27% of applicants find deceiving job descriptions to be the most frustrating aspect of the job search.
To get in line with your applicants, in this guide, we’ll explain how to write a Bartender job description to ensure a successful talent hunt.
[Source: Employ]
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Bartender Job Description Template
Below is the job description template you can copy and customize duties and responsibilities for your Bartender job ad.
Bartender Job Overview
[Bar Name] is on the lookout for a skilled Bartender to join our dynamic team at our [Location] establishment.
As a Bartender, you’ll play a pivotal role in crafting cocktails and other beverages according to our signature recipes and high-quality standards. Your precision in mixing drinks and dedication to presentation will guarantee that each beverage not only tastes exquisite but also impresses our patrons.
If you’re passionate about mixology and creating memorable drinking experiences, [Bar Name] provides an inviting platform for you to showcase your talent and be a part of our commitment to excellence.
Salary: $40,000–$45,000/year + tips
Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week)
Bartender Duties & Responsibilities
- Prepare and serve a diverse range of drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) to patrons
- Maintain a well-stocked bar inventory by monitoring stocks of alcohol, mixers, garnishes, and other supplies
- Interact with customers in a friendly and professional manner, including taking their orders and providing recommendations
- Operate bar equipment such as shakers, blenders and pourers efficiently and safely
- Adhere to responsible alcohol service practices, including monitoring customer intoxication levels and refusing service when necessary
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of the bar area, including washing glassware, cleaning surfaces and disposing of waste properly
Bartender Experience Requirements & Skills
- Proven experience working as a Bartender or in a similar role
- Strong knowledge of cocktail recipes, mixology techniques and beverage presentation
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, multitask effectively and maintain composure under pressure
- Understanding of responsible alcohol service practices and compliance with legal regulations regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol
- Flexibility and adaptability to work various shifts
Bartender Education & Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Certification in bartending or mixology preferred
How to Write a Job Description
A good job description serves as the cornerstone of your recruitment efforts, providing potential candidates with a clear understanding of the role and what your company expects.
Here are some key tips for creating an effective job description:
- Use a concise and direct writing style: Job descriptions should be straightforward and to the point so that candidates can quickly grasp the key aspects of the role without being overwhelmed by unnecessary details.
- Simpler language for clarity: Opting for simpler language over complex terminology helps make the job description more accessible to a wider audience. By using language that is easy to understand, you can ensure that candidates from diverse backgrounds can comprehend the role’s requirements.
- Use descriptive action verbs: Using descriptive action verbs in the present tense such as “prepare,” “serve” and “interact” adds clarity and immediacy to the job description. These verbs help paint a vivid picture of the responsibilities associated with the role, making it easier for candidates to visualize themselves in the position.
- Avoid abbreviations and acronyms: Abbreviations and acronyms can be confusing for candidates, especially those who are not familiar with industry-specific terminology.
- Eliminate ambiguity: Ambiguous terms like “assists” or “handles” can leave room for interpretation. It’s essential to provide clarity by explaining exactly how the position contributes to specific tasks or processes. This helps candidates understand their role within the organization more clearly.
- Promote inclusivity with gender-neutral language: Using gender-neutral language throughout the job description helps promote inclusivity and diversity. It ensures that all candidates, regardless of gender, feel equally represented and valued.
- Focus on essential duties: Job descriptions should prioritize essential duties over trivial tasks or occasional responsibilities. This helps candidates understand the core responsibilities associated with the role and what will be expected of them on a day-to-day basis.
Check out our comprehensive guide on How To Write a Job Description
What to Include in Your Bartender Job Description
An effective Bartender job description template should have the following components:
Job Title
The job title should accurately reflect the position’s role. It should be concise and descriptive, giving candidates a clear idea of what the job entails. In this case, the job title would simply be “Bartender.”
Job Purpose
This section provides a general overview of the role, outlining its purpose, scope and significance within the organization. For a Bartender, the job purpose might emphasize the importance of delivering exceptional customer service, crafting high-quality beverages and maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Here, the specific tasks and responsibilities associated with the role are outlined in detail. This includes everything from preparing and serving drinks to interacting with customers, maintaining cleanliness and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. Each duty should be clearly defined, providing candidates with a comprehensive understanding of what the job entails.
Education
Here, specify the educational requirements for the position. This could include relevant degrees, certifications or training programs that provide the necessary knowledge and skills for the role. For a Bartender, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically sufficient, although additional training in mixology or hospitality may be beneficial.
Experience
This section outlines the minimum level of work experience required for the position, including any specific types of experience or industries that are preferred. For a Bartender, candidates may be expected to have previous experience working in a bar or restaurant setting.
Skills and Abilities
List the specific skills and abilities required to perform the job effectively. This may include proficiency in mixology techniques, strong communication and customer service skills, attention to detail and the ability to multitask and work under pressure.
Preferred Qualifications
This section highlights any additional qualifications or attributes that are preferred but not always required for the role. This could include additional certifications, language proficiency or experience with specific types of beverages or cuisine.
Working Conditions
Finally, this section describes the working conditions associated with the role, including any physical or environmental factors that may be relevant. For a Bartender, this might include working in a noisy and fast-paced environment, standing for long periods and potential exposure to alcohol and hazardous materials.
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Bartender Job Description
Check out our writing guide to better understand what you need to do to create a Bartender job description for your ad.
Bartender | [Company Name]
Company: [Your Company Name]
Location: [City, State]About [Company Name]
Write a short description of your establishment. Share your values, mission statement, etc.
Bartender Job Overview
Provide a short brief that would describe a Bartender’s role within your establishment. Additionally, add the key responsibilities you expect them to perform and what key personal traits they need to have to fit into your team.
This is also a part where you state the proposed salary and the type of employment you are offering.
Salary: [$/year/hour + tips]
Schedule: [part-time, full-time, on-call]
Duties and Responsibilities
Provide a short list of what kind of duties and responsibilities a Bartender is expected to perform in your establishment.
Experience and Skills
Include specific qualifications and skills you want your future employee to have. Outline the relevant work experience and specific skills required for the position.
Education and Qualifications
Include specific requirements and preferences regarding the educational background, Bartender certifications and qualifications necessary for the position.
Contact Information
Include the necessary details for candidates to reach out with inquiries or to submit their applications.
Contact Person:
Contact Email Address:
Contact Phone Number:
In case you need to hire a Lead Bartender, follow this template.
Lead Bartender | [Company Name]
Company: [Your Company Name]
Location: [City, State]About [Company Name]
Write a short description of your restaurant, bar or establishment. Share your values, mission statement, etc.
Lead Bartender Job Overview
Provide a short brief that would describe a Lead Bartender’s role within your establishment and how many team members they will manage daily. Additionally, add the key management responsibilities you expect them to perform and what kind of personal traits they need to have to lead your team.
This is also a part where you state the proposed salary and the type of employment you are offering.
Salary: [$/year/hour + tips]
Schedule: [part-time, full-time, on-call]
Duties and Responsibilities
Provide a short list of what kind of duties and responsibilities a Lead Bartender is expected to perform in your establishment.
Experience and Skills
Include specific qualifications and skills you want your future employee to have. Outline the relevant work experience and specific skills required for the position of a Lead Bartender.
Education and Qualifications
Include specific requirements and preferences regarding the educational background, bartender certifications and qualifications necessary for the position.
Contact InformationInclude the necessary details for candidates to reach out with inquiries or to submit their applications.
Contact Person:
Contact Email Address:
Contact Phone Number:
Bartender Certification
To better understand what qualifications to ask from a Bartender, it’s important to know what are the best bartending schools and certifications.
Here are some of the most reputable bartending schools:
- National Bartending School: Offers hands-on training in essential bartending skills, with flexible scheduling options and assistance in securing employment for graduates
- New York Bartending School: Provides industry-standard training in professional bartending and modern mixology techniques.
- United States Bartenders’ Guild Academy: Provides comprehensive programs for aspiring bartenders with a focus on advanced bartending methods, industry insights, and professional growth
Some of the most esteemed organizations that offer different bartender certifications include:
| Organization | Certification | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ServSafe | ServSafe Alcohol Certification | Equips Bartenders with essential skills, including strategies to boost food and beverage sales and tips and techniques for managing challenging situations |
| TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) | TIPS Alcohol Safety Training | Emphasizes responsible practices in serving, selling and consuming alcohol, promoting a safer environment for both patrons and staff |
| BarSmarts | BarSmarts Certification | Provides comprehensive training in cocktail preparation and spirits |
| Beverage Alcohol Resource | The BAR 5-Day Program | Explores advanced bartending techniques while diving into the rich history of cocktails |
| The Cocktail Camp | Master of Mixology Certification | Teaches Bartenders how to create their own unique drinks, make syrups and bitters from scratch and gain insight into tasting and evaluating different spirits |
Bartender Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for a Bartender in the United States is $37,090 base plus tips per year.
Average Bartender Base Salary:
Bartender Salary Across the US
To help you set up a competitive salary for your job ad, here is a look at Bartender salaries across the US.
[BLS]
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Similar Job Titles
Bartender Job Description FAQ
The length of a Bartender job description can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the role, the level of detail required, and the preferences of the organization.
However, as a general guideline, job descriptions are typically concise and focused, ranging from around 300 to 600 words.
Here are some of the most important questions you should ask a bartender in a job interview, along with explanations for why they are significant:
“Can you describe your experience working in busy or high-volume establishments?”
This question assesses the candidate’s ability to handle pressure and maintain efficiency during peak business hours. Bartenders in busy establishments need to multitask effectively, serve customers promptly and manage a high volume of drink orders.
“How do you ensure excellent customer service while working behind the bar?”
Customer service is a critical aspect of bartending, as bartenders are often the face of the establishment. This question evaluates the candidate’s approach to providing exceptional service, including their communication skills, attentiveness to customer needs, and ability to handle challenging situations professionally.
“Are you familiar with inventory management and restocking procedures?”
Efficient inventory management is essential for controlling costs and ensuring that the bar remains adequately stocked with supplies. This question helps the employer assess the candidate’s level of responsibility and attention to detail. Bartenders must track inventory levels, monitor stock usage, and reorder supplies as needed to prevent shortages or wastage.
To ensure you attract the right Bartender candidates, craft a clear job description ad that conveys expectations and attracts candidates who align with your vision for the position.
Conduct comprehensive interviews to assess their communication skills, problem-solving abilities and compatibility with the establishment’s culture. Additionally, consider seeking references from previous employers to validate their qualifications and professionalism in the role.