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Bartender resume examples & templates

Choosing the right resume format for a bartender

Include your contact information, make use of a summary, outline your bartender work experience, include the relevant key skills that make you a great bartender, detail your education & relevant bartender certifications, pick the right resume layout and design for a bartender resume, what type of salary you can expect in bartending.

As a bartender, you’re a professional with creative flair and unparalleled customer service skills . Now, it’s time to let that shine through in your resume.

Bartending can be a fun and rewarding hospitality job , but to get the right bartender job for you, you first have to impress the employer just as you impress your customers with your mixology skills. It takes an entirely different mindset to craft a professional resume than a cocktail, so let us help you!

Resume guide for a bartender resume

Achieve more success with Resume.io. Our guides and resume examples cover over 500 professions, and our resume builder makes creating a compelling resume easier than ever.

This resume guide and corresponding bartender resume example will cover the following:

How to write a bartender resume

• Choosing the right resume format for bartending
• How to add your contact information
• Using summaries
• Adding your bartending experience
• Listing education and relevant experience
• Picking the right resume design/layout
• What the bartender market looks like and what salary you can expect

Before you mix a drink, you need the ingredients. That follows for your bartender resume as well. Your resume should contain the following sections:

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The resume skills section
• The education section

The same way you chat with customers to show off the vibe of your bar and sell your drinks, your resume serves as a unique pitch. To craft the best resume , find as much information as possible about the bar or restaurant to which you're applying. When you understand the company's needs, you can showcase how you're the right person for the job. To do this effectively, stick with this formula:

• Highlight accomplishments instead of just responsibilities. Everyone has a general idea of what a bartender does, but what sparkle did you bring to the job? Keep this in mind throughout every section of your resume.
• Tailor your resume for each job application you submit. That means adjusting the style and tone to that of the company in the same way you likely adjust your communication based on your customer and their needs.
• Use a resume template that's eye-catching yet still professional.
• Optimize your resume with the right keywords so whoever is reading — whether a human or a system — understands right away what you bring to the table.

Are you a full-time bartender? Are you working a few nights a week for some extra cash? Did you think it would be a fun retirement job? The answers to these questions will help determine the best resume format for you.

Typically, we recommend reverse chronological order because it makes life easy for recruiters who want to know what you’ve done lately. If your work history doesn’t follow a straight path or you're just beginning your pivot into bartending, you may consider a functional resume or a hybrid style, in which you focus more on your skills and attributes than your experience.

Spend time time looking at the various resume templates in our resume builder and select the format that suits you best. There are plenty of versions of each format available to view as resume examples .

When it comes to design, you want to show off a little flair while still showing your professionalism. A modern or creative layout can be a great place to start.

Bartenders love their regulars, but the first step in setting up that relationship is an introduction. Your resume's header is essentially an introduction on paper: it's where you share your name and contact information with prospective employers.

It's most important to keep it easily accessible and legible, while remaining professionally designed. Here are a few tips:

• Full name & title. List your first and last name as well as the title of the role you are pursuing.
• Professional email address. Use a clean format like [email protected] . Don’t use a quirky, unprofessional email address.
• Phone number. List a number where you can be readily contacted, with a professional voicemail greeting and a voicemail box that's active and not full.
• Location. List only your city and state ; don’t list your street address or zip code. That's both outdated and can be unsafe.
• LinkedIn. If you have a LinkedIn profile and it's active and relevant, feel free to include it here.

Don’t include:

• Date of birth: This isn't necessary and could potentially lead to age discrimination .
• Personal details: Marital status, social security number, passport number , etc. can all be left off.

Michael Johnson, Bartender

New York, NY (917) 347-1212

[email protected]

Michael Johnson, hoping to become a bartender

123 Park Avenue New York, NY (917) 347-1212

DOB 11/26/1984

Personality plays a big role in bartending. Some patrons like to get to know their bartenders. They want to be where everybody knows their name! In this section, you have a chance to illustrate your personality and style behind the bar. Replace a resume objective with a resume summary (also known as a resume profile or professional profile ) because it offers a better opportunity to show off who you are. Your cover letter is another place to show off who you are, but try not to repeat information. You want to say as much as you can in the little space you have.

In three to five sentences, you should describe your biggest success. Maybe you developed a drink that became a big favorite or increased the number of regulars who came into the bar. Use strong, descriptive words to explain how you encourage repeat business or stay calm and personable as you handle a three-deep bar on a Saturday night. 

The summary occupies prime space at the top of your resume, so make the most of it — don't just repeat information that's already elsewhere on your resume. Demonstrate your unique value proposition by drawing recruiters in with your upbeat personality and highlighting the key attributes that show your qualifications and accomplishments as a bartender.

Need inspiration for your summary? You may benefit from checking out our other 

• Hospitality and catering resume examples
• Bar manager resume example
• Sommelier resume example
• Server resume sample
• Restaurant manager resume example
• Barista resume sample
• Food and beverage director resume example
• Caterer resume sample

You can find adaptable bartender resume example summaries below:

Bartender with extraordinary customer service skills and a motivated attitude. Three years of experience waiting tables and passionate about taking on bartender responsibilities. Undergoing extensive self-education about mixology and drink combinations. Dedicated to providing customers with a warm and welcoming environment. 

Bartender with 5+ years of extraordinary customer service skills and a motivated attitude. Knowledgeable about drink combinations and committed to serving with a smile. Adept at maintaining a clean and organized bar area and dedicated to providing customers with a warm and welcoming environment. 

Experienced Bartender with over 10 years of experience delighting customers and ensuring success of bar operations. Deeply knowledgeable about drink combinations and committed to serving with a smile. Adept at leading shifts and fostering collaboration to maintain a clean and organized bar area and provide customers with a warm and welcoming environment. 

The employment history of your bartender resume is the place to make the most of your years of experience. Any hospitality or food service job you have held is a resume builder and should take up the most space in your work experience section. Only go about 10-15 years back, and give the most space to any bartending experience you have. These jobs attest to your ability to please customers, work with point-of-sales (POS) systems, and many other skills, so include them here. 

Consider all the skills you use on the job when you write bullet points for each position and make sure you include action verbs that highlight your go-getter nature. A great bartender resume highlights a candidate’s ability to provide top-notch customer service and drink service. An ideal candidate is experienced in food and beverage environments and has a focus on customer satisfaction. Your resume should showcase your devotion to customer satisfaction and your ability to problem-solve when necessary. 

Use details and data when appropriate to illustrate what you achieved at previous jobs. Simply listing your responsibilities in your job descriptions is not enough. Share what you've done in the past to let the hiring manager know how you will improve customer service and make their bar a destination.

As an example, imagine a bartender resume that reads:

• "Served drinks to customers."
• "Provided excellent customer service."
• "Used extensive drink knowledge to create drinks for customers."

Sure, it's clear what your job entailed — but that could also fit any bartender in any bar. Check out what happens when you get specific:

• "Crafted and served drinks to 100+ customers per night in high-end, luxury cocktail lounge."
• "Provided excellent customer service, earning the highest tips on the team and receiving recognition from management."
• "Leveraged extensive beverage knowledge to memorize and recreate 20 specialty drinks while also offering creative suggestions to patrons."

Take a look at the employment history resume sample below:

Bartender at The West End , New York  March 2021 - March 2024

• Greeted bar guests with a friendly and helpful attitude at all times.
• Helped to realize continual yearly increases in drink sales, achieving 10% increase 2022-2023.
• Provided guests with drink suggestions and menu information. Kept up with popular new drinks and stay well acquainted with countless drink recipes and mixing techniques, including 30 in-house specialty drinks.
• Maintained a clean and orderly bar.
• Managed bar inventory and placed orders as needed.
• Communicated with vendors and established strong working relationships with them.
• Handled difficult and inappropriate customers with grace and professionalism.
• Worked well with other bar and restaurant staff.

Bartender at Medicci's, New York  July 2017 - April 2020

• Served as a hospitable and fast-working bartender in one of the city's top high-end restaurants, serving 100+ patrons a shift.
• Provided bar patrons with optimal customer service, earning regular recognition from leadership.
• Maintained an up-to-date knowledge of beverage offerings and mixing techniques.
• Carried on friendly conversations with patrons and answered any questions or concerns to the best of my ability.
• Worked in a collaborative manner with other restaurant employees to ensure outstanding customer experiences.

Server and Bar Back at The White Cat, New York  August 2014 - June 2017

• Waited on tables, taking food and drink orders in this high traffic pub.
• Served upwards of 400+ customers on weekends.
• Memorized orders and aimed to provide fast and quality service to all visitors.
• Acted as a support to the bartender by creating drinks and helping to maintain and stock the bar when necessary.
• Utilized excellent listening skills and followed directions as given.

How to write a bartender resume with no experience

When creating a bartender resume without direct industry experience, it's essential to emphasize your transferable skills (especially any related to customer service or sales) and your passion for the food and beverage industry. 

Focus on your educational background in sales or marketing, detailing any industry-relevant courses, workshops, or training programs you've attended.

Most importantly, showcase transferable skills that will be pivotal in a bartender role. For instance, if your experience includes being a server in a restaurant , highlight how this role honed your customer service and communication abilities , which are vital as a bartender. Similarly, working in a restaurant requires you to remember large orders and menu items, which is a skill you'll rely on when tending bar. 

If you have personal interests in the industry — like extensive wine knowledge or a penchant for home brewing — it may be worth including it on your resume to further underscore your enthusiasm. 

Adding these elements to your resume will illustrate your passion and potential as a bartender, even if you don't (yet) have direct experience .  

Optimize for the ATS

An applicant tracking system , or ATS, is a system companies use to collect and manage applications. Advanced systems may use algorithms to help screen resumes for keywords that are aligned with the job description, then pass forward those that rank highest.

For example, a bartender job posting may include the following requirements:  

• “Bartending experience"
• "Strong customer service skills"
• "Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment"

Your resume profile summary, when integrating the keywords, could read:  

“Experienced bartender with 5 years of success in fast-paced hospitality environments. Strong customer service skills, able to tailor communication to each customer's unique needs. Quick learner and passionate about mixology."

While these systems may be less commonly used in bars and other hospitality jobs, where you are more likely to hand in a resume in person, it's still worth targeting your resume keywords. 

In the skills section of your bartender resume, you have the chance to display your greatest abilities. Try to pick your highest-level skills to distinguish yourself from other jobseekers.

Patrons often like to talk to bartenders, so your communication skills — especially your ability to listen as you work your mixology magic — are key. Communication skills are considered soft skills , much like customer service skills or organizational prowess . 

You'll also want to include hard skills , those that can be demonstrated and measured. For example, hard skills for a bartender may include usage of specific equipment, POS systems, or methodologies. 

Analyze the bartender job description for the position you seek and match the skills listed there when you put together this section. Remember that each job is a bit different, so your resume should be a fluid document that you personalize for each bartending job. Swap out skills accordingly.

Consider developing a list of all the skills in your repertoire. Highlight those that you need to be a successful bartender. When the bar is busy, you must be quick but accurate, attentive, and constantly multitasking. During down times, you should be managing inventory, cleaning, and restocking the bar area. If you seek a job as a lead bartender, you will be responsible for managing others as well, so don’t neglect any past management experience when you craft your skills section.

The resume builder offers several pre-written key skills to choose from with proficiency ranges you can set. You can also write in your skills.

Here’s what the skills box looks like in our bartender resume template.

• Bar Terminology
• Memorization Techniques
• Excellent Customer Service
• Knowledge of Flavor Combinations
• Advanced Communication
• Motivated Attitude

However, your resume's skills section isn't the only place to add your key skills. Instead, try to weave them throughout your resume by demonstrating the skills in action. Then enhance the credibility of these skills by providing specific examples and achievements. 

For example, in your work experience section and professional summary, highlight your 

• Customer service skills by quantifying the average number of customers served or drinks made, as well as any recognition you've received for customer satisfaction
• Teamwork experience by sharing how you've worked on a team to keep a bar running, or any leadership roles you've held
• Product knowledge by demonstrating your role in learning or creating specialty drinks

Look to the job description as a guide for what key skills to include.

The education section of your bartender resume is a must; however, bartending requires a specialized set of skills that you can learn on the job. Some choose to attend bartending school and others may have hospitality-related degrees, but a high school diploma is typically the minimum required education. 

Even if your degree is not related to the hospitality field, list it here. Earning a college degree shows you have follow-through and perseverance.

If you have just completed bartending school and do not yet have any professional experience in the field, consider moving this section up since it highlights your major qualification for a bartender job. If you are a career-changer , consider using a functional resume that will highlight your education and related experience from a different field.

Don't forget to include training or certifications you've received , including:

• Training and certifications. Courses, workshops, or even webinars that enhance your bartending skills.
• Apprenticeships. If you worked under a more experienced bartender, that's great education.
• Professional development . Are you a member of any food and beverage associations like the NBA or IBA ? That shows your dedication and passion for the field, so make sure you list it.

See the bartender resume sample content below.

Associate of Culinary Arts, Hunter College, New York  January 2012 - May 2014

Bartending is people-oriented and creative, so you want your bartender resume design to reflect those attributes. Use our field-tested Creative resume templates to get you started (for more upscale and serious bars, restaurants, or hotels, check out our Professional category). 

You can choose to customize them, but remember these helpful tips:

• Your first goal is to keep it easy-to-read, so no funny fonts
• Don’t get cute with the section titles — hiring managers want to find your information quickly
• Alter your line lengths to leave ample white space
• A pop of color can show personality, but don't go overboard
• Always have a friend or colleague proofread your resume before sending.

Our field-tested resume templates provide a great shortcut to building an excellent bartender resume. 

Bartender job market and outlook

Bartender jobs remain fairly steady, "projected to grow 3% from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations," according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) . That means that while jobs may not be in the highest demand, there is likely to be continuous opportunity for those looking to tend bar. 

• The BLS anticipates roughly 113,500 bartender job openings to come available each year over the next decade. Much of these roles will open due to workers leave the industry or exiting the workforce altogether (to retire, for instance).
• In 2022, the BLS reported an estimated 641,300 bartender jobs in the United States alone.

Per the BLS , bartenders earned a median hourly wage of $14.12 as of 2022. The highest ten percent of bartenders, however, earned over $27.50 per hour. 

Of course, a bartender in a high-end, luxury lounge or hotel will likely earn more than a bartender in a neighborhood dive. Much of a bartender's earnings also come from tips, which are variable. 

Bartender text-only resume example

Experienced Bartender with extraordinary customer service skills and a motivated attitude. Knowledgeable about drink combinations and committed to serving with a smile. Adept at maintaining a clean and organized bar area and dedicated to providing customers with a warm and welcoming environment.

Employment history

Key takeaways for building a bartender resume

Bartenders are more than just mixologists — they need excellent customer service and listening skills , among others. It's imperative to display your broad skill set on your resume, but the right format will depend on your employment history and current situation. However, any hospitality or customer service experience will increase your desirability as a bartending prospect.

To make the process easier, take advantage of the resources and our online resume builder at Resume.io and let us help you create an eye-catching resume in no time.

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates

Bartender Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

Bartender Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

How to write a bartender resume, how to pick the best bartender resume template, frequently asked questions: bartender resume examples and advice.

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

John Smith (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Columbia, MO 39769 | LinkedIn

Bartender, server, and bar back with nearly three years’ experience at popular local restaurants. Confidently suggest food and drinks to guests, drawing on strong knowledge of food and wine pairings. Trained in both front- and back-of-house operations.

• Customer Service & Satisfaction
• Drink Order Preparation
• Efficiency Improvement
• Payment Processing
• Process Improvement
• Task Prioritization
• Team Collaboration
• Time Management
• Work Area Maintenance
• Workplace Safety & Security

Bartender / Server, Addison’s American Grill, Columbia, MO | September 2022 to Present

• Recognized for maintaining excellent customer service on busy nights and with large parties
• Used suggestive selling methods to increase cover average and improve the guest experience
• Won “Employee of the Month” 3 times based on strong teamwork and high guest satisfaction scores

Bar Back, Outback Steakhouse, Columbia, MO | July 2020 to September 2022

• Ensured the bar was well-stocked with ice, glasses, and alcohol during busy shifts
• Helped change kegs and clear the lines when needed
• Assisted bartenders with overall efficiency and customer service

Hotel & Restaurant Management Program , University of Missouri, Columbia, MO | Expected 2023

• Intern at Bleu Catering Company to increase knowledge of catered events
• Core course topics include accounting for restaurants, sales strategies, and kitchen operations

Squirrel and Micros POS systems

John McPhearson (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Portland, OR 39576 | LinkedIn

Bartender with 7+ years of experience in high-volume nightclubs and bars. Expert mixologist with hundreds of drink recipes memorized. Enthusiastic about creating and preparing distinctive, popular drink recipes. Firm grasp of Oregon alcohol sales laws. Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish.

Runner-up, Portland’s Master Mixologist Competition | 2019

• Cash Handling

Bartender, Risky Jay’s Nightclub, Portland, OR | June 2016 to Present

• Lead bartender on weekend nights, ensuring team members correctly prepare drinks and process payments
• Create custom cocktails and shots for patrons
• Help inventory and order supplies and stock
• Work with security to identify over-intoxicated patrons

Bartender / Bar Back, Guys & Dolls, Portland, OR | September 2012 to May 2016

• Trained new hires to properly make drinks and keep bar area clean and orderly
• Showed high efficiency serving multiple customers at a time
• Offered helpful drink recommendations to guests
• Consistently top-ranked for sales during last year of tenure

Business Degree — Hotel & Restaurant Management, Oregon State University, Portland, OR | 2016

Fluency in Spanish

Jenny Thomas (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Plano, TX 75097 | LinkedIn

Bartender with 15+ years of experience and thorough knowledge of beer, wine, and spirits. Skilled at mixing unique cocktails for customers in a fast-paced environment. Collaborated on seasonal drink menus with beverage director at the DoubleTree Hotel. New hire trainer and ABC-Certified trainer for responsible alcohol service.

• Food & Wine Pairing
• Menu Memorization
• Texas Dram Shop Laws

Lead Bartender, DoubleTree Hotel, Dallas, TX | June 2016 to Present

• Work high-volume shifts in both the cocktail lounge and fine-dining restaurant
• Reconcile receipts at the end of the night using Micros POS system
• Conduct monthly inventory of all bar stock with the bar manager
• Train new hires to mix drinks properly, serve drinks responsibly, and ensure customers are satisfied
• Collaborated on seasonal drink menus and invented several lucrative cocktail recipes

Lead Bartender, Della’s Disco, Dallas, TX | January 2009 to March 2016

• Supervised a 5-person bartending team on busy nights
• Courteously served beer, wine, and cocktails to customers
• Monitored patrons for signs of over-intoxication and worked with security staff to prevent violent or untoward behavior
• Inventoried beverage stock weekly

Bartender / Cocktail Server, Applebee’s Restaurant, Austin, TX | September 2004 to December 2008

• Worked solo shifts on slower nights, serving bar guests and making service bar drinks for servers
• Cleaned and restocked bar area each night
• Trained new bartenders and cocktail waiters
• Performed wait staff duties by taking food and drink orders for bar patrons
• Taught Texas ABC Responsible Alcohol Service classes for district restaurants

Associate Degree — Hospitality Management, Collin County Community College, Austin, TX

Certified Bartender, Logan’s Professional Bartending School, Austin, TX

Texas ABC certified for responsible alcohol service

To create a bartender resume that impresses employers, display how you can prepare drink orders for customers quickly and professionally and your knowledge of alcoholic beverages. We’ll show you how to write a winning bartender resume tailored to the industry’s unique demands. By studying resume examples, you can learn expert strategies and create the best bartender resume possible.

1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your bartender qualifications

In two to three sentences, your resume profile should capture what you’ve accomplished and what you offer. Your goal with this section is to entice hiring managers to keep reading your resume, so brevity, impact, and customization are key.

First, tailor your profile to the position by carefully pulling and incorporating keywords from the job post text. By customizing your profile this way, you can show your relevant strengths and overall attentiveness to the employer’s needs. Next, focus on your ability to create memorable experiences through exquisite cocktails and personalized service. Also, consider noting your years of experience in mixology, customer service, or team collaboration.

Senior-Level Profile Example

Bartender with over 15 years of experience and thorough knowledge of beer, wine, and spirits. Skilled at mixing unique cocktails for customers in a fast-paced environment. Collaborated on seasonal drink menus with the beverage director at the DoubleTree Hotel. New hire trainer and ABC-Certified trainer for responsible alcohol service.

Entry-Level Profile Example

2. add your bartender experience with compelling examples.

A results-focused experience section is key to your resume, as it lets you show the impact you’ve had on employers. For each past bartending job, describe how you helped improve the drink menu, train new hires, adapt to industry changes, or accommodate high customer volume. Also, quantify your achievements. For instance, you could highlight the number of customers you served, the revenue you generated, or events you helped organize. This strategy adds value to your resume and shows you can handle work settings similar to the ones you’re now after.

Senior-Level Professional Experience Example

Lead Bartender, DoubleTree Hotel, Dallas, TX | June 2016 to present

Entry-Level Professional Experience Example

Bartender / Server, Addison’s American Grill, Columbia, MO | September 2022 to present

• Won “Employee of the Month” three times based on strong teamwork and high guest satisfaction scores

3. Include bartender-related education and certifications

Show your dedication to the craft by including any relevant education, coursework, and certifications you’ve completed. Degrees in hospitality or related subjects can convey your professionalism and foundational knowledge of customer service, mixology techniques, and beverage management. Additionally, certifications like Training for Intervention ProcedureS (TIPS) or ServSafe Alcohol can boost your credibility and assure employers you understand responsible alcohol service. Below are templates and examples to help you format this information on your resume.

• [Degree Name] 
• [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
• Business Degree — Hotel and Restaurant Management
• Oregon State University, Portland, OR | 2016

Certifications

• [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
• Certified Bartender, Logan’s Professional Bartending School, 2023

4. Include a list of skills and proficiencies related to bartenders

Relevant professional skills are essential to your bartender resume. These skills give insight into your ability to excel in a fast-paced, customer-centric environment. This section should cover not just your mixology skills but also important soft skills like customer service or conflict resolution. Here’s a list of skills to consider for your resume:

For bartenders, the best resume template is clear and straightforward, with well-organized sections and headings. Opt for a design with plenty of room to list your skills, experience, and certifications. Choose a template that lets you show your creativity through color accents while maintaining a professional appearance.

What are common action verbs for bartender resumes? -

As you write your past duties and achievements on your resume, you may find it hard to avoid sounding repetitive. To help you overcome this obstacle, we created this list of common action verbs for bartenders.

How do you align your resume with a job posting? -

Bartending is expected to see fast growth between 2021 and 2031, with an 18% increase (or over 90,000 new jobs) during that time.

You can get more bartender job interviews by tailoring your resume for each application. Start by looking at the job post and noting words or phrases that are repeated, emphasized, or otherwise seem important. Compare these phrases against the language you’re using in your resume, particularly the profile and key skills sections. Then, look for ways to align your resume language with the job post while not copying text or misstating your background.

For example, if the bar manager wants someone collaborative, you may want to call out that aspect of your experience in your profile. Or say the facility has many non-English speaking customers. You may want to highlight your foreign language skills both in your profile and as a separate section farther down the document. With adjustments like these, you can make your resume that much more relevant to each job opportunity.

What is the best bartender resume format? -

For bartenders, a combination resume format is often the best choice. This format allows you to show your relevant skills, experience, and accomplishments in a concise and organized manner. To follow the combination format, start your resume with a profile summary highlighting your mixology and customer service skills. Below the summary, write a chronological experience section detailing your key work duties and accomplishments.

If you have plenty of relevant experience and a consistent work history, the traditional chronological format may also be suitable. In general, avoid the functional format because it de-emphasizes your work history, a crucial aspect for employers in the service industry.

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A well-crafted cover letter will boost your chances of an interview. The secret to a good cover letter is tailoring it to the establishment you're applying to. Read our comprehensive bartender cover letter guide to create your own. For more examples, check out our food service and server cover letter guides.

Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

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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

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]

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