(Bartending Schools, Bar Apprenticeships, Certificates, & Tips on Getting Hired)
Ever thought about becoming a bartender, but didn’t know how to get your foot in the door? It’s pretty easy, and there are two main ways to go about it. First, you should know why you want to become a bartender and what kind of bartender you want to become. Will you be doing this as a side hustle or do you want a career in the bar industry? Would you like to be a club bartender slinging Jack & Cokes and shooters or do you want to be a craft bartender that does everything with precision? Knowing the answer to these questions will tell you how much energy you’ll want to put into your training.
Opt 1. Go to a Generic Bartending School
(Best for the part-time bartender with little work experience)
This should cost you no more than $200, and the course will last about two weeks. They probably will say that the course is on sale and that if you purchase now, you will be able to start classes later if that’s better for your schedule. This is usually a lie; it is their standard price so don’t feel pressured to lock in that rate, you should only sign up for the course when you have the time to complete it as there are no refunds. The class is about 2 hours a day, five days a week for two weeks. They should have different times of day available, and you can go through the course at your own pace. You also should be able to retake the test if need be.
The instructor will show you how to make drinks behind a bar using colored water and plastic garnishes; then the students will imitate. Students will be given a general overview of spirits and a recipe list that you later will be tested on in a written and practical final exam. After passing the exam, you will receive a certificate issued by the school and most will you help with your resume and job placement.
This option is best suited for someone that wants to bartend as a side job and isn’t concerned with proper technique. These schools teach the quick and easy way of bartending. Their recipes are usually different from the classics, and they do not pay attention to proper methods. For example, shaking gin martinis or using sweet and sour mix from the gun. If you do choose this option and later decide you want to be a better bartender you will have to forget what you learned in bartending school and retrain yourself.
I almost did not want to recommend generic bartending schools for the aforementioned reasons, but decided against it because they do have their advantages. They offer practical training, and there is usually at least one in every county. It’s how I got into bartending: I had worked in restaurants before as a server, and within a few days of getting my certificate I landed a full-time bartending position in a fine-dining restaurant.
*Note- There are a select few of outstanding bartending schools that will cost you a pretty penny. It’s best to enroll in these programs to perfect your craft after you’ve been in the industry a while, so you know if you’re suited for the job before making that kind of financial investment.
Opt 2. Work Your Way Up
(Best for the long-term bartender)
Find a reputable bar or restaurant you want to work at and start as a barback, or any position available. Do your research and show your enthusiasm to learn. You should be studying on your own. Get a few good bar books and do online research on spirits and cocktail recipes.
The amount of time it will take to move up to a bartender will vary widely depending on a variety of factors that can include your experience, personality, looks, how quickly you learn, and when a position becomes available. It could be anywhere between a few months to a couple of years. In fact, some of the best bars in the world, such as Employees Only in New York, require that their bartenders start as barbacks. They do this to ensure that employees are trained to their standards. Some actually prefer that you not have experience. They are more interested in you having the right personality and willingness to learn. That way they don’t have to break any bad habits and can mold you into the bartender they want you to become. Moreover, if you can land an apprenticeship with a renowned bartender, it will significantly help solidify your career. The only downside to this option is that it could take a couple of years, but you will be making an income and learning from the best.
Certifications
Whichever method you choose, consider getting an online certificate from BarSmarts to build your foundation of knowledge in spirits and mixology. It’s an inexpensive online education program with 100% accurate information. They also offer a 1-day in-person training event from leaders in the industry. Check their website to see when they will be in your area.
Every state has different certifications that are required by law for a person to serve food and alcohol. In California, they are ServSafe, STARS, & TIPS. Check with your local state to find out what you’ll need in your area. If you have any of these certifications before you apply to a job, it will make your resume more appealing, but many places will pay for you to get them after you are hired
Tips on the Job Hunt!
Landing a job is a numbers game: the more places you apply, the higher your chance is of getting hired. Make a list of places you want to work and put them in order of importance. If you want to work at an establishment that is not hiring there is no harm in putting in your resume every few months, it’s very easy for them to get buried in the pile and it shows initiative.
Make sure that you have a professional looking resume, even if you do not have related work experience it is still necessary to show your work ethic. Make sure to briefly explain any gaps in employment longer than a few months. If you need some ideas on where to get started, click here to see examples of resumes, you can use the basic layout and customize it to your needs. Using premium paper or adding a clear thumbnail picture of yourself can help you stand out from the crowd.
Do online research on each establishment and get to know their menu and concept before your first interview. Write down anything noteworthy. Look to see if their website has a careers section and apply online. If not the best times to go in are Mon-Thurs from 3-5. These are the slow hours between the lunch and dinner shift when a manager is more likely to be available. Never go in unannounced at a peak time—always bring a pen. You should have relevant information ready to fill out an application, such as dates, addresses, and references. Ask the host if you can speak to a manager. If that person denies your request, I suggest asking a second time politely. Hosts can act as gatekeepers, sometimes unnecessarily.
Consider doing some power poses before you hit the pavement! In a blind study interviewees that did power poses before they interviewed were more likely to be hired. Make sure you have a go-to interview outfit, don’t worry about what to wear on the day of the interview; especially for ones that pop up on short notice. When in doubt—wear black.
Happy Hunting~
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