Between college graduation season, summer job seekers and the slowing economy, competition for high-paying bartending positions has increased dramatically.
To help those seeking bartending jobs prepare for interviews and positions in this growing field, the American Bartending Association has put together a collection of tips for a successful bartending job search: 1.
Know your drinks -- and your implements.
The first step to becoming a professional bartender is knowing your way around the bar, from basic, common recipes to advanced information like proper glassware for specialty drinks and how to count a pour.
2.
Take regulations seriously.
Bartending may be fun and exciting, but there is more to the job than hanging out all night in a bar.
To be taken seriously in an interview or with your employer, you need to know the laws about serving alcohol in your state and what your liability is as a bartender.
3.
Be prepared for anything.
As a professional bartender, you have to be ready for the unexpected all of the time: Counting the till, tracking cash flow, handling rowdy guests and even cleaning up after closing all require extra attention that goes far beyond simply pouring and serving.
4.
Show your commitment to the profession.
In a competitive job market, it's important to stand out from the crowd.
One way to show potential employers that you're serious about your career is through certification.
You can get this either through a school, or even an online bartender school, and then pass a certification test.
The added benefits of bartender certification is that it will actually teach you what you need to know to get started in your new career.
While anyone can learn a series of drinks from a book, certification shows that you have put time and effort into learning this new craft, and not just someone walking in from the street who needs a job.
5.
Stay at the top of your game.
Once you've earned certification, you will need to keep current.
Just learning the ropes isn't enough to stay ahead in this competitive field.
Instead, you need to constantly hone your skills and stay up to date on trends and regulation changes.
One way to do this is through membership in a professional bartending organizations.
Here, members can receive regulatory updates, popular new drink recipes, industry news and more.
Bartending really is one of the most rewarding jobs you can get, particularly if you don't want your job to be the focus of your life.
If your days are busy because you are a student finishing your degree, or an actor auditioning for parts, or a mother taking care of her kids, bartending jobs let you earn a part-time living while carrying on with the rest of your life.
As long as you are willing to put in the time building your career with it early on, you can rest on this job as often as you need to throughout your life.
Because someone in your town is always hiring a bartender.