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Need a job? Advice for Searching, Applying and Interviewing

For those of you looking for a job, we would like to share some job hunting ideas from our Bartender Mixology course.  If you already have a job, you can increase your knowledge and bring more people into your bar with the Bartender Mixology or Gratuity Secrets courses.  More people means more money for both you and the bar.  Next month, we'll be featuring interviewing tips for employers.

Polish your resume by updating it, using spell-check, and having a friend or family member edit it.Get the details right:
Before you start handing out your resume, update it and spell check it!  Then, have a friend or family member edit it for grammar and typos. Along with a polished resume, make sure you have an appropriate email address (not hotdude@xyz.com) and a polite voicemail greeting on your phone that clearly states your name.

Make personal contact:
Never call on the phone, always visit in person.

When going to a restaurant or bar to ask about job openings, be sure to visit during a time when they won't be busy, usually between 2 and 4 in the afternoon.  Dress professionally, and bring copies of your resume.

At the establishment, ask to speak to the manager.  Let them know that you are interested in working there and provide your resume.  They may tell you there aren't any positions available, or they may ask you questions or even interview you right away, so be prepared when you go in.  Before you leave, be sure to thank them for their time.

Once you get called for an interview, the work isn't over. Here are some ideas to help you prepare:
Learn more about the company.  Visit their website, check out their menu or their drink specials, and stop in for a meal or drink. This shows interest in the position and makes it easier to answer interview questions.

When it's time for the interview, be sure to dress appropriately. Even at a casual restaurant or bar, nice pants and a clean, pressed shirt or dressy top will make a good impression.

Bring a notepad to your interview for notes and questionsFor the interview, bring extra copies of your resume, a notepad and pen for taking notes, and a few prepared questions about the position. You also want to get to the interview a few minutes early - this will show that you are prompt and considerate of others' time.  Finally, be confident - remember that you are interviewing them, too.  Both you and the interviewer are looking for the best fit.

After the interview:
Send a hand-written thank you note to your interviewer.  Thank them for their time and for helping you learn more about the position. This is also another chance for you to let them know how interested you are in the position.

If you haven't heard from them, stop in a week or two after the interview and ask. They may have been too busy to hire anyone or they may still be conducting interviews.

Never count on one job application or one interview to get you a job.  Keep applying and interviewing at multiple locations.

Once you have the job, always show up on time. Being late is always a problem, as someone has to wait the tables and serve the drinks.  Employees that are late put a hardship on management and other employees.

In addition to these interviewing suggestions, we have several job hunting tips in our Bartending Mixology course. If you want to learn bartending, or upgrade your skills to Master Bartender, visit our homepage at www.Rserving.com.