Bartender-in-Training

FAQs

  • What is a Bartender-in-Training? The Bartender-in-Training (or “BiT,” as we say) role is our training program for team members who want develop the skills and knowledge to become a Bartender at Modernist, whether you have zero prior experience or you have already spent time bartending. As a BiT, while you are always benchmarked to threshold standards as well as expectations of preparation and performance, you are not immediately expected to perform at the same level as a Bartender and are afforded time to understand our approach to doing things. You learn the ropes from ground-up, from learning our entire cocktail program, to interacting with and taking care of guests, then being exposed to and learning of all the responsibilities of a Bartender, including, but not limited to, operational responsibilities, deeper technical knowledge, and practical knowledge and application of how to properly execute cocktails.
  • How is it different from being a Bartender at Modernist? A BiT is meant to be a transitional or training role that provides time to learn (in general and our specific approach to doing things) while having full exposure to the responsibilities of a Bartender, and being afforded a slight level of understanding and tempered expectation across the criteria presented below.
  • How do I go from being a BiT to becoming a Bartender? Great question and a very important one. The path to becoming a Bartender is fairly straight-forward – get through our training program in the allotted time, although this may be one of those things that is easier said than done. The criteria breaks down into four (4) main categories: (i) operational proficiency (knowing and being able to execute any and all internal and external responsibilities, to our standards); (ii) knowledge proficiency (current program, general cocktail & spirits knowledge); (iii) technical proficiency (proper technique and timely execution); and (iv) “buy-in” from existing Bartenders (we work as a team and so being a part of the team is essential).
  • How long is the Bartender-in-Training program? Equally important question! You are expected to complete our training program within 6-10 months. The specific timing of the path your path is entirely up to you, depending on how committed you are to your own preparation. Ultimately, you control how fast you learn and how fast you progress based on how much time and effort you’re able and willing to commit – we expect you have the ambition and drive to exceed expectations. Learning to be a bartender takes a lot of work, but, if you’re passionate about hospitality, cocktails & spirits and you want to be a bartender, we absolutely believe you’ll find the journey worth it at the end.

Responsibilities

  • Ongoing self-education – menu items, general spirit and cocktail knowledge, techniques, recipes
  • Provide an exceptional experience for guests (includes front-of-house service, bar support and bartending)
  • Opening and closing duties (set up / break down wells, patio and/or front of house; restocking inventory, garnishes, supplies, towels, glassware, etc…; take trash out; etc…)
  • Standard operations, including, but not limited to: provide world-class guest service, guide guests through our cocktail program, prepare drinks, deliver drinks & food, process payments, bus tables, reset tables, reset wells, run glassware
  • (Learn to) Know and be able to execute all cocktails on current menu
  • Attend and participate in training and R&D sessions
  • Keep the bar organized and clean: wipe down all surfaces and equipment (scrub as needed), keep inventory, supplies, equipment and tools organized (mise en place), deep clean based on schedule
  • Abide by and help maintain compliance with all Agency, State, Federal and County requirements, pertaining to serving alcoholic beverages
  • Maintain glassware pre-, during and post-service (clear, sanitize, stock)
  • Maintain water bottles and station(s)
  • Restock and refill bottles and cheaters as needed

What We’re Looking For

  • Real responses: We understand life is complicated and that often-times the odd solution is actually ideal; don’t give the response you think we want to hear, give genuine responses that represent you as a professional, a person and what you’re looking for – you’ll thank yourself for your honesty later, or wish you were more honest with yourself
  • DEEPLY passionate about cocktails – we don’t rest on our laurels, we’re here to push the envelope, always
  • Demonstrated desire and ability to learn (both guided and self-motivated)
  • Exceptional work ethic
  • Pro-active mindset
  • Care about and have pride in your work
  • Detail-oriented

Why Should You Apply?

  • You want to be a craft cocktail bartender, your level of commitment and seriousness is consistent with that of a career choice, and you’re ready to put in the work
  • You want to be surrounded by deeply passionate peers who constantly push themselves and each other to improve their craft
  • You want to be and grow as a bartender, with a focus on cocktails & spirits (the world is endless) – no direct prior experience required! A lot of our team have culinary and barista backgrounds – keep challenging our perspective!
  • Get to know our team and become a part of the Modernist team!
  • Active involvement and participation in training and R&D sessions
  • Opportunity to nurture a career in the hospitality industry

How to Apply

  • Send an email to team@modernistfresno.com with subject: “BiT Application: [Insert your full name]”
  • In your message, include:
    • Attach your resume
    • Name:
    • Phone number:
    • Email:
    • Social Media(s) (platform – handle):
    • Your preferred method(s) of communication: [Email / IG / Text / Messaging Platform]
    • Why do you want to work at Modernist? Why apply now?
    • What is your experience with bartending, or in the hospitality industry?
    • What’s your experience with food and drinks?
    • What’s your interest in spirits & cocktails?

    • What’s your favorite cocktail? Why?

    • What do you want to do with your life? Why?

    • When was the last time you changed your mind or opinion about something? What led you to that change and what was the result?
    • What do you know about Modernist? What do you think we do and are about?

    • What does hospitality mean to you?
    • Tell us about an “exceptional experience” that you’ve had at a restaurant or bar. What are the specific things that made it exceptional?
    • What does being a Bartender mean to you?
    • ​​What can you tell us about the concept of enlightened hospitality? How do you feel about this perspective? Why? Are there alternative or similar philosophies that you have found meaningful?
    • We like to have fun, and sometimes that means laughing at ourselves. Do you have a funny story from your work experience that you are willing to share? 

    • What’s the most serious “WTF?!?!” moment you’ve seen or been a part of? How did you feel about it? How did you respond?
    • What does humility mean to you? What does it look or sound like? Can you provide examples of how you’ve shown humility in the past?
      • What is the most humbling thing you’ve ever experienced or done?
      • 
What do you think is the hardest part of exhibiting humility?
    • What does graciousness mean to you? What does it look or sound like? Can you provide examples of times you’ve shown graciousness?
What do you think is the hardest part of exhibiting graciousness?
    • What is your greatest strength? Give one example of how you’ve leveraged this strength to benefit the people around you.
    • What is your most significant weakness?
    • What is your most significant weakness in a team setting?
    • How do you handle conflict with teammates in a work environment?
      • What is your conflict resolution language? Do you internalize problems, do you avoid the problem(s), do you give it time to play out, or do you immediately address the source of conflict directly?
      • Does your conflict language change between a peer or a supervisor?
    • On a scale 1-10, how organized do you feel you are? Can you provide examples of your organization (physical organization and logistical organization)?
    • On a scale 1-10, how detail oriented would you say you are? What does being detail-oriented mean to you? Can you provide specific examples demonstrating this?

    • On a scale 1-10, how important is the cleanliness of your workspace, personal space and property to you? Do you maintain them at the same level as their importance? Can you please provide details?

      • If you took photos of your restroom, your room, and your car right now – how would you feel about showing them to your teammates?

    • On a scale 1-10, how are your problem solving skills? If you become aware of an issue, such as a toilet that won’t flush, what do you do?
    • What is a rumor?
      • How do rumors get spread?
      • What are the negative effects of rumors?
      • How can rumors negatively impact a workplace?
      • When a rumor(s) is shared with you, how do you make the decisions of:
        • Do you share it?
          • Who would you share it with?
          • Why?
        • Do you need to stop it? Should you stop it? Would you stop it?
          • If so, how would you stop it?
          • If not, why?
    • How many hours do you spend a week reading? How many books have you read in the past year? If any, why did you read them?

    • How do you like to spend your free time? Do you prefer to be around other people or alone?

    • What’s your favorite media content (e.g., movie / show / influencer / podcast)? Why is it your favorite?

    • What’s your availability? Are you looking to work part-time or full-time?

      • If part time, how will you keep up with the ongoing study and training to advance through our program?
    • Please provide 3 professional references [name, working relationship, reachable contact info]

What You Can Expect