1. Tell me in a bar full of customers, how do you decide on priority?
I usually go from left to right while acknowledging to all customers that I am working on their orders. In some situations, I even work on first-come-first served basis.
2. Tell me can you work on rotating shifts?
Yes! I am enthusiastically willing to work during nights and weekends.
Well it certainly is the customers right decide for themselves how much they will tip the bartender. I would probably review my service and interactions with that person in my head to make sure I weren't at fault in some way, but other than that, there is no sense lingering on such a non issue. I accept that tips are not gauranteed and that not every customer is a good tipper; as a good bartender, I feel I owe the guest good service regardless.
4. Tell me how do you use your time on a slow shift?
I am equally comfortable with slower periods as I am with busy times. During busy times its important to provide guests with efficient friendly service while maintaining an ambiance but you dont have much time to build repiore with your customers. Slow times allow you the opportunity to build the relationships that turn casual customers into regulars. One of my favorite parts of being a bartender is knowing my customers feel genuinely cared for.
5. Explain what techniques do you use to upsell?
If some one ask for a drink and spent prefer them brand then ask them if they like it with premium liquiors. Also , u ca also tell them it's a spread more but taste a lot better.
6. Explain how do you engage with customers while making and serving drinks?
This is difficult to do because you need to divide your attention. In order to do this well it requires muscle memory so you act without thinking and can listen and respond in a conversation.
7. Tell me do you object to taking a drug test?
This question may seem like it has a straight-forward answer, but really, it doesn't. In fact, while we don't mean any disrespect to Bob the Bar Guy, this seems like a particularly odd request for bartender interviews.
Of course you want drug-free employees in the workplace, but since you're running a bar, a drug test doesn't make much sense. According to Norml.com, while urinalysis tests are particularly sensitive to marijuana, they aren't as effective at reporting recent harder drug use, and they don't show alcohol results at all. You could be hiring an alcoholic as a bartender, and your drug test would do nothing to warn you of that.
8. Tell me why Do You Like Bartending?
Because I think it's important. After a weeks work, people need somewhere to unwind so they can to do it all over again the following week. Bars are where a lot of people go to do that, and seeing as they're willing to spend the money they worked all week for, I think it's really important that they're given great service. I get a kick out of providing that service.
I'd use 1 part Tanqueray - because I like to use a premium gin, but nothing as distinct as Hendricks or Tanq 10 where you're just going to lose the flavour when you add the Campari - I'd use 1 part Campari - Aperol is an ok substitute, but it's just not the real thing - and then I'd use 1 part Cinzano Rosso - I think it has a bolder flavour than Martini Rosso, so it'll stand out better in a cocktail. I'd put all that into a double rocks glass, easy ice, and then with a cocktail stirrer give it a good stir for about 15 seconds, so the customer gets the well mixed, well balanced cocktail they expect when they order a Negroni. Then I'd finish it off with an orange twist.
Have a story ready from your first job. For example, your first burger flipping job during high school when you were trying to save up for college. Let's say that you had a customer that came in and always wanted to special order a burger - and it was always during peak times when you were busy in the kitchen which slowed everything down. So, you talked to the customer and made him a deal. You told him that as soon as you saw him come in, you would start his special order burger with the next set of meat you put on the grill. He would simply order the same way and then step to the side and wait for his burger. This way, I was able to start his special order when I was ready and it didn't take a half hour for him to explain his order and for the cashier to find a way to punch it in.
11. Tell me, I enjoy mixing drinks for myself, should I start bartending as a career?
Bartending is often a difficult lifestyle to maintain. With odd hours, and an environment fueled by liquor and flirting, it can take a strain on ones personal life. Take a few minutes to read through some past threads posted about bartending as a career.
I researched a lot about different options but your company appealed the most to me because it offers the best services to guests in the town. In addition, you provide excellent opportunities for employee development and career growth which is not comparable to any of your competitors.
13. Tell me for serving customers what personal traits do you think a bartender should possess?
A bartender needs to have an outgoing, friendly, patient, courteous and extrovert personality for excellent customer service. In addition, s/he must be punctual, organized and tidy.
14. Tell me are you comfortable with wearing bar uniform?
Yes! It would be a great pleasure for me.
If the bouncers are close, stay behind the bar. Bartenders are not bouncers. If no bouncers are around, a nice bucket of ice water dumped over them with a loud "Cool it boys!" should do it
16. Suppose your car breaks down on the way to work, what would you do?
I would see how much time I have to get to work. If I have someone I can call immediately I would make the arrangements and notify my manger immediately. If nobody is available, I would call to see if they have someone who could take my shift or stay til I get there and call a tow truck. (who usually will drop you off in my area)
17. How to make a Washington Apple?
Equal parts Crown Royal and Sour Apple Schnapps with a one count of cranberry juice added.
18. Suppose you were an ice cream flavor, what would you be?
I would be the neapolitan flavor. Since there is chocolate, vanilla and strawberry, there is something for everybody. Similarly, there are various aspects to my personality and I feel that I can relate to all people on some level.
19. Tell Us What Would You Recommend As An After-Dinner Drink?
My usual instinct is to go straight for the speciality hot drinks, but I also like to sell regular hot drinks with a shot on the side such as Sambuca, Frangelico, or Baileys. I also love recommending a brandy too, something to swirl and savour as they let everything digest.
20. Do you know in a nutshell, what is bartending?
In fact, bartending means helping customers with the menu selection, taking their orders and serving food & beverages in a welcoming, courteous and efficient way to attain the utmost level of guest satisfaction. It also includes mixing and garnishing beverages, keeping bar well-stocked and organized, and maintaining cleanliness of bar area.
21. Tell me how do you make a White Russian?
In a rocks glass pour a one and a half ounces of vodka, half ounce of kahlua and a splash of cream.
22. Explain me about your previous work experience?
I like to keep things simple in this regard, manners will get you a long way, if I see any shoving I will not be helpful to them, but it will always be first come first served. If there is a line across the bar, depending on which station I am at I would probably sweep left to right. Also if it is at all possible, take more then one drink order at a time. Ask if anyone is buying a single drink and if they are serve the 'singles' at the same time.
23. Tell me how Long Have You Been Bartending?
Four years total: Two years to begin with at Johs Cocktail Bar, one year at Will's restaurant, and then most recently a year at Sam's Pub.
24. What are your strength and weaknesses as Bartender?
The trick question. Go ahead and brag about what you're good at. "I'm a great conversationalist and can find something in common with the other person quickly" or "I am very punctual, and that spills over into all my work, including returning to customers and checking up on them regularly" or "I have a very strong work ethic and take pride in what I do".
When you highlight your weaknesses, remember they play on your strengths. For example, "I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist and may spend a little too much time perfecting something" or "I'm full of ideas and sometimes I see what I think is a more efficient way of doing things and make suggestions to coworkers that they may not want to hear" or "sometimes if its a little slow in the bar, I get engrossed in a conversation with a customer and find it hard to cut it off politely so that I can take care of my other responsibilities."
25. Important Bartender Job Interview Questions:
☛ What is your experience in the hospitality industry?
☛ What kind of bars you visit in your free time?
☛ Describe the most stressful job you've done so far?
☛ Do you play any sports?
☛ If is a large crowd at the bar, in what order you will serve your guests?
☛ Describe the benefits of working in a team and specify your own positive example of teamwork in solving some problem?
☛ How would you know that your guest drank too much alcohol?
☛ How would you act if you have a drunk guest who offend you?
☛ Have you ever worked with a professional bartender and whether you are willing to engage in such a training?
