Any advice on getting a bartending gig if you have never bartended before?

[drakeisfire]

Even if you work full time and it is something you want to do on the side.

 

[switch7]

Even if you work full time and it is something you want to do on the side.

Get to know the bar staff and befriend them. Then they can put in a good word for you.

 

[Julian]

Get to know the bar staff and befriend them. Then they can put in a good word for you.

wrong


if you have zero experience u apply to the bar you wanna work at and they will make you a barback, you do all the ***** work for the bartenders. if your good, eventually you will move up.

 

[Billtx49]

Definitely study mixed drink ingredients and practise measured shot pours if you don't go to tender school. Anyone can pour beer. Agree with the barback option for an easy way in, but those are usually large busy bars, not the classic neighborhood style.

 

[bigneil]

To start, you have to get your bartending license for that state/city/town. Then you probably have to wait tables for awhile until an opportunity comes up (someone quits, calls in sick, etc).

 

[Meektrop]

Julian Is correct bar tending school is useless, you need to start as a barback and do the b1tch work

 

[hockeyfreak79]

Julian Is correct bar tending school is useless, you need to start as a barback and do the b1tch work

I did the school and it worked fine for me but I was in a large populated city. Part time gigs but like @bigneil said tho you have to be licensed by the state you live in. TX license last for 2yrs and then re-newal is like $20. I did it for a little while but got bored with it pretty quick, that & I was married back then and the wife didn't like the idea. Ha!

 

[Meektrop]

I did the school and it worked fine for me but I was in a large populated city. Part time gigs but like @bigneil said tho you have to be licensed by the state you live in. TX license last for 2yrs and then re-newal is like $20. I did it for a little while but got bored with it pretty quick, that & I was married back then and the wife didn't like the idea. Ha!

I stand corrected in my area and specific industry it's pretty much a waste

 

[hockeyfreak79]

I stand corrected in my area and specific industry it's pretty much a waste

Yeah that's fine. I was actually really surprised how many doors it did open. There can be a lot of turn-over for bartenders depending on the location and bar type.