What Does It Take To Be A Bartender1
What Does It Take To Be A Bartender1
What Does It Take To Be A Bartender1
Bartending is a career and profession at the same time. It is a daily learning experience that will help you
do Bartending till you are 90 and there are many opportunities.
Know what is expected - Read the different job descriptions in most of the search engines so that you
will have an idea though we will be able to read this here as well. Based on TESDA. The Technical
Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is the government agency tasked to manage and
supervise technical education and skills development (TESD) in the Philippines. Which actually issues a
National Certificate upon passing the Assessment.
CLEAN BAR
OPERATE BAR PREPARE AND MIX COCKTAILS
NON-ALCOHOLIC CONCOCTIONS
PROVIDE BASIC WINE SERVICE
Also as a Bartender, you are expected to do the following:
MEMORIZE
Whether we like it all or not, everything in the bar we SHOULD know. From brands of
bottles, tools, glass wares, terminologies, wines, beers, and recipes. There is no shortcut to
this though we can divide it on a daily basis until we are able to know all.
FAMILIARIZE
After we have done 1 and 2 this is where we put everything together. Inventory for example,
ok let me start from left to right of the back bar all the way to under bar or speed rail. For
making cocktails, ok let me start by getting the glass, chilling it, putting the liquids in the
smaller shaker, putting ice in the bigger shaker, transferring the small tin to the big tin, and
shaking.
As you can see this 3rd part is proof that you have conquered the first 2 steps.
Once you mastered these 3 it will help you be more confident behind the bar and dealing
with the guest. You would not only know what to answer, what to do, and how to answer
appropriately.
Identify your bartending goals -why bartending? What is your goal? Is it money? Career? Win a
competition? Become a manager? Open up a Bar? Once you know your purpose then you can proceed.
Build your dream bartending job list - research which bars people go to pre-pandemic and post-
pandemic and try to visit when able tor you to get a feel of the place. If you have a passport and saved up
a bit, check out the top bars in neighboring countries.
Write a confident bartending resume - if you don't have experience yet, be honest but be ready as well.
Please avoid going on an interview without even knowing the company you want to work for. If you are
still studying and there are extra-curricular activities related to bartending, go for it and join in. Here in
the Philippines, there are Bartending competitions being organized by Pinoytender Management
Consultancy and Toma Sessions (Virtual Mixology Competition) that you can definitely join.
Start building your rapport in the Bartending Community- even if you are not yet a bartender, try
watching competitions, going to bars if you are of age, talking to the bartenders, and being friendly.
Aspiring Bartenders are always welcome.
Find a Bar Mentor - it is always healthy to have a mentor that can give you sound advice and have time
to answer all questions you might have in terms of bartending. But always remember that no one can
motivate you but yourself. But try to observe the bartenders you talk to or read about and see which one is
close to what you envision yourself to be.
Do Smart Bartending Job Outreach - even at an early age, look on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and
all other platforms where you have a network of bartenders and we'll be honest in letting them know your
goal in the future. Who knows?
Be open to working your way up - Be humble and patient. Situations will never be the same from one
workplace to another. Start as a barback and work your way up. Better yet, think as a barback even if you
are a bartender for your starting job
Enroll in a specialized bartending school - Education and training is a must even in bartending. What
you will learn from the trainer you get to practice at home and what you practice at home you try it in
school.
HEAD BARTENDER
The type of company a head bartender works for will determine the kind of tasks they will be responsible
for. Based on job listings we analyzed, a head bartender's duties typically involve:
Make drinks
Making drinks and having extensive knowledge of drink recipes are vital to this role. Head bartenders
assist in taking orders and serving customers, particularly during busy shifts, and restocking supplies as
needed.
Supervise the bar
Head bartenders oversee the running of the bar, making sure that complaints and disturbances are dealt
with in a polite manner. They also make sure the bar is clean and tidy at all times, even during busy
periods.
Check Inventory
Inventory needs to be checked regularly and head bartenders are responsible for ordering stock when it is
low and supervising deliveries to make sure everything is delivered and unpacked properly.
Administrative duties
Head bartenders look after the administrative side of running the bar as well as the customer-focused side,
from scheduling shifts and training staff to managing the budget and payroll, which involves some office-
based work.
Deal with complaints
Complaints or queries from customers are directed to the head bartender to deal with in a professional
manner. He or she deals with disturbances within the bar to ensure that all customers enjoy a peaceful
environment, as well as resolve issues among staff.
BARISTA
Greet customers as they enter
Give customers drink menus and answer their questions regarding ingredients
Take orders while paying attention to details (e.g. preferences of coffee blend, dairy, and sugar
ratios)
Prepare beverages following the recipes
Serve beverages and prepared food, like cookies, pastries, and muffins
Receive and process payments (cash and credit cards)
Keep the bar area clean
Maintain stock of clean mugs and plates
Check if brewing equipment operates properly and report any maintenance needs
Comply with health and safety regulations
Communicate customer feedback to managers and recommend new menu items
SOMMELIER
Creating and updating wine lists with the chefs and managers.
Making recommendations on food and wine pairings.
Ensuring that the wine cellar is fully stocked.
Informing guests about the variety of wines available
Training wait staff on available wines.
Negotiating prices with vendors.
Organizing wine-tasting events.
Complying with health and safety regulations.