Becoming a Bartender
For those interested in pursuing a career as a bartender, there are certain entry requirements and salary expectations to consider.
Entry Requirements
Unlike some professions, becoming a bartender does not typically require formal education or specific degrees. Bartending is a profession that values practical experience and skills. While attending bartending school is an option, it is not necessary and can be discouraged by some industry professionals. According to The Real Barman, 90% of what bartending schools teach can be learned online through comprehensive online bartending courses, which are often more convenient and cost-effective.
Instead, the best way to start a career in bartending is to gain hands-on experience. Many bartenders begin their journey by working as a barback, a role that allows for a close work dynamic with experienced bartenders, providing valuable insights into the workings of a bar. This experience can be a stepping stone towards becoming a bartender. Additionally, joining a temp service or catering company can provide opportunities to gain experience in bartending through events with straightforward drink options.
Salary Expectations
Bartending can be a lucrative and thrilling profession. The average salary of a bartender can range from $25 to $100 per hour, depending on factors such as location, establishment, experience, and customer tips. This can result in an average yearly salary of $60,000 to $100,000 (The Real Barman).
It’s important to note that bartenders often rely on tips from customers, which can significantly contribute to their overall income. The amount of tips received can vary based on the establishment, customer satisfaction, and the bartender’s ability to provide excellent customer service. Therefore, providing exceptional service and building rapport with customers can have a positive impact on a bartender’s earnings.
Overall, while formal education is not required, gaining practical experience and honing essential skills is crucial for success in the bartending industry. By starting as a barback or gaining experience through temp services and catering companies, aspiring bartenders can work their way up and potentially earn a rewarding income in this dynamic profession.
Essential Skills for Bartenders
To excel in the world of bartending, there are several essential skills that every bartender should possess. These skills not only contribute to the smooth operation of a bar but also ensure customer satisfaction and a memorable experience.
Mixology Knowledge
Mixology knowledge and creativity are crucial skills for a successful bartender. A deep understanding of different spirits, liquors, mixers, and garnishes is necessary to craft well-balanced and flavorful drinks. Bartenders should be familiar with various cocktail recipes and techniques to create unique and personalized beverages for their customers. Taking courses or training programs focused on mixology can help bartenders enhance their knowledge and skills in this area. For more information about bartender training, check out our article on bartender training.
Communication Skills
Effective communication is key for bartenders as they interact with patrons, take orders, and build rapport with customers. Bartenders should possess excellent communication skills, including attentive listening, understanding customer preferences, and engaging in friendly conversation. Clear and concise communication helps ensure accurate orders, fosters a welcoming atmosphere, and enhances the overall customer experience. For more information about bartender responsibilities and job description, visit our articles on bartender responsibilities and bartender job description.
Customer Service Skills
Providing exceptional customer service is a vital skill for bartenders. They are often the first point of contact for customers, and delivering outstanding service can greatly impact customer satisfaction and loyalty. Bartenders should greet customers warmly, pay attention to their needs, and create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. By understanding and anticipating customer preferences, bartenders can offer personalized recommendations and ensure a positive bar experience.
Time Management
Time management is critical in the fast-paced and busy environment of a bar. Bartenders need to be skilled in managing their time effectively to provide prompt service, handle multiple orders simultaneously, and maintain a smooth workflow even during peak hours. Efficient time management ensures that customers receive their drinks in a timely manner, contributing to overall customer satisfaction.
Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is a must-have skill for bartenders. Every drink served should meet the highest quality standards. Bartenders should pay close attention to garnishing cocktails precisely, maintaining a clean and organized bar station, and ensuring the accuracy of orders. By focusing on the details, bartenders can deliver an exceptional customer experience and create visually appealing and delicious beverages.
Developing and honing these essential skills will help aspiring bartenders succeed in their craft. By continuously improving their mixology knowledge, communication skills, customer service skills, time management, and attention to detail, bartenders can provide a memorable experience for their customers and excel in their profession.
Gaining Experience in Bartending
Aspiring bartenders often wonder how they can gain the necessary experience to excel in their craft. While formal training can be beneficial, the most valuable experience comes from hands-on work in a bar environment. In this section, we will explore three avenues for gaining experience in bartending: starting as a barback, joining temp services and catering companies, and the importance of experience in the hiring process.
Starting as a Barback
One of the best ways to enter the world of bartending is by starting as a barback. This role allows individuals to work closely with experienced bartenders, gaining valuable insights into the day-to-day operations of a bar (Quora). As a barback, you’ll assist the bartenders by restocking supplies, cleaning glassware, and ensuring the bar is well-maintained. This hands-on experience provides a solid foundation and helps you familiarize yourself with the bar environment.
Working as a barback offers the opportunity to observe and learn from experienced bartenders, understand the flow of the bar, and even interact with customers. It’s a stepping stone that can lead to future bartending opportunities.
Temp Services and Catering Companies
Another avenue to gain bartending experience is by joining temp services or catering companies. These jobs often provide relatively easy access to bartending opportunities, particularly at events where the drink options are more straightforward. Temp services and catering companies frequently hire bartenders on a temporary or event basis, allowing you to gain exposure to different types of events and clientele.
Working with a temp service or catering company enables you to refine your bartending skills in a fast-paced environment while providing valuable customer service experience. It’s an opportunity to enhance your ability to work efficiently, handle different drink orders, and engage with customers.
Importance of Experience
When it comes to hiring bartenders, experience is often the most critical factor considered by bar managers (Quora). While formal training or certifications can be beneficial, hands-on experience demonstrates your ability to handle the responsibilities and challenges that come with the role.
Bar managers value candidates who can showcase their knowledge of drink preparations, customer service skills, and ability to handle busy shifts. The more experience you have, the more confident you’ll be in handling various situations behind the bar. It’s essential to highlight your experience on your resume and during interviews to stand out from other candidates.
While certifications such as food handlers certificates and tips cards may not be mandatory for all bartending positions, they can enhance your employability, especially for jobs in large venues like sports arenas or concert halls. These certifications demonstrate your commitment to professionalism, safety, and the ability to handle responsible alcohol service.
In conclusion, gaining experience in bartending is crucial for success in this profession. Starting as a barback, joining temp services and catering companies, and highlighting your experience during the hiring process will greatly improve your prospects of securing a bartending position. Remember, experience is often the key factor that bar managers consider when making hiring decisions, so focus on acquiring hands-on experience to become a skilled and confident bartender.
Certifications and Licenses
When pursuing a career as a bartender, obtaining the necessary certifications and licenses is essential. These credentials not only enhance your knowledge and skills but also demonstrate your commitment to professionalism and responsible service. In this section, we will explore two important certifications – the Food Handlers Certificate and Tips Card – as well as the specific requirements for obtaining a Bartending License in Virginia.
Food Handlers Certificate and Tips Card
Having a Food Handlers Certificate and/or a Tips Card can be beneficial for bartenders, especially when applying for jobs in large venues like sports arenas or concert halls. These certifications are often mandatory in such establishments and can improve your prospects (Quora).
The Food Handlers Certificate is designed to educate individuals on proper food safety practices, including handling, preparation, and storage. It ensures that bartenders have a solid understanding of foodborne illnesses, cross-contamination prevention, and other important aspects of food safety.
On the other hand, the Tips Card (Training for Intervention Procedures) focuses on responsible alcohol service. It equips bartenders with the knowledge and skills to identify signs of intoxication, handle difficult situations, and prevent alcohol-related incidents. Obtaining a Tips Card demonstrates your commitment to promoting responsible drinking and creating a safe environment for customers.
Bartending License in Virginia
While Virginia does not require a statewide bartending license, alcohol servers may need permits in certain localities. The specific requirements for obtaining a Bartending License may vary depending on the county or city where you plan to work. It is important to research and comply with the regulations of your local jurisdiction.
In Virginia, you can complete the necessary training for a Bartending License at your own pace through an online course. The licensing exam can be taken whenever you feel prepared, and in some cases, you may even receive the license on the same day. Most online certifying programs allow a timeframe of up to six months to earn the license, but motivated individuals can complete the process in a matter of hours.
It’s important to note that the cost of bartending certification in Virginia is approximately $15, while costs in other states may range from $12 to $35. However, it’s worth mentioning that bartending schools focusing on advanced bartending skills may have higher costs, ranging from $200 to $600.
By obtaining these certifications and licenses, you demonstrate your commitment to professionalism, responsible service, and compliance with local regulations. It’s crucial to stay up to date with the specific requirements in your area and invest in the necessary training to excel in your bartending career. For more information on the responsibilities and skills required for bartenders, check out our article on bartender responsibilities.
Tips for Getting Hired as a Bartender
When aspiring to become a bartender, there are several tips and strategies that can enhance your chances of getting hired. From setting goals to following up with hiring managers, these steps can help you stand out in the competitive job market.
Setting Goals
Setting clear and actionable goals is an essential step in becoming a successful bartender. By outlining your career objectives and breaking them down into smaller milestones, you can stay focused and motivated on your path to becoming a bartender. Studies have shown that students who practice serious goal setting, including writing their goals down, tend to make more money in their bartending careers. Having a clear vision of where you want to go can guide your actions and help you make strategic decisions along the way.
Following Up with Hiring Managers
Following up with hiring managers after submitting your application or attending an interview is a critical step in the hiring process. Research has shown that only a small percentage of customers make a purchase after the fourth contact, yet many salespeople give up after the second attempt. By following up four or five times with hiring managers, you increase your chances of staying top-of-mind and standing out from other candidates (The Real Barman). Sending a polite and professional follow-up email or making a phone call can demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
Importance of Goal Setting
Goal setting is not only important for your personal development but also for the attention it grabs from hiring managers. Employers value candidates who are driven, focused, and have a clear direction in their career. When you articulate your goals during interviews or in your resume, it showcases your determination and commitment to the craft of bartending. Highlighting your aspirations can help you create a positive impression and set you apart from other applicants.
Standing Out in the Hiring Process
In a competitive job market, it’s crucial to find ways to stand out from the crowd. While experience is often the most critical factor considered by bar managers when hiring bartenders, there are other ways to make yourself memorable. Consider:
- Showcasing your personality and passion for mixology during interviews.
- Highlighting any relevant customer service experience or skills.
- Demonstrating your knowledge of different drink recipes and techniques.
- Providing examples of times when you went above and beyond for customers or colleagues.
- Showcasing your ability to handle high-pressure situations and multitask effectively.
By emphasizing your unique qualities and demonstrating your commitment to providing exceptional service, you can increase your chances of getting hired as a bartender.
Remember, while it’s important to have goals and stand out in the hiring process, gaining experience remains a critical factor for employment as a bartender (Quora). Consider starting as a barback, joining a temp service or catering company, or seeking opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the industry (Quora). With determination, persistence, and a focus on continuous learning, you can navigate the path to becoming a successful bartender.
