How difficult is it to get a job as a bar tender for a season?

Hi

Im trying to get a job for the 2011/2012 season as a bar tender and need some advice on how hard it is to get a job...

Im 18 and have had no previous bar experience, and Im looking to get a job anywhere in France. Do you reckon my lack of experience would be a problem?

Also, coud anyone tell me how early I should apply? Any other advice would be very welcome,

Thanks!

G

Hi,
My daughter was thinking of having a Gap year at one point, and working a winter ski season in France. And when I enquired about it I discovered that the main British tour operators don't take 18 year olds on - presumably because they think they're too young and immature.

However, the French themselves didn't seem to mind, but I should think you'd need to speak some French and it would be more complicated because you'd have to organize everything yourself - like accommodation etc.

Can't you get some bar experience this summer, in this country? I'm sure it would help.

This is what they say about it on www.natives.co.uk, an excellent site for those looking for jobs abroad.

Can I still get a job if I'm under 21?

As a general rule, most of the companies we work with don't employ people under the age of 21, and none under the age of 18.

We do however recruit for a number of overseas hotels and restaurants who do employ younger staff.. If you speak a foreign language (usually French or German), we may well be able to find you a job down this route.

Otherwise you should find that as we get closer to the season some companies will relax their rules to fill any remaining positions..

They are still unlikely to have a job for you unless you have a particular skill or relevant experience. Why not consider spending some time working abroad to show that you won't be phased by the experience. If you're planning to apply for chalet positions, try and get yourself on a cookery course! This will definitely help your application, although it won't necessarily guarantee you a job.

Your final option is to go out to resort at the start of the season and try to find a job there. You can get a job like this, but you do need luck and money to see you through until you get something. An alternative is to go out just after New Year, when it's cheaper to get flights, find accommodation and a few staff have been sacked!

I hope this helps,

Ally

Get you self some experience at home and apply....

Yeah I thought that might be the case,
thanks for the advice
Ill try and get a bar job over summer!

There is a nice Bar/Restaurant called "The Station" at the base of Chantemerle by the Luc Alphand run in Serre Chevalier. It is run by brits and when we were there in March 2011 there were a number of young brits employed. You can get their contact details from the Serre Chevalier website or Google them. Once you have some experience under your belt I would give them a call. Great area on your days off

G93 wrote:Yeah I thought that might be the case,
thanks for the advice
Ill try and get a bar job over summer!

Serving drinks you can teach a Monkey to do but during the summer try get a bit of Bar, waiting and cellar experience then that should put you head and shoulders above the opposition.