Top Bartender Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Bartender interview by going through these most asked Bartender interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

Interview Practice

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  • Question: Why do you think you would be a good fit at Google?
  • Question Overview: This is a question that's designed to assess the candidate's knowledge of the company, its culture and its products. The best way to prepare for this question is to research the company and its products. You should know what Google does, how it's different from other companies and what makes it unique.

    Sample Answer: I'm a big fan of Google's products. I use Gmail and Google Docs every day, and I've used Google Analytics for my blog. I think I'd be a good fit because I'm very familiar with the company and its products.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of Google's products
    • - Ability to articulate why you would be a good fit
    • - Knowledge of Google's culture

  • Question: What are your experiences for the position you're applying for?
  • Question Overview: This question is a great way to assess the candidate's knowledge of the position. You can also use it to gauge how well he or she communicates and whether he or she has a good understanding of the job.

    Sample Answer: I've worked as a bartender for three years. I've learned how to make a variety of drinks and have experience serving a wide range of customers.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of the position
    • - Ability to communicate effectively
    • - Overall understanding of the job

  • Question: How long have you been a bartender?
  • Question Overview: The answer to this question can help you assess how experienced a candidate is. If he or she has been bartending for a long time, you can ask more specific questions about his or her experience.

    Sample Answer: I've been bartending for about three years.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Length of time as a bartender
    • - Specific examples of experience

  • Question: How would you sell shampoo as something other than shampoo?
  • Question Overview: This is a fun question that gives the interviewer an opportunity to see how creative a candidate can be. The response that you're looking for is a description of how the candidate would convince people to buy shampoo in a new way. This question is also a good way to assess how well a candidate can think on his or her feet and how well he or she can communicate.

    Sample Answer: I'd tell people that shampoo is great for cleaning hair and removing dirt from their scalps.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Creativity
    • - Ability to think on feet
    • - Ability to communicate

  • Question: How would you handle an upset customer?
  • Question Overview: Handling an upset customer can be a difficult situation for any bartender. You want to make sure that the customer is satisfied, but you also need to maintain a professional demeanor. This question gives you an opportunity to assess how a candidate handles conflict and how he or she responds to customers.

    Sample Answer: I would first ask the customer what the problem is and try to understand his or her concerns. I would then apologize if necessary and do my best to resolve the issue.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain calm
    • - Ability to listen to the customer
    • - Willingness to apologize if appropriate

  • Question: Why did you choose to apply for Olive Garden?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to assess the candidate's knowledge of the restaurant and his or her interest in it. The response you're looking for will depend on the type of establishment and the bar's overall image. This type of question lets the interviewer better understand the candidate's knowledge of the restaurant, what types of techniques he or she uses and which situations he or she feels most comfortable in.

    Sample Answer: I've eaten at Olive Garden many times, and I've always enjoyed the food and service. I'm looking forward to working here.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of restaurant
    • - Willingness to learn about restaurant
    • - Overall demeanor with customer

  • Question: How would you describe customer service?
  • Question Overview: Customer service is a very important aspect of any job, and it's especially important in the hospitality industry. The response that you're looking for will depend on the type of establishment and the bar's overall image. This type of question lets the interviewer better understand the candidate's attitude toward customer service, what types of techniques he or she uses and which situations he or she feels most comfortable in.

    Sample Answer: I like to use humor to make people comfortable and ensure that they have a good time.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Comfortable engaging with a range of guests
    • - Techniques used to engage patrons
    • - Overall demeanor with customer

  • Question: How much experience do you have?
  • Question Overview: This question is a simple way to assess how much experience a candidate has. You'll want to make sure that he or she has enough experience to be able to handle the job.

    Sample Answer: I've been bartending for two years.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience in a similar position
    • - Experience in the industry
    • - Length of time in the industry

  • Question: How is your wine/beer/cocktail tasting knowledge?
  • Question Overview: Bartenders need to be able to identify different types of drinks and be able to describe them to patrons. This question gives the interviewer an opportunity to assess a bartender's knowledge of drinks and his or her ability to communicate that knowledge.

    Sample Answer: I've taken several wine-tasting classes, and I've learned how to identify different types of wines.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of different types of drinks
    • - Ability to communicate knowledge
    • - Willingness to learn more about drinks

  • Question: How will you handle an irritated customer during heavy traffic to the establishment?
  • Question Overview: When a bar is busy, it's important for bartenders to stay calm and handle situations appropriately. This question lets you assess how well a candidate can handle pressure and remain professional.

    Sample Answer: I would apologize for the wait and offer a free drink. If the customer is still upset, I would ask a manager to help.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain calm under pressure
    • - Ability to use appropriate language
    • - Willingness to ask for help when needed

  • Question: Can you name a time when you had to resolve a conflict with a guest?
  • Question Overview: Conflict resolution is a key component of bartending. When you ask this question, you're looking for examples of how a bartender has handled conflict. You want to know how the candidate has handled the situation and what he or she did to resolve it.

    Sample Answer: I had a customer who was upset with the service and wanted to speak with the manager. I was able to explain that I was new and that I'd be happy to speak with him after my shift.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to resolve conflict
    • - Ability to stay calm under pressure
    • - Willingness to ask for help when needed

  • Question: If you were a Big Mac, what layer would you be and why?
  • Question Overview: This question is a fun way to get to know the candidate and to see how he or she thinks. It's a good icebreaker, and it can help you get a sense of the person's personality.

    Sample Answer: I'd be the special sauce. I'm very important but hard to identify.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Humor
    • - Creativity
    • - Ability to think quickly

  • Question: Have you worked as a bartender before?
  • Question Overview: This question is a simple one, but it's important to get the candidate's experience level. If he or she has no experience, you can ask about his or her knowledge of the job and what he or she thinks the job entails. If he or she has experience, you can ask about his or her previous experience and what he or she thinks the job entails.

    Sample Answer: I've worked as a bartender before. I know that the job entails serving drinks and interacting with customers.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience level
    • - Knowledge of job
    • - Previous experience

  • Question: How much experience do you have serving customers?
  • Question Overview: This question gives the interviewer a chance to assess how much experience a candidate has interacting with people. The more experience a candidate has, the better he or she will be able to handle difficult situations and build rapport with guests.

    Sample Answer: I've been serving customers for over five years. I've learned that it's important to be friendly and engaging.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to engage with guests
    • - Experience dealing with difficult guests
    • - Overall demeanor with customers

  • Question: What is your experience in the restaurant business?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to assess the candidate's experience in the restaurant industry. The response you're looking for will depend on the type of establishment and the bar's overall image.

    Sample Answer: I've worked in restaurants for several years. I've been a server, bartender and manager.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience in a similar restaurant
    • - Knowledge of restaurant-specific techniques
    • - Experience in a similar bar

  • Question: We have no employees (first clue) what is your availability?
  • Question Overview: This question is a great way to assess a candidate's flexibility and availability. If you're hiring for a position that requires a lot of hours, you'll want to know if the candidate can work those hours. If you're hiring for a position that requires evening or weekend hours, you'll want to know if the candidate can work those shifts.

    Sample Answer: I'm available Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to close.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Availability
    • - Flexibility
    • - Willingness to work overtime

  • Question: What makes you want to work for a company like Alex and Ani?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to assess whether the candidate has done his or her research on the company and has a genuine interest in working there. The response you're looking for will depend on the type of company. For example, if the company is a high-end jewelry store, you might be looking for a response that focuses on the quality of the products. If it's a restaurant, you might be looking for a response that focuses on the food and atmosphere.

    Sample Answer: I love the jewelry that Alex and Ani offers. I've always been drawn to their charms and bracelets.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of company
    • - Passion for products or services offered

  • Question: Where have you worked before?
  • Question Overview: The interviewer is looking for a candidate who has a history of working in the industry. If the candidate has been working in the industry for a while, it's likely that he or she has developed the skills and experience necessary to be successful.

    Sample Answer: I've worked at several bars and restaurants. I started as a server and then moved into bartending.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Experience in the industry
    • - Length of time working in the industry
    • - Knowledge of industry trends