- Take Training Courses & Certifications
- Learn About Emotional Intelligence
- Show Off Your People Skills
- Look For Volunteer Opportunities
- Network With Other Bartenders
- Learn Flair Bartending
- Research Employers
- Prepare For Your Interview
- Start As A Barback Or Server
- 20 More Tips For Helping You Get A Bar Job With No Experience
- Want To Read More?
If you’re looking to start a new career in the bar scene, you may be wondering how to get a bar job with no experience. It’s true that having prior experience in the industry can make it easier to break into bartending, but don’t worry—it isn’t impossible to do so without it. Here are some tips for getting a bar job with no experience whatsoever.
Take Training Courses & Certifications
If you don’t have access or time to take on a role as a barback or server, there are still ways that you can gain relevant knowledge and certifications that will help your chances when applying for bartending jobs. Look into different training courses that cover topics such as alcohol safety and drink mixing. These classes can help give employers confidence in your skillset before they even hire you and help prove your commitment to bartending.
Learn About Emotional Intelligence
Being a bartender requires more than just drawing the perfect pint and stacking up the spirit bottles. To be successful in the bar business, one must possess emotional intelligence to read people from all walks of life. This means that it is necessary to connect with customers on a more personal level and keep the conversations interesting at all times. Understanding a customer’s needs, adjusting to them in an efficient manner, displaying patience while dealing with difficult patrons are key components that hone an individual’s communication skills and make them far more effective behind the bar. Additionally, staying patient, reliable and dependable throughout the day will bring about positive word-of-mouth for any bartender as well as create healthy relationships between employees. Utilizing emotional intelligence also helps ensure effective conflict resolution, which is often needed at busy bars with long wait lines and difficult customers.
Show Off Your People Skills
Bartenders need more than just technical knowledge—they also need excellent communication and interpersonal skills if they want to succeed in this field. Make sure that all of your interactions with potential employers show off your ability to handle yourself in front of customers and other staff members, regardless of whether it is over email, phone call or an in-person interview.
Additionally, try highlighting any related experiences from outside of the industry if possible (such as customer service roles). Employers often look for transferable skills when hiring new staff members!
Look For Volunteer Opportunities
If there aren’t any paid positions available in the bars that you like, don’t despair! Many bars and restaurants offer volunteer opportunities for aspiring bartenders who are eager to gain some experience behind the bar. It may not pay off financially but volunteering gives you an opportunity to hone your skills while being able to work in an environment that might not otherwise be accessible due to lack of experience.
In addition, working with experienced bartenders also gives you a chance to learn from them and pick up useful tips and tricks that can help you get ahead in this industry faster than ever before! Plus, many establishments do end up hiring their volunteers if they show enough enthusiasm and dedication during their time with them so don’t forget this option when looking for your first job!
Network With Other Bartenders
One of the best ways to find out about upcoming job openings is through networking with other bartenders in your area. Ask them where they work or if they know of any places that are hiring. They may even be able to put in a good word for you with their current employer or pass along your resume if there is an opening at their establishment. Additionally, many bars prefer referrals over applications so networking can be an invaluable resource when looking for work in the industry.
Learn Flair Bartending
If you want to take your bartending game up a notch, learning flair bartending is the way to go! It involves performing tricks and artistry with bottles, blenders and other bar tools in order to make drinks look (and taste!) really great. A key skill for this type of bartending is having strong showmanship, as well as sharp accuracy – learning when to catch, flip and spin drinks just right is the difference between success and dropped glassware. Flair bartending is popular in nightclubs and resorts but can add an extra special touch to any drink displayed. If you’re interested in learning how to flair, finding a local course or bar that teaches tricks of the trade is the best way to get started!
Research Employers
Before you start applying for jobs, it’s important to research potential employers. Look at their websites and social media accounts so that you can learn more about their clientele, menu options, and culture. You’ll also want to read any online reviews or watch videos if they’re available—all of this information will help you determine whether the employer is right for you. Additionally, research what the going rate is for bartenders in your area so that you have an idea of what salary range you should expect when negotiating with potential employers.
Prepare For Your Interview
During your interview preparation, make sure that you know the basics of the job and can explain the various tasks you would be expected to do. In addition, brush up on your customer service skills as those will be a large factor in deciding if you get the job. Make sure to dress professionally and have a portfolio that highlights any experience or knowledge relevant to the position. Lastly, think of questions that show initiative or reveal interest in learning more about how successful bar tenders manage their role in different establishments. By preparing ahead of time and showing enthusiasm about being a part of the team, employers will take notice!
Start As A Barback Or Server
If you want to get a bar job with no experience, one of the best ways to do so is by starting as a barback or server at the same venue. This gives you an opportunity to learn more about the bar industry and get used to working in it while getting paid at the same time. You will learn essential skills such as stocking shelves and handling cash, as well as developing people skills like customer service and product knowledge. Having this hands-on experience will give you an edge when applying for a bartender position.
20 More Tips For Helping You Get A Bar Job With No Experience
Other tips include:
- First and foremost: have a positive attitude. This is the most important thing to remember. You need to be willing to learn, willing to work hard and willing to make guests happy. Be likeable!
- Have an awesome resume. List your transferrable skills and relevant experience from other industries.
- Have glowing references.
- Get qualified. Go to a bar school. Do a wine course. You may need to obtain a certificate to serve alcohol depending on laws in your country.
- Dress the part.
- Hold yourself with confidence.
- Know the basics, and if you don’t, do a bar course. If you don’t want to do a bar course, check out online options at the end of this manual.
- Be prepared to volunteer. Ask to work for free for one or two shifts to demonstrate your ability. Or, volunteer at local events. This will gain you experience and show you are keen.
- Make yourself known. Visit the bar you want to work in, and try to establish rapport with staff and management.
- Be prepared to start at the bottom. You may need to get a job as a bar back or waiter’s assistant before you can upgrade to bartender.
- Be available. Availability is a big factor. Be ready to start there and then.
- Don’t give up! Remember, your job hunt is a campaign, not a ‘one-off’ application.
- Do anything that will demonstrate relevant skills and accomplishments.
- Do anything to demonstrate how professionally committed you are.
- Start a blog. Demonstrate your thought leadership.
- Do and say things that will showcase your positive attitude.
- Do and say things that will showcase your common sense.
- Do and say things that will showcase your work ethic.
- Do and say things that will showcase your problem solving.
- Do and say things that will showcase your quest for constant learning and improvement.
With the right attitude and determination, getting a bar job without any prior experience is entirely achievable. Take courses or read up on basic knowledge related to bartending; look out for volunteer opportunities; and network with other professionals within the industry – all these steps will give you an edge over others when applying for jobs! Best of luck finding your first bar gig!
Want To Read More?
You might be interested in reading these:
Or check out these latest posts: