Comments on: How to Get a Job as a Bartender

on 11/22/2005 I got my first bartending job (with no experience) by talking with, and getting to know, the regulars at the bar. If the customers like you, the manager will, too.

on 11/22/2005 The best times to apply for a bartending job are in the morning and in the middle of the afternoon. Do not apply during the lunch rush, happy hour, or the dinner rush. I've been responsible for hiring in a few bars, and I was annoyed by this.

on 11/22/2005 If you already have a job bartending, ask the customers. They usually frequent various bars and can give you tips on where people have been fired recently. Sometimes they're friends with the managers or the owners, and if you drop their names, it will help you get in.

If you've never bartended before, the best way is to dish out the dough and go to a bartending school with placement. It is definitely worth the money. Working your way up is a pain, and it won't teach you all the "ins and outs." People admire you when you have all the knowledge that the school gives you, and the tips follow accordingly!

on 11/22/2005 There are 2 ways that work to get you a bartending job.

A. Go to a bartending school with a real record for job placement assistance and follow what they say. We know this works because we represent the Professional Bartending School in Arlington Virginia (http://www.bartending-school.com).

B. Get a job as a waiter/waitress or barback at a place that promotes from within...and work your way behind the bar.

Both ways work and both ways have pros and cons. But don't buy a video, web product or book...and don't go to a bartending school that doesn't show you real current leads and job placement.

on 11/22/2005 The bartending school that does not offer job placement is not the place to go. The truth is more bars are looking for graduates of these schools because they teach you all the new and up-to-date drinks and skills you need to be a professional bartender!!

on 11/22/2005 Never, ever, mention bartending school. You will never get hired. If you have no experience, just make up a resume and hand it in; if you're confident enough, you'll get the job. Remember, bartending is 1% ability and 99% personality! Good luck.

on 11/22/2005 You get jobs by working as a barback or a cocktail waitress, or by knowing someone.

on 11/22/2005 Sell yourself, be confident and show your backbone - you'll need it once you get hired. Make yourself shine and the job will fall in your lap!!

on 11/22/2005 You have to be a people person, be fair to everyone and all else will fall in place. I learned to bartend by watching, not in bartending school.

on 11/22/2005 Make sure you ask to speak to the manager. You don't want your application/resume to be just another one on the pile. If you are able to speak to management and make a good impression, your chances of getting the job increase greatly.

on 11/22/2005 Don't ever mention bartending schools in your interview - it is the kiss of death. Managers look at it this way: if you have to mention a school as a reference, then you must have no experience bartending.