Bartending Gigs: Apps That Make Finding Bartending Work Easy

Finding bartending gigs can sometimes feel exhausting with little payoff. Hours are odd, work settings can vary wildly, and figuring out which bars are hiring near you can be a full-time job in itself.

But that’s where hospitality-focused gig apps come in. These platforms are built to make your job search simple, fast, and flexible, helping you skip the “bartending gigs near me” search and go straight to booking shifts that actually fit your life.

Whether you’re looking to pick up a few extra shifts, switch up your work environment, or build a consistent schedule with fast pay, this guide will walk you through the best gig apps for bartenders and how to make the most of them.

Key Takeaways

• Bartending positions provide flexible scheduling, high-energy environments, and speedy payment through trendy apps.
• Hospitality employees can filter and choose shifts through a series of clicks on their mobile phones using gig apps.
• Gig economy sites provide instant pay, support, and flexibility through easy-to-use features and verified employers.

The Rise of Gig Economy in the Hospitality Industry

In recent years, the gig economy has transformed how people work across various industries, and the hospitality sector is no exception. 

This growing trend has reshaped job searches, making it easier for professionals like bartenders to find work that fits their schedules and lifestyle preferences. But what exactly is causing this shift, and how are gig apps playing a central role in this transformation?

Gig apps have provided a platform for hospitality businesses to connect with available talent. 

Instead of relying on word-of-mouth or traditional job boards, bartenders can now access gig opportunities right from their smartphones. 

These apps allow professionals to easily browse and apply for shifts that match their skills, experience, and availability. Their ratings and review systems help everyone know what to expect.

What's great about these apps is their ability to alert bartenders to where they are needed. When businesses, like a local bar or event venue, post on these apps, they’re actively seeking professional bartending services and need someone to answer their call. Part-time gigs can often turn into full-time opportunities.

Whether it's picking up shifts to earn extra money during busy times, trying out different venues, or just working when they can, gig apps offer a lot of freedom. This is perfect for bartenders who want to work around other commitments or just enjoy changing things up.

How Gig Apps Help You Get Bartender Jobs

Bartenders who need flexible schedule arrangements, meanwhile, are in luck. Gig apps are your new best friend. These apps make it easy to look for available shifts, get hired quickly, and even get payment immediately after the job is done.

Among the leading gig apps for hospitality staff include shiftNOW, Instawork, and Wonolo. They are hospitality candidate apps that are downloadable both on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Comparison of Gig Economy Apps for Bartenders

When choosing an app to find bartending gigs, bartenders should consider which features best align with their personal and professional needs. shiftNOW's heavy focus on the hospitality industry makes it a strong choice for bartenders seeking targeted opportunities within their field.

Advantages of Bartending Jobs

There are many benefits of gig working in hospitality using gig job apps. Whether you’re new to hospitality or a seasoned professional, here's how gig working in hospitality might be your ideal fit:

1. Flexible Schedule

A benefit of gig bartending is the flexibility. Gig jobs allow you to choose your own schedule, which you can't get in a regular job. 

Whether or not you wish to grab a few jobs here and there or if you wish to handle bigger jobs, it is your choice. It's perfect for people with other responsibilities, like school or family. It's also great for those who want the freedom to decide when and where they work.

2. Express Cash

For the majority of hospitality workers, a paycheck is paramount. Gig apps usually come with instant payment options, which allow you to get your cash as soon as your shift ends. 

Instant cash flow can be a huge advantage for those who need to budget or make payments in a rush. 

Getting cash quickly helps gig workers with bills or saving for something special. This gives them more financial freedom, less stress, and better budgeting capabilities.

3. Skill Development

Bartending jobs provide opportunities for continuous skill development. In the hospitality industry, each shift teaches you something new. You pick up skills, learn to multitask in crucial times, and improve your customer service abilities. 

As you switch from one location to the next, you will come across challenging tasks that you can add to your skill set. Learning mixology, bartending best practices, or using new bar equipment can boost your career.

4. Networking

Being a gig worker puts you in touch with many people, like other hospitality staff, potential employers, and customers. You can easily build helpful connections in these settings. These connections can lead to job offers or full-time work in the future. 

People whom you meet while working may arrange future opportunities or a full-time job in a restaurant or bar. It also keeps you updated on trends, practices, and opportunities that can benefit your career.

5. Variety

Another desirable aspect of gigging is the opportunity to work in various venues and events. Bartenders can work in many places. This includes restaurants, bars, weddings, private parties, and corporate events. 

These varied venues bring interest to the job and provide a change of pace, each with its associated challenges and benefits. If you like a change of pace and enjoy working with different people, this offers a nice break from the usual work routine.

Tips for Maximizing Success on Bartender Gig Apps

Navigating apps for bartending gigs can be both exciting and overwhelming. To make the most out of these platforms and increase your chances of landing the best gigs, here are some essential tips for success:

Profile Optimization Tips

1. Complete and Update Your Profile: Ensure every section of your profile is filled out, including your experience, certifications, and skills. Regularly update your profile to reflect any new experiences or skills you've acquired.
2. Professional Photos: Use a professional-looking profile photo where you appear approachable and confident. Adding pictures of you in action (bartending, mixing drinks, etc.) can also make your profile stand out.
3. Highlight Your Specialties: If you have specialties or are particularly skilled in certain areas (e.g., craft cocktails, speed bartending), make sure these are prominently featured in your profile.
4. Collect and Showcase Reviews: Positive reviews can significantly boost your profile. Encourage your past employers to leave feedback on your work.

Strategies for Selecting the Right Gigs

1. Know Your Preferences: Reflect on the types of environments you thrive in, whether it's high-energy nightclubs or upscale restaurants, and target gigs that match.
2. Read Gig Descriptions Carefully: Pay attention to the details in gig descriptions to ensure they align with your skills and expectations.
3. Consider the Location: Choose gigs in locations that are convenient for you or in areas where you'd like to expand your network.

Advice on Managing a Flexible Schedule

1. Use a Calendar: Keep a digital calendar to track your gigs, personal commitments, and rest days. This helps prevent overbooking and ensures you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
2. Set Availability Boundaries: Decide how many hours or days you're willing to work weekly and stick to it. Avoid burnout by giving yourself enough time to rest and recharge.
3. Be Open to Last-Minute Opportunities: While maintaining boundaries, being occasionally open to last-minute gigs can lead to more opportunities and connections in the industry.

Maintaining a Good Work-Life Balance

1. Prioritize Your Health: Ensure you're getting enough rest and taking care of your physical and mental health. Bartending can be physically demanding, so staying in good shape is crucial.
2. Make Time for Personal Interests: Dedicate time to hobbies and interests. This can provide a refreshing break and improve your overall well-being.
3. Stay Organized: Keep track of your finances, schedule, and job contacts. Being organized can significantly reduce stress and make it easier to juggle different aspects of your life.

By following these tips, you can enhance your visibility on bartending gig apps. Keep an eye on establishments hiring bartenders near, mentally equipping yourself for the fast-paced environment of the hospitality industry. This readiness ensures you're well-prepared to seize nearby opportunities, effectively balancing a flexible schedule with a fulfilling work-life balance.

Future of Bartending Gigs

As we look ahead, the way bartenders find and do their gigs is likely to change. This change will be driven by new trends in the gig economy and advancements in technology. Here’s what might happen in the world of bartending gigs:

1. How the Gig Economy Could Change for Bartenders

The gig economy for bartenders is expected to grow and become more detailed. This means bartenders could more easily find gigs that they enjoy and are the best fit for their skills.

Also, these platforms might start offering benefits that are usually only given to full-time workers, like health insurance. This could make working gigs more attractive for bartenders thinking about doing this kind of work for a long time.

2. Technology’s Role in Bartending Gigs

Technology will continue to play a part in finding bartending gigs. New app features could let bartenders see gigs as soon as they pop up. They can also help bartenders plan their schedules to maximise earnings.

In the future, bartenders might also use virtual reality (VR) to learn new drink recipes or practice making drinks. This could help bartenders get ready for different gigs without physically being at a bar.

3. Market Trends and Bartender Gigs

What people like and want from bars and restaurants can also change bartending gigs. As more people seek unique drinks and dining experiences, bartenders skilled in special cocktails could find more opportunities.

Being aware of the environment and where ingredients come from is becoming more important to customers. Bartenders who know about these topics could be more in demand as places try to meet these customer expectations.

Empowering Your Bartending Career: Why shiftNOW is Your Ultimate Gig App

The gig economy has opened a world of opportunities for bartenders seeking flexible and varied work. Through gig apps, bartenders can now easily find gigs that fit their schedule, skill set, and interests, transforming the way they approach their careers. 

For those looking to dive into the gig economy or seeking a more streamlined and efficient way to find bartending gigs, shiftNOWstands out as a top choice. With its focus on the hospitality industry, shiftNOW offers features that enhance your job search success and also offer a level of convenience and control over your work life that traditional employment often lacks.

We encourage bartenders at all stages of their careers to explore the possibilities that gig apps like shiftNOW provide. Whether you're looking for part-time work to supplement your income, full-time gigs to advance your career, or flexible opportunities to balance work with other commitments, shiftNOW can help you achieve your goals.

Don't miss out on the chance to shape your bartending career on your terms. Download shiftNOW and start discovering the gig opportunities waiting for you. 

FAQS

Do I need experience to find bartending gigs?

Not always, but having experience as a bartender can help you get better jobs. 

However, most gig apps welcome beginners. The apps will generally allow newbies to join, complete a profile, and begin taking lower-tier shifts where they can learn on the job. 

When can I expect payment from gig apps?

Instant payment is one of the best benefits of working for hospitality gig apps. 

Most apps provide an instant payment option, where you are instantly paid in a matter of a few hours of working a shift. 

Do any of the gig apps charge fees?

Typically, gig apps are free to join for workers. Some may charge a small service fee or take a cut of your earnings as commission. However, these fees are usually low. 

May I choose where I prefer to work? 

Yes. Gig apps allow you complete autonomy over where and when you work. You can sort through available jobs by location, shift timings, payment rate, or even by employer rating. 

Download shiftNOW to start earning today!