How to Become a Bouncer

By eHow Careers & Work Editor

Rate: (35 Ratings)

If you look like you belong on a football team, you have what it takes to be a bouncer at a club or bar.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Take some basic martial arts classes. You may have to defend yourself or others against drunk or angry patrons.
Step2
Go to some clubs and talk to the bouncers, as well as the waiters and waitresses. They might know of job openings or the days on which interviews are conducted.
Step3
Look in the yellow pages under "clubs," and call several places to see if they are hiring. Ask to speak to the manager.
Step4
Dress appropriately when you get an interview. A blazer, a clean shirt and khakis will show you have some style. The way you may dress when you work is irrelevant to the interview.
Step5
Mention any sports you play so that the manager will get an idea of your physical capabilities.
Step6
Bring a list of references to the interview.

Tips & Warnings

  • Practice looking mean and tough in your mirror. Pretend you are an actor in a role as a bouncer.
  • Remember that you are being hired to check IDs and keep the peace. This is not the time or place to socialize.
  • Get enough sleep the night before you work, or take a nap during the day. You may be expected to work until 2 a.m., depending on the area.
  • Keep in mind that your employer ' and you - will have serious problems if underage patrons are caught inside the club or bar.

Comments

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on 10/30/2007 can girls become a bouncer

LNKZ said

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on 7/23/2007 thanks for the advice..i thought i had the job sussed,but i had no idea.i been doin it for a year now..but i look too intimidating to get any trouble my way

Tallbody said

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on 6/12/2007 I'm currently looking for contributions from 'experienced' door staff, supervisors, etc. Anecdotes, tips, course providers, etc, for an 'industry-related' ebook publication & website. If you've got something to say and you know what you're talking about... let me know a.s.a.p.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Tallbody said

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on 6/12/2007 Re: Step 6

6. Bring a list of references to the interview.

Of course, it's ok to bring any appropriate papers with you to the interview but remember, if this is going to be your first ever placement, you'll not have any references documenting previous experience in this field. And we all know that character references are subjective.

Well, there's my 2-cents worth but if you'd like some more tips, I've got twenty years worth to share with anyone who may be interested.

Tallbody said

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on 6/12/2007 Re: Step 5

5. Mention any sports you play so that the manager will get an idea of your physical capabilities.

I'm not too sure whether your mentioning of sports activities has any real bearing as your physical prowess can be assessed when discussing their expectations of you (see question h in Step 4 addendum)

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eHow Article:  How to Become a Bouncer

eHow Careers & Work Editor

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