Bar Manager Resume—Examples, Job Description & Guide

You can handle everything from mixing drinks or fixing a buggy POS system to hiring bar staff and managing inventory. Being a bar manager is like no other job out there: and you love it, you really do. 

But how do you get that across to a recruiter or bar owner who’s never seen you change a keg while training a new employee and drafting next quarter’s budget? 

Easy: with a bar manager resume that hits stronger than your best whiskey sour. 

In this guide:

• A bar manager resume sample that gets jobs.
• How to write the perfect bar manager job description on a resume.
• How to write a resume for a bar manager that gets the interview.
• Expert tips and examples to boost your chances of landing a bar manager job.

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Looking for another job in the hospitality sector? Or do you consider switching careers? Take a look at our other guides!

• Barista Resume
• Bartender Resume
• Business Owner Resume
• Chef Resume
• Customer Service Resume
• Executive Assistant Resume
• Front Desk Resume
• Hospitality Resume
• Hostess Resume
• Line Cook Resume
• Office Assistant Resume
• Restaurant Manager Resume
• Restaurant Resume
• Retail Resume
• Sales Manager Resume
• Sales Representative Resume
• Secretary Resume Sample
• Server Resume 
• Store Resume
• Waiter/Waitress Resume

Haven't found your job? See our list of the best resume examples for every job

Bar Manager Resume Example

Now, that’s the perfect mix! Here’s how to write your bar manager resume:

1. Start with the Right Bar Manager Resume Format

When mixing drinks, the order of liquids matters. 

The same applies to your bar manager resume. 

To make a great first impression, follow the resume formatting tips below:

Bar Manager Resume Format

• Stick to the reverse-chronological layout for your resume. Start with your most recent gigs; it will make your bar manager resume easy to read. 
• Choose an elegant resume font. You can’t go wrong with Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica. 
• Keep things legible by applying 1-inch margins to your resume.
• Limit your resume length to one page. 
• Use these resume sections: Header, Summary, Experience, Education, Skills, and Additional.

One last thing: when you’re done, save your resume as a PDF file. 

That’s important for two reasons. 

Firstly, a PDF document will preserve the resume layout. Your resume will look the same on every device. 

And secondly, many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems ATS to scan resumes. They can easily read PDF files. So, using a PDF document will increase your chances of getting hired, especially if you’re applying to work for a large employer, like a hotel or restaurant chain. 

2. Start with a Tempting Bar Manager Resume Objective or Summary

A client enters a bar. And he immediately forms a first impression. 

Is it a sports bar? An Instagram-friendly space? Or is it a bar where you’d invite your significant other to pop the question? 

In the same way, the recruiter will form their first impression based on your resume profile statement—the short paragraph at the top of your resume. 

Have you poured more drinks than you can remember?

Then start with a professional resume summary. 

To write a resume summary, follow this guide:

1. One adjective (personable, organized, diligent)
2. Job title (Bar Manager)
3. Years of experience (3+, 4+)
4. How you’ll help (hire, train, and manage staff)
5. Your most relevant 2–3 achievements (decreased cost by negotiating contracts with suppliers)

Writing a career-change resume with no bar management achievements to show yet? 

No worries—write a resume objective instead and show transferable skills from other jobs, education, internships, or volunteering. 

Expert Hint: To save some time, write your bar manager resume profile last. Once you list all your experience and achievements, writing a career profile will be a piece of cake!

3. Add an Impressive Bar Manager Job Description and Skills Sections

Number one rule when writing your bar manager resume?

Don’t be boring! 

Impress them with your tailored work experience section. 

To have a real shot at getting hired, target your resume to each job opportunity. This section should be like a good recipe: list only the ingredients you need, no fluff or fillers. 

How to write a job description for a bar manager:

1. Re-read the job ad. 
2. Focus on the resume keywords—skills and duties listed in the job ad. 
3. Think of times you’ve used those skills to deliver extraordinary results. 
4. Write down your key achievements using bullet points; use numbers and action words to quantify your accomplishments. 

Noticed we’re not talking about duties? That’s because you need to focus on showcasing your successes, rather than listing every responsibility you had. Since the BLS predicts that employment in the hospitality sector will increase, it’s essential to document your worth. 

And one more thing. 

While you still have the job ad in front of you, customize your bar manager skills section. Listing all the skills you’ve acquired through the years won’t do you any favors. 

Instead, tailor the skills section to the job posting and use resume keywords again. The best skills to put on a resume are those that the employer is specifically after. 

Here are some examples to get you started:

Bar Manager Resume Skills

• Beverage and Food Purchasing
• Budget Management
• Event Planning
• Bar Management
• Bar Operations
• Wine Pairing
• Menu Planning
• Attention to Detail
• Equipment Maintenance
• POS
• Hiring & Training
• Relevant Legislation
• Health, Safety, and Hygiene Compliance 
• Interpersonal Skills
• Leadership Skills
• Communication Skills
• Computer Skills
• Marketing Skills
• Conflict Resolution Skills
• Creative Thinking Skills
• Time Management Skills

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4. Turn Dull Education into a Reason to Hire You

Depending on the exact posting you’re applying for, education may or may not be important for the role. But don’t leave anything to chance—list information regarding your education on your resume, at least covering the basics. 

Since you’re applying for a managerial role, let’s assume you already have a few years of relevant experience. In that case, simply state the school name, degree, and graduation date. List only the highest level of education you’ve obtained. 

If you were writing a resume with no experience, you would add bullet points with extracurricular activities, relevant coursework, projects, and academic achievements.

5. Spice Up Your Bar Manager Resume with Extra Sections

What sets you apart from other bar managers? 

Do the list of previous gigs, skills, and education show your full potential and personality? 

Of course not!

Add one or two extra sections to paint a fuller picture: 

• Additional Activities
• Foreign Languages
• Awards
• Hobbies and Interests
• Volunteering
• Certifications
• Professional References

Just make sure anything you add is somehow relevant to managing a bar. Reading or travelling is neat as a hobby, but it doesn’t contribute anything to your performance as a bar manager. 

You’re almost done! There’s only one thing left. 

Write a cover letter to go with their resume. Your resume might be thrown out, just like expired produce, if it’s not accompanied by a bar manager cover letter. 

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Key Points

For a bar manager resume that gets interviews:

• Use the bar manager template. Just like a signature drink recipe, it ticks all the boxes. 
• List the most relevant achievements in your bar manager resume profile and job description.
• Target the bar manager skills section to the job ad. This will make your resume more interesting for the recruiter. 
• Write a bar manager cover letter. Show your talent, passion, and skill, and tilt the scale in your favor. 

Still got questions on how to write your bar manager resume? Or would you like to share some insider tips and tricks? Drop us a line below; we’d love to chat!