How To Get A Job As A Bartender

Bartenders are responsible for much more than mixing and serving drinks.  First they must learn the ingredients of literally hundreds of drinks, and be able to assemble them quickly and accurately. They handle payments.  They keep the bar stocked and clean.  They order needed supplies, receive them and store them.  They handle payments, keep records, and check identification.  They must be pleasant to customers at all times but avoid getting too familiar.  They must be diplomatic and able to diffuse potentially violent confrontations, and in the event of trouble they must be able to act quickly and decisively.

Successful Bartenders must be quick moving, able to stand for long hours, and lift and carry heavy loads when necessary.  They must be knowledgeable about their jobs, polite, tolerant, tactful, and have good judgment and excellent communication skills.  Bartenders must be sociable, but discreet.  They must be able to tell when a patron is becoming too intoxicated to drive, and be able to, diplomatically, acquire their keys, and call a cab, or the police, if necessary.   A knowledge of first aid would be an asset.

Bartenders work in bars, restaurants, hotels, airports, cocktail lounges, and other facilities both large and small.  Their work environment may or may not be well lit.  It will at times be noisy and the work may be stressful. Most Bartenders work during the afternoon and evening, sometimes very late.  They work on weekends, and holidays, often in shifts, and often overtime.

Education

Education required by Bartenders varies greatly from state to state.  There are no specific educational requirements for all areas.  However, all Bartenders must be at least eighteen years of age.  Most areas insist they be twenty-one, and other areas and establishments prefer them over twenty-five.

It is advisable, if you wish to become a Bartender, to have some college education.  Larger and more elite establishments demand it.

Any restaurant experience would be an asset to prospective Bartenders.  There are also courses available that will give you knowledge and practical practical experience.  If you are considering this profession, speak to the most experience Bartender you can find and get some advice on the type of training that is preferred.

Once hired, you will receive on-the-job experience.  With the increasing number of adults choosing to drink away from home, Bartenders are in demand.

Bartender with knowledge and experience can advance to positions in larger establishments as head Bartender, wine steward, or beverage managers.