DrinkMaster Graduate: What’s Next
1. RESUME & INTERVIEW COACHING! Refer to the DrinkMaster Website for resume
examples. Using DrinkMaster resume examples will help you express how you are qualified to
Bartend. Ask for Interview and Resume coaching from DrinkMaster Staff.
2. Go to a business card printing website such as www.4over4.com, www.vistaprint.com, or
type in FREE business cards in Google and get 250 Free Portrait business cards. We
recommend including a photo on the business card. Make a lasting impression.
3. CATERING 101: Learn how to bartend at private parties and how to make cash tips.
Catering bartending is a great way to break into the industry and shows experience on your
resume. Enroll in the next Catering 101 class on www.DrinkMasterBartending.com. Consider
applying for a job with our partner company DrinkMaster Event Staffing, Inc.
4. NETWORK: Let friends know you are now a certified bartender and are looking for a
bartending job. Ask them if they have any contacts in the industry that you could get in contact
with. You may be surprised at what a little networking can do.
5. SELECT: Select 3 or 4 places you would like to work. View the DrinkMaster online Job
Database and visit helpful online sources such as Craigslist.org etc. for potential places that are
hiring.
6. RESEARCH: Before you go into the bar, do a Google search for information on the
establishment. Search for reviews and print them out. Most bars have a website. From here,
print out the wine list, specialty drinks list, dinner menu and anything that makes the
establishment unique. Highlight and thoroughly memorize at least a couple wines, specialty
drinks etc. Create a folder with the name of the bar printed on the front cover. Inside the folder
place your research, resume and business card. Bring the entire folder with you to the
interview. You want the hiring manager to see the name of the bar on the folder to prompt
curiosity and to also see that you are prepared.
7. WALK IN: Ask for the name of the hiring manager and be sure to write it down. If they say
we are not hiring right now, say you would like to introduce yourself and be considered for any
future openings. If the manager is there you can make a formal introduction.
8. INTRODUCTION: Once in front of the hiring manager introduce yourself. You want to
keep the introduction short and impactful. The objective is show you have done your research
and are enthusiastic about their bar. Then emphasize what you know about them, that you are
well trained behind the bar and that you would like to be considered for the next opening.
COACHING:

Understand that after taking DrinkMaster’s intensive hands on program you will be
more “qualified” than many bartenders with “experience” who were never properly
trained. You are brining only good habits and accurate mechanical skills to an
establishment. Many “experienced” bartenders simply have years of bad habits.
QUESTION TO EXPECT:
 Manager Question: “Do you have any experience?”
 This is the same as asking “Are you QUALIFIED?”… Your answer is “YES, I am
highly trained and qualified. I know my brands, customer service and how to
properly mix drinks.”
Examples of things to say:
 I’ve done a lot of research on your company and have read many positive
reviews online.
 I was impressed to read that you have one of Boston’s most extensive “wine by
the glass” menus and are known for your creative signature cocktails.
 I love the fact that you use only fresh fruit and juices for your cocktails and
sangria.
 I’ll throw a ton of energy at your company and I’m highly trainable.
 I’ve already memorized several of your wines and specialty drinks.
 Here is my resume and business card. Please keep me in mind for any future
openings.
 I understand standards of excellence in customer service. I’m not afraid of hard
work. I’m willing to pay my dues.
 I’m here to work hard and make money. I understand that this is a job
 I’m available on short notice and can fill-in incase of a last minute emergency.
 Extra credit: Offer to get behind the bar and make them a specialty drink you
have memorized off of their own menu.
9. FOLLOW UP: Send a handwritten thank you card addressed to the hiring manager. This ads
a personalized touch and goes above and beyond what the average applicant is willing to do

Example:
Dear Paul,
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me. I wanted to
enthusiastically reiterate my interest in working for Croma. I’m
available to fill in as needed and will throw a ton of energy at your
company. If anything opens up please consider me for the position. It
was a pleasure meeting you.
Kind Regards,
Jason Rothe, Bartender
617-719-9999
10. RE-VISIT: Stop by a few days later. Say, “I wanted to stop by and let you know I’m still
very interested and available. Give me an opportunity to show you what I can do.”
11. STAY IN PRACTICE: Come back to DrinkMaster and practice for free. Get further
coaching and keep DrinkMaster informed with your progress. Be sure to have bartending
equipment at home to practice with.
RESUME BUILDING:
The purpose of rebuilding your resume is to develop the language you will use in your interview by
expressing how your past experiences QUALIFY you to be a Bartender. This resume will be unique to
this industry and may not be ideal for other kinds of job interviews.
The focus is on expressing your understanding of what’s required to be a bartender. Did you handle
demanding customers with patience and concern? Did you provide immediate knowledgeable answers
to customer’s questions? Did you acknowledge customers in a quick and timely manner? Did you go
to work each day with the objective of providing standards of excellence in customer service.
Example 1.


Example 2.
Example 3.
One student came in and said “All I do for work is sit at the front desk of a
library” how does that qualify me to Bartend?
Example Rephrasing: On weekly basis I greeted over 1200 visitors providing
immediate knowledgeable answers to any questions and concerns.


Another student came in and said, “All I am is a Bagger at a grocery store”
Example Rephrasing: Immediately acknowledged and Greeted guests in an upbeat
manner. Conscientiously organized customer’s groceries with care to ensure high
levels of customer satisfaction.

Another student said, “All I do is answer and make phone calls all day as a
telemarketer”.
Example Rephrasing: Successfully maintained customer satisfaction through timely
correspondence. Consistently handled demanding customers with patience and
concern.

UNDERSTAND THE INDUSTRY:
 The restaurant/bar industry is very transitional. People are constantly jumping in
and out of the business as the demands of a bar changes throughout the year. If they
are not hiring today they may be tomorrow or next week.
YOUR MAIN OBJECTIVE:
 You want to be considered as the next available candidate. Do not leave in
frustration after a bar tells you they are not hiring. Make an impression, follow up
and stay in communication. When an opening happens you will be a high on the list
of candidates. By understanding what hiring managers want to hear.
KNOW THE HIRING MANAGER:
 They don't like to think you are throwing your resume to the wind. It’s refreshing
when an applicant actually knows about the bar. They want to hire someone who
isn't afraid of hard work and isn't going to quit after they realize that this is actually
a job. They want to hire someone who is willing to pay their dues and be flexible
with duties that may not necessarily be in their job description. We are employees
first and bartenders second.
Come back into DrinkMaster to stay in practice. Please consider us an unlimited resource in your job
search. Our door is always open to you. Make sure to get a DrinkMaster Bartending Kit to practice
with the same equipment you were trained on.
Stay in touch. We would love to hear from you!
Best Wishes,
Jason, Fiona, Jeff, Jesse and the original DrinkMaster & School Mascot:
JUDO-CHOP
DrinkMaster’s Master Bartending Kit
Order today by calling 617-482-1999
(Also includes professional pairing knife, cutting board and jigger not shown)