Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.
I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades. I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide. In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets.
I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests. So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
What Venues Hire Beginners?
When i started my career in hospitality I was very lucky to have been offered a job as long as I could obtain my RSA.
Not every one is given this opportunity.
When you’re brand new, the first question is: where do I start?
Luckily, hospitality is one of the easiest industries to break into if you’re willing to learn and show up with the right attitude.
- Pubs & Hotels: Classic entry points. Local pubs often hire glassies or barbacks who work their way into pouring drinks. Country pubs are especially great for beginners because training is usually hands-on.
- Clubs & RSLs: Larger venues with gaming areas, bars, and bistros. They often have structured induction programs, which is great if you’re new.
- Nightclubs: Not always beginner-friendly because of the pace, but some will take on juniors for barback roles before moving them up.
- Cafés/Restaurants with bars: Even a café serving wine and cocktails at night can be a good foot in the door.
- Events & Festivals: Temporary bar work at festivals, concerts, or sporting events is perfect for beginners. The hours can be intense, but the experience is gold.
👉 RSA Tip: No matter the venue, you must hold a valid RSA certificate in your state before you can legally serve alcohol.
Writing a Strong Hospitality Resume (Even With No Experience)
Hospitality managers know beginners won’t have years of bar experience — and that’s okay. They’re looking for potential.
What to include:
- RSA certification (this should be front and centre).
- Transferable skills: customer service, teamwork, communication.
- Any casual work: retail, fast food, volunteering — it all shows reliability.
- Availability: nights, weekends, holidays (showing flexibility is a plus).
- A short personal statement: “Passionate about starting a career in hospitality, eager to learn bartending skills, and committed to providing excellent customer service.”
👉 Pro Tip: Keep it to one page. Managers don’t want a novel, they want to know at a glance if you can do the job and in most cases just want to know that you are willing to try.
What Managers Look for When Hiring Bartenders
From my years of both working alongside and helping train new hires, here’s what really stands out:
- Attitude over experience. A smile and willingness to learn will beat someone with an ego and a year’s experience.
- Reliability. Turning up on time, every time, is one of the biggest wins in hospitality.
- RSA knowledge. Managers need staff who understand compliance — no venue wants a fine.
- Presentation. Clean, tidy, approachable. You don’t need to look like a fashion ad, but you do need to look like you belong behind a bar.
- People skills. Hospitality is about creating a vibe. If you can engage customers, you’ll go far.
👉Note: I once worked with a guy who couldn’t make a cocktail to save his life, but he remembered everyone’s name and always had a joke ready. Within a year, he was one of the most requested bartenders at the venue. Sometimes it is about builing the relationship to fill the seats. People will always buy a drink!
Interview Tips & Common Questions
Landing an interview is half the battle. Here’s how to prepare:
Tips
- Dress neatly, even if the venue is casual. First impressions count.
- Show confidence but not arrogance. Be honest about being a beginner.
- Highlight customer service skills, even if not from hospitality.
Common Questions
- “Do you have your RSA?” (If you don’t, you won’t get the job.)
- “Why do you want to work in hospitality?” Be genuine — talk about people, teamwork, or love of learning.
- “How would you handle a drunk customer?” Answer should include: staying calm, refusing service politely, offering water/food, and informing management.
- “What are your availability and flexibility?” Be open to nights, weekends, and holidays.
👉 Pro Tip: Research the venue before your interview. If they’re known for craft beer, mention your interest in learning more about different styles. If they’re cocktail-focused, show enthusiasm for training and even reflect on some of the cocktails you do know.
I have created a beginner friendly cocktail book that shows a step by step recipe for the 50 most requested cocktails.
Check it out here
Trial Shifts: What to Expect
In Australia, most venues will give beginners a trial shift before offering a job.
What usually happens:
- You’ll shadow another bartender or start with simple tasks (collecting glasses, stocking fridges, pouring beers).
- Managers aren’t looking for perfection — they want to see if you’re reliable, enthusiastic, and quick to learn.
- Expect to be thrown into the deep end. If the bar is busy, they’ll test how you cope under pressure.
Tips for success:
- Smile and ask questions.
- Watch how other bartenders move and copy their flow.
- Be proactive: if you see empty glasses or a messy bar, clean it without being told.
- Don’t panic if you make mistakes — everyone does on their first shift.
My first ever shift in the bar was a nightmare!
I honestly thought that I would not be asked back!
I was soo nervous to start that I couldnt remeber a basic Mojito recipe ( yep ice, mint, lime, lemonaid and rum ) The recipe was not coming to me.
The bartender I was shadowing nudged me and made some jokes and got me back on track however this was not the last of it.
I spille drinks, broke glasses and even dropped a whole bottle of juice on the floor but I was asked back and I am glad I did return as it has formed my love for the industry today!
Takeaways
- Beginners have plenty of options: pubs, clubs, hotels, RSLs, and events all hire new bartenders.
- Your RSA certificate is your ticket in — no RSA, no job.
- Managers want reliability, a positive attitude, and good people skills more than experience.
- Prepare for interviews with RSA knowledge and customer service examples.
- Trial shifts are about effort, enthusiasm, and learning on the go.
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below.
What are you shaking up these days?
What topics would you like to see covered in future posts?
Let’s connect and continue the conversation!
Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/