The quest to land a dream job as a bartender often begins with crafting the perfect resume. With the right words and design, your bartender resume can set you apart in the competitive world of hospitality.
For over a decade, we’ve assisted countless restaurant staff in sharpening their professional edge. Let’s dive into how to write a good bartender resume.
Why writing a good bartender resume is important?
Your bartender resume serves as your first impression, showcasing your skills, experience, and professionalism. An outstanding resume can be the ticket to securing your desired bartender position in a reputable establishment.
Bartender resume example
John Doe
Los Angeles, CA | (123) 456-7890 | [email protected]
Summary
Dedicated and experienced bartender with over five years in upscale dining and club environments. Eager to bring expertise in cocktail crafting and outstanding customer service to Stellar Night Lounge.
Education
Cocktail Craft Academy, Los Angeles
Certified Mixologist, 2021
Experience
Moonlit Tavern, Los Angeles, CA – Lead Bartender
January 2020 – Present
Designed a seasonal cocktail menu that increased sales by 20%
Managed inventory and placed weekly orders for bar supplies
Trained new staff in company protocols and cocktail recipes
Sunset Lounge, Los Angeles, CA – Bartender
June 2018 – December 2019
Quickly and efficiently served drinks to a large volume of customers
Built rapport with regulars, resulting in increased repeat business
Collaborated with the events team for special occasions and parties
Certifications
California Food Handler Card
TIPS Alcohol Certification
Skills
- Cocktail creation and presentation
- Customer service
- Cash handling and POS systems
- Fluent in English and Spanish
- Multitasking in fast-paced environments
- Knowledge of international liquors and wines
- Team leadership and training
What to include in a bartender resume?
Crafting a resume for a bartender role involves presenting a blend of your professional journey, skills, and personal attributes. Here’s what should make the cut:
- Contact Information: Full name, city, contact number, and professional email address.
- Objective or Summary: A brief overview of your career, highlighting major accomplishments.
- Education: Relevant degrees, courses, or certifications.
- Work Experience: Chronological list of past roles, duties, and achievements.
- Skills: Both soft and hard skills pertinent to bartending.
- Certifications: Relevant to bartending or the hospitality industry.
- Languages: If you’re multilingual, it’s a significant advantage.
- References: If requested or if you have notable industry connections.
How to create a bartender resume (step-by-step)
Designing a bartender resume is an art. Follow these steps to create a masterpiece:
Step 1: Start with Contact Information
Ensure your name, location, phone number, and professional email address are prominently displayed.
Example:
John Doe
Los Angeles, CA | (123) 456-7890 | [email protected]
Step 2: Craft a Catchy Summary
Briefly highlight your experience, skills, and what you bring to the table.
Example:
Dedicated bartender with over five years of experience in upscale establishments. Expertise in cocktail crafting and customer service.
Step 3: Highlight Educational Background
List any relevant degrees, courses, or training programs.
Example:
Cocktail Craft Academy, Los Angeles – Certified Mixologist, 2021
Step 4: Detail Your Work Experience
Chronologically list past roles, showcasing your duties and significant achievements.
Example:
Moonlit Tavern, Los Angeles, CA – Lead Bartender
- Designed a seasonal cocktail menu.
- Managed inventory and orders.
Step 5: Showcase Your Skills
List both technical and soft skills pertinent to bartending.
Example:
Skills
- Cocktail creation
- Customer service
Step 6: Highlight Certifications
Mention any certifications that validate your expertise in the field.
Example:
Certifications
California Food Handler Card
Step 7: Optional Sections
You can include languages known, references, or any other section that may add value.
Example:
Languages
Fluent in English and Spanish
Step 8: Formatting and Design
Choose a clean design, ensuring the content is well-spaced and legible.
Step 9: Proofread
Before sending, review for any typos, grammatical errors, or inconsistencies.
Bartender skills and certifications
A bartender is more than just mixing drinks. They need a blend of technical knowledge, interpersonal skills, and often, certifications to validate their expertise.
Skills for Bartender:
- Cocktail crafting and presentation
- Exceptional customer service
- Cash handling
- Multitasking under pressure
- Knowledge of international beverages
- Team coordination
- Communication
Certifications for Bartender:
- Bartending License
- Food Handler Card
- Responsible Beverage Server Training
Tips for creating a bartender resume
A polished resume can set you apart. Here are some tips to consider:
- Choose a Clean Layout: Ensure your resume is readable with a clear font and layout.
- Quantify Achievements: Use numbers to highlight significant accomplishments.
- Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application.
- Highlight Transferable Skills: If transitioning from another field, highlight relevant skills.
- Stay Updated: Regularly update your resume as you gain more experience or skills.
- Use Action Words: Words like “crafted,” “designed,” and “managed” can make your resume more dynamic.
- Proofread: Ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors.
Key Takeaways
- A well-crafted bartender resume can significantly increase your chances of landing your desired job.
- Highlight your skills, experience, and any relevant certifications.
- Tailor your resume to each job application, emphasizing the most relevant experiences.
- Always proofread your resume before sending it out.
- Stay updated with industry trends and continuously upgrade your skills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a resume for a bartender job?
Absolutely. A resume is vital to showcase your skills, experience, and suitability for the bartender role.
How do I create a resume for a bartender with no experience?
- Focus on transferable skills like customer service or cash handling.
- Highlight relevant coursework or training.
- Mention any volunteer work or internships related to hospitality.
- Opt for a functional resume format, emphasizing skills over work history.
Should I include a photo on my bartender resume?
Generally, it’s not advisable to include a photo unless specifically requested. Some employers may view it as unprofessional or may be concerned about potential bias in hiring.
How long should a bartender resume be?
A bartender resume should typically be one page. This ensures it’s concise while highlighting all essential details.
Can I use color on my resume?
While it’s okay to use color, ensure it’s done tastefully and doesn’t distract from the content. Stick to neutral tones.
