Entering the world of bartending can be both exciting and challenging. Whether you’re an experienced mixologist or just starting out, preparing for an interview is crucial. Researchers find that job seekers receive one interview offer for every six applications – you don’t want to mess up that one opportunity, do you?
Here are the top 10 bartending interview questions you should be ready to answer, along with suggested responses to help you stand out.
“Why do you want to work as a bartender?”
Employers ask this question to understand your motivation and passion for bartending. Answering this question poorly will make them think you will quickly move on from the role and perform badly.
Example answer: “I have always enjoyed the social aspect of bartending and the creativity of making drinks. Bartending allows me to interact with a lot of different people every day. I feel good knowing that something I created makes other people happy.”
Tip: You can also mention something unique about your potential employer that would make your job even more pleasant if you got hired. For instance, if they have a well-equipped bar, you could say you noticed that and believe it would allow your creativity to bloom.
“What experience do you have in bartending?”
This question helps employers gauge your level of expertise and familiarity with the role and is a very common bartending interview question. They won’t ask this question if it’s an entry-level position that doesn’t require any relevant previous work experience.
Example Answer: “I have worked in the hospitality industry for three years, with the last two years specifically as a bartender. During this time, I’ve mastered a range of cocktail recipes, developed strong customer service skills, and learned how to manage busy shifts efficiently.”
Tip: Go into detail with your experience as much as possible. Also mention any relevant experience, even if it’s not directly related to bartending. Emphasize skills such as customer service, multitasking, and handling cash.
“How do you handle a busy bar?”
Bartending often involves managing high-pressure situations. Employers want to know if you can remain calm and efficient during busy periods, as well as what specific techniques you use to manage these situations.
Example Answer: “I make sure to keep my workstation clean and stocked, and I work closely with my team to ensure smooth service. I do my best to stay calm and focused, which helps me serve customers quickly and accurately. I also acknowledge everyone who approaches me or sits at my bar, so that they know they will be served.”
Tip: Stress the importance of organization, tidiness, teamwork, and maintaining a calm demeanor under pressure.
“Can you describe a time when you dealt with a difficult customer?”
Handling difficult customers is part of the job. Employers want to see how you manage conflict and maintain professionalism.
Example Answer: “Once, a bar where I worked at the time was very crowded, and I couldn’t get to the customer’s order on time which made them upset. I calmly apologized and I assured them I would expedite their order. I then followed up with a complimentary snack as a gesture of goodwill, which helped diffuse the situation and left the customer satisfied.”
Tip: Talk about a specific situation rather than your reaction in general. We suggest that you use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answer. Either way, the interviewer will probably ask you a follow-up question if you miss out on mentioning something important.
“What’s your favorite cocktail to make and why?”
This question aims to assess your creativity and knowledge of cocktails.
Example Answer: “I love making a Manhattan. I enjoy the simplicity and elegance of this drink and I also find its origin story interesting. There were claims that it was created for an event that Churchill’s mother attended.”
Tip: Talk about any unique techniques or ingredients you use to make that drink more special.
“How do you handle a situation where a customer has had too much to drink?”
Employers need to know you can handle such situations and customers with grace but firmness, as serving alcohol carelessly may have legal repercussions.
Example Answer: “If I notice a customer has had too much to drink, I politely offer them water or a food, if it’s served at the bar. If they are in a group with their friends, I approach one of them and ask them to help out. If necessary, I inform my manager and arrange for a safe way for the customer to get home, such as calling a cab.
Tip: Mention any certifications like TIPS or ServSafe as many employers sign their employees up for such programs to ensure proper training.
“How do you stay updated with the latest trends in the bartending industry?”
Continuous learning and industry awareness are important for staying competitive. Employers want to know you’ll be able to keep up with the newest trends.
Example Answer: “I frequently attend workshops and socialize with colleagues working in the same industry. I also enjoy experimenting with new recipes and techniques, as that allows me to maintain and improve the quality of my drinks.”
Tip: Feel free to name specific workshops you attended or potential meetups.
“Can you describe your process for making a signature drink?”
This question showcases your creativity and personal style in mixology.
Example Answer: “When creating a signature drink, I start by choosing a base spirit and build flavors around it. I experiment with different ingredients to find a balanced taste. Of course, I ensure the drink is visually appealing and fits the occasion and surroundings. Finally, I test the drink with colleagues or friends and make adjustments if necessary.”
Tip: Highlight the importance of presentation and balancing flavors to create a memorable drink.
“How do you maintain a clean bar?”
It is crucial to provide a right response to this question for compliance purposes as bars are required to adhere to safety regulations. Negative effects on customer satisfaction might also arise from an unclean workplace.
Example Answer: “I follow a strict cleaning schedule to ensure that all surfaces and glassware are clean. I also like to keep my workstation organized by having designated spots for all tools and ingredients. This helps me work more efficiently during busy times.”
Tip: Stress the importance of cleanliness for customer safety and operational efficiency.
“What is your greatest weakness as a bartender?”
This seems to be a difficult question but it’s really not. Employers simply want to know what is it that you struggle with and if you are aware of that.
Example Answer: “I have a tendency to be a perfectionist. In a fast-paced environment like bartending, this can sometimes slow me down as I want every drink to be perfect. However, I’ve realized that efficiency is also crucial. To improve, I’ve been setting personal time limits for making drinks and practicing techniques to speed up without sacrificing quality. Ever since I implemented that, it’s much better.”
Tip: Be genuine, and don’t forget to mention what you’re doing to overcome your weakness.
To Sum Up
Preparing for a bartender interview involves more than just knowing drink recipes. By anticipating these questions and crafting thoughtful responses, you can showcase your skills, experience, and passion for bartending. Remember, confidence and practice are key.
Good luck with your interview!
