Living the Public Life – A Career at the Bar

Fast-moving, ever-changing with rapid career progression and a wealth of entrepreneurial opportunities.
Lively and exciting roles for lively, business-minded people.

Your Next Move

Know What’s Right for You

• Understand the industry. Check out The Publican ’trade paper and www.thepublican.com or caterer.com. Decide what style of pub or bar you want to work in - the choice is huge. Part time or full time?
• Talk to people already working in the industry
• Get some work experience.

Narrow Those Options

• Utilise company web sites and get to know prospective landlords better.
• Check to see which companies have pubs/bars in your area and close in on them.

Create a ‘Stand Out’ CV

• Be brief – no longer than one or two pages long
• Begin with your personal details: name and contact details
• Follow with an introductory paragraph that summarises your best attributes e.g. excellent communicator, motivated and conscientious. Remember your audience and the qualities they want in an employee
• Highlight the headings such as Key Skills, Employment, Education.
• The most current information should come first
• Check spelling (use spellchecker), grammar and content – and ask someone else to check it
• Print on quality paper using easy-to-read type
• And don’t forget the cover letter! Keep it short. Tailor it to the job and the company; match your skills to their priorities. Sound enthusiastic – make them want to interview you!

Get Back Online

• You’ve researched potential employers, received advice about your CV and now it’s time to apply for a job.
• Many companies will have an online application facility – fill in every field shown and don’t be less formal just because you are online
• If you are sending a covering letter and CV on spec, provide all your contact details
• Again if applying on spec, ring the company to check the name and email address of the person handling job applications before pressing the send button

Make The Big Impression

• Before...
• Research the company and the job
• Prepare your questions and answers – why are you right for the job? What added value can you bring? Is the company the right match for your career ambitions?
• During...
• Arrive 5 minutes early and dress appropriately
• Be confident and positive – smile, firm handshake, good eye contact
• Convey your ‘selling points’ and knowledge of the company in your answers
• Be clear and concise about your goals and achievements
• If you don’t know the answer to a question, say so and ask for more detail
• Don’t dwell on salary and package details
• After...
• Earn ‘extra points’ by sending a follow-up letter/email
• If timescales run over, be sure to follow up
• Fingers crossed, you get the job! If not, find out why!