How to Find a Bartending Job in New York City
Bartenders in New York City can make a lot of money -- as much as $600 per night at top spots, according to New York Magazine. Bartending in New York is a time-honored choice for aspiring actors, artists and writers. The late hours also appeal to moonlighters with day jobs. Unfortunately, the job's popularity means you will face a lot of competition. Unless you get lucky and land a job right away, you'll need to be persistent.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Get experience, if you haven't already worked as a bartender, by first working as a barback (bartender's assistant). If you are planning a move to New York City but haven't yet arrived, get bartending experience before you come.
-
2
Look for job openings on Craigslist.org, in New York City, Jobs and then food / bev / hosp. Most bars, restaurants and clubs that post help-wanted ads on Craigslist hold open calls, where they set aside a day, or part of a day, for all applicants to come down in person. Bring a resume with you. Other sites such as Indeed.com also have some listings, mostly for chain restaurants and hotels.
-
-
3
Walk into any bar where you would like to work and ask to speak to the manager. Go during off-hours when the bar is not busy. Leave a resume.
-
4
Look for other jobs in restaurants or bars if you are unable to get a job right away as a bartender. There is less competition for jobs such as busboy or server because the pay is usually lower and the jobs don't have bartending's aura of glamour. Make contacts on those jobs to help you get bartending work in the future.
-
5
Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job as a bartender. Word of mouth is important.
-
6
Be persistent, but not annoying, in contacting bars where you have had interviews to inquire about current openings.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Appropriate style varies from bar to bar. Before you go on an interview, check out the bar to see how the bartenders dress. Do they look trendy or conservative? Sexy or buttoned-down? Dress accordingly for your interview.
Most bartenders get their training the traditional way -- on the job. New York City has many bartending schools, which say they will teach you basic skills in their short, intensive courses and help you get a job. The schools are expensive, and their usefulness is debatable. Some graduates say the schools did help them get their first jobs, but many bartenders say that New York City bars don't take the schools seriously and don't give any preference to people who have attended. If you do decide to go to a bartending school, ask around as the quality of the schools varies.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
