resume for bartender job with no experience

Bartender No Experience Resume Examples and Templates

This page provides you with Bartender No Experience Resume Examples and Templates resume samples to use to create your own resume with our easy-to-use resume builder . Below you'll find our how-to section that will guide you through each section of a Bartender No Experience Resume Examples and Templates resume.

Bartending offers flexible, sociable work, as well as the opportunity to learn some skills that are always in demand. As a bartender, you’ll be able to meet new people and get an insider look at the food service industry, all without needing to invest time and money into a specialized degree. Even without much past experience, the right combination of skills could give you an advantage with an employer willing to invest time into training you up.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, bartending jobs are projected to increase by 18% over the coming decade. That’s a much faster growth rate than the average! The availability of bartending jobs is somewhat offset by the relatively low rate of pay for bartenders – a median average of $12.67 per hour – but bartenders may also be able to earn tips to supplement their base income.

Even with the low base wage, though, bartending work can be competitive. The combination of flexible hours and growth in the food service industry means that bartending positions often see a lot of interest when advertised. To help you get ahead of your competition for your dream bartending job, we’ve written up this guide to producing the best possible bartender resume.

That’s where we come in! We’ve provided example resume sections, advice on the dos and don’ts of resume writing, and helpful hints on how to make your resume even better. Keep reading, and your first bartending resume will land you a job in no time!

Note : Leverage AI to level-up your resume - Try our AI Resume Builder

What is Bartending?

Bartenders divide their time between serving drinks, maintaining the bar, and preparing for peak service hours. They may need to slice garnishes, clean glassware and bar equipment, clean tables, check customer ID, and call cabs for customers who need a safe way to get home. And, of course, they’ll need to serve drinks to customers – potentially including a complex range of cocktails, depending on their work environment.

As a general rule, bartending staff don’t need any special qualifications. But being able to prove that you graduated high school or obtained a degree can show a hiring manager that you have the commitment and motivation to succeed in the role. And relevant certifications, such as those proving that you are familiar with food health and safety guidelines, can give your resume a considerable boost.

You should also keep in mind that depending on the state where you work, you may need to obtain a bartending license. This will allow you to serve alcohol in compliance with the law. You should always look up your state’s licensing requirements before beginning a career as a bartender.

But broadly speaking, as a bartender, your skills will generally be much more important than your qualifications. A bartender will need to be customer-focused and organized, with great attention to detail and problem-solving skills. If you can showcase these skills on your resume, it will really stand out from the crowd.

How to Write a Bartending Resume

If you’re looking to work in bartending, but you don’t have any experience, your resume needs to tell a hiring manager two important things. The first is that you are qualified to carry out the role. The second is that you have the skills you will need to succeed.

As we’ve already discussed, bartending prioritizes skills over qualifications. This means you should ensure that your skills are at the heart of your bartending resume. When you have more experience as a bartender behind you, you can balance out your skills section with a more involved experience section.

But in the short term, you should remember that there are other ways to build experience besides getting a job. Internships and volunteer experience can all be featured on your resume, as long as they’re relevant to the role you want. They can bolster your experience section until you’ve gained more direct work experience, and can show that you can apply your skills in a working environment.

In general, a bartending resume written by someone with limited work experience should contain the following:

• Your skills, including any certifications you have
• Any experience you have
• Your education

The Best Format for a Housekeeping Resume

When choosing your professionally-designed housekeeping resume template from our selection, remember that your resume’s format can guide hiring managers to the sections you most want them to see. Choose a format that will call attention to your strengths, while minimizing any weaknesses.

Since housekeeping, as a field, prioritizes skills over qualifications, you should choose a template that focuses on your skills. Later in your career, when you’ve built more work experience, you should consider a resume format that foregrounds your experience instead.

You should also remember that many companies use an applicant tracking system (or ATS) to sort through candidates’ resumes. This can help companies speed up their recruitment processes, but it also means that if your resume doesn’t get past the ATS software, it may never be seen by a person. ATS software usually looks for specific keywords based on the job description – so keep that in mind as you write, or you could risk losing the role before you start!

ATS software can also be thrown off by intricate resume formatting. But don’t worry – all of VisualCV’s resume templates are designed to beat ATS software. That means you can focus on the content of your resume, instead of worrying that the format will damage your chances.

3 Bartender Resume Examples

Most resumes begin with a summary – a short, to-the-point description of your best qualities. This is one of the first things a recruiter will see about you, so it’s important to get it right! And remember, your summary needs to reflect the needs of the job, so you can’t get away with using a generic summary for every application.

Summaries are particularly useful when applying for entry-level roles, because they let you call attention to your skills and qualifications when you don’t have much experience. When you have more experience behind you, you can refocus your summary so it calls attention to that, instead. 3 Bartender resume summary examples

• Recent high school graduate with volunteer experience in serving and event catering. A hard worker, adaptable and willing to learn. Hoping to build a career in bartending!
• Aspiring bartender with a bachelor’s degree in Communications. Flexible, organized and customer-focused, with a passion for delivering amazing service.
• Former server hoping to move into bartending. Keen attention to detail, a strong work ethic and an outgoing, customer-focused personality.
• How Not to Write a Bartender Resume Summary

Your summary needs to be clear and to the point, focusing on what you can offer your employer in the role you want. It should tell a hiring manager why you meet the requirements for the job, and it should avoid being too wordy or personal. If you want to explain why you want the job, you can do that in your cover letter instead.

Remember, some recruiters don’t agree that you need to include a summary on your resume. If you’re having a hard time getting it right, you can always leave it out.

• I’m an enthusiastic foodie with a lifelong interest in the restaurant industry. As a student, I applied this enthusiasm to a part-time job as a waiter. Now I’m hoping to move into bartending, where I believe my customer-focused mindset and my willingness to learn will enable me to thrive.

Do You Need a Resume Objective?

A resume objective isn’t the same thing as a resume summary. Your summary should be a brief statement of the qualities that make you right for the job you want. Your objective, on the other hand, is a one-sentence statement about where you want your career to take you in the future.

Objectives are most common when applying for entry-level roles, as non-entry-level roles don’t usually need them. But as you’re applying for a job in a field where you have no prior experience, you should consider including an objective. It’s a great way to share your long-term career goals with a hiring manager, and show that you take the job seriously as a step on your career journey. Bartender Resume Objective Example

• Aspiring bartender looking to build a career in the food service industry.

How to Describe Your Experience on Your Bartender Resume

It can be daunting to write about work experience when you don’t have a lot of it – but remember that not all experience involves paid work! If you’ve volunteered or interned in the past, that experience could help you bolster your resume. This is particularly true if it’s directly relevant to the role you want.

• Describe Your Experience Effectively

First and foremost, you need to write about what you accomplished in your previous roles. Recruiters will want to see proof that you were able to get results in the past. This will give them reason to believe that you can achieve similar things again in future.

Wherever you can, try to point out specific results you achieved in previous positions. If you were able to boost profits by a particular percentage, for instance, that’s a clear benefit that you can prove you delivered. But positive outcomes without a numerical value – such as satisfied customers, praise from a manager, or faster completion times – are also very useful to include. Bartender Resume Experience Example

Do: Volunteer Waiter, Restore Charity Cafe | 2018

• Received food and drink orders from over 100 customers every workday, then relayed them to the kitchen for timely fulfillment
• Assisted with the cleaning and tidying of the cafe space throughout the day, ensuring a safe and sanitary customer experience
• Delivered great customer service to all guests, encouraging a record high number of donations to the charity operating the cafe
• How Not to Describe Your Experience

Don’t just write a straightforward list of the tasks you completed in previous roles! Listing your responsibilities with no further context or information won’t tell hiring managers anything about you. Remember, you need to prove that you could do your job effectively; it’s not enough to say that you did it at all.

Don’t: Volunteer Waiter, Restore Charity Cafe | 2018

• Took customer orders
• Cleaned and tidied cafe
• Encouraged customer donations

How to List Skills on Your Bartender Resume

When listing skills on your resume, pay close attention to the job description of the role you’re applying for. It will usually contain a list of the skills hiring managers will be looking for. But remember that not every useful skill will be listed on every job description – so it’s useful to take the initiative and the time to research helpful bartending skills.

For general information about skills on your resume, check out our resume skills guide here!

• Top Bartender Resume Skills in Demand

Professional Certifications for Bartender Resumes

Certifications show recruiters that you take your work and your professional development seriously, and that you’re willing to take the initiative to pursue them both. They’re also great evidence of your skills, which can be particularly useful when you don’t have much past work experience. If you’re able to, we always recommend pursuing a certification in your field.

Wherever you live, take the time to do some research into schools offering bartending classes. You can find a wide range of options that will meet your needs – some schools may offer online classes, while others may offer hands-on learning in person. Being able to list a bartending course on your resume will help you to stand out from the rest of the pile!

The Most Important Soft Skills for Your Bartender Resume

While bartending relies heavily on your hard skills, that doesn’t mean you should forget about your soft skills when writing your resume! They can give you a serious advantage in carrying out your day-to-day tasks in any role. And if a role is especially competitive, having the right soft skills could give you an advantage when you apply.

Here are some of the most important soft skills to include on your bartending resume!

• Customer Service

Bartending is a highly social job with a lot of direct customer contact. Not only will you need to take, remember and prepare drink orders in a timely fashion – you’ll also need to deliver friendly and welcoming customer service, so that customers feel at home in your workplace. If this isn’t an area where you shine, bartending may not be the role for you!

• Organization

To be as efficient as possible, you will need to attain high levels of personal organization – keeping the space behind the bar as orderly as possible. This is as much about improving your own work efficiency as it is about creating a good work environment for your colleagues. Being able to show that you’re an organized person will give you an advantage when applying for bartending jobs!

• Problem-Solving

Particularly during busy times, bartending can be a real balancing act! You may need to clear lines, change barrels, and deal with broken glassware, all while responding to customers in need of drinks. A knack for problem-solving will take you far as a bartender, as a result.

Bartender Salaries

How much can you reasonably expect to earn as a bartender? Because most bartending roles don’t require any formal education, salaries for bartenders tend to be on the lower side. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median average salary of $26,350 per year (or $12.67 per hour) for bartenders.

However, if you deliver great customer service as a bartender, you may be able to benefit from customer tips. This additional income can bolster your salary in a major way over time!

It’s also worth remembering that, while entry-level bartending roles can be fairly low-paid, you may be able to negotiate for better salaries as you acquire more experience. It’s important to manage your expectations in the early days of your career, but that doesn’t mean you should always be willing to settle.

Final Thoughts

Bartending can be fun, lively work, particularly for outgoing types who love to meet new people. As a bartender, you’ll have experience that will stand you in good stead anywhere you choose to live and work. Whether it’s a stop-gap job or a long-term career, landing your first bartending job could be the springboard that propels you into the next stage of your life!

If you’re struggling to get your resume noticed, a VisualCV Pro membership can help you out. Pro membership gives you the tools to customize every facet of your resume, and can put you in touch with resume experts who can help you refine your application. Don’t delay – we’re ready to help today!

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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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Bartender Resume: Template for Free & Step by Step Guide

As a Bartender, you likely know how to mix a mean Margarita, Moscow Mule, or Manhattan, but have you mastered the art of writing a winning resume? Our professional resume temples and expert advice can help you find the perfect pairings to satisfy the tastes of your future employer!

Bartender Resume Example MSWord® Download our free Bartender Resume template in Word and whip up the perfect cocktail mix to ensure career success!

There’s nothing like sitting down to a good drink made by a bartender with skill and class. 

As a bartender, you know that keeping your customers satisfied is key for a successful career. When applying for jobs, you’ll also want to treat the hiring manager like a customer to keep them coming back for more.  

Just like mixing a cocktail, you’ll need to shake up your resume the right way, so it comes out perfectly. Otherwise, a bar owner or job recruiter will be looking elsewhere.

This guide will thelp you get noticed by employers and take your bartending career to the next level.

This guide will tell you:

• How to write a bartender resume
• How to add the right bartender qualifications for resume writing
• How to use a job description
• How to list your skills 

Keep reading to find out the right ingredients to your resume. 

Bartender Resume Sample

Need a clue on how to structure your resume? 

Check out our bartender resume sample , which gives you a complete picture of what an ideal resume might look like.

[Robert Duvall]

[Professional Bartender]

[405 Merry Hill Drive, Johnstown, MI 15342 | 555-555-5555 | [email protected]]

Skilled, professional bartender with 8+ years of experience providing unmatched service to bars in the central Chicago area. Received “Employee of the Year” award in 2020 after creating specialty cocktails and menu items that brought in 30% more patrons and increased bar profits by 10%. Seeking to utilize my skills and knowledge to bring a new experience and perspective to XYZ Bar.

Bubba Gump’s Restaurant and Bar | Miami, FL

2019 – 2021

• Prepared drinks and food according to restaurant standards, recommended pairings, and accommodated diverse guest requests.
• Maintained a safe and clean bar space during working shifts.
• Delivered excellent customer service by attending to all guest questions or concerns and replenishing drinks as needed in a fast-paced environment.
• Recorded orders and performed routine checks of inventory to keep the bar well-stocked, functional, and trendy.

Beachside Coffee Company | Miami, FL

2016 – 2018

• Fulfilled orders for 30+ types of drinks, including coffee, coffee drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas, plus teas, smoothies, and juices.
• Greeted and assisted customers before, during, and after the ordering process. Created a new, unique coffee drink and boosted cafe sales by 10%.

Bachelor of Arts in Food Service Management Springtown

Community College | Springtown, IL

2013 – 2016

Honors: Graduated magna cum laude with a 3.56 GPA.

Relevant Coursework: Science of Culinary Arts, Champagne Tasting and Pairing, Restaurant Management and Finances.

• Soft skills: Collaboration, attention to detail, time management, multitasking
• Hard skills: Practical application and theoretical knowledge of over 100 mixed cocktails, mixology, customer service, wine and food pairing

“Employee of the Year,” Bubba Gump’s Restaurant and Bar (2020)

Certificates

• AIP Alcohol Training and Certification (2020), Springtown Heights,
• FL Sanitation and Safety Certificate (2018), Central College, FL

Just like reviewing a bartending book for drink recipes, there are plenty of examples you can have a look at before starting your resume.

What’s the Best Bartender Resume Format?

If you want your resume to be as smooth and easy to sip as your favorite drink, you’ll need to choose a format that suits your needs.

To determine the right one, first assess your level of experience and the content you plan to include on your resume.

When choosing the best way to format your resume, there is one essential thing to keep in mind: experience .

Depending on the amount of bartending experience that you have, you should think about arranging your resume like this : 

• 2+ years of experience : Emphasize your past jobs before skills, starting with your most recent position first. 
• Less than 2 years of experience : Highlight your skills over your previous job(s), and try not to include anything irrelevant. 

Showing off both your skills and experience in a hybrid format is also a great idea if you have enough of both. 

It is also critical to consider: 

• Line spacing

There is no need to add any crazy fonts or huge spaces in between lines. Overly design resumes rarely perform well in online tracking systems, or with the humans that read them.

If you need a little extra help navigating resume design, luckily there are plenty of online tools that can polish up your resume for you.

How to Write a Bartender Resume Summary or Resume Objective

Think of your resume summary or objective as the first sip of a new cocktail; it can make or break your experience, and it gives you an idea of what you’re in for.

You want your bartender resume objective or summary to pop, regardless of which one you end up writing. Both a bartender resume objective and summary provide an overview of your experience and you as a potential employee.

A resume summary does this by explaining your past professional achievements and experiences, so it is typically best for those who are already in the field.

An objective, on the other hand, focuses on what an employer needs and demonstrates how your skills can help . These are ideal for entry-level applicants or anyone looking to switch into bartending from another area.

To write either one, find ways to condense your main talking points into just a few, powerful lines. 

Doing so can take some practice and patience. We suggest writing all of your ideas in one place, and then whittle them down as you go.

Struggling to come up with a resume summary or objective that packs a punch in a few lines? Save it for the end of the process . Writing your resume first can make it much clearer and easier to know which points you want to emphasize or elaborate on.

Bartender Resume Summary Example

Remember, a good resume summary does exactly what the name suggests: summarizes all that an employer needs to know about what’s on the page, but also about you.

The more specific examples and details you can provide, the better. Of course, you don’t want to let things become too wordy, so focus on what matters the most .

Tangible examples of your achievements create a powerful end result. Here are some bartender resume summary examples that are both poor and strong.

Take note of what works and what doesn’t in each example–do they summarize bartender resume duties, show that the person in question is a one-of-a-kind candidate, or leave the reader wanting to know more?

Bartender with lots of experience making drinks, serving guests, and managing inventory. Seeking to fulfill the Head Bartender position at XYZ Bar to put my skills to use.

While this gives a hiring manager a brief idea, it’s like taking a sip from a glass that is mostly ice. There should be more data and proof that you can be a success.

Professional bartender and mixologist with 5+ years of experience providing top-notch service to bars in the central Chicago area. Received “Employee of the Year” in both 2019 and 2020 after creating 5 new cocktail recipes and increasing bar profits by 10%.

This fills up the glass much better. This summary provides not only experience, but highlights how the candidate improved profits and even throws an individual achievement into the mix. 

How to Write an Entry-Level Bartender Resume Objective

Resume objectives are great if you’re an entry-level applicant because they do not rely on experiences and accomplishments to prove your value.

Instead, these statements are tailored to what an employer is looking for and what you can offer in response.

To write a stellar bartender resume objective, pay attention to what the position is asking for. 

If the job description notes that the employer is seeking out candidates who are highly experienced in the culinary arts, for instance, emphasizing that you have these skills can make you a strong applicant even without bartending practice.

🌟 Featured Content: When writing a resume objective, use the skills and experiences you have to demonstrate how you could be a valuable addition to the field or business. 

Entry-Level Bartender Resume Objectives

Let’s take a look at some examples of objectives that do and don’t work. 

Remember that being specific and clear is the way to go, regardless of what you’re writing.

Young professional seeking the position of Bartender at ABC Bar . Passionate about food, drink, and creating a unique experience for customers.

Just like a drink that’s missing some flavor, this is missing some key information. You’ll want to dive a bit deeper into what you can offer even if you’re lacking bartending experience.

Culinary expert with over 5+ years in the field looking to transfer my skills into bartending and mixology. Experienced with foodservice and prep, customer service, and innovating ways to combine flavors and products.

This is a great example of someone changing fields but showing that they can bring their skills into the bartending field . 

If you can do that you’ll certainly start off on the right foot. 

How to Describe Your Bartender Experience

The bar is set high for your experience section, and for good reason. 

Your experience section is the main area in which you can show your qualifications and accomplishments . 

To describe them in a way that strengthens your chances of scoring an interview, though, you should take note of the specific qualities your potential employer prioritizes .

Writing your bartender resume job descriptions and experiences in a way that relates to these priorities helps portray you as the perfect fit for the job .

In most cases, a reverse chronological structure is best for listing your experience. Listing your most recent job at the top draws attention to what are likely your most relevant skills, accomplishments, and experiences.

Bartender Resume Examples: Experience

Below are some examples, one of a strong description of experiences and one that’s lacking in detail. 

Neither is necessarily terrible, but one does a better job explaining specifically what you did rather than just providing an overview.

Uncle Louie’s Grille & Pub | South Central Square, IL

2018 – 2020

• Kept bar fully stocked and functional by ordering supplies, monitoring stock, and tending to guests.
• Practiced and learned over 100 unique cocktail recipes.
• Worked well with coworkers and helped create a positive work environment.

This is good but it could be better. You want to explain a bit more about what you did in your prior job.

• As lead bartender, managed a 36-seat bar top and bar room for fast-paced family restaurant.
• Handled bar stock and served restaurant patrons via ordering drinks, food, and supplies as necessary.
• Maintained a clean, safe, and pleasant bar environment for both patrons and employees.
• Performed routine inventory checks to keep the bar well-stocked during working hours.

This gives great insight as to what your duties were in your previous position. It also shows that you successfully completed your tasks. 

Entry-Level Bartender Resume: Experience Section

When writing a bartender resume no experience is necessary to create a final product that’s truly toast-worthy.

Use your experience section to detail the knowledge you do have , even if it’s not directly related to bartending. 

Focus on what’s helped you become a good potential bartender , and make sure it comes through in your job descriptions. 

Let’s look at how you might accomplish that:

The Bean Coffee Shop | Springtown, IL

2018 – 2021

• Took orders and made drinks for hundreds of customers.
• Cleaned and maintained the cafe area during working shifts.
• Worked with guests to resolve conflicts as they arose.

Without any information that shows how you were successful, this experience section will come out a little flat.

• Maintained a clean and orderly workspace by regularly ordering supplies, restocking displays, and monitoring machine functionality. 
• Created a new mixed coffee drink and boosted cafe sales by 10%. 
• Trained to prepare specialty and custom beverages available on a 23-option menu.
• Improved employee feedback score cards by 15% in one month after joining staff.

By showing how you improved production you’ll have a really tasty looking experience section. 

Is Your Education Section Flunking Out? It Might Be

Education sections can be hard to manage; after all, how can you make experiences from far in the past feel like they’re relevant to a modern resume?

Even if it may not seem like it, your education does matter . It shows that you’re a knowledgeable person, but also that you have practice handling different situations and projects.

A college degree isn’t required for bartending jobs in general , but that doesn’t mean that having one can’t help you. 

Many jobs may require a high school diploma or equivalent educational experience as a minimum, although there are exceptions. Any further training or education you have under your belt should make its way onto your bartender resume.

When describing your educational experiences, you might want to do the following:

• Describe relevant coursework . Show how the classes you took gave you skills that are applicable to the workplace.
• Explain major achievements . Bonus points if these achievements relate in some way to your bartender resume responsibilities and skills.
• Note any significant involvements. Showing that you managed a variety of commitments in a real-life situation demonstrates that you’re a versatile employee.

Focus on finding ways to tie the achievements and skills you gained from your education to the bartending position you’re interested in. Ask yourself how the details you’re listing make you a better candidate, and make sure it’s clear on your resume.

Bartender Resume Education Section

How can you keep your resume’s education section lively and valuable? Consider these suggestions.

Degree in Food Service Management

Springtown Community College | Springtown, IL

2017 – 2021

• Took classes in a variety of relevant subjects and received a GPA of 3.56.

While it’s great to point out your GPA if it is high, you should be more specific when explaining what you studied in high school, college, or bartending school.

Bachelor’s in Food Service Management

• Honors: Graduated magna cum laude with a 3.56 GPA
• Relevant Coursework: Wine Tasting and Pairing, Restaurant Management, Finances and Accounting

This example is great as it provides relevant coursework which gives a bar manager a better idea as to how you already have working knowledge of bartending.

The Best Bartender Skills for a Resume

When it comes to writing a great bartender resume, skills are key. 

You should include a combination of hard skills (skills that are specific to your field and often learned on the job) and soft skills (general skills that apply to all jobs).

We suggest choosing around 5 to 10 skills to list ; if you try to include too many bartender skills and qualities resume organization can begin to feel cramped and chaotic. 

Soft Skills

• Communication
• Problem solving
• People skills
• Attention to detail 
• Time management
• Conflict resolution

Hard Skills

• Mixology (could specify unique, personal, or difficult drinks)
• Alcohol safety training
• Health-related abilities, such as CPR knowledge
• Knowledge of local and state alcohol laws
• Food preparation, food safety, food handling
• Knowledge of operating and ordering systems; be as specific as possible
• Math skills: counting and handling change, for example

How to Add Other Sections for an Effective Resume

While a good bartender resume includes all the sections we’ve just covered, the best bartender resume is usually one that goes above and beyond.

There are plenty of relevant things you can list, such as:

• Accomplishments
• Conferences attended

That means creating a mixologist resume with “Other” sections, or additional sections that add these types of details to your resume.

Choose other sections that make sense for your resume and qualifications. These areas can be a wonderful opportunity to bulk up sparse areas of your resume, show your individuality, or demonstrate your qualifications for the job.

Bartender Resume Sample “Other” Sections

When you write an “Other” section, you should do so with the same mentality you have for other parts of your resume. That means specific details, clarity, and relevance are the priorities.

• Alcohol training | Springtown College
• Sanitation and safety certificate | Springtown College

This example doesn’t nearly explain enough. You’ll want to describe your training and certificates a bit more.

• Local Alcohol Training and Safety Certification (2019) | Springtown College, FL
• Sanitation Certification (2016) | Springtown College, FL
• Beer & Wine Pairing Seminar Graduate (2018) | Red Fox Winery Co.

These certificates show exactly what you learned and are related to bartending. 

The most common types of resume additions are listed below, but don’t be afraid to branch out and include what feels appropriate to you.

In the world of bartending, certificates for alcohol safety, bar safety, sanitation, and more are available.

These are often required once you accept and begin a job as a bartender, but if you already have certifications, listing them on your application shows that you’re a step ahead of the competition.

If you have received any awards for your customer service, bartending skills, or anythingrelevant , give them space on your resume to show that your efforts are appreciated and celebrated by others.

Memberships

If you’re part of any professional organizations or groups, it’s not a bad idea to list them on your resume.

This can allow you to take advantage of potential connections and show that you’re established in the field and serious about the job.

Key Takeaway

Understanding how to exactly structure your resume and include every piece of relevant information is challenging. 

However, it is certainly possible to make a stand-out resume by following this guide and remembering to do the following : 

• A bartender resume should include a resume summary or objective, education, experience, and other sections.
• Strong resumes utilize powerful vocabulary (like power verbs), specific examples, and clear language.
• When describing bartender experience resume organization styles matter; a reverse chronological set-up allows you to focus on your most recent and relevant points.
• Sticking to clean, simple design choices ties everything together and lets the content of your resume do the talking.

With these tips and tricks you won’t need to be serving up resumes much longer and can get to mixing drinks. 

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Home / Resume Examples / Bartender Resume Sample

Bartender Resume Example and Guide

The food and beverage industry was the worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Despite that setback, employment of bartenders is projected to increase by 18 percent between 2021 and 2031. If you're eyeing a job behind the bar, a strong resume brings you a step closer to getting the job.

The average salary of a bartender in the United States is $23,085, according to Salary.com . Salaries can range from $17,403 to $31,410 and depend on your expertise and experience.

By tailoring your resume to match the bar industry requirements, you stand a better chance of beating the competition and securing an interview. So, how do you show your potential employer that you're the right candidate for the job?

Below, you’ll find a professional bartender resume example to inspire you . In addition, you’ll learn how to write a resume from scratch and ensure it passes the ( Applicant Tracking System ) ATS screening.

Important tip : Learn how to create a cover letter to accompany the resume. Recruiters are more likely to read a resume if you include a cover letter in your application.

How to Write a Bartender Resume

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to craft a perfect bartender resume.

1. Format Your Resume

Before you start writing, you must first decide on a resume format and resume layout to use. There are three main resume layouts:

• Chronological resume
• Functional resume
• Combination/hybrid resume

The layout you select will be determined by your experience level.

For instance, if you have several years of experience under your belt, like in our example, the chronological resume is the best layout. Not only does it allow you to highlight your work experience, it is ideal if you’re applying for a job in your industry. Moreover, the layout is applicable if you don’t have significant work history gaps.

If you’re fresh out of college with no work experience, a functional resume is ideal since it lets you highlight your skills.

The hybrid or combination resume combines both layouts. That is, it lets you display your professional work experience and specific skills in your field. Use this layout if you are a highly skilled and experienced professional or intend to change careers.

Once you choose the layout, the next step is to create the ideal resume layout structure. A standard resume outline will contain:

• Professional summary : a short paragraph that captures a summary of your qualifications and achievements
• Skills : a list of relevant skills to demonstrate your abilities
• Work history : a detailed employment history, duties, and responsibilities in bullet-point format
• Certification : a list of all bartender-relevant licenses and certification
• Education : a summary of your education history
• Additional section : any other relevant skills, like languages and awards

The sections are interchangeable, depending on the resume layout you pick. The other consideration when writing your bartender resume is the format. Here are a few things you should know:

• Keep the margins at one-inch on all sides.
• Font size and type. Choose a universal font like Calibri or Cambria and use the standard size, which is 12.
• Use different formats like italics, bold and uppercase to emphasize specific details.
• Your resume length should be one page.
• Use 1.0 or 1.15 line spacing.
• Use white spaces in plenty – it’s easy for the eyes.

2. Write a Bartender Resume Career Summary or Objective

Keep in mind that, a job posting attracts hundreds of applications , and recruiters won't have the time to go over all the applications. Therefore, you want to write a summary that will motivate the hiring manager to spend more time on your resume.

The professional summary is the opening paragraph that summarizes your most notable experiences and achievements.

Use the space to indicate how long you’ve worked in your career and what you can offer.

If you don’t have work experience, write an objective for your bartender's resume. The objective focuses on your goals, aspirations, and skills rather than experience.

3. Describe Your Bartender Skills

The recruiter will want to know what you're capable of before they get to hire you. So, before you list your skills, go back to the job ad to check the company’s requirements. That way, you can better match your skills to those requirements.

The most common, bartender job skills include:

• Interpersonal communication skills
• Time management skills
• Multi-tasking
• Active listener
• Customer service
• Excellent memory
• Leadership skills
• Good organization skills
• Attention to detail
• Cash handling
• Beverage knowledge
• Cocktail making
• Food and beverage pairing

Keep the skills short and list no more than 10 skills that match the bartender job description.

4. Work Experience Section

Keep in mind that the hiring manager will skim through your resume. Therefore, your best approach is to list your employment history in reverse-chronological order . That way, you get to neatly display the relevant work experience, starting with the most recent.

It's essential to first start with the title of the position you held, followed by the name of the company where you worked. Next, indicate the start and end dates of your employment with the company. If you're still working here, indicate “Present” instead of the end date.

Finally, describe, in detail, your job responsibilities in bullet-point format. This makes it easier for the employer to scan and learn more about your background as a bartender. Mention your achievements, as well, so the recruiter can see what benefits you’ll bring to the business.

Remember, most recruiters use the ATS to screen resumes . Therefore, add the most relevant keywords to your descriptions so that they can be picked by the system. That is why we insist you keep referring to the job ad to know the correct keywords to use.

In addition, use action words like cleaned, stocked, prepared, served, greeted, maintained, and so on. These words describe what you actually did rather than what you were responsible for.

Another secret to help you win the job is to quantify your achievements using numbers , thus making them measurable.

5. Certification

In the food and beverage industry, certifications are mandatory. These will vary from one state and locality to another. For example, in Illinois, you must acquire the Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education Training (BASSET) to be allowed to sell and/or serve alcohol.

You must also obtain a state-approved Food Handlers Card, also known as a food handler certificate. You’ll need to check with your local and state administration to ensure you possess all the legal documents required to sell and serve drinks in a restaurant.

6. List Your Education Correctly

It may seem like a no-brainer to display your education level, but it's not that black and white. You must know how to make it work for your bartender's resume. The most crucial thing is relevance.

If you have the relevant bartending experience, there’s no need to include high school on your resume. Simply list the highest form of education. If you haven’t completed your current education, mention the course, and expected date of completion.

What if I don’t have bartending experience? Nothing to worry about. Make your resume shine by listing the relevant coursework and academic achievements under education.

The correct format for listing your academic history is as follows:

• Degree type and Major
• University name
• Year of graduation
• GPA, honors, courses

Here’s an example:

• Bar Management
• Food Service Fundamentals
• Customer Service and Bar Etiquette
• Cocktail Preparation (incl. garnish and presentation)
• Liquor regulation and legal implications
• Bar inventory and supply chain
• Drink pairing

7. Additional Section

Have any awards, other relevant certifications, languages, interests, or hobbies? Use them to garnish your bartender resume to make it stand out. If you have membership in professional associations, they could win you extra points.

The additional section of your resume offers you room to add things that may double your chances of landing an interview.

Key Takeaways

Bartending is a creative and people-focused job, and you should design your resume to reflect those attributes. Keep your resume to one page and choose the best resume template that suits your career level the most.

Remember to always refer to the job description so you can customize the resume to match the specific company requirements. Most importantly, match your resume with an attention-grabbing cover letter to increase your chances of getting hired.

Bartender cover letter

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3 Experienced Bartender Resume Examples For 2024

Experienced Bartender Resume

Modern experienced bartender resume, professional experienced bartender resume.

• Experienced Bartender Resume Writing 101

You’re there to keep the party going while ensuring safety and compliance with important regulations like food safety and drinking age requirements. You’re familiar with all kinds of novelty recipes, mixing drinks with finesse alongside managing inventory and processing payments.

But how do you use your resume to convey the full scope of your abilities? How should it look when you’re done?

Don’t worry: We’ll smooth this over in no time. Take a look at these three experienced bartender resume templates and time-tested advice for writing cover letters so that you can get started!

or download as PDF

Related resume examples

• Entry level bartender
• Event bartender
• Lead bartender

What Matters Most: Your Skills & Professional Experience

Skills are super important when you’re looking for that next big bartending job! You’ll need to show recruiters that you know all the basics of bartending already and have advanced past them to a greater level of specialty.

That means that all your skills should relate directly to bartending when possible—or at least carry over and overlap (think of things like time management). And you should be specific!

Use precise terminology to avoid sounding generic. Don’t flatten yourself down to just having “people skills” or “communication” when you could specify that you provide great customer service.

Consider these examples:

9 best Experienced Bartender skills

• Time Management
• Customer Service
• Google Sheets
• Food Safety
• Multitasking

Sample Experienced Bartender work experience bullet points

Now that you’ve shown that you have what it takes to shine as an experienced bartender, it’s time to show your skills in action! How did you go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction and guarantee top-quality drinks during rush hour?

Make sure any accomplishments you include are clearly related to the job you’re applying for. Some stuff may be impressive, but not really connected—so stick with the highlights that align with the job description.

And always use metrics to back up your claims and give your impact added weight! Quantifiable data shows that you made noticeable ripples in your workplace.

Here are some good examples:

• Exceeded sales targets by 3% by maintaining a robust knowledge of inventory and quickly assessing customer needs and budget limitations
• Handled customer inquiries and quickly resolve 93% of issues without involving management in a high-traffic setting
• Ensured optimal temperatures for all alcohol storage, helping the company save over $5.1K in losses
• Double-checked any discrepancies between receipts and the POS system, identifying and resolving 98% of issues without management assistance
• Drove sales up by 6% by anticipating guests’ questions, needs, and tastes

Top 5 Tips for Your Experienced Bartender resume

• Metrics are just about always awesome if they lend credence to your accomplishments, but they’re even better if they’re super intriguing! Just like you include a variety of flavors in a mixed drink, make sure you bring in several types of metrics like improvement percentages and dollar amounts to spice up your resume.
• Make sure you don’t get carried away with unusual fonts or colors on your resume. You want to stand out to recruiters, yes, but readability takes top priority! Stick with minimal color and clean, modern fonts.
• As an experienced bartender, you want to show off the fact that you really know your stuff in-depth! Recruiters want to see that your years of experience have been fruitful, so demonstrate a trend of growth by building up increasingly impressive examples throughout your career.
• While any of our templates will give you a good starting point, you should ultimately pick the one that makes your achievements look the most complete and organized. Use the layout to your advantage and make sure your excellent bartending skills and rich experiences have their own places to shine!
• Many experienced professionals struggle to keep their resume short and sweet, and parting with some of the greatest accomplishments can be tough! But luckily, you won’t have to say goodbye forever: You can use that story about your incredible rush hour customer service for your cover letter.

One page only—no matter how experienced you are! Recruiters only have a few seconds per resume, on average, to spend on their initial readthrough.

Honestly, you really don’t if you have enough experience points that speak for themselves. You’re better off leaving the resume summary out instead of wasting page space on something that risks sounding redundant.

Circle back to the job description and look for key skills or signature drinks or themes that set the establishment apart. Once you find where you align most closely with the unique details of the company, reflect those details back in your resume!