Bar Manager CV examples

Hiring managers won’t spend time searching for the details that make you a great candidate – your CV needs to present them clearly and convincingly. This guide will help you organise your experience, leadership skills, and industry knowledge to write a CV that gets noticed.

In a fast-paced industry, recruiters don’t have time to search for the good stuff – so make sure your CV serves up the best details straight away. A coherent layout will help direct recruiters towards the key information they’re looking for from an applicant.

Here’s how to structure your CV:

• Name and contact details – Display your personal details clearly at the top so employers can get in touch easily. Including a photo is entirely optional.
• Profile – Begin with a concise summary of your bar management experience, leadership style, and key skills.
• Core skills – Highlight your essential abilities, such as stock control, staff training, and customer service.
• Work experience – Start with your most recent role and work backwards, showcasing achievements and responsibilities.
• Education – Mention your degrees, certifications, and any hospitality training that supports your career path.
• Additional info – Include any additional details, like awards, memberships, or hobbies, that highlight your skills or personality.

A CV that’s as messy as a bar at closing time certainly isn’t going to impress any recruiters: your format should be neat and polished. If it’s messy or loaded with mistakes, hiring managers won’t take the time to figure it out, and just move onto the next applicant.

To ensure your CV makes the right impression, follow these formatting tips:

• Bullet points – Keep information skimmable and straight to the point.
• Divide sections – Make it easy for employers to find key details at a glance.
• Use a clear and readable font – Use a simple, professional font and keep your layout uncluttered for maximum readability.
• No more than 2 pages – This is enough length to highlight your expertise while keeping the recruiter interested.

Your CV profile is the first thing hiring managers will read, so make it count. It should highlight your bar management expertise and showcase why you’re the perfect fit for the role. With just a few short lines, you want recruiters to quickly understand what you’ll bring to the role.

Here’s what you should include:

• Bar management experience – Mention how long you’ve worked in the industry and your leadership experience.
• Staff training and leadership – Highlight your ability to hire, train, and motivate a team.
• Customer service expertise – Demonstrate how you create great experiences and keep customers coming back.
• Business acumen – Show your experience with stock control, budgeting, and maximising revenue.
• Licensing and compliance – If you hold any relevant certifications, such as a Personal Licence, mention them here.

Managing a bar requires more than just knowing how to mix drinks. You need leadership, business sense, and the ability to handle high-pressure environments.

From staff management to stock control, your bullet pointed CV skills section should show why you’re the best fit for the role. If you specialise in craft cocktails, high-volume service, or running events, make sure to tailor this section accordingly.

Even if you’ve worked in different types of bars, focus on transferable skills like team management and customer engagement.

A well-run bar doesn’t happen by accident – it’s the result of great leadership and organisation. Saying you’ve got those abilities is all well and good, but recruiters want to see how you’ve actively contributed to the success of previous establishments.

If you’re stepping up into a management role for the first time, highlight leadership work experience in previous positions, such as mentoring new staff, handling stock orders, or assisting with shift management.

• Outline – Provide a brief introduction to the bar, pub, or venue you worked at and your role in the team.
• Responsibilities – Describe your key duties, such as managing stock, training staff, and ensuring excellent customer service. Include action verbs like “led,” “supervised,” and “coordinated.”
• Achievements – Showcase how you improved operations, increased sales, or enhanced customer satisfaction.

While bar management is more about experience than formal education, listing relevant training can strengthen your application. If you’ve taken any courses in hospitality, management, or licensing, make sure to include them here.

Make sure to mention any leadership or financial management courses you’ve taken too.