Is It Hard to Be Hired as a Bartender? Here's What You Need to Know
If you’ve ever dreamed about working behind the bar, mixing drinks, creating good vibes, and being part of the action, you may be wondering: Is it hard to get hired as a bartender? The answer is: it depends on how prepared you are.
In today’s hospitality industry, bartending jobs are in high demand across Arizona, especially in cities like Phoenix and Scottsdale, where nightlife, events, and tourism are booming. But like any job, bartending comes with competition.
Here's what can make it easier or harder to land that first bartending job.
Experience Can Help But It’s Not Everything
Many bars and restaurants do look for candidates with previous bartending experience, especially for fast-paced or high-end environments. But that doesn’t mean beginners are out of luck.
If you're new to the industry, what matters most is your training, your attitude, and your ability to show you're ready to work.
That’s why attending a professional bartending school, like ABC Bartending School in Phoenix, can give you a serious edge. It shows employers that you’re already familiar with:
Drink recipes and mixology techniques
How to use bar tools and set up stations
Customer service and tip etiquette
Arizona liquor laws including your Title 4 Certification
Food safety and handling with a Maricopa County Food Handler’s Card
What Hospitality Employers Look For
Bartending is more than just pouring drinks. It’s about people skills, speed, and professionalism. Employers want to know that you can:
Stay calm under pressure
Provide excellent service to a wide range of customers
Handle money and tabs accurately
Work well with team members during busy shifts
Represent the bar’s brand and vibe
Confidence and preparation go a long way. That’s why hands-on training from a program like ABC Bartending School helps you walk in with knowledge, practice, and polish even if it’s your first job.
Arizona is Hiring Bartenders Here’s Where
If you’re looking for bartending jobs in Arizona, here are the most common places hiring:
Restaurants and hotel lounges
Sports bars and nightclubs
Resorts and golf clubs
Private event venues and catering companies
Festivals, popups, and mobile bartending gigs
In busy areas like Phoenix and Scottsdale, new bars and restaurants are opening every month. Many places prefer to hire local talent with training, certification, and a flexible schedule, especially on weekends.
Do You Need a License to Bartend in Arizona
Not exactly. Arizona doesn’t require a traditional “bartending license,” but most employers require two things:
Title 4 Alcohol Certification – This is a short state-approved training on how to responsibly serve alcohol
Maricopa County Food Handler’s Card – Needed if you’ll be handling any food or drink in a service environment
Both of these are included when you enroll at ABC Bartending School in Phoenix, so you’re covered before you even walk into an interview.
How Bartending School Makes It Easier to Get Hired
ABC Bartending School isn’t just about mixing drinks. It’s about getting your job ready. Students complete a 40 hour program (32 hours in class, 8 hours home study) and walk away with:
Practical skills and real bar experience
Industry recognized certifications
A professional resume tailored to bartending
Interview preparation and job placement assistance
Many students at ABC get their first job within weeks of completing the program, some even sooner.
Ready to become a bartender?
It can be if you walk in with no training and no clue what the job requires. But with the right education, preparation, and attitude, you’ll stand out from the crowd. If you're serious about getting hired, invest in yourself first. A small commitment now can turn into a flexible, fun, and well-paying career that fits your lifestyle.
Thinking about starting? Check out the upcoming class schedule at ABC Bartending School in Phoenix or call 480-777-2333 to talk to the team. Your future behind the bar could be closer than you think. 🍸
