Hire A Bartender For Private Party? Quick Answer

What are you looking for?

Put sentences in quotation marks. Use a + to request a term in the results and – to exclude terms.

Example: +water -Europe

Table of Contents

A bar is only as good as the smiling faces behind it. It also means that a grumpy employee has an outsized effect.

When you run a bar or start a bar, hiring the right people is crucial. It increases your business’ efficiency, revenue, traffic, and word of mouth, ultimately limiting profitability. It’s the silver bullet. To capitalize on this, you should understand what positions you’ll be hiring for, how many people you’ll need, and how to choose the right ones.

Bar Staff: A bar job list

Not all bar restaurant staff are exactly like below. You will likely describe in your bar operations manual which positions are used in your bar.

bar manager

When you, as a bar owner, decide that someone should take over the running of the bar, you need a good bar manager. The duties of a bar manager include many. All purchasing, inventory management, marketing, quality control, operations and staffing. You should also make sure they know how to spot a stealing bartender to keep your shrink down.

Beverage Director

High-end or high-volume beverage programs may choose to hire a beverage director. A beverage director works within the beverage program. They make sure the menus suit the clientele and the pouring costs are low. It’s a specialized role that requires a lot of research and sourcing. Like a bar manager, a beverage director spends time ordering, knows how to do bar inventory, and handles supplies.

Beverage director versus bar manager

Unlike a bar manager, beverage directors don’t spend a lot of time running bars or restaurants. Or marketing or human resources. A bar manager is a people manager. You oversee the operation of the bar and must manage those responsible for it. But a drinks manager takes care of the drinks.

Typically, there is a beverage director for a hospitality organization. They set the overall beverage strategy for all locations. While bar managers exist at each and every location within the hospitality organization.

barman

Wondering how to become a bartender? Well, buckle up because bartender duties are practically endless.

Here’s why:

They mix drinks, serve beer and wine, call guests, and offer casual therapy (talk) to the drinkers. You are responsible for keeping the bar clean and well organized. This includes making sure all the right cleaning supplies for bars and restaurants are close at hand.

And sometimes they are responsible for keeping the bar stocked. This means they are often involved in taking over the bar’s inventory and placing the necessary orders with the vendors. They know the cocktails and the drinking habits of the customers. Therefore, they are often involved in the design of drinks menus. Because of this, you must offer a competitive bartender salary. To make your life easier, check out our bartender responsibilities checklist. It will give you skills to look for in your bartender cover letters.

cocktail server

When the waiter is working in the area next to the bar wearing high-tops, they are usually referred to as cocktail servers. They seat guests, take orders, and deliver food and drinks. If there is no busser, they also clear and clean the tables.

It makes sense to have a waiter in a bar when there are tables that the bartender can’t get to quickly. Or on nights when you expect heavy traffic.

barback

What is a barback? The barback does everything the bartender doesn’t do to keep the bar going. They are the oil that keeps the FOH machine running (see FOH means slang). This includes stocking the bar with crockery, plates and cutlery. And of course all the bottles of beer, liquor and wine that the bartender needs. They also change empty kegs, refill ice and collect empty glasses.

bouncer

Bouncers card people as they enter the bar and they make sure nothing illegal or out of the ordinary happens during the shift. If this is the case, they will remove any patrons that need to be removed. And be the point of contact for the law enforcement authorities if necessary. But how many of these fine people should you hire?

How to Hire the Right People for Your Bar Frequently Asked Questions

How many bar staff do I need?

In general, and assuming your customers primarily order shots and basic drinks, you should aim for 50 or fewer customers per bartender. It will be less than 50 when making complicated craft cocktails and mixed drinks.

Of course, there are volume bartenders who can serve up to 300 customers. These people are rare, and so are the venues that ask them to handle such volume. That would mean that assuming people are drinking one drink an hour, the bartender is making 5 drinks per minute.

But it’s useful because it illustrates the absolute high end. One barback for every 4-6 bartenders is about the norm. That could go up if there are different bars in the room. Like an upstairs bar, a rooftop bar or a terrace bar.

How do I find the right bar staff?

You need to attract and hire the right people.

First, familiarize yourself with the positions you will be filling and have a bar staff training manual on hand. Then write and post accurate job descriptions. Then hire based on personality and culture. You may also want to require alcohol server certification.

How do I write job descriptions for bar staff?

Here are a few rules to follow when writing job descriptions for the bar positions you’re hiring for:

Avoid superlatives

Stay away from words and phrases like rock star, expert, world class, etc. Many people are too humble to identify with these words. You may lose some great candidates if your job description uses extreme language.

Don’t use cliche words and expressions

Applicants don’t associate phrases like “fast-moving environment” or “excellent communication skills” because they don’t communicate much. Every restaurant is fast-moving and requires good communication. What makes your company different? You want applicants who are excited when they read the description.

Focus on growth potential

Link the responsibilities and duties as the business grows. This shows applicants that there is room for advancement. Something like, “We expect to hire 20% more people over the next few quarters. We’re looking for some early hires to take the lead!”

Hire for personality and culture

Hiring by experience and ability has been the standard for decades. It makes sense to focus on competency in the job you’re hiring for. But that neglects something crucial that has become clearer as the field of psychology develops. Humans are naturally curious and enthusiastic. In the right environment, they are literal learning machines.‍

Consider these:

Employees who come to work in a good mood bring new ideas with them. And the willingness to participate in the continuous improvement of the company.

Guests notice and are influenced by negative energy. There is nothing more unkind than patronizing a company with a dissatisfied employee.

Happy, engaged people build stronger teams. This is because there is more communication and collaboration.

Sometimes it’s difficult to figure all of this out in a job interview, even with tough bartender interview questions. So think about taking a personality test to get a better idea of ​​the candidate. The DISC personality test is very popular.

‍

Bar staff: Achieved

Now you know a bit more about what the positions in a bar are! And how to find the good eggs. Now make sure you give them the tools they need to be successful. Start with a simple opening and closing checklist and teach the guide how to update the restaurant’s chart of accounts. Once your bar staff are trained and in place, you can make their life easier.

Here’s how:

By automating your bar’s beverage inventory management. Bar managers and bartenders will breathe a sigh of relief when they understand that they can use a liquor inventory system to automate inventory counting for effortless scanning. Owners and beverage managers’ eyes will light up when they realize that BinWise empowers them to increase their bar’s profits with a full analysis and reporting suite.

Schedule a demo and let us walk you through everything BinWise Pro can do for you. It’s a free demo. Nothing to lose but more time to count. We can even recommend some of the best restaurant management books to help you master your craft.

For large events like weddings or 50th anniversary celebrations, hiring a bartender seems like a no-brainer. However, when many people host smaller events, they skip the bartender in favor of a messy counter full of bottles confusing their guests, or they spend the whole party serving drinks themselves and miss out on all the fun. In reality, a bartender should be on your guest list, even if you’re having a more intimate event. There are many benefits to hiring a professional bartender for all your parties. Here are some of the reasons you will never regret hiring a bartender.

Buy the right amount of alcohol

The only thing worse than spending too much alcohol at a party is finding out in the middle of the event that you didn’t buy enough. Professional bartenders know how much you need to comfortably fill your guest list without buying more than you actually need. This alone could help you save more money than you actually spend hiring a bartender.

Be a guest at your party

The reason for throwing a party is to spend time with your guests. You can’t do that if you’re on alcohol duty all night. Have a bartender serve the drinks so you can be a good host to your guests. Both you and your guests will enjoy the party a lot more if you can actually attend.

Avoid overserving

When guests pour their own drinks, they tend to over-pour. This not only makes the drink less palatable, but also creates a serious overserving situation. Bartenders know how to serve the right amount of alcohol per drink and per person. If guests get too rowdy, they can simply hold back their pours to smooth things over.

Let Professional Bartenders Unlimited help you really enjoy your next party with our professional bartending services. Learn more about hiring our Tucson bartenders by calling (520) 721-1577.

Different types of caterers (with average prices)

Which caterer you hire depends on the type of event you’re hosting and (more importantly) how you want your guests to eat and feel. For example, weddings and corporate events do not require formal seated catering when your guests are outside or you want them to meet.

Here are 5 types of catering to consider for your event:

Drop off catering – $12-20 per person

For small events (10-40 people), drop-off catering may be the easiest option. Your local drop-off caterer will be happy to provide you with the menu of your choice.

All you have to do is have a place for the food to be picked up by your eaters. Breakfast and lunch can be quick and easy when you want to eat an efficient meal.

If the food is important to your guests, however, be careful. Hot food gets cold quickly, so return is usually good for sandwiches and similar types of meals.

Good for: company meetings, small private parties

Buffet catering – $25-$50 per person

Buffet catering works well for indoor dining and is great for larger events.

You need the space to set up the buffet and consider whether you need help with serving or replenishing menu items. Caterers can usually set up the buffet, staff the stations, and clean up the mess.

The food can usually be kept warm, although it is usually prepared off-site or in the venue’s kitchen.

Good for: corporate events, weddings, large gatherings, indoor events

Food truck catering (mobile catering) – $20 to $40 per person

Food truck catering can include a full size truck or trailer, but also food carts or tent/table setups. The main benefit is that the food is cooked to order right in front of your guests.

At large events such as corporate conventions, multiple food trucks can accommodate a large crowd. For small parties (less than 50 people) or small spaces, a trolley can do a great job.

While food can be delivered or prepared indoors, food trucks typically catering outdoors. You must provide the caterer with enough space to park and set up.

Good for: outdoor events, informal corporate events, private parties, large gatherings, weddings

Traditional Catering – $50-$120 per person

Traditional catering, also known as full service catering, is what you would expect at a formal wedding or dinner event. The food is brought to the guests and goes through the typical courses (salad, main course and dessert).

The food is usually prepared on site and the caterer takes care of all the setup and cleaning. Traditional caterers also work with the organizer to offer two or three options for those with dietary restrictions.

Good for: formal events, large gatherings, sit down dinners

Private Chefs/Custom Catering – $120+ per person

If you require customized menus, hiring a private chef may be the best option. As long as you have the budget, a private chef can run the entire operation, whether it’s a private dinner party at your home or an evening function at a venue.

You’ll generally be working with the chef to create the menu, so you want to have a general idea of ​​what you want. An exception might be when you hire a world-class or famous chef and let him surprise you.

Good for: High-budget events when everything needs to be absolutely perfect

In a year, the value of the UK cocktail market has increased by 9.5% to £587m, according to CGA data released by Funkin Cocktails.

Since 2014, the number of UK pubs serving cocktails has increased by 75% to 42,000, and the same data source says 9 million consumers are now drinking cocktails in the evening.

“From high-end bars to high-traffic venues and everything in between, cocktails are in high demand, and consumers are happy to pay a premium for a great-looking cocktail that tastes great,” said Ben Anderson, director of marketing at Funkin Cocktails.

Data shows that the average price of a cocktail is up 51p year-on-year and people are willing to pay up to £6.77 for a cocktail while drinking outside of London and within the capital that price is 7.67 £.

“Cocktails are becoming more accessible than ever and we’re seeing the most growth in mainstream outlets,” Anderson added. “The nation’s love affair with cocktails continues and we urge those outlets that do not offer mixed drinks to seize the opportunity to increase attendance and sales.

“Research has also found that up to 69% of people choose cocktails on the spur of the moment, so the opportunity to attract new customers, increase profit per serving and drive traffic simply by mixing a few classic cocktails into one is huge Added drinks menu.

“At Funkin Cocktails we now offer a one-stop cocktail solution for all types of outlets and all bartending skills. We provide insight, training, beverage development, menu development, point-of-sale material and most importantly, we work with bartenders on-site to provide them with customized solutions that help them grow, evolve, create outstanding cocktails and to maximize the profit opportunities of cocktails supply.”

__4. Avoid bartender stereotypes __

“Don’t say, ‘I come here all the time and I’ve never seen you,'” warns Maier. “I promise I’ll work here often. It’s not a lie Or maybe I’m hiding from you. Or maybe you don’t come here often.

__5. It’s your Saturday night but its Tuesday afternoon

__You may be in weekend mode and ready to flirt, but your bartender is at work. So even if he or she wants to stop everything and flirt with you, they can’t. Remember. “Don’t say anything about how I dress or how serious I look when I’m crazy busy. Even if you’re having fun, I’m working. Thats my job. The more you annoy me, the less I’ll flirt with you.” Throwing straws or napkins to attract attention is also not appreciated.

__6. Remember tip! __

It might seem strange to tip someone to go on a date, but bartenders can tell a lot about a person when they tip. A good tip (which is usually at least $2 per drink) is obviously used to going out and respects a bartender’s job. “It shows that you are able to pay for yourself, go to bars alone and take care of yourself.” Maier says.

__7. Show that you are having a good time

__Smiling makes you more attractive to everyone, but especially to bartenders. The whole point of their job is to create a fun and positive experience in their bar and they appreciate knowing it works. “Just smile sweetly at me while you say, ‘This tastes great,’ or if you’re being sneaky, try smiling at me while I look back at you to see if you need another drink,” Maier suggests.

__8th. Don’t take a bar stool unless you’re drinking

__You’ve been flirting and talking for a while, but the bar is still as busy as ever and it’s time for you to switch to water. The best thing you can do at this point is give your bar seat to someone who will keep buying drinks (and making your bartender money in the process). Finish it while you’re ahead!

9. Leave your number

“Leave your number on the credit card slip. And your name. Maybe write something nice, like ‘Thanks for getting me drunk.’ Maybe even a smiley face if you feel like it.” But if you leave your number, keep it cool. “Don’t say, ‘YOU BETTER CALL ME hahahahaha!’. It’s embarrassing. For me and you Just leave your number and that’s it.”

10. The bonus move bartenders love

Maier swears by a trick any bartender will remember you with: “If you really want me to remember you when you come back on a busy night, bring me a Redbull.” I’ll faint at this. You see, I need energy for longer hours and I want to help. boom True love.”

–Written by Chiara Atik for HowAboutWe.com

Have you ever hit on a bartender? What other rules should you keep in mind before performing the moves?

More from HowAboutWe:

How to make yourself attractive to everyone: 5 tips that really work

7 conversations you need to have before committing

The phone setting that you have no control over could ruin your dating life

Photo: Thinkstock

EHStock/E+/Getty Images (edited)

Bartenders’ livelihoods depend on being nice to customers (tips!), but for the untrained libido, it can be downright impossible to tell if the flirtation is genuine or a calculated move of professional interest. The lines between “What a nice bartender!” and “Oh my god, this girl wants to bang me” are often blurred by pleasant conversation… and half a dozen pints. But all hope is not lost, friends. As Amy S., a former Hooters bartender, said, “To be perfectly honest, I’ve taken a guy home from every bar I’ve worked at least once.” I’ve worked with five bartenders (plus a psychologist !) to see how to tell if these pros are after more than tips. So read on to learn more about my proprietary, patent-pending P.A.N.D.A.S.™ scoring system, which makes it easy to find out if it’s appropriate to give them your number. Just don’t write that number on the receipt…unless you get away with a crippling rejection.

Thrillist TV Wine and Cheeseburger Wine and Cheeseburger: Harley and Lara pair falafel with wine

Shutterstock

There are six things to watch out for All the bartenders I spoke to agreed on these six flirting facts. I call it the P.A.N.D.A.S™ scoring system and you need an overall score of at least 10 before you can be sure your offer is legit. Take your notepads to the pubs, boys! body contact (one point)

“One of my co-workers has this move, he exited the bar and brushed past a girl he was about to pick up and put his hand on her shoulder as he walked around her. He said it worked 50% of the time…which might be a bit long,” said my brother, Tripp Fulton, who was a bartender in Baltimore, Maryland for five years at some fine (and not-so-fine) establishments. Warning. .. an unusual amount of it, especially when the bar is full (two points)

“Most bartenders are outgoing by nature,” Amy said. “I think if I’m flirting with you, you should probably know. But it doesn’t always seem that easy for boys. So many think I’m flirting with them when I really am not.” “Look, guys don’t really ‘flirt’ with clients like girls do, if a guy hits on you you’ll know. He’ll buy you drinks and he’ll start spending all his time around your corner — it’ll be obvious unless he’s trying to hide it from his boss,” Fulton said. Do not charge for drinks (three points)

“I’d give the guy extra attention even if I was overworked… like I’d realize he needed a drink,” said Bri S., my old college buddy and Hooters grad. “And then I would start giving he drinks for free. Drink a lot.” Disclosing personal information about yourself (four points)

“Boys are going to play at the Lonely Hearts Club – ‘Oh my ex-girlfriend and I used to go there…’ – showing his pal status. … so you know they’re single,” said radio host and psychologist Dr. Wendy Walsh to me. So I’d probably tell him something about myself first…plans or what I like to do or something,” Amy said. Any request that may result in you disclosing personal information about yourself (five points)

Amy continues, “If he really doesn’t get the clue, I’ll just start putting out feelers, asking him about his situation and casually exploring his relationship status.”

A number, a friend request, or an Instagram follow—they’re like “breaking the seal” of the bartender-customer distance. “That means we want to keep in touch, we’d be willing to interact outside of the bar,” Amy said. “That means you’re probably going to be there.” Nice.

Shutterstock

How do you get your bartender interested? “Tip well,” Bri said, “and just don’t be a bad person.” “Tip well, be polite, don’t take too much time trying to talk to me while I’m.” work – just apply standard bar etiquette. I swear we notice this stuff. Come by on a slow day and ask the bartender about yourself… or yourself. There’s nobody more bored on a slow day than a bartender, so we definitely give everyone a chance,” Amy said. “Really, just be a nice guy. Be kind and ask us about ourselves – but again when we’re not busy. It’s really the only way you’ll get through it, but don’t fret. Never. We’re at work in that scenario, remember?” “What women want to be complimented on isn’t our looks. The way a man gets personal with a woman — talking about something she does, something that she says something she is,” added Dr Walsh.

Shutterstock

Here’s what you shouldn’t do “A couple of nights ago, a guy at the bar said to me, ‘If you let me take you to my car, I could do things you wouldn’t even imagine,'” Bri said. “And I had no problem saying to him, ‘Yeah, I would never imagine that, if I did I’d probably throw up.'” “Once a guy stopped me on his way into the kitchen and asked me: ‘You like to cook?’ I said, “Sure…” and then he asked me if I liked cleaning and I just nodded, but then he asked me, “Do you want to fuck?” I’m just wondering where…in which scenario… on what planet could this guy possibly think this line would work? said Amy. “If a woman crosses her arms when she’s talking to you, that’s a clear sign that she’s not into you.” , said Dr. Walsh.”It’s distant and she’s literally covering her chest: She’s like, ‘Don’t look at my chest, don’t think about my chest. I’m locking you out.'” “There was a time, a girl let one of our male servers not alone… even outside of the bar, outside of business hours, and we had to confront her about it,” Zach Mack, owner of ABC Beer Co. in NYC, told me, “Really, I saw that there was a problem is whether you believe it or not.”

What about the gay bar scene? I consulted another old friend who works at a family-friendly restaurant chain in Pittsburgh. He asked me to keep his workplace anonymous (it definitely doesn’t rhyme with T.G.I. Shmriday’s) and name him “Mr. X” – which I find a little generous, but I’ll be fine with that because I owe him $10. He also sometimes does moonlight at a gay bar. “I think it’s a bit different for me,” Mr. X confided. “When I work at (his main restaurant) I’m not that flirtatious with guys anyway…just to play it conservative. Unless they’re regulars.” But in the gay bar, it’s a different story. “The atmosphere in the gay bar is just so much more… sexually charged? I guess that’s what you would call it. And that goes for everyone, not just me. It’s a lot freer and more relaxed, and there’s a lot, IMO, a lot more frequent picking up and dropping off people while I’m working behind the bar than at regular bars. I actually use my role to my advantage…who doesn’t love complimentary drinks? In this case, each point in the P.A.N.D.A.S™ scoring system is worth double. Yahtzee! Or so.

Shutterstock

Irish: buachaill tabhairne m

Japanese: バーテンダー (batendā), バーテン (baten)

Khmer: Please add this translation if you can

Kurdish: Northern Kurdish: meygêrr (ku) m or f , badegêrr (ku) m or f , saqî (ku) m or f , meyxanevan (ku) m or f

Macedonian: шанкер m (šanker), шанкерка f (šankerka), бармен m (barmen)

Norwegian: Bokmål: bartender m Nynorsk: bartender m

Old English: tæppere m

Spanish: barman m

Thai: Please add this translation if you can

Ukrainian: барме́н m ( barmén )

It’s a question that’s been asked for more than a decade. With America’s cocktail renaissance in the 21st century came the rise of mixology. The term itself dates back to the 19th century, but in modern usage it tends to describe the art and theater of expertly crafted cocktails. A bartender, on the other hand, is a bar professional whose focus is on both the hospitality and the drinks.

If this seems like a small difference to you, you are not alone. We asked 10 bar professionals across the country to find out: is there really a difference between a bartender and a mixologist?

Here are their answers.

Don’t miss a drop Get the latest in beer, wine and cocktail culture delivered straight to your inbox.

“If you think of the word mixology as an umbrella term for ‘the study of cocktails,’ then a mixologist is someone who is dedicated to that study. A bartender is someone who works behind a bar and takes care of customers. A bartender can be a mixologist, but a mixologist doesn’t necessarily have to be a bartender. This is a hot topic in the bar community as it was a term created to give some social value to the bartending career. However, the bartender has always been a valued member of society long before the term mixology existed.” – Diego Peña, Head Bartender, Eastern Standard, Boston

“A mixologist takes care of the drink. A bartender takes care of the customer.” – Justin Pike, Bar Manager, The Tasting Kitchen, Los Angeles

“I don’t see too much of a difference between mixologists and bartenders. I consider myself a bartender who happens to be pouring craft drinks, classic drinks, and beers…I want to make whatever my customers like and do it well.” —Missy Koefod, owner and CEO, 18.21 Bitters, Atlanta

“I’m a bartender and every good bar only has bartenders. The word mixologist was created to elevate the profession, but in my opinion it never needed elevating. Now the word mixologist can make sense in the corporate world, like a liquor company’s corporate mixologist, because they don’t actively work at a bar… Mixologists serve drinks, bartenders serve people.” — Alejandro De La Parra, Bar Manager, Teardrop Lounge, Portland, Ore.

“The difference between a bartender and a mixologist would be intent and preparation. A mixologist’s intention is that every drink they serve is a measure of a bartender’s quality and merit… With that in mind, I prefer to be called a bartender. These days, the title mixologist seems to carry an air of presumption and self-righteousness. At the end of the day, whether I’m making a Ramos or refilling a glass of water, I’m a man who runs a bar.” — Zachary Russell, bar manager, Prohibition, Houston

“All in all, a mixologist is a bartender who specializes in creating and executing cocktails. Bartenders represent all aspects of our craft. Bartenders hire guests, wash glasses, sweep floors, make cocktails, etc. They’re only mixologists when needed.” – Brian Buscher, bartender, Skull’s Rainbow Room, Nashville

“I’ve got ‘INTOXICOLOGIST’ emblazoned on my business card, which kind of makes fun of the whole mixologist vs. bartender thing… Some bartenders think a mixologist is just an arrogant tattooed kid with a waxed moustache, and some ‘Drink ‘Cooks’ think a bartender is good, ‘just a bartender’ pouring Fireball and Bud Light. Why can’t we all get along? I don’t know the full history of all the old classic cocktails and I’m no encyclopedia of every new shooter recipe coming down the pike, but I’m quick with a joke and to light your smoke (or smoked Old Fashioned), and there is no place I’d rather be. Love it all.” – Bob Ruede, “Intoxicologist”, Red Phone Booth, Atlanta

“A bartender’s job is to create delicious [drinks] using the many ingredients, history, and tools at his or her disposal. Mixology is the study of these tools (and ingredients and history). Sometimes they’re not mutually exclusive, and some mixologists can’t make a balanced cocktail. That’s okay! Many bartenders don’t feel comfortable publicizing the protein disciplines of egg and sugar in a pisco sour to a room of 100 people, but can shake you so good at the end of an 11-hour shift that you cry for another one. Both have a fundamental place in this industry.” – Eden Laurin, Managing Partner, The Violet Hour, Chicago

“Pretend. Technically, it differentiates the person creating the cocktails from a “regular” bartender, but it tends to ignore the bartender’s service component and focus on the drinks rather than the people you’re serving them to; which kind of goes against the entire job of a bartender.” — Sean Gleason, Beverage Director, Biltong Bar, Atlanta

“They really are the same. I think the only real difference between a mixologist and a bartender is the amount of time. If you worked at the bar alongside Jerry Thomas, you were a bartender. Today we are bartenders. Mixology, I think, was more of a term to describe something that had never been done before when people first started mixing cocktails. Now it’s a slightly more common career and we have a more modern term to define it.” – Alex Jump, Bar Manager, Death & Co Denver, Denver

With your bartending resume written, it’s time to get out there and start looking for work. For many of you, this will be the most difficult phase in the hiring process. It was for me…

When I first started looking for a job as a bartender, I struggled. I didn’t know what to do and I knew nothing about the hospitality industry. So I did what most people do. I went online and applied to a couple of bartending jobs in my area that I found on a job posting website.

Then I sat back, turned on Netflix and waited for the job offers.

Needless to say, they didn’t. And it took me a long time to figure out that there are much better job hunting strategies out there.

Now that I’ve worked in the industry for almost 5 years, I’ve figured out what works and what doesn’t. And the truth is, it’s not as complicated as you think. If you’re willing to work hard, learn, and get along well with yourself, you’ll find a job as a bartender.

When looking for a job, there are a number of ways you can look for work. Some of these strategies are more effective than others. And some work better depending on who you are and where you live.

Let us begin.

What managers are looking for

I have learned a lot about the hotel industry through almost 2 years of work in management positions. In particular, I learned a lot about hiring employees. Hiring my own team forced me to figure out what to look for.

And what to avoid.

I mentioned that before, but experience isn’t everything.

There are far more important qualities that managers are looking for. You want someone who works hard, someone who wants to learn, someone who is easy to get along with and someone willing to work their way up.

Someone who embodies these qualities will be very successful when looking for a job as a bartender.

And let’s face it, anyone can possess these qualities. At the end of the day it’s up to you. You can choose to work hard, you can choose to learn, you can choose to be kind, and you can choose to walk your path.

Getting this part right will make it MUCH easier to find a job as a bartender.

Here are 7 different bartending job hunting strategies to start with today:

Who do you know? Job Posting Websites Direct Email Social Media Groups Cold Calling Drinking and Chatting with the Bartender Dropping Your Resume (The Most Effective!)

Strategy 1: Who do you know?

There is nothing better than knowing someone who is already working in the industry. Instead of spending hours preparing and handing out your bartender resume. All you have to do is call a friend and ask him a favor.

If all goes well, you will be sorted out with an interview or you will be asked to come for a trial class. And if you’re really lucky, you might even get a job on the spot.

So I was offered a job as a bartender in the French Alps. I asked my industry friends for a recommendation and they put me in touch with a nightclub owner.

I got the job without even having an interview.

Using your contacts is a great way to find work, but what if you don’t know anyone?

If you’re just starting out, you probably won’t. Unfortunately, for many of you, this strategy will be useless.

Strategy 2: Bartender job sites

By job posting sites, I mean sites like Craigslist, Poached, and Indeed. Applying for jobs through these websites is one of the easiest ways to look for work. All you have to do is search for hospitality jobs and apply for the advertised positions.

This strategy can work, but of all strategies, it is the least effective.

Why?

Because it is the least personal and you will compete with hundreds of other faceless resumes. For this strategy to work, you need to apply to every hospitality job you can find. And even then it might not work.

When I first started looking for bartender work, this was the only strategy I used. And it wasn’t until I started using the resume deletion strategy (see Strategy 7) that I saw any success.

But because it’s so easy, I still recommend it. This strategy is best used in combination with a few others. This way you can find out which venues are looking for staff. Then you can target those venues using one of the more effective strategies below.

And who knows, you might get lucky and get invited to an interview or negotiation!

Strategy 3: Direct email

Another way to apply for bartending jobs is to email managers directly and let them know you’d like to work for them. This strategy is more effective than responding to job postings because it’s more personal, shows you’re proactive, and gives you a direct line of communication with the right person.

If you email them, keep the email short, simple, and specific. And don’t forget to attach your CV!

You could style it like this:

Hello [name of manager],

My name is [your name] and I am emailing you because I would like to work as a bartender at [insert venue name]. I’ve always loved going to [venue name] for its [insert adjective] atmosphere. It fits my personality perfectly, which is why I think I would be a great addition to the team.

I know my experience may not reflect my skills, but I’m a hard worker, I want to learn, I’m easy to get along with, and I don’t mind starting out as a barback or server.

I understand that you currently need good staff, which is why I would like to offer you my services whenever it suits you best. There’s no harm in having an extra hand behind the bar! And it would be a great opportunity to meet you, get to know the team and see if we would be a good fit. Of course, my services would be free.

Let me know what you think.

I have attached my resume for review and look forward to hearing from you.

Cheers,

[Your Name]

This strategy works well when applying for a job at larger companies. Mainly because managers are spending more time in their email inbox.

But for it to work, you must have access to the manager’s email address. You can do this by checking out the company’s website or by asking one of the bartenders on duty. But most of the time you won’t be able to get it.

So read on!

Strategy 4: Social Media Groups

Job hunting through social media groups has become much more popular lately. And believe it or not, it’s actually an extremely effective way to find work. Especially if you have experience.

But even if you don’t, bar and venue managers in these groups still offer entry-level bartender, barback, and server positions.

To get access to this, simply search for bartending/bartending groups on LinkedIn and Facebook. And join the groups near you. Then, when someone posts a job, send them a message, attach your resume, and wait for them to get back to you.

If they don’t get back to you, follow up your application with another message politely asking them what’s going on.

Not only do these groups give you access to exclusive bartender jobs. But they also give you access to a community of thousands of bartenders. What is great!

This means that if you ever have bartender or hospitality questions, there’s an army of bartenders ready to help. So it’s great to be part of these groups even if you’re not looking for work.

However, the problem with this strategy is that there may not be a group covering bartending jobs in your area/city. These groups are still quite new and have not yet established themselves everywhere.

So unless you have a group focused on your city, you’ll have to skip this strategy.

Strategy 5: Cold calling

I personally have no experience with this strategy. But I’ve come across a few traveling bartenders who use it all the time.

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

One of the benefits of this strategy is that you can find out immediately if a venue needs staff. You won’t waste time applying to different bars for jobs that don’t exist. You get to the point quickly and can move on to the next venue if nothing is available.

This strategy is not for everyone. Cold calling needs trust!

And it can be difficult to talk to the right person. I.e. instead of speaking to a manager, speak to one of the staff who organizes the bookings.

So if you use this strategy, be sure to ask to speak to one of the managers. And if they’re not there, call back later.

Strategy 6: Have a drink and chat with the bartender

This is one of the most effective strategies out there if you want to get a bartender job. Here’s what you need to do.

Visit a bar where you want to work during a quieter time. Ideally between 3pm and 5pm. Sit at the bar and order a drink. Tip the bartender well so they notice you, then strike up a friendly conversation. Don’t ask about work just yet. That comes later.

The goal of this approach is to get the bartender to like you. The best way to do this is to entertain her about something that interests her. Like bartenders!

Once you think the bartender likes you, you can mention that you’re looking for work. And if you’ve done your job well, he’ll bring the manager over for an impromptu face-to-face meeting.

If you’re lucky, that bartender might even be the manager.

The reason this approach works is because you are essentially making a “friend” in the industry. More precisely in a bar where you want to work.

Just keep in mind that you may have to come back several times until you are sure that this bartender enjoys your company. I’ve used this strategy before and it works. I’ve also met many experienced bartenders who swear by this approach.

But the problem with this strategy is that it can take a long time. And if your social skills aren’t up to par, it’s going to be difficult to pull off.

This is where my favorite strategy for finding a job as a bartender comes in, putting down resumes.

Strategy 7: Continue Dropping

I’ve found jobs through a variety of methods over the years. But there was one that I kept coming back to. I call this strategy resume dropping.

This strategy involves printing out your resume and delivering it in person to as many places as you can find.

Here’s how you do it. You print out your resume and hit the road during the quieter times of hospitality. Again, preferably between 3-5 p.m.

The managers and employees have more time during this time because the customers are not breathing down their necks. If possible, never apply outside of these times.

Then submit your CV to as many bars, restaurants, cafes, nightclubs and pubs as you can find. When you drop it off, ask to speak to the manager and give it to him directly.

When you meet the manager, shake his hand firmly, smile, introduce yourself and ask how he is. Then tell them a little about you and why you are there.

Let’s say you’re looking for a job as a bartender and were wondering if there are any bartending positions near me.

He will tell you right away if there is one or not. And if so, tell him that you’d like to come in for an interview or negotiation whenever it suits him best. If no work is available, thank them for their time and ask them to call you if anything comes up.

That’s it. Do that with as many venues as you can find during that 2 hour period any day for a week and I guarantee you will find a bartender job!

Proceed with deleting WORKS

Resume deletion is by far my favorite strategy out there. It works well for several reasons.

First of all, you apply for the position in person and speak directly to the manager. Because it’s a lot more personal, they’re more likely to remember you. And if you have made a good impression and they are looking for staff, you will be invited to a trial session right away.

Second, it doesn’t take very long. You will spend less than 10 minutes at each venue. This is much quicker than the “Drink” approach. This means you can apply to many more venues and not have to spend money on a drink!

And thirdly, nothing prevents you from using this strategy. Anyone can print out a CV and hand it in at a bar. You don’t need to know anyone in the industry, you don’t need someone’s email address, you don’t need special access to a Facebook group, and you don’t need to have amazing social skills.

This strategy works so well that every time I move to a new town or city, it’s the first thing I do when looking for a job as a bartender. Most of the time I don’t have to do anything else.

The last time I used this strategy, I distributed my resume to 10 different venues in 2 hours. And EIGHT of them reached out to me and asked me to come to an interview or process…

It’s that effective!

A combination of these strategies works best

At the end of the day, getting a job as a bartender is a numbers game. It’s about shaking hands, showing yourself and applying for as many jobs as possible.

This is why the resume deletion strategy works so well. You go out and meet the right people. And you can apply to many different jobs in a short amount of time. If you could only use one strategy, I would recommend this one.

However, the best approach is a combination of these strategies.

For example, you could apply for jobs on Craigslist and Indeed. Then go to the same venues, drop off your resume and meet the manager.

If you drop off your resume and the manager isn’t there, ask the bartender for his email address and email him directly. And if nothing else works, have a drink at the bar and befriend as many bartenders as you can.

When applying, keep in mind what managers are looking for. If you can show them that you are a hard worker, want to learn, easy to get along with and willing to work your way up. You will get an interview or process in no time.

Resumes & Cover Letters How to write a cover letter for a bartender with no experience

How to write a cover letter for a bartender with no experience

By Indeed Editorial Team Posted on June 25, 2021 Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Email Copy to clipboard

A cover letter is your step in the recruitment process that allows you to show your personality and experience. Cover letters are a necessary step in the application process for many jobs. Writing a cover letter for a bartender with no prior experience requires certain elements to make your cover letter stand out. In this article, we explain what a bartender is, what to focus on in a bartender cover letter, and provide examples of what a good bartender cover letter looks like.

What is a bartender?

A bartender serves drinks and food in places like pubs, clubs, hotels, and leisure centers. You must be able to prepare a variety of drinks and have an extensive knowledge of the menu to best serve customers. Bartenders chat with guests, take their orders, make recommendations, and offer upsell items on the menu. They also ensure that guests are of legal drinking age and that staff follow all health and safety protocols associated with the facility. Experienced bartenders may be responsible for recruiting and training new employees.

How to write a cover letter for a bartender

If you’re writing a cover letter for a bartender with no prior experience, it’s important to show your understanding of the position and the requirements that come with it. Here are the steps to follow when writing a cover letter for a bartender with little or no experience:

1. Read the job description

Before writing your cover letter, it is important to read the job description thoroughly. The job description will give you a better understanding of exactly what type of person is being sought. You will also gain an insight into the company’s values ​​and working environment. Once you have read and fully understood all aspects of the job, you can start writing your cover letter. Be sure to use keywords and details from the job description in your cover letter.

If you come across a task or job requirement that you are unfamiliar with, research further. While you can tailor your cover letter to focus on your strengths, the recruiter may ask you about these tasks during the interview, and you must have a satisfactory answer.

Also see: 7 Powerful Ways to Start a Cover Letter

2. Research what a bartender does

It is important to understand the responsibilities associated with the position. Most of these requirements can be found in the job description, but it’s a good idea to do more research. Most companies expect bartenders to:

Greet customers and create a welcoming atmosphere

Conduct money transactions

Serve drinks at the bar and provide table service

Keep the bar clean and well stocked

Follow health and safety protocols

Offer advice when customers ask for the menu

Collect and clean glasses

Train new employees

The job description may also list responsibilities specific to the restaurant or bar. A thorough understanding of the duties of this position will strengthen your cover letter. When you understand what this position requires, you can think of skills that will help you accomplish those tasks and then highlight them in your cover letter.

3. Talk about past life experiences

Talk about life experiences that reflect the values ​​and skills required for a bartending job. Even if you don’t have any bartender experience, you likely have experience that highlights skills required of a bartender. For example, if you’ve served food before in some capacity, talk about that experience and how it helped improve your customer service and listening skills. Or maybe you worked in a supermarket and can talk about how you learned to make quick money transactions under time and time pressures.

It’s good to mention any previous hospitality or customer service experience, even if it’s school or volunteer work. Many companies list bartending as an entry-level position, so recruiters aren’t just looking for previous work experience, but for experience useful for the position.

4. Show enthusiasm

While cover letters are professional, it’s important to show your personality and enthusiasm for the position. If you don’t have bartender experience, explain how excited you are to work for this organization and learn everything you need to know about the position. Again, reading the job description and learning more about the company will strengthen your cover letter so you can show enthusiasm for the entire company, not just this position.

See also: How to write a cover letter

Bartender cover letter template

Here’s a template you can use if you’re writing a cover letter with no experience:

date

Your Name

Your address

Your contact information

Recruiter name

Name of the company

company address

Dear recruiter,

In the first paragraph, explain why you are writing this cover letter. Show enthusiasm for the job and the company. State what position you want and why. Mention any experiences you have had with this facility.

In the second paragraph, explain why you are the best candidate for this job. List your skills related to the bartender industry and provide examples that show your skills in action. If you have no experience as a bartender, you can use examples from school, volunteer work or everyday life. Keep your paragraphs short and add a third paragraph if necessary to highlight your skills.

End the cover letter by thanking the reader for their time and expressing your enthusiasm for this opportunity.

Kind regards,

Your Name

See also: How to structure a cover letter (with example)

Sample cover letter for a bartender

Here’s how to use the template above if you’re writing a cover letter for a bartender with no prior knowledge:

June 15, 2021

George Bowl

124 Waterloo Street

Stock port

SK1 3BD

(0161) 123 4567

[email protected]

Mr Ted Piltum

The Harvester Restaurant

Chorton, Manchester

Dear Mr. Piltum,

I am writing this letter to express my interest in becoming a bartender at The Harvester Restaurant in Chorlton. As you have listed this as an entry level position I think this is the perfect position for me as it will allow me to expand and strengthen my hospitality skills. I’ve been a fan of your restaurant since it opened in 2017 and would like to work at a restaurant that treats its customers and staff fairly while providing outstanding food and service.

I believe I have the necessary skills to excel in this position. I am very punctual, hardworking and I learn quickly. I volunteered at my local distribution center for Food For All UK. Here I learned the proper health and safety rules required when preparing food. I also helped serve meals to the people who came to the distribution center. This taught me how to provide excellent customer service. I realize that when people come to eat at a restaurant, they expect company and a kind word.

I also worked at Waitrose for two years. While it’s not the same as bartending, it taught me how to work under pressure, accept criticism, and make quick money transactions. I know that the skills I have acquired in this job make me an excellent candidate for bartender at The Harvester Restaurant.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and review my application. Please let me know if you need any further information.

Kind regards,

George Bowl

Related: Letter Format: Tips and Template

Tips for writing a bartender cover letter

Here are some skills to focus on when writing a cover letter for a bartender: