Bartender Cover Letter Sample

Getting hired as a bartender requires showing your knowledge of mixed drinks and exceptional customer service. Use our bartender cover letter sample below to find out how best to showcase these skills.

August 26, 2024

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Entry Level

An example cover letter for a bartending job for a candidate with no experience.

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Mid Level

A bartender cover letter example with large, blue header text to help the applicant stand out

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Senior Level

An example cover letter for an experienced bartender.

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Bartender Cover Letter Template

Follow established cover letter formatting rules so that it looks polished and easy to read.

Copy-paste Bartender Cover Letter (Text Format)

Entry
Mid
Senior

FIRST AND LAST NAME

Email: your.email@email.com

Phone: (123) 456-7891

Address: Street, City, State

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yourprofile

[Today’s Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[456 Company Address]
[Company City, State XXXXX]
[(XXX) XXX-XXXX]
[hiring.manager@gmail.com]

Dear [Mr./Mrs./Ms./Mx.] [Bar Owner/Manager’s Name],

I came across your job posting for a bartender at The Copper Lounge, and I’m excited about the opportunity to join your team. While I’m new to professional bartending, my background in customer service, passion for mixology, and eagerness to learn make me a promising candidate for this position.

My experience in the service industry as a barista at Cityscape Coffee for the past two years has honed my skills in fast-paced environments. I’ve developed a knack for remembering complex orders, multitasking during rush hours, and maintaining a friendly demeanor even under pressure. These skills, I believe, translate well to bartending.

Although I haven’t worked behind a bar professionally, I’ve cultivated a genuine interest in mixology. I’ve been experimenting with cocktail recipes at home, learning about different spirits, and studying classic and contemporary drinks. I’m familiar with common bar tools and techniques, and I’m eager to put this knowledge into practice in a professional setting.

I’m particularly drawn to The Copper Lounge because of your reputation for craft cocktails and your commitment to providing an exceptional customer experience. I would be thrilled to contribute to this atmosphere and learn from your experienced team.

I’m excited about the prospect of starting my bartending career at The Copper Lounge. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my enthusiasm, customer service background, and willingness to learn could benefit your establishment.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to The Copper Lounge’s continued success.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Today’s Date

Hiring Manager’s Name
Company Address
Company City, State xxxxx
(xxx) xxx-xxxx
hiring.manager@gmail.com

Dear [Mr./Mrs./Ms.] [Manager’s Name],

I would like to apply for the Bartender position at The Groggy Frog as advertised on mycareerusa.com. I am an experienced bartender with 3+ years of hospitality experience in local bars such as the Gilly’s Sports Bar and the Capital Bar & Grill.

This experience has provided me with thorough knowledge of both classic and contemporary cocktails, beer, wine, spirits, and mixed drinks. Having worked in a range of bars and cafes in Washington, D.C., I have developed my customer service and coffee-making skills both in high-volume establishments and small, local eateries.

I am service-focused, hard working, and self-motivated, with a passion for keeping up to date with the latest craft beers and cocktails and a team-oriented mentality. I recently also completed an Associate’s Degree in Bartending at Professional Bartending School, Washington, D.C., adding to my hospitality and floor service knowledge.

I have enclosed a copy of my resume for your reference. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information at (xxx) xxx-xxxx.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

[Today’s Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[456 Company Address]
[Company City, State XXXXX]
[(XXX) XXX-XXXX]
[hiring.manager@gmail.com]

Dear [Mr./Mrs./Ms./Mx.] [Bar Owner/Manager’s Name],

Your advertisement for a lead bartender at The Crescent Moon caught my eye, and I’m eager to bring my decade of bartending expertise to your renowned establishment. With my extensive experience in craft cocktails, wine service, and bar management, I believe I would be a valuable addition to your team.

For the past ten years, I’ve honed my skills in some of New Orleans’ most prestigious bars and restaurants. Most recently, as head bartender at The Sazerac House, I crafted an award-winning cocktail menu that boosted bar sales by 15% in its first quarter. I also trained and mentored a team of five junior bartenders, improving overall service quality and efficiency.

My expertise extends beyond mixing drinks. I pride myself on creating unforgettable experiences for guests through storytelling, educating them about spirits and cocktail history, and tailoring recommendations to individual tastes. I’m well-versed in wine service, with a Level 2 certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers, allowing me to provide knowledgeable pairings and recommendations.

I’m particularly drawn to The Crescent Moon’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of mixology while honoring classic New Orleans cocktail traditions. Your recent feature in Imbibe magazine showcasing your innovative use of local ingredients aligns perfectly with my approach to crafting unique, place-based cocktails.

I’m excited about the possibility of contributing to The Crescent Moon’s stellar reputation and helping to elevate your cocktail program even further. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience and vision align with your goals for the bar.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to the possibility of joining your team and contributing to The Crescent Moon’s continued success.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Average bartender salaries in the US

The following table includes information from O*NET Resource Center by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. The data is presented based on the top states by downloads in the USA.

Average bartender annual salaries by state

State	Salary / Year
California	$34,700
New York	$45,980
Florida	$29,910
Texas	$27,520
Pennsylvania	$22,740
Illinois	$29,660
Ohio	$27,440
Georgia	$27,850
North Carolina	$33,160
Michigan	$31,010
National Average	$30,077

How to write a bartender cover letter

To prove you’re the right person for a bartender role, pair your resume with a stellar bartender cover letter that aligns your skills to the job posting.

Follow these three tips to write a bartender cover letter that’s sure to impress:

Highlight bartender skills

As a bartender, you prepare and serve drinks, introduce items on the drink menu, and maintain cleanliness at the bar.

Employers need you to have the right balance of hard and soft skills to ensure you can run the bar smoothly.

To show employers you’re their ideal candidate, highlight key bartender skills in your cover letter. For example, people skills and customer service skills are critical soft skills for engaging with customers in a bar.

Here are key bartender skills to highlight in your cover letter:

Interpersonal skills
Communication skills
Prioritization
Multitasking
Stamina
Dexterity
Good memory
Critical thinking
Problem-solving skills
Organizational skills
Basic math
Teamwork
Ability to defuse tense situations
Food and wine pairing
Health and safety protocols
Handling bar equipment
Beverage recipes
Point of sale (POS) systems

Use proper cover letter format

To mix drinks and serve alcohol to customers, you’ll need vocational training and certifications. But because there are no degree requirements, bartender jobs are a common entry-level role.

So it’s important to use proper cover letter format to craft a professional cover letter that leaves a good impression on the hiring manager.

Here’s how to correctly format your cover letter:

Organize your information using standard business letter format: An introduction, 2–3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion
Choose an appropriate cover letter font and set your font size at between 10.5 and 12 points
Set your margins to 1”– 1.5” on each side
Present your thoughts clearly and concisely to keep the hiring manager engaged. Doing so improves your chances because hiring managers will be considering many other people’s applications. The best cover letters are typically 250 to 400 words in length.

End with a convincing closing statement

Knowing how to end your cover letter with a convincing closing statement can change the entire tone of your job application and secure your spot on the shortlist.

In one paragraph, focus on what you can do for your potential employer rather than what they can do for you. Communicate your ideas succinctly, express your passion for the job, and inform the hiring manager that you’d love an opportunity to further discuss your qualifications.

Here’s how to write a strong bartender closing statement:

Show genuine enthusiasm for the job by explaining why the role interests you. Bartender jobs are service-oriented so employers seek people who are passionate and committed to providing exceptional service.
Instead of just reiterating your qualifications, state how your skills and experiences add value by inserting numbers into your bullet points. For example, “Served 150+ customers during busy happy hour period.”
Include a call to action to encourage the hiring manager to get in touch with you. For example, “I can be reached at lester.mcgreedy@mail.com or (349) 344-3944.”
Thank the hiring manager for their time and sign off your cover letter with a professional closing salutation (“Sincerely,”).