So, you want to be a bartender?
That’s great!
Bartending is a fun and exciting job that can be a great way to make money.
But before you can start bartending, you need to have the right skills. So, let’s take an in-depth look at some of the best bartender resume skills. There are also tips on how to showcase these skills in your resume and information on where to find bartender jobs.
What Is A Bartender?
A bartender is responsible for mixing drinks and serving them to customers. They must have a strong knowledge of different types of alcohol and be able to make cocktails that taste great. Bartenders also need to be good with people and be able to provide excellent customer service.
Pros of Being a Bartender
So, what are the pros of being a bartender? Here are a few:
- The hours can be flexible, and you can often choose when you want to work.
- The pay can be good, especially if you are a bartender at a high-end bar or restaurant.
- It is a fun job that allows you to meet new people and make new friends.
- You can learn a lot about different types of alcohol and cocktail recipes.
Cons of Being a Bartender
However, there are also some cons to being a bartender. Here are a few:
- The hours can be long and often include late nights or early mornings.
- It can be physically demanding, especially if you are working at a busy bar.
- You may have to deal with difficult customers from time to time.
- Bartending can be stressful, especially during peak hours.
Where Can I Find A Job As A Bartender?
There are many places to find a job as a bartender. The best place to start is by looking online. Many websites list bartending jobs, such as Indeed and Craigslist. You can also check with local bars and restaurants, print off your CV, and pass it onto bars in your area.
Is there an Age Limit to Be a Bartender?
There is no age limit to be a bartender. However, most bars and restaurants in the United States require their bartenders to be at least 21 years old. In Canada, the legal age to bartend is 18. Similarly, in Europe, the legal age to bartend is 18 in most countries.
Typical Bartender Wage
The average hourly wage for a bartender is $15. However, this can vary depending on the location and type of bar. Bartenders in major metropolitan areas typically earn more than those in smaller towns.
Qualifications Needed To Become A Bartender
There are no specific qualifications needed to become a bartender. However, most bartenders have some form of formal training in mixology or beverage service. Some employers may also require you to have a valid certificate from the region’s responsible liquor sales and service program.
These training programs teach bartenders how to serve alcohol responsibly. They cover things such as how to identify when a patron has had too much to drink and how to deal with difficult customers. Along with knowing alcohol measurements and how to make cocktails, these programs are essential for anyone looking to become a bartender.
Bartender Duties And Responsibilities
Now that you know a little bit about what bartenders do, let’s take a look at some of the duties and responsibilities they have.
- Mixing Drinks: A bartender must have a strong knowledge of different types of alcohol and be able to make cocktails that taste great.
- Serving Customers: Bartenders must be good with people and be able to provide excellent customer service.
- Restocking: Bartenders must stock up on supplies and mix drinks throughout their shift.
- Cleaning: Bartenders are responsible for cleaning the bar area and keeping it tidy.
A Day in the Life of a Bartender
Now that you know a little bit about what a bartender does and where to find jobs, let’s take a look at what a typical day is like for them.
A bartender typically arrives to work around lunchtime or early afternoon. They spend the first part of their shift stocking up on supplies and mixing drinks. Once they are ready, they open up the bar and start serving customers. Bartenders typically work until close, which can be anywhere from midnight to early morning. They will then have to tidy up the bar once the customers have left, cash out, and lock up.
The Best Bartender Resume Skills
So, what are some of the best skills for bartenders to list on their resumes? Here are a few…
- Mixology: A strong knowledge of different types of alcohol and how to make cocktails.
- Customer Service: Being able to provide excellent customer service is essential for bartenders.
- Cash Handling: Bartenders often need to handle money, so it is important to have experience in this area.
- Stocking and Organizing: Keeping the bar stocked and organized is a key part of a bartender’s job.
- Problem-Solving: Bartenders often need to solve problems on the fly.
- Memory: A good memory is essential for remembering drink orders.
- Attention to Detail: Bartenders need to be detail-oriented to make sure drinks are made correctly.
- Health and Safety: Bartenders need to be aware of health and safety hazards and take precautions to avoid them.
- Communication: Bartenders need to be able to communicate with customers and co-workers effectively.
- Delegation: Bartenders may need to delegate tasks to other employees.
- Physically Fit: Bartenders often need to carry heavy boxes and bottles.
How To Showcase These Skills On Your Resume?
So how can you showcase these skills on your resume? Here are a few tips…
- Include a section called “Skills” and list the different skills that you have.
- In your work experience section, list any bartending jobs that you have had and highlight the skills that you used in those positions.
- In your education section, list any bartending courses or training that you have taken.
- Use strong verbs to describe your skills. For example, “I am a skilled bartender who can mix cocktails quickly and efficiently.”
How To Prepare For A Bartending Interview?
If you are preparing for a bartending interview, here are a few tips to help you stand out…
- Be prepared to answer questions about your experience mixing drinks and serving customers.
- Be able to describe your problem-solving skills and how you have dealt with difficult situations in the past.
- Be able to talk about your strong points as a bartender, such as your attention to detail or your customer service skills.
- Know the types of drinks that are popular in your area and be able to make them on request.
- Be familiar with the health and safety hazards associated with bartending and know how to prevent them.
- Be able to communicate effectively with interviewers and answer any questions they may have.
- Although the bar you would like to work in may have a casual dress policy, it is always a good idea to dress professionally for your interview. This will show the interviewer that you are taking the interview seriously and that you are ready to work in a professional environment.
Learn More About The Art Of Mixology!
Every bartender has to know what they’re doing when it comes to mixing cocktails or, as they call it today… “Mixology.”
So, check out The Art of Mixology: Classic Cocktails and Curious Concoctions, or The Ultimate Bar Book: The Comprehensive Guide to Over 1,000 Cocktails, or The Bartenders Black Book, and of course, Mixology for Beginners: Innovative Craft Cocktails for the Home Bartender to ‘shake’ things up!
Why not also take a look at The Professional Bartender’s Handbook: A Recipe for Every Drink Known, or The Home Bartender, Second Edition: 175+ Cocktails Made with 4 Ingredients or Less if you’re throwing a dinner party, the well known Bartending For Dummies, and finally The Bartender’s Bible: 1001 Mixed Drinks all available online in 2023.
Of course, setting your bar up with the right equipment is essential! Try the KITESSENSU Cocktail Shaker Set Bartender Kit with Stand | Bar Kit Drink Mixer Set with All Essential Bar Accessory, the Aberdeen Oak Mixology Bartender Kit – Complete 14 Piece Cocktail Shaker Set, and the EatEx Bartender Kit – Bar Set Tools – 16pc Cocktail Set Kit to get you started.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! Being a bartender is a fun and challenging job that comes with its own set of pros and cons.
If you are looking for a career change and think that being a bartender might be the right fit for you. You now know the top bartender resume skills to list on your resume.
So, be sure to showcase these skills on your resume, and you will be one step closer to landing your dream job as a bartender.
Good luck having fun and making money!
