How to get a bartending job with no experience?

To get a bartending job with no experience you should learn how to make drinks, start as a barback, volunteer your services, practice with friends and family, and apply strategically. To shake up your chances of landing a bartending job with no experience, you want to know your stuff, make connections, and build the set of both hard and soft skills needed to make it as a bartender. Remember, with the right spirit and determination, you can pour your way into the hearts of customers and into a fulfilling career in the bar industry.

• Learn how to make drinks.

A bartending license isn't required in all states, but if you're competing for a bartending position against other candidates, having a license can give you the leverage you need to get hired. To receive a license, you'll also have to meet the minimum age for serving alcohol, which differs from state to state. In addition to meeting state or local requirements, a bartender license course will ensure that you're familiar with the following topics:

• Knowledge of laws and penalties regarding minors

• Identifying the stages of intoxication in customers

• How to handle and prevent disturbances

Online bartending certification is easy to find with a quick internet search, but make sure the course is state-approved. To pass the course, you'll need to show that you have an understanding of state laws. It's also important to note that a bartending license doesn't guarantee employment.

The good news is that there is no shortage of online bartending schools that can fit anyone's budget. Some programs may cost a few hundred dollars, while others may cost upwards of $1,000 or more. Do your research to find the program right for you and one that is credible.

• Start as a barback.

The most common advice you'll hear from actual bartenders is that you should start out as a barback if you want to learn how to be a bartender. The barback position requires no experience, only a willingness to work hard. As a barback, you'll be expected to do most of the manual work behind the bar, like cleaning, restocking, and a lot of heavy lifting. The barback is essentially the bartender's assistant, which puts you in a great position to learn and observe from the masters at mixology.

• Volunteer your services.

Another way that you can build up experience as a bartender is to volunteer your services at local events, parties hosted by your friends and family, or local festivals. This can help you gain some experience, network with industry professionals, and add to your resume.

• Practice with friends and family.

When you've mastered the art of pouring, try experimenting by making your own cocktails. You can start out by practicing with standard drink recipes like gin and tonics or screwdrivers and work your way up to more complicated cocktails that have multiple mixers. Learn about cocktail ingredients like bitters and syrups and how they change the taste of your drinks.

• Apply strategically.

Look for job openings at smaller bars or restaurants, which may be more willing to train someone without experience. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and qualities, such as your attention to detail, customer service skills, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

In the end, to craft the perfect cocktail of skills and land a job as a bartender with no experience, start by shaking up your resume with relevant experiences, garnish it with enthusiasm and passion, and pour your heart and soul into your job search - after all, with a little bit of creativity and a lot of hard work, you can stir up a successful career in the bar industry.