First time applying to be a barback

sovexing · 2016-03-03T13:31:12+00:00

Dress neatly, make sure your hands are emaculate, and speak with confidence. Depending on where you live your age might be an issue. But a barback is an entry level position so lack of experience isn't generally and issue (and if the person who is hiring is smart they take inexperienced people for positions like this because you don't have bad habits.)

Focus on your responsibility, reliability, and eagerness to learn the trade (of bars, specifically.)

Edit to add: in addition to gastropubs, apply for large hotel barbacks. With really posh resteraunts. The tips are very good, and the bigger the hotel the better the benefits and the better upward mobility.

opening_eyes · 2016-03-03T13:52:07+00:00

Phone calls for inquiries are less valuable than a personal visit. You could phone and ask when the manager is more available to receive visitors, but get in front of them in person. They can size you up way better and quite instantly. Even if they aren't hiring they will keep your resume, which they won't do by phone. Many bars and restaurants have high turnover so it might not take so long.

[deleted] · 2016-03-03T14:57:33+00:00

Show up on time. This can't be said enough. If you're on time, don't call in sick, you will be referred to as RELIABLE. The flip side: don't be the first one out the door after closing.
Never stop working. See something that's dirty? Clean it. Go above and beyond your call of duty and always be willing to get shit done. What would you yourself want from an employee if it was YOUR bar? A hard worker who was always looking out for what's best for the business. Be that guy. (Tip: remember 3 in 3 out. This is a rule I had when doing this gig. Never walk back with less than 3 things, never walk out front with less than 3 things. Depending on your environment, of course (do they serve food?)
Be polite, but stay out of drama. aka Don't shit where you eat. Restaurants and bars are well known for drama. Relationships, especially the inevitable breakup can be dirty (shit) and have no place in a business (where you eat) Cute girl working there? Off limits, bud. Nothing will screw you out of a job faster than hitting on the wrong girl.
Dress for success. This is very important. If you like it and you can see yourself being a bartender, dress like a bartender. It's much easier to visualize a promotion if they already dress and act the part.

Good luck!

mrpCamper · 2016-03-03T14:26:49+00:00

I worked as a bar back in college. It is a great way to meet people (bar tenders, cocktail waitresses, patrons etc.) , as you know. As far as being prepared. There is really no necessary skills to being a barback - it's entry level. You have to have common sense and know how to clean shit. Clean the bar, clean glasses, scoop up left over glasses and put them in the dishwasher or manually clean them if it's running. Empty the dishwasher. go to the back and get another case of Heineken, bottle of Jack or a new keg from the fridge. This is easy shit. It's about being thorough, fast and staying out of the way.

Just show that you can get things done in a busy environment and not get flustered. Think of an example already where you did this.

At 18 I would suggest the following. Work something in like this into the conversation ... "My parents always raised me to be polite"

Think of a time where you had to clean and set up for a party for your parents or something. Have a good handshake. Firm not crushing and look the interviewer in the eye. Say please and thank you and call the person sir or mam.

Good luck!

balalasaurus · 2016-03-03T14:16:50+00:00

Be mindful of your responsibilities and learn to keep a record of things. Barbacking is not just a path to bartending but a path to management as well. A lot of responsibility is put on a barback's shoulders and if you show yourself capable, can get recognition. Bear in mind barback pay is shit (apart from tips) so be willing to put in the extra work for what might often seem like little reward. Also be courteous to all the patrons no matter what their demeanor is. Some people can be assholes and expect you to serve them. In your position there's not much you can say no to but it also teaches you valuable lessons in customer relations.

[deleted] · 2016-03-03T17:36:43+00:00

I read that as "bareback".

Time to hang up the internet for the day.

abdada · 2016-03-03T12:54:53+00:00

Try finding a gastropub -- a restaurant with a bar focus. That's a solid place to start out. Not all municipalities let someone 18 work at an actual nightclub..

Also apply at strip clubs with liquor.

DarkisKnight · 2016-03-03T17:37:52+00:00

Former bartender here. My first job was as a barback/wait-assist.

My best advice is once you learn the ropes is to learn to anticipate the needs of the bartenders. Your goal is they don't have to ask you to do anything (although sometimes that's impossible).

AtlRP · 2016-03-04T20:26:09+00:00

I moonlighted in the bar/nightclub scene for six years when I lived in Las Vegas. Some pointers:

-First and foremost, HUSTLE. I mean that in the literal sense. Work your ass off, do your job well and efficiently. Get your prep work done before asked to do so by the bartender/managers, keep the liquor/glasses/ice/mixers/condiments, etc stocked at all times. Live by the ethos "if you have time to lean, you have time to clean." A clean bar is a happy bar.

-Learn the drinks. Since you're 18 I assume your knowledge on cocktails and alcohol in general is limited. Most of your "education" will come with experience behind the bar but if you have the means, take a bartending course. It can be a little expensive but WELL worth the investment. Plus, it's fun and a great way to meet people. If you can't afford it, learn what you can online or download a good mixology app. Flash cards worked well for me - you write the name of the drink on one side and how to build the drink on the reverse.

-Show up on time or a few minutes before your shift starts. This gives you enough time to get all your prep work done before the rush. Also shows that you're reliable and will put you in the good graces of management (which is huge in the service industry).

-Don't date co-workers if you value the job or want to use the place as a reference down the line. Speaking from experience here.

Losthser22 · 2016-03-03T12:05:48+00:00

/u/abdada requesting your advice

sovexing · 2016-03-03T13:22:18+00:00

What the fuck is a barback , sounds like some kind of gay male prostitue for bison

Title	First time applying to be a barback
Author	Losthser22
Upvotes	8
Comments	17
Date	March 3, 2016 12:05 PM UTC (10 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/askTRP
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/asktrp/comments/48rp7j/first_time_applying_to_be_a_barback/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/askTRP/first-time-applying-to-be-a-barback.161553 https://theredarchive.com/post/161553

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