This is no secret: Already having a job in a restaurant or bar is the quickest way for inexperienced bartenders to get their first bartending job. Go out and get a food server job! Or, maybe even a job as a cook, parking cars, room service, or a busboy. The whole idea here is to get your foot in the door. Side Note: In my opinion, the second best way to get your first bartending job is to apply at hotels and become a banquet bartender. I discuss Banquet Bartending in Section 14 – the previous section. I highly recommend this strategy – especially if you need a job immediately. Getting yo ..read more

Q. Why is this lesson important? A. Looking your best is a no-brainer for getting job as a bartender. Actually, this applies to getting any job out there – in any industry. Smokers and heavy drinkers should pay particular attention to this lesson. Q. Will this lesson help me get a bartending job? A. Yes, probably. Most people understand the importance of presenting themselves well during an interview. Your personal appearance says a lot about you – get it together! Side Note: If your appearance is impeccable, you don’t smoke, and you rarely, if ever, drink or have a hang over – then you have m ..read more

Banquet Bartending – the most under appreciated type of bartending ever! Banquet bartending is a great place to get your bartending start – and add additional income to your monthly salary. Watch the video below, and then see my additional notes. There are only two lessons in Section 14 here: This Introductory lesson and Lesson 2 that really gets into it. The reason that it’s a shorter section is that there is so much about banquet bartending that is the same as regular bartending. BUT – there’s some really cool stuff that’s new in the next lesson and I really want you to consider banquet bar ..read more

You got the job. Congratulations! Your First 30 Days As A Bartender is a crucial time. Now, it’s time to buckle down, establish your work ethic, and start making some real money. I know – the first 30 days of work at any new job can be a bit stressful. This is a very short introductory lesson. I just wanted to give you my version, based on a ton of experience, of what you should and should not be doing during your first 30 days as a brand-new bartender. Your First 30 Days As a Bartender is Crucial Let me be very clear here: You are actively working as a bartender. You are now in “Bartender A ..read more

This is a very short and to the point lesson. Give it a quick read and re-visit once you land your first bartending job. As I mentioned in the previous lesson, here’s a list of Do’s and Don’ts to follow during your first 30 days on your new bartending job: Don’t… Don’t drink on the job. Even if you’re in a state where it’s legal and House Policy says it’s OK every now and then. Please – get your bearings first! Figure out what’s going on, and then make an informed decision. Don’t be late for work. I think this goes without saying. Don’t call in sick. I know – if you’re really s ..read more

Of course you need a resume and cover letter. I’m going to provide you with some nice templates for both of these essential items that will work extremely well. The Food and Beverage Industry has changed throughout the years in their hiring practices – specifically, what they’re looking for in resumes. Important: You can download the example resume and cover letters from the “Materials” link at the top of this page. I have also added a couple of additional downloads (Excel Spreadsheets), so you can keep track of your interview and resume submissions. All of these documents can also be found i ..read more

This is the only lesson in this Section. After this – you’re done. Congratulations! You’ve made it. You have your first bartending job. You’re working full time at a good restaurant and/or bar, and starting to haul in some decent cash. Now what? Chances are, your first bartending job isn’t what you would call the “perfect bartending job.” No, you grabbed the first job available in order to gain some experience – as you should have. You have made it through your first 30 days as a bartender (discussed in the previous section), and now it’s now time to start thinking about your future as a bart ..read more

Q. Is this section important for landing that first bartending job? A. Yes. As I have said many times throughout this course – you have to bring something to the table. You have no experience, so showing the interviewer that you’re taking this stuff seriously by practicing at home will go a long way towards landing that job. Q. Will interviewer’s ask me if I have practiced my pouring? A. Maybe. Again, they’ll know that you have no experience. When you get to the next Section, Section 16 – Interview Tips, I’ll be showing you how to slip this little nugget (attending bartending school and practi ..read more

Q. Will this lesson help me get my first bartending job? A. Yes, probably. In many states, bartenders are required to have Alcohol Awareness and/or Food Handler’s Cards. You will have a decided advantage over other applicants if you already have these items and training in your possession. Count on it. Q. Will I be asked anything about a Food Handler’s Card or Alcohol Awareness Training during the interview? A. You might. I always asked applicants if they had their Food Handler’s Card. I never worked in a State where Alcohol Awareness Training was required – but if I did, I would certainly ask ..read more

As you have probably heard me say many times throughout the course, banquet bartending is a great place to get your start. And, it’s also a wonderful way to make some extra money. Watch the video below: This is one of the longer lessons in the course. I want to make sure that you’re aware of everything about how Banquet Bartending works. Yes, you will interview a bit differently for this type of job than you would a regular bartending job. I’ll show you the differences – but don’t forget that there is more information on preparing for the interview process for bartending jobs in Section 15 “J ..read more