Bartending is a fun and challenging career, that allows you to work in an exciting atmosphere, making friends and acquaintances, and joining people during their most celebrated and joyous occasions. However the path to becoming a bartender can be daunting, with hidden challenges lurking in the shadows, and difficulties arising at every turn. However all you need is diligence, skill, and perseverance, and you can attain a profitable and enlightening career serving drinks to appreciative patrons.
It is a common misconception that you have to go to Bartending School and get certified to become a bartender. Nothing could be further from the truth. Most bartenders have no formal training at all, and many were simply promoted from lower level jobs such as waiter or bus boy.
However Bartending School and certification can help you on this career path in a variety of ways. First, it will give you some training in mixed drinks, and will help to familiarize yourself with the working of a bar. Second, the certification that you receive, while not worth that much on the job market, will at least show a potential employer that you are knowledgeable and have some basic knowledge of how the profession works, and the various recipes that are requested.
The most important thing that Bartending School can afford you is if they offer some sort of job placement. Many bartending schools will work with restaurants and bars, to help place successful students in entry level positions upon successful completion of the course. This can be a major boost, helping you to break the ice and get that all important first job.
However as stated earlier, it is not at all necessary to get training to become a bartender. The most common path to this goal is to get promoted. That means that you have to get a job working in a restaurant, or a bar. Preferably this job should be somehow related to the bar, or serving beverages. This can include being a bar back, or a bartenders assistant.
Once you have a position that is somehow related to the bar, you should work hard to prove yourself to your employers. Be diligent, work hard, and fill in any gaps that other employees may leave open. Whenever possible make yourself useful to the bartenders on staff, and try to learn as much from them as possible.
If you are looking for a new position as a bartender, one way to find a job is to do “the walk”. This is a common experience for wait staff and restaurant employees. It involves walking up and down the street, in the neighborhood where you live, and popping into every establishment, and simply asking if they need help. You should bring a resume that has any pertinent experience that you may have typed up neatly. Even if the place doesn’t need help right away, they can file your resume, and if a position opens up, they may call you.
Another version of “the walk” has you opening up the yellow pages, and cold calling every restaurant or bar listed asking for help. Always be polite, and respectful. When you call, try to speak to the owner or manager, as they are the ones who will make the ultimate decision about your employment possibilities.
Bartending can be a rewarding and lucrative position, allowing you to earn a good living doing something in a fun and active environment. However you have to be diligent, and willing to work your way up, in order to get a good position that will ultimately fulfill your goals.
This article was written by Jim Slate. PebbleZ.com is home to the world’s largest collection of natural stone beverage coasters, including the highly absorbent, stylish, and functional sandstone drink coasters. If you are looking for upscale, affordable, functional accessories for your restaurant or bar, consider visiting PebbleZ.com