Why BASSET and Food Handler Training Makes You More Hireable — According to Illinois Bar Managers

Dec 8 / Costa Vic
Illinois bars and restaurants are hiring constantly — but they are not hiring blindly. In a fast-paced industry with tight margins, high turnover, and strict state laws, owners and managers increasingly prioritize one thing when reviewing applicants:

Proper certification.

According to bar managers across Illinois, having your BASSET and Food Handler certifications already completed can move your application to the top of the stack, even if you have less experience.

But here’s the key point for anyone trying to get hired in the Illinois hospitality industry:

Certified workers cost less to train, reduce liability, and can legally start sooner.

In other words:
Being certified makes you a safer bet — and a smarter hire.

🍸 Why Certification Matters Behind the Bar

Bars and restaurants operate under strict Illinois laws for alcohol service and food safety. Managers deal with tight schedules, seasonal rushes, and constant onboarding. When they find applicants who already hold BASSET or Food Handler certification, it tells them:

They’re ready for the floor — no delays.

No waiting on compliance paperwork means less training time and faster shift placement.

They understand safety, laws, and responsible service.

Certified staff know how to handle alcohol service, prevent overserving, avoid cross-contamination, and follow Illinois guidelines — all of which reduce risk for the business.

They lower the employer’s liability.

Undertrained staff put the bar at risk of fines, shutdowns, or liquor license issues. Certified employees help protect the establishment.

They are more serious and reliable.

Managers report that workers who get certified early tend to stay longer and perform better.

For Illinois bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, hiring certified staff is no longer optional — it’s the easiest compliance win they have.

🏙️ What Illinois Managers Say They Look For

While some states are flexible about training requirements, Illinois takes a firm approach. Bar and restaurant managers repeatedly point to the same hiring priorities:

✔️ BASSET Certification for anyone serving alcohol

Servers, bartenders, bouncers, barbacks — everyone on the floor needs it.

✔️ Food Handler Certification for all workers handling food

From bartenders prepping garnishes to kitchen staff handling ingredients.

✔️ Proof of certification at the time of interview

Many Illinois managers won't schedule orientation until certificates are in hand.

✔️ Workers who understand Illinois-specific rules

Fake ID handling, over-service prevention, sanitary procedures, and alcohol curfews vary statewide. Certification ensures compliance.

While applicants in other states may rely on on-the-job learning, Illinois hospitality workers stand out — or fall behind — based on certification status.

🍹 What Workers Can Expect Day-to-Day with Certification

Certification doesn’t just make you more employable — it makes your workday easier, smoother, and safer.

Clearer expectations on alcohol safety

You’ll understand when to check IDs, how to deny service safely, and how to handle intoxicated guests.

Better communication with managers

Certified workers know the terminology and state rules managers refer to during briefings.

Fewer workplace mistakes

Training reduces errors that lead to fines, customer complaints, or unsafe conditions.

More confidence during rush hours

When you know the rules, you can focus on service instead of second-guessing yourself.

Being certified gives you skills that translate into smoother shifts and fewer stressful moments.

✔️ Behind-the-Bar Checklist: Why Certification Moves You to the Top of the Hiring List

Managers across Illinois say certified applicants stand out because they:

  • Arrive with required training already completed
  • Reduce the onboarding workload
  • Pose fewer risks to customers and the business
  • Can be scheduled immediately
  • Understand Illinois compliance laws
  • Help maintain a safer, more efficient workplace

A few hours of training leads to faster job offers, more shift opportunities, and better long-term career prospects.

🎓 Stay Safe, Stay Certified — and Get Hired Faster

With Illinois enforcing strict alcohol and food safety rules, certification is no longer just a checkbox — it’s one of the best career moves hospitality workers can make.

Whether you’re a bartender, server, barback, host, cook, or new hire, being fully certified before interviewing can dramatically increase your chances of getting hired.

That’s why IllinoisBASSET.com makes training:

  • Fast
  • Affordable
  • 100% online
  • Accepted statewide

🎓 BASSET Training – $12.95
👉 Enroll Now

🍔 Food Handler Training – $12.95
👉 Get Certified

Whether it’s your first hospitality job or your twentieth, staying certified keeps both guests and staff protected — and makes you a stronger candidate in a competitive market.

🧩 Final Word

Illinois bar managers consistently say:
“If you walk in certified, you’re hired faster.”

BASSET and Food Handler training signal professionalism, readiness, and reliability — qualities every bar and restaurant looks for.

If you want better job opportunities, more shift availability, and a stronger résumé, certification is one of the simplest steps you can take.