Top 12 Barback Skills to Put on Your Resume

In the fast-paced world of hospitality, a well-crafted resume highlighting your barback skills can set you apart as a strong candidate for any establishment. Showcasing the top barback skills on your resume demonstrates your ability to support bartenders efficiently, maintain a clean work environment, and contribute to the overall success of the bar.

Barback Skills

1. Inventory Management
2. POS Systems
3. Glassware Knowledge
4. Keg Changing
5. Cocktail Preparation
6. Sanitation Protocols
7. Customer Service
8. Team Collaboration
9. Time Management
10. Stock Rotation
11. Draft System Maintenance
12. Heavy Lifting

1. Inventory Management

Inventory management, in the context of a barback, involves tracking and maintaining the appropriate levels of bar supplies, including beverages, garnishes, and other essentials, ensuring they are adequately stocked and available for use during service.

Why It's Important

Inventory management is crucial for a Barback as it ensures the bar has the right amount of supplies to meet customer demand, reduces waste and loss from spoilage or overstocking, and helps control costs, contributing to the bar's profitability and efficiency.

How to Improve Inventory Management Skills

Improving inventory management, especially for a Barback, involves a few key steps aimed at ensuring efficiency, reducing waste, and maintaining an optimal stock level for smooth operations. Here's a concise guide:

1. Implement a First-In, First-Out (FIFO) System: Ensure that older stock (first-in) gets used before the newer stock (first-out) to prevent wastage due to expiration. More on FIFO.

2. Regular Inventory Audits: Conduct weekly or monthly counts to compare actual stock levels against what's recorded in your system. This helps identify discrepancies and areas of loss. Inventory Audit Guide.

3. Leverage Inventory Management Software: Utilize software designed for bars to track stock levels, sales, and order quantities accurately. This reduces errors and saves time. Top Inventory Software.

4. Train Staff on Inventory Practices: Ensure all staff, especially Barbacks, are trained in proper inventory handling, measurement, and reporting practices to maintain consistency and accuracy. Staff Training Tips.

5. Optimize Stock Levels: Use sales data to predict busy periods and adjust stock levels accordingly to meet demand without overstocking. Stock Level Optimization.

6. Establish Good Relationships with Suppliers: This can lead to better pricing, favorable terms, and reliability in restocking essential items promptly. Supplier Relationship Management.

By applying these strategies, a Barback can significantly contribute to a bar's efficiency and profitability through improved inventory management.

How to Display Inventory Management Skills on Your Resume

2. POS Systems

A POS (Point of Sale) system for a barback is a digital tool used for processing transactions, tracking sales, and managing inventory in a bar setting. It simplifies the order and payment process for beverages and services.

Why It's Important

POS systems are crucial for barbacks as they streamline the tracking of inventory and sales, ensuring accurate replenishment of supplies, facilitating swift payment processing, and enhancing overall service efficiency in a fast-paced bar environment.

How to Improve POS Systems Skills

Improving POS (Point of Sale) systems for barbacks can significantly streamline operations and enhance efficiency in a bustling bar environment. Here's a concise guide on enhancing your POS system:

1. Integrate Inventory Management: Ensure your POS system has real-time inventory tracking to help barbacks replenish stock efficiently. Square and Toast offer robust inventory management features.

2. Customizable Interface: Opt for a POS with a customizable interface that allows barbacks to quickly access frequently needed functions. TouchBistro is known for its user-friendly and customizable interface.

3. Mobile POS Option: Implement mobile POS devices allowing barbacks to input inventory needs on the go, reducing trips back to a stationary terminal. Lightspeed offers versatile mobile POS options.

4. Training and Support: Choose a POS provider that offers comprehensive training and 24/7 support to quickly resolve any issues. Shopify POS is renowned for its support and extensive knowledge base.

5. Integration with Other Systems: Ensure your POS can integrate with scheduling, payroll, and other systems to streamline the entire back-end operation. Revel Systems provides extensive integration options.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve the efficiency and functionality of your POS system, making the barback's job smoother and more productive.

How to Display POS Systems Skills on Your Resume

3. Glassware Knowledge

Glassware knowledge for a barback involves understanding the different types of glasses used in a bar, such as pint glasses, wine glasses, cocktail glasses, and highball glasses, along with their intended uses for specific beverages to ensure the right presentation and experience for patrons.

Why It's Important

Glassware knowledge is crucial for a Barback as it ensures the correct presentation and enjoyment of various drinks, aids in efficient organization and stocking of the bar, and minimizes breakage costs through proper handling and cleaning techniques.

How to Improve Glassware Knowledge Skills

Improving your glassware knowledge as a Barback is essential for ensuring you provide the right glass for each type of drink, enhancing the customer's drinking experience. Here are concise steps with external resources:

1. Learn the Basics: Start with understanding the most common types of glasses used in bars, such as highball, lowball, martini, and wine glasses. Each type serves a specific purpose in enhancing the flavor and presentation of the drink.

2. Online Courses and Videos: Utilize free online resources that provide visual and detailed explanations about different types of glassware. Websites like BarSmarts and YouTube channels dedicated to bartending skills can be very helpful.

3. Read Books and Articles: Look for books and articles that focus on bartending and the use of glassware. Websites like Liquor.com often publish articles related to bar equipment and glassware.

4. Practice: During your shifts, take the time to learn about the glassware your bar uses. Ask experienced bartenders about the choices of glassware for different drinks.

5. Attend Workshops: If possible, attend workshops or seminars focused on bartending skills, including the proper use of glassware. These are often advertised on professional bartending association websites.

By following these steps and utilizing the linked resources, you'll improve your glassware knowledge, making you a more efficient and knowledgeable Barback.

How to Display Glassware Knowledge Skills on Your Resume

4. Keg Changing

Keg changing for a barback involves disconnecting an empty beer keg from the draft system and connecting a new, full keg to ensure a continuous supply of beer in a bar setting.

Why It's Important

Keg changing is crucial for maintaining a continuous flow of beer, ensuring customers receive fresh and properly carbonated beverages without interruption, which is essential for customer satisfaction and business efficiency in a bar setting.

How to Improve Keg Changing Skills

Improving keg changing for a Barback involves optimizing efficiency, safety, and minimizing beer wastage. Here’s a very short and concise guide:

1. Preparation: Ensure you have all necessary tools (keg wrench, clean lines, etc.) at hand. Familiarize yourself with different keg types (Sankey, Euro Sankey, etc.).

2. Safety First: Wear appropriate safety gear like gloves and closed-toe shoes. Ensure the area is clear of obstacles.

3. Disconnecting: Turn off the CO2 gas supply to avoid pressure issues. Disconnect the coupler by pulling out and then up.

4. Removing the Keg: Use proper lifting techniques to avoid back injury. Bend at your knees, not your waist.

5. Connecting New Keg: Check the new keg for any visible issues. Connect the coupler by pushing down and twisting. Turn the CO2 supply back on.

6. Finishing Touches: Check for leaks and ensure the beer is dispensing correctly. Clean any spills and return tools to their place.

For a detailed guide and best practices, refer to resources such as KegWorks’ Keg Coupler Guide and Brewer’s Association Draught Quality Manual.

Remember, practice and familiarity with the equipment at your establishment will significantly improve speed and efficiency over time.

How to Display Keg Changing Skills on Your Resume

5. Cocktail Preparation

Cocktail preparation for a Barback involves assisting bartenders by gathering ingredients, prepping garnishes, and ensuring all supplies and tools needed for making cocktails are readily available and organized, facilitating efficient and high-quality drink service.

Why It's Important

Cocktail preparation is crucial for a Barback as it ensures efficient service, maintains quality and consistency in drinks, supports bartenders by keeping essential ingredients ready, and enhances the overall customer experience.

How to Improve Cocktail Preparation Skills

Improving cocktail preparation, especially for a barback aiming to support bartenders efficiently, involves mastering several key areas: understanding basic cocktails, organizing the bar space, speed, and accuracy. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Learn Basic Cocktails: Start with mastering the recipes, techniques, and presentation of classic cocktails. Liquor.com is a great resource for recipes and tips.

2. Organize the Bar: Keep the bar area clean and organized. Ensure all ingredients, tools, and glassware are in their right place for quick access. This guide on Bar Setup will help.

3. Improve Speed without Sacrificing Accuracy: Practice makes perfect. Time yourself while maintaining precision in measurements. This not only improves speed but also ensures consistency. Bartending Speed Tips can offer more insights.

4. Enhance Communication Skills: Clear and efficient communication with bartenders and customers is key. Listen actively and anticipate needs to keep the bar running smoothly.

5. Maintain Tools and Ingredients: Keep your tools clean and ingredients fresh. Know when to restock and always be prepared for busy periods.

6. Continuous Learning: The bar industry is always evolving. Keep up with the latest trends and techniques through platforms like Bar Smarts and Imbibe Magazine.

By focusing on these areas, a barback can significantly improve cocktail preparation and overall bar efficiency.

How to Display Cocktail Preparation Skills on Your Resume

6. Sanitation Protocols

Sanitation protocols for a barback involve guidelines and procedures focused on maintaining cleanliness and hygiene within a bar setting. This includes regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, equipment, and glassware, proper handling and storage of food and beverages, and adherence to health and safety standards to prevent contamination and ensure the well-being of both staff and patrons.

Why It's Important

Sanitation protocols are crucial for a barback because they ensure the cleanliness and safety of the bar environment, preventing contamination and the spread of germs, which protects both the health of customers and staff.

How to Improve Sanitation Protocols Skills

Improving sanitation protocols for a Barback involves adopting a comprehensive hygiene practice that ensures a clean and safe environment for both staff and customers. Follow these concise steps:

1. Regular Cleaning Schedule: Implement a strict cleaning schedule that includes wiping down surfaces, bar tools, and equipment with sanitizing solution frequently.

2. Hand Hygiene: Encourage consistent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after handling money, cleaning, and before touching any food or drink items.

3. Use of Sanitizers: Place hand sanitizer stations at strategic locations for both staff and customers to use.

4. Disinfect High-Touch Areas: Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch areas such as door handles, countertops, and POS systems. The EPA’s List N provides a list of suitable disinfectants.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear appropriate PPE such as masks and gloves, especially when handling food, glasses, or utensils. CDC guidelines for PPE can offer more information.

6. Training and Awareness: Regularly train staff on updated sanitation protocols and the importance of maintaining hygiene standards. The National Restaurant Association offers training resources.

7. Monitor and Adapt: Stay updated with local health department recommendations and adjust protocols as necessary to improve safety and compliance.

By adhering to these steps, a Barback can significantly contribute to a safer and cleaner bar environment, ensuring the well-being of both employees and patrons.

How to Display Sanitation Protocols Skills on Your Resume

7. Customer Service

Customer service, in the context of a Barback, involves supporting bartenders and ensuring guests have a satisfying experience by maintaining a clean, well-stocked, and organized bar area, promptly addressing any needs or requests related to the bar service.

Why It's Important

Customer service is vital for a Barback as it enhances the guest experience, encourages repeat business, fosters positive reviews and word-of-mouth, and supports a cohesive team environment, ultimately contributing to the establishment's success and reputation.

How to Improve Customer Service Skills

Improving customer service, especially for a Barback, revolves around enhancing efficiency, communication, and personal interaction. Here are concise strategies:

1. Improve Efficiency: Streamline your tasks to ensure drinks and supplies are replenished promptly. Efficient service keeps customers happy and the bar running smoothly. Learn more about efficiency in barbacking.

2. Enhance Communication: Maintain clear and constant communication with bartenders and other staff to anticipate needs and resolve issues quickly. Good communication prevents delays and errors in orders. Tips on effective workplace communication.

3. Personal Interaction: Even in a support role, engaging with customers positively when the opportunity arises can enhance their experience. A smile or a quick check-in can make a big difference. Understanding customer service in hospitality.

By focusing on these areas, a Barback can significantly contribute to improving overall customer service in a bar setting.

How to Display Customer Service Skills on Your Resume

8. Team Collaboration

Team collaboration for a barback involves working closely with bartenders, servers, and other staff to ensure smooth operation of the bar, promptly restocking supplies, assisting with drink preparation, and maintaining cleanliness, all while effectively communicating and coordinating efforts to enhance customer service and efficiency.

Why It's Important

Team collaboration is crucial for a barback as it ensures efficient operation behind the bar, enabling quick response to bartenders' needs, maintaining stock levels, and creating a seamless service experience for customers. It fosters a supportive work environment, enhancing overall productivity and customer satisfaction.

How to Improve Team Collaboration Skills

Improving team collaboration, especially for a Barback role, involves clear communication, shared goals, and mutual respect. Here are concise tips:

1. Effective Communication: Establish clear, open lines of communication. Use tools like Slack for instant messaging and Trello for task management.

2. Define Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly outline each team member's role, including the barback's, to avoid overlaps and ensure smooth operations. Asana is great for organizing tasks and roles.

3. Feedback Mechanism: Implement a system for giving and receiving constructive feedback. Regular team meetings or using platforms like SurveyMonkey can facilitate this.

4. Training and Development: Encourage skill improvement through training programs. Online platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer courses relevant to the hospitality industry.

5. Team Building Activities: Engage in activities that foster team spirit. These could range from simple team dinners to more elaborate team-building exercises.

Each of these steps helps in creating a collaborative environment where a barback, along with other team members, can thrive and contribute effectively to the team's success.

How to Display Team Collaboration Skills on Your Resume

9. Time Management

Time management for a Barback involves efficiently organizing and prioritizing tasks, such as restocking supplies, cleaning, and assisting bartenders, to ensure smooth operation of the bar and timely service to customers.

Why It's Important

Time management is crucial for a barback as it ensures efficient operation of the bar, enabling quick restocking of supplies, timely cleaning, and support to bartenders, which enhances customer satisfaction and maximizes sales.

How to Improve Time Management Skills

Improving time management, especially for a barback role, involves prioritizing tasks, staying organized, and communicating effectively. Here’s how:

1. Prioritize Tasks: Identify the most critical tasks that need immediate attention. This guide on prioritizing tasks can be helpful.

2. Stay Organized: Keep your work area tidy and your supplies well-stocked to save time. Utilize organizational tools to keep track of your duties.

3. Effective Communication: Always communicate clearly with your team to ensure smooth operations. Learn more about effective workplace communication.

4. Time Management Techniques: Employ techniques like the Pomodoro Technique or the Eisenhower Box to manage your tasks efficiently. Explore various methods here.

5. Continuous Learning: Always look for ways to improve your skills and efficiency. This resource offers insights specifically for barbacks.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve your time management skills in a barback position.

How to Display Time Management Skills on Your Resume

10. Stock Rotation

Stock rotation, in the context of a barback, involves systematically arranging alcoholic beverages and bar supplies so that older stock is used first and newer stock is placed behind, ensuring freshness and minimizing waste.

Why It's Important

Stock rotation is important for a Barback to ensure the freshest ingredients are used, minimize waste by using older stock first, and maintain the quality and consistency of drinks served.

How to Improve Stock Rotation Skills

Improving stock rotation, especially for a Barback, involves consistently applying the "First-In, First-Out" (FIFO) method, ensuring that older stock is used before newer deliveries. Regular inventory checks and clear labeling of stock with purchase or expiry dates are crucial. Engage in constant communication with the bartending team to stay updated on stock levels and upcoming events that may affect stock usage.

For a more detailed guide, consider exploring resources like Bar Inventory Basics for inventory management techniques and FIFO Method tips for specific strategies on applying FIFO in your bar setting.

How to Display Stock Rotation Skills on Your Resume

11. Draft System Maintenance

Draft system maintenance, in the context of a barback role, involves the regular cleaning and upkeep of beer tap lines, faucets, and keg connectors to ensure the quality and safety of the beer served. This includes sanitizing the lines, checking for leaks, and ensuring the system operates efficiently.

Why It's Important

Draft system maintenance is crucial for a Barback to ensure the optimal performance and cleanliness of the beer dispensing system, preventing contamination and ensuring the quality and taste of the beer served to customers.

How to Improve Draft System Maintenance Skills

Improving draft system maintenance in a bar setting is crucial for ensuring the quality of beer served and the longevity of the equipment. Here are concise steps and resources for a Barback:

1. Clean Regularly: Perform line cleaning every two weeks to prevent buildup of yeast, bacteria, and beer stone. Use a recommended cleaning solution and follow the manufacturer's guidelines. Brewers Association provides detailed guidelines on cleaning frequencies and methods.

2. Inspect for Leaks: Regularly check the system for CO2 leaks, which can affect beer quality and increase costs. Use soapy water to identify leaks by looking for bubbles. Micromatic offers advice on detecting and fixing leaks.

3. Temperature Control: Ensure the beer is stored and served at optimal temperatures (usually between 38-42°F). Incorrect temperatures can affect beer flavor and foam. Beer Advocate discusses the importance of temperature in beer storage and service.

4. Maintain Pressure: CO2 pressure should be properly adjusted to match the type of beer and length of the draw. Incorrect pressure can lead to flat beer or excessive foam. Kegerators.com provides a guide on adjusting CO2 pressure for draft systems.

5. Regularly Check and Replace Equipment: Inspect and replace worn out parts like gaskets, faucets, and lines that can harbor bacteria or affect beer quality. Draft Maintenance from the Brewers Association includes a comprehensive list of maintenance tasks and equipment checks.

By following these steps and utilizing the resources provided, a Barback can significantly contribute to maintaining a high-quality draft system.

How to Display Draft System Maintenance Skills on Your Resume

12. Heavy Lifting

Heavy lifting for a barback refers to the physical task of moving, carrying, and organizing large and heavy items such as kegs, cases of alcohol, and crates of supplies needed for bar operations.

Why It's Important

Heavy lifting is important for a barback as it enhances physical strength and endurance, enabling efficient handling of stock, kegs, and equipment, ensuring smooth bar operations and quick service.

How to Improve Heavy Lifting Skills

To improve heavy lifting, especially for a barback role, focus on these key areas:

1. Strengthen Core Muscles: A strong core supports your body during heavy lifting. Incorporate exercises like planks and deadlifts into your routine. Mayo Clinic offers guidance on core exercises.

2. Practice Proper Lifting Techniques: Always lift with your legs, not your back. Keep the object close to your body. OSHA provides detailed lifting techniques.

3. Use Lifting Aids: When available, use tools like a hand truck or dolly to move heavy items. This reduces strain on your body. Ccohs.ca discusses manual material handling.

4. Wear Supportive Footwear: Good shoes can improve posture and support your body during heavy lifts. WebMD offers advice on selecting athletic shoes.

5. Gradually Increase Weight: Don't rush to lift heavier weights. Gradually increase the weight you lift to build muscle safely. Bodybuilding.com has tips on back exercises for strength.

6. Stay Hydrated and Rest: Proper hydration and adequate rest are crucial for muscle recovery and performance. Harvard Health explains the importance of staying hydrated.

7. Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting a professional trainer for personalized advice tailored to your body's needs and the specific demands of your job as a barback.

Focusing on these areas will help improve your ability to lift heavy objects safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing your performance in a physically demanding role like that of a barback.

How to Display Heavy Lifting Skills on Your Resume