In order to land that fantastic bar job you’ve had your eye on, you’ll likely need to whip up a great bartender resume. The task might seem a little daunting, but with our tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create a document that is both impressive and professional in no time.
Check out our tips below for crafting a top-notch bartender resume.
What should a bartender put on a resume?
There are a few key things that every bartender should include on their resume. First and foremost, you’ll need to list your relevant experience. If you don’t have any prior bartending experience, don’t worry – you can still highlight other customer service experience that you may have. Previous work might include a retail job or time spent waiting tables.
In addition to your bartender resume skills, you’ll also want to list any relevant bartending certifications that you may have. These will show potential employers that you’re serious about the job and that you have the skills to back it up. One certification to include is your Responsible Service of Alcohol or RSA. If you’re interested in obtaining an RSA, Express Online Training provides RSA online courses for most states and territories across Australia.
Finally, be sure to list your availability. Bartending can be a demanding job, so employers will want to know that you’re able to work the hours that they need.
With these key elements in mind, let’s take a closer look at how to craft your bartender resume.
Tips for creating your bartender resume
Here are a few tips for creating your bartender resume:
Section it off
Sections make resume reading easier for those looking through many at a time. By sectioning off your resume, you make it simple for a hiring manager to find the information they’re looking for. Sections can include:
- A header: With your name, phone number, address, email address, and potentially a headshot.
- A personal statement: A brief overview of your goals and aspirations. A key skills section: A list of around five to seven bullet points highlighting your top bartending skills.
- Your experience: List any relevant jobs or work experience you’ve had, including bartending roles, customer service positions and any other related work.
- Your qualifications: A section for your relevant qualifications (such as RSA) that shows the prospective employer you’re serious about the role.
- Personal skills and attributes: A list of around five to 10 bullet points detailing your top personal skills and attributes, such as being a ‘people person’ or having great customer service skills.
- Your availability: Include your days and hours of availability so that employers know when you’re able to work.
- References: At least two professional references who can vouch for your experience and abilities in the industry.
Put your experience front and centre
Let’s start with the basics. When it comes to bartending, your resume should highlight your relevant experience and skills. If you don’t have any previous experience working as a bartender, you can still draw on other customer service experience.
Your experience should be located on the front page of your resume, with the most recent at the top. When including your previous jobs, list the company name, the period of time you worked there, and what you achieved while in that role. It’s a good idea to try and tie these achievements in with the responsibilities listed on the job ad you’re applying for (if there are any noted).
Remember, you can also include work experience or relevant volunteer work on your bartender resume, it doesn’t have to only include paid roles.
Don’t keep writing if you have little to say
It can be difficult to fill more than two pages with relevant information, particularly when you’re just starting out in the role. Remember, a resume for bartenders doesn’t necessarily have to be long, provided you’ve included the key elements to sell yourself to your prospective employers.
Sometimes less is more, so if you find yourself struggling to fill more than a couple of pages, it might be better to focus on quality over quantity.
Provide up to date contact details
Be sure to include your current email address and phone number on your bartender resume. These should be located at the top of the document so that potential employers can easily get in touch with you. Make sure your details are up to date and that you check your email regularly in case any prospective employers try to contact you.
If you have a LinkedIn profile, you may also like to include the URL on your resume. A headshot is not essential, but it can help put a face to the name and make you more memorable to your potential employer.
Give it authenticity with a personal statement
A personal statement is a great way to succinctly tell an employer who you are and what you’re looking for. This section should be placed front and centre on your resume, beneath your contact details.
This section acts as a bartender resume summary, and can include information such as your bartending experience, your qualifications, and any special skills you may have. It’s also a good idea to mention how long you’ve been working in the industry for and any exciting achievements you’ve had during this time.
Have a section for personal skills and attributes
This is your chance to really sell yourself to potential employers. In this section, you’ll want to list around five to 10 personal skills and attributes that make you a great bartender. These could be things like having great customer service skills or having the ability to work well under pressure.
If you have any specialised skills such as experience making cocktails, be sure to include these here too.
Include your training and certifications
While not essential, if you have any relevant training or certifications related to bartending, it’s a good idea to include these on your bartender resume. This might include things like your RSA certification or RSG (Responsible Service of Gambling) certification.
When listing your training and certifications, put the dates of study or obtaining and the institutions you studied through. Any awards or recognition you’ve received in your bartending career can also be included in this section.
Express Online Training has a range of courses available for those looking to expand their bartending skills, including RSA, RSG, and Manager & Licensee courses.
Add reliable references
When choosing references to put on your bartender resume, you’ll want to pick individuals who can attest to your abilities as a bartender or customer service provider. These might include previous employers or trainers. If you’re including personal references, make sure you get permission from the person first so they know to expect a call.
Include the name, job title, company name, and contact details for each person you list. It’s a good idea to try and include at least two references, but three is even better.
Make your availability clear
When listing your availability on your bartender resume, make sure you include both the days and hours you’re available to work. This will help potential employers know whether or not you’re a good fit for their business.
If you’re only available for part-time work or are looking for casual work, make this clear as well. Bars are often happy to hire university students and those that have other commitments during the day.
Those that are looking for full-time work and happy to take on any shift should make a note of this. Something along the lines of: “Available for full-time work, any shifts” will suffice.
Proofread your resume
Before you send off your bartender resume to potential employers, it’s crucial that you proofread it for any errors. This includes spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and incorrect information.
If you’re not confident in your ability to catch all the errors, ask a friend or family member to read over it for you.
