Today, the profession of a bartender attracts the attention of many young people, because it allows you to earn money in the busiest places on the planet - night clubs and bars. That is, they believe that in this way they can successfully combine work with entertainment. Alas, the reality is very different from their expectations, as it requires a clear line between the bar and personal life. Not to mention the fact that only a few know how to become a bartender in reality.
False illusions
The problem is that most people are familiar with the profession of a bartender only by hearsay and because of this draws the wrong conclusions. It is worth asking them: “What does it take to become a bartender?” - and in response you will receive a lot of offers far from the truth. In the best case, it will be: "The bartender must distinguish scotch from whiskey" - in the worst: "He must be able to drink."
If a person is guided by just such beliefs, then a good specialist will not come out of him, as well as a bad one, in principle. After all, only one who knows how to control himself and is able to draw a clear line between work and rest can become a bartender. Otherwise, you can forget about this profession and start looking for another option for self-realization.
How to become a bartender from scratch?
Working at the bar is a whole art. Therefore, you need to be prepared for the fact that you have to master a lot of new skills and knowledge. Indeed, without them, the bartender will not be able to perform his duties properly, which will reduce his chances of finding a job to a minimum. But what does the bartender need to know?
- First, you should study the features of alcohol. For example, why is cognac remarkable? Which brand of wine is better? What cocktails to offer to girls, and which to men? In general, explore all the properties of alcohol from a to z.
- Secondly, you need to familiarize yourself with the recipe for cocktails and learn how to cook them. Immediately make a reservation that just “Bloody Mary” or “Mojito” will not be enough to work in a prestigious club.
- Thirdly, you should adapt to the equipment of the bartender: shaker, blender, measuring cups and so on.
School of Bartenders
Since becoming a good bartender at home obviously will not work, it is best to immediately enroll in a bartender school. For some reason, many people think that such a step is an excess. After all, you can learn everything yourself, relying on educational videos and articles. However, this approach is erroneous and often leads a person to a standstill.
The bottom line is that the school will not only tell you how to become a bartender, but will also lead you by the hand along this path. Moreover, all the tasks are well planned, so that students learn them in a strict order: from the basics to branching. In addition, if a person has difficulties in mastering certain elements, then experienced teachers will tell you how to fix this.
And yet, most importantly, thanks to the training at the bartender’s school, you can get a diploma or certificate. This document will be direct evidence that a person is able to work at the bar. Consequently, the chance to find a decent job will increase several times.
Skills development
Today, more and more often bartenders use all kinds of tricks and tricks in their craft. It can be juggling, light show, illusions and so on. This has led to a decrease in demand for mediocre workers.
Therefore, in order to apply for a prestigious position, a person must learn to stand out from the crowd. To do this, you need to come up with your own tricks that will surprise future employers. To do this is not so difficult already, the main thing is to bring them to the right level so as not to burn out at the most crucial moment.
In addition, you should work on your acting skills and smile. After all, no one likes bartenders who do their job with a stone or gloomy face. It should be understood that this specialist not only spills alcoholic drinks, but also gives people a good mood.
Appearance
An important factor is the appearance of the bartender. Therefore, before you go to the next interview, you should thoroughly work on yourself. In particular, choose the right wardrobe and make a stylish hairstyle. This is to ensure that employers see you as a decent person, not a guy from the street.
In addition, in the future you will have to get used to the fact that management will set a hard dress code for its employees. After all, this is part of their domestic policy, and you need to come to terms with this, even if this style is not to your liking.
Where to find a job?
So, how to become a bartender, clearly, but where is the best place to look for work? Well, if a person has excellent skills and has a certificate, then he can safely go to prestigious night clubs and bars. If they have a vacancy, then he will easily pass an interview and in a few days will go on his first shift.
However, if the bartender still has nothing to brag about and he clearly doubts his abilities, then for a start it is worth looking for a place in a small bar. Firstly, there are practically no requirements for the level of skill, and secondly, this is an excellent platform for developing new skills and knowledge.