Restaurant Managers, Do you have any advice for someone young like me trying to get into the business? I'm a fresh graduate out of high school trying to get my foot in the door in the bartending world and so far it's felt impossible to get going. I've said I'm more than willing to start out as a busser but so no dice so far. Any advice?

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I'm guessing you're not in the US? It'd be impossible to get a bartending job if you're under 21 here. I don't have much advice for you other then to keep doing what you're doing. Apply for all the entry level jobs you can. It takes some time when you're first starting out and have no work experience, but all it takes is one job to get your foot in the door. Once you have, you should be able to work your way up quickly enough.

I’d follow the thought about bussing, or just whatever gets you into a place. From there, you’ll probably be able to move around at some point, and if not, you’ll start getting experience that lets you move later on.

Also try some local spots or mom and pop shops (not huge conglomerates) that are more flexible and would be willing to train you.

My advice to you is go to a restaurant that has a bar that needs a bar back, if your a hard worker and the bartenders like you, they were on the side teach you how to bartend, if you good and you’ll be able to observe what they do, how they do it and learn, but you have to bust your ass to be the best bar back they have and that means, yes to everything they ask you to do in the workplace for work.

Hey I used to work at Joey restaurants and the front of house team had a great training system always pushing employees into management or assistant positions most of the time all it took was voicing your interest in the position and having a strong work ethic and they would happily help you get the experince might be aomthing to check that being said not all of the locations are great so be careful and do some research ask the staff about growth potential

Learn the basic cocktails
Keep smiling
Bring good high energy
Apply everywhere including bar backing, get your foot in the door.
Go to as many interviews as possible, learn the common questions. Learn articulated answers.
Don’t give up!
Good luck!
You got this!

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