Landing your dream job as a bartender or server requires more than just mixology skills and a friendly smile. A well-crafted resume is your first impression, and it needs to showcase your experience and abilities effectively. This guide provides examples and tips to help you create a resume that gets noticed.
Understanding the Key Ingredients of a Successful Resume
Before diving into examples, let's identify the essential components:
- Contact Information: Your full name, phone number, email address, and optionally, your LinkedIn profile URL. Keep it concise and professional.
- Summary/Objective: A brief statement highlighting your key skills and career goals. This is your elevator pitch – make it count! A summary is best for experienced candidates, while an objective is more suitable for entry-level applicants.
- Skills: List both hard skills (e.g., cocktail mixing, POS systems, wine knowledge) and soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork, customer service). Tailor these to the specific job description.
- Experience: Detail your previous roles, emphasizing achievements and quantifiable results whenever possible. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to showcase your impact.
- Education: List your degrees, certifications, or relevant coursework.
Bartender/Server Resume Example 1: Experienced Professional
Jane Doe (123) 456-7890 | jane.doe@email.com | linkedin.com/in/janedoe
Summary
Highly skilled and experienced bartender with 7+ years of experience in upscale restaurants and bars. Proven ability to manage high-volume service, maintain a positive customer experience, and consistently exceed sales goals. Expert in crafting classic and innovative cocktails, and proficient in POS systems and inventory management.
Skills
- Mixology: Classic cocktails, craft cocktails, signature drink creation, wine knowledge, beer knowledge, spirits knowledge
- Customer Service: Exceptional communication, conflict resolution, building rapport, handling customer complaints
- Operations: Inventory management, cash handling, POS systems (Micros, Toast), opening/closing procedures, cleaning and sanitation
- Teamwork: Collaboration, training, delegation, conflict resolution
Experience
Lead Bartender | The Gilded Lily | New York, NY | 2018 – Present
- Increased bar sales by 15% year-over-year through creative cocktail promotions and exceptional customer service.
- Trained and mentored new bartenders, improving team efficiency and consistency.
- Managed bar inventory, minimizing waste and optimizing ordering processes.
- Consistently received positive customer feedback and high performance reviews.
Bartender | The Blue Moon Bistro | New York, NY | 2016 – 2018
- Provided efficient and friendly service to a high volume of customers in a fast-paced environment.
- Maintained a clean and organized bar area, adhering to all health and safety regulations.
- Developed strong relationships with regular customers, fostering loyalty and repeat business.
Education
Associate's Degree in Hospitality Management | City College | New York, NY
Bartender/Server Resume Example 2: Entry-Level Candidate
John Smith (987) 654-3210 | john.smith@email.com
Objective
Highly motivated and enthusiastic individual seeking an entry-level bartender/server position at [Restaurant Name]. Eager to learn and contribute to a positive team environment, offering strong customer service skills and a passion for the hospitality industry.
Skills
- Customer service
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Basic cocktail knowledge
- Food handling safety
- Cash handling
Experience
Food Service Assistant | [Cafe Name] | [City, State] | 2021 – 2023
- Provided efficient and friendly table service, including taking orders, serving food and drinks, and processing payments.
- Maintained a clean and organized work area, following all health and safety regulations.
- Assisted with food preparation and cleaning tasks as needed.
Education
High School Diploma | [High School Name] | [City, State]
Tips for Success
- Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description throughout your resume.
- Quantify Achievements: Use numbers to demonstrate your impact (e.g., "increased sales by 15%").
- Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application, highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific position.
- Proofread Carefully: Errors can undermine your credibility. Have someone else review your resume before submitting it.
- Use a Professional Format: Choose a clean and easy-to-read template.
By following these examples and tips, you can craft a compelling resume that showcases your skills and experience, setting you apart from the competition and securing your next bartending or serving opportunity. Remember to always tailor your resume to each specific job posting for optimal impact.
