BARTENDER SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS
Published: May 23, 2025 - The Bartender demonstrates expertise in P.O.S. systems and operates effectively in fast-paced, luxury hospitality settings such as Forbes 5 Star or AAA/CAA 4-5 Diamond hotels. This position possesses in-depth knowledge of classic and contemporary cocktails, bar equipment, and beverage recipes, paired with strong organizational and observational skills. This role excels in guest service through clear communication, interpersonal strength, and a proactive problem-solving approach.
Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Bartender Resume
- Inventory Management
- Cleaning Standards
- Mixology Knowledge
- ID Verification
- Bar Preparation
- Cocktail Crafting
- Stock Control
- Menu Design
- Order Accuracy
- Product Knowledge
- Customer Service
- Attention To Detail
- Communication Skills
- Service Leadership
- Team Motivation
- Workload Management
- Multitasking Ability
- Guest Rapport
- Upselling Skills
- Process Improvement


Summary of Bartender Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume
1. BA in Hospitality and Tourism with 2 years of Experience
- Highly motivated and energetic personalityKnowledge of menu items, including characteristics of wine and champagne by the glass, major wines, liquor brands, beer, non-alcoholic beverages, designated glassware, terminology, and garnishes
- Knowledge of health, safety and sanitation regulations
- Able to effectively communicate in English, in both written and verbal forms
- Knowledge of hotel services, features, local attractions and activities to respond to guest inquiries accurately
- Excellent customer service skills and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with all business contacts
- Knowledgeable of menu items, including mixture and serving beverages, standard beverage recipes, preparation methods, glassware, garnishes, products, supplies, and equipment
- Knowledgeable of wine and champagne characteristics by the glass, major wines, designated glassware, terminology, and garnishes
- Able to take initiative and exhibit flexibility
- Knowledge of hotel services, features, local attractions and activities to respond to guest inquiries accurately
- Excellent customer service skills as well as interpersonal skills to deal effectively with all business contacts
2. BA in Communications with 3 years of Experience
- Craft cocktail experience and working with seasonally influenced perishable items
- Ability to multitask and deliver drink requests in a timely and efficient manner while maintaining consistency
- Excellent wine and spirits knowledge, great communication and presentation skills.
- Knowledgeable of credit card and cash handling procedures, as well as recording accurate tip-out sheets, and calculating accurate bill amounts.
- Knowledge of bartending principles and recipes
- Able to obtain all Aramark and state/local required alcohol service certifications
- Demonstrates organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail
- Communication skills are utilized a significant amount of time when interacting with guests, wait staff, cooks, and supervisors.
- Alcohol awareness certification and/or food service permit or valid health/food handler card as required by local or state government agency
- Reading and writing abilities are utilized often when taking orders, describing cocktail items, completing paperwork, etc.
3. BA in Theatre with 4 years of Experience
- Excellent guest service and hospitality skills.
- Strong problem-solving and listening skills.
- Self-motivated with excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to handle and maintain confidential information.
- Ability to perform various activities such as constant standing, walking, frequent bending, reaching, kneeling, and squatting.
- Ability to work in an environment where pipe, cigar, and cigarette smoking is permitted.
- Ability to multitask several activities and duties simultaneously.
- Ability to work well with people, in a team environment, and to communicate effectively both written & oral.
- Ability to function in a fast-paced environment, under short time constraints, and within established deadlines.
- Ability to obtain/maintain alcohol awareness certification and food handler’s permit.
4. BA in Psychology with 2 year of Experience
- Great understanding of beverages (alcoholic & non-alcoholic).
- Knowledge of food and beverage preparation and service of various alcoholic beverages.
- Basic mathematical skills to operate a cash register, make change, total guest checks, count total bank, prepare cash drops, total all other charges, and understand portion sizes.
- Sufficient manual dexterity in hands in order to use a knife to make garnish, pick up glassware and bottles, scoop ice, mix drinks, and reach overhead to retrieve stock with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Ability to remember, recite and promote the variety of menu items with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Ability to operate a keyboard and point of sale procedures to pre-check an order and close out a check with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Ability to stand and work in confined spaces for long periods of time with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, customers and patrons.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences, such as effectively communicating with supervisors, coworkers, public etc.
5. BA in Liberal Arts with 3 years of Experience
- Ability to work independently without close supervision
- Ability to work in a fast pace environment
- Ability to use POS register, slice, chop and operate equipment
- Able to work in smoke-filled environments.
- Able to work with and understand financial information and data, and basic arithmetic functions.
- Able to obtain and maintain licensure by the State Gaming Agency for the position.
- Knowledge of POS.
- Knowledge of alcoholic drinks, including wines and beers.
- Ability to work with other employees in a positive manner.
- Able to service/dispense alcohol in line with established PLCB regulations.
- Ability to work in an accurate and safe manner.
6. BA in Customer Experience Management with 2 years of Experience
- Experience as a Bartender for a large cruise ship or high-volume luxury hotel or resort
- Experience working in a high-volume bar operation
- Experience with maintaining bar inventories
- Basic to Intermediate knowledge of point-of-sale systems
- Advanced ability to read, write and effectively communicate in English
- Intermediate to Advanced Typing and Computer software Skills including Microsoft Word & Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, IBM AS400, Fidelio, Micros.
- Knowledge of food and beverage preparation and service of most alcoholic beverages.
- Basic mathematical skills to operate a Point of sale system, make change, total guest checks, count total bank, prepare cash drops, total all other charges, and understand portion sizes.
- Ability to read, speak, and understand English in order to communicate with guests and other colleagues.
7. BA in Cultural Studies with 3 years of Experience
- Able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace.
- Good communication skills, both verbal and written
- Basic math, computer skills and the ability to use a calculator.
- Ability to solve problems and make rational decisions.
- Knowledge of Restaurant operations, its services, and facilities.
- Ability to multitask in a calm manner on a timely basis.
- Good personality and positive interpersonal skills.
- English written skills for completion of requisitions, vouchers and communication.
- Ability to work standing and in confined spaces for long periods of time.
- Ability to make garnish, pick up glassware and bottles, scoop ice, mix drinks, and reach overhead to retrieve stock.
- Proficient in menu items and descriptions
8. BS in Hospitality Management with 2 years of Experience
- Ability to read, write and perform addition/subtraction calculations
- Ability to remember abbreviations and menu items
- Ability to speak, read, write and understand English.
- Experience in a kitchen/service environment
- Ability to work in a team and in different functions
- Ability to read, write and understand basic instructions.
- Knowledge of all bar equipment, Easy Bar System, ABC laws and regulations and gaming laws.
- Able to handle situations that may arise due to intoxication.
- Ability to communicate with all departments and other team members.
- Knowledge of sanitation and health department regulations for the safe handling of alcohol.
- Ability to perform assigned job duties in an interruptive environment under frequent time pressures.
- Knowledge of bar operation.
9. BS in Food and Beverage Management with 1 year of Experience
- Experience in setting up a restaurant/food and beverage
- Excellent interpersonal skills and a team player attitude
- Excellent cocktail and mixology knowledge
- Intermediate bartending etiquette and technical skills
- Knowledge of wines, beers and liquors.
- Ability to work with other employees and management positively.
- Able to service/dispense alcohol in line with established PLCB regulations.
- Strong guest service skills.
- Knowledge of alcohol serving practices and standards
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally
- Ability to exceed the expectations of guests
10. BS in Culinary Arts with 3 years of Experience
- Knowledge of classic drinks and craft cocktails
- Able to seize, grasp, turn and hold objects with hands, including the ability to clean up after customers and work areas
- Experience collecting payments and operating a POS system
- Skilled in monitoring and maintaining an inventory of supplies
- Knowledge of the hospitality industry and have sound customer service skills.
- Knowledge of proper cleaning techniques, requirements, and use of equipment in the Bar
- Knowledge of beer, wine and spirits and familiarity with standard drink recipes.
- Ability to work on POS equipment.
- Ability to communicate satisfactorily with guests, management, and co-workers
- Ability to follow all liquor control measures, including drink portion controls and the bottle requisition policy of the property.
11. BS in Tourism and Hospitality with 2 years of Experience
- Effective organisational skills, able to prioritise tasks and self-manage a workload
- Excellent personal presentation with a warm and welcoming personality.
- Experience in a bar/restaurant/lounge environment
- Knowledge of mixology, and in depth product knowledge in spirits, beers and cocktails.
- Ability to handle cash and credit transactions on a Point of Sales system.
- Ability to work within a team environment.
- Able to obtain and maintain any licensing or active work cards required, at present or in the future, for this position at all times
- Good speaking and listening skills are required to understand what tasks are being asked of them and to deal with any concerns from guests.
- Good health and personal hygiene.
- Good skills in customer service
- Knowledge of Micros and good computer skills are
12. BS in Beverage Management with 3 years of Experience
- Experience on P.O.S. system (Squirrel, Micros, Silverware) is an asset.
- Experience in a fast-paced, luxury food & beverage environment, in a 4-5 Diamond AAA/CAA or Forbes 5 Star hotel
- Knowledge of cocktail trends, knowledge of classic cocktails and preparations
- Knowledge of standard bar equipment
- Excellent organizational skills with the proven ability to perform well with minimal supervision
- Ability to observe and detect guests to provide prompt service
- Understand and convey written and verbal information to guests and coworkers
- Comprehensive knowledge of beverage recipes
- Energetic individual with good interpersonal and customer service skills
- Effective communication skills (speak, read and write)
- Strong interpersonal and problem-solving abilities
13. BS in Restaurant Management with 2 years of Experience
- Excellent knowledge of all beverage products
- Knowledge of beverage products such as spirits, beer, and wine.
- Strong work ethic and exceptional customer service skills
- Experience in food & beverage service
- Commitment to delivering exceptional guest service with a passion for the hospitality industry
- Ability to find creative solutions, taking ownership of duties and tasks assigned
- Ability to work in an environment that demands excellence
- Experience of working with IT systems on various platforms
- Ability to work cohesively with fellow colleagues as part of a team
- Ability to focus attention on guests' needs, remaining calm and courteous at all times
14. BS in Event Management with 3 years of Experience
- Experience in a full-service restaurant environment
- Experience in providing customer service and a desire to grow in the food industry
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondences, and memos
- Ability to write simple correspondence and the ability to effectively communicate with co-workers and customers.
- Able to convey information effectively and accurately, vocalize clearly and loudly enough to be heard in a noisy environment and proficiently speak, read, and write the English language.
- Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide into all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
- Knowledge of simple math and its application to receiving and disbursing cash.
- Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of situations and people.
- Ability to apply general rules of the job to successfully solve problems that may occur without involving the manager.
- Strong analytical and decision-making skills
- Able to operate the cash register.
15. BS in Nutrition and Food Science with 1 year of Experience
- Ability to maintain a well-groomed and professional appearance always.
- Ability to maintain a safe environment by identifying problem guests and taking steps to have them removed
- Ability to keep the bar area clean and organized always
- Ability to mix and build all drinks per the recipes provided to maintain company standards and well as maximize profits for the company
- Ability to develop and maintain an efficient work pace that keeps the guest and the servers satisfied always.
- Ability to take the orders from the guests seated at the bar and ring them into the POS immediately.
- Experience in receiving the payments for them and doing the end-of-shift cash out.
- Experience in washing and polishing the glassware as it is returned to the bar.
- Able to do basic math to make the correct change for the guest
- Ability to multitask to fulfill several orders in a short time frame.
16. BA in Hospitality and Tourism with 2 years of Experience
- Understands and meets the needs of customers
- Ability to work cooperatively with others, assisting voluntarily
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Well-organized with the ability to take and place food and beverage orders accurately.
- Ability to operate point-of-sale systems.
- Ability to learn the drink menu and efficiently produce orders.
- Ability to keep the bar organized, stocked, and clean.
- Experience in a high-volume/fast-paced environment.
- Experience in a busy food and beverage operation
- Fluent English and excellent communication skills.