I came out of uni last year and didn't perform very well, I'd saved a lot as a result I travelled very cheaply all over Europe till March and since then I've been wasting away in Brixton staying with my family.
I'd like to get a job in a pub and would like a little advice for getting jobs in pubs, I have little to no work experience however I really want to do this.
I'm a genial guy, great with people, I've moved a lot and travelled a lot as a result I get on with all kinds of folks which I feel makes me apt to be a barman. I'm very passionate about ale and good beer from round the world so I'd prefer if I can work in an ale or craft beer pub and put that knowledge and passion to use.
I've talked to a lot of friends who've done or do bar work and they gave me a bunch of recommendation but I just wanted to corroborate it here with anybody who's done pub work in London specifically.
I've made a lot of research and have a long list of pubs I'd like to see if are hiring, my friends said I should go to the pubs in person, try talk to the manager and inquire if they're hiring and allow my personality to shine through, rather than ringing them. Is that the proper approach?
If it is what to do, what should I wear? (I'm a guy by the way) I was thinking a blue smart-ish shirt worn casually, (should I tuck it in?) and some jeans or these cream trousers I have and black shoes is that about right?
I'm 24, haven't really had a job in the past and so don't have a lengthy CV, I'm worried about that but everybody says If I do find a job then they'll give me some basic training and I'll be fine.
Answers to my two main questions and any other recommendation or tips about finding pub work in London are much appreciated, I genuinely want to work and change my life around! Cheers
If you're particularly on the look out for a job in a craft beer pub but you've never done bar work, why not pop into your local dives firstly to see if you can obtain a shift there first so at least you can go someplace better in a week or two and tell them you've got experience?
No experience might be a problem, although I'd advocate going in person, dressed appropriately for the place. Go off-peak times, once lunch is done and ahead of people knock off work. talk to the manager, seem enthusiastic and make it clear that you are extremely willing to learn and work hard.
Last resort, offer to work a shift for free, but don't sell yourself short.
Most significant is to promote yourself as reliable. Barstaff have a very high turnover, specially in London so landlords and managers will be thankful for staff they can rely on.
About the lack of experience, simply lie.
I worked in a pub in Australia for three years.
Last resort, offer to work a shift for free, but don't sell yourself short.
Most significant is to promote yourself as reliable. Barstaff have a very high turnover, specially in London so landlords and managers will be thankful for staff they can rely on.
I think it'll take a lot of days of using that less hectic time window after 1:30pm (the end of lunch?) and 5pm (the average end of the working day?) to get around my long list, that comes with the territory still I guess.
Are you signifying I do it all verbally and not even take a CV? ...Since I have little to put on the CV or should I make a minimal CV and try to pad it out with living experience that might be applicable as opposed to work experience?
I would wear jeans rather than light coloured trousers as your lower half often gets a bit unpleasant with spilled beer, and you ought to be dressing as if you are prepared to start work. Nicer shirt tucked in is okay although I would think.
As others have said, go and ask about locally to get some familiarity and then look for your perfect pub to work in. You say you're interested in beer, have you ever pulled a pint in the past & do you know anything in relation to prepping barrels etc.? If not I would firmly recommend asking a friend to give you a 5 min tutorial after their pub/bar has closed (if you can manage it) just so you don't look stupid pulling a pint the first time. I worked in pubs for a few years though & in no way had to learn to prep the ales (but did learn to replace the barrels for lager). That should be ok to learn on the job though.
I would certainly go in person to put if they're hiring rather than calling, it won't be the supervisor answering the phone & if its eventful they won't want to be caught chatting when stuff needs to be doing. You might want to go in more than just the once to ask when the manager is in as you may not catch them first time. Also obviously don't go at busy times! (Fri/sat evenings, sunday lunch - weekday early afternoon is prob your best bet.)
Enthusiasm & outgoingness is key, working behind the bar is all about joint effort & keeping each other sane & helping out. (& having fun!)
I worked in a pub in Australia for three years.
I think the idea jxmitchell had of receiving a test-run job in a local dive or local pub close to me to get - some - experience is a cool idea. ...though if I leave so soon to move on I suppose I won't be able to acquire a reference.. I guess it's by and large about the hands on experience though.
Last resort, offer to work a shift for free, but don't sell yourself short.
Most significant is to promote yourself as reliable. Barstaff have a very high turnover, specially in London so landlords and managers will be thankful for staff they can rely on.
I think it'll take a lot of days of using that less hectic time window after 1:30pm (the end of lunch?) and 5pm (the average end of the working day?) to get around my long list, that comes with the territory still I guess.
Are you signifying I do it all verbally and not even take a CV? ...Since I have little to put on the CV or should I make a minimal CV and try to pad it out with living experience that might be applicable as opposed to work experience?
The reason you need to do this in subdued periods is since they won't have time to talk during hectic times. You can try the morning but they may be doing backroom work. essentially just use common sense for that.
By all means call, but no one will hire you without talking to you in person.
To be truthful mate, bar work isn't rocket science. There is no significant qualifications to be had, thus yeah put any experience you think is significant on your CV. You are larger than your CV.
