Alright, buddy, so you wanna be a bartender, huh? Well, you’ve picked a good time to get into the game. The nightlife scene is always buzzing, and there are tons of places out there lookin’ for someone who knows how to sling drinks and keep the good times rollin’. But I get it—when you’re starting out, finding a bartending gig can feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack. Don’t worry, though—I’m gonna break it down for you and show you all the places you can find bartending jobs, no matter if you’re a newbie or you’ve been behind the stick a while.
Grab a drink and let’s get into it, because I’m about to show you how to land that gig, no matter where you are!
1. Start Local: Walk-In Applications
First off, don’t underestimate the power of walking into a bar and talking to someone face-to-face. Yeah, I know it sounds old school, but trust me, this still works like a charm, especially in smaller, local spots. Walk in, have a drink, and just ask the bartender or manager if they’re hiring.
- Pro Tip: If you’re going this route, look sharp. You wanna show you’ve got your act together. Be confident, maybe even bring a resume, but keep it casual. You’re not in a suit for a corporate interview—you’re applying for a gig that’s all about personality and charm. Make sure you look like you can handle the rush on a Friday night and have a good attitude.
What Makes It Work: Local places often hire based on vibe and chemistry. A lot of managers just want to get a feel for you in person before they even think about hiring. And, hey, if they don’t have an opening right now, you’ve already made a connection, which could turn into something down the road.
2. Check Out Job Boards & Websites
Now, if you’re looking for something a bit more official, online job boards are your friend. There are a ton of websites where bars and restaurants post bartending gigs. Some of the bigger names to keep an eye on include:
- Indeed
- Glassdoor
- Monster
- Craigslist (yes, still a solid option!)
- Snagajob
- SimplyHired
Pro Tip: Set up alerts for bartending jobs in your area, so you don’t miss any hot leads. Also, make sure to include keywords like “bartender,” “barback,” “server,” and even “mixologist,” depending on what you’re looking for. Some places might be looking for bartenders with a little more flair or a specific skill set.
3. Use Social Media to Your Advantage
Social media’s not just for posting pictures of your brunch, my friend—it’s also a killer tool for finding bartending gigs. Bars, restaurants, and nightclubs are always posting openings on their social media accounts, and you should be checking them out regularly.
- Instagram: Many spots, especially trendy ones, will post about hiring directly on Instagram. Follow local bars and nightlife spots in your city. If you’re lucky, you might catch a story or a post about an opening.
- Facebook: There are a ton of local Facebook groups dedicated to hospitality jobs in different cities. Search for groups like “Bartenders of [Your City]” or “Los Angeles Bartending Jobs” (or wherever you’re based). People are constantly posting job openings here.
- LinkedIn: Yeah, LinkedIn might seem a little too “corporate” for bartending, but there are plenty of venues and restaurant groups that post opportunities on here. You never know when you might find a place looking for someone with your exact skills.
- Pro Tip: If you see a bar you’re interested in on social media, DM them! No harm in shooting a friendly message saying, “Hey, I saw your post about hiring. Would love to stop by and chat about bartending opportunities!” Keep it short, sweet, and professional.
4. Network with Other Bartenders & Industry Folks
In this business, it’s all about who you know. Networking is probably one of the best ways to land a bartending gig. Get out there, meet other bartenders, and talk shop.
- How to Network:
- Go to bars and restaurants you love and start chatting with the staff. Just say, “Hey, I’m a bartender too. Are you guys hiring?”
- Attend industry events, like bartending competitions, cocktail festivals, or happy hours for people in the biz.
- Get involved in any local bartender unions or groups (they often share job openings or tips for finding gigs).
- Pro Tip: When you’re networking, make sure to always be polite and respectful. This is a small industry, and word travels fast. You don’t want to burn bridges by being a creep or coming off too pushy.
Deluxe Bartending Service hires wedding and gig bartenders around the USA and Canada:
5. Check with Staffing Agencies Specializing in Hospitality Jobs
Another great place to find bartending gigs? Job fairs. You might be thinking “Job fairs? Nah, that’s for office jobs!” but you’d be surprised how many bars, restaurants, and hotels show up at these events looking for bartenders, servers, and barbacks.
- Keep an eye out for hospitality job fairs happening in your area. It’s a quick way to meet with a bunch of employers, drop off your resume, and possibly land an interview on the spot.
- Pro Tip: Dress professionally, even if it’s for a bar gig. It shows you’re serious, and you never know who might be watching.
6. Hospitality & Job Fairs
Another great place to find bartending gigs? Job fairs. You might be thinking “Job fairs? Nah, that’s for office jobs!” but you’d be surprised how many bars, restaurants, and hotels show up at these events looking for bartenders, servers, and barbacks.
- Keep an eye out for hospitality job fairs happening in your area. It’s a quick way to meet with a bunch of employers, drop off your resume, and possibly land an interview on the spot.
- Pro Tip: Dress professionally, even if it’s for a bar gig. It shows you’re serious, and you never know who might be watching.
7. Get Your Resume Ready and Go Through a Hiring Website or App
If you’re serious about the gig hunt, make sure you have a solid resume ready to go. There are now apps and websites that make it easier for bartenders to find work, and some of them specialize in hospitality jobs.
These apps let you set up a profile, upload your resume, and start browsing available bartending gigs. Some apps even let you apply directly from your phone, making it super easy to apply to multiple places in just a few minutes.
8. Visit Hotel Bars & Resorts
If you’re looking for a steady job with decent benefits, don’t forget about the hotel bar scene. Hotel bars are always hiring—especially if the place is near a popular tourist spot.
Wrapping It Up
So, there you have it, partner. From hitting the pavement and walking into local spots, to scrolling through job boards, checking out social media, and even talking to other bartenders—there are a ton of ways to find bartending gigs. The key is patience, persistence, and personality. The more you get out there, network, and show you’ve got what it takes to keep the bar running smoothly, the more opportunities will start rolling in.
So get out there, shake some hands, sling some resumes, and start talking to other bartenders—your next gig could be just around the corner. Cheers! 🍻
