Working as a bartender is a great way to get your feet wet in the service industry. You’ll meet people, make money, and gain valuable experience while at college. If you love mixing drinks, interacting with people, and working late hours, bartending might be a great choice.
Typically, training to be a bartender lasts a month or less. In addition, an alcohol-serving license is required in most states. There are also online classes that will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to apply for bartending positions.
In this article
Skills
Bartenders need strong interpersonal skills to communicate with customers, staff, and managers. They must also understand how to handle conflict and perform good customer service to gain repeat business and positive online reviews.
Some colleges offer programs for those interested in becoming a bartender, and these typically require on-the-job training and some self-study or online courses. These courses may cover state and local alcohol laws, responsible serving practices, and conflict resolution.
Organization
The organization is another key skill for a bartender, as they have to keep track of their inventory and serve many drinks simultaneously. They also must know what ingredients are in demand for trending cocktails and craft beers, so they can keep their list up-to-date.
While bartending can be rewarding, it involves multitasking and a high-stress level. If you cannot handle this, it might be better for you to pursue another profession or a different line of work.
Customer Service
Customer service is a key component of the bartending industry, and every bartender needs to have strong customer service skills. This includes promoting a positive atmosphere and actively meeting customers’ needs.
Performing customer service in the bartending industry can be challenging and stressful. Luckily, strong communication skills and the ability to keep cool under pressure are essential for this work. Include any customer service skills on your resume so potential employers can see that you can handle this challenging role.
Inventory Management
A good inventory management system will help you avoid losing important items, ensure rapid fulfillment of orders, and understand when you need to buy more of a particular product. In addition, the ideal inventory management system is easy to use and allows you to track your current inventory levels in real time.
Some businesses use a periodic inventory system that completes a physical inventory at the end of each accounting period. This is less complicated than perpetual inventory and works best for smaller businesses with fewer goods.
Safety
The bartending industry is potentially dangerous for those with alcohol or substance abuse problems, and it can be difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Additionally, bartenders may be exposed to violence and harassment.
One way to protect yourself is to be proactive and avoid unsafe situations. This can include creating a safety plan that involves you and a friend and continuing to follow COVID-19 health protocols.
In addition, it is important to keep an eye out for intoxicated customers. They can be easily identified from their appearance and speech, so it is crucial to be a savvy bartender who looks out for everyone’s safety.
Can I work as a bartender without experience?
Although many establishments are looking for bartenders with a certain level of experience, hiring people who need experience is still common.
To work as a bartender without experience, you should know the basics, such as how to serve drinks and mix cocktails. In addition, you should be familiar with health and safety codes that bars must follow to pass inspections, such as knowing how to use a knife properly when cutting garnishes for drinks.
Conclusion
The best way to learn about a career in bartending is to visit different bars and restaurants and watch what goes on behind the bar. You’ll learn a lot by watching how they prepare drinks, work with other staff members to keep the operation running smoothly, and interact with customers. Then, depending on your employer, you may be required to complete an alcohol online course, watch videos or read instructional booklets that teach responsible serving practices and good customer service skills.
