What to Include On Your Bartending Resume

Here's the lowdown regarding your bartending resume.

Most jobs, be it investment banking, consulting, academia, or healthcare encourage job-seeking applicants to submit a resume or a curriculum vitae (CV). The same is true for the hospitality industry.

It's always a good idea to carry a bartending resume listing all your experience.

What's more, always include a picture of yourself on your resume. Not only does it put a face to a name, but it also will increase your chances of being asked back for an interview.

Unfortunately, the bartending industry is uber superficial. In other words, looks matter!

You may have heard of people including their photos on their bartender CVs. It may sound odd, especially to those who are new to the service industry.

I mean, how many people put photos on their CV, right?

You may be well surprised to find out that it is actually a common practice. If you ever want to work at a resort as a spa attendant, dive instructor, butler, etc, you will most likely be asked for a picture.

You may feel uncomfortable at first, but unless you're hideous (which 9 out of 10 times, you won't be), always make it a habit of including a photo of yourself on your resume.

What type of photo should you include in your resume? A simple photo that includes a frontal view of your face and at least some parts of your upper body.

Keep it fun, clean, and professional.

Here are a few common questions that gets thrown at me regarding drafting one's bartending resume, so I've summed them up and listed them below. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at

FAQs

What if I don't have any bartending experience?
That's not a problem. Then list jobs that you've had, highlighting the customer service and cash handling aspect of it.

For instance, say you were in retail. Talk about how you dealt with customers, and handled multiple cash transactions. Or say you were a hostess or a waitress at a restaurant. Capitalize on the fact that you worked in a restaurant and have extensive customer service related experience. That will go a long way and help make up for your lack of bartending experience.

In your cover letter or interview, talk about your experiences of dealing with multiple customers under a high-pace setting. Or say you worked as a barista at Starbucks. Same thing. Stress your ability to multi-task and handle customers. The key is to convince the bar manager that you're quick, smart, and able to learn on the job.

What if I don't have ANY experience?
Having some experience is better than nothing, but say you haven't had any previous jobs. It's going to be a lot tougher to get into bartending unless you look like Angelina Jolie.

But don't be discouraged. See if there are local catering companies in your neighborhood or city. Chances are there will be quite a few. They are always hiring inexperienced people. It's a great way to get your foot in the door.

You can start by serving and bartending at private events and functions. The great thing about getting a gig through catering companies is, they're very flexible (you create your own schedule), and it gives you great experience serving food and/or bartending, which can help build your resume!

I have my resume. Now what?
It's time to put on some makeup. Wear a nice top and a cute black pair of pants. It's time to interview!! Before heading out, make a list of 5-7 places you would like to work at. (i.e. lounges, clubs, bars, restaurants).

Once you have this list, call the joints to make sure a hiring manager or bar manager is in. You want to make sure you get face time with the MANAGER. Not the server. Not the bartender at the bar. Not the hostess in the front. Your best chances are with the actual hiring manager or bar manager!!!