Tips to Work In Bar
Few jobs are as widely portrayed in the movies and some of our all-time favorite series as bartenders and waitstaff. In fact, it is often a job that many of us start out in, and eventually, many might even make a career out of it. So, what is it about bar work that makes it the absolute best? If you’re just about enter the world of work, or already work in hospitality, this is for you.
Master of Conversation
Being behind the bard for between six to twelve hours a day, you become legendary at starting, holding and wrapping up a conversation in the best fashion. While the first few days or weeks might be a little tricky from some, others take to it like a fish to water. While getting to know your patrons, you’ll become an expert in their personality, interests and topics you didn’t even know existed.
Walking Empath
A skill that will serve you for life is the empathy that you hone while pouring whiskey. Getting a feel for how people are feeling will enable you to judge if they really should be having another drink, or perhaps they need an ear and a shoulder for a little while instead. The ability to read how someone is feeling is an incredible skill, that can be used in more areas of life – transferable and terrific.
Sky High Confidence
Being behind the bar, or taking drinks or food to tables is a confidence builder. Refusing to serve rude, overly drunk or underage people begins to instill a real sense of self. The ability to say ‘no’ can take years to arrive for some people. Certain qualifications can help with this, like the TABC. You can read more about how to get a TABC certification online by following the link.
Teamwork
As the saying goes teamwork makes the dream work, and in bar work that teamwork is crucial. From dealing with rowdy customers to cleaning the bar down, having a group of colleagues who have got your back makes a real difference. Providing excellent service is also a team effort. If you are starting out on the career ladder, this is one of the best skills and bar work gives you real evidence of gaining and using that skill. Kudos!
Quick Numbers
Although most bars have tills, as well as handheld devices to help you work out the total bill – your math skills will be phenomenal. Working out the tip when someone says, ‘keep the change’ or when a table of seven are splitting up a bill, and the cash register is down. Don’t sweat it because numeracy will be your superpower. Usually being great with numbers can be pretty tricky to give evidence on a CV with bar work under your belt, it’s easy peasy.
Under Pressure
Many careers come with their own specific set of pressure – none are quite as anxiety-inducing as having a staff member out, and a full bar on a Friday night. Prioritising who to serves, who has been served AND remembering when the money came from and who the change goes to become second nature. It is nothing to be sniffed at either. Making fast decisions while managing a cash register and a heaving, and occasionally, rude clients and keeping your cool is something you should be proud of.
Social Life
If you want one, you have access to a world that is only accessible to those in the industry. You will know all the security staff, the bar staff, the wait staff, and the chefs. You’ll be able to get in anywhere, on any evening and have a fantastic night – with people who know the week you’ve had and the week you’ve got ahead.
Bartending Gives You Wings
Ever wanted to travel the world? Well, bartending is one of the skills that translate to any country. It doesn’t matter if you have worked in a dive bar or high-end cocktail bars, the ability to build quick rapport, serve great beer, give great conversation and clean down with your team at the end of the shift is all transferable.
If you ever fancied doing it with the sand between your toes rather than the streets of your local city, then a quick search on the web will open a whole new world to you. While many people save in advance, and that is advisable, having a job in the locations you visit will enable you to stay a little longer in places you love.
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