Getting bar work

DietIrnBru

Not as easy as I first thought it would be!!!

I've just started uni and was looking for some flexible bar work, for a bit of spending money and something that would make me switch off from studying.

Now I innocently thought that having customer service experience would at least get me an interview. Was I wrong! Lot of establishments are looking for previous bar experience, a licence or on a few occassions, knowledge of cocktails.

Old problem, how can you get experience.....

denla

DietIrnBru wrote: »

Not as easy as I first thought it would be!!!

I've just started uni and was looking for some flexible bar work, for a bit of spending money and something that would make me switch off from studying.

Now I innocently thought that having customer service experience would at least get me an interview. Was I wrong! Lot of establishments are looking for previous bar experience, a licence or on a few occassions, knowledge of cocktails.

Old problem, how can you get experience.....

That's just an excuse to reject you because they don't like you. Generally bar work is easy to get if you're an attractive looking female. I've had female friends who managed to secure bar work easily without prior work experience at all or any knowledge in cocktails.

DietIrnBru

I'd say ouch, but it was just cv's and applications I had submitted via email.

DCFC79

Have you thought of going into the chains of pubs during the day and ask if theyhave any jobs going ?

PasturesNew

With bar work you're best off going in and asking.... and trying the backstreet shabby places first. Everybody will want to work in the shiny/sexy places.

DietIrnBru

Good idea about the back street places. There are plenty of local places (wouldn't call them overly shabby). Was just seeking to avoid going local in case I make a complete !!! of myself. Carry on Barman.

gibson123

Go in and have a chat with the manager or owner in the small local bars. This is where you get the best training anyway, things like cleaning pipes and changing barrels, stock taking etc. Don't miss the hotels either, they often take on more casual staff when they have functions. Also there is a hierarchy to bar work in larger places, you would probably start as a glass collector / washer, then table waiter, then behind the bar. The most lucrative is table waiter in places that do functions because of the tips you get. Good luck.