Smart Serve Certification on Resume

What Is Smart Serve Certification

The Smart Serve Certification is a responsible beverage service program administered by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) in Canada. This certification validates an individual's knowledge about the responsible service and sale of alcohol within the province. IT covers topics such as Ontario's liquor licensing laws, identification requirements, serving people with special needs, refusing service, and handling difficult situations. The Smart Serve Certification is significant in the hospitality industry, particularly in bars, restaurants, and retail stores that sell alcohol. There are no prerequisites or experience required to obtain this certification; however, individuals must be at least 18 years old. The certificate is valid for three years, after which IT must be renewed through an online refresher course. Preparing for the Smart Serve Certification typically takes around 4-6 hours, depending on one's familiarity with the subject matter, and IT is considered easy to moderate in difficulty level.

Should I Include Smart Serve Certification on Resume?

Whether or not you should include your Smart Serve Certification on your resume depends largely on the industry and your career stage. If you are seeking employment within Ontario's hospitality industry, IT is highly beneficial to list this certification, as IT demonstrates your commitment to responsible alcohol service. However, if you are applying for positions outside of Ontario or in industries unrelated to hospitality, including IT may not be necessary.

When determining whether to include the certification, consider how recently IT was obtained—recent certifications are generally more valuable to employers. In some cases, listing a lapsed or expired certificate might raise questions about your current qualifications. However, if the position you are applying for does not require immediate certificate validation, listing an expired certificate can still demonstrate your past commitment to responsible alcohol service.

Situations where the Smart Serve Certification is particularly valuable include job applications within bars, restaurants, liquor stores, and events that serve alcohol. In contrast, IT might be less important to include this certification when applying for positions in industries such as technology, finance, or healthcare. Keep in mind that geographical relevance may also play a role: if you are applying for jobs in Ontario specifically, including your Smart Serve Certification can give you a competitive advantage.

Hiring Managers And Smart Serve Certification on Resume

For hiring managers within the hospitality industry, the Smart Serve Certification indicates that an applicant understands Ontario's liquor licensing laws and is committed to responsible alcohol service. Specific skills or qualities associated with this credential include:

• Compliance with legal regulations regarding alcohol service
• Recognizing signs of intoxication and refusing service when necessary
• Identifying and addressing underage drinking issues
• Serving patrons with special needs appropriately
• Handling difficult situations related to alcohol service professionally

In the industry-specific perspective, having a Smart Serve Certification can set candidates apart from competitors and demonstrate their commitment to responsible and legal practices. However, a lack of this credential might raise concerns about an applicant's understanding of Ontario's liquor licensing laws and their ability to serve alcohol responsibly.

IT is essential to be aware that hiring managers may also perceive a lapsed or expired Smart Serve Certificate negatively, indicating potential inconsistency or lack of commitment. To mitigate any negative perceptions, IT's crucial to highlight any recent certifications or additional training in the relevant field.

How to List Smart Serve Certification on Resume

When listing your Smart Serve Certification on your resume, follow this format:

Certification: Smart Serve Certification (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario) Expiration Date: January 2025 (Renewable every three years)

IT is not necessary to include the certification number/ID or the certifying organization's name explicitly unless requested. If your Smart Serve Certification is still in progress, list IT as follows:

In Progress: Smart Serve Certification (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario) (Expected completion date: January 2023)

Where to List Smart Serve Certification on Resume

The optimal place to list your Smart Serve Certification on a resume is within the dedicated certifications section. If you do not have other certifications, consider listing IT in the education section or mentioning IT briefly in the summary. When multiple certifications are present, list them chronologically by expiration date, with the most current certification at the top.

In terms of hierarchy, your Smart Serve Certification should appear after any directly related professional certifications but before non-professional certifications or recognitions. If you are unsure about the placement of your Smart Serve Certification on your resume, consult a career advisor for personalized guidance.

Examples of How to List Smart Serve Certification on Resume

Example 1 - For a Technical Resume

Full Name Smart Serve Certification, Issued by the certifying organization, January 2022 - Present

This format suits technical resumes due to its concise and straightforward presentation, which is appreciated in fields like IT or engineering. IT quickly communicates that you are a certified server professional, even in a primarily tech-focused resume.

Example 2 - For a Recent Graduate

Certifications & Training Smart Serve Certification, Issued by the certifying organization, May 2021 - Present

Recent graduates may choose to list their certifications in a dedicated section separate from professional experience. This format emphasizes your newly-earned qualifications and helps demonstrate that you have taken proactive steps towards career development.

Example 3 - In a Dedicated Certifications Section

Certifications & Licenses Smart Serve Certification, Issued by the certifying organization, June 2019 - Present (Renewal due in 2022)

Some resumes choose to list their certifications separately from work experience and education. This format is useful for individuals who have a rich work history but also want to highlight their relevant certifications, such as those in management or healthcare. The expiration date adds credibility to the certification by showing IT's up-to-date.

Example 4 - In a Skills-First Resume Format

Skills & Certifications

Smart Serve Certification, Issued by the certifying organization, June 2019 - Present (Renewal due in 2022) Serving Items to Customers with Precision and Efficiency Adherence to Alcohol Laws and Regulations Conflict Resolution Skills in High-Pressure Environments

A skills-first resume emphasizes your abilities and qualifications over traditional work experience. This format is ideal for career changers or individuals transitioning into new industries where transferable skills are more valuable than specific job titles. Including the certification among other relevant skills helps demonstrate your competence in serving alcohol responsibly.