The work experience section of any resume is important, but it may be one of the most important sections when compiling a resume for a bartending position. This is because employers generally look more closely at a potential hire's work experience than level of education. Previous work experience can also be prioritized by relevance to the position when writing a resume work experience section for this industry. Aside from a personable attitude during the interview process and a demonstration of industry knowledge, your work experience will be the most critical factor to include when applying for a bartending position.
What to Include in a Bartender Resume Work Experience Section
The most important skill employers look for in a potential bartender involves their ability to make a drink. This essentially boils down to whether or not you can listen and follow directions. When writing a resume work experience section for a bartender position, it is easy to spin prior work experience into examples of how you can listen and follow directions. If a previous job as a file clerk required you to compile various files into one document for an important presentation, this can easily be related to the field of bartending. You were essentially responsible for creating a Tom Collins of paperwork. More closely related work experiences should be outlined as well. For example, a server or barista position requires a similar skill set to that of a bartender. Such instances of work experience should be listed clearly in this section.
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How to Format a Bartender Resume Work Experience Section
There are multiple ways of presenting your work history and experience. If your work history includes predominantly bartender or service industry work, provide this information in chronological order. However, if you lack experience in the service industry, you might consider ranking prior work experience in order of relevance to the position you are seeking when writing a resume work experience section. Your work as a barista in college would come before your current work as a nanny. By taking this approach, you are demonstrating to the employer that despite a lack of service industry experience, you are capable of meeting their needs.
Great Example of a Bartender Resume Work Experience Section
The following is an example of how to best prioritize and format the content when writing a resume work experience section for a bartender position. In this example, the work experience is listed by relevance to a bartender position instead of chronological format.
Retro Coffee House – Barista – Las Vegas, NV
Jan. 14, 2014 to Dec. 1, 2014
Responsible for taking customer orders and making drinks. Maintained location facilities and kept cashier drawer. Promoted from associate to branch manager June 7, 2014.
A-Lister's Diner – Server – Las Vegas, NV
May 20, 2011 to Dec. 30, 2013
Daily tasks included fulfilling customer food and drink orders, cashier duties and setting up the dining area for dinner service. Received pay raises in 2012 and 2013.
Stratford Accounting – File Clerk – Las Vegas, NV
Dec. 14, 2014 to present
Responsibilities included compiling documents from multiple sources to be synthesized and delivered as a cohesive presentation to clients.
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