Bartender Cover Letter Example (w/ Templates & Tips for 2024)
From mixing mocktails in your kitchen to dreaming of the perfect pour behind a bustling bar, you've always been fascinated by the art of bartending.
Now, you’re finally making a living out of your passion and you’re ready to land your next gig.
There’s only one problem — writing that perfect bartender cover letter feels trickier than making a layered cocktail.
That blank page, waiting for the right mix of words that show your experience and skills, feels a tad intimidating, doesn't it?
No worries!
In this article, we're going to show you how to write an attention-grabbing bartender cover letter:
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- A Great Bartender Cover Letter Example
- 5 Steps to Writing the Best Bartender Cover Letter
- 3 Bartender Cover Letter Tips
Ready to serve it up? Let's get shaking!
Bartender Cover Letter Example
5 Steps for the Perfect Bartender Cover Letter
You've just had a glimpse of a job-winning cover letter – pretty impressive, right? Now, it's your turn to create your own .
Just follow these steps:
#1. Put Contact Information in the Header
You should always kick off your bartender cover letter with your contact details. Pop this in the header, just as you would on your resume .
Here's the breakdown:
- First and Last Name. Put your complete name right at the top.
- Job Title. Align the title on your cover letter with the specific role you're aiming for. Hiring managers likely juggle many applications for various roles, so clarity on your target role smooths things out for everyone.
- Email Address. Stick to an email that's straightforward and looks professional. Remember, that funky email from your teenage years isn’t suitable. So, while "[email protected]" might not be the best choice, "[email protected]" is a better bet.
- Phone Number. Ensure the number is correct to prevent missed connections. And if you're eyeing a gig overseas, pop in the dial code in front of your number.
- Location. Typically, just your city and country or state will do. If you’re eyeing a remote role or considering a move, mention that on your resume.
- Relevant links (Optional). Think about including links to any professional sites or platforms, like your LinkedIn or a personal portfolio.
Once your contact info is squared away, it's time for the hiring manager’s data.
Here's what to jot down:
- Bar Name: Write down the place you want to work at.
- Hiring Manager’s Name: Try to find out the person in charge of hiring. You can look at the job ad, the place's website, or their LinkedIn profile.
- Hiring Manager’s Role: If you know their job title, like if they're the Bar Owner, use that instead of just saying "Hiring Manager."
- Location: Mention the city and state or country, especially if the place has more than one location. If you want to be very specific, you can add the street address.
- Email Address (Optional): If you find the email of the person in charge of hiring, you can include it.
- Date of Writing (Optional): You can add the date you wrote the cover letter to make it look complete.
#2. Address the Hiring Manager
Once you've penned down all the contact details, make sure you direct your cover letter to its intended reader.
How you address the hiring manager in your cover letter can set the tone right away. It's all about paying attention to the small stuff.
First, do some research. Look at the job ad, check out the company's website, or look them up on LinkedIn. What you're trying to do is find out who's in charge of hiring bartenders. You might even find their name and email.
When you write to them, be professional - but steer away from the old-fashioned “To Whom It May Concern.” Using "Ms." or "Mr." with their last name is good. But if you're not sure about their gender or if they're married, just use their full name. Here's an example of how to do it:
- Dear Mr. Martinez,
- Dear Carlos Martinez,
Hit a wall in your search for the hiring manager or the chief of the bartender crew? No sweat.
Generalize your greeting by directing it to the relevant team or the establishment:
- Dear Hiring Team
- Dear Food and Beverage Department
- Dear Recruitment Team
- Dear Bar Manager
#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement
Hiring managers often just skim through a bartender's application before deciding to read more.
That's why you need to grab their attention from the get-go with your opening paragraph.
Begin by officially introducing yourself and why you're interested in the bartender job. Being excited about working at that bar or the specific role can make them want to know more about you.
If you've been a bartender for a while, you could start your letter by mentioning an achievement you are proud of or a relevant skill.
If you’re an entry-level bartender, doing some research on the bar helps. The more you know about it, the better you can show how you'd fit in. This lets them see that you really care about this job and not just any job.
Just remember - keep it short and to the point. Your goal is to get the hiring manager interested and wanting to read more about you.
Check out our cover letter examples to get an even better idea of what your cover letter should look like.
#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details
The body of your bartender cover letter is where you really get to explain why you're good for the job.
Don't just repeat what's on your bartender resume . Use this chance to talk about your skills in mixology, how good you are with customers or any special training you have. Basically, elaborate on all the things you've done that show you're great for the job.
In addition, look at what the place is asking for in their job ad. If they want someone who knows how to make special drinks, mention how you're good at that. If it's a busy place during sports games, talk about how you thrive under a high-pressure environment.
Knowing a bit about the bar helps. If you've been there before or heard good things about their drinks, say so. It shows you want this job, not just any job.
And remember, show how excited you are for the job and what you can bring to their bar with what you can do.
While you’re at it, make sure to avoid any of these common cover letter mistakes ! They could cost you your chance at landing the job.
#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It
Wrapping up your cover letter is like serving the perfect cocktail finish.
It's essential to ensure that the hiring manager remembers you in a positive light and feels compelled to call you for an interview.
Your closing paragraph should reaffirm why you're not just any bartender, but the one they've been searching for. Summarize the unique skills or experiences that set you apart from the competition.
After you've summarized your strongest points, it's time for a call to action. Encourage the hiring manager to reach out and discuss how you can help them and fit in the role.
Finally, end your letter with a professional touch . Pick an appropriate sign-off, followed by your full name. For instance:
I'd love the chance to further discuss how my mixology skills can elevate your bar's offerings. Please feel free to reach out via the contact details provided. I eagerly await the opportunity to delve deeper into how I can contribute.
If "Cheers" doesn't quite feel right for you, other options to consider include:
- Warm regards,
- Appreciatively,
- Thank you for your time and attention,
3 Essential Bartender Cover Letter Tips
Now that you've got the basics down, it's time to shake things up! Let's dive into some essential cover letter tips tailored just for bartenders.
#1. Match Your Resume
When looking for a bartender job, it's important to present yourself well.
Your cover letter should match your resume so it looks neat and well-organized.
Put your contact info where it's easy to see and use the same fonts and sizes throughout. Make sure everything fits nicely on one page by setting the right margins and line spacing.
This will show the hiring manager that you’re professional, attentive to detail, and steps about the job.
Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead
Feeling pressed for time?
Just try our cover letter templates for a quick solution!
Along with our free resume builder , you can use them to create the perfect bartender application.
Each template is carefully crafted with the help of global hiring professionals, so they meet all industry standards while also looking great.
Just pick one, match it with your resume, and go get that bartending gig!
#2. Be Enthusiastic
Enthusiasm can make a world of difference in your cover letter.
When applying for a bartender position, showcasing your genuine passion for the industry tells hiring managers you're not just looking for any job; you truly care about this one.
However, while it's great to express excitement, avoid overdoing it with flattery. Your aim should be to display a positive attitude, confidence in your skills, and a sincere eagerness to join the team.
Just remember: there's a fine line between being enthusiastic and overly confident. Always aim to strike the right balance.
#3. Be Formal
Maintain a sense of formality in your bartender cover letter. Being professional in your tone and language shows potential employers that you take the role seriously.
It creates a positive first impression and suggests you're ready to handle the responsibilities of the job with care and professionalism.
Key Takeaways
That's the basics for writing a bartender cover letter!
By now, we’re convinced that you’re on the right track to landing that next bartending gig you’ve had your eyes on.
Before you move on, here's a quick summary:
- In your bartender cover letter, consider mentioning where the hiring manager can see reviews or feedback from your previous work.
- Try to address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager. Look at the job ad to figure out their name.
- Use the main section of your cover letter to talk about your bartending experience and the skills that make you a great fit. Highlight the skills you have that are mentioned in the job ad.
- Don't forget to put your name at the end of your cover letter. Before that, maybe ask the hiring manager to think about giving you a call or setting up an interview.
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5 Bartender Cover Letter Examples Made for You in 2024
- Bartender Cover Letter
- Bartender Cover Letters by Experience
- Bartender Cover Letters by Role
- Writing Your Bartender Cover Letter
You’re a mixology pro who knows how to create an excellent experience when customers want to unwind and enjoy their favorite drinks. Drinks are mixed, ages are verified, and the bar is kept organized with you on staff.
Now it’s time to create a cover letter , a fine-tuned cocktail representing your top skills and experiences that will complement your bartender resume and fit in with any company’s needs.
When you have such a well-versed skill set , it can feel tough to get the right mixture of abilities down in a one-page cover letter. You can use our bartender cover letter examples and AI cover letter generator as guides to success.
Bartender Cover Letter Example
USE THIS TEMPLATE
Microsoft Word
Google Docs
Block Format
Copy this text for your bartender cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85142 (123) 456-7890
August 20, 2023
Amelia Moore The Duce 123 Fictional Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85142
Dear Ms. Moore,
As an aficionado of all things vintage and a skilled craft bartender, The Duce’s unique blending of a Prohibition-era vibe with a modern touch has always caught my attention. Your venue strikes a chord with my ideation of an engaging bartender role, where my ability in flair bartending, familiarity with bar equipment, and creativeness with garnishes can be appreciated and utilized.
I recently served as a flair bartender at Little Rituals, a charming lounge known for an extensive cocktail list and small plates menu. My flair bartending skills with acrobatic maneuvers got people talking and boosted guest engagements by up to 42% in the evening rush hours. With the added spotlight, the venue’s nightly sales leaped by 27%.
At The Breadfruit & Rum Bar, a classy joint offering a wide range of seafood, rum, and rum-focused cocktails, I operated and maintained bar equipment—taps, shakers, blenders, you name it. My prompt and efficient handling of the bar operations cut down service times by 32%, enhancing customer satisfaction benchmarks by 29%.
Over to the Whining Pig, where bartending doubles as art—I got to put an innovative flair to garnishing techniques. I developed unique garnishing styles for over 60 cocktails on our menu, making each drink a visual delight that wowed our guests. This extra touch led to an increase in repeat customers by 37% in six months.
My career path has provided me with a unique blend of skills that perfectly aligns with The Duce’s flair for unique entertainment and refreshing experiences. My expertise and passion for the craft will complement your exceptional team by a great measure. I’m excited about the prospect of joining your team and the opportunity to discuss my candidacy further. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Leila Azizi
Enclosures: Resume Application 2 letters of recommendation
Why this cover letter works
- Being a “people’s role,” emphasize how your proficiency in people and sales skills, mixology, teamwork, relevant equipment, and time management impacted previous workplaces.
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Entry-Level Bartender Cover Letter Example
Copy this text for your entry-level bartender cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue Austin, TX 73301 (123) 456-7890
Harper Brown Lavaca Street Bar 123 Fictional Lane Austin, TX 73301
Dear Ms. Brown,
Pursuing a career at Lavaca Street Bar as an entry-level bartender in a city ranked among America’s booziest locations sounds like a blast. I bring skills in mixology, garnishing, and more honed through various opportunities. Given your bar’s impressive average rating of 4.3/5 from 799+ customer reviews, count on me to help bump that satisfied-customer ratio even higher.
A stint as a barback at Half Step equipped me with the hands-on experience I can bring to Lavaca Street Bar. Over the course of 18 months, I facilitated the preparation of 243 unique drink recipes. Not only did I polish my garnishing skill, but I also maintained a supremely tidy and organized workspace. These experiences have ingrained in me a solid handle on the craft of mixology.
At Midnight Cowboy, a connection with and excellent service to returning customers culminated in a 23% increase in repeat patronage. Engaging chats and thoughtful drink recommendations were all part of the game. Additionally, implementing a novel system for organizing and cleaning equipment at The Dogwood Rock Rose led to a 17% reduction in setup time and a 28% improvement in closing time.
One thing that catches my eye is Lavaca Street Bar’s relentless drive to offer an unbeatable drinking experience. That, combined with the fact that sports enthusiasts can catch a game on numerous TVs, is pretty awesome. Relatedly, I’m stoked to align this ethos with my unique skill set and zest for all things bar-related to make the newcomers’ and regular patrons’ experiences at Lavaca Street Bar memorable.
Thank you for considering my application. I’d love to have a chat about how my skills and passion match your vision and can contribute to your establishment’s continued success.
Niamh Doyle
- But again, don’t hold back from narrating experiences relevant to the role. For maximum impact, infuse the outcomes of past work stints (complemented by real figures) into your entry-level bartender cover letter.
Bartender Supervisor Cover Letter Example
Copy this text for your bartender supervisor cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue Atlanta, GA 30302 (123) 456-7890
June 29, 2024
Henry Robinson Hilton Atlanta 123 Fictional Lane Atlanta, GA 30302
Dear Mr. Robinson:
As the bartender supervisor role stands open at Hilton Atlanta, I’m energized by the prospect of steering a team towards excellence in hospitality—a hallmark that your esteemed establishment is renowned for. Your well-known dedication to creating lasting memories for guests through exceptional service resonates deeply with my own professional ethos of delivering unparalleled hospitality. I’m eager to lead a team in creating welcoming environments, fostering positive guest relationships, and upholding Hilton’s standards of excellence in every aspect of bar operations.
My previous roles at Hyatt Regency Atlanta and Four Leaf Restaurant Group have sharpened my leadership skills. I’ve had significant success in elevating customer experience, coaching staff effectively, and refining operational closures. A standout achievement from my time at Four Leaf was spearheading initiatives that culminated in a 16% surge in sales, an accomplishment that also led to me being honored as Employee of the Year.
With an educational foundation from the University of Kentucky, complemented by my practical knowledge in inventory oversight and rigorous adherence to health and safety standards, I’m well-equipped to uphold the stringent quality guidelines of Hilton Atlanta in both beverage preparation and presentation.
I appreciate your consideration of my application and I am keen to further discuss how I can contribute to the exceptional team at Hilton Atlanta.
- Crafting your bartender supervisor cover letter in the first person (I) is about owning your wins, strutting them with confidence and a professional flair. Plus, it’s like a hidden bridge directly to the hiring manager’s heart — and who’s that applicant who doesn’t want to make that personal connection?
Restaurant Bartender Cover Letter Example
Copy this text for your restaurant bartender cover letter!
- You see those simple and clear fonts (cue Times New Roman, Verdana, Calibri, and Arial) that match your resume’s? Stick with them. And a friendly NB: steer clear of those overly fancy, cursive fonts. Not only will they look out of place in your restaurant bartender cover letter but could be ATS-incompatible. Simply put, keep it simple and impactful.
Server Bartender Cover Letter Example
Copy this text for your server bartender cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue Chicago, IL 60601 (123) 456-7890
Sophia Scott The Aviary 123 Fictional Avenue Chicago, IL 60601
Dear Ms. Scott,
Upon discovering the server bartender role at The Aviary, I was compelled to apply, given your reputation for crafting multisensory experiences. An impressive Google rating of 4.8/5 from over 1100 customer reviews attests to The Aviary’s incredible success and impact, and I am keen to contribute to your team and offerings.
My last endeavor was at the esteemed Metropolitan Brewing, where my extensive knowledge of wine varietals, beer brews, and cocktail constructions contributed to a 33% improvement in customer satisfaction and increased beverage-focused reviews. Recommending pairings for complex dishes based on patrons’ preferences resulted in a 19% increase in beverage sales.
At Barrelhouse Flat, my expertise in and enthusiasm for beer service helped increase return patronage by 22%. Regular customers valued my informative narratives about specific brews, building a richer appreciation and further intrigue in our varied offerings. In the spirit of creating the unexpected, I introduced a cocktail of the month program at Eden. Powered by my skills in mixology and understanding of flavor profiles, the initiative boosted social media engagement by 37%.
The Aviary’s commitment to challenging and redefining a night out resonates with my desire to push the boundaries of hospitality. I seek to contribute to shaping exceptional experiences for patrons while adhering to your establishment’s innovative spirit. Thank you for considering my application. I’m eager to discuss how I can bring good vibes and value to The Aviary.
Emelia Mazur
- Don’t just talk about your knowledge of and ability to serve food and beverages with confidence. Show how your personality (think enthusiasm and communication skills) helped generate quantifiable impact in your previous roles.
Related cover letter examples
- Customer Service
- Entry Level
- Career Change
Crafting an Effective Bartender Cover Letter
Every bar has unique aspects that draw customers in. You have everything from sports bars to experimental cocktail bars. Therefore, the requirements for each job will differ.
When crafting your bartender cover letter, you want to review the job description to pick out key aspects of the company’s mission and the abilities they’re looking for in a bartender. That way, you can write a strong letter presenting essential skills like garnishing or free pouring to help you stand out amongst the other applicants.
Preparing a strong intro and greeting for your bartending cover letter
The intro and greeting of your bartending cover letter are the same as how you’d want to make the bar feel well-branded and inviting the moment customers walk through the door. You should aim to connect with each specific company right away here.
The first step is the greeting. Ideally, you want to address a specific contact person if you can find a hiring manager’s name in the job description or on the company website. Otherwise, simply saying “Dear [name of the bar] hiring staff” will work well too. It’s the same as learning customers’ names to give them a personalized experience.
Next, it’s time to hook the company’s attention. The intro paragraph should relate to the bar’s mission and how your top skills fit in. For instance, how you want to use your customer service and drink pairing skills to help the company create a friendly environment with no such thing as a poorly mixed drink.
The opener below is a nice start, but it doesn’t address anyone in specific and feels like it could be copied and pasted to any bar the applicant is applying to.
A bit too standard!
I saw your company’s job posting, and I think it would be a great opportunity to utilize my bartending skills. I’ve been in the industry for over ten years, so I should be able to handle all your needs.
Instead, aim for an opener like the one below that truly feels like the applicant is passionate about the company’s prohibition-era vibe and shows how their flair bartending skills will fit in with the company’s needs.
A uniquely blended opener for the win!
Formulating the body of your bartender cover letter
Once you get into the body of your cover letter, you want to detail how your skills and achievements align with the bar’s goals.
For example, if the bar wants to create a multisensory experience, you could write about how your flavor pairing skills and narratives about different brews helped boost customer engagement by 35% in another position.
Using metrics whenever possible to illustrate your success in aspects like customer satisfaction or improving beverage sales will make your cover letter’s body successful.
An excellent body paragraph with a nice mix of metrics!
Bringing a well-planned conclusion to your bartender cover letter
When customers prepare to leave the bar, you probably ensure all their needs are met, thank them for stopping by, and use a light call to action like “I look forward to seeing you again.” You want to craft a similarly well-planned closing for your bartending cover letter.
Ideally, your closing paragraph should relate back to your passion for the bar’s mission and how your skills fit in, such as your passion for creating unique drinks that make an unforgettable customer experience.
Take a look at the closing paragraph below, which could use some work. You’ll notice it doesn’t relate back to anything specific about the company, their bartending skills, or use a call to action.
Yikes, too bland!
Thanks for considering me for the bartending position. I truly believe my skills will fit in with all your needs.
Santiago Fernandez
Instead, aim for a closer like the one below that directly relates to the Aviary’s mission to redefine a night out and how they seek to help create a great customer experience.
A well-connected closer for the win!
The Aviary’s commitment to challenging and redefining a night out resonates with my desire to push the boundaries of hospitality. I seek to contribute to shaping exceptional experiences for patrons while adhering to your establishment’s innovative spirit. Thank you for considering my application. I’m eager to discuss how I can bring good vibes and value to The Aviary.
You should avoid having your bartending cover letter go over one page. If you’re trying to narrow it down, focus on key skills the company is seeking, like upselling or free pouring.
A cover letter template is helpful to properly structure your bartending experiences and speed up the application process. Just make sure you tailor the skills and how you fit in with the bar’s mission for each job you apply to, such as focusing on skills in garnishing and drink layering for a company that offers specialty cocktails.
Ideally, try to match the company’s tone in the job description since every bar tries to achieve a unique atmosphere. For instance, a bar presenting a friendly and upbeat tone would probably look for candidates who match that, and you could also optimize by showcasing how you create an engaging and friendly atmosphere for customers.
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