New Bartender Blues

A lot of times would be new bartenders simply can't find work. They run into a wall known simply as "lack of experience."

The great majority of bar managers want proven bartenders who aren't going to screw up drinks, drive patrons away, or slow down the already established bartenders. In most of my bartending experiences I've literally been thrown into the mix and if you make it great, if you don't - tough luck.

So how do you get the opportunity to become a new bartender and get thrown in the mix? Be in the spots where you have the highest likelihood of being needed.

If the bar is short staffed and you're working as a server or even barback you may be able to jump back and show you've got what it takes.

So what are the best transition jobs to becoming a new bartender?

Server - As a server you'll learn to work with customers and deal with a lot of the same issues a bartender does. You'll also get familiar with a lot of the drinks being served, but be sure to ask the bartenders questions and listen. A couple of weeks ago one of the new servers at our bar corrected me after I called a corkscrew a wine key. She embarassed herself in front of a couple of customers and didn't even realize it! Servers- listen to your bartenders - they know what they're doing.

Barback - These are the guys stocking the bar and making sure the bartenders have everything they need on a busy night. You'll build a great relationship with the bartenders when you're helping them make money. Best of all, you'll also be tipped out by the bartenders. This is an often overlooked position, but one that I started with, which was a great intro when I had zero bar experience.

Banquet Bartender - It's not nearly as fun as working behind the main bar, but if you can get a gig bartending for weddings, corporate parties, or other special events you'll learn the bar basics and have plenty of experience pouring beer.

So if you've got the new bartender blues chin up, you can quickly move up the restaurant ranks if you prove yourself in one of these easier to achieve positions. Just show that you're a hard worker, eager to learn, and good with people and you'll be bartending in no time.