The Skills Needed to Be a Successful Bartender

 Just as with any job, bartending requires certain traits to be successful. If you do not have those skills, it may not be the profession for you. It is important to understand what the personnel expectations are in order to be prepared for this line of work. Here are 15 traits associated with becoming a good bartender. 

 

Bartenders must make consistent drinks. 

Making a drink requires precision. You should have method so all drinks are consistent. Some bartenders measure with tools, but most use free pouring, such as count seconds or a think a song in their head that to measure the amount of liquid they’re pouring.  

 

Bartending is socially intensive 

Social interactions are key to leaving a positive impression. Bartenders should smile, display enthusiasm and welcome customers throughout their shift to be successful.  

 

Bartenders need positive attitudes 

A positive attitude is needed with each new customer, no matter how awful the last person you spoke to was. Bartending requires a person to shake off their bad day and maintain a good attitude, even if the customer is rambunctious or inebriated. 

 

Bartenders must be able to establish boundaries 

With that said, a bartender must establish boundaries for the safety of both themselves and the customer. Discernment is crucial and will help you set limits. Refrain from dating, drinking on the job and disclosing intimate details about yourself. You can stay cordial while not being overly nice.  

 

Bartending requires a good memory 

There is a lot to remember while bartending. Drink orders, names, faces, and being able to recall regular customers preferred drinks can leave a big impression on your customers while helping you stay organized and in control. 

 

Bartenders must value cleanliness 

A hygienic workplace is required for businesses that serve food and drinks, but is not limited to your workstation, but the bar as well. Keeping a tidy bar, cleaning up spilled drinks quickly, not leaving towels or dirty glasses on the counter and getting rid of discarded food are essential functions of a bartender.  

 

Bartenders work all hours of the night 

Most bars stay open into the wee hours of the night. Be prepared to work until dawn, unless you
live in Las Vegas where many bars are 24/7. It depends on the alcohol-serving regulations in your county or state. If you take up a career as a bartender, you must be willing to work late into
the night. 

 

Bartending means dealing with people who want freebies 

Once your friends, family or best friend of your high school sweetheart’s brother hear you are a bartender, they will come for free drinks. It is important to follow the guidelines of your establishment. Some will allow discounts or deals, but it is important to not break the rules, or you could lose your job.  

 

Bartending can be done in several different job settings 

Believe it or not, there are lots of different settings for bartending. You could find yourself at a swanky hotel bar, a casino or busy pub. It is important to pick a setting that best fits your style and the kind of tips you hope to make.  

 

Bartending can be lonely 

Even if you are surrounded by people, you can still feel lonely. Most conversations will feel superficial, which does not lead to meaningful interactions. Also, bartending often takes you away from activities that allow you to socialize with friends, because you will be working those hours. It is something to keep in mind when starting your career. 

 

Bartenders must study and practice their craft 

Not everyone is born to be a bartender. The profession requires knowledge about mixology, equipment, liquor laws and customer service skills. There are schools, online certifications and in-house training that can provide the required knowledge needed to take you from mediocre to pro. 

Bartenders have to deal with antagonistic or uncomfortable environments 

It is helpful to have an even-keeled, tough-skinned temperament when working in the bartending world. There is always a chance of unwanted advances, being sworn at or even threaten, especially when alcohol is involved. While this isn’t every customer, it definitely helps to be able to roll with the situation. 

 

Bartending can be lucrative or minuscule 

Any job that relies on tips as part of the income means paychecks can fluctuate. Some days can
be golden, while others are abysmal. It is important to be able to manage money well to help with the minuscule days. Keep in mind, most bartenders will need to find their own health and dental insurance as many jobs to not offer them.  

 

Bartending can be flexible, but limiting career wise  

One of the drawls to bartending is the fact that there is not a long-term commitment. It can be a fun profession in your 20’s, when you’re single, with few bills to pay. But when you have a family, mortgage and car payment to support, the job may not seem as alluring. Advancement to something more stable may not be attainable in this career which needs to be kept in mind when heading down this path.  

 

Bartenders should not romanticize the job 

All jobs have good and bad parts, bartending is no different. While meeting new people, hearing fun stories and having unique encounters seems alluring, you must not forget there are more mundane parts of the job to complete as well. Stocking the bar, checking IDs, cleaning your station and running around serving drinks might not be everything you had in mind. 

Bartending can be a fun and lucrative business, but it is helpful to know all aspects of the job before heading down this particular career path to understand if it is a good fit for