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.
