Highlight customer service on your bartender resume to get great results

As a bartender, you're on the front lines of hospitality. For many customers, you're the first and perhaps only face that they'll associate with the establishment. Employers look for bartender applicants with a strong skill set that will equip them to handle this highly social position. Learn how to highlight customer service on your bartender resume so any hiring manager can see the value that you'll bring to their destination.

What are customer service skills?

Customer service skills are the abilities that make it possible to deliver a satisfying experience to customers. Individuals with strong customer service skills promote a positive atmosphere, actively work to meet the customers' needs, and resolve potential issues quickly and effectively. Good customer service helps develop loyalty, improve reputation, and increase profits.

Why customer service is important on a bartender resume

Customer service is important in any industry, but this skill set is particularly crucial in a customer-focused industry, like hospitality. Patrons typically enter a bar purely for enjoyment, and it's the job of the bartender to deliver this experience. Customer service skills are important on a bartender's resume because good customer service provides the following benefits:

Enhances the bar's atmosphere

Bartenders help establish the atmosphere of the bar. The way bartenders dress, speak, and act will send a message to patrons about how they should conduct themselves as well.

Keeps customers comfortable

As a bartender, one of your primary responsibilities is keeping the customers comfortable and happy so they'll linger at the bar and purchase more drinks. When you create a welcoming atmosphere, patrons are more likely to invite their friends and return as regulars.

Increases sales

Strong customer service skills translate to better sales, which is what hiring managers are ultimately hoping for. Make sure your bartender resume clarifies that you have what it takes to encourage sizable bills from each patron. This may include recommending food and drink pairings, maintaining an in-depth knowledge of products, and crafting custom drinks to the patron's preferences.

Makes for positive connections

Each bar tends to have its own type of clientele. Your ability to connect with these individuals will increase your success as a bartender. Consider how your particular skill set may serve the individual bar where you're hoping to work. If you're submitting a resume to a hotel bar, you can highlight your knowledge of local entertainment. Visitors may get into the habit of stopping in for a drink each evening to hear about the happenings that locals know about. If you're looking to work in a biker bar, your knowledge of motorcycles can come in handy in making conversation.

Resolves customer issues easily

Any environment that encourages alcohol consumption has an increased potential for sticky situations. As a bartender, you may be called upon to handle customers who are feeling belligerent, unhappy, or unwell using your carefully honed customer service skills.

"Patrons typically enter a bar purely for enjoyment, and it's the job of the bartender to deliver this experience."

Customer service skills for a bartender resume

As you're building your bartender resume, make sure you include relevant customer service skills such as:

Positivity: Maintaining a polite and pleasant demeanor enhances the environment for patrons.
Empathy: Demonstrating empathy will give patrons a feeling of comfort and welcome. This is particularly handy for customers who come to the bar after a hard day and enjoy having someone they can chat with.
Communication: Strong communication skills equip bartenders to determine what customers want and deliver a satisfying experience accurately. If you can communicate well, you may be able to assess a vague drink description and deliver something the customer will enjoy.
Attention to detail: Close attention to detail is important in the creation of drinks. Attentiveness to the ingredients and preparation will result in superior products and help you avoid mistakes.
Active listening: Actively listening to customers lets them know that you're really paying attention to what they're saying and not simply nodding along. This can make the difference between a one-time visitor and a new regular.
Problem-solving: Problems can arise easily in a bar setting. Bartenders with good problem-solving skills find quick and efficient solutions.
Decision-making: A bar is a fast-paced environment where bartenders don't have a lot of time to dawdle over decisions. Making choices quickly speeds up service and improves the experience.
Adaptability: A bar's clientele may change greatly from night to night or even hour to hour. Adaptability is important so that you can deliver a thoughtfully personalized experience to each individual or group.

Customer service on a bartender's resume is crucial. Make sure you're highlighting any and all skills and experience in this area so your potential employers can clearly see how you've established the ability to handle the unique challenges of a bar setting.