Become a Bouncer or Nightclub Security Worker
There are many different ways to gain employment as a bouncer. Some are dangerous, some DO NOT work and others just annoy people off that work at the bar.
Contents
Steps
- Learn a practical marital art such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Learning how to neutralize a fight without injuring the other person is crucial to being a bouncer. Bouncers should be able to handle an altercations in a calm and intentional manner. This makes the bar owner happy and the customers calm.
- One of the best ways is to approach a bouncer and ask him who the head of security is. Approach this person about a possible job opening. If he doesn't make hiring decisions, he will know who does and he will likely be consulted during the selection process. Be confident, but not arrogant.
- One way that people like to use, but never works, is beat up the bouncer and show that you are tougher. This will just get you arrested and jobless.
- Another way is to walk up to the club owner/manager and ask for a job. Not many people do this, but it will work some of the time. But for goodness sake, do not nag them every night when you're drunk. You will never get the job.
- The best way to get in as a bouncer is to make friends with other bouncers and bar-tenders, but not when they are working. Hang out with them, learn from them and tell them you want to bounce. Sooner or later, you will get to pick up a shift and if it all works out you will get a few more. In this line of work, you have to earn your co-workers' respect. This is the most important thing to remember respect means everything to our kind.
- Most Bouncers are hired through referrals. Get to know the staff and avoid getting intoxicated at the bar. You have an advantage if you are over 25 and have a larger build. Just ask around.
Tips
- Have your fellow bouncers backs, no matter what, because they will have yours.
- This job is not for every one and you will be thrown into the fire on your first night, so be ready.
- Do not be baited by drunk people. Keep your mouth shut if being verbally abused and bring in reinforcements. This is just a job, nothing personal.
- Do not tell patrons your name, especially drunks. If they keep on demanding you to do that, give them a fake name.
- The girls that work with you are like your sisters. If a drunk patron confronts them, react accordingly and quickly.
- Don't take money to let someone in, some guys will. Always remember that in this job, your name is as important as the cash at the end of the night.
- Do not wear your wedding ring to the job. People will use anything against you.
- If someone is causing trouble you should throw them out as quickly as possible.
- It takes time to learn all the tricks of the trade, so pay attention and be respectful of the elders and they will teach you more than you could ever believe.
- If force is required to stop someone from fighting, or to escort a trouble-maker out the door, use the minimum amount of force necessary. If possible, wait for another bouncer to help directly, watch your back, or clear a path to the door (if you're quickly moving a troublemaker out of the bar).
Warnings
- Don't expect the same from them and never, never, never let your guard down.
- There is safety in numbers.
- Never forget that walking to your car is the most dangerous time of the night. You're tired and just want to go to bed, but you're not out of the woods yet. There may still be a few fights left.
- Treat everyone with respect that walks through the barroom doors.
- When every one has left the club, have a few laughs about what just happened.
