Bartender Qualifications

Bartending is often looked upon as fun and glamorous, but it's a job that -- like most others -- requires specific qualifications to be considered for hire. While being legally old enough to serve alcohol and having knowledge of basic bar terminology are at the top of the list, there are other legal, personal and industry aspects that equate to a fully qualified job seeker.

The Basics
Bartenders are a constant work-in-progress as patrons' palates change with new drinking trends. Maintaining a strong grasp of bar basics, such as terminology, standard recipes and garnishes, provides a solid springboard from which to apply for a job making drinks. Likewise, each establishment likely has its own selection of signature cocktails that management prefers you to suggestively sell. No matter your level of experience, always stay adaptable to the ever-changing nature of the business.

Guest Awareness
There is a high level of legal and ethical responsibility when it comes to how intoxicated bar guests become. Bartenders can be held legally accountable when theirs is the last establishment a patron visits before causing an accident due to having an illegal blood-alcohol level. Recognizing the signs -- such as dilated pupils, slurred speech and staggered gait -- is the first line of defense for knowing when to stop serving an individual.

Personality
When all other qualifications are equal, your personality can be the deciding factor over other applicants. Bartending is a socially interactive job where you're always on stage; embodying a fun, outgoing and confident demeanor, coupled with a friendly and welcoming smile, can set you far apart from those who only have the mechanical skills.

Physical Requirements
Watch a busy bartender, and you'll notice his is anything but a low-key job. Long periods on your feet, quick drink-making ability and multitasking with several customers at once are just a few of the physical demands associated with this fast-paced profession. Add to that the option of serving food at the bar, which many establishments do to increase their bottom line, and you'll also be making trips back and forth to the kitchen.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media