How to Get a Job as a Bartender

By eHow Careers & Work Editor

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Getting a job as a bartender can be relatively easy or quite difficult, depending on the kind of establishment in which you'd like to work.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Find a local establishment where you would like to work.
Step2
Apply for a job tending bar at that establishment. They may train on-site.
Step3
Get a listing of bartender schools in your area from the telephone book or from the Internet.
Step4
Call up the school to ask about tuition costs, the length of the class, and what the school guarantees in terms of skills learned.
Step5
Interview your teacher and get a copy of his or her credentials.
Step6
Review the book you'll be using to learn how to tend bar.
Step7
Get in touch with former students and ask their opinions of the course.
Step8
Find out if the bartender school handles job placement once the course is completed. Study at a school that provides this service.
Step9
Apply for jobs highlighting your skills.
Step10
Be friendly during the interview; tending bar is a service job, after all.

Tips & Warnings

  • In most states, you must be 21 years old or older to serve alcohol.

Comments

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OTR247 said

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on 3/10/2008 If someone should not mention bartending school on their resume then why even go? I agree, it takes 1% ability and 99% personality so with that in mind, save your $400 dollars and get out there and make it happen.

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on 3/6/2008 Bartending schools can work but lots are scams. Do your research and ask for references. If they can't or won't provide them then get out of dodge.

The first comment is spot on. Getting to know people "in the business," even just regular customers, can greatly increase your chances at getting a bartending job.

If your looking for a job but don't have experience visit http://getabartendingjob.com and sign up for my free newsletter.

I have over 14 years experience as a bartender and manager and will help you get that crucial first job. The newsletter is absolutely free and full of great content. Check out the Break into the Business Program while your there.

Good Luck ;)
Brian Williams

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on 3/6/2008 Some bartending schools are good but some are also just out to get your dough. Do some research and ask for references.

The first comment is spot on. Getting to know people in the bartending industry, even customers, can greatly enhance your chances if you have no experience.

For more info on getting bartending jobs with no experience sign up for my free newsletter at http://getabartendingjob.com. While you're there check out the program, it's guaranteed to get you a job in 30 days!

Good Luck,
Brian Williams

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 1/24/2006 I read these tips a few months ago, and now I'm a barback. If you have no bartending experience, then you either apply to be a barback at a bar, or you can work your way up to bartending at a restaurant.

Here are my additional tips:

Goal: Speak with the manager in person.

Option #1: You're already at the bar you want to work for. Flirt with your bartender. Ask them if they enjoy working there. If yes, ask them if they're hiring, what the manager's first name is, and how to reach them appropriately.

Option #2: Call the bar, ask for their business hours, and ask when the manager is most likely there. Your best shot is to go to the bar in the afternoon (or whenever they open), since that's when they're the least busy.

Be persistent, treat everyone you meet like your best friend, and dress up a little (no jeans).

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 12/15/2005 Bartending jobs outnumber barback jobs like 20-1. Half of the bartenders here in L.A. went to bartending school, but they won't admit it.

I went to bartending school in L.A. and it worked for me big time. Within a week I had my first job with a caterer. After that a sports bar, and now a local bar in Hollywood. I make good money.
If I were to have taken the advice of bartenders I spoke with, I'd still be thinking about bartending or I'd be working as a barback. I tried that too and barback jobs are harder to find than bartender jobs!
The location of the nearest school to you may not be the best one, so look around. Call them up. If they don't answer all of your questions over the phone hang up and call another school

Look for a school that offers a free trial class (do a search in Craigslist), or at least allows you to watch a class in action. Bartending Schools are what you make of them!!

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eHow Article:  How to Get a Job as a Bartender

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