Should a Bartending Resume Contain Any Other Experience Besides Bartending?

When crafting a bartending resume, you might wonder if other experiences should be included. The truth is, yes, you should consider including non-bartending related experiences to showcase your diverse skill set. Just be sure to make the connection relevant to the bar industry.

Why Including Non-Bartending Experience Matters

Anything that demonstrates your hard work, customer service skills, and sales abilities can be beneficial. Bartending is more than just serving drinks; it requires a diverse range of skills that can be proven through other experiences.

Customer Service and Sales Experience

Customer service and sales experience are crucial in the bar industry. You often need to interact with patrons, manage expectations, and handle sales through creative marketing efforts. Any previous jobs in these fields can be incredibly valuable to highlight.

For instance, a retail salesperson who knows how to sell products and keep customers engaged can easily translate those skills to a bartending role. Similarly, a customer service representative, who understands how to handle difficult situations, can be an asset in managing unruly patrons and maintaining a professional demeanor.

Relevant vs. Irrelevant Experience

When deciding whether to include non-bartending experience, consider its relevance. Ensure that each experience demonstrates a skill or trait that is valuable to the bar industry. For example, if you have experience in accounting, mathematical calculations, or even event planning, these can all be highly relevant.

However, if the experience is too tangential or was held for a very short period, it may not be as useful. It’s important to think about how these experiences will be perceived by the hiring manager and whether they will contribute to a positive image of your candidacy.

How to Present Other Experience

When including non-bartending experience, it’s best to do so in a well-organized manner. Create a section titled 'Other Relevant Experience' or 'Additional Skills' where you can provide brief descriptions of these roles. Highlight specific achievements and skills gained in these positions.

For example, if you have previous experience in accounting, mention your ability to manage product inventory, make sound financial decisions, and handle cash transactions. These skills are essential in a fast-paced bar environment.

Additionally, you can include relevant skills that might not be as obvious. For instance, if you have managed a small team, mention your leadership and management skills. Overall, focus on showcasing how these experiences make you a well-rounded and capable candidate for the bartending position.

Consistency and Clarity

To keep your resume clear and easy to read, summarize each role briefly. For instance:

Accounting/Finance: Managed product inventory and financial transactions, reducing inventory waste by 20%. Customer Service: Handled customer complaints and resolved issues within the first contact, improving customer satisfaction scores by 15%. Customer Service: Managed a team of three and created training programs, resulting in a 30% reduction in staff turnover.

By presenting your other experiences in this manner, you not only provide a comprehensive view of your skills but also show the employer the broader context of your capabilities.

Conclusion

While bartending experience is the heart of your resume, including other relevant experiences can strengthen your application. Demonstrating a diverse skill set and experience in customer service, sales, and management can make you a stand-out candidate in the competitive bar industry. Remember, the key is to present these experiences in a way that highlights their relevance to the role and showcases your unique value proposition.

- Amanda The Job Chick