Читать книгу Bartenders' Manual - Harry Johnson - Страница 11

When a bartender is looking for a position or an opening, it is of great importance for him to present a neat, clean appearance. It is also proper for him, as soon as he approaches the proprietor, to be careful in his speech and expressions, not say too much, but wait until the prospective employer asks him questions to which he should reply promptly. Have good recommendations with you, if possible, or, at least, be able to prove by references that you are reliable and capable. In entering an office or restaurant, it is proper to take off your hat and, especially, while talking to the proprietor – a much-neglected act of courtesy. Many people believe that they lower themselves by lifting their hats, but this is a mistaken opinion, as it is only a matter of etiquette and shows proper respect. When the proprietor is a gentleman, you will find he will do the same, even before you have; perhaps, to show that he has the proper knowledge of what etiquette demands.

A bartender inquiring for a position should be clean-shaven, with clothes well-brushed and shoes blacked; and should not speak to the proprietor with a cigar in his mouth and neither should he spit on the floor, be chewing a toothpick, use slang or profane language or indulge in other bad habits. All his answers should be short and in a polite tone of language.

When the question of wages is introduced, you must know yourself what you are worth and every good bartender should demand good wages. Of course, it’s much better to demand the proper salary, at once, than to accept small wages at the beginning and then attempt to have it increased later, as this method generally creates an ill-feeling between employer and employee, especially if the desired “raise” is refused. It is advisable for the bartender to ask the proprietor or manager, in a gentlemanly manner, what hours he is to work, whether by day or night, whether entitled to meals or not, what privileges are to be given him, what is demanded of him and obtain information of all the particular rules and regulation governing the place of business. If everything is satisfactory to both and you have been engaged, at once leave the place, in a proper manner and do not linger about, trying to occupy the proprietor’s time more than necessary and not give the bartender, who is going to leave or to be discharged, an opportunity to know what the business talk has been, or stop and chat to any possible acquaintance, who may be present, about what you are going to do.

I try to impress on every bartender’s mind that he should study his business as much as possible, in every way, so that he be entitled to the highest salary paid; for I do not believe in cheap bartenders. It is much better for the proprietor to pay high wages to those fully understanding their business than to hire “shoemakers” who have but little if any knowledge of the business. Cheap men, as a rule, are worthless.

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