Bartending is a type of customer-oriented job within the restaurant and beverage industry. Bartenders work at hotels, clubs, casinos, and restaurants and are tasked with serving drinks to customers during on-peak and off-peak hours. Occasionally, their responsibilities also include inventory management. As a bartender, you will have to rely on your customer service, communication, hand-eye coordination, and multi-tasking skills to prepare a wide variety of beverages for customers–sometimes in stressful, fast-paced environments.
Unlike other types of jobs, bartending does not require a specialized college degree or a professional certification. However, as a bartender, you need to have stellar customer service and stress management skills. A professionally written resume, such as this one, focuses on how bartenders play a crucial role in helping an organization provide excellent services to its customers and, eventually, increase the client base.
This resume starts with a power statement that establishes your expertise in the food and beverages industry and how it contributes towards the organization’s bottom line. The next paragraph (objective statement) focuses on the key skills needed to thrive in this career. Whether you’re about to enter the bartending business or planning to take your mixology career to the next level, this resume should help you achieve your long-term professional goals.
A bartender resume begins with a one-line power statement followed by a two- to three-line objective statement. The first establishes your niche while the subsequent lines focus on your key job-related skills.
Next, in the skills section you need to provide a brief list of your core competencies (such as inventory management, mixology, customer service) and soft skills (such as leadership, teamwork, and conflict management skills).
Your professional career should be written in a reverse chronological sequence (that is, the latest job experience should be mentioned first). Each job detail should include daily activities and accomplishments. Whenever possible, quantify those accomplishments with hard data (dollars saved, percentage of sales increases).
Since you don’t need a formal education for bartending, you can usually omit the education section. However, if you have undertaken certain relevant courses or if you have a state-mandated license to prepare and serve alcoholic beverages, you can mention them in this area.
Your resume should also include any awards or recognition you have received at work. If you’re fluent in more than one language, that could also be a unique selling proposition worth mentioning in your resume.
Typically, the level of skills required for bartending will vary from one organization to another. A bartender working at an exclusive hotel would probably need to rely on their customer service skills, while a bartender at a local pub would probably need more conflict resolution skills.
The following skills are relevant to most bartending jobs:
Mixology
Barware knowledge
Inventory management
Point of sale (POS) expertise
Cash handling
Multi-tasking
Leadership and supervision
Teamwork
Attention to detail
Organization and time-management skills
Customer service skills
Physical endurance (ability to stand for long hours)
Conflict resolution
Stress management skills
Summary example
Accomplished and customer-focused professional with comprehensive experience in food and beverages operations, delivering substantial revenue growth in highly competitive business markets. Proven track record of success in food and beverage operations, business development, customer service, inventory management, health and safety compliance, and team leadership. Strong business acumen with an ability to execute a wide range of strategies to establish market presence and increase revenues and profitability. Well-versed in leading, training, and mentoring staff members to improve performance. Skilled in creating effective menu and wine lists while ensuring excellent product quality at fair price. Well-versed in controlling labor and operating expenses through effective scheduling, budgeting, purchasing decisions, and inventory/cash control. Strong communication, able to build robust relationships with clients, staff members, and vendors.
Employment history example
Lead Bartender, River House, Nashville, TN 2020 — PRESENT
Manage business aspects of the bar, such as keeping a current liquor license, negotiating supplier contracts, taking inventory and reordering supplies, managing budgets, and setting goals. Scout popular drink trends within the community and set drink pricing. Communicate menu changes and additions to bar management. Hire and train staff to provide excellent service to patrons. Create effective schedules and resolve conflicts to ensure that the bar is well-staffed during peak hours. Set and enforce quality/safety controls.
Led the bar from the very beginning, determining stock, drinks, garnishes, and cleaning routines.
Invented specialty drinks while contributing to cocktail menu development and creation while maintaining relationships with members of the craft liquor community, such as distributors and brewers.
Bartender, BrickTop's, Franklin, TN 2013 — 2020
Planned drink menus and informed customers about new beverages and specials. Verified identification to ensure customers’ legal age to purchase alcohol. Oversaw inventory and ordered supplies to ensure bar and tables were well-stocked while adhering to all food safety and quality regulations. Managed cash, credit, and debit card transactions.
Cultivated long-term relationships with clients and carted a strong clientele base.
Designedcompany-wideSOPsandincreasedsalesbydemonstratingsuperior leadership skills.
Developed and implemented new cocktail recipes by leveraging thoughtful and appropriate ingredients to craft balanced, enjoyable cocktails for guests.
Skills example
Hospitality Management
Customer & Guest Services
Food & Beverage Management
Dining Restaurant Operations
Restaurant Revenue Management
Budgeting & Cost Reduction
Team Leadership & Training
Profit & Growth Strategies
Event Planning & Marketing
Menu Development & Selection
Inventory & Procurement
Strategic Planning & Analysis