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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Question Overview: This question is designed to assess a candidate's ability to go above and beyond for customers. 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 ability to go the extra mile for customers, what types of techniques he or she uses and which situations he or she feels most comfortable in.
Sample Answer: I recently went out of my way to help a customer who was in a wheelchair. I helped him into his seat and then brought him his drink.
Question Overview: This question is designed to assess a candidate's ability to handle difficult situations. It's important for bartenders to be able to diffuse tense situations and to be able to prioritize the needs of different patrons.
Sample Answer: I would try to calm the guest down and find out what the problem is. If someone else is waiting, I would ask them if they could wait a few minutes while I help the other guest.
Question Overview: This question is designed to assess how well a candidate can communicate. The interviewer wants to know if the candidate can clearly and effectively communicate his or her thoughts and ideas.
Sample Answer: My favorite leader is Abraham Lincoln. He was a great leader because he was able to keep his country together during a very difficult time.
Question Overview: This question is a great way to assess how well a candidate can sell himself or herself. The response should focus on the candidate's strengths and how they can help the bar.
Sample Answer: I'm a hard worker, and I'm willing to learn new things. I'm also very personable and have a passion for the job.
Question Overview: This is a common question that you'll find in bartender interviews. It's a good way to assess a candidate's speed and ability to multitask.
Sample Answer: I can make about five drinks in 60 seconds.
Question Overview: This question is designed to assess the candidate's interest in the position. The response that you're looking for will depend on the type of establishment and the bar's overall image. This question gives the interviewer an opportunity to assess a bartender's enthusiasm for the job, his or her knowledge of the bar and its image, and his or her overall interest in the position.
Sample Answer: I've always wanted to work at a bar that serves craft beers. I've heard great things about your establishment, and I'm very interested in working here.
Question Overview: In a work environment, it's important that everyone knows his or her place. In a bar, there are many different levels of seniority, and it's important that everyone knows who's in charge. This question gives you an opportunity to assess how candidates handle situations in which they might be told what to do by someone with more seniority.
Sample Answer: If I'm unsure about the instructions, I'll ask for clarification. If I still don't understand, I'll ask my manager.
Question Overview: This question is designed to give you a better understanding of the candidate's career goals. The response will give you a better idea of how motivated the candidate is and whether he or she is likely to stay with the company for a long time.
Sample Answer: I would like to be a manager in five years.
Question Overview: Employers are legally allowed to ask about criminal history, and it's important that you're honest about your past. If you do have a criminal record, you should explain what happened and how you've grown as a person since then.
Sample Answer: I was arrested for public intoxication when I was 18. I learned from that mistake and have not had any other problems since then.
Question Overview: Bartenders need to be able to engage with customers and build rapport. This question is designed to assess a candidate's ability to do so.
Sample Answer: I like to ask people about their day and what they do for work. I find that people are more willing to talk about themselves than anything else.