INDUSTRY STATS
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bar Manager positions are at a 15% growth rate, which is faster than average. With that said, there are currently 309,800 jobs in the market right now. The total number of jobs is expected to increase by 46,200 to 356,000 in the period of 2020-30.
What’s more, the median annual wage for the Bar Manager jobs was $56,590 in May 2020. The lowest 10% earned less than $33,880, and the highest 10% more than $94,770.
Our conclusion? The Bar Manager job market is wide open for candidates.
Top Bar Manager sections that make the best resume
- Header
- Professional summary
- Experience (with numbers and results)
- Relevant skills
- Education
- Certifications
How to write a Bar Manager resume experience section
Bar Manager Resume’s Job Experience Checklist:
- Use 4-6 bullet points per job title;
- Don’t go further than a decade behind when describing your job history, unless you’re applying for an executive position;
- Combine job responsibilities as well as achievements with numbers in results when you describe your past work;
- Start each sentence with a power verb and avoid overused buzzwords;
- Use either C-A-R or S-T-A-R methodology, when describing your experience.
The work experience samples below come from real Bar Manager resumes that got people hired at top companies. You can use them as an inspiration to build your own resume:
- Plan and execute all bar operations including managing all aspects of staffing, inventory management and ensuring high service and quality standards on daily basis.
- Resolve all customer issues/complaints in a timely, professional manner so as to retain their business.
- Tend to a 20 seat bar top and 10 table layout, as well as accommodate larger parties of 75 or more in our hall.
- Promoted to Bar Manager two years back after showing great promise as lead bartender for five years.
- Manage and execute social media marketing and online presence for the organization.
- Implement improvements and new products/initiatives
- Responsible for 2-5% annual increase in bar sales consistently through cost saving initiatives and event planning and rollout.
- Responsible for operation, Event function, relationship with guests.
- Provide and recommendation wine to paring with Riedel signature dished.
- Provide and recommendation F&B team regarding to future plans.
- Conduct internal training ( Service standard, Basic F&B knowledge)
- Sale history, Cost control, Par stock Etc,
- Managed team of 6 people and managed the inventory of the bar during high season
- Organised work space from the scratch
- Get an exclusive contract with alcohol distribution companies
- Worked as a consulting bartender
- Maintained an inventory of over 150 spirits
- Created recipes and compiled a custom drink list of over 20 different cocktails
- Efficiently built and managed a diverse team in a fast-paced, world class unique venue.
- improved customer engagement and repeat business by delivering outstanding customer service.
- Successful achievement of beverage revenue targets through the development and marketing of new concepts and careful cost control.
- Managed customer service by training staff, overseeing operations and resolving issues quickly.
- Resolved customer complaints quickly to maximise satisfation and bar loyalty.
- Managed a team of 30+ employees, including bar, restaurant and café staff.
- Monitored customers to keep alcohol consumption at appropriate levels.
- effectively handle customer complaints and special requests
- recruit, hire and train new bar staff
- staff performance and provide ongoing counselling and coaching
- set and monitor service standards
- follow all product control measures including inventory management and loss prevention measures
- monitor compliance with all internal monetary control measures
- ensure all revenues, cash, credit or check are properly deposited and accounted for
- generate and present financial reports
- creating staff rotas, booking agencies
- Managing requisition forms and replenished any shortages to stock Rotating inventory and keep track of stock
- Being in charge of the direction, supervision, performance, training, and evaluation of all positions within the department
- Exceeding guest expectations and provide the highest level of service
- all opening and closing tasks are completed quickly and correctly to prepare for the next day of operation
- Manage labour, create schedules, and make sure enough bartending staff is always available to satisfy all guests
- Take drink orders during busy times, prepare special drinks, and serve them professionally and quickly
- Interacted with guests and made them feel as comfortable as possible
- Prepared drinks quickly and correctly as they are ordered
- Performed cleaning tasks when business was slower
- Answered guest inquiries and related information
- Manage labor, create schedules, and make sure enough bartending staff is always available to satisfy all guests
- Interacted with guests and made them feel as comfortable
- Kept track of tabs accurately and handled money responsibly
- Creating seasonal cocktail list
- Rotating inventory and keep track of stock
- Plan and present bar menu.
- Set up special events and private parties.
- Maintain stock levels to prevent shortages of critical items.
- Hired and trained 7 bar staff on all SOP.
- Minimised staff overhead by 21% through analysing strengths vs weaknesses, rearranging work schedules based on capabilities and needs.
- Promoted a new cocktail named Dragon Hill which gained immense popularity and increased sales by 20% in the first 3 months.
- Set up entire bar section at a brand new branch, completed 2 days in advance and exceeded 10% vs budget.
- Recruited and conducted trainings for 6 new bar staff.
- Created menu with 20 signature cocktails and individual cost.
- Supervised overall bar activities, brain-stormed, guided team members whenever necessary for all suppliers/vendors.
- Hired and trained 7 bar staff on all SOP.
- Minimised staff overhead by 21% through analysing strengths vs weaknesses, rearranging work schedules based on capabilities and needs.
- Promoted a new cocktail named Dragon Hill which gained immense popularity and increased sales by 20% in the first 3 months.
- Set up entire bar section at a brand new branch, completed 2 days in advance and exceeded 10% vs budget.
- Recruited and conducted trainings for 6 new bar staff.
- Created menu with 20 signature cocktails and individual cost.
- Supervised overall bar activities, brain-stormed, guided team members whenever necessary for all suppliers/vendors.
- Hired and trained 7 bar staff on all SOP.
- Minimised staff overhead by 21% through analysing strengths vs weaknesses, rearranging work schedules based on capabilities and needs.
- Promoted a new cocktail named Dragon Hill which gained immense popularity and increased sales by 20% in the first 3 months.
- Set up entire bar section at a brand new branch, completed 2 days in advance and exceeded 10% vs budget.
- Recruited and conducted trainings for 6 new bar staff.
- Created menu with 20 signature cocktails and individual cost.
- Supervised overall bar activities, brain-stormed, guided team members whenever necessary for all suppliers/vendors.
- Hired and trained 7 bar staff on all SOP.
- Minimised staff overhead by 21% through analysing strengths vs weaknesses, rearranging work schedules based on capabilities and needs.
- Promoted a new cocktail named Dragon Hill which gained immense popularity and increased sales by 20% in the first 3 months.
- Set up entire bar section at a brand new branch, completed 2 days in advance and exceeded 10% vs budget.
- Recruited and conducted trainings for 6 new bar staff.
- Created menu with 20 signature cocktails and individual cost.
- Supervised overall bar activities, brain-stormed, guided team members whenever necessary for all suppliers/vendors.
- Assisted the operation manager for opening a new restaurant bar, including hiring, training, liquor selection, signature drinks, scheduling and cash management.
- Developed signature drinks.
- Directed Bartending operations, overseeing seamless beverage service
- Created and implemented bar and floor service manual for the outlet
- Implemented effective procedures to ensure friendly environment
- Ensured that bar environment is safe as per the required health and safety standards for both guest and associates.
- Ensured that guest get quality service, which added to the image and reputation of the bar.
- Developed and maintained staff that provided hospitable, professional service while adhering to policies and business initiatives
- Trained staff in all aspects of daily operations
- Introduced new idea which resulted in increased revenue and growth by 70%
PRO TIP
Make sure to relate your experience to your job description, but never lie. That’s not tolerated and will show up in the face-to-face interview later on.
Action Verbs for your Bar Manager Resume
Recommended reads:
Bar Manager Resume Skills’ Tips & Tricks to Impress Recruiters
Resume Skills Section Checklist:
- Ensure your hard skills section (including technologies) are exactly matching the job description.
- Don’t simply list your soft skills. Apply the “show, don’t tell” principle - let your job achievements speak for themselves.
- Find a way to showcase your skills beyond the skills section.
- Your resume’s skill section is important to ATS systems - so don’t skip it.
Top Skills for your Bar Manager resume
- Basic Finance
- Physical Stregth and Coordination
- Knowledge of Food Safety
- Hygene
- Speed and Agility
- Basic Medical Care
- Patience
- Multitasking
- Listening
- Attention to details
- Communication
- Memorization
PRO TIP
Avoid getting sidetracked by Applicant tracking software by including a tech skills' section matching the job description and your own qualifications.
Bar Manager Resume Header: Tips, Red Flags, and Best Practices
CHECKLIST For Your Bar Manager Resume Header
- Your name and surname in a legible and larger resume font
- The job title you’re applying for or your current job title as a subheading to your name
- Link to your portfolio or online profile, such as LinkedIn
- Address (City and State for the US; just your city for rest of the world)
- Email address
- Headshot (required or welcomed in the EU; not required and sometimes frowned upon in the US)
Stick to popular email providers such as Gmail or Outlook. And use these professional formats to create your username:
- first.last@gmail.com
- last.first@gmail.com
- firstlast@gmail.com
- f.last@gmail.com
- first.l@gmail.com
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
Some companies, states, and countries have non-discrimination policies about what kind of information can be included on your Bar Manager resume. This might include a photo (which is often included in a resume header and might be on personal web pages you link to). You can always email the company’s HR department to ask about their policies before you apply.
Bar Manager Resume Summary Best Practices
Checklist: What to include in your Bar Manager resume summary:
- Years of experience;
- Highlight top 3 skills and proficiencies;
- One big professional accomplishment you’re most proud of, that you can tie with the aforementioned skills;
- Use short, direct sentences - but no more than three - to keep the HRs interested.
Resume Summary Formula:
PRO TIP
Read the job description carefully and understand what the hiring company is exactly looking for. After that, write your summary accordingly while highlighting your potential and ability to be the best at that job.
Recommended reads:
Listing Your Education, Certifications and Courses
Resume Education Section Checklist:
- Ensure your hard skills section (including technologies) are exactly matching the job description.
- Don’t simply list your soft skills. Apply the “show, don’t tell” principle - let your job achievements speak for themselves.
- Find a way to showcase your skills beyond the skills section.
- Your resume’s skill section is important to ATS systems - so don’t skip it.
Top Certifications for your Bar Manager resume
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
If you hold a certain major and a minor, your majors should be mentioned first.
Bar Manager Resume: Additional Writing & Formatting Tips
There are three basic resume formats you can choose from:
- Reverse-chronological resume format;
- Functional resume format;
- Hybrid (or Combination) resume format;
The most optimal format for your particular case will depend on your years of experience, as well as whether you’re switching industries or not.
Reverse chronological resumes are best suited for experienced individuals who are sticking to their industry. The experience section takes a central place, and its bullets contain your responsibilities and achievements, coupled with numbers and results.
Functional resumes are used by less experienced jobseekers or career changers. Note that it’s not a format that recruiters prefer, as most are used to the classic chronological alignment. Instead of a list of job titles, functional resumes focus on your skills, and through what experiences you gained them.
Hybrid resumes are great for both experienced and entry-level candidates, as well as career changers. They combine the best of both worlds - most often in a double column format, where one side of the content is focused on your experience, whereas the other - on your skills, strengths, and proudest moments.
Bar Manager Resume Summary best practices
Here are more resume tips regarding your layout and style:
- Clear and legible 12p resume font size;
- Use 10’’ resume margins - that’s default for a great resume design;
- Use a one-page template resume length if you’ve got less than 10 years of experience; otherwise, opt for a two-page resume;
- Save your resume as PDF before sending it to the recruiter.
To take it a step further, check out how your resume can stand out without leaning too much on the creative side.
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
If you feel that you don’t have high chances in a particular company, due to lack of relevant experience, then you can still consider using a creative layout. That might help you get noticed and invited for an interview, as most of the other applicants will have boring resume designs.
Other sections to include in your resume
Depending on the type of company (corporation or start-up; innovative or traditional), job seniority level and your location, you may want to include more sections to your Bar Manager resume:
Bar Manager Resume: How to Make Yours More Creative & Stand Out
When you send your resume to a potential employer, chances are it's the fiftieth one they've seen that day. That's why you need to make your Bar Manager resume stand out for the right reasons. That means showing your personality, not just your professional experience. Employers are far more likely to remember a candidate who seems like a genuine person and not a robot. Do this by including your passions (which is also a great place to demonstrate skills on a resume), share your favorite books, or even what your usual day looks like.
What Makes a Great Bar Manager Resume: Key Takeaways
- Choose a resume layout that sends the right message across and fits your current career situation;
- Create a resume header that shows your desired job title, and easy to find contact numbers;
- Be specific about your experience, accomplishments and future goals in your summary;
- Feature detailed metrics and specific examples that show the impact you made in your previous roles when describing your experience;
- List soft skills backed by examples;
- Add all of your technical skills and certifications that you have and match the job description;
- Show off a dash of personality in your resume that will demonstrate your culture fit and the right mix of hard and soft skills.
