JOB ASSISTANCE
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THE INTERVIEW:
Top Ten list Things to do when applying for a bartending job.
1. Checkout potential employers first. Visit them during the times you are considering working. See what the crowd is like (large, small, quiet, rowdy, etc.). Ask yourself - Is there any money to be made here and is this a great place for me to start? Be honest with yourself.
Can I learn anything here? Can I get along with the crowd? Do I like the way the employees dress and act? What types of drinks do they serve and what specials do they routinely have?
2. If you are new to bartending, then DO NOT apply to your "DREAM JOB." The odds are you will not get the job. At this time you have little, if any experience interviewing for a tending job, and if you do somehow luck into the job, the odds are you will have a hard time and possibly get fired.
You will forever be haunted by the bartending job that got away. Pick places you want to work at but will not 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 or filling out an 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 manager, I have to assume the best you're ever going to look is when you are applying for a job. If you show-up in torn jeans, old tennis shoes and a worn out t-shirt, I have to assume it's only going to get worse. If the employees of the establishment dress in jeans then you want to apply in casual dress slacks and a plain collared shirt.
If the tenders are in "uniforms" such as collard shirts with ties and black slacks then I'd go with black slacks and a plain (preferably white) long sleeve, collared blouse or shirt. If the bartenders are in tuxes, then I'd go with a business suit that is not too 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. There is NO EXCUSE to say, "Forgive the way I am dressed, I didn't think I'd be meeting with anyone today." Remember… FIRST IMPRESSIONS are LASTING IMPRESSIONS.
4. When preparing for the interview or filling out an application - Always carry a resume and a business card. Though not appropriate in all cases, they will 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." Even without direct bartending experience, 99% of previously employed 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 that they are not 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 unexpectedly, even if just for a busy night or two, please give me a call."
Many times an employer will place your card somewhere they can remember it and look for it when in a tight situation. 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 previously mentioned at your discretion. Bring our own pen to fill out any paperwork.
5. During the interview process - Keep telling yourself to speak slowly, take breaths, and do not talk too much. Employers' like to feel like they are the boss and would rather hear themselves talk than you. When you speak, be confident and professional. Do ask questions about the establishment. Not ones that pertain to how much money you will make or when you can have time off (not just yet.) Ask about the type of clientele, what will be expected out of you, how things are done in this establishment and what you would need (i.e. ServSafe or TIPS certification) to obtain the position.
6. During the interview process - Be ready to answer the most common interview questions.
Examples:
Q: Why do you want to work here?
A: Do NOT tell the interviewer you are trying to find a job and are canvassing. That will put you on the bottom of the list as I figure you are flighty and will take whatever job offers you $.25 more an hour. DO tell the interviewer that you specifically want to work in this establishment. It is to your benefit and the interviewer will think you are going to take the job seriously.
Q: Are you familiar with our establishment?
A: This is where rule 1 comes in again. Even if you only came in once before, you need to answer "Yes!" enthusiastically. Tell the interviewer you have patronized the establishment and really enjoyed the atmosphere, crowd, and the service.
Q: How soon can you start?
A: This can be tricky. If you indicate you are working now but can start "right away" this indicates you are going to put your current employer in a poor situation. This in turn says you will probably leave this establishment on short notice when a better offer arises.
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 employer a week to two weeks notice to allow them to find a replacement. This is important when interviewing.
If you are unemployed 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. You may be asked to start that minute.
Q: What is your experience?
A: 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 just how small.
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?
A: 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 bartending 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.
A: This is where you catch them off guard 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 untrained." let them know that you want this job and you will do the job exactly the way the establishment wants it done, you don't know any other way to do it.
Remind the interviewer that they probably have the current opening because of bad habits they couldn't break a previous bartender of. Tread lightly with this reply though.
Q: I just don't know, I need someone, but I'm not sure you're it.
A: This is where you have to be a good salesman and fill the interviewer with confidence. Tell them you understand their apprehension. Tell them to put you on the schedule for slow week night or 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 - If you actually met with someone, make every effort to remember their name. I know you may be nervous, but get their name, even if you have to ask for it again. A great way to remember this is to first say it five times to yourself in your head, then say their name several times to them when possible. Example: Mr. Smith, so what your question is how do you think I will be an asset to you establishment. At the end of the interview thank them by using their name.
Then, mail a quick Thank You note to the person you interviewed with. This works and makes you memorable. If you didn't meet with anyone, or the manager 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 employers keep resumes or 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".
Do not under any circumstance get into an emotional relationship where you earn your money! This is a professional job NOT THE MOVIE COCKTAIL. It is easy, but do not. This can cost you your job fast; if you start getting involved with a co-worker. Most corporate companies have written polices prohibiting this for a reason. 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 job is your escape, it's where you interact and converse with patrons, as well as make your living. Don’t risk screwing up an opportunity that makes you money. A significant other can bring drama and scares away customers and even worse…… tips.
Employees who make their work place also their hangout place are not always looked highly upon. If you hope to go anywhere at your job, then you don't want your employer seeing you drunk or leaving with customers on your day off. You want to be seen in the best light possible and as we know bars and restaurants are not well lit.
9. DO NOT under any circumstance DRINK ON THE JOB. I know you may have gone to establishments where the bartender participated in the evenings events while on the job, even managers at time indulge. Some patrons may want to even buy you a drink or want you to participate in their festivities. You are a professional. If you were to drink on the job it impairs your abilities make rational decisions, watch patrons, count money, and worst of all could cost you your job.
10. Always be networking and quietly looking for your next job. Bartending is a very mobile skill and one of the best parts is working in lots of different environments. Do not get this confused with being flighty or flaky. Always make upward movements in your career.
Get to know other bartenders, restaurant owners, club owners etc. This will make a change very easy and can actually eventually make you in demand.
With respects of resume tips, unless you know somebody who knows somebody, your resume is the only thing that will convince someone to give you an interview! It must shine brighter than the others and float to the top for a chance at getting the job.
The following are resume tips to remember:
It is likely that your potential employer will see your resume and application before ever meeting you. This is your 20-second chance to make an impression, so it better be good.
Interview Process
Here is an explanation of the interview process in the hospitality industry and what beverage managers look for during the interview. They know that bartenders are key employees. They serve their clientele, dole out their inventory, and have your hands in the till. Maintaining a qualified bartending staff requires time and a great deal of effort. Selecting the right person for the job the first time around requires preparation and the ability to learn a lot about the potential bartender in a very short period of time.
Here is how a good beverage manager will handle the interview: They will be good listeners. It’s extremely difficult for them to learn anything about you if they are doing most of the talking. They will watch your facial expressions and your body language.
The costs of hiring the wrong bartender can be staggering. It’s better for them to operate short-handed for a period of time and rely on your existing staff to cover the bar than hiring someone unqualified or inappropriate for the establishment. It will be more advantageous in the long run to delay hiring another bartender until the right candidate can be found.
Here are some of the things managers look for on an interview:
Appearance — The appearance of a person’s application for employment often reveals as much about his or her level of professionalism and attention to detail as does the written information it contains. Its neatness, correctness, and presentation reflect much about the author.
Scheduling limitations — If you’re handed a completed application, ask the individual a few screening questions, such as how many hours a week he or she needs to work, and how much money the person needs to earn a week. Also, find out if the applicant has reliable transportation, and if there are any scheduling conflicts you should be aware of.
References — Prospective bartenders should be asked to supply three or four professional references, people who can testify directly about the individual’s abilities, character, and work ethic. They will ask for alcohol certification. Failing to do so may expose you to charges of negligence.
Availability — It’s best to give a realistic estimate of how many hours a week a prospective employee might work, and how much the person can expect to earn. Likewise, don’t give the applicant an overly optimistic impression of his or her advancement prospects within the company. The person could become disillusioned and resentful as the reality of the situation sets in.
Eye contact — When you are conducting an interview, it’s advisable to maintain steady eye contact with the applicant. The eyes often hint at the person’s level of confidence, truthfulness, and character. If the person has difficulty maintaining your eye contact, it may provide some insight into his or her personality.
Reliability — When considering the high cost of employee turnover, assessing a prospective bartender’s personal circumstances and stability is advisable. For instance, some might consider an applicant who is married less of an employment risk than someone who is single. People who tend to stay at their job for more than a year exhibit more stability than those who move from one place to another after only a few months.
Personality and demeanor — Not everyone has the personality to be a bartender. Likewise, not everyone is compatible with the existing staff. It’s important to determine whether the person will fit in with your clientele, fellow-employees, and management team. The capacity to remain calm composed, and emotionally in control is another important bartending attribute to assess.
Ability to learn and adapt — Here is where right out of bartending school can help! No matter how experienced a bartender is, there will still be aspects of the employment that require the person to adapt to a new way of doing things. While you’re interviewing prospective bartenders, assess how flexible and willing to learn the individual appears to be. Avoid hiring bartenders who think their learning days are behind them.
59 Temple Place
#330 corner of Washington St in Downtown Crossing across from Macys
*****Beverage Events
Boston, MA
617-399-1400
*****Beverage Events
35 Harvard St Suite 214
Worcester, MA
Serve Safe is a plus!
Apply m-f 10-4 or call: 508-799-0399
*****Banquet Staff
North Shore to Nahant
No experience ness. –
$10-$15 per hour
Call: John 781-592-3080
*****At Your Service
30 Brattle St (Harvard Square)
4th Floor
Cambridge, MA
Bartenders: immediate interview, apply in person MTWF from 10:30am to 5:30pm
Call first: 617-354-4705
Visit their Web Site
*****KSM Staffing
25 Kingston St B2
Boston, MA
Bartenders: up to 14hr call 617-338-8500(P) 617-338-4676 (F)
Visti their web site
Pleasant Café
4515 Washington St
Roslindale, MA
Call: John Morgan 617-323-2111
Sox and Stripes
Norwood, MA
Send resume:
Rockport Oceanfront
Rockport MA
Call 978-546-9667
The Red Hat
Beacon Hil/Government Ctr
Stop by and ask for manager
Bugaboo Creek
617 Arsenal St
Watertown, MA
No phone calls
Embassy Suites
Marlborough MA
Boston University – Aramark
Self starter
Part time Thursday - Friday
Fax resume: 617-353-3862
Medway Café
74 Main St Rt 109
Medway MA
508-533-6633
Stop by
The Red Fez
Middle Eastern Restuarant
1222 Washington St
Boston MA
In person 3-5 mon-fri
Ask for Akan
617-338-6060
Sel da la Terre
State Street
Harborsidelocation
Send resume to: Michael@seldelaterre.com
FEMALE BARTENDER
Adult nightclub
579 Front St
Woonsocket, RI
In person only
Alfredos Restaurant
Experience needed
Weekends and fill ins
Quincy, MA
Donatellos
44 Broadway
Route 1 North
Saugus, MA
781-233-9975
Come in after 2pm on week days
Ask for Angelo or Maria
Italian/Seafood Restaurant
195 Main St
Everett, MA
In person
Fibber McGees
Busy pub
Call Dave: 978-233-3893
Halfway Café
1840 Ocean St Rte 139
Marshfield,MA
Checkerboards Restaurant
Stop & Shop Plaza
Hudson MA
Cygnet Restaurant
Beverly, MA
978-922-9221
Barre Mill Restaurant
Rt 32
South Barre, MA
978-355-2987
Uno Grill
Kingston, MA
Revere, MA
In person
Marriott Vacation Club
Boston, ma
In person
Romano’s Macaroni Grill
Middlesex trnpke
Burlington, MA
Across from mall
AMF Bowling
Springfield MA
Stop by
Fox Hill Village
Westwood, MA
Part time service bartender
Apply in person
Applebees
Milford: full or part time
Boston: day time bartender
Apply on line: www.applebees.com
UnoChicago Grill
Danvers, MA
Burlington, MA
stop by
Henriettas Table
The Charles Hotel
Cambridge, MA
In person or on line
Starwood Hotels
Has hired students from our school
Needham MA
Tastes on the Fly
Jamaica Plain, MA
Opening in two weeks in Logan Airport
JD Meyers Best Friends
Gloucester, MA
Has hired students from our school
Apply in person
Wyndham Andover
Andover, MA
Stop by has hired students
Mariott
Worcester, MA
AMF Bowling
Chicopee, MA
BBQ Restaurant
Brookline, MA
Hyatt
Boston, MA
On call bartender
Apply on line or in person
Starwood Hotels
Boston, MA
On call bartenders
On line
R & L Restaurant
Franklin, MA
391 E Central St
In person
Prime Italian Steakhouse
Lenox, MA
15 Franklin St
In person
Sichuan Palace
7 Summer St
Chelmsford, MA
978-256-8641
Walk ins welcome
Isabellas
Worcester, Ma
3 nights 4-10
Stop by
Bartender Wanted
Very flexible
508-713-3242 or 508-798-8385
INAHO
Yamouthport, MA
Weekend bartender
In person after 2:30
Or call: 508-362-5522
Legal Seafoods
Cambridge, MA
Stop by
Jurys Doyle Hotel
Boston, MA
Apply in person
Bar Louie
Foxboro, MA
Call about job fair
Tuesday thru Saturday
Border Café
Burlington, MA
Fast paced
Apply in person
Knuckle Heads bar and Grill
85 MacArthur Dr
New Bedford, MA
Apply in person
Davios Patriot Place
Foxboro, MA
In person only
Weston Golf Club
Weston, MA
Apply in person
Four Points Sheaton
Norwood, MA
Apply on line
High Street Grill
North Andover, MA
Apply in person
Blue Wave Lounge
Boston, MA
Apply in person
Waterfront Café
450 Commercial St
Boston, MA
http://www.waterfront-cafe.com
Please reply by email with resume & photo
Do Not Call
Artu Restaurant
6 Prince St
North End
Boston, MA
Come in and fill out application