What to Expect from a Bartending Job
You might be considering a bartending job at night. This is an excellent night job. It can potentially pay very well and there is always a need for bartenders. Here is an overview of the job description and an insight into what it is really like to work behind a bar.
Responsibilities
A bartender who is just starting out will probably work less crowded shifts. New bartenders might not be hired at the most popular places but will have to start in smaller bars with less pay. They might even have to start as barbacks, stocking liquor and washing glasses. With more experience the shifts become more crowded with the opportunity to make a lot of money on tips.
Bartending is physically demanding. Servers spend long hours on their feet, moving quickly to mix and serve customers. This job can be mentally demanding. Be prepared to work while people are talking to you and placing simultaneous orders. You will need to handle rude customers too.
How to be Successful
While bartending might seem cool and fun, it is a job. The bar owner needs someone who will be fast, accurate, and friendly. He or she will know the menu by heart, will have an organized and clean bar and will be able to withstand pressure. The bartender is just as much as part of the atmosphere as is the decor. People will remember good service.
You might be considering a bartending job at night. This is an excellent night job. It can potentially pay very well and there is always a need for bartenders. Here is an overview of the job description and an insight into what it is really like to work behind a bar.
Responsibilities
A bartender who is just starting out will probably work less crowded shifts. New bartenders might not be hired at the most popular places but will have to start in smaller bars with less pay. They might even have to start as barbacks, stocking liquor and washing glasses. With more experience the shifts become more crowded with the opportunity to make a lot of money on tips.
Bartending is physically demanding. Servers spend long hours on their feet, moving quickly to mix and serve customers. This job can be mentally demanding. Be prepared to work while people are talking to you and placing simultaneous orders. You will need to handle rude customers too.
How to be Successful
- Know your bar area very well. Arrange your bottles and memorize where they are so you don’t have to read labels.
- Know your drinks. Most bartenders use mixing lists kept under the bar.
- After some experience, consider learning impressive techniques and tricks.
- Standard alcohol to have on hand is Vodka, Rum, Tequila, and Gin. Standard juices are lemon, orange, and pineapple.
- Standard equipment to have on hand is shakers, rinsing bowls, cloths, straws, and measuring cups.
- Go to Bartending School. Some states require certification. It only takes a couple of weeks and you will learn the necessary legalities surrounding serving alcohol. The school will probably provide job placement upon your completion of their course.
- Earn tips by pleasing your customers. Remember people’s names and what they like to drink. Write them down if you have to. Introduce yourself and make conversation if you have time. If you are preparing drinks for table service, keep an eye on when customers might need refills, and prepare ahead of time. Use your personality and sense of humor to entertain. Offer a free drink to your best customers and pay for it out of your tips if you have to. If you develop a following of customers, they will find you if you change jobs.
- Work well with the other staff in the restaurant or club. When they sell drinks, you succeed at your job.
- Don’t come out from behind the bar if there is trouble. Call the police and try to talk people into calming down.
- Keep learning. You can learn from other bartenders, or study mixology online.
While bartending might seem cool and fun, it is a job. The bar owner needs someone who will be fast, accurate, and friendly. He or she will know the menu by heart, will have an organized and clean bar and will be able to withstand pressure. The bartender is just as much as part of the atmosphere as is the decor. People will remember good service.