Being a bartender requires skill, personality and stamina to stay at work late into the night - not always an easy task. Jobs as a bartender are highly coveted, so make sure you are comfortable with the basics of the trade and have the most popular drinks in mind before proposing. Read on if you want to find out how you can get a fun job as a bartender.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Hone Your Skills
Step 1. Learn how to make drinks
If you want to make drinks as tempting and tasty as those made by a professional, you need to learn the basics of the barista trade, beyond pouring and mixing. Go online for video tutorials with information on the following techniques, then practice until you have mastered them. Here are the fundamentals you should know before you go looking for a job as a bartender:
- Shake. This involves using a shaker to mix and cool the drinks.
- Filter. Cocktail shakers have filters applied, which you will use to separate the ice from the liquid.
- Mix. There is a definite way to do this so that the drink doesn't end up watered down.
- Stepping on. This involves using a pestle to squeeze the flavor out of the fresh ingredients.
- Mix. You will need a blender to make the drinks creamy like a Frozen Margarita.
Step 2. Memorize classic cocktails
Start expanding your knowledge of different types of alcohol and learn how to make the most popular cocktails. To some extent, the kind of drink you need to be able to make will depend on the bar where you work; a high-end bar in town will focus on martini specialties, while a bar in the university area could serve many Cuba Libre. However, wherever you work, you will need to have the best known standards in your repertoire. Learn how the following cocktails are made:
- Simple drinks like a Whiskey and Soda, a Greyhound, an orange juice and vodka, a Cuba Libre, a Gin Tonic, and so on.
- Other spirits such as Bloody Mary, Sex on the Beach, Melon Ball.
- Martini, Manhattan and Rob Roy.
- Exotic cocktails such as Pina Colada, Daiquiri, Margarita.
- Other cocktails like Black Russian, Mojito, Irish Coffee.
Step 3. Watch the bartenders in action
There are a few tricks for pouring a good beer, mixing cocktails and saving time behind the counter. Observe how the bartender handles the orders. Most of the time it doesn't take some kind of skill; the most ordered drinks are usually liqueurs with the addition of a soft drink. Buy cocktail manuals for more complex drinks and practice at home.
Step 4. Consider attending a bartender school
It will teach you the basics and you will have the opportunity to practice cocktails. Make sure that the school you choose has a real bar counter and all the necessary equipment for the barista business. To be a good bartender you need to have good dexterity, which involves speed and dexterity. There is no alternative to manual exercise to improve yourself.
Method 2 of 3: Go in search of a Bartender Seat
Step 1. Submit your application for the jobs you find online
Many job opportunities are posted on online classifieds sites. Do your research and keep a list of places that look attractive to you. Some may ask you to submit an online resume, while others will ask you to personally introduce yourself for a job interview.
- If you're worried that you don't have enough experience, this doesn't necessarily have to dissuade you from proposing. If you've practiced the bartender's duties and memorized cocktails, you're ready to be hired anyway.
- Make sure your resume is up to date, well written, and reread carefully. Highlight any customer service experiences you've had, not just experiences as a bartender. Any experience of working in restaurants is a plus.
- Some establishments prefer to hire inexperienced bartenders because that way they won't have bad habits to correct. With or without experience, your cover letter and resume should be eye-catching and bursting with personality. A good personality and a positive attitude will always give you an edge over other candidates.
Step 2. Show up at the bars and talk to the managers
If there is a place you frequent, identify the owner and try to converse with him. Help out bartenders, helpers, waitresses, and let them know you're looking for a bartender job. Tip generously, show up often, be a positive presence, and be helpful. The manager will be happy to hire you when a seat becomes available.
Step 3. Organize charity concerts
In many large cities this type of event is spreading. You take care of the fundraiser, promote the event, bring your friends. In return, you and a couple of friends will get ready for the evening and prepare cocktails all night long. It's a great way to gain experience and connect. If you impress the owner, he might offer you a job.
Method 3 of 3: Getting the Job
Step 1. Prepare properly for the interview
Many aspiring bartenders show up unprepared for a job interview. If the bartender job is just a temporary solution for you or a challenge too easy to tackle to require preparation, you won't get the job. Just like you would for any other job, show a positive and friendly attitude at the interview, but also respect the job as a bartender.
- Dress appropriately. Your appearance will matter when it comes time for the interview. If you're applying for a gig at a fancy restaurant, dress professionally. If you want a job in a modern venue, dress in an original style. Many bars expect a certain look and image, whether they tell you it or not.
- Get ready to show your skills. Don't introduce yourself if you don't even know how to make a martini.
Step 2. Be seductive
If you show a funny and charismatic personality, your lack of experience will take a back seat. Tell some funny anecdotes and make a lot of jokes. Make it clear that you love talking to people, telling stories, but also listening.
Step 3. Behave Responsibly
The bartender's job is fun, but it also comes with responsibilities. You need to open and close the bar, handle money and credit cards, make sure you don't serve alcohol to minors, and stop serving customers who have already drunk too much. It shows that you are a mature person and able to juggle those difficult situations that, inevitably, are created late at night when a lot of alcohol flows.
Advice
- While some disagree, taking care of the bar warehouse isn't a bad start. You will learn from the bartenders you work for and you will work your way up. A good bartender will leave you a portion of the tips for your hard work, and they may even teach you a trick or two.
- If you plan on attending a bartender school, check if the courses are certified. Check how long they have been on the market. Be wary of any school or course that guarantees a job. Aside from the fact that it may not be legal, the best they can offer is job search assistance.
- Catering agencies can be a good place to start. It's an easier job to find, and you'll learn a lot by making simple cocktails and pouring wine and beer.
