- 1). Take a course online or read a couple books about how to make drinks. The actual technical part of bartending is the easiest part. It's the people-skills that are the toughest to master.
- 2). Offer to work a couple hours, or a whole shift, for free. You make more in tips anyway as a bartender, so you won't be working for free, just saving the owner a few bucks while she evaluates your performance.
- 3). Spiff up your resume by pulling out any past experience that transfers well to tending bar. Any work experience in the hospitality or restaurant industry is relevant, and other type of retail experience may also be helpful. Being able to work under pressure, getting along well with all kinds of people, and being able to take criticism and bad manners in stride are all qualities that a good bartender has in big doses.
- 4). Show off your sparking personality during the interview. Let the owner or hiring manager see what a positive attitude you can bring to the bar or restaurant. Most managers are happy to teach a new bartender how to use the drink-making manual. However, they cannot train someone to be happy and cheerful.
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