Express Online Training

Sign Up | Forgot your password?

How to Create a Great Bartender Resume

 

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.

Archives

  • March 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • September 2022
  • July 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • RSA Competency Check

    Have you completed an accredited RSA course previously?

    Do you hold any of the following?

    Current or Recently Expired NSW RSA Competency Card

    If you have a current Competency Card you cannot re-complete the course to renew it while it is current. This includes any learners in the 28 day renewal period or who have a current NSW RSA Competency Card endorsement but have not received their card.

    You can check if you have a Current Competency Card or endorsement here

    If you choose to continue you must declare below that you understand that your existing competency card endorsement(s) will not be renewed. By continuing you accept responsibility for providing correct and accurate information about your NSW RSA currency and understand that should you be found ineligible to undertake the course or renew your NSW RSA you may not be entitled to a refund.

    NSW RSA Interim Certificate issued within 5 years from the "Valid for duties date"

    If you have a current NSW RSA interim certificate issued within 5 years from the "Valid for duties" you cannot complete the NSW RSA course again. You must visit a Service NSW centre with your Interim Certificate to obtain your card.

    You can check if you have a Current Competency Card or endorsement here

    By continuing you accept responsibility for providing correct and accurate information about your NSW RSA currency, understanding that this will not renew your NSW RSA and that should you be found ineligible to undertake or renew your NSW RSA by completing the course you may not be entitled to a refund.

    Is your RSA current and issued by a Registered Training Organisation or a state/territory approved training organisation?

    Are you planning to reside permanently in NSW?

    You may be eligible to receive the NSW RSA by completing a bridging course

    If you wish to apply to Liquor & Gaming NSW to complete their RSA bridging course, please note that EOT cannot confirm if your interstate RSA will be accepted, and it is your responsibility to research and confirm you meet the eligibility requirements.

    You may be eligible to work temporarily in NSW using your current RSA

    If you wish to temporarily work in NSW under Automatic Mutual Recognition, please note that EOT cannot confirm if your interstate RSA is eligible, and it is your cresponsibility to research and confirm you meet the eligibility requirements before commencing work in NSW.