Message 10009 of 22774 in Behind the Bar

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This is a long email - but to those needing the info. they may get something 
out of it, sorry.

First, I agree, that you're first gig will be the hardest to get. Second, if 
you truly believe you already know everything you need to be a good tender 
then you're really going to annoy any co-workers who actually DO know how to 
bartend.

Here's my top ten list of Need To Know/Do When Applying for a Job;


1. Before you apply anywhere - Checkout potential employeers first. Visit them 
during the times you are hoping to be working. See what the crowd is like 
(large, small, quiet, rowdy, etc.). Ask yourself - Is there any money to be 
made here? Can I learn anything here? Does this establishment meet any of my 
personal and professional goals? Can I get along with the crowd? Do I like the 
way they have employees dress and act? What types of drinks do they serve and 
what specials do they routinely have?

2. If you are new to tending, then DO NOT apply at your "dream bar." Odds are 
you won't get the job, you have little if any experience interviewing for a 
tending job, and if you do somehow luck into the job, you will screw up and 
get fired. You will forever be haunted by the tending job that got away. Pick 
places you want to work at but won't be too upset if you lose the job. Also, 
you will gain experience interviewing. Never underestimate the importance of 
feeling comfortable about making a great first impression.

3. When preparing for your interview/application - Dress appropriately. You 
will make this decision based on what you observed in rule #1. Under or over 
dressing can be a real turn-off to the person doing the hiring. Based on what 
the employees wear, you want to dress a notch above. As a boss, I've gotta 
assume the best you're ever going to look is when you are asking me for a job. 
Naturally, if you show-up in shorts, flip flops and a t-shirt, I gotta assume 
it's only going to get worse from there. If the employees dress in jeans and 
t's, then you want to apply in casual dress slacks and a plain collared shirt. 
If the tenders are in "uniforms" like golf shirts and black slacks then I'd go 
with black slacks and a plain (preferably white) long sleeve, collared 
blouse/shirt. If the tenders are in tuxes, then I'd go with a business suit 
that is stylish and not stiff or looks like you should be selling shoes or 
insurance. You dress this way even if you only plan on walking in a grabbing 
an application. It is NO excuse to say, "forgive the way I'm dressed, I didn't 
think I'd be meeting with anyone today." 

4. When preparing for the interview/application - I like to always carry 
resumes and a business card. Though not appropriate in all cases, I find they 
work for you in more cases than they work against, especially in corporate 
chains. The resume makes your application stand out in a stack of fill in the 
blank applications. Also, it addresses the "I can't find any applications 
right now, come back later." Also, even without direct bartending experience, 
99% of previously employeed individuals can make their past experience apply 
to bartending. The card can work several ways. Many times an employer is 
disorganized and the applications tend to be thrown away within a day or two. 
If a potential employer tells me he isn't hiring right now, I ask to leave my 
application and hand them a card and say, "I understand you are not hiring 
today, but I'm sure you know how quickly that can change. Here's my card. If 
you need someone unexpectantly, even if just for a busy night or two, give me 
a call." Many times a boss will stick your card on a cork board etc. and 
remember it when in a pinch. Also, for those with no bartending experience, I 
know several who have made a business card which indicated they do private 
parties, etc. This gives the impression of experience when none or very little 
may exist. Use the application of the afore mentioned at your discreetion. 
Also, bring our own pen to fillout any paperwork.

5. During the interview process - Keep telling yourself to speak slowly, take 
breaths, and don't talk too much. Bosses like to feel like the boss and would 
rather hear themselves talk than you. When you do speak, be sure and be 
professional and use lots of "yes sir" etc.

6. During the interview process - Be ready to answer the most common interview 
questions. Examples:
Q: Why do you want to work here? Do NOT tell the boss you are trying to find a 
job and are canvasing the area with applications. That will put you on the 
bottom of the list as I figure you are flighty and will take waterever job 
offers you $.25 more an hour. DO tell the boss that you specifically want to 
work in this establishment. It plays to the boss's ego and he/she will think 
you are going to take the job seriously.

Q: Are you familiar with our establishment? This is where rule #1 comes in. 
Even if you only came in once before, you need to answer "Yes!" 
enthusiastically. Tell the boss you've patronized his/her place and really 
enjoyed the atmosphere, crowd, etc.

Q: How soon can you start? This can be tricky. If you indicate you are working 
now but can start "right away" this indicates you are going to stiff your 
current employer. This in turn tells me you will probably stiff me one day 
too. If this is the case, tell them you can start right away as long as you 
work around your current schedule but will give notice that day and they may 
release you from the schedule. Otherwise, tell them you want to give your 
current employeer a weeks notice to allow them to find a replacement. This is 
a huge plus when I interview. If you are unemployeed and you dressed 
appropriately then tell them you can start right now (and mean it). Have your 
liquor license, tools, Rolodex, change of clothes, comfortable shoes, etc. in 
the car and ready to go. I know many tenders that were hired and asked to 
clock-in within the hour.

Q: What is your experience? If you have real experience then keep it straight 
forward and simple. If you don't, then DO NOT try and lie and fake your way 
through it. It is a small world and you will be found out! However, you may 
have more experience than you think. Ever had a job where you handled cash, 
worked with customers, had to abide by tough schedules, worked long hours, 
etc. then you have many of the qualities needed of a bartender.

Q: Are you willing to start as a server? Unless you have lots of experience 
and find jobs fairly easily then always answer "yes!." However, ask how soon 
you should expect to move into a tending position.

Q: Why should I hire you? You have little or no experience and I have a stack 
of applications with people with 5-10 years experience. This is where you 
catch them offguard by not crawling into your shell. You look them straight in 
the eye and reply, "I may not have 5-10 years of bartending experience, but I 
also don't have 5-10 years of bad habits you will have to untrain." let them 
know that you want THIS job and you will do the job EXACTLY the way the boss 
wants it done. Besides, you don't know any other way to do it. Remind the boss 
that they probably have the current opening because of bad habits they 
couldn't break a previous tender of.

Q: I just don't know, I need someone, but I'm not sure you're it. This is 
where you have to be a good salesman and fill the boss with confidence. Tell 
them you understand their apprehension. Tell them to put you on the schedule 
for the weekend at whatever "station" they want and you will consider this a 
"try out" and are willing to work for tips alone. If you don't perform to 
expectations then they have no obligation to hire you and have lost nothing.

7. After the interview/application - If you actually met with someone, make 
every effort to remember their name. I know you are nervous, but get their 
name, even if you have to ask for it again. At the end of the interview thank 
them by using their name (we all love to hear our name). Then, mail a quick 
Thank You note to the person you interviewed with. I know it sounds corny and 
very Martha Stewart, but it works and makes you memorable. If you didn't meet 
with anyone, or the boss told you they would be making a decision in a week, 
by all means follow-up with a phone call. Also, don't hesitate to re-apply at 
the same place in the future. Very few bosses keep resumes/applications on 
file and simply look to new applicants when vacancies occur.

8. You got the job! - Do not be in a hurry to make best friends with everyone 
you work with. Be friendly, professional, and likable, but most of all be 
observant. Every bar has its click group and drama that is always being played 
out. Figure this out before being known as "her friend" or "his friend" blah, 
blah, blah.

9. You got the job! - Do not under any circumstance get your sex where you get 
your checks! Wanna lose a job real fast, start sleeping with or falling for a 
co-worker. This also applies to customers. And by all means -do not encourage 
or even allow your significant other to loiter around your bar. Would you 
invite your boyfriend/girlfriend to hangout in your office if you had a 
corporate job? Besides, your bar gig is your escape, it's where you flirt, and 
make your living. A significant other only brings drama and scares away tips. 
On that note, I highly frown upon employees who make their work place also 
their hangout place. If you hope to go anywhere at your job, then you don't 
want your boss seeing you drunk or leaving with customers on your day off.

10. You got the job! - Always be networking and quietly looking for your next 
gig. Bartending is a very mobile skill and one of the best parts is working in 
lots of different environments. Don't get this confused with being flighty or 
flaky. Always make upward movements in your career. Get to know other tenders, 
club owners etc. This will make a change very easy and can actually eventually 
make you in demand! How cool is that?


-- 
So, If I make you a cape cod in a cocktail glass - is that now a Capetini?