Bar Jobs in Ibiza

Ibiza is always looking for bar people - if you love talking to the party crowd, and serving sparkling drinks then it’s likely that you’ll fit right in. As one of the party capitals of Europe, Ibiza has plenty of watering holes and they all need bartenders!

Application process

You can start your search for the perfect bar job on the internet as many of the island’s bars will post job opportunities on their websites. With most of the big bars, especially the better known ones, you can expect a full interview process – a written application, then a group interview process and a one on one interview situation.

These are the jobs everyone wants so you’re going to be competing with more people than you will for a bar job somewhere that is not particularly well known. If you don’t want to compete like this then you might be better off looking around some of the party areas at the smaller bars. Try the West End in San Antonio, party areas of Ibiza Town and Playa D’En Bossa. Many bars will simply put up a help wanted sign so you can’t beat being on the ground and seeing what’s available.

Top Tips

In terms of what you need to be an Ibiza bartender then an EU resident permit is a big advantage. If you can speak Spanish then that will also set you apart – in fact the more languages you can speak the better. It will also help if you’re an outgoing sort – wallflowers are unlikely to do well in the loud and boisterous bars crowded with holidaying partygoers. Confidence will get you a long way, whether it’s through the doors of the interview or through a long night shift, as will enthusiasm and stamina.

Expected hours and wages

If you end up working in a bar that is open all day then you are looking at an eight-hour day or night shifts. Nighttime only bars - one shift from 8-10PM till 4-6AM. According to those who have been there, done that, you can expect about €350 per week for bartender work. Bar work is hard and if you rinse your energy supplies early on in your summer then you’re going to be going home exhausted and penniless. Take it easy for the first month, pace yourself and gradually get to know the Ibiza community. If you work hard then you could end up being promoted to a manager, which is a huge advantage if you want to come back next year.

Have you got what it takes?

The downsides of bar work are obvious – you’re likely to be working unsociable hours, which is going to cramp your style when it comes to partying. If you treat your job like one long party then you probably won’t last a week so be prepared to be watching other people having fun whilst you’re stocking a fridge or changing a barrel. On the upside, outside of the big bars, most establishments are fairly relaxed places to work, you can have a drink and there is a great sense of community. If you work at the bigger bars then you’ll have more to live up to but you may also get free club passes or end-of-season bonuses.

Image Credit