Facts To Remember as You
Look for a Bartending Job
Always
'Apply In Person'. This will put 'a face' with your application and
give you a chance to make a 'first impression'. The application
is critical. Do not limit your opportunities with the information on
your application.
There is a large
'turn-over' of jobs in the bar business. Many
people get into bartending without completely understanding the job - they
don't last long. Others take any job they can, to get experience, and then
move on to better jobs - this is a good idea. Bars adjust their staff
seasonally and hire 'part-time' bartenders as needed. There are many
bartenders working right now who look at their job as temporary. They could
be college students, school teachers, musicians, and others pursuing some
profession - eventually they move on.
Most
bartending jobs are never advertised. When
a job opens up managers are likely to look at recent applications and get
referrals from other staff members. Paying for an advertisement is a last
resort. Always leave an application even if you are told there are no jobs
available.
Most
bartending jobs need to be
filled immediately. The 'two-week-notice' is not common in the business.
Most bartenders leave their jobs suddenly. Even if a 'notice' is given the
manager is likely to replace a bartender ASAP. Bars can not 'make-up' for
lost business and it is critical to be properly staffed behind the bar. Put
yourself in the 'right place' at the 'right time'. Always leave an
application even if you are told there are no jobs available.
A bartender is a
Salesperson. A professional
bartender is NOT just the one who makes the drinks. A professional
bartender IS a Salesperson. This is a simple comparison but if you are interested
in making the most money you can as a bartender it is critical to look at
the job this way. The more you sell, the more money you make. All successful
salespersons, and bartenders, will have a complete understanding of their
customers needs.
Making drinks is a
small part of the job. Most people believe
that to become a bartender you need to know how to make every known drink.
These people are wrong. Making drinks and learning 'how-to' is the easiest
thing you will do as a bartender. Typically 50% of your sales
will be beer, 20% will be wine and 30% will be mixed drinks. Of those mixed
drinks there are less than 10 basic types and all others are simple variations of them.
Do not waste your time trying to remember hundreds of drink recipes.
It is more important to have a strong
understanding of how the bar works.
This includes the efficient use of all of the equipment, methods and
techniques used to set-up, stock, clean and maintain the bar.
Job Referral Programs:
Many schools and training programs will claim to have a job referral
program. Ask about their success rate before you pay for this service.
In most cases the success rate is low. They will refer you, and everyone
else who paid for this service, to jobs advertised in your area. There are
some exceptions - they can be expensive.
