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Looking for cover letter ideas? See our sample Bartender Cover Letter.
Find out what is the best resume for you in our Ultimate Resume Format Guide.
Additional Food Service Resume Samples
How to Format a Bartender Resume
Your bartender resume can give you a boost depending on how you format it. Resume formats determine how your information gets organized on the document, giving emphasis to some details over others depending on your career level.
Most resumes benefit from a reverse-chronological approach that outlines all of your experience, starting from your most recent job and moving backward. The resume formats that feature this type of work history are the reverse-chronological and combination (or hybrid) resumes.
As a bartender with various technical skills like customer service, sales and mixology, you could also benefit from a skills-based, or functional, resume. This type of resume forgoes a description-rich work history and breaks down various skills and accomplishments divided by skill categories.
We took the same bartending candidate and rewrote their job history to illustrate how you can structure your bartender resume in the three different resume formats.
Resume 1 – Combination or Chronological Resume
- 3.5 years in workforce
- 2 years at this job
- HS Diploma
Work Experience
- Partners with senior bartenders to help craft three seasonal signature cocktails and six seasonal house cocktails quarterly.
- Quickly prepares and serves multiple customers with diverse orders, including wine, liquor and beer.
- Holds current Responsible Beverage Service certification and Food Handlers card to ensure safe customer service and sanitation.
Resume 2 – Functional Resume
- 3.5 years in workforce
- 2 years at this job
- HS Diploma
Professional Skills
Food and Drink
- Partners with expert bartenders to craft three seasonal signature cocktails four times a year.
- Crafts a total of 18 house-exclusive cocktails that the bar can rotate on their menu to ensure novelty.
- Meets California’s Responsible Beverage Service certification requirements.
- Completed and passed the Food Handler Training Certificate Program.
Customer Service
- Quickly prepares and serves customers with multiple orders.
- Quickly prepares multiple mixed drinks and serves wine, liquor and beer.
- Defuses potentially risky situations, such as cutting off intoxicated guests and spotting suspicious behavior.
Bartender Resume Samples
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0-5 years of experience
Hired, trained and supervised restaurant staff of 10 to uphold service standards, food quality, and customer satisfaction and retention.
- Managed bar area including cocktail design and menu, inventory, regulation compliance, and high quality customer relationships to increase restaurant value.
- Ordered and maintained inventory of bar products, including alcohol, soft drinks and supplies to ensure high volume of daily and weekly sales.
- Produced and balanced daily and weekly sales reports to assess and coordinate staff, while subsequently improving organizational profit.
0-5 years of experience
Used social networking to bring in revenue and good relations with customers
- Collected and organized more than $25,000 in gross revenue/tips on a monthly basis
- Allocated time management efficiently working 15-25 hours while enrolled as a full time student
- Demonstrated the ability to multi-task at a face pace while dealing with various situations/individuals with over 1,000 customers weekly
0-5 years of experience
Serve Italian style dishes on a daily basis increasing total sales and revenue.
- Advertised, marketed and recommended menu options to guest to increase guest satisfaction.
- Communicated product knowledge to facilitate guest decision making.
- Created a welcoming environment for visiting guest providing a memorable dining experience.
- Maintained all sanitation procedures and food safety guidelines
- Demonstrated flexibility in regard to work assignments and work schedule
0-5 years of experience
- Provided customer service which resulted in returning customers
- Demonstrated leadership as a trainer to all new employees
- Displayed communication skills through one on one contact with customers
6-10 years of experience
Upscale bartending and mixology experiences for premium clientele in the DFW area.
- Provided services of ingredient and combination suggestions along with a large team of privately hired bartenders from all over.
- Kept clientele over years that created new opportunities in my professional modeling career, along with substantially increasing sales for the parent company who runs this privately owned business.
- Still currently employed here.
0-5 years of experience
Mixed and serve drinks to customers of the bar and dining room
- Demonstrated ability to keep the bar organized, stocked and clean
- Monitored cash registers and collected payments for drinks and food
- Greeted and seated customers in a friendly manner
- Helping guests choose the menu
0-5 years of experience
Operated bar at several locations; prepared cocktails, beer, wine and spirits.
- Operated Aloha POS system, maintained clean and organized work station, maintained safety and sanitation standards.
- Prepared documentation for cash fund accountability.
- Responsible for training new employees.
0-5 years of experience
Collected money for drinks served and balanced cash receipts
- Trained and managed other employees
- Stocked and tracked inventory and supplies
- Maintained a clean and organized work area
- Followed safety, sanitation and legal policies for handling food and beverages
- Developed excellent customer relations
- Prepared orders in fast-paced environment
0-5 years of experience
Provided excellent bar/table service and guest satisfaction in high-volume (up to 500+), fast-paced restaurant
- Utilized knowledge of mixed beverages, specialty liquors and craft beers to serve customers and provide wait staff with well- prepared drinks in a timely fashion
- Provided outstanding hospitality to customers to gain appreciation, satisfaction and return service
- Created a welcoming and enjoyable experience ensuring customer satisfaction by maintaining a friendly, accommodating and positive attitude.
- Exhibited pride by maintaining personal hygiene as well as providing a hygienic working environment
- Opened and closed restaurant independently, restocked depleted items daily, signed checks to distributors, helped prepare for events
- Legitimately cared and concerned for patrons by being a responsible bartender/server
- Trained new wait staff and bartenders
- Worked diligently to assist co-workers when necessary
0-5 years of experience
Bartend and handle all related duties.
- As a key holder was accountable for opening and closing responsibilities.
- Ensured the accuracy of inventory.
- Assisted in product development.
- Created marketing strategies, event planning and social and print media to increase sales.
6-10 years of experience
- High volume fine dining where busy nights average between 300-400 people.
- Developed excellent customer service skills by maintaining a friendly and personal rapport with VIP’s & regulars.
- Maintained a detailed working knowledge of the menu and wines, using that knowledge to discuss and make suggestions to costumers.
- Depended on by management to train new hires.
0-5 years of experience
Worked as main bartender 5 days a week.
- Prepared drinks for entire house and my bar.
- Combined and served a wide variety of beverages by mixing ingredients along with house specialties.
- Responsible for good operation of bar, receipt and inventory accountability.
- Responsible for taking and serving food orders to guests at my bar.
0-5 years of experience
- Ensure hundreds of positive customer experiences every day in a fine dining environment
- Work with a diverse group of employees using well-developed communication skills
- Maintain accurate and detailed accounts of all financial transactions
- Trained and supervised 4 other team members to work in a similar capacity
0-5 years of experience
[company name] is a private country club located in Horseshoe Bay near Marble Falls, TX.
- Served the members in a pool side setting
- Memorized an extensive menu and bar list to be able to repeat it back to the members
- Was calm, collected, and friendly during high volume weekends and events
- Attended wine classes each week, learning about our extensive wine list
- Sold numerous specialty and off menu drinks
10+ years of experience
Immensely talented Bartender and Server with a huge background in mixing and serving drinks to patrons, directly through waitstaff. Strong ability to recognize intoxicated or unruly patrons.
- Prepare the bar for the opening shift and restocking.
- Collect money for drinks served.
- Check identification of customers to verify age requirements needed for the purchase of alcohol.
- Attempt to limit problems and liability related to customers’ excessive drinking by taking steps such as persuasion and stopping orders of alcohol or transportation for intoxicated patrons.
- Responsible for the proper operation of the bar, receipts, and inventory accountability.
0-5 years of experience
Quickly and accurately identify the key issues when making a decision or solving a problem
- Work under time and environmental pressures
- Build effective team relations by creating a positive atmosphere
- Build relationships with customers to ensure a positive experience
- Developed ability to work independent
- Communicate effectively and sensitively in both individual and group settings
0-5 years of experience
Bar manager, sole bartender at a high volume, casual-upscale french restaurant and lounge.
- Prep bar, prepare cocktails for bar, lounge, and restaurant guests.
- Create and write original cocktail menus, maintain bar inventory-order liquor, beer and bar supplies.
- Assist sommelier in maintaining 650 bottle wine list.
- Recommend spirits, wines, dessert wine selections to bar and dining room guests.
- Close restaurant nightly with key to business.
0-5 years of experience
Administer an assigned $500 petty cash and handle cash register receipts in excess of $2,000 daily
- Utilize Aloha POS system to generate reports on daily sales to management
- Train incoming employees in the proper beverage service stations and responsibilities
- Communicate with guests, working with people, talking payments, time-pressure
0-5 years of experience
Maintain friendly fast-paced bar environment with excellent customer service
- Handle over $1,000 in cash and credit card sales nightly
- Manage up to 10-20 tables per shift while simultaneously serving bar top and restaurant servers
- Supervise and train new bartender staff on proper bartending techniques
- Responsible for weekly inventory, stocking, and liquor counts
0-5 years of experience
Mix and garnish beverages as requested by guests and servers.
- Take meal and beverage orders and serve three course meals to guests.
- Memorize drink recipes and mix beverages correctly and efficiently.
- Operate cash register and Point of Sale (POS) system for transactions.
- Responsible for restocking mixes, beer, wine & liquor.
- Maintain a clean and well organized work environment.
- Assist guests and bar manager as needed.
0-5 years of experience
Check identification of customers to verify age requirements for purchase of alcohol
- Mix ingredients, such as liquor, soda, water, sugar, and bitters, to prepare cocktails and other drinks.
- Stock bar with beer, wine, liquor, and related supplies such as ice, glassware, napkins, or straws
- Slice and pit fruit for garnishing drinks
- Collect money for drinks served
0-5 years of experience
Verify patrons’ identification to make sure that they meet min age needs for use of alcoholic
beverages.
- Confirm with customers making sure that they are enjoying the food and service and take
- Attend customers to their tables.
- Explain neatly how different menu items are made, describing preparation methods and ingredients.
- Inform customers of daily special items.
0-5 years of experience
- Hired as a waitress and promoted to a bartender in 6 months
- Promoted to manager in last year and acquired closing responsibilities
- Managerial responsibilities include customer satisfaction, overseeing employees, handling money, closing the restaurant, and managing the floor while also bartending
- Operate out of four different bars located outside and inside the establishment
- Bartend during sporting events, live music, and private parties
0-5 years of experience
Prepare and serve drinks and beverages to patrons following regular recipes
- Mix ingredients such as soda, water, and sugar to prepare cocktails
- Anticipate guests’ needs to decide if additional service is needed
- Operate cash register and verification machines
- Display bottled goods and glasses to make smart look
- Slice and pit fruit for garnishes
- Clean and sanitize bar and equipment and replenish supplies
0-5 years of experience
Hired as a server, due to outstanding performance, quickly promoted to Bartender, with supervisory responsibilities. Position requires concentration and multi-tasking skills while maintaining a calm demeanor in a fast-pace, stressful environment.
- Responsible for quickly establishing and maintaining outstanding customer service to a wide variety of patrons
- Handled large volume of cash
- Supervise and coordinate duties of servers
- Maintain a clean and sanitized environment by following strict health and safety regulations
0-5 years of experience
- Greet all guests as they arrive at tables or bar and promptly gather all of the guest’s needs, wants, and requests.
- Handle monetary exchanges in an efficient, timely manner.
- Knowledgeable about all available products.
- Responsible for ensuring correct procedure is followed when the restaurant is closed and opened.
- Work alongside management to train all new servers on proper procedures.
- Knowledgeable about all on hand alcohol and be able to know house drinks and classic drink recipes.
0-5 years of experience
- Skilled in mixing, garnishing & serving drinks. Keeping with bar’s specifications.
- Knowledge of inventory on hand, drink mechanics, & drink pricing.
- Ability to keep the bar organized, stocked & clean. Took inventory.
- Able to help guests in selecting drinks/food.
- Track record of taking & delivering orders quickly.
- Clean, sanitize bar & equipment. Replenish supplies.
Bartender Duties and Responsibilities
In their daily routine, bartenders must complete several tasks in order to meet all job obligations. After examining several job listings, we have found the following to be among the most commonly listed responsibilities for this occupation:
Mix and Serve Drinks Bartenders mainly work behind bars, taking customer orders and preparing drinks. They should be thoroughly knowledgeable about wines, beers, and liquors and understand how to mix various cocktails and other drinks.
Maintain Bar Area Bartenders keep the bar clean and orderly. This includes everything from wiping down glasses and the bar top to maintaining an inventory of liquor and bar supplies. Bartenders typically keep bar snacks stocked and peel and slice various fruits used for garnishing drinks.
Develop Bar Menus Bartenders can use their knowledge of commonly ordered drinks to help a business create a bar menu. Bartenders help describe each drink listed on the menu and add or remove drinks from the menu as dictated by popularity.
Bartender Skills
Bartenders should possess strong verbal communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills, as well as a warm and friendly demeanor, as they spend their days interacting with customers of various social and economic backgrounds. It is helpful for bartenders to have above-average math skills, as measuring drinks and handling money are major aspects of this profession. Employers also prefer candidates who possess the following abilities:
- Discernment – bartenders must be well versed in their state’s alcohol and liability laws; able to spot customers who may have had too much to drink and unobtrusively take steps to prevent intoxicated customers from drunk driving by arranging transportation or calling a taxi; as well, they have to be on the alert for underage patrons
- Communication and listening skills – bartenders welcome customers, take orders, serve drinks and food, and chat both to maintain a friendly atmosphere and to limit liability if there are indications that a patron might be getting intoxicated
- Organization – bartenders are multi-taskers—they serve multiple customers at the bar as well as making drinks for restaurant patrons; they have to keep track of who ordered what, who paid, who still owes; and they have to keep the bar stocked and clean
- Team player – bartenders should be adept at working in a team environment, as they work closely with waitstaff, managers, and other servers
Bartender Education and Training
There is no formal degree requirement for those seeking to become a bartender, however, most employers seek job candidates who have completed a training program at a vocational or technical school. These kinds of programs address such topics such as mixology, classes of alcohol, garnishes, and brand names.
Bartender Salary
The most current statistics provided by the BLS show that bartenders earn a median annual salary of $19,530; in the lowest ten percentile, they earn $16,980 and in the highest ten percent they can make $37,980. Bartenders working in restaurants tend to earn more than those working in other environments. States where bartenders are paid the highest mean annual wages in the U.S. include Hawaii ($35,960), Alaska ($31,090), and Washington ($30,480).
Bartender Resources
There are many helpful resources out there for those interested in becoming a bartender. Check out these links that are full of the latest industry news.
National Bartender’s Association – Founded in 1986, this association provides professional bartenders with an online community, articles, and e-zine covering industry standards, bartender responsibilities, and more.
Bartender.com – A great website offering a free online magazine and news pertaining to bartending.
AllBartenders Blog – This blog contains articles about current trends, best practices, and insights into this career.
Bartending Blueprint Blog – From interviews to overviews of the job and job training options, this blog provides several insightful articles for beginning and seasoned bartenders. Working as a Bartender: Make Money and Have Fun – From job benefits to tips for having fun in this occupation, this book is a brief career guide for those considering working as a bartender. How to Become a Bartender: Get a Bartending Job With Little or No Experience in 30 Days or Less – This book explores various aspects of preparing for and working as a bartender, from setting goals and creating resumes to terminology and popular drink instructions.
Food Service Cover Letter Examples
Bartender Resume FAQ.
How do you format a bartender resume?
The best resume format for a bartender will depend on your experience level and personal circumstances. A good rule of thumb is that if you are highly experienced and are on an upward career trajectory, you should use the chronological resume format, which emphasizes work history. If you are coming to the job for the first time, whether through a career change or recent graduation, you may want to consider a functional resume format, which puts the emphasis on skills.
Our resume formatting guide goes into more detail on the three main resume formats, as well as resume formatting tips, like typeface, margins and line spacing.
What should be included in a bartender resume?
A bartender resume should include the following:
- Your latest contact info so the employer can get in touch with you.
- A 2- or 3-sentence career summary encapsulating your work life.
- The skills and abilities that show you can perform the job.
- Your work history starting with your most recent job.
- Your education — even if your degree isn’t relevant to your work, including education will tell the employer whether you’re still in school or recently graduated.
- Your license to serve alcohol (if you work in a state that requires licensure).
Make sure to include relevant volunteer experience on your resume as well.
What skills should be added on a bartender resume?
You should list the skills that make you most qualified for the bartender position. Popular bartending skills include:
- Endurance
- Cocktail recipes
- Point-of-sale (POS) systems
- Maintaining a tidy bar
- Active listening
- Multitasking
These are only some of the relevant bartending skills. Read the job description closely to identify more skills to add to your resume.
How do you create a bartender resume with no experience?
If you don’t have any bartending experience or any related experience in the service industry, you should use a functional resume format. The functional format diminishes the work history section and pushes skills and abilities to the top of the page.
How can a builder help you create a bartender resume?
First and foremost, resume builders save you time. Firstly, by choosing the right resume template you can save hours in formatting and designing. Second, filling out your work history inside the builder gives you prewritten content suggestions, meaning that you don’t have to write each section from scratch.