maintaining cleanliness.

Demonstrate adaptability to quick changes and your ability to multitask.

Prioritize your skills that directly impacted the service.

Many successful Barbacks are physically strong and adept at maintaining cleanliness – having these skills can set you apart.

Include any attributes that positively affected the service, such as reliability, efficiency, and being a good team player.

Rather than merely listing your skills, express how they contributed to improved service or streamlined operations, like 'Improved restocking procedure by implementing...', 'Increased cleaning efficiency by...'.

Use the 'Skill-Action-Result' format for maximum impact.

Being a Bartender Server requires providing a comprehensive service experience, combining bar operation expertise with customer service skills.

Familiarity with drink recipes, menu presentation, and point-of-sale systems often come from prior hospitality experience.

When applying, emphasize abilities that streamline workflow in a high-volume environment such as familiarity with types of drinks, menu knowledge, and using point-of-sale systems.

Demonstrate your capacity for handling customer requests and maintaining customer satisfaction, proving your potential as an exceptional Bartender Server.

Highlight practical skills that have a direct impact on service, such as speed, efficiency, and an excellent memory for orders and faces, proving the service's effectiveness.

Don't merely list your skills; show how they enhanced service delivery. For example, 'improved customer tip frequency by….' or 'enhanced regular customer base through….'

Stick to the 'Skill-Action-Result' approach.

Looking to build your own Bartender resume?

• Resume Examples

How to Decide On Using A Reverse Chronological Resume

How to make a resume that stands out in 2024: a guide that stands out, is it appropriate to submit a double sided resume, “what are your strengths”: easy answers for this tough question (with 6 bonus examples), how to include hyperlinks on your resume: best practices and examples, how to show you are "self employed" on your resume.

• Create Resume
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Preferences
• Resume Templates
• AI Resume Builder
• Resume Summary Generator
• Resume Formats
• Resume Checker
• Resume Skills
• How to Write a Resume
• Modern Resume Templates
• Simple Resume Templates
• Cover Letter Builder
• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Formats
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Resume Guides
• Cover Letter Guides
• Job Interview Guides
• Job Interview Questions
• Career Resources
• Meet our customers
• Career resources
• English (UK)
• French (FR)
• German (DE)
• Spanish (ES)
• Swedish (SE)

© 2024 . All rights reserved.

Made with love by people who care.

Privacy preference center

We care about your privacy

When you visit our website, we will use cookies to make sure you enjoy your stay. We respect your privacy and we’ll never share your resumes and cover letters with recruiters or job sites. On the other hand, we’re using several third party tools to help us run our website with all its functionality.

But what exactly are cookies? Cookies are small bits of information which get stored on your computer. This information usually isn’t enough to directly identify you, but it allows us to deliver a page tailored to your particular needs and preferences.

Because we really care about your right to privacy, we give you a lot of control over which cookies we use in your sessions. Click on the different category headings on the left to find out more, and change our default settings.

However, remember that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of our website. Finally, note that we’ll need to use a cookie to remember your cookie preferences.

Without these cookies our website wouldn’t function and they cannot be switched off. We need them to provide services that you’ve asked for.

Want an example? We use these cookies when you sign in to Kickresume. We also use them to remember things you’ve already done, like text you’ve entered into a registration form so it’ll be there when you go back to the page in the same session.

Thanks to these cookies, we can count visits and traffic sources to our pages. This allows us to measure and improve the performance of our website and provide you with content you’ll find interesting.

Performance cookies let us see which pages are the most and least popular, and how you and other visitors move around the site.

All information these cookies collect is aggregated (it’s a statistic) and therefore completely anonymous. If you don’t let us use these cookies, you’ll leave us in the dark a bit, as we won’t be able to give you the content you may like.

We use these cookies to uniquely identify your browser and internet device. Thanks to them, we and our partners can build a profile of your interests, and target you with discounts to our service and specialized content.

On the other hand, these cookies allow some companies target you with advertising on other sites. This is to provide you with advertising that you might find interesting, rather than with a series of irrelevant ads you don’t care about.

Bartender Resume Examples & Writing Guide for 2024

Imagine having a bartender resume that can get you behind any bar you want. Crafting a resume like that doesn’t have to be a nightmare! Certainly not with our easy-to-follow guide that brings you expert tips, inspiring examples, customizable templates, and samples submitted by actual industry professionals. Writing the perfect resume has never been easier!

Keep reading to learn the answers to the following questions:  

• Which resume format is best for bartenders?
• How and why should a bartender write a resume summary?
• What key skills should a bartender include on their resume?
• How can a bartender grab an employer’s attention with their work history? 
• What level of education should a bartender include on a resume? 
• Where to look for work opportunities as a bartender? 

1. Which resume format is best for bartenders?  

Without a shadow of a doubt, the best resume format for bartenders is the reverse-chronological resume.

The reverse-chronological resume places the primary focus on work experience, starting with an applicant’s most recent job and working backward from there. Hiring managers in restaurants and bars will almost always look for bartenders with experience, as the job is extremely fast-paced and leaves little room for training. 

For applicants who don’t have very much experience working as a bartender, the key is to search for positions such as “Server” or “Bar-Back” that provide opportunities for advancement to Bartender. If this is the case for you, you may want to consider one of the following alternative formats:

• Functional resumes : A resume format that focuses on education, skills, and unpaid experience instead of work experience. This format is often used by recent graduates who have relevant academic experience in a certain field but lack formal work experience. 
• Hybrid resumes : Hybrid resumes combine elements of both functional and reverse-chronological resumes, spreading out the focus of the document more evenly between all sections. This format is often used by applicants who have limited work experience, are changing career paths, or have large gaps in their work history. 

Try our AI Resume Writer and have your resume ready in minutes!

2. how should a bartender write a resume summary  .

A resume summary is a brief statement at the start of the document that helps to introduce the applicant and their skills to an employer.

For bartenders, the resume summary is an excellent opportunity to showcase their prowess within the field, particularly if they have held leadership positions or key responsibilities not always assigned to a general bartender. 

Below we have provided an example of a weak bartender resume summary, followed by a corrected explanation and example. 

Bad bartender resume summary example:

Bartender for many years in both fine-dining and nightclub environments. Enjoys fast-paced work with a social aspect, making them the best candidate for this bartending position. Previously held a position as a bar manager. 

What's wrong with this example? This example is incredibly non-specific when it comes to this applicant’s skills, experience, and accomplishments. To improve this summary, the applicant should focus more on their experience as a bar manager and provide more quantifiable details regarding their skills and background. 

Good bartender resume summary example:

Personable Bartender with 3+ years of experience working in fine-dining restaurants and nightclubs. Managed the bar for a highly rated club in downtown Manhattan, with responsibilities including supervising a staff of 30+ bartenders and bar-backs and creating signature cocktails. Highly adept at working in a fast-paced environment with large crowds.     

Why is this better? This example offers the specificity employers are looking for from a resume summary. The applicant has included eye-catching details and impressive descriptions of previous responsibilities they held as a bar manager. Their skills are clearly outlined and their experience is plainly evident.

3. What key skills should a bartender include on their resume?

Bartenders often play a jack-of-all-trades role within restaurants and bars. Not only do they need to mix drinks, but they must also communicate with customers, keep their workstations organized, and much more. 

As such, a professional bartender should always include examples of both their hard and soft skills on a resume. Hard skills refer to technical abilities, such as mixing drinks, while soft skills refer to interpersonal abilities, such as talking with customers.

The following examples of 10 hard skills and 10 soft skills are just a few of the many abilities a bartender should consider adding to their resume

Hard skills

• Signature Cocktail Creation
• Knowledge of Craft Brews and Wines
• Age Verification of Customers
• Proper Sanitation Practices
• Knowledge of OSHA and Serve Safe Standards
• Bookkeeping and Financial Transactions
• Precise Pouring Techniques
• Order Taking and Fulfillment
• Inventory Management

Soft skills 

• Friendly Demeanor
• Exceptionally Strong Verbal Communication
• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Customer Service
• Organization
• Flexibility and Adaptability
• Conflict-Resolution
• Calm-Headedness and Composure

Find out your resume score!

4. How can a bartender grab an employer’s attention with their work history? 

An employer will expect you to be able to mix drinks and speak with customers – those abilities are the core foundations of the job, after all! This means that your work experience entries should go above and beyond detailing the minimum requirements for the job.

To grab the attention of employers, bartenders should strive to include their accomplishments and key responsibilities that set them apart from other applicants. 

Here is a good example of a work experience entry from a bartender’s resume

Bartender | Old Town Saloon 

Jefferson, NC | January 2017 to March 2020

• Provided exceptional service to a minimum of 150 guests per night, with busiest nights topping upwards of 400 customers in a single evening. 
• Implemented a new POS system that decreased transaction times by 15% , leading to a 20% increase in nightly sales and transactions. 
• Created seasonal craft cocktails from scratch using in-depth knowledge of mixology and flavor profiles. 

5. What level of education should a bartender include on a resume?

On any resume for any job, it’s always important to list your highest level of education. For a bartender, the education section is also a great place to list any additional training or certifications they’ve completed, as these will give them a greater competitive edge. 

Here is an example of a well-crafted education section on a bartender’s resume 

B.S. in Food and Beverage Management | Appalachian State University

• Concentration: Bar Management and Business Administration
• Graduated: 2018

Certifications

• Certified Mixologist | Atlanta Bar tending School  

6. Top resources for job-seeking bartenders

Venturing into the world of bartending can be overwhelming at times. And that's what makes the profession even more rewarding! If you need some help getting started, our carefully compiled list can give you a few ideas on where to look for work opportunities: 

• Industry-specific job boards: Your first steps should lead to sites that specialize in aggregating job postings for bartenders like Bar Zone , Hospitality Online , or Crafty Bartending . 
• General job search platforms: On the other hand, websites with broad focus, such as Indeed , SimplyHired , Jooble , or Glassdoor , also offer a wide selection of relevant job postings. 
• LinkedIn: This powerhouse of a platform offers more than just job searching tools. LinkedIn can also connect you with potential employers and fellow mixologist professionals. 
• Professional associations: Organizations like the United States Bartenders' Guild (USBG), the United Kingdom Bartenders Guild (UKBG), or the International Bartenders Association (IBA) offer a wealth of resources about the latest trends, development programmes, job postings, and so much more. 
• Specialized publications: Being in the loop on the latest industry news, recipes, and methods can give you the competitive edge you need to stand out. For example, you can follow media like “ Liquor.com ,” “ Bartender Magazine ,” “ The Spirits Business ,” or “ Imbibe Magazine .”
• Continuous learning: Finally, to keep on top of your bartending game, you need to constantly expand your knowledge and skills. You can do so through platforms like Courseara , Udemy , European Bartender School , or Serving Alcohol Inc. . 

Sure, the process of job hunting may be intimidating but you won't be able to land the job you want without it. So, chin up, shoulders back … and go for it!

Bartender Resume FAQ

Showcasing specific real-life achievements effectively adds the zest to your resume. Ideally, you'll use quantifiable data to underline the impact of your work. For example: " Created a signature drink, boosting weekend sales by 25% ". Remember, specific and tangible achievements give the potential employers a good idea of what you can bring to the table … or bar in this case.

By far the biggest mistake you can make is NOT customizing your resume to align as closely as possible to the job posting you're applying for. Another thing to avoid is listing your daily duties instead of specific achievements and contributions. Also watch out for typos, spelling mistakes, or grammar errors — all of these bear testimony to your professionalism and attention to details. 

Nowadays, references are not typically required on a resume. Here's how you can manage them instead: 1. Maintain a separate list of references. 2. Provide them only when requested by potential employers. You can also include a little phrase like “References available upon request ” near the end of your bartender cover letter . However, if the job posting you're replying to asks you to include references directly on your resume, do as instructed.

Absolutely! Not only do action verbs help you keep your job description succinct, they also make you seem more proactive. Employers generally want to employ people who are dynamic and aren't afraid to take things into their own hands. Examples of action verbs include: improved, increased, created, streamlined, led, etc.

The golden rule is: brevity is key! In the majority of cases, one page is sufficient to showcase your relevant skills and experience. But, if you boast an extensive work history with countless achievements, you can scratch your resume to two pages. That's the maximum! Anything longer might discourage the recruiters from ever reading it.

Nikoleta Kuhejda

A journalist by trade, a writer by fate. Nikoleta went from writing for media outlets to exploring the world of content creation with Kickresume and helping people get closer to the job of their dreams. Her insights and career guides have been published by The Female Lead , College Recruiter , and ISIC, among others. When she’s not writing or (enthusiastically) pestering people with questions, you can find her traveling or sipping on a cup of coffee.

All hospitality resume examples

• Food Preparation
• Hotel Manager
• Housekeeping
• Restaurant Manager

All bartender resume examples

Related bartender cover letter examples

Resume guides

How to write a professional resume summary [+examples], how to put your education on a resume [+examples], how to describe your work experience on a resume [+examples], let your resume do the work..

Join 5,000,000 job seekers worldwide and get hired faster with your best resume yet.

• Career Blog

20 Bartender Resume Tips & Examples for 2024

As a bartender, having a well-crafted resume is essential to landing job opportunities in the ever-growing and competitive hospitality industry. Your resume is essentially an advertisement of your skills and experience, and it’s what potential employers will use to determine if you’re a good fit for their establishment.

In this article, we will discuss the importance of a bartending resume and what makes a great bartender resume. Whether you’re just starting out in the industry or looking to revamp your current resume, these 20 bartender resume tips and examples will provide you with the tools to stand out from the crowd and impress potential employers.

So, let’s dive into why having a great bartender resume is crucial for landing your dream job.

Understanding the Bartender Job

If you are aspiring to apply for a bartender position, understanding the key responsibilities and required skills is crucial to success. Here are some insights into what the job entails:

Key Responsibilities of a Bartender

Providing excellent customer service: Bartenders are often the face of a bar or establishment, and they must be skilled in making customers feel welcome and taken care of.

Mixing and preparing drinks: A bartender’s primary responsibility is to make and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks as per the customer’s request.

Maintaining inventory and stocking the bar: Bartenders need to know when to refill the stock of beverages and ingredients to ensure the bar is always well-stocked.

Cash handling and maintaining financial records: Many bartenders also have to handle cash, process payments, and keep track of financial transactions.

Cleaning and maintaining the bar area: Bartenders are responsible for keeping the bar area and equipment clean and in good condition, following all safety and hygiene standards.

Skills and Attributes Required for a Bartender Role

Excellent Communication Skills: Bartenders need to communicate effectively with their co-workers and customers, demonstrate active listening, and have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Multi-tasking Abilities: Bartenders need to skillfully mix drinks, handle money, and engage with customers – all at the same time.

Basic Mathematical Skills: Bartenders need to calculate bills correctly, handle cash, and track inventory levels; therefore, they must possess basic mathematical skills.

Creativity and Flair: Bartenders with creativity and flair can identify and develop signature cocktails, incorporate themes, and offer personalized recommendations to customers.

Strong Work Ethic: A bartender must have a strong work ethic and be reliable, punctual, and responsible enough to prioritize customers and complete tasks.

Armed with this knowledge, you can build a stronger and more compelling bartender resume that highlights these key skills and responsibilities.

Tailor Your Resume to the Job You’re Applying For

One of the most important things you can do when applying for a job as a bartender is to tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. Here are some tips for analyzing the job description and tailoring your resume to match the job requirements.

Tips for Analyzing the Job Description

The first step in tailoring your resume to a job is to carefully analyze the job description. Here are some tips to help you do that effectively:

• Read the job description thoroughly to understand the expectations and responsibilities of the position.
• Take note of any specific skills or qualifications that are required or preferred.
• Pay attention to the tone and language used in the job description to get a sense of the company culture and the type of employee they’re looking for.
• Look for any keywords or phrases that are repeated throughout the job description, as these indicate what the employer is really looking for in a candidate.

How to Tailor Your Resume to Match the Job Requirements

Now that you’ve analyzed the job description, it’s time to tailor your resume to match the job requirements. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Highlight your relevant experience and skills.

Use the job description to guide you in emphasizing the experience and skills that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Make sure to focus on the skills and experience that are mentioned in the job description.

• Use keywords throughout your resume.

Make sure to use the same keywords and phrases used in the job description throughout your resume. This will help your resume get past any automated systems and show the employer that you have the skills and experience they’re looking for.

• Emphasize your achievements.

Rather than just listing your duties and responsibilities, highlight your achievements in previous jobs. Use measurable metrics such as sales numbers or customer satisfaction rates to demonstrate your success.

• Customize your objective statement or summary.

The objective statement or summary at the top of your resume should be customized to fit the job you’re applying for. Use language that reflects the job description and the company culture.

By tailoring your resume to the job you’re applying for, you increase your chances of getting noticed by the employer and landing the job. So take the time to carefully analyze the job description and update your resume accordingly.

Bartender Resume Format and Layout

When it comes to creating your bartender resume, choosing the right format and layout is crucial. A well-structured resume will help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of landing your dream job. Here are some tips on how to choose the right format and structure your resume effectively.

Choosing the Right Resume Format

There are three main resume formats: chronological, functional, and combination. Which format you choose depends on your work experience and the type of job you’re applying for.

Chronological:  This format lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. If you have a strong work history and want to highlight your career progression, this may be the best format for you.

Functional:  This format focuses on your skills and qualifications rather than your work history. If you’re changing careers or have gaps in your employment, this format may work well for you.

Combination:  This format combines elements of both the chronological and functional formats. It highlights your skills and qualifications while also listing your work experience in reverse chronological order.

When deciding on a resume format, consider your work history, skills, and the job requirements. Choose the format that best showcases your strengths and makes you the most appealing candidate.

Structuring Your Resume Effectively

Once you’ve chosen a format, it’s time to structure your resume effectively. Here are some tips to help you create a well-structured bartender resume:

Start with a Summary or Objective:  A summary or objective statement at the beginning of your resume introduces you to potential employers and highlights your best qualities.

Tailor Your Resume to the Job:  Customize your resume for each job you apply for. Highlight the skills and experience that match the job requirements.

Make Your Resume Easy to Read:  Use bullet points and clear, concise language to make your resume easy to read. Use a readable font and appropriate spacing.

Highlight Your Skills and Accomplishments:  List your skills and accomplishments in a separate section to make them stand out. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise.

Include Relevant Education and Certifications:  List any relevant education and certifications that relate to the job you’re applying for.

By choosing the right resume format and structuring your resume effectively, you can create a winning bartender resume. Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to landing your dream job.

Bartender Resume Examples – Review and Analysis

In this section, we will review successful bartender resume examples and analyze them to learn some valuable lessons.

Breakdown of Successful Bartender Resume Examples

To create a successful bartender resume, you must showcase your knowledge and skills through your work experience, achievements, education, and certifications. Here are some of the ingredients of a great bartender resume:

Clear and professional layout:  A well-organized and visually appealing resume can grab the attention of recruiters and increase your chance of getting an interview.

Relevant work experience:  Your previous work experience as a bartender or in the hospitality industry should be the focal point of your resume. Emphasize your accomplishments and responsibilities in your previous roles.

Specialized skills:  As a bartender, you must possess certain skills that are essential to the job such as knowledge of cocktails, beer and wine, customer service, and inventory management. Highlight these skills in your resume.

Certifications and education:  Bartender certification and education can give you an edge over other candidates. Mention any relevant certifications or courses you have completed.

Key achievements:  Quantify your achievements with numbers and data, such as increased sales, improved customer satisfaction, or reduced waste. These achievements can showcase your abilities and help you stand out from the competition.

Lessons Learned from Analyzing These Examples

After reviewing successful bartender resume examples, we have identified some key lessons to keep in mind when creating your own resume:

Customize your resume for the job:  Tailor your resume to the specific job and employer you are applying to. Use keywords from the job posting and incorporate them into your resume, highlighting how your skills and experience align with the job requirements.

Quantify your achievements:  As mentioned earlier, quantifying your achievements can make a big impact on your resume. Use numbers and data to demonstrate how you have contributed to your previous employer’s success.

Keep it concise:  A great resume should be easy to read and understand. Avoid lengthy descriptions and keep your resume to one or two pages.

Highlight your skills:  Showcase your skills throughout your resume, especially in your work experience section. Share how you have successfully used your skills to improve customer satisfaction or increase sales.

Proofread:  Lastly, ensure you proofread your resume to avoid any errors, typos, or grammatical mistakes. A well-crafted and error-free resume can impress a hiring manager and help secure that all-important interview.

The review and analysis of successful bartender resume examples reveal the importance of a clear and professional layout, relevant work experience, specialized skills, certifications and education, and key achievements. By customizing your resume, quantifying your achievements, keeping it concise, highlighting your skills, and proofreading your work, you can create a compelling bartender resume that catches the eye of a recruiter and lands you an interview.

Showcase Your Skills & Achievements

In addition to listing your work experience and education, it’s important to showcase your skills and achievements on your bartender resume. This will give employers a better understanding of your capabilities and how you can contribute to the success of their establishment.

Key skills employers look for in a bartender resume

When reviewing bartender resumes, employers typically look for the following key skills:

Customer service: Bartenders must have excellent customer service skills to ensure guests feel welcomed and satisfied. This includes being friendly, attentive, and able to handle customer requests and complaints.

Beverage knowledge: Bartenders should have a strong knowledge of different types of drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, as well as how to mix and serve them.

Sales: Bartenders are often responsible for upselling and promoting drinks to customers, so having strong sales skills is a plus.

Communication: Clear communication is important for bartenders, especially in noisy environments. Being able to communicate effectively with other staff members and customers is crucial.

Time management: Bartenders must be able to multi-task and work efficiently to keep up with busy nights and multiple orders at once.

Tips for highlighting your achievements in your resume

When it comes to showcasing your achievements on your resume, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Use numbers: Quantify your achievements whenever possible. For example, if you increased sales by a certain percentage, include that number.

Be specific: Rather than using general terms like “improved customer service,” be specific about what you did to achieve that. For example, “Implemented a new training program for staff to improve customer service ratings by 20%.”

Use action verbs: Start each achievement with an action verb, such as “Developed,” “Implemented,” or “Managed.” This helps demonstrate your proactive approach and shows that you take initiative.

Tailor your achievements to the job: Look at the job description and tailor your achievements to the specific requirements. For example, if the job requires knowledge of craft cocktails, highlight any experience you have in that area.

Order your achievements by relevance: List your achievements in order of relevance to the job you’re applying for. This will help ensure that the most important achievements are seen first.

By showcasing your skills and achievements on your bartender resume, you’ll be able to stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your value to potential employers.

Professional Experience

One of the most important sections of a bartender resume is the professional experience section. This section highlights your previous work experience and showcases your skills and abilities as a bartender. Here are some tips for effectively presenting your experience:

How to List Your Previous Work Experience

• List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job.
• Include the job title, company name, location, and employment dates for each position.
• Describe your responsibilities and accomplishments using bullet points.
• Use strong action verbs and quantify your achievements to make them stand out.

Here is an example:

Bartender ABC Bar, Los Angeles, CA June 2018 – present

• Mixed and served drinks to customers
• Created new cocktail menu, resulting in a 20% increase in sales
• Trained new bartenders on bar procedures and customer service

Tips for Presenting Your Experience Effectively

• Tailor your experience to the job you’re applying for. Highlight skills and accomplishments that match the needs of the employer.
• Use industry-specific language to showcase your knowledge and expertise.
• Focus on your customer service skills, as this is a critical aspect of bartending.
• Emphasize your ability to handle a high-volume environment and stay calm under pressure.
• Keep your bullet points concise, but specific enough to demonstrate your skills and accomplishments.

By following these tips, you can effectively present your experience as a bartender and stand out as a top candidate for the job.

Education and Certification

When it comes to your education and certification section on your bartender resume, it’s important to include relevant information that showcases your abilities and qualifications. This section can vary depending on your experience and education, but there are a few things you should include.

First, list any formal education you have received. This can include a high school diploma, college degree, or any relevant coursework or training programs you have completed. Be sure to include the name of the school or program, the location, and the date you graduated or completed the program.

Next, highlight any professional certifications you have earned. There are a variety of certifications that can benefit bartenders, including:

ServSafe Alcohol Certification: This certification teaches bartenders the proper techniques for serving alcohol responsibly and managing conflicts that may arise with customers.

TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures): Like the ServSafe Alcohol Certification, TIPS teaches bartenders how to handle difficult customers and reduce the risk of alcohol-related incidents.

BarSmarts: This program focuses on improving bartending techniques and knowledge, covering everything from mixology to customer service.

Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET): This certification is ideal for bartenders who want to expand their knowledge of wine and spirits, and includes three different levels of certification.

Certified Cicerone: This certification is specifically for bartenders who want to specialize in beer, focusing on knowledge of beer styles, brewing techniques, and serving practices.

Including any of these certifications on your resume can demonstrate your commitment to your craft and show that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a bartender. Remember to include the name of the certification, the date it was earned, and any other relevant details.

In addition to these certifications, you may also want to list any relevant skills or training programs you have completed. For example, you might include an espresso-making course if you have experience bartending at a café or coffee shop.

Your education and certification section should be a succinct summary of your qualifications that demonstrates your commitment to excellence as a bartender. By including relevant education and professional certifications, you can make your resume stand out and impress potential employers.

Volunteer and Extracurricular Activities

Volunteer work and extracurricular activities are valuable assets that can make your bartender resume stand out from the rest. These experiences demonstrate your commitment to enhancing your skills and contributing to your community.

Including volunteer work and extracurricular activities on your resume can also show potential employers that you have a diverse range of interests and are capable of managing multiple responsibilities. For example, if you have volunteered at a local charity event as a bartender, you can highlight how you were able to work under pressure, multitask, and provide excellent customer service while handling a large crowd.

When showcasing volunteer work and extracurricular activities on your bartender resume, keep in mind the following tips:

Choose relevant experiences: Select experiences that are related to the bartending industry or the job you are applying for. For instance, if you volunteered as a bartender at a music festival, emphasize your experience dealing with large crowds and managing high-pressure situations.

Be specific: Use quantifiable metrics to showcase your accomplishments. For example, if you have volunteered as a bartender for a fundraising event, specify how much money you helped raise for the charity.

Highlight transferable skills: Emphasize how your volunteer work and extracurricular activities have helped you develop skills that are transferable to the bartending industry such as customer service, communication, and teamwork.

Use action verbs: Begin your bullet points with action verbs like “Organized” or “Assisted”. This will make your experiences sound more impressive and memorable to potential employers.

Including volunteer work and extracurricular activities in your bartender resume can demonstrate your commitment to self-improvement and community involvement, making you a more attractive candidate to prospective employers.

Additional Tips for Writing a Bartender Resume

Crafting the perfect bartender resume can be challenging, but by following some simple do’s and don’ts, you can create a resume that stands out from the rest. In this section, we will discuss some additional tips to help you create an effective bartender resume.

Do’s for Crafting an Effective Bartender Resume

• Start with a clear and concise objective that showcases your relevant experience and skills.
• Highlight your mixology skills and knowledge of alcoholic beverages to demonstrate your ability to create unique and creative cocktails.
• Emphasize your customer service skills, as a bartender’s role involves interacting with customers on a regular basis.
• Use bullet points to make the content scannable and highlight your key achievements.
• Include relevant certifications or training courses, such as TIPS certification, to illustrate your commitment to responsible service and your knowledge of industry standards.

Don’ts for Crafting an Effective Bartender Resume

• Avoid using fancy fonts or colors, as this may distract from the content of your resume.
• Do not include irrelevant job experience, as this can detract from your bartending experience and skills.
• Do not use jargon or technical terms that hiring managers or recruiters may not understand.
• Avoid using pronouns, such as “I,” “me,” or “my,” as this may make your resume seem unprofessional.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

In addition to the do’s and don’ts outlined above, some common mistakes that job seekers make on their bartender resumes include:

• Focusing too much on previous job duties, rather than highlighting specific achievements or accomplishments.
• Failing to tailor their resume to the specific job they are applying for.
• Making spelling or grammatical errors, which can create a negative impression on hiring managers or recruiters.
• Including irrelevant hobbies or interests that do not demonstrate any relevant skills or experience.

By following these additional tips, you can craft an effective bartender resume that showcases your skills, experience, and achievements, and helps you stand out from the competition.

Cover Letter Writing Tips for Bartenders

A well-crafted cover letter is an essential tool for bartenders seeking a new job opportunity. It is the first impression you make on a potential employer, and it can make or break your chances of landing an interview. A cover letter is a professional document that complements your resume and provides hiring managers with additional insights into your qualifications and experience.

Here are some tips for writing an impactful cover letter:

1. Address it to the Right Person

Always try to address your cover letter to the person responsible for hiring. This shows that you have done some research and are genuinely interested in the position. If the name of the hiring manager is not listed in the job posting, do some digging to find out who it is. You can call the company and ask for the information, or check the company’s website or LinkedIn page.

2. Keep it Concise and to the Point

Your cover letter should be no longer than one page. Start with a strong opening sentence that grabs the reader’s attention, and briefly introduce yourself and your relevant experience. Highlight your skills and qualifications that make you the ideal candidate for the job.

3. Tailor it to the Job Posting

Do not send a generic cover letter to every job you apply for. Take the time to read the job posting carefully and tailor your cover letter to the specific job requirements. Be sure to highlight how your skills and experience match the qualifications listed in the job posting.

4. Use Keywords

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes and cover letters. These systems scan for specific keywords related to the job. To increase your chances of getting past these systems, be sure to use some of the same keywords that are listed in the job posting.

5. Show Some Personality

While your cover letter should be professional, it should also showcase your personality. Avoid using generic phrases and cliches, and try to inject some enthusiasm and passion for the industry. Show the employer why you love bartending and why you would be a great fit for their establishment.

A well-written cover letter is a powerful tool that can help you stand out from the competition and land your dream bartending job. Keep it concise, tailored to the job posting, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Good luck!

Related Articles

• Graphic Design Resume: Examples & How to Design Your Own
• High-Demand and High-Paying Blue Collar Careers in 2023
• Teacher Cover Letter Sample and Writing Tips for 2023
• Transcriber Job Description: A Complete Guide for 2023
• 5 Signs Your Resume Needs an Update for 2023

Rate this article

0 / 5. Reviews: 0

More from ResumeHead

Bartender Resume Example

After analyzing hundreds of Bartender Resumes, we've come up with one that you can use to get a head start on your own resume.

Our resumes have been proven to work.

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job

Bartender Resume Writing Advice

Let's cover the most important sections of a Bartender resume.

• Resume Summary Section
• Work Experience Section
• Skills Section
• Interests Section

How do you write a great Bartender resume?

Bartenders should have a strong knowledge of beer, liquor, cocktails, and wine and are always willing to learn about different types of drinks. Great bartenders have a relentlessly positive attitude, are highly attentive and have enough patience to deal with even the most demanding customers. A bartenders ability to overcome adversity and deliver high quality service when things don't necessarily go according to plan showcases great skills and a sense of accountability to their team.

What is a great Bartender resume summary example?

The resume summary or objective is the section that draws the most attention on your resume. It's where you need to prove in the fewest words possible that you're qualified to do the job, and you're up for the new challenge. It's important to tailor your resume summary to the job. Here's an example:

Veteran bartender and mixologist with 14 years of experience. Passionate for local ingredients, providing friendly and engaging customer service. Acquired a rich knowledge of the beverage world and skilled at quickly and efficiently producing high quality cocktails.

Read our guide on how to write the perfect resume summary to learn how to nail this section.

What work experiences should you include on your resume?

Here are some ideas on writing about your experiences and responsibilities as a Bartender on your resume depending on the level of experience you have.

Tip: Create a Strong Work Experience Section - It's important to include action verbs and quantify results. Use this list of over 350 resume action verbs as a guide to craft the most effective bullet points.

Junior level work experience for Bartender

• Prepared beverages, cocktails and wine orders in adherence to state and city alcohol laws.
• Maintained a clean and well-stocked bar.• Conveyed broad cocktail knowledge and mix complex drinks consistently.
• Collected money, accurately make change and accurately input into POS.
• Served guests and filled server orders quickly and courteously.
• Checked IDs in accordance with beverage guidelines.
• Handled difficult customer service situations while maintaining standards and following applicable liquor laws.

Senior level work experience for Bartender

• Maintained a clean and well-stocked bar.
• Conveyed broad cocktail knowledge and mix complex drinks consistently.
• Exercised good public and customer relations skills at all times.
• Dispensed alcoholic beverages and controls service to ensure customers do not become intoxicated in accordance with liquor and hotel and company policies and regulations.
• Prepared all drink orders as required and to charge for such orders as they are prepared and in the appropriate manner.
• Complied with all liquor laws, health regulations, and company policies.
• Performed all side duties such as cleaning, garnish preparation, stocking, etc.
• Washed and sanitized all glasses and utensils.

More Experience for Bartender

• Greet guests and respond to guest inquiries and requests in a friendly and efficient manner
• Mix and garnish beverages according to recipe and portion control standards.
• Present and serve beverages to guests.
• Check guests for proper identification and serve alcoholic beverages to guests in accordance with federal, state, local and company laws and regulations.
• Accurately total, process and collect payments from guests to include, but not limited to, using the point-of-sale system, handling money, processing credit and debit cards, making change and processing gift certificates, cards and vouchers.
• Stock and maintain the bar to include, but not limited to, beer, wine, spirits, paper products, straws and stirrers, condiments, glassware, ice and produce.
• Cut, store and ensure product quality of all beverage-related perishables.
• Respond professionally to inebriated guests, as needed.

Tip: List Licenses & Certifications Correctly - Make sure to list any licenses or certifications on your resume in the right section for the best chance to win the interview.

Relevant Bartender Resume Skills & Interests

This resume section is a good opportunity to highlight specific skills relevant for a Bartender job. Be sure to review the job requirements and adjust your skills accordingly. Take a look at the example Bartender below.

Resume Skills for a Bartender

• Mixing Cocktails
• Customer Service
• Operating POS Systems
• Financial Accounting

Related Interests for a Bartender

• Homebrewing

Browse more resume templates that fit your role

Get inspired with more resume examples

Read our how-to guides on making your resume perfect, how to write a two-page resume (with examples & tips).

Don't know whether you should write a one-page or two-page resume? Find out when it is appropriate to write a two-page resume and learn how to write it correctly.

How to List References on a Resume in 2024 (with Examples & Tips)

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about including references on a resume, from how to format them to how to know when they should be included at all.

How to Describe Work Experience on a Resume in 2024 (Examples & Tips)

Your work experience is a summary of all your hard work, dedication and achievements over the years. Here's how to do justice to your work history.

How to List Accomplishments on a Resume in 2024 (Including Awards & Key Achievements)

Showcasing your achievements is what can be the cherry on the cake to help you stand out from the crowd as a top performer and really attract employers.

More advice that will accelerate your career path

350+ action verbs to make your resume more effective in 2024.

Bring your resume and work experience to life by making it more actionable using these powerful verbs.

20+ Key Marketing Skills to List on Your Resume in 2024 (With Examples)

Being a marketer requires you to have many skills and proficiencies. In this guide, we will provide you with 20 of the best marketing skills to include on a resume. Plus, we will cover formatting and how to improve your marketing skills!

Should I Include a Photo on My Resume in 2024? (Tips & Examples)

To include or not to include (a profile photo or a selfie) — that is the question.

Best Job Search Websites for Every Industry in 2024

Follow our favorite job search and placement website for job seekers in healthcare, technology, startups, finance, and college internships.

Professional resume templates to help land your next dream job.

Facebook • Twitter • Linkedin • Pinterest • Crunchbase