Bartenders

Any experience one can obtain in a restaurant or bar will be useful. Generally, bartenders must be at least 21 years of age, although some employers prefer they be older than 25. If you are not yet 21, you can work as a waiter or a kitchen worker at a bar or restaurant.

Bartenders must be in good physical condition in order to stand comfortably for long periods of time and to lift heavy cases of beverages or kegs of beer. Because they deal with the public, they must have a pleasant personality and a clean, neat appearance. (Of course, for certain sorts of bars, a clean, neat appearance can be a detriment!) Bartenders should also have good common sense, knowing when a customer has had too much to drink, and how to handle uncomfortable social situations. They should also be familiar with a variety of alcoholic beverages—for example, a gin and tonic made with high-quality gin tastes markedly different from one made with ordinary liquor, and the proper technique for pouring a pint of heavy stout from a tap is an art form in itself. Finally, since bars can be loud, bustling places, bartenders must be able to work well and quickly under pressure.