The job of a bartender requires the ability, personality, and resilience to keep the job until the lights go out – it's not always an easy task. Being a bartender is a highly coveted job, so before you apply for a job, make sure you master the basic techniques and remember popular drinks. Read this article to learn how to get into the exciting world of working as a bartender.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Hone Your Skills
Step 1. Learn how to make a drink
To make a drink that looks and tastes like one made by a pro, you need to learn basic brewing techniques beyond just pouring and mixing. Check out online tutorials with information on the following techniques, then practice until you can memorize them. Here are some basic techniques you need to know before you start looking for a job as a bartender:
- Shaking. This technique will involve using a cocktail shaker to mix and cool the drinks.
- Strains. The cocktail shaker comes with a filter, which you can use to separate the ice from the liquid.
- Stirring. This technique is used to keep the drink from getting too runny.
- Muddling. This technique involves using a muddler to press the juice from the fresh ingredients.
- Blending. You will need a blender to make drinks like margaritas.
Step 2. Memorize the basics
Start building your knowledge on the different types of alcohol and learn how to make the most popular drinks. To some extent, the type of drink you need to know how to make depends on the bar you work in; Bars located in high-income cities will focus on special techniques for making martinis, while bars around the university will serve up lots of Irish car bombs. Still, no matter where you work, you'll need the most popular standard on your skills list. The following are the types of drinks that you need to learn:
- Drinks with basic mixes such as whiskey soda, greyhound, orange juice and vodka, Jack and coke, gin and tonic, and others.
- Types of highball drinks such as bloody Mary, dark and stormy, fuzzy navel, melon ball, and Alabama slammer.
- Types of lowball drinks like White Russian, godfather, and peppermint patty.
- Martinis, Manhattan, and Rob Roy.
- Tropical drinks such as pina coladas, daiquiri, margaritas and hurricane.
- Shots such as lemon drop, slippery nipple, Jäger bomb or orgasm.
- Other cocktails such as mimosa, mint julep, mojito, or Irish coffee.
Step 3. Observe the bartenders at work
To pour a good beer, mix drinks, and save time behind the bar there are little tricks. Pay attention to the way a bartender handles drink orders. Drinks that are generally the most ordered are liquor which is added with a little mixture. Purchase a drink manual to learn how to make more complex drinks and practice at home.
Step 4. Consider studying at a bartending school
They will teach you the basics and you will have the opportunity to practice making various drinks. Make sure the school you choose has a bar table and all complete bartending equipment. Bartending is a hand skill that requires speed and agility. Nothing can replace hands when practicing.
Part 2 of 3: Looking for a Job
Step 1. Apply for jobs online
Many bartending jobs are advertised through online sites. Find a job and write down a list of some workplaces that interest you. Some will ask you to submit your resume online, while others will ask you to come in person for an interview.
- If you're concerned that you don't have enough experience, that shouldn't stop you from applying for jobs. If you've practiced bartending techniques and memorized different types of drinks, you'll still be welcome to work.
- Make sure your curriculum vitae is up-to-date, well written, and easy to understand. List any customer service experiences you have, not just bartending experiences. Work in any type of restaurant is also a plus.
- Some agencies prefer to hire an inexperienced bartender because they won't have bad habits. Experienced or not, the display of letters and curriculum vitae needs to be made attractive and shows personality. A good personality and attitude will lift you free from competition.
Step 2. Go to some bars and talk to the manager
If you have a favorite watering hole, find out who owns it and start capturing its heart. Make friends with bartenders, barbacks, and cocktail waitresses, and let them know if you're looking for a job as a bartender. Tipping, going to the bar often, and generally being fun and helpful at the bar. The manager will be happy to receive you.
Step 3. Find guests for a charity bartending show
Many large cities now offer this option. You choose a charity event, promote the event, and invite your friends. Instead, you and some of your friends will be trained and get the chance to mix drinks all night long. This is a good way to gain some experience and make contact. If you can impress the bar owner, it can lead you to a job.
Part 3 of 3: Entering the World of Work
Step 1. Prepare for your interview well
Many bartender job applicants go for interviews unprepared. If you see bartending as a quick solution or too easy to do that you don't need to prepare for, then you won't get the job. As you would with any other job, come to the interview with a positive and friendly attitude and appreciate the position.
- Dress well. Your appearance will be a factor when it comes to a job interview. If you want to work in a fancy restaurant, dress professionally. If you want a job at a hip club, dress in an edgy style. If a dive bar interests you, go bold. Most bars are looking for a certain appearance or image, which they will sometimes tell you about.
- Get ready to show your skills. Don't come without knowing how to make a martini.
Step 2. Be an attractive person
If you have a fun and charismatic personality, your lack of experience shouldn't be a problem. Tell some funny anecdotes and loopholes from lots of jokes. Make it clear that you love chatting with people, telling stories, and being a good listener.
Step 3. Act responsibly
Being a bartender is fun, but it still involves a lot of responsibility. You have to open and close bars, handle cash and credit cards, make sure you don't serve minors, and stop serving people who are drunk enough. Show that you are mature and able to handle situations that are tied to alcohol use in the nightlife.
Tips
- Catering companies are a good place to start. These jobs are easier to get, if you can do a little bit of service, and you'll learn a lot by making basic drinks and pouring wine and beer.
- If you plan to study at a bartending school, check the school's Better Business Bureau history, and if they are licensed by the department of education. Check how long the school has been in existence. Be wary of any school or service that promises a job or job position. In most countries, this is considered illegal. The only thing schools can do is provide assistance in offering job positions.
- While some disagree, being a barback isn't a bad thing to start with. You will learn from the bartenders who hired you and worked your way up. A good bartender will give you a tip for your hard work and will even teach you a thing or two.
- Often bar managers prefer people with no previous experience because they don't have to be trained in previously learned techniques. This can be seen as a small family owned local hotel and bar business that has its own unique way of operating. So don't ever hesitate to apply for a job at a bar because you think you don't have enough experience. We all have to start somewhere.
- Remember that a bar is a stage. You are there not only to serve drinks but to entertain and put on a show. Remembering the names of customers and the drinks they used to order. Make an effort to connect with everyone. You don't have to tell jokes, but be genuine, be yourself and enjoy being with others. A smile, a nod or just the ability to laugh at your mistakes can break down barriers and make work fun, comfortable and rewarding.
Warning
- Always be honest about your abilities and experience. You do it yourself or your boss won't like you if your abilities don't match what you say. And be willing to ask questions if something is unclear or you don't understand. This shows intelligence, maturity, and a desire to learn. It's better to ask a stupid and risky question like someone who is stupid than to not ask and confirm that you are a fool.
- When alcohol is involved, people can forget themselves and (with the exception of threats, violent actions, or violent habits). Be prepared to see, hear, and learn things that require wisdom that you need to keep to yourself. Don't be someone who gossips and is quick to forgive and forget.
