Crafting the perfect bartender cover letter doesn't have to be a nightmare, even though it may seem daunting without a comprehensive step-by-step tutorial to lead you through the writing process. But don't worry, because we've got you covered!
We've prepared this simple, yet effective guide that will answer all your questions. Inside, you'll discover valuable formatting tips, templates you can adjust to your liking, extensive examples, and cover letter samples submitted by actual bartenders.
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Keep on reading to learn all about:
- Crafting a great cover letter header & headline as a bartender
- Personalizing the greeting & content of your bartender cover letter
- Writing an eye-catching introduction on your bartender cover letter
- Describing your top skills & accomplishments as a bartender
- Concluding your bartender cover letter effectively & persuasively
- Accessing top resources for job-seeking bartenders
1. Crafting a great cover letter header & headline as a bartender
The first step to take when writing a cover letter as a bartender is to create a beautifully formatted header and headline.
Your cover letter header resides at the top of the document and is the first information an employer will see. As such, your header should include:
- Your name and professional title (in a larger & bolded font)
- Your professional contact information
- The name of the bar or restaurant you are applying to
Here is an example of a well-formatted bartender header
Sam Castle, Bartender
(123) 456-7890 | samcastle@email.com | linkedin.com/in/sam-castle
To: Mellow Mushroom
1234 Street Address
Blowing Rock, NC, 28605
Once your header is squared away, your next step is to write a compelling cover letter headline – a short title statement used to hook an employer’s attention. Strong bartender headlines include:
- A keyword related to the position
- An attention-grabbing number or trigger word
- A powerful adjective or verb
- A promise statement to the employer that indicates the letter is tailored for the job
Here is an example of a great headline from a bartender’s cover letter
In Need of a Talented Bartender? My Top 3 Bartending Skills & How They Can Benefit Your Restaurant
Trigger Word/Number: In Need of, Top 3 Skills
Keyword: Bartender, Bartending
Adjective/Verb: Talented, Benefit
Promise: Your Restaurant
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2. Personalizing the greeting & content of your bartender cover letter
Any time you apply for a new job as a bartender, it's crucial to research the job beforehand to learn key details about the company and position. Using this research, you can personalize your cover letter to be highly specific and relevant to the job you're applying to, helping to impress employers.
As you research, one detail to keep a special eye out for is who at the company is in charge of hiring and interviewing. Using this information, you can create a personalized greeting that addresses this specific person by name – immediately revealing the level of research you have completed.
Here are 3 examples of personalized cover letter greetings
- Dear Bar Manager Jane Doe,
- Dear Ms. Jane Doe,
- Dear Hiring Manager John Smith,
3. Writing an eye-catching introduction on your bartender cover letter
The first main paragraph of your cover letter is your introduction, where your main goal is to capture the employer’s attention and convince them to continue reading.
To accomplish this, your bartender introduction should include:
- A brief overview of your professional history
- A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
- A mutual acquaintance (when possible)
Pro Tip: Mutual acquaintances can make a huge difference on a cover letter, as it provides the employer with a trusted professional reference right away. If you don't have a mutual acquaintance, try building your professional network using online tools like LinkedIn.
Here is an example of an eye-catching bartender introduction
Dear Bar Manager Jane Doe,
I am a certified bartender with more than 4 years of experience working in the fast-paced environment of Broadway in Nashville. In bartending school, I was taught by Mr. Joe King who is now one of your assistant bar managers and drink specialists. Mr. King has expressed great confidence in my bartending abilities and strongly recommended I apply for this position.
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4. Describing your top skills & accomplishments as a bartender
Unlike a resume – where you're restricted by tight, highly-organized sections – a cover letter gives you ample opportunity to expand upon your best skills and accomplishments as a bartender.
As you describe these qualifications in the body paragraphs of your cover letter, make sure the information you include is highly relevant, contextual, and quantifiable. You want the employer to get an excellent overview of you as a professional, and these details will help you achieve this.
Here are 6 examples of bartending skills that are excellent to describe in a cover letter
- Knowledge of cocktails and mixology
- Operating keg and draught systems
- Measuring liquor and wine pours
- Payment and cash register management
- Knowledge of health code requirements and standards
- Excellent understanding of bartending terminology
Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a bartender cover letter
As a bartender at [Former Employer], I participated with the other bartenders in developing new monthly drink recipes to feature as a special at the restaurant. My specialty recipes consistently performed the best, bringing in a 15% average increase in drink sales. Additionally, I helped manage the bar inventory, sourcing a new supplier for mix-ins that reduced supply expenses by 15%.
5. Concluding your bartender cover letter effectively & persuasively
The last step to writing your bartending cover letter is to write an effective conclusion that persuades the employer to get in contact with you. This closing statement should include:
- An enthusiastic sentence saying you are looking forward to hearing from them
- An additional sentence stating you will follow up, including how you will contact them or how they can contact you
- A formal sign-off
Here is an example of an excellent closing statement from a bartender’s cover letter
As your newest bartender, I will provide your customers will an exceptional experience and expertly crafted drinks. I am excited to learn more about this opportunity and am available for interviews any weekday between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. I plan to follow up with you on the phone next Wednesday regarding my application status if I have not heard back yet.
Many Thanks,
[Applicant Name]
If you've ever wondered how a cover letter differs from a resume, this article will tell you everything about the key differences between the two.
6. Valuable job search resources for bartenders
Now that you know all the ins and outs of writing a persuasive bartender cover letter, it's time to talk about the next step — the job search. Finding a firm footing as a bartender isn't as simple of a process as we would wish it to be. But with the right online resources, even this hurdle can be overcome:
- Job boards for bartenders: You can begin your job hunt by exploring websites that aggregate job postings aimed at bartending exclusively, such as BarZone, Poached Jobs, and Caterer.com.
- General job search platforms: Or, you could sift through the wide selection of job postings listed on platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Monster.
- Networking: If you don't have personal connections to facilitate your job search, you can create them using the powerhouse platform that is LinkedIn. Alternatively, you could discover job openings by following social media accounts (Facebook, X, or Instagram) of businesses that provide bartending services.
- Professional organizations: Besides job postings, organizations like the United States Bartenders' Guild (USBG), the Bartender Society, and the International Bartenders Association (IBA) can give you access to networking opportunities, training programs, and so much more.
- Media for bartenders: Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information and recipes circulating around? Following media like “Bartender Atlas,” “Liquor.com,” or “PUNCH” can help you stay in the loop.
- Continuous education: Finally, you could boost your employability through upskilling with courses provided by online learning platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, or edX.
Before we part ways, let us remind you that it may take some time until you manage to land your ideal job. So, don't get discouraged by initial setbacks and stay persistent!
Bartender Cover Letter FAQ
Should I include references in my bartender cover letter?
Don't include references in your cover letter unless the job posting specifically requests them. Instead, focus on showcasing your qualifications, skills, and enthusiasm for the position. Put all your references in a separate document and be ready to present it when asked to by recruiters during the job interviews. You can then mention that references are available upon request in your cover letter.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a bartender cover letter?
Always try to avoid generic cover letters that could apply to any job. Instead, customize your cover letter for each position and company you're applying to. Also, proofread your writing carefully to avoid typos, grammatical errors, or any other inconsistencies. Lastly, refrain from including irrelevant information or exaggerating your qualifications.
How long should my bartender cover letter be?
A good bartender cover letter should typically be concise, ideally one page long. Focus on highlighting your most relevant qualifications, skills, and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the position. Keep your paragraphs brief and to the point to maintain the reader's interest. Also, remember to use white space so your cover letter won't look cluttered and disorganized.
How can I demonstrate my passion for bartending in my cover letter?
For example, by sharing stories or experiences that illustrate your passion for mixology, hospitality, and creating memorable experiences for customers. Express genuine interest in the establishment where you're applying and explain why you're excited about the opportunity to contribute to its success.
Is it important to mention my certifications or training in my bartender cover letter?
Of course! It's essential to mention any relevant certifications or training you have obtained, such as TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS), ServSafe Alcohol, or bartending courses. Highlighting your certifications demonstrates your commitment to professional development and your ability to adhere to industry standards for responsible alcohol service. Plus, it might be just the thing that sets you apart from the other job candidates!
