How to Get a Bartending Job - Dominate the Interview
After speaking with the hiring manager, you will probably receive a business card and a handshake, at best. The wait is worth it at the best clubs - so go back every weekend (if possible) at the same time on the same night to ensure the hiring manager will be there. I can remember going in 4 or 5 weekends in a row before I actually got an interview with the general manager! You need to show persistence.
A nightclub interview will be sometime in the afternoon. Take the entire day off to prepare yourself. If you really want the job, here is a winning strategy:
- Have a massive cup of coffee to kick up your energy (Starbucks has the most caffeine)
- Do some exercise to get the endorphins rushing, and clear your head
- Put on really nice dress pants (definitively no pleats!)
- Put on a dress shirt that fits really well (A tailored hugo boss shirt seems to do the trick every time…)
- Either undo the top button, or wear a tie. Play it by ear depending on the club
- Make sure everything is ironed!
- Remove all jewelry that can be considered as “bling” and cover any large tattoos
- Arrive 10 minutes early
These are the most common questions you will be asked. Make sure you’re prepared!
- What is your favourite type of music, or what radio station do you listen to?
- Why do you want to work at this nightclub?
- Why should we hire you?
- What activities take up most of your free time?
- Are you prepared to do promotional work for the club? What would you do?
- What is your favourite nightclub, and why?
- Describe responsibilities at your last job.
- Why are you leaving your last job
- Where do you see yourself in the next few years
Make sure you’re outgoing, polite, shaking hands, and smiling as much as possible. Most importantly, be confident in yourself. There are two reasons that confidence is key. First, confidence is one of the most important qualities in a good bartender. Second, when you are confident you are the best version of you. When you are unconfident or scared, you make mistakes, you stumble, you forget words and you come across as weak. Relax, and blow them away with your personality and preparation. Now is your chance to really sell yourself, so do it shamelessly and with confidence!
For further reading on this topic, check out how to get into the best nightclubs
-Tyson
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2 Responses to “How to Get a Bartending Job - Dominate the Interview”
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Do you have any advice that doesn’t involve coffee and working out?
Hey Steve, yes we certainly do if you take a look around. However coffee and working out are two of our favorite things. I understand that not everyone feels this way, so you can take it or leave it. But they will probably come up often in our writings.
Cheers,
Andrew