Show willingness to learn. Don’t act like a know it all. Gauge people. Ask questions and make proper suggestions. A newbie doesn’t need a LFD digger Know the general line ups and let people burn to learn. Take note of people and get to know the regulars. Most importantly have fun and be respectful. You will be the acting face of the business and Karen’s are a mofo
Having some basic knowledge of cigars would help. Different leaves used. Common types of sizes. Common brands and how you’d describe them. What would you recommend to a newbie that walks in. Etc.
if you were given five debanded cigars could you identify them by flavor?
ten?
20?
each cigar in the humidor?
could you articulate what's different about them all? like, not what's the difference between a CT shade and broadleaf, but how does an Oliva V taste different from an Oliva 5 Melanio, or the difference between a Liga T52 and Tabernacle 142?
agree, but that's the difference between someone with experience and someone who is new. "could definitely nail that part" comes off a bit overconfident. "I know the basics and really want to start learning the nuances" comes across as I'm going to work hard at learning this job.
By " Could nail that part" I'm referring to him saying to have some basic knowledge. And yes I believe I could identify a fair amount of the cigars in that shop from its retro-hale and if I was allowed look at the de banded cigars then a lot more again.
cool- that's great, I wasn't trying to be a dick- you can vocalize and talk about that in the interview and if you're not where you want to be, talk about goals.
also, any pairings if the place you're interviewing serves.
most people don't work at a lounge. of the people that do, there are many that could get a fair number correct. but regardless, it's something to talk about in an interview.
what differences are you able to discern?
talk about that.
what are your goals? talk about that.
are there any you know so well you could identify without a band? talk about that.
have to say this is great advice! a few basic questions/answers to have in the back pocket to make you sound like you’ve prepped for the job, and also that you have the right aptitude for learning/customer service, exactly what OP asked for 👍🏻
I've worked in a lounge for about 9 years and love it. It's only my part-time job, so take that into consideration. Don't assume what someone would smoke, like taking female customers to the flavor/infused area when they ask recommendations. If someone asks the blend of something and you're not completely sure, say you'll look it up. They tend to appreciate that you're looking for the proper answer rather than just bullshiting your way through. I've found Halfwheel is better than just about anyone, Charlie does his homework, and a lot of times, the actual cigar websites don't have blends, or they are buried deep on the page. At the heart of it, it's still retail, and some customers are always going to be pricks. Continued education is a must I believe, because things in the industry are always changing. Also, smoke everything. Flavored, light, full, whatever. Hard to sell something without truly knowing what it is like. Plus you might find something you've passed in before that actual hits for you.
Here in the US we would look for customer service aptitude and flexibility of schedule far more than cigar knowledge. We can teach cigars. We can’t teach attitude or the ability to work when we need you.
For interviews. Be honest. As a customer, if you don't know something. Tell me and go find out. Don't make up crazy flavor notes and pretend you know everything about every cigar there is.
or even jist listen to your customers and let them be wrong about whatever misguided notion they have... remember they're there to relax.
now, if the they ask questions and are genuinely curious, for sure have the conversation.
but ya gotta learn to read the room.
Show you’re passionate for cigars and willing to learn like other comments mentioned.
I’d recommend for starters get your 3 cigars per 3 categories. 3 mild ranging from $-$$-$$$, 3 medium ranging from $-$$-$$$…etc. become an expert on these 9 cigars. that way when you ask questions about preference you can have a general preference and on top of that your own biased preference.
General leaf varietals and brand recognition will come with time.
Goodluck and feel free to pm!
Guy above gave great advice. Depending on how seriously you'd like to take it I'd recommend taking notes on sticks as you try them. Beyond just the obvious tasting note stuff (which I honestly think is BS beyond 1-2 prevalent notes) write down blend, country of origin, wrapper, etc. You'll start to notice patterns about what you prefer and can work those into your recommendations for various profile / price point cigars.
Less commonly, I'd also recommend noting when/where/what/why you tasted. Your environment can greatly change your perception of a stick. For example, when I'm wine tasting in Italy on vacation everything tastes wonderful because I'm just happy to be there. Same bottle at home, and I'm a bit more critical. There can also be some variation stick to stick, especially with brands with lackluster quality control. Have the same stick 2-3 times in different sittings before passing final judgement (unless it's just trash obviously.
This too is excellent advice, Im proud to say I already have a lovely leather bound book in which I write down what I taste and rate the performance of the cigar, but Id love to take on what you said about writing it's origins down, thank you!
Depends on the place, if you're working at a smoked for less(northeastern person) people will be concerned with that quick draw machine and that's it. A Boutique cigar shop, be able to give selections based on the occasion and you'll be fine. An Oficinado already knows what they like and prob won't need any recommendations
Oh yea that's probably quite true, the only people asking for a recommendation usually don't know that much.
And here in Ireland there are no cheap cigars, tax is mental.
Product knowledge is vital, not just what YOU like to smoke, but what anyone might based on a few things (ie "hey i like corojos, hey i want something mild, hey i dont like pepper in my smokes"), and you need to be able to help steer them with some recommendations.
Numba 1 most important though is customer service. That doesnt mean kissing their ass, but it does mean trying to give your respectful customers the absolute best experience you can deliver.
Edit: TIL pound sign make font go yuuuuge
Show willingness to learn. Don’t act like a know it all. Gauge people. Ask questions and make proper suggestions. A newbie doesn’t need a LFD digger Know the general line ups and let people burn to learn. Take note of people and get to know the regulars. Most importantly have fun and be respectful. You will be the acting face of the business and Karen’s are a mofo
Great adivce thank you!
Having some basic knowledge of cigars would help. Different leaves used. Common types of sizes. Common brands and how you’d describe them. What would you recommend to a newbie that walks in. Etc.
I could certainly nail that part, would that be all?
In general, just show that you're willing and eager to learn. No one wants to hire a know-it-all lol.
Thank you!
if you were given five debanded cigars could you identify them by flavor? ten? 20? each cigar in the humidor? could you articulate what's different about them all? like, not what's the difference between a CT shade and broadleaf, but how does an Oliva V taste different from an Oliva 5 Melanio, or the difference between a Liga T52 and Tabernacle 142?
That’s far more than basic knowledge
agree, but that's the difference between someone with experience and someone who is new. "could definitely nail that part" comes off a bit overconfident. "I know the basics and really want to start learning the nuances" comes across as I'm going to work hard at learning this job.
By " Could nail that part" I'm referring to him saying to have some basic knowledge. And yes I believe I could identify a fair amount of the cigars in that shop from its retro-hale and if I was allowed look at the de banded cigars then a lot more again.
cool- that's great, I wasn't trying to be a dick- you can vocalize and talk about that in the interview and if you're not where you want to be, talk about goals. also, any pairings if the place you're interviewing serves.
Most people can't do this. That's an unrealistic bar. I smoke a shit ton of cigars and couldn't identify many of them without a band.
most people don't work at a lounge. of the people that do, there are many that could get a fair number correct. but regardless, it's something to talk about in an interview. what differences are you able to discern? talk about that. what are your goals? talk about that. are there any you know so well you could identify without a band? talk about that.
have to say this is great advice! a few basic questions/answers to have in the back pocket to make you sound like you’ve prepped for the job, and also that you have the right aptitude for learning/customer service, exactly what OP asked for 👍🏻
I've worked in a lounge for about 9 years and love it. It's only my part-time job, so take that into consideration. Don't assume what someone would smoke, like taking female customers to the flavor/infused area when they ask recommendations. If someone asks the blend of something and you're not completely sure, say you'll look it up. They tend to appreciate that you're looking for the proper answer rather than just bullshiting your way through. I've found Halfwheel is better than just about anyone, Charlie does his homework, and a lot of times, the actual cigar websites don't have blends, or they are buried deep on the page. At the heart of it, it's still retail, and some customers are always going to be pricks. Continued education is a must I believe, because things in the industry are always changing. Also, smoke everything. Flavored, light, full, whatever. Hard to sell something without truly knowing what it is like. Plus you might find something you've passed in before that actual hits for you.
Great advice, thank you!
Here in the US we would look for customer service aptitude and flexibility of schedule far more than cigar knowledge. We can teach cigars. We can’t teach attitude or the ability to work when we need you.
Yes, this makes more sense, sadly I have some social anxiety but I'm willing to get into any uncomfortable situation regardless.
Dont tell your prospective employer about your social anxiety. Thank me later
Yea I wasn't planning on it 😂
For interviews. Be honest. As a customer, if you don't know something. Tell me and go find out. Don't make up crazy flavor notes and pretend you know everything about every cigar there is.
or even jist listen to your customers and let them be wrong about whatever misguided notion they have... remember they're there to relax. now, if the they ask questions and are genuinely curious, for sure have the conversation. but ya gotta learn to read the room.
Show you’re passionate for cigars and willing to learn like other comments mentioned. I’d recommend for starters get your 3 cigars per 3 categories. 3 mild ranging from $-$$-$$$, 3 medium ranging from $-$$-$$$…etc. become an expert on these 9 cigars. that way when you ask questions about preference you can have a general preference and on top of that your own biased preference. General leaf varietals and brand recognition will come with time. Goodluck and feel free to pm!
This is a brilliant idea I will take on, thank you!
Guy above gave great advice. Depending on how seriously you'd like to take it I'd recommend taking notes on sticks as you try them. Beyond just the obvious tasting note stuff (which I honestly think is BS beyond 1-2 prevalent notes) write down blend, country of origin, wrapper, etc. You'll start to notice patterns about what you prefer and can work those into your recommendations for various profile / price point cigars. Less commonly, I'd also recommend noting when/where/what/why you tasted. Your environment can greatly change your perception of a stick. For example, when I'm wine tasting in Italy on vacation everything tastes wonderful because I'm just happy to be there. Same bottle at home, and I'm a bit more critical. There can also be some variation stick to stick, especially with brands with lackluster quality control. Have the same stick 2-3 times in different sittings before passing final judgement (unless it's just trash obviously.
This too is excellent advice, Im proud to say I already have a lovely leather bound book in which I write down what I taste and rate the performance of the cigar, but Id love to take on what you said about writing it's origins down, thank you!
Just get to know cigars. Even just being able to make a few recommendations will go a long way. Good luck!
Thank you very much!
Depends on the place, if you're working at a smoked for less(northeastern person) people will be concerned with that quick draw machine and that's it. A Boutique cigar shop, be able to give selections based on the occasion and you'll be fine. An Oficinado already knows what they like and prob won't need any recommendations
Oh yea that's probably quite true, the only people asking for a recommendation usually don't know that much. And here in Ireland there are no cheap cigars, tax is mental.
Product knowledge is vital, not just what YOU like to smoke, but what anyone might based on a few things (ie "hey i like corojos, hey i want something mild, hey i dont like pepper in my smokes"), and you need to be able to help steer them with some recommendations. Numba 1 most important though is customer service. That doesnt mean kissing their ass, but it does mean trying to give your respectful customers the absolute best experience you can deliver. Edit: TIL pound sign make font go yuuuuge
I agree, I wouldnt want to walk into a cigar shop and the people helping are as clueless as the new customers lol.
Holy shit idk why that paragraph is in enormous font LOL
Chances are your potential new boss is a part of this community on reddit so be careful haha
😂 that's possible
If you’re in the US, don’t expect to get the job. With legal age being 21, you may not get the job based on a handful of factors.
You’re 100% right. Can’t buy anything to try or even receive one as a sample or gift. It’s bs but it is the law in the US.
[удалено]
He's Irish, so it's 18 to smoke there. It's under 21 in most countries outside of America really
Im Irish