How to Become a Bartender
It might have just been the alcohol talking the other night when you exclaimed you wanted to become a bartender. Then again, the desire to become a bartender might have been real. There’s just something glamorous and exotic about the way a bartender pours the drinks and shakes them up. The fast paced occupation might be just what you need to shake things up a little. Even if you know absolutely nothing about alcohol, it is possible to become a bartender and make good money while you’re doing it.
Traditionally, a person could become a bartender by first working as a barback. The barback acts as an assistant to the bartender and learns the business of a bartender before taking over the position. The barback does such duties as keeping the liquor and ice stocked, keeping the glasses clean, and cleaning the bar counter. While the barback does these duties he or she also pays close attention to the bartender in order to learn the drinks and the art of making them. Once a bartender position opens, the barback can apply for the position.
Over the past few decades, more and more bartender schools have opened. If you do not want to work as a barback first, you can learn about becoming a bartender by attending Bartending School. There, you will learn about a hundred or more different kinds of drinks and how to make them. Many schools can also help in locating bartender positions once the course is complete. There are also online schools that can help you learn how to become a bartender. There is no certification needed to become a bartender. Once you know the ropes, you can apply for a bartender position in whatever bar you would like.
Those who wish to make bartending their career occupation work to increase their knowledge of the different drinks. They learn the history of the alcohol, how it is made, its current and past popularity, and other information about the drinks. Whether you go this far in your knowledge as a bartender or not, it is important that you know the different tastes of alcohol and which tastes complement each other. It is also important to know as a bartender which tastes do not go well together and which kinds of alcohol do not mix well together.
If you have friends or family that work in or manage a bar, you can ask them if there are any open positions for a bartender. The bar that you frequent on Friday nights is also a great place to look for a bartender position once you feel confident that you can work the position. You can put together a resume to use when talking with the bar manager about a bartender position. Come up with a sales pitch about how great you are, how fast you learn, how creative you are, and how well you can adapt. Don’t be afraid to start out at an entry level bartender position and salary. You will be able to work your way up and supplement your salary with tips as you become better at your bartender position. Most importantly make sure you know your stuff. This is one of the most important aspects of being a bartender.
