How to get a bar job with little experience?

Asked by: Ozella Robel  |  Last update: November 22, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (8 votes)

How to Become a Bartender With No Experience
  1. Get a Bartending License. ...
  2. Get Hired as a Barback. ...
  3. Start at a Restaurant Bar. ...
  4. Find a Bartending Mentor. ...
  5. Learn How to Pour Drinks. ...
  6. Practice Mixology. ...
  7. Be Patient and Available. ...
  8. Don't Rely On Bartending School Alone.

How do I get my first bar job?

Get Your First Bartending Job
  1. Write a Solid Bartender Resume. Writing a strong resume is key to getting a job and it's easy if you follow these tips: ...
  2. Gain Experience By Finding Work. ...
  3. Get the Interview. ...
  4. Show Up For the Trial Shift. ...
  5. Become a Barback to Make The Transition.

How do you ask for a job at a bar?

Basically, what you do is call up the bars & restaurants in your area, introduce yourself, and find out if they have any work available. If they do, ask them for their email address so you can send them your resume. Then ask if you can come in for an interview or a trial.

Is bar work difficult?

A bar is where almost everyone goes when they've just had some bad news. You need to be confident and hardworking as well. Working behind a bar, you might think it's easy pulling pints for hours on end. But it's often stressful, especially on busy shifts.

Is it lame to go to a bar alone?

But many of us like going to bars alone, and it has nothing to do with being sad or a lush. Sometimes, after a long day's work, it's nice to have a drink by ourselves to decompress. Besides, you never know who you may meet when you go to a bar alone. Sometimes the night turns wild...

How To Get a Bartending Job with No Experience - Bartending 101

19 related questions found

Is working behind a bar stressful?

Bartending can be difficult and stressful, despite what some people may believe. We, bartenders, are aware that our work involves more than just making cocktails. It entails working long hours, interacting daily with different people, and being on your feet all the time.

How do you pass a bar interview?

How To Prepare For A Bartending Interview
  1. First, make sure you thoroughly read the bartender job description. ...
  2. Second, do your research. ...
  3. Third, make a good first impression. ...
  4. Four, learn how to use different types of restaurant tech. ...
  5. What do you like about bartending is the #1 question asked in interviews for bartenders.

What do you say to get hired as a bartender?

Example: "I am interested in bartending because I enjoy seeing people have a good time and contributing to their experience by helping them. Bartending is really social so I meet many kinds of customers which is really interesting because I learn a lot about people.

What do employers look for in a bartender?

Time management skills

Employers want to hire a bartender who knows how to get through orders speedily and accurately. They want to hire someone who can make a drink in two minutes instead of 10. They will also look for someone who can multitask in order to support the efficient flow of customers.

Is being a bar back easy?

Make no mistake – barbacking is a tough job. But it's absolutely vital to our industry and to any high volume bar. And it's also a fantastic stepping stone to work your way up to a bartending job. If you work hard, pay attention, and try to get better every day, then you'll make a fantastic barback!

How do you come to a bar alone?

Going to a Bar Alone: 12 Safety Tips
  1. Dress conservatively. ...
  2. Ensure someone knows where you're going. ...
  3. Arrive early. ...
  4. Take a seat at the bar. ...
  5. Choose a seat with a good vantage point. ...
  6. Don't carry a purse. ...
  7. Never leave your drink unattended. ...
  8. Choose a safe person and connect.

Is bartending harder than serving?

Whether or not you find bartending or serving more difficult is going to depend on your personality and physicality but in most cases bartending will be harder.

Can you be a bartender if you're shy?

Bartending suits people with outgoing personalities who are naturally friendly. On the other hand, maintaining a professional, friendly demeanor is a skill you can work on. If you're shy, put yourself in situations where you'll be meeting new people to practice.

Can I be a bartender if I don't like alcohol?

Drinking isn't a requirement for bartenders. You can work as one and may have no desire for alcohol.

How do you explain no experience in an interview?

Tell Them You're Confident

Or, “No, I don't have experience in that area.” The best way to handle the question is to say something along these lines: While I have not had any direct experience in XYZ, I am a fast learner, and I am confident that I could (do, manage, direct, handle, etc.)

What makes you a good fit for a bartender?

Outstanding candidates will be knowledgeable about popular and classic cocktails, and will be opinionated about how to best pair these drinks with your menu items. They will be outgoing and will be able to upsell drinks without being too pushy. They'll be reliable, hardworking, and will work well in teams.

Do bartenders enjoy their job?

A solid majority of bartenders enjoy their work environment, probably contributing to overall higher satisfaction with working as a bartender.

What skills make a good bartender?

What skills do you need to be a bartender?
  • Strong Memory. A strong memory is the one quality that any experienced bartender resume should display. ...
  • Communication. Throughout their shift, bartenders speak and interact with different personalities. ...
  • Mixology. ...
  • Teamwork. ...
  • Flexibility. ...
  • Organization. ...
  • Friendliness. ...
  • Cash Management.

Can you wear jeans to a bar interview?

It's not advisable to show up wearing a T-shirt or jeans. If the bartenders in your prospective bar dress casually, step up your outfit and wear a collared shirt for men or a blouse for ladies. Even if the staff looks extremely laid-back, you should still demonstrate your professionalism.

What should I wear to a bar restaurant interview?

You don't need to break out your most formal attire, but items like a black dress, dress shoes, and dress pants would likely be appropriate. If the place has a dress code for staff or guests, try to conform to it for your interview at a restaurant.

What questions are asked on the bar exam?

The questions on the bar exam feature a brief fact pattern and a question with four multiple-choice answers. The questions cover seven topics including civil procedure, contracts, constitutional law, criminal law and procedure, evidence, real property, and torts. Each of those topics has 25 questions.

Can you be sober and work at a bar?

All in all, each person has their challenges in being a sober bartender. But the good news is, more and more people are pulling it off—and having very successful careers without drinking.

How do you survive working in a bar?

8 must know career tips for new bartenders
  1. Tip 1: Learn the Bar (ask questions!)
  2. Tip 2: Be Resilient.
  3. Tip 3: Avoid Excessive Conversation.
  4. Tip 4: Collect Orders, Then Serve.
  5. Tip 5: Keep Busy.
  6. Tip 6: Remember to Clean.
  7. Tip 7: Remain Calm.
  8. Tip 8: Have the right footwear.

How long is too long to stay at a bar?

In general, it's perfectly acceptable to sit around for a maximum of 30 minutes after you've finished your last drink or bites, but after that, it's time to mosey on.