Bar Manager Resume Example
Starting a career as a bar manager gives you the chance to gain experience in overseeing daily operations and ensuring compliance with SOPs. If you want to stand out with your bar manager applications, you'll need to create a professional resume that makes a strong impression on employers. In this article, we'll explain how to write a winning resume for bar manager applications that best showcases your skills and experience.
The aim of this article is to equip you with all the knowledge required to create a top-shelf resume that positions you to succeed in your bar manager applications. You'll find valuable tips on writing a resume that best showcases your unique skills and achievements. There is also extensive guidance on how to structure your resume to match the job description, and to reflect your experience levels to impress business owners and employers. Read on to learn the tips Jobseeker careers experts recommend as the best for your bar manager resume.
Main sections of a bar manager resume
It's essential to include a few core sections in your bar manager resume, while there are also a few optional sections.
While the content and format of your resume may vary depending on your experience levels, it's important to always include the following sections:
Resume Header with Contact Details
Your bar manager resume header should contain your name and contact details. These include your email address and phone number. If you have a LinkedIn profile, you can also add that, to give employers the chance to learn more about your skills and experience. It's not necessary to include a photo or any other personal information. Keep your header clear and concise, with only the most necessary information included. Opt for a stylish, professional design that creates a strong first impression.
Make sure the email address you list in your header is professional-looking and doesn't contain any inappropriate content such as nicknames or unsuitable language. Opt for an email address based on your name or profession, or a combination of both. Finally, check your contact details before sending your resume, to ensure everything's up-to-date.
Thomas King
thomas.king@example.com
(111) 222 33 444 55
13 Elm Street, Springwood, OH
linkedin․com/in/thomas–king123
Resume Summary
The next section is the resume summary. The section might also be called 'resume objective' or 'personal profile'. This is a brief introduction to you, your key skills and your career achievements and ambitions. While a resume summary focuses on your career achievements and experience, a resume objective typically focuses on your ambitions for the future. In addition, your objective should highlight why you're an ideal candidate for bar manager roles by showing key skills and qualities that reflect the job description.
Alternatively, use this section to emphasize your career objectives and explain how and why this role is a suitable step for you at this stage of your career.
A strong resume summary focuses on two or three key skills and achievements that showcase your suitability for bar manager roles in a clear, quantifiable way. It also gives an insight into your personal qualities, to help the reader understand why you're a suitable candidate. Take a look at some strong examples of how to approach a bar manager resume summary in the graphic below.
Experienced Bar Manager with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management and a proven track record as a Hospitality Operations Manager. Adept at overseeing daily operations, ensuring exceptional customer service, and managing staff. Skilled in inventory control, budgeting, and enhancing guest experiences to drive business growth and profitability
Worked in managing places where people go to eat and drink. Have a degree related to managing places where people go to eat and drink. Have done things related to running these places and making sure people are happy. Have experience with keeping track of things, handling money, and making sure guests have a good time
Conversely, an ineffective resume summary would include generic, unspecific information on your skills and experience, while failing to provide any useful information on what makes you a unique and interesting candidate. See above for some examples of things to avoid when writing your bar manager resume summary.
Work History
Next, list your relevant employment history and any key achievements that show you're suitable for a bar manager position. For each entry, list the job title, the name of the employer, its location and the dates you worked there. Add each job in reverse-chronological order, starting with your current or most recent role.
Under each job entry, add several bullet points highlighting your responsibilities and achievements. Consult the job description for a list of the key requirements for the role and make sure your work experience section showcases how you meet these requirements.
An effective resume work experience section is one that constantly echoes the skills and experience listed in the job description, and shows how you used your skills to positive effect in each job. Each bullet point should be carefully crafted to showcase a particular skill or achievement relevant to bar manager jobs, with evidence to show the value you added. See below for some good examples of what to include in your resume work experience section.
Hospitality Operations Manager, January 2022 - Present
Moonlit Spirits Lounge, Stockton
- Increased hotel occupancy rates by 25% through strategic marketing initiatives and enhanced guest experience programs
- Successfully managed a $2 million renovation project, completing it under budget and ahead of schedule
- Implemented a comprehensive staff training program, reducing employee turnover by 30% and improving overall service quality
Hospitality Operations Manager, January 2022 - Present
Moonlit Spirits Lounge, Stockton
- Improved customer satisfaction through various initiatives and efforts to enhance the overall bar experience
- Managed bar operations effectively, ensuring smooth daily functioning and addressing any arising issues promptly
- Developed and implemented strategies to boost bar sales and enhance customer engagement
In the graphic above, you'll see some examples of less effective resume work experience sections. A poor resume work experience section would typically use vague descriptions of activities in previous jobs, while focusing too much on responsibilities rather than achievements. Failing to focus on the skills and experience that match the job description is likely to harm your chances of success.
Education
In your education section, include details of your most relevant bar manager qualifications and educational achievements.
Typically, working as a bar manager requires a university or college degree, which you'll need to list on your resume. If you're working in this sector, it's usually a good idea to highlight your Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Hospitality Management degree or other relevant qualifications. Focus on qualifications that showcase your inventory management or POS system proficiency.
For each entry in this section, add the name and level of your qualification, the institution you studied at, its location and your dates of study. You can also add some bullet points outlining any high grades, awards you won or specialist subjects you studied. Adding this information will show the employer your dedication to learning and your areas of specialist knowledge.
If you took part in any volunteering or you were a leader or member of any university societies, you could also mention these in your education section.
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, 2017 - 2020
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Hard and Soft Skills
In your skills section, list any skills you've acquired or developed that are relevant to bar manager positions. Consider adding bartending expertise, communication and leadership or any other necessary skills for the job. Again, refer to the job description and make sure you include skills that the employer has listed as essential or desirable for employment as a bar manager.
Highlighting your hard skills
In your hard skills list, include any specific abilities related to the role you're applying for. These could be technical skills or industry knowledge that showcases your expertise in your chosen profession. Furthermore, it's important to show these skills in a bar manager resume as they provide a strong indication of your experience in the sector. It's best to aim for four or five key hard skills that match the job description. These can really showcase your suitability for the job.
The best resume hard skills sections focus on specific technical skills necessary for the job, showcasing skills that you have particular expertise in. There are some examples of valuable hard skills for a bar manager resume below.
- Inventory management
- POS system proficiency
- Bartending expertise
Soft skills on your bar manager resume
In your list of soft skills, add any personal strengths, qualities or transferable skills that make you a good fit for the job. Soft skills are often less specific to different industries, but that doesn't make them any less important. In fact, you can develop soft skills throughout your career, and they tend to be suitable for various roles and professions. Aim to include approximately five soft skills that reflect the skills listed in the job description.
An effective bar manager resume soft skills section should be targeted to include skills that reflect your personality and unique characteristics, while also matching the job description. The graphic below includes some examples of good resume soft skills.
- Communication and leadership
- Problem-solving abilities
- Time management skills
Certifications and Training
Your certifications section is the place to mention any relevant professional bar manager certifications, licenses or qualifications. These could be official licenses required for the job or certifications that improve your employability. Therefore, make sure you list the dates of your certifications and licenses so employers can see they're up-to-date and valid.
Read on to see some relevant example certifications for a bar manager resume:
- TIPS Certification, 2022
- ServSafe Alcohol, 2022
- Cicerone Certification, 2022
Optional Resume Sections
To provide further information on your suitability for the role, you could add some optional sections to a bar manager resume. Add any of the sections below that help you showcase your key skills and experience.
Hobbies and Interests
Listing your hobbies and interests can reveal key qualities that some employers may value. Your hobbies and interests are useful for a bar manager resume if you want to show a different side to your personality, or to stand out among other candidates. They can also be valuable if you're a junior candidate without much relevant work experience. Only include hobbies and interests that showcase your personality and personal qualities, and add something different to your application.
Volunteer Work
Voluntary work can help you develop useful skills, so it's a valuable addition to your bar manager resume. List your volunteer job title, the organization you volunteered for, its location and the dates of your involvement, alongside a brief explanation of your responsibilities in the role.
References
It's not typical to include references in a bar manager resume, but some employers might ask for them. Don't add references unless requested by the employer. Only include referees that you've had prior approval from, and notify them to expect contact from the employer.
References are avaiable upon request.
Best strong verbs for your a bar manager resume
Using strong action words to make your resume resonate with the employer. Choose verbs from the suggestions below that highlight your key skills or those mentioned in the job description.
- Coordinate
- Supervise
- Train
- Optimize
- Strategize
- Oversee
- Manage
- Improve
- Lead
- Implement
Jobseeker's clean, attractive resume formats can help your applications make a strong impression on employers. Check them out for help designing a winning resume, and see our cover letter templates to help win over recruiters and hiring managers.
Example of a bar manager resume
The bar manager resume example below incorporates all the information from above into a full-designed resume template, so you can see how a final resume will look:
13 Elm Street, Springwood, OH
•
thomas.king@example.com
•
(111) 222 33 444 55
•
linkedin․com/in/thomas–king123
Dynamic and results-driven Bar Manager with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management and extensive experience as a Hospitality Operations Supervisor. Proven expertise in overseeing bar operations, optimizing customer satisfaction, managing staff, and driving revenue growth. Skilled in inventory management, cost control, and implementing efficient workflow processes. Adept at fostering a positive work environment and building strong relationships with customers and suppliers to enhance service quality and profitability.
Hospitality Operations Supervisor
2020
-2022
Tranquil Horizons Resorts (Boise)
- Implemented cost-saving measures, reducing operational expenses by 15% while maintaining high guest satisfaction scores
- Led a team to achieve a 20% increase in customer service ratings over a 12-month period
- Streamlined check-in processes, decreasing wait times by 30% and enhancing overall guest experience
Inventory management
POS system proficiency
Bartending expertise
Communication and leadership
Problem-solving abilities
Time management skills
TIPS Certification
ServSafe Alcohol
English - Fluent
Spanish - B2
Tips for bar manager resumes
- List your qualifications in your education section, including any necessary degrees or certifications, along with high grades.
- Use a well-structured resume layout that optimizes headings, structure, margins, fonts and line spacing to make your document as accessible as possible to the reader.
- Tailor your resume for each application you send. Review the job description and adapt the content to reflect the specific requirements, including key skills and experience.
- Quantify the impact you've made in different roles by offering evidence of your key abilities and your contribution.
- Keep your bar manager resume as brief as possible. Aim for one page for an entry-level role, and two pages for more senior jobs.
- Don't list unrelated work experience unless you can show you used skills that are valuable to the job you're applying for.
- Don't mention hobbies or interests unless they help you prove a skill required for the role, that you haven't included elsewhere.
- Don't use an email address that contains unprofessional content, and if necessary create a new, more professional email address.
- Don't lie or exaggerate the details of your bar manager career or education, as this can backfire later in the recruitment process.
- Don't add personal information such as your age, gender, a photo or marital status, as these can lead to bias in the hiring process.
Tips on creating an ATS-optimized resume
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) help recruiters and employers to manage their hiring process. They can handle some of the more time-consuming and resource-intensive jobs, such as initial screening of resumes. Employers often receive hundreds of applications per vacancy, and ATS software can quickly and accurately scan and rank resumes based on their likely suitability for any role. When writing your bar manager resume, a few simple tips can help you pass the ATS stage with a higher-ranking resume, giving you a better chance of success with your applications.
Follow these guidelines to create the best ATS-friendly resume:
- Use a traditional resume format, such as reverse-chronological or functional. These will give your resume a structure that's easier for ATS systems to scan.
- Add keywords that match the job description throughout your resume, as ATS applications scan for these and well-placed, considered use can help your resume rank more highly.
- Add each section with clear headings that match the established resume conventions, so ATS software can easily identify each part of your resume.
- Use a resume design that includes clean, professional design elements to give your content space to breathe. This might include clear, readable fonts, subtle color accents and simple design elements.
- Keep your resume as concise as possible, to make it easier to read, and for ATS software to scan.
If you need help creating a professional resume, take a look at our expert career articles and variety of resume examples created by careers experts.
Frequently Asked Questions about a bar manager resume
Alongside your bar manager resume, it's important to produce a professional cover letter that creates a similar positive impact on the reader.
Firstly, think about whether you want to write a full, formal cover letter or whether a brief email to introduce yourself and draw attention to your resume will suffice.
A full, formal cover letter follows a traditional letter-writing structure and format. Add your header, the recipient's address an use professional greetings and sign-offs. In your first paragraph, introduce yourself and confirm the role you're applying for, along with your reasons for applying. Next, outline your key skills and achievements that are most relevant to the bar manager job description. Finish by expressing your enthusiasm for the role and adding a call to action to encourage the hiring manager to contact you for further information.
If you want to impress employers with a professional cover letter, use Jobseeker's simple and beautiful cover letter templates.
There are plenty of ways to still make a positive impression with your bar manager resume, even if you lack relevant work experience. Choose a resume structure that best showcases your key skills for the role, such as a functional format. This places your skills and education above your work experience. Optional sections at the end of your resume can play a stronger role if you're lacking relevant work experience. Use certifications and training, hobbies and interests, volunteer roles and internships to show you've got the necessary skills for the job.
You can use a resume headline to introduce your document and set the tone for your bar manager applications. A well-constructed resume headline can help your resume rank highly with ATS screening tools by referencing some of the key information from the job description. Write a short, concise resume headline incorporating the job title, one or two key skills that match the job description and a reference to your reputation or track record.
Here's an example of a strong resume headline:
- Aspiring Bar Manager with Experience
- Experienced Bar and Staff Manager
- Experienced Senior Bar Manager
The resume format that gives you the best chances of success depends on your experience levels, as well as the type of job you're applying for and its seniority level. If you're applying for a junior position or changing careers, you might want to consider a functional resume. This highlights your skills and education over your work experience. On the other hand, if you're experienced in your industry or applying for senior positions, a traditional, reverse chronological resume format is usually best. This places most emphasis on your work experience.
Takeaways for a winning bar manager resume
An effective resume is a concise, professional summary of your relevant skills and career achievements, showcased through a chronology of your career history. Choose a resume structure that makes the most of your relevant experience, whether through work or other activities, and be sure to tailor your resume to match the job description.
Remember, Jobseeker resume templates and other tools make it easy to create a resume and cover letter that leaves a positive impression on hiring managers. Sign up now to start building your perfect resume. Whatever job you're applying for, a professional cover letter can make all the difference to your chances. Use Jobseeker's HR-approved tools and cover letter examples to inspire your applications.
Sources:
(1) Tips for Writing a Federal Resume, U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/tips-for-writing-a-federal-resume
(2) Resume Tips, Duke University: https://careerhub.students.duke.edu/resources/resume-tips/
