Whether you’re a bartender, bar manager, barback, or similar, there are certain skills that are essential to your success in the industry. If you want to take your career to the next level, you can. All you need to do is master these 10 essential skills.
1. Be Mentally Prepared
Although this may sound obvious, it’s easy to underestimate the importance of being in the right mental space. Most of your work involves interpersonal skills, which is why it’s essential for you to be ready to deal with all kinds of people from the second you start your shift. This is achieved by clearing your mind of anything weighing you down or taking up mental space.
Bar work involves an array of responsibilities, so it’s best to be clear-headed. Your attitude will be affected by whatever’s on your mind. So, be ready for every person, every order, and any problem you may encounter on shift.
2. Customer Service
In the hospitality industry, there’s nothing more important than customer service. The manner in which you greet and interact with your customers and staff will ultimately lead to your own success or failure in the industry. For that reason, it’s crucial to brush up on your customer service skills. This entails:
- Greeting your customers and fellow staff warmly and positively.
- Listening intently to all communication.
- Creating a good rapport.
- Responding to needs—this may be a simple drink order or small talk.
- Informing a customer or fellow staff member if there will be any kind of delay.
- Remaining positive and professional in every situation- especially the tough ones.
- Communicating clearly.
- Reading your customers.
3. Be Organized
The work available in the bar industry requires a certain level of organization. Although multitasking gets a bad rap in many businesses, in a bar it’s an excellent skill—and it relies on you being organized.
Being organized will enable you to juggle your responsibilities without getting flustered or spinning out. If you’re a bar manager, it’s your duty to keep your staff and inventory stocked and prepped. If you’re a bartender, you must know your bar inside out and keep it clean and running efficiently. As a barback, it’s important to take mental notes of the way your establishment runs. The more organized you are, the more prepared you are to deal with any complications and enjoy a smooth service.
Being organized also involves managing your time effectively. Be punctual for shifts. Your schedule and your availability affect every one of your staff, so be clear and have foresight.
4. Teamwork
In the hospitality industry, teamwork is a pivotal skill. Being a reliable, honest, and friendly team member is guaranteed to make your job more satisfying and less stressful. It’ll also make every rush easier to handle, no matter how crowded your space is.
If you’re a team player, your teammates will support you. The bar industry is a highly social world, so it’s crucial to put your best foot forward for your team to function effectively. A strong team makes for a smooth ride ahead. Put effort into your relationships inside your workplace because it’s where you will spend a considerable amount of your time and energy.
5. Communication Skills
This applies to your customers and your colleagues. Regardless of your position, communication skills are necessary for success.
You may need to take direction from your colleagues, or perhaps you need assistance. Either way, be clear on what it is that you need to do or what you need from someone else. Your ability to listen effectively to your customers and colleagues will get the right kind of attention from everyone in your environment.
6. Integrity
Integrity requires you to do what is right. It’s a highly sought-after skill in any industry, and bar work is no exception. The ability to do the right thing is the difference between gaining the respect of your colleagues or not.
Honesty, integrity, and respect all go hand-in-hand. Be aware of your surroundings and your customers when working the bar, as there will be times that you will need to make a decision that will have a ripple effect in your workplace. Consistently do the right thing and be prepared to justify your judgments.
7. Sales
If your position involves selling a product, your ability to sell is crucial. It’s the end goal of any bar, restaurant, event, or function. Upsell in a pleasant manner and make customers want to buy from you.
If you work behind a bar, this will involve enthusiasm and charisma. Have fun with your customers and show them a good time, because that’s why they’re there. Be quick, be efficient, and sell, sell, sell!
8. Memory
Memory ties in with the very first skill mentioned here: Being mentally prepared. Be ready to remember orders, tasks, numbers, names, times, dates, and expectations.
Customer service is about what the customer wants and the best way to serve them is to remember why they are there and what they require from you. If this entails making small notes, do whatever you need to do to remember your tasks. As a bartender, this is particularly important since you may not be able to take notes but will rely solely on your memory at that moment.
9. Efficiency
Working in a bar is fast-paced and frenetic and requires an efficient approach at all times. You’ll serve and liaise with many people, the music will be loud, and you’ll need to perform your duties with confidence. You can learn how to do all this on the job or at a top bar school, like NY bar school, but you’ll need to keep practicing to maintain your momentum.
If you complete every task efficiently, your colleagues know they can trust you to get the job done. Similarly, your customers will appreciate if you’re efficient and quick so you’ll earn better tips.
10. Stamina
The hospitality industry requires a certain amount of stamina to endure long hours and nonstop physical activity. Stamina requires a benchmark level of fitness at the very least.
You will be on your feet for most of your shift, and that's why staying fit is important. Take care of your body so that it may take care of you! Be ready to push through even when you feel exhausted and drained.
There you have it! The 10 skills that every bar staff member needs. Use these tips to excel, no matter what role you fill.
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