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A great bar staff cover letter can make all the difference when you’re applying for bar work. Even without direct hospitality experience, this document gives you the chance to demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to providing exceptional customer service. It’s also the right place to explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job at that particular bar, pub, or hotel.
Whether you’re making a career shift or starting your first job in hospitality, our cover letter examples and templates will help you accurately demonstrate your skills and experience. This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide to creating a bar staff cover letter and application that highlights your strengths and makes you stand out from the crowd.
Bar Staff Cover Letter Sample
Rhys French
59 Overton Circle
Liverpool, L3 8HB
07912 345 678
rhysfrench@example.co.uk
6 November 2024
Samantha James
The Copper Kettle
Liverpool, L1 4JG
contact@copperkettle.co.uk
Dear Ms James,
I’m delighted to submit my application for the position of Bar Manager at The Copper Kettle. With over four years’ experience in bar management and hospitality, coupled with an in-depth understanding of team leadership, stock management and customer service, I’m confident that I can make a positive contribution to the success and reputation of your team.
In my previous role, I successfully managed a team of 10 bartenders and support staff to deliver an outstanding customer experience. My responsibilities included managing stock, ordering supplies, designing drink menus and ensuring the team adhered to health and safety regulations. Through proactive leadership, we increased sales by 20% and achieved consistently high customer satisfaction ratings.
I’m adept at optimising bar layouts for efficiency, tracking KPIs and creating onboarding programmes to improve team skills. As well as operational responsibilities, I have a proven track record in developing and implementing creative promotional strategies to attract customers. At Rum and Riddle, I introduced themed nights and worked with local suppliers to enhance the bar’s offering. These initiatives increased our footfall and helped build a loyal customer base.
I’m particularly attracted to The Copper Kettle because of your commitment to traditional cocktail recipes. I believe my values and experience would make me a great addition to your team. My skills in cost control, staff training and customer relations would help me to manage the team effectively whilst maximising sales and maintaining a vibrant, fun atmosphere.
Thank you for considering my application. I’d welcome the chance to discuss this opportunity further during a job interview. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about my background and experience.
Sincerely,
Rhys French
Bar Staff Cover Letter Template
If you’re preparing to write your bartender or bar manager application, we’ve compiled some helpful cover letter templates to guide you through the designing and formatting process. Use these resources to craft your application. Our customisable cover letter samples will help you structure your letter in less than 30 minutes.
How to Write a Cover Letter for Bar Work
Looking to break into the hospitality industry? A well-written bar staff cover letter can help you secure the job you want. It serves as your first opportunity to show potential employers that you’re the right person for the job, explain why they should hire you, and highlight your soft and hard skills. It’s also your chance to showcase your genuine enthusiasm and true interest in bar work.
In our in-depth guide, we’ll help you navigate the process of writing a winning bar staff cover letter. You’ll find tips on the best practices to structure your letter. We’ll also provide you with advice on how to incorporate bar-specific terminology, helping you show that you’re ready to take on the challenge.
Follow this step-by-step guide to identify the key skills to highlight and craft a compelling bar person cover letter that stands out:
Step 1: Understand which skills are critical for bar work
Before writing your cover letter, spend some time analysing the job description. Determine the skills necessary to get noticed by employers and excel as a bar manager, bartender, or barback. If you’re writing a cover letter with no experience, pay close attention to the soft skills that employers look for in candidates.
In the hospitality industry, key interpersonal skills with which you can impress recruiters include teamwork, customer service, adaptability, and stress management. It’s also important to highlight your flexibility, as bar work often includes evening, weekend, or holiday shifts.
If you’re applying for a mid-level or senior position, be sure to identify the hard skills you have to offer. The technical skills you want to highlight will vary depending on the position you’re applying for. For example, as a bartender, it’s important to demonstrate your knowledge of preparing and mixing drinks, operating bar equipment, and understanding alcohol-related laws and regulations. For bar managers, some of the most important hard skills are inventory management, knowledge of POS systems, and event planning.
Step 2: Provide your details and the employer’s contact information
Create a contact section at the top of the page. Include your full legal name, address, phone number, and email address. Make sure this information is up to date and identical to the contact section of your CV.
Then write today’s date and include the employer’s details. Try to identify the recipient’s name, as this shows your determination and genuine interest in the job. If you can’t find their details in the job advert, try searching for them on the company’s website.
Albert Hamilton
21 Guild Street
London, EC2A 7TA
07912 345 678
albert.hamilton@example.com
6 November 2024
Angela Lombardo
The Tipsy Teacup
London, N1 2JG
hr@thetipsyteacup.co.uk
Step 3: Choose a suitable opening for your bar staff cover letter
Start your letter with a greeting that reflects the recipient’s details from the contact section. Use the recipient’s name, if available, to show you’ve made an effort to learn about them and the company. If you’re not sure of their preferred pronouns, use their full name rather than guessing with titles like “Mr” or “Ms”.
If you don’t know their name, address the letter more broadly to the hiring team or manager. To remain professional but not too generic, start with “Dear Hiring Department” or “Dear Hiring Manager”. Avoid “To Whom It May Concern” to keep the tone of our cover letter more modern.
Dear Ms Lombardo,
OR
Dear Hiring Team,
Step 4: Write a strong introduction for your bar staff cover letter
Introducing yourself professionally is a useful skill in any industry or profession. It not only allows you to make a lasting impression but also sets the right tone for any document or face-to-face interaction with a recruiter. In the competitive world of bar work, where many candidates may have similar experience, a well-crafted introduction helps you stand out by showcasing your personality and motivation.
To write a compelling introduction, start by expressing your genuine interest in the bartending role and clearly state how you heard about the opportunity – whether through a job advert, referral or word of mouth. Next, briefly highlight why the role appeals to you and how your skills or experience match the job requirements. This part of your bar staff cover letter should grab the recruiter’s attention and encourage them to read on.
I’m writing to express my interest in the Bartender position at The Tipsy Teacup as advertised on your website. With over two years of experience in bartending and customer service in a fast-paced hospitality environment, I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my skills in drink preparation and teamwork to your team.
OR
I’d like to express my interest in the Barback position at The Tipsy Teacup. With my background in customer service and a strong passion for the hospitality industry, I’m eager to contribute to your team and ensure that your customers have an exceptional experience.
Step 5: Explain why you’re the right person for a bar staff job
Once you’ve introduced yourself, it’s time to demonstrate your qualifications for the role. Use specific examples that illustrate your suitability for a bar staff role. For instance, you can explain how you helped your team succeed or the methods you used to improve customer satisfaction. Remember that the body should be the longest part of your cover letter, so it’s perfectly fine to include two or three paragraphs here.
If you’re new to bar work, focus on your transferable skills from previous roles (e.g., volunteering). This could include your ability to work efficiently under pressure, resolve conflicts, or deal with a wide range of clients. Highlighting qualities such as teamwork and adaptability can be particularly effective as employers look for these in candidates.
Be sure to use role-specific keywords that will make your bar staff cover letter more attractive to applicant tracking systems (ATS). For bar work, these include phrases such as point of sale systems or beverage preparation.
In my previous role, I developed a strong understanding of the essentials of bartending, from making traditional cocktails to managing stock. I’m confident in my ability to work at peak times, handle the most unusual customer requests, and contribute effectively to a team’s success.
Beyond my expertise and technical skills, I’m passionate about creating a welcoming atmosphere and memorable experiences. I pride myself on providing attentive service. I’m particularly drawn to The Tipsy Teacup by your commitment to creating seasonal menus, and would be thrilled to bring my knowledge and enthusiasm to your team.
OR
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Although I’m relatively new to bar work, I have some experience working in a fast-paced environment. This has taught me how to thrive under pressure and work efficiently both independently and as part of a team. I’m confident in my ability to multitask and provide excellent customer service.
I understand the vital role a barback plays in ensuring the smooth running of the bar, from keeping the work area clean to assisting the bartenders and maintaining stock levels. As a lifelong learner, I’m eager to expand my knowledge of the hospitality industry and contribute to the success of your team.
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Step 6: Conclude your cover letter
Wrap up your bar staff cover letter by thanking the recipient for their time and consideration. Reiterate your enthusiasm and interest in the position. This is also a good time to mention your availability for an interview and let the recruiter know that you’d be happy to provide additional information, such as reference letters, if necessary.
Keep the closing short, professional, and confident. Finally, include a formal sign-off, such as “Yours faithfully” if you want the closing line to sound more formal or “Kind regards” if the company has a more casual culture.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I’m eager to discuss how my background and dedication to great customer service can contribute to The Tipsy Teacup’s success.
Sincerely,
Albert Hamilton
OR
Thank you for considering my application. I’d welcome the chance to discuss this opportunity further during a job interview. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about my background and experience.
Yours sincerely,
Rhys French
Step 7: Proofread and polish your cover letter for bar work
Before submitting your application, reread your cover letter to check for mistakes. Making sure your application is error-free is a sign of professionalism and strong attention to detail. You may also ask a friend or family member to review it for a fresh perspective and to catch any errors you may have missed.
Once you have carefully checked the content of your cover letter, pay attention to its appearance. Making sure your bar manager cover letter looks clean will improve its readability and present you as a serious candidate who’s genuinely interested in the job you’re applying for. Check the margins and choose the best font for your cover letter. Generally, the best font for your cover letter is one that’s easy to read, such as Verdana or Times New Roman in size 10-12. Also, make sure there’s enough space around the text by playing around with line and paragraph spacing. This will help you avoid overcrowding the page.
Your Bar Staff Cover Letter
Your bar staff cover letter is an important part of your application but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. To strengthen your application, it’s vital that you create a bar staff or bartender CV that highlights your relevant experience and clearly demonstrates your qualifications.
With the help of our CV and cover letter builder, you can easily create an impressive bar staff application. These tools simplify the process of formatting and structuring applications to make the recruitment process hassle-free.
Common Questions About a Bar Staff Cover Letter
How do I show I have the skills for bar work if I have no experience?
If you don’t have direct experience working in a bar or pub, you can still show that you have the necessary qualifications by highlighting transferable skills from previous roles, volunteering, or other relevant experience. For example, customer service experience is highly transferable. If you’ve worked in retail, hospitality or any other role that involves interacting with people, highlight your ability to meet customers’ needs and deal with complaints.
How long should my bar staff cover letter be?
Keep your cover letter concise and to the point—typically one page or between 250 and 400 words. Ideally, it should be three to four paragraphs, focusing on your key qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Should I include my availability in the cover letter?
Yes. Mentioning your availability and flexibility in your bar staff cover letter is a great idea. It lets the employer know that you understand the specifics of the job. You can also be upfront about your ability to work unusual shifts, such as evenings or weekends.
How do I tailor my cover letter to a specific bar or venue?
The best way to do this is to research the venue to understand its atmosphere and culture. Familiarise yourself with their menu and the types of drinks they serve. Mention why you’re interested in working there, for example, because you share their values or you enjoy the type of environment they offer.
Creating a Compelling Cover Letter for Bar Work
Our comprehensive step-by-step guide will help you prepare a winning cover letter for bar work. With our expertly designed templates and examples, you can create a winning bar staff application in minutes. Make sure you take full advantage of our intuitive builders to make a lasting impression and get the job you want.
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