The Complete Guide to Crushing Your Bartending Interview

So you landed an interview for that bartending job you’ve been eyeing. Congratulations! Now it’s time to wow the interviewers and clinch the position.

We know interviews can be intimidating, especially if this is your first bartending gig. But with the right preparation, you’ll be ready to ace even the toughest questions.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to shine in your bartending interview, from how to prepare to specific questions you’re likely to encounter.

Why Solid Interview Skills Are Critical for Bartenders

Strong interview skills are essential for landing any job, but they’re especially important for bartending roles for a few key reasons

• Heavy competition. Desirable bartending jobs attract lots of candidates. You’ll need to stand out.

• Personality is key More than technical skills, bars want bartenders with the right vibe and attitude The interview is where you prove you fit.

• On-the-job training is common. Many bars provide training to new hires. What matters most is finding people with potential.

• You are the face of the bar. As a bartender, you represent the business. Bars need to ensure candidates project the right image.

So how can you demonstrate you have what it takes? Careful preparation and practice. Let’s look at how to get interview-ready.

How to Prepare for a Bartending Interview

Thorough prep work is invaluable for interview success. Here are some tips:

Research the bar – Visit their website and social media pages. Get familiar with their vibe, menu, events, specials, and values. This shows interest.

Study the job description – Note must-have skills, knowledge areas, and traits they want in a bartender. Tailor your answers around meeting their needs.

Review typical bartending interview questions – Expect questions about your experience, training, strengths, weaknesses, and how you’d handle hypothetical bar situations.

Practice your answers – Actually saying your answers out loud is the best way to prepare. Practice until your responses flow naturally.

Plan questions to ask the interviewer – Smart questions demonstrate enthusiasm and give you valuable intel. Jot down 4-5 good ones to bring.

Assemble supporting documents – Bring copies of your resume, licenses, certifications, letters of recommendation, and any other relevant materials.

With diligent prep work, you’ll walk into that interview cool, confident, and ready to impress.

12 Common Bartending Interview Questions (and How to Nail Them)

Let’s look at specific questions commonly asked in bartending interviews, along with tips for fantastic answers:

1. Why are you interested in this bartending job?

This is often used as an icebreaker question. Be enthusiastic in your response. Share what appeals to you about their establishment specifically. Mention if you’re drawn to their lively events, live music, local beers on tap, great food menu, whatever resonates with you.

Focus on the positives – this is about getting the interviewer excited to have you on their team!

2. What experience do you have bartending?

Be prepared to give an overview of your related experience. Mention specific bars you’ve worked at, for how long, and your responsibilities.

Highlight skills gained, such as creating cocktails, serving customers, checking IDs, handling money, stocking the bar, using POS systems, etc.

If you don’t have much experience yet, discuss eagerness to learn on the job. Share any personal experiences that show you’re comfortable behind a bar, like making cocktails for friends or hosting parties.

3. What do you like most about bartending?

Share your genuine enthusiasm for the work. You might enjoy the fast-paced environment, customer interactions, freedom to be creative with drink recipes, opportunities to chat with regulars, ability to unwind and have fun while working, etc.

Focus on the positives so the interviewer can tell this role truly appeals to you.

4. How do you handle an angry or intoxicated customer?

Your response needs to demonstrate maturity, restraint, and an ability to de-escalate conflicts. Share that you’d address them politely and calmly. If needed, you’d call in security staff or a manager for assistance rather than handling it alone.

Emphasize that your top priorities are maintaining safety and following all alcohol service laws and the bar’s policies. Reassure the interviewer that you can diplomatically resolve tense situations.

5. If a customer changed their drink order after you already started making it, what would you do?

The key is flexibility – acknowledge you’d apologize for the confusion and immediately get to work on their new drink. Mention that you don’t mind tossed-out efforts as long as the customer leaves happy.

You could also add that you’d try to offer the original drink to another customer to minimize waste, if appropriate. Overall, convey that you’re adaptable and eager to satisfy patrons.

6. How do you ensure customers are served in the order they arrive at the bar?

Share your systems for keeping orders organized when it gets busy. For example, you might:

• Visually track the sequence of arriving customers

• Create a mental queue and use distinguishing features to remember order

• Use a notepad to jot down distinguishing notes as patrons arrive

Emphasize how important first-come, first-served is for an enjoyable customer experience. Outline how you’d prioritize order accuracy even when flooded with drink orders.

7. How do you make sure underage customers don’t get served alcohol?

Note that you card anyone who looks potentially underage, no exceptions. Share that you closely monitor to ensure drinks aren’t passed off. If needed, you decline service and notify a manager about any issues.

Reassure the interviewer that you take alcohol service laws very seriously and will uphold the bar’s policies and your responsible service training.

8. How do you build rapport with customers?

Highlight that you learn customers’ names, engage in friendly banter, and get to know their drink preferences so you can make personalized recommendations. Mention how important quality service and hospitality are to creating a warm, welcoming bar atmosphere.

Emphasize that you truly enjoy connecting with patrons. Provide examples of how you build camaraderie with customers as individuals so they become regulars.

9. What would you do if you couldn’t make a drink because you were out of a key ingredient?

Acknowledge you’d politely inform the customer and apologize. Share that you’d try to suggest a similar drink you can make. Or, if possible, you’d offer to substitute an appropriate ingredient.

Emphasize how important it is to satisfy customers, even when circumstances aren’t ideal. Mention you’d follow up with management to prevent future stock shortages.

10. How do you stay energized and engaged during a long shift?

Note the importance of eating well and staying hydrated. Share how you pump yourself up by chatting with co-workers, playing fun music, or telling jokes. Discuss any techniques you use to stay upbeat and focused when fatigue starts to set in.

Convey your stamina, enthusiasm, and commitment to providing top-notch service from start to finish of each shift, whether it’s happy hour or 3 AM last call.

11. What qualities make for an excellent bartender?

This lets you share skills and strengths that would make you shine in the role:

• Multitasking abilities
• Friendly and outgoing
• Customer service oriented
• Responsible alcohol service
• Product knowledge
• Works well on a team

Tailor your response around the key requirements in the job listing. Share why you’re a great match.

12. Do you have any questions for me?

Always prepare 2-3 thoughtful questions to ask at the end. This demonstrates genuine interest in the role and company.

Good options include:

• How would you describe the culture here?

• What support does the bar provide for continued development and training?

• What qualities make your most successful bartenders stand out?

• What are the busiest nights here? Slowest nights?

Smart questions make a strong final impression!

5 Interview Tips That Set Standout Bartenders Apart

Along with preparing answers for common questions, keep these universal interview tips in mind:

Demonstrate enthusiasm – Smile, make eye contact, and show excitement for the opportunity. Bars want bartenders who are genuinely stoked to work there!

Highlight hospitality skills – Emphasize your passion for delighting customers. Share examples of providing top-notch service.

Convey dependability – Responsible bartending means showing up on time ready to work, even at less desirable shifts. Stress your reliability.

Ask informed questions – Queries tailored specifically to their establishment show you did your homework.

Send a follow-up note – Reiterate appreciation and restate your qualifications. This leaves a great final impression!

Project passion, hospitality, responsibility, and interest – do this, and that bartender job is as good as yours!

Putting It All Into