Photo by Marcus Herzberg
Working in a bar or pub can seem like an exciting career. The late nights, social atmosphere, and potential for tips probably fuels the fantasies of many prospective bartenders. However, the reality of the job involves much more than just serving drinks and chatting with customers. Working in a bar requires stamina, multi-tasking skills, and dealing with all types of clients. So, do you really have what it takes to handle the demands of a busy bar?
Skills Needed for Bartending
Bartending requires certain skills beyond just mixing and serving drinks. When seeking a bartending position, be sure to build a strong resume that highlights your relevant experience. And don’t forget to use the free CV maker from Adobe to polish the presentation. Here are some of the most important abilities needed to succeed as a bartender:
Multi-Tasking: A good bartender must be able to juggle multiple tasks at once. You’ll need to greet customers, take orders, prepare drinks, accept payments, check IDs, restock supplies, and keep your area clean—sometimes all at the same time! The ability to multi-task is crucial.
Customer Service: Strong customer service skills are a must. You’ll need patience, friendliness, and the ability to diffuse tense situations or cut off overserved patrons. Providing an enjoyable experience for your customers is a key part of the job.
Physical Stamina: Bartending can be physically demanding. You may be on your feet for 8+ hours, doing constant bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying. Good stamina is required to get through a busy shift.
Organisation and Efficiency: Keeping track of orders, managing your supplies, and working quickly are necessary talents. You need to stay organised and work efficiently to keep customers happy.
Basic Maths Skills: While most POS systems calculate change for you, you still need basic maths skills for taking orders, adding up tabs, and handling cash transactions smoothly. Comfort with numbers is important.
Knowledge of Spirits/Cocktails: Understanding spirits, beer, wine, and classic cocktail recipes is part of the job. Strong knowledge helps you make and recommend drinks, answer questions, and satisfy patrons.
Other Important Traits for Bartenders
In addition to concrete skills, certain personality traits and intangibles also contribute to success as a bartender. Consider if you have these qualities:
- Outgoing and friendly: Feel comfortable chatting with strangers and making customers feel welcome.
- Level-headed: Stay calm under pressure and handle difficult people or situations rationally.
- Responsible: Take the duties seriously and avoid overconsumption while working.
- Honest: Handle cash transactions ethically and don’t drink on the job.
- Appearance: Look clean, neat, and stylish. Care about your image.
- Passion for hospitality: Genuinely enjoy serving others and aim to create a great guest experience.
- Optimistic attitude: Project a positive, upbeat energy. Don’t get frustrated easily.
- Stamina: Stay energised and focused during long shifts. Get sufficient rest between working hours.
If you naturally possess many of these traits, you likely have the right personality and attitude to thrive as a bartender. These qualities go a long way in creating a welcoming bar atmosphere.
Dealing with the Downsides of the Job
While bartending has its perks, there are also some tough aspects of the work. Here are a few potential downsides to consider:
- Irregular hours and late nights
- Being on your feet all day
- Dealing with unruly, intoxicated, or rude customers
- Occasional long shifts with no breaks
- Handling a high volume of orders during peaks
- Securing reliable transportation for late nights
- Loud music and noisy atmosphere
The job definitely requires stamina and patience at times. Those with tendencies toward moodiness, irritability, or intolerance may struggle. But approaching the work with positivity and professionalism can make the challenges much more manageable.
Presentation Matters
In the bartending business, presentation and image count. Here are some tips for looking sharp:
- Maintain good hygiene and grooming. Look clean and tidy.
- Wear clean, pressed uniforms or stylish all-black outfits.
- Have neat, trimmed hairstyles and minimal accessories.
- Give off an energetic, friendly vibe. Smile!
- If allowed, express personal flair in your appearance.
- Wear comfortable, slip-resistant shoes. Focus on safety.
Your overall look impacts the guest experience. Aim for style that aligns with your bar’s atmosphere and conveys professionalism.
Bartending can be a fun and lively career for those with the right mix of abilities and traits. Make sure to honestly evaluate if you have the people skills, resilience, focus, and passion needed to handle the demands of the job. If you believe you can rise to the challenges, get ready to start mixing drinks and creating a welcoming space for customers to relax. Just remember that hard work, responsibility, and a great attitude go a long way in being a successful bartender.