Life On The Other Side Of The Bar

By Author: David Villa
Total Articles: 26
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Start with your connections
Your connections can be divided in two parties: the people you know and the places you like to go to. Because those are probably the locations where you want to work yourself. Right? So without any experience, start with a list of all the places you'd like to work. For example the bars you visit often. The staff probable knows you because you're a regular customer. Use this in your advantage. Start out with the person managing the joint, you're likely to end up with that person if you've got a job talk.

Spread your chances
So you start with the manager. Changes are high that this one works behind the bar like the rest of the crew. If you know several people in several bars, you'll visit them all. Don't just focus on one of your locations. Now let's say you're a normal person that doesn't nag or provoke. If you don't make any trouble during the nights you're there, you're quickly on the right foot with the employees. So what's the problem with mentioning you're looking for a job? You've already shown you're a decent person, there's always a chance that they like you.

Feel ...
... the vibes
You've obviously been to a bar before; otherwise it would be weird for you to work there. So why don't you sit down at the bar and just watch the bartender do their job. You can learn a lot from other people's tricks and habits. How do they take orders, which glass belongs to what drink? Always good to know, for example with cocktails.

Home improvement
Practice at home with pouring drinks. Especially those mix-drinks can be a challenge, so look up what goes into which drink. The ingredients are great to know, if you know them already it shows you're capable of remembering thing, but it also highlights the fact that you're eager to learn. Again: watch the bartender. What does he do in between orders? Cleaning glasses, refilling bottles, there's all kinds of stuff to learn just by watching.

Send an application letter
This one doesn't really apply if you already know the people you should talk to. In that case is a matter of talking one on one and suggesting if maybe it's possible for you to do a test run. But if you're playing it the official way (and this is actually the hard way), you'll need one hell of an application letter. One that points out your enthusiasm and everything you need to convince the manager to take on someone without experience. Sounds easier than it is! The lack of experience can seriously be compensated by an awful lot of enthusiasm.

Show interest in a lot of new things
If you've played things nicely, the employers know your face and probably your attitude. This is a serious pro in the whole applying situation. If you've shown enthusiasm but also a kind heart that's willing to work hard, who's going to say no? The lack of experience can actually be an advantage as well. Because you're not formed into a full on bartender yet, people can have their way with you. So they can create their own personal perfect employee! It's actually a dream for employers, someone they can turn into the perfect apprentice. Use this factor in your advantage, if you play your cards right you'll end up with a job in a place you know and love!

Though you might not feel that way, it's possible to obtain a cool job without relevant experience. Even the most experienced start out somewhere, right? You can do it, that's a promise. Take a look at the many job offers (orvacatures horeca) for bars, hotels and restaurants!