Fresh off the Beaten Path: Bartending Jobs

Published on 2008-05-21

Do you have a flair for concocting tasty alcoholic libations? Is your talent for mixing drinks paralleled in magnitude only by your love for interacting with people? Consider a career in bartending as you embark upon your job search.

Bartending: What Exactly Is It?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), "Bartenders fill drink orders either taken directly from patrons at the bar or through waiters and waitresses who place drink orders for dining room customers. Bartenders check the identification of customers seated at the bar to ensure they meet the minimum age requirement for the purchase of alcohol and tobacco products. They prepare mixed drinks, serve bottled or draught beer, and pour wine or other beverages." Additionally, bartenders are responsible for maintaining the bar's appearance and inventory, cleaning barware, operating the cash register and sometimes, just like those performing waiter jobs, serving food.

Personality Profile: Is Bartending Right for Me?

Bartenders usually have friendly and outgoing personalities, and therefore, are typically drawn to a variety of jobs in hospitality. Because they possess hearty constitutions capable of enduring long hours of standing, work well under pressure, are highly dexterous and comfortable working at a fast pace, bartenders are also well-suited for many types of restaurant and catering jobs. While some work does incorporate daytime hours, prospective bartenders should enjoy working late evening and early morning hours (such unconventional shifts make bartending gigs ideal part time evening jobs). Additionally, they must have exceptional memories for drink recipes, orders and general bar protocol and wield sharp skills in basic arithmetic. And of course, anyone serving alcoholic beverages must be at least 21 years of age. In fact, according to the BLS, "many employers prefer to hire people who are 25 or older."

Education, Training and Experience: How Do I Become a Bartender?

Like most food and beverage industry jobs, bartender jobs require minimal formal education. That said, because they must be able to make a wide array of mixed drinks quickly, some prospective bartenders choose to enroll in "mixology" programs at specialized schools, while others opt to acquire bartending skills and knowledge either through independent study or on-the-job experience.

Bartending: Where Would I Work?

Most opportunities are found in bars, clubs and restaurants in which bartenders work either directly with patrons or with wait staff at a service bar. Additional opportunities also exist within the catering and special events industries. Bartending jobs can be found across the country, so whether you are looking for jobs in Maine, Mississippi, Hawaii, or Florida, you will find plenty of options.

The Future for Bartending

According to the BLS, "job opportunities at most eating and drinking places will be excellent because many people in service sector occupations change jobs frequently and the number of food service outlets needing food service workers will continue to grow." That said, since earnings are highly contingent on tips, there is considerable competition for jobs in popular and upscale restaurants. From Texas restaurant jobs to Ohio nightclub gigs in bartending, you are certain to find plenty of opportunities to try your hand at tending bar.

For job listings in bartending and more, explore Fresho.com.