Bartending schools instruct in the mixology of alcoholic beverages. The enrollment allotments are filled quickly due to the high tip paying positions that will result after getting certified. Graduates are well-prepared to mix and serve the newest drinks. Interpersonal skills have also been tuned up as part of the curriculum. There is one skill that is lacking when alumni enter the job market. The schools have not instructed on the multitasking of food service along with beverage serving.
The Piece That Is Missing
Many state laws prohibit the selling of alcoholic beverages without the availability of food purchase on the premises. The majority of bartending jobs are in establishments, such as restaurants, that have a full menu of entrees. The bartenders are not prepared for taking orders and serving food once they have completed school. The speed of preparing a multiple drink order is tested and graded, but there is no food service preparation instruction involved. This is one of the reasons that newly certified bartenders are not finding work in their desired field.
Possible Solutions
When applying for a bartending position, your application will go to the top of the pile if you have some experience as waitstaff in a food-serving setting. Past fast-food restaurant employ does not fall under this category. If you do have experience, highlight this fact by addressing it under the skills section of your employment application. If not, it will be to your benefit to start applying in this area first. Do a little research and apply for a waitstaff position in restaurants that have a full bar. Once hired and after a few months of waiting on tables, the next bartending position to open up has a good chance at being yours. You can also take on a food-serving position in an establishment without a bar for at least a month and then set out to apply for bartending jobs.
Put Your Best Foot Forward
Interpersonal skills are minimally addressed in these bartending schools. It is common sense that you present with a smile to your customers. Everyone has there own style, but never include greetings such as "what can I get for you 'guys' today?" Or, call someone you are serving "hon" or "honey." This might get under the radar in some barroom settings, but not for most.
