So – you are planning to work and travel, or you’re backpacking in a remote country and are thinking about bartending for work? Here are some tips that might help.
Have copies of your resume prepared.
Make sure you have your resume prepared before you travel. Make sure you have a copy to give away to each establishment you visit – you might want to visit an Internet cafe or a place with a printer to make sure you have enough copies.And, remember to backup your resume document! A good way to do this is to email it to yourself. And when you print copies, remember to keep each and every copy immaculate. Staple them together and keep them in plastic sleeves. Remember – you are selling yourself – so make sure your resume broadcasts your excellence.
Make sure you are appropriately qualified – legalities, passports, work visas
You might need some sort of legal certification to serve alcohol wherever you are traveling. Do you research first – find out if you need to do any courses etc.
Make sure you are prepared to start ASAP
Make sure you are ready to begin work (or come in for a trial) as soon as possible. Be ready to start immediately. This means having your apron, waiters friend, pens, paper etc. ready to go.
Make sure you are easily contactable
I’ve come across many job applicants who were super-keen for bar work, but when I tried to call them, they never answered my calls. So, if you provide a contact number (I highly recommend you do this!) make sure you are available to answer the phone.
Make sure you are presented neatly
Presentation is paramount when you are looking for bar work. Managers will assess your application
Make sure you are available to work at all times
Make sure you are free to work all the time. A bar manager will be looking for someone who is flexible in the times they can work. This might give you the advantage over another applicant!
Don’t lie in your application
You’ll soon be found out when you begin work. Be honest. If you don’t have much experience, focus on your transferrable skills from other industries.
Check out www.gumtree.com
This is a great resource for bar jobs, wherever you are in the world.
Be prepared to start at the bottom.
You might have to start doing the cleaning or glass collecting jobs before you can make drinks.
Check out billboards in local backpacker accommodation, and ask around
Keep your ear to the ground at local backpacker hostels, and keep and eye out on bulletin boards etc. Ask people you meet – they might know someone who is looking for staff. You never know until you ask!
Cold call. Drop your resume around.
Be prepared to take your resume around to hotels, pubs, bars, clubs, catering companies, etc.