How do I get my first bartending job?

A couple of years ago I went to bartending school and after I graduated I tried to get a bartending job and was told that people do not want to hire someone who only has bartending school experience. I am now interested in trying again to become a bartender since I need a second job, but I don't know what they are looking for or what I should say. I know the drinks and have continued to study new techniques, I just need to know how to secure a job.How do I get my first bartending job?
start as a cocktail server first, to get your foot in the door, and to expand your knowledge. then see, if you can work a few shifts as a barback, or relief bartender. don't mention, that you went to bartending school, it will count against you, as most places don't hire "graduates" from bartending schools.good luck!How do I get my first bartending job?
Depending on where you live try looking into the convention center as a temp. Also another friend of mine started out by working at a local performing arts center and doing private parties for people. I have also done private parties (catering) and once your name spreads by word of mouth its amazing.



Also try craigslist.org there are multiple oppurtunities on there.How do I get my first bartending job?
In my experience of 8 years in the restaurant/bar business, most restaurants only hire from within for their bartenders. They want someone who also knows the menu, and how the restaurant is run. I had 2 jobs where I was hired in as a bartender, one was in a chain restaurant and I was hired in right before they opened the restaurant. The other, I was hired in as service bar but got a strong referral from a friend that was also a bartender there. If you don't have experience, it may be hard to find a bar or restaurant that is willing to give you your first gig. As far as the bartending school goes, I've heard that story before. I had a friend go to bartending school in SC and was pumped full of fantasy about working in the nicest clubs in the area. All bogus. After he "graduated" he went to one of the places on ABC Bartending Schools job database and was laughed at to his face. They told him his info was wrong, that they would never hire anyone who's only experience was in bartending school. He tried to get his money back, but that never happened either. I think your best bet would be to find a restaurant and start from there. You may need to wait tables first to "get in" with management, but it might be your best bet.How do I get my first bartending job?
Hi there,

As a manager of one of L.A.s biggest bars,here's my tips.

# 1....Do not ,any time bring your resume to a manager during a lunch rush or any other busy time,you will be seen as a nusuance and the resume will probably end up in the trash.

#2 Hang out at the place you might want to be employed at,make friends with the bartenders,don't let them feel you are "competing"with them for the job.They may be able to steer you some place else and put in a good word for you.

#3Don't say that you've been to "bartending school".It doesn't really matter unless you want to tend at a corparate place.It also makes you sound out of the loop.Most people hiring bartenders want an "origanil",Make up a signatue drink that people love,name it something cathchy and just don't be too full of yourself until ,you get behind the bar.Always remember to respect your bar back,you'll need him in a busy bar.Good Luck///
Go for what ... gypsycricket said ... I'm a cert bartender and have had my own Concierge Lounge for Marriott Hotel.

What she said is the utmost truth and that's for sure. ~wink~

(I just fell in the Concierge Lounge thing, I never made a drink before that a day in my life, but since I learned hands on from that, if I wanted to work in a bar or a club I could) Go For It Girl ... You'll make crazy money in a gay bar (just my 2 cents) ... a friend of mine owns one of the Biggest gay bars in Ohio. (his bartenders rack up so much money, gay and straight, that they have pent houses, ETC and they only bartend.) ~Wink~