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16 Bartender Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various bartender interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

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Common Bartender Interview Questions

What do you enjoy most about bartending?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they want to get to know the person they are interviewing and learn more about their interests. Second, they may be trying to gauge the level of customer service that the bartender is capable of providing. Finally, they may be trying to determine if the bartender is passionate about their job and if they would be a good fit for the position.

Example: “I enjoy the fast-paced nature of bartending and the opportunity to meet new people. I also enjoy the creative aspect of bartending, and the challenge of coming up with new drinks and making them taste great.”

What's the most challenging part of bartending?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. They could be trying to gauge your experience level, or they could be trying to see how you handle difficult situations. Either way, it's important to be honest and give a detailed answer.

Some of the most challenging aspects of bartending can include dealing with difficult customers, managing a busy bar, and making sure all of the drinks are made correctly. It's important to be able to stay calm and collected under pressure, and to have a good knowledge of the drinks you are making.

Example: “The most challenging part of bartending is trying to keep up with the demand while making sure that each drink is made correctly. This can be difficult when there are a lot of people ordering drinks all at once. Another challenge is dealing with customers who are unhappy with their drink or who become rowdy.”

What led you to become a bartender?

The interviewer is trying to learn more about the bartender's background and why they decided to pursue a career in bartending. This information can help the interviewer understand the bartender's motivations and whether they are likely to be a good fit for the position.

Example: “I've always enjoyed working with people and serving others, so bartending seemed like a natural fit for me. I love being able to interact with customers and make sure they're having a good time. Plus, I get to be creative with my drinks and come up with new concoctions, which is always fun.”

What's your favorite cocktail to make?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask "What's your favorite cocktail to make?" to a bartender. First, it shows that the bartender is knowledgeable about cocktails and is passionate about making them. Second, it gives the interviewer a chance to see how the bartender thinks about ingredients and flavors when creating a cocktail. Finally, it allows the interviewer to gauge the bartender's level of creativity and experience. All of these factors are important when considering a bartender for a job.

Example: “My favorite cocktail to make is a Margarita. I love the fresh, citrusy flavor of the lime juice and the sweetness of the triple sec. Plus, it's always fun to garnish a Margarita with a slice of lime or a little umbrella!”

What's your favorite spirit to work with?

There are a few reasons an interviewer might ask a bartender about their favorite spirit to work with. First, the interviewer wants to get a sense of the bartender's knowledge and expertise. Second, the interviewer wants to see if the bartender is passionate about bartending and has a genuine interest in the craft. Finally, the interviewer wants to gauge the bartender's ability to sell and promote a particular spirit. Ultimately, the interviewer is looking for a well-rounded bartender who is knowledgeable, passionate, and personable.

Example: “There are so many great spirits out there that it's hard to choose just one favorite. However, if I had to narrow it down, I would say my favorite spirit to work with is gin. I love the botanical flavor profile that gin offers, and it's really versatile in terms of cocktails. You can make a refreshing gin and tonic or a delicious martini. Plus, there are so many different brands and styles of gin to explore.”

The interviewer is likely trying to gauge the bartender's drink knowledge and see if they are up-to-date on current trends. It is important because it shows that the bartender is knowledgeable and able to make recommendations to customers.

Example: “The most popular cocktail at our bar is the Margarita. It's a refreshing and flavorful drink that's perfect for any occasion.”

How do you come up with new cocktails?

An interviewer might ask "How do you come up with new cocktails?" to a bartender in order to gauge their creativity and ability to think outside the box. This is important because it shows whether or not the bartender is able to come up with new and innovative ideas that will appeal to customers. Additionally, it demonstrates the bartender's ability to be adaptable and change their approach based on customer feedback.

Example: “There are a few ways that bartenders come up with new cocktails. One way is to experiment with different flavor combinations until they find something that tastes good. Another way is to take an existing cocktail and change one or more of the ingredients to create a new drink. Sometimes bartenders will also look to classic cocktail recipes for inspiration and then put their own twist on the drink.”

What's your favorite beer to serve?

Some employers believe that bartenders' favorite beers can say a lot about their personalities and whether they would be a good fit for the establishment. For example, someone who enjoys serving light beers may be seen as more easygoing and approachable, while someone who prefers serving dark beers may be seen as more intense and passionate. Ultimately, it is up to the employer to decide whether an applicant's favorite beer is important.

Example: “There are so many great beers out there that it's hard to choose just one favorite to serve. However, if I had to pick one, I would say my favorite beer to serve is Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. This beer is a classic American pale ale that is well-balanced and easy to drink. It has a nice hop flavor without being too bitter, and it pairs well with food. Plus, it's always a hit with customers!”

What's the perfect wine pairing for a steak dinner?

A bartender might be asked this question to gauge their knowledge of wine pairings and to see if they would be able to make a recommendation to a customer. It is important for a bartender to have a basic understanding of wine pairings because they will be expected to make recommendations to customers.

Example: “There are many different types of steak, and each one pairs well with a different type of wine. For example, a leaner cut of steak like filet mignon pairs well with a lighter red wine like Pinot Noir, while a heartier cut of steak like ribeye pairs well with a fuller-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon. No matter what type of steak you're having, it's always important to let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before cutting into it; this allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.”

How do you deal with difficult customers?

The interviewer is trying to gauge how the bartender would deal with a difficult customer. This is important because bartenders need to be able to handle difficult customers in a professional manner.

Example: “There are a few ways to deal with difficult customers. The first is to try and understand what the customer is really upset about. Is there a problem with the product or service? Is the customer feeling disrespected? Once you understand the root of the problem, you can try to resolve it.

If the problem cannot be resolved, you can try diffusing the situation by remaining calm and professional. Sometimes simply listening to the customer and acknowledging their concerns can be enough to diffuse the situation. You can also offer them a solution, such as a discount or refund, if possible.

If the customer is still being difficult, you may need to ask them to leave. This should be done politely but firmly. Explain that you are doing this for their own safety and well-being, as well as for the safety and well-being of other customers and staff.”

What's the best way to get tips?

An interviewer may ask "What's the best way to get tips?" to a bartender in order to gain insight into the bartender's customer service skills. It is important to know how to properly interact with customers in order to provide them with the best possible experience and ensure they leave with a positive impression. Tips are often a reflection of the quality of service a bartender provides, so it is important to be knowledgeable and efficient when working in order to maximize earnings.

Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to get tips will vary depending on the individual bartender's style and personality. However, some general tips that may help include: being friendly and personable with customers, providing prompt and efficient service, and upselling when appropriate. Additionally, it is often helpful to have a good understanding of the drinks menu and to be able to make recommendations based on customer preferences.”

How do you handle a busy night behind the bar?

It is important to know how a bartender handles a busy night behind the bar because it shows how they handle stress and pressure. It also shows if they are able to stay calm and organized when things are hectic.

Example: “When it gets busy behind the bar, I make sure to keep my cool and stay organized. I start by making sure that all of the glasses and bottles are clean and in their proper place. Then, I make sure to keep track of what each customer is ordering so that I can keep the drinks coming as quickly as possible. I also make sure to keep an eye on the clock so that I can keep things moving along at a steady pace. Lastly, I always make sure to thank each customer for their business.”

What do you do when you're slow?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a bartender. First, they may be trying to gauge the bartender's level of experience. If the bartender is slow, it may be an indication that they are not very experienced. Second, the interviewer may be trying to gauge the bartender's ability to handle a busy shift. If the bartender is slow, it may be an indication that they cannot handle a busy shift. Third, the interviewer may be trying to gauge the bartender's customer service skills. If the bartender is slow, it may be an indication that they are not very good at customer service.

Example: “When business is slow, bartenders can take the opportunity to clean up the bar area, restock supplies, and chat with customers. They can also use this time to come up with new drink recipes or practice their mixing skills.”

How do you deal with spillages and accidents?

One of the most important aspects of bartending is keeping a clean and safe workspace. Spillages and accidents can create slip and fall hazards for both bartenders and customers. It is important for bartenders to know how to quickly and safely clean up spills and accidents to prevent injuries.

Example: “There are a few different ways to deal with spillages and accidents, depending on the severity of the situation. For minor spills, you can simply clean them up with a rag or paper towel. For more serious accidents, you may need to call for help from a manager or other staff member. In any case, it is important to stay calm and collected when dealing with the situation.”

What's the most important thing to remember when bartending?

The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the applicant's bartending knowledge and to see if they are able to remember important information. It is important for a bartender to be able to remember information so that they can provide excellent customer service.

Example: “There are many important things to remember when bartending, but one of the most important is to always be aware of your surroundings. This means being aware of who is behind you, what is going on in front of you, and keeping an eye on all of the glasses and bottles in your area. This will help you avoid any accidents and ensure that you are able to make the best drinks possible.”

What's your advice for aspiring bartenders?

This question allows the interviewer to gauge the bartender's experience and expertise. It also allows the interviewer to see how the bartender would advise someone new to the industry. This question is important because it helps the interviewer determine if the bartender is a good fit for the position.

Example: “There are a few things that aspiring bartenders can do to set themselves up for success. First, it is important to learn as much as possible about the craft of bartending. This means studying cocktails, understanding the different types of liquor, and practicing making drinks. Second, it is helpful to gain experience working in a bar or restaurant environment. This will give you a chance to learn the ins and outs of the business and to develop your people skills. Finally, it is essential to be able to work well under pressure and to be able to think on your feet. Bartending can be a fast-paced and demanding job, so it is important that you are able to handle yourself well in those situations.”

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