resume for bartender

How to Write a Bartender Resume That Stands Out: Tips and Examples

By Guest Blog | October 21, 2024

You may be slinging drinks, charming customers, and juggling that shaker with the best of them – a bona fide Tom Cruise in Cocktail . But when it comes to capturing all that talent on paper? That’s where things get tricky.

Unfortunately, although it might seem like a chore, writing that bartender resume is your golden ticket to landing a gig at the hottest spot in town.

Good news, though! I’ve got you covered. After going through this little guide here, you’ll be able to produce a bartender resume that refuses to become just another page in a growing pile. We’ll cover exactly how to make your skills (and personality traits) pop, plus I’ll throw in a few examples to help you visualize exactly what we’re going for.

1. Begin with a Head-Turner

Your resume summary is basically your chance to make a first impression. Skip the boring “hard-working bartender looking for a new opportunity” nonsense. Employers know you’re looking for a job — that’s why you’re applying. Instead, think of this section as your elevator pitch. In just a few lines, explain what makes you different.

Here’s a decent example just off the top of my head:

“Creative mixologist with 5+ years’ experience in high-volume, fast-paced environments. Known for innovative drink menus, exceptional customer service, and making patrons feel at home from the first pour to the last call.”

Adjust as you see fit.

The idea is to show potential employers that you’re more than “just” a bartender. You have flair and charisma but also efficiency, and you can run that bar and keep customers coming back.

2. Highlight the Right Skills

Although pouring liquid into glasses and looking cool while doing it is a HUGE part of bartending, it’s not the only part. The skills that truly make you stand out in the employers’ eyes actually go far beyond the bar.

Sure, you’ll want to include the obvious skills like mixing and serving drinks, customer service, and handling cash, but don’t stop there.

Think about those few quirky skills you might have picked up that other bartenders might overlook. Are you a master at reading people? Do you thrive in chaotic environments? Do you provide top-notch life advice?

In all seriousness, some unique skills to highlight include the following:

Great memory : Can you remember 20 drink orders without blinking? That’s a superpower.
Event planning : Have you ever created a special menu for an event or hosted a cocktail-making workshop? Put it on your resume.
Social media savvy : Bars love it when their bartenders help bring in a crowd. If you can make an Instagram-worthy cocktail or drive traffic to the bar’s events, that’s a major win.
Crisis management : Bars can get wild, and knowing how to handle everything from a broken glass to a bar fight with finesse is a skill worth flaunting.

3. Numbers, Numbers, Numbers

Numbers grab attention. When you quantify your achievements, you give employers a clear picture of the impact you can have. Turn your past work into measurable results, and managers will love you.

Here are a few examples for you to adjust based on your own experience:

Increased happy hour sales by 25% through the creation of unique cocktail specials.
Managed a bar team of 10 during a weekly live music event, serving 300+ customers in 4 hours.
Reduced drink preparation time by 15%, contributing to faster table turnover and increased revenue.

Whenever you can throw some numbers into a piece of text, resume or not, you make it look more professional, and the readers’ eyes are immediately drawn to it. Use this to your advantage.

4. Make Your Personality Shine

As I mentioned in the beginning, bartending is about more than just the drinks. The experience you provide to the patrons counts perhaps more than anything. This is one of those jobs where having a sense of humor, being quick on your feet, and connecting with people are just as important as your technical skills.

If you have any unique experiences or hobbies that align with the bartending world, add them in a small “interests” or “about me” section at the bottom of your resume. Maybe you collect rare liquors, host a cocktail podcast, or have a knack for bar magic tricks. These little details can make you more memorable.

5. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job

The biggest mistake you can make is using the same resume for every job. Different bars have different vibes—what works for a fancy cocktail lounge won’t necessarily impress the manager at a beachside tiki bar. Study the job description, check out the bar’s social media, and tailor your resume to match.

For example, if you’re applying to a high-end bar, you might want to emphasize your knowledge of wine and spirits or your experience with upscale clientele. For a dive bar, your experience dealing with busy crowds and keeping things fun and lighthearted might be more relevant.

6. Give Your Resume a Clean, Sleek Layout

You don’t need to go overboard with design, but a clean, well-organized resume is essential. Hiring managers don’t want to dig through clutter to find out who you are. Use bold headings and bullet points, and make sure your font is easy to read.

Pro tip : Avoid using Microsoft Word’s default resume templates. They’re not bad, but everyone uses them. To really stand out, try designing your resume in Canva or another design tool with resume templates. It’ll give you that extra edge of professionalism.

7. Look at Bartender Resume Examples

I know a thing or two about how hard it is to stare at a blank page that you’re meant to fill with content, and a little inspiration can go a really long way. Check out some bartender resume examples to get a feel for what works, and then put your own spin on it.

You’ll get a clear picture of what makes a standout resume and can tweak yours to reflect your unique flair.

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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