Hey guys

Long story cut short, I want to start a career in the bar business as it's a job with many life oppertunities such as great money, sociality and a great place to observe the mistakes guys make when on the pick up. My only problem is, and I find this very embarrasing. I am finding it very hard to get a job at a bar. I think it's the way I am approaching it but I don't know. I would appreciate it if anyone who is working in as a bartender or even worked as one would share any tips or strategies that could help me get a job there. I will offer advice on your post as a thank you to helping me.

AFCCoffee

_________________
"At the end of the day these are women's lives we're dealing with, not mere entertainment."

"We are what we repeatedly do. excellence therefore is a habit and not an act."

Kinda bumping your post since this is something I was looking to try too. But you'd probably need to start as a bar-back or kitchen staff and work your way up to the front. There's all kinds of need for part time work at these places where you can get your foot in the door.

There are probably some workshops or classes to attend.

Also, try both getting to work as close to the customers as possible, that is Bartender is better than bar help which is better than kitchen staff. Start in a low-end bar - that is, get a not-so-fancy bar job first (because there you can actually get a close-to-the-customer kind of job). It will give you valuable experience and the ability to say that you've actually worked as a bartender.

With that experience on your resumé, take the back way into the bar that you'd like to work in. This way, it will be much easier for you to avoid getting "stuck" in the kitchen.

Edit: Not an expert bartender, but have worked in quite a few clubs and restaurants (mainly as a waiter, tho).

It can be rather difficult getting into bar work because they mostly employ females, or those with previous experience.
I was lucky and managed to get a bar job by glass collecting at age 16, then being promoted. Was in that job for 4 years. Knew nothing about the game at the time, so it was time wasted in that sense, but I learned a lot about being sociable and getting along with people you normally wouldn't.
Large nightclubs have masses of staff too - mostly attractive females, which is another bonus. That job introduced me to the world.

I am also looking for a bar job right now for the same reason you are.

All I can suggest is let them know you like interacting with customers, and be upbeat, fashionable and clean. Good luck.

You need heaps experience.

If your working in a club for ex. one of the bigger clubs (not so sure about bars or smaller clubs). If they call you in for an interview they take a good look at you. I mean, they check your hair, your clothing (fashion sense), body language, whether or not you smile. ALL that shit. They would rather hire a presentable guy with 1 month experience than a fucked up looking guy with 3 years experience.

Depending on where you live, you may need a licence to serve alcohol. You may also need experience in making all the drinks. Although some places teach you how to make their drinks (especially if they have their own drinks which aren't that well known).

Do you have any experience in customer service? fast food? coffee? anything like that?
Because working in a busy nightclub bar is 1000x more hectic than that.
It's also stressful if you are working on busy nights when drunk/violent people come in.

I'm only talking from experience, so some nightclubs may vary.

I've heard from several friends who work in clubs who actually included a photo of themselves in the resume :S
I never did that, but they said it could help.

Right...the country you're in might affect how this works.

This should not be complicated...
Here is my advice for working in bars (I never worked in a club)
First of all find a bar, a local, a watering hole, some place where everybody knows you name... befriend the staff and management, if you are getting on ok ask them if there are any jobs available or if they can recommend some place for you to try. If not find another bar and repeat this step.

If you are going to hand your CV/resume to bars feel free to lie about previous experience

If you have a friend who works in a bar ask him/her if they can show you the basics..how to pour a pint, pour a measure of whiskey, change the keg etc...

Unless you want to be a cook say balls to working in the kitchen...for your purpose that would be like wanting to see a film, going to the cinema and then staying in the lobby for the whole show.

If needs be find a dive bar, get some know how and start networking with other bar staff.

"I took the jeers and drank the beers and crawled back home at dawn
And ended up a barman in the morning."

Good luck

Thanks guys for the advice. I'll have you know that from last saturday I was employed as a bartender working for a 4 star hotel. Wasn't exactly the scenery I was looking for but it's a start.

AFCCoffee

_________________
"At the end of the day these are women's lives we're dealing with, not mere entertainment."

"We are what we repeatedly do. excellence therefore is a habit and not an act."

Congrats man!
Learn all you can, and find yourself some rich Suger Mommy!