googleplex

Hey guys.

I'm currently looking for a job as a bartender. I'm currently in bartending school and I think it'd be a really awesome job.

Do any bartenders or like-minded people have some advice that might help me?

Comments even?

Thanks

Cynthetiq

most bar owners i know hire bartenders that have their own followings... meaning, I used to date several of them and as she went from bar to bar, I'd see the same people over and over again, because they liked to sit at her bar. She knew what they liked, would be ready to pour their regular drink by the time their ass hit the barstool.

It's a hard job. It's stressful, and while it looked cool in the movie Cocktail, it's not all that glamourous.

I know someone who did go to bartending school with "placement" but he didn't have the right look so he's never gotten a job.

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onetime2

Never really spent any time on that side of the bar, but plenty on the other side and have several friends who were bar owners. First step is to get some experience after the school. Even if it's just a crappy little place one night a week until you find something more permanent.

Remember that your job is to make the owner money. Don't give the impression that you're taking this job to have fun or to meet women, or anything other than to make money. Getting people to stay and spend money is a priority so you gotta try to hit on what people are in the bar for. If it's simply to drink, have a new drink for them when they're ready. If it's to meet people, try to generate conversations. Anything you can do (shor tof free drinks or "big" shots) to get people staying longer and coming back more often will make the owners happy.

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a2k

As a customer of bartending services, I can give you lots of tips once you've gotten a job.

The fastest way to no tips and upset customers is to have a bunch of friends at the bar who you talk to and give drinks to while you ignore your paying customers who want to buy a drink.

The second fastest way to no tips is to pour weak drinks. Make'm strong, and they'll come back.

ReggErving

I agree with Cynthetiq, the job isn't that great and you end up staying up all night and partying at after hour clubs. Sometimes I have found that owners like to hire bartenders that haven't been to a bartending school so they either develop them witht he bars training or have (new bartender) a unique approach that will draw clientele.

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yournamehere

There are all kinds of bar owners - those that want bartenders with a lot of experience; those that want them with no experience, so they can be taught "their" way; and those that want them right out of bartending school, so that they know how to make most drinks before starting, yet haven't already developed styles or habits contrary to the owner's.

There are also all kinds of bars - and you need to find your niche in that world - from the small, shot-and-a-beer neighborhood bar to the large club. Muzak, jukebox, DJ, or live band? Each type has its own pros and cons.

And now a warning - <b>ReggErving</b> touched on it - bartending can be "just a job" only if you have tremendous will power and responsibility. Otherwise, it will become a lifestyle. There are good points to this - it's a great way to meet people - especially women, but it will also introduce you to a total cross section of society, and a lot of society isn't pretty. And - although it's a generalization - a lot of bartenders are either complete teetotalers or hopeless drunks - there aren't a whole lot in the middle. You'll be invited to a lot of after-hours parties and be introduced to a lot of different people. If you're not already sure of who you are and how you'll live your life, you could be taken on a long, wild ride. It's not a job for the irresponsible.

On the other hand, it's a great way to meet people, and make good money - and keep your days free for school (if you're so inclined).

/been there; took the ride.

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dickie

My advice from being a bartender for the last 10 years in a very busy club is just be yourself and dont try to be something you are not or work at a place where you arent comfortable working because it will show in your attitude towards the customers and no money will be in that tip jar at the end of the night .

As far as bartening school ....save your money because it is a waste of time . Bartending the skill is one of the easiest to pick up and conquer, once you make a drink you will never forget it and if you dont know what's in it ..Ask ! ( and if they dont know , they shouldnt be drinking it in the first place)
Now shots are a little more difficult and need a little time to develop a niche for them but once you get it , the job is a piece of cake.

I wouldnt trade this job for another because of the freedom it allows you, the freedom to express your opinions , the freedom to talk to a wide variety of different types of people and the freedom to make tons of cash at the end of each shift .

Ahh Bartending , America's Job !

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uber1

what do they actually teach you in bartender school? How many different drinks do they teach? What else do they touch on?

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bundy

theres been some great advice here.

i'd like to add my voice to the FORGET BAR-SCHOOL chorus.

waste of money. like ReggErving said, most bars like to train you and mould you to suit their particular clientele.

secondly, realise what you are getting yourself into. this is a lifestyle change. no more early morning classes etc... so try to figure out what things in your life are really important (like school/uni etc), and which can be sacrificed for extra sleep.

you should also pay good attention the ins and outs of the places you're intending on working for.

some bars open earlier, some stay open later... some have really rich clientele and that might mean more tips, but it also means these drunks are more likely to be fuckwits. clubs seem fun initially, but will eventually ruin your hearing, and possibly put you off nightclubs for ever.

also, don't apply for jobs in bars and pubs that you drink in. because you probably won't be allowed to drink there anymore.

tending bar is a glam job at first. lots of booze, pretty girls, celebs, drugs (if thats your thing) and HEAPS of material wealth (tips). but remember, there are bad points.

what cyn said about this being a tough job is true. the hours get gruelling, and eventually consume your life. and while the late nights get very annoying, thats nothing compared to the drunks and the pissed wankers.

they teach you the basics.
ie, names of glasses, what stuff like neat/rocks/straight up means, basic classic cocktails, how to pour beer, basic spirit backgrounds...etc...

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ladyadmin

Here are some tips for you ::

1. First and most important thing to remember:: You are NOT behind a bar to look pretty/handsome or to pick up men/women. If this is why you bartend then you are in the wrong business.

2. Bartending is all about giving excellent customer service. Give them what they want and it will give them a reason to tip you well. They will come back again and again and will pass on the word about you and your bar/workplace to other friends.

3. Get to know your regulars. If they always order the same drink, get yourself prepared to have the drink ready when they belly up to the bar. They will be impressed that you remembered their favorite drink and usually will tip well.

3. Get to know the product you sell. Be a good sales person. Not every customer who comes in to a bar knows what mixes well with what or what tastes good. This is a perfect opportunity to use your skills and test new drinks on people.

4. The atmosphere is important as well as your appearance. Keep yourself neat, tidy and well groomed.

5. Don't set yourself behind a counter to bartend with a nasty attitude, mussed up clothing/hair, or lack of personality. Learn some jokes, learn communication skills. Nothing is more annoying than a bartender/bartendress that won't smile or won't speak back to you.

Also, don't forget to have fun!

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Cynthetiq

I can go to see an old bartender friend of mine and even though it's been years since i've bellied up to her bar, she'll have my mixed drink pouring into a glass by the time my ass hits the barstool.

:::OshnSoul:::

lol- take lessons from and observe ones like we have at our local TGIFridays- the one guy juggles and does tossing/rolling tricks with liquor bottles. The girl who's always there is lighting-fast and always perky.

Seriously- best wishes in your endevours.

InTeGrA77

Google "The Bartender's Black Book," and buy it. It has EVERYTHING you'll ever need to know, and it keeps drunk customers occupied, till they see an interesting/crazy drink that they want to try...

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