Depending on your perspective, working as a bartender can be very challenging, rewarding, and fun. Working as a bartender gives you the chance to interact with hundreds of customers every day and you will get to know many different types of persons. As you will be in front of them, on quiet nights you will have to communicate and socialize with them. You will get to know their personal stories and many other details of their personal life. This is a type of benefit that you won’t get on many jobs.
Anyhow, let’s be a bit more realistic and specific on this job. Working as a bartender can be a dynamic and engaging job that needs a combination of social skills, multitasking, and a good knowledge of drinks and customer service. Let’s have a look at this video of a bartender on his daily routine at his job:
A Day In The Life Of Working As a Bartender
Putting that into words, let’s have a look at a more general overview of working as a bartender :
- Preparation:
- Inventory Check: Bartenders normally start their duty by checking the inventory of drinks and supplies. They need to ensure that they have enough alcohol, mixers, garnishes, and other necessary items.
- Set up the Bar: Arrange glasses, clean utensils, cut garnishes, prepare ice, and they ensure that everything is in place for the day’s operation.
- Opening Routine:
- Arrival: Bartenders arrive early to prepare for the shift and discuss any important information with the staff from the previous shift.
- Cash Register: Count the cash register to ensure the correct starting amount.
- Customer Service:
- Interactions: Engaging with customers, taking orders, and providing recommendations. Good communication and interpersonal skills are very important.
- Mixing Drinks: Prepare a variety of drinks, from pouring beer and wine to making cocktails. Precision and speed are essential on busy nights.
- Handling Cash and Payments: Process customer payments, provide change, and manage tabs.
- Maintaining Cleanliness:
- Clean As You Go: Bartenders continuously clean and organize the bar area to maintain a tidy and clean environment.
- Washing Glassware: Cleaning glasses, shakers, and other utensils throughout the shift.
- Handling Difficult Situations:
- Dealing with Intoxicated Customers: Recognizing signs of intoxication and handling situations where customers may become unruly or problematic.
- Resolving Conflicts: Addressing any conflicts or issues that may arise among customers.
- Team Collaboration:
- Communication with Staff: Working closely with servers, bouncers, and other staff members to ensure smooth operations.
- Shift Changes: Communicate effectively during shift changes to update the incoming staff on ongoing matters.
- Closing Procedures:
- Last Call: Announce the last call for drinks before closing time.
- Cleaning and Restocking: Clean the bar thoroughly, restock supplies, and prepare for the next shift.
- Cash Handling: Count the cash register, settle tabs, and handle the closing financial transactions.
- After-Shift Reflection:
- Feedback: Reflect on the night’s events, discuss any issues with colleagues or management, and provide feedback if necessary.
Remember, the life of a bartender can depend on the type of bar and the specific responsibilities involved. Some may work in lively nightclubs with constant activity, while others might be in quieter bars focusing on signature cocktails and customer interactions. Working a bartender, apart from long and tiring shifts has as well its benefits. As mentioned previously in this article, Bartenders have the opportunity to meet and interact with many different types of people. This can be particularly appealing to individuals who enjoy socializing and building connections. Bartenders can earn a significant portion of their income through tips. Providing excellent customer service, being likable, and having good bartending skills can increase their tips.
If you want to read more about the bartender job description, duties, and responsibilities, check the link below:
Bartender Job Description – Duties, Responsibilities, And Requirements
Featured Image From Pexels (Free Commercial Use)
