How To Impress In Your Bar Work Trial Shift

No matter how much experience you have, if you don’t nail your trial shift, you can kiss that bar job goodbye. Here are some tips on how to impress when it really matters.

Look Presentable

First things first: before you even leave the house, put on an ironed shirt, smart black trousers and your best smile. Find out directly from the employer what they expect you to wear, but just as you would expect someone to wear a hard hat on a construction site, bartenders should look the part. Remember that you will represent the bar, so look your best.

Be Prepared

If you have substantial bar experience, you should use your trial shift to show this. A cocktail bar will expect you to know your ingredients, recipes and equipment, and most importantly how to use them. You may also be put on the spot with a surprise request, so be prepared to think on your feet.

Be Chatty

As a bartender, you’re gonna meet A LOT of people. Some may fancy a chat, others may not, but knowing that you have character, confidence and some banter will go a long way to impress your potential employer.

Don’t Get Distracted

Of course, the most important thing about your trial is the job in hand, so while personality is important, you can’t let yourself get distracted and take your mind off of what you’re doing. Not only will it prove your skill, it will also show your ability to multitask.

Don’t Ask About Money Too Early

This can be a tough one to judge, but you don’t want to press too much or too early on pay. It may not only deter the employer from your ability, but it also says a lot about why you’re doing this, especially if you’re relatively new to the industry. Your remuneration for a trial shift will depend on whether you’re supervised the entire time, how long the shift is and what is asked of you during the shift. Anything that is beyond what is reasonably required for you to show your skills should be paid. You can find more information on unpaid trials at www.fairwork.gov.au/pay/unpaid-work/unpaid-trials

Get Your RSA

Before you can work behind a bar in Australia, you need a Responsible Service of Alcohol, which is different per state. You can get yours for New South Wales from www.barmax.com.au, who have course venues throughout Sydney.

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