How do I become a bartender?

If you are looking for a second job to help make ends meet, then you may consider becoming a bartender. Even if you already have a full-time job during the day, working a few hours at night might be the perfect arrangement for you. For that matter, anyone looking for a career change could find the job as a bartender very satisfying. The potential to earn a substantial amount of money in tips in addition to salary is also attractive. So how do you become a bartender, especially if you have no prior experience?

The job requirements are usually quite different from most other jobs. While it can be helpful to have at least some hospitality industry experience, the basic skill really needed is knowing how to pour beer from a tap and how to make popular drinks. Even in the last department, most waiters have a "cookbook" to refer to in case a request for an unfamiliar beverage comes up. So, don't assume you don't have what it takes to become a bartender just because you don't know how to mix a Bahama Mama on top of your head.

Some people think that the sure way to get a job as a bartender is to go to bartending school. This might be a great way to educate yourself on how to operate a blender and cut fruit into fancy shapes, but it really won't teach you anything practical about the art of being a successful bartender. Your special brand of interaction with your customers is what will keep the tipped glass overflowing, not whether or not you put a paper umbrella in your drink.

The best way to learn how to become a bartender is to spend a lot of time observing someone who is already at work. After all, most people are flattered to receive this kind of attention and will easily share the tricks of the trade. Extend your personal interest to the bar owner as well, as this is the person you might be pitching for the job. When the right moment presents itself, you can convince the bar owner to let you pour yourself a few drinks, or even spend a night or two at the helm of the bar. As long as you are careful to avoid creating an atmosphere of competition, the resident bartender will appreciate having a backup when they need time off.

However, before you commit to becoming a bartender, keep in mind that it is not all glitz and glamor. For one thing, you'll spend a lot of time on your feet. Plan on having to rush non-stop too, especially if your stronghold is a popular nightclub or lounge.

There are also some qualities required to become a bartender. For one thing, the job requires excellent listening skills, an easy manner, and patience. Make no mistake about it: When you become a bartender, you also become a confidant, a therapist, and an expert in preventing people from engaging in inappropriate behavior. You will also likely have to handle certain security issues at times. For example, you need to know when to politely stop serving a customer and offer to call them a taxi.

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