Message 4656 of 22774 in Behind the Bar

Share on Facebook |  Save to del.icio.us

> Hi all. I've been lurking for a while, thanks for all the great posts 
> and replies. I have a question maybe someone can help me with. I'm a 
> "newbie" bartender, fresh out of bartending school and have a 
> question. Who would you ask for when seeking employment at certain 
> places??? For instance:
> 
> 1. Applying for a job at a hotel (like Hilton, Marriott)? Do they 
> have an HR department at each hotel or just ask for a manager? or bar 
> manager?
> 
> 2. An "exclusive" type yacht club. Do you just call and ask them if 
> they're hiring?
> 
> 3. What about a club with late hours? Say 7-2pm? (I know at 
> restaurants it's best to go around 2-4pm, the slow time). Is it best 
> to go to a club at 7 and just ask for a manager?
> 
> 4. Do you ask the working bartender if they're hiring? 
> 
> 5. Do all restaurants want you to work as a server before moving onto 
> bartending? (this has been what i've found out).
> 
> I don't know if it makes a difference, but I live in a large city 
> (Houston)...
> 
> Any and all information about getting that first job would be greatly 
> appreciated. Thanks in advance!
> 
> Craig

First thing, you need to express concern to your bartending school as to why 
they did not throughly cover getting your first job. I put much effort into 
this aspect of my courses. I cover the following on the last day: Obsticles of 
getting a job with only bartending school as experience. How to dress for an 
interview. Where to look for a first job. Resumes, etc. 

Here's my brief checklist:
- Never apply at a bar you have not visited at least once. You will be asked 
if you have ever been there and most mgrs frown on hiring tenders that have 
never bothered to patronize their place.
- Never let the manager know you are out canvasing the area with applications. 
Tell them, "I've been here a few times and I really want to work at YOUR bar."
- Make note of the tenders dress/uniform and apply for a job dressed one step 
above. If they wear jeans and t-shirts, you wear slacks and a golf shirt 
(collar and tapered sleeves). If they are in a tux, then you wear a simple 
black and white suit.
- Never apply with a bartender. Always ask for the manager or owner. Large 
chains (like hotels) will have an HR department.
- Use a resume for chain corporations. They are paperwork people and a typed 
resume will standout. Make sure it is 1 page (no more than 2).
- Apply in person whenever possible. I find success rates are much higher than 
blanket mailings. You may have to go by 3-5 times until you find an owner or 
manager present. You can always call during their busier times and ask when 
they take applications (just don't tell them who you are, they may not like 
the fact that you called during a busy time).
- Do not apply at the big money high volume place as a first job. I don't care 
what a hot shot you were in class. Getting a job at a high volume place is 
like buying a 16 year old a corvette as their first car. They will crash and 
burn. Get a job at a slow paced bar (hotel, restaurant, country club, etc.) 
and learn the ropes. Then, when you are ready apply at places that are more 
challenging.
- Many restaurants will want you to wait tables before tending. They do this 
for either one or both of the following; It's a carrot to keep wait staff 
strung along and/or to get you used to all aspects of the place and more 
familiar with the menu. Not all will require this but many do.
- Here in OKC, my students (guys) would average one interview for every 6-8 
applications. So, just smile everytime you get a "no" because that means you 
are one more step closer to a "yes."

Hope that helps


-- 
Brian
Bartender, bartending instructor, videographer and graphic artist.
http://www.batescreativeservices.com

Q: "So, if I serve you a Cape Cod in a cocktail glass does that make it a 
Captini?"