Bartender on Resume

Should You List 'bartender' on Resume

Including 'bartender' on your resume can be beneficial when applying for roles in the hospitality industry, or positions where customer service and quick problem-solving skills are required. This is particularly relevant in countries such as the United States and Canada where bars and restaurants form a significant part of the service sector. However, it may not always be necessary to list 'bartender' on your resume when applying for roles outside this sector, as the importance placed on this skill varies by industry and region.

Why to List 'bartender' on Resume

• Customer Service Experience: Being a bartender provides valuable customer service experience, demonstrating your ability to handle multiple requests, work under pressure, and maintain a positive attitude even in challenging situations.
• Multitasking Skills: Bartending requires juggling numerous tasks simultaneously, such as mixing drinks, serving food, managing cash, and maintaining cleanliness, showcasing your strong multitasking abilities to potential employers.
• People Management: As a bartender, you are responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction while managing a team of servers and other staff members if applicable. This skill set is highly sought after in various industries.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Bartenders often need to think on their feet and find creative solutions when faced with issues like misplaced orders or equipment malfunctions, demonstrating your problem-solving prowess to future employers.

Where to List 'bartender' on Resume

Work Experience

In the work experience section of your resume, list any formal bartending positions you've held in the past, including the name and location of the establishment, job title, employment dates, and a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements.

Bartender XYZ Bar & Grill, Anytown, USA January 2018 - Present

• Maintained a positive and professional attitude while serving customers and managing the bar during peak hours.
• Trained and supervised new staff members, ensuring they provided excellent customer service and complied with bar policies.
• Increased sales by suggesting creative cocktails and upselling menu items, resulting in a 10% increase in revenue during my tenure.

Skills or Qualifications

If you have extensive bartending experience or hold relevant certifications, it may be beneficial to create a separate section on your resume for skills or qualifications. This will allow you to highlight your bartending abilities without cluttering the work experience section.

Skills Bartending (Advanced) Cocktail Mixology Bar Management Liquor Knowledge & Inventory Control Cash Handling and Reconciliation

Examples of How to List 'bartender' on Resume

Example 1: Entry-level Bartender

Bartender The Local Pub, Anycity, USA February 2021 - Present

• Assisted more experienced bartenders in serving customers and managing the bar during peak hours.
• Completed training program to learn basic mixing techniques, cocktail recipes, and liquor knowledge.
• Followed cash handling procedures, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in transactions.

Example 2: Experienced Bartender with Management Skills

Head Bartender The Mixing Glass, Anycity, USA January 2015 - January 2020

• Trained and supervised a team of 8 bartenders to maintain high levels of customer service and bar efficiency.
• Collaborated with management to develop new cocktail menus and seasonal specials, resulting in a 15% increase in sales.
• Maintained inventory control, ensuring stock levels were sufficient for busy periods and minimizing waste.

What to Avoid While Listing 'bartender' on Resume

• Vague Descriptions: Avoid generic statements like "served drinks" or "worked at a bar." Instead, focus on specific duties and accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and value as a bartender.
• Irrelevant Information: Do not include personal anecdotes or unprofessional stories from your bartending experience unless they directly relate to your qualifications for the job you're applying for.
• Exaggeration or Lying: Never exaggerate your bartending experience or make false claims on your resume, as this can lead to loss of trust and potential termination if discovered during employment.
• Lack of Quantifiable Achievements: Provide specific numbers, percentages, or examples of your accomplishments when possible, making it easier for employers to understand the impact you've had in previous roles.

How to List Speed and Efficiency on a Bartender Resume

Listing your speed and efficiency skills can significantly enhance your bartender resume by demonstrating your ability to handle high-pressure situations quickly and efficiently. Here are four best practices for listing this subcategory:

• Highlight Quick Service

  • Emphasize how you can serve multiple drinks concurrently without compromising on quality or customer service. For example, "Quickly and accurately served 30+ drink orders during peak hours while maintaining exceptional guest interactions."

• Mention Multitasking Skills

  • Showcase your ability to juggle various tasks simultaneously, such as making drinks, taking orders, cleaning the bar area, and managing cash. For example, "Managed multiple tasks efficiently, including serving drinks, balancing cash, and maintaining a clean workspace."

• Detail Improved Processes

  • Share any processes you implemented that increased efficiency or speed, such as organizing ingredients for easy access or streamlining the ordering process. For example, "Improved bar efficiency by organizing ingredient storage for quicker access during busy hours."

• Quantify Your Achievements

  • Use numbers to quantify your achievements related to speed and efficiency. This can help potential employers understand the impact of your skills on previous roles. For example, "Reduced average drink wait time by 30% through optimized workflow."

Example 1: Speed and Efficiency on Bartender Resume

• Quick Service - Serving drinks quickly without compromising quality.
  • "Able to serve up to 50 drinks per hour during peak hours, ensuring all orders were accurate and presented professionally."
• Multitasking Skills - Efficiently managing various tasks simultaneously.
  • "Manage the bar efficiently by serving drinks, taking orders, maintaining a clean workspace, and balancing cash effectively."
• Improved Processes - Implemented processes to increase efficiency or speed.
  • "Streamlined the ordering process by using a tablet system that significantly reduced wait times and increased accuracy."
• Quantified Achievements - Used numbers to quantify your achievements related to speed and efficiency.
  • "Reduced average drink wait time by 30% through optimized workflow, which led to improved customer satisfaction and higher sales."

Example 2: Speed and Efficiency in Bartender Context

• Quick Service - Serving drinks quickly without compromising quality.
  • "Able to serve up to 40 drinks per hour during busy Friday and Saturday nights, ensuring all orders were accurate and presented professionally."
• Multitasking Skills - Efficiently managing various tasks simultaneously.
  • "Balanced cash, took orders, served drinks, and cleaned the bar area efficiently while maintaining a friendly demeanor with customers."
• Improved Processes - Implemented processes to increase efficiency or speed.
  • "Implemented a new bar organization system that significantly reduced the time it took to locate ingredients during busy periods."
• Quantified Achievements - Used numbers to quantify your achievements related to speed and efficiency.
  • "Increased bar sales by 15% due to improved workflow, which allowed for quicker drink service and higher customer satisfaction."

How to List Customer Service Skills on Resume

Listing customer service skills effectively on a resume can significantly enhance your chances of getting noticed by potential employers. Here are some best practices for listing the subcategory 'Customer Service Skills' on your resume, specifically when applying for a bartender position.

1. Highlight Relevant Experience

• Demonstrate how your customer service skills have been applied in a bartending context. For instance, share examples of how you manage crowds, handle complaints professionally, and ensure a pleasant experience for all customers.
• Example: "Expertly handled busy bar hours by anticipating customer needs, managing requests efficiently, and maintaining a positive demeanor under pressure."

2. Quantify Your Achievements

• When possible, provide numerical data to support your claims of excellent customer service skills. This could include the number of customers served per hour or an increase in repeat customers during your tenure.
• Example: "Consistently maintained a 3-to-1 customer-to-bartender ratio, ensuring swift and accurate service for all patrons."

3. Use Action Verbs

• Utilize action verbs to make your resume more dynamic and engaging. Some examples include managed, resolved, improved, enhanced, and assisted.
• Example: "Assisted in resolving customer complaints by offering alternative solutions or adjusting orders promptly."

4. Showcase Soft Skills

• Emphasize soft skills such as active listening, empathy, and patience that are crucial for providing excellent customer service. Explain how you apply these skills to provide personalized service and meet customers' expectations.
• Example: "Developed strong active listening skills to ensure I understood each customer's unique preferences and requirements before crafting their drinks."

5. Tailor Your Resume for the Job

• Customize your resume for each job application, emphasizing relevant customer service experiences from your bartending career that best match the position you are applying for.
• Example: "Experienced bartender with a proven track record of exceptional customer service, demonstrated by consistently exceeding customer expectations and receiving positive online reviews."

Example 1: Customer Service Skills on Bartender Resume

In your bartending resume, the customer service skills section might look like this:

• Exceptional active listening skills to ensure customers' preferences are understood and met accurately.
• Proficient in managing customer complaints by offering alternative solutions or adjusting orders promptly.
• Skilled at maintaining a positive demeanor under pressure, even during peak hours when the bar is packed.
• Consistently exceeded customer expectations, resulting in repeat business and positive online reviews.

Example 2: Customer Service Skills in Bartender Context

Here's another example of how to incorporate customer service skills into a bartender resume:

Customer Service Skills:

• Quickly adapt to each customer's unique preferences, ensuring personalized service and creating lasting relationships.
• Maintained a 3-to-1 customer-to-bartender ratio, ensuring swift and accurate service for all patrons.
• Skilled at managing high-pressure situations with grace, ensuring that customers feel valued and taken care of.
• Consistently received positive feedback from customers on TripAdvisor and other review platforms.

How to List Wine and Spirits Knowledge on Resume

Listing your wine and spirits knowledge effectively on a resume as a bartender can significantly enhance your chances of landing an ideal job. Here are four best practices to follow:

1. Highlight Relevant Skills

• Detail your ability to identify various wines and spirits, their flavors, origins, and pairings. This demonstrates a deep understanding of the products you'll be serving as a bartender.
• Mention any formal training or certifications in wine and spirits. A Sommelier Certification, Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) qualification, or similar will set you apart from other candidates.

2. Describe Practical Experience

• Quantify your experience by stating the number of wines and spirits you've worked with. For example, "Familiar with over 100 wines and 50 spirits, constantly expanding knowledge base."
• Discuss wine tastings, events, or seminars you have attended. These experiences show that you are proactive in learning about new products and trends.

3. Emphasize Customer Service

• Explain how your wine and spirits knowledge enhances customer service. By making recommendations based on individual preferences and pairing dishes with appropriate drinks, you can create memorable experiences for patrons.
• Showcase your ability to explain the characteristics of different wines and spirits in a clear, engaging manner. Good communication skills are crucial when advising customers.

4. Connect Your Knowledge to Career Goals

• Link your wine and spirits knowledge to the specific job you're applying for. If the job listing mentions a focus on craft cocktails or upscale wine service, highlight relevant experiences and skills.
• Demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the industry. Share any ongoing education, networking events, or industry trends you follow to maintain your knowledge base.

Example 1: Wine and Spirits Knowledge on Bartender Resume

As a Bartender at The Rustic Vine, I have cultivated extensive wine and spirits knowledge that significantly enhances the customer experience. My training in WSET Level 2 has equipped me with the skills to identify wines based on their characteristics, as well as make appropriate pairing suggestions. In addition, my work at The Rustic Vine has allowed me to attend numerous wine tastings and events, providing opportunities for continuous learning.

Example 2: Wine and Spirits Knowledge in Bartender Context

At The Exclusive Bar, I have leveraged my wine and spirits knowledge to provide exceptional service. With over 75 different wines and 30 spirits available, I am proud to say that I have developed a strong understanding of each product's unique characteristics. By offering recommendations based on customer preferences and food pairings, I have helped create memorable experiences for patrons and positively contributed to the bar's reputation as a top destination for wine enthusiasts.

How to List Bar Management on Resume

Listing the 'Bar Management' subcategory effectively on a resume when you have experience as a bartender requires careful consideration of your responsibilities and achievements in both roles. Here are four best practices for listing this subcategory:

• Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasize the skills that make you an effective manager, such as inventory control, staff management, menu planning, and customer service. These skills are essential for managing a bar, making them highly relevant to potential employers.

  Example: "Skilled in managing all aspects of a bustling bar, including inventory control, menu planning, and training staff for excellent customer service."

• Quantify Achievements: When possible, provide quantifiable evidence of your accomplishments. This helps to demonstrate the impact you've made in your previous roles.

  Example: "Successfully reduced beer inventory waste by 15% through implementation of new pouring techniques."

• Use Action Verbs: Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and achievements, making your resume more dynamic and easy to read.

  Example: "Managed a team of bartenders, ensuring smooth service during peak hours."

• Showcase Leadership: Highlight any leadership roles you've held within the bar setting, such as shift supervisor or event coordinator. This demonstrates your ability to take charge and make decisions when necessary.

  Example: "Led the bar team during peak service hours, ensuring efficient operations and exceptional customer experiences."

Example 1: Bar Management on Bartender Resume

In a bartender resume, the 'Bar Management' subcategory might look like this:

Experience

Bar Manager | XYZ Bar & Grill | City, State | MM/YY-MM/YY

• Managed all aspects of a busy bar, including inventory control, menu planning, and training staff for excellent customer service.
• Successfully reduced beer inventory waste by 15% through implementation of new pouring techniques.
• Led the bar team during peak service hours, ensuring efficient operations and exceptional customer experiences.

Example 2: Bar Management in Bartender Context

In a resume where the candidate has both bartending and management experience, the 'Bar Management' subcategory could be structured like this:

Experience

Bartender & Assistant Manager | ABC Bar | City, State | MM/YY-MM/YY

• Managed day-to-day bar operations in the absence of the manager.
• Trained new bartenders on service procedures and proper pouring techniques.
• Conducted inventory checks and managed liquor ordering to minimize waste.
• Led special events, such as themed nights and charity fundraisers, increasing revenue by 20%.

How to List Cocktail Preparation on Resume

Best Practices for Including 'Cocktail Preparation' as a Subcategory in a Bartender Resume

• Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasize your expertise in crafting unique and classic cocktails. Mention specific skills such as understanding flavor profiles, measuring ingredients accurately, and garnishing drinks effectively.

Example: Skills: Proficient in creating a variety of cocktails, including classics like Margaritas, Mojitos, and Martini, while maintaining consistency in taste and presentation.

• Detail Your Techniques: Describe your techniques for shaking, stirring, blending, and muddling cocktails. Mention any specialized equipment you're familiar with, such as juicers, shakers, and blenders.

Example: Techniques: Skilled in the art of shaking, stirring, blending, and muddling to create a smooth and harmonious balance in cocktails. Familiar with using various equipment like juicers and shakers.

• Mention Your Cocktail Menu Influence: If you've had a role in developing or updating the cocktail menu, make sure to mention it. Highlight any creative input or innovative ideas that resulted from your contributions.

Example: Creativity: Contributed to the development of our restaurant’s cocktail menu by introducing new and refreshing twists on classic cocktails, resulting in increased customer satisfaction.

• Emphasize Customer Service: A bartender's role goes beyond just preparing drinks. Mention your ability to provide excellent customer service, including remembering regular customers' orders, offering recommendations based on tastes and preferences, and maintaining a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Example: Customer Service: Consistently exceeded customer expectations by offering personalized service, remembering regulars’ favorite cocktails, and providing recommendations to help enhance their dining experience.

• Quantify Your Achievements: Whenever possible, provide numerical data to quantify your impact on sales or customer satisfaction. This can help demonstrate the value you bring to a potential employer.

Example: Results: Increased cocktail sales by 20% through effective menu promotion and recommendation strategies.

Example 1: Cocktail Preparation on Bartender Resume

Skills: Proficient in creating an array of classic and signature cocktails, including Old Fashioneds, Cosmopolitans, and Mai Tais. Skilled in measuring ingredients accurately, using various equipment like juicers and shakers, and garnishing drinks with style and precision.

Techniques: Known for my ability to shake, stir, blend, and muddle cocktails to perfection. Consistently deliver a harmonious balance of flavors in each drink, ensuring an exceptional experience for every customer.

Creativity: Collaborated with management to develop new and exciting cocktail offerings that catered to our diverse clientele, resulting in increased sales and customer satisfaction.

Customer Service: Offered personalized service by remembering regular customers' orders, providing recommendations based on their tastes and preferences, and maintaining a friendly and welcoming atmosphere at all times.

Example 2: Cocktail Preparation in Bartender Context

Skills: Skilled in the art of preparing a diverse range of cocktails, from the timeless Daiquiri to the innovative Espresso Martini. Proficient in using juicers, blenders, and shakers for optimal results.

Techniques: Utilize advanced shaking and stirring techniques to create smooth and harmonious cocktails that delight customers. Maintain a clean and organized workstation to ensure consistency in taste and presentation.

Creativity: Developed a new cocktail menu featuring unique twists on classic recipes, which led to increased sales and positive customer feedback.

Customer Service: Deliver exceptional service by remembering regulars' favorite drinks, offering personalized recommendations, and maintaining a welcoming atmosphere that encourages repeat business.

Results: Increased cocktail sales by 30% through effective menu promotion and recommendation strategies, while consistently achieving high customer satisfaction ratings.