Even though the Barback role is an entry-level position, it’s best to still prepare for your interview. Put your best foot forward with our guide on common Barback interview questions and how to answer them.
We’ve assembled a list of the most common questions asked during a Barback interview and categorized them into questions about:
- Skills and experience
- Compatibility
- Behavioral/situational
Practice answering the questions below to ace your interview and get your next Barback job. We tweaked most sample answers to fit different situations.
- What makes you a good candidate for this Barback role? See answer.
- How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively during busy shifts? See answer.
- Have you ever assisted with the setup and breakdown of bar equipment and service areas? See answer.
- Can you describe your experience in preparing drinks? See answer.
- What is your availability, and are you willing to work longer hours? See answer.
- How do you handle feedback and criticism? See answer.
- How do you ensure excellent customer service? See answer.
- How do you handle situations where equipment or supplies are unavailable or out of order? See answer.
- Would you have any problems moving about in a packed crowd? See answer.
Hiring managers can also use this guide to prepare their own interview questions.
Barback Interview Questions About Skills and Experience
Be ready to showcase what you can offer to your potential employer by practicing how to sell your skills, interests and personality. You can also use these answers as you respond to the general question, “Can you tell me something about yourself?”
1. What makes you a good candidate for this Barback role?
Sample answer for experienced candidates:
“I’m an excellent candidate, given my hands-on experience working in a bar setting. I know the ins and outs of maintaining a clean and organized bar area while supporting Bartenders even during busy shifts.
I love this line of work and understand the challenges that come with it. I’m physically and mentally prepared to perform any of my tasks as a Barback in your [bar/restaurant/hotel/establishment].”
Sample answer for candidates without experience:
“I’m a good candidate for this role as I love making drinks. I also enjoy working with a team, and I find it easy to build rapport with different kinds of people. I also understand the physical demands of the role, and I believe I’m fit enough to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for long periods.”
What to highlight:
- Understanding of the role
- Passion for the industry
- Whether you’ve read the employer’s job description for Barbacks
2. How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively during busy shifts?
Sample answer:
“To manage my time, I ensure everything runs smoothly, anticipate issues and address them as soon as possible. For instance, I might need to restock low-inventory items, clean the dirty glasses piling up or communicate with team members.”
What to highlight:
- Ability to multitask
- Communication skills
- Time management skills
3. Have you ever assisted with the setup and breakdown of bar equipment and service areas?
Sample answer for experienced candidates:
“Yes, in my previous role, I helped set up bar stations, organize glassware and stock supplies. I also arranged the seating area and made sure everything was clean and presentable for our guests.
At the end of every shift, I helped clean and store equipment, and prepared the bar area for the next day.”
Sample answer for candidates without experience:
“While I do not have direct experience assisting in bar operations yet, I’m eager to learn and contribute as much as I can. I am organized and proactive, and I’ll do my best to ensure smooth operations from opening to closing.
I’ve also learned about bar equipment, SOPs and health standards from online resources and people I know.”
What to highlight:
- Knowledge of bar operations and equipment
- Organization
- Proactiveness
- Willingness to learn
4. Can you describe your experience in preparing drinks?
Sample answer for experienced candidates:
“No problem. I have some experience in preparing drinks from my previous role. I helped prepare garnishes and simple drinks. I also assisted in pre-batching cocktails and overall bar operations, including keeping everything clean and well stocked.”
Sample answer for candidates without experience:
“Although I do not have formal experience in preparing drinks, I do understand the basic components of popular cocktails. In fact, I’ve made them at home for myself or my friends. I’ve also seen some videos online, so I can easily assist Bartenders in preparing garnishes and drinks.”
What to highlight:
- Knowledge of drink preparation
- Ability to support Bartenders
Barback Interview Questions About Compatibility
Some questions will not always be about your experience and skills, but how compatible you are with the employer. This could be in terms of schedule, values and how well you fit into their team dynamic.
5. What is your availability, and are you willing to work longer hours?
Sample answer for broad availability:
“I am available to work the regular hours posted in your job description, but I am also available on evenings, weekends and holidays.”
Sample answer for specific availability:
“I am available in the mornings and afternoons. I can also work on most holidays except for Christmas, as I often go back to my hometown to celebrate.”
What to highlight:
- Flexibility
- Commitment
- Honesty
6. How do you handle feedback and criticism?
Sample answer:
“I see feedback and criticism as a way for me to improve. I listen carefully and ask appropriate questions, so I understand the issue better and know how to address it. Also, I respond with respect, grace and action — always. This way, I can keep getting better and help the team as much as I can.”
What to highlight:
- Openness to learning
- Proactiveness
- Work ethic
7. How do you ensure excellent customer service?
Sample answer:
“As a Barback, I know that what I do contributes to the smooth operations of the bar. One of the steps I can take is to keep the bar well-stocked and organized so the Bartender/s can do their work more easily, and customers can get their drinks faster.
I also try to interact with customers when I see that my Bartenders are busy with drink preparation and other tasks, given how a big part of bartending is conversing with customers and keeping them happy. To ensure excellent customer service, I need to make sure I’m supporting my Bartenders 100% of the time.”
What to highlight:
- Attention to detail
- Proactiveness
Situational/Behavioral Scenario-Based Barback Interview Questions
These questions test your ability to maintain composure, especially during stressful situations. Demonstrate your decision making and resourcefulness with these sample answers.
8. How do you handle situations where equipment or supplies are unavailable or out of order?
Sample answer:
“When incidents like that happen, I try to find a quick fix. For example, if the blender suddenly stops working, I check if I just need to adjust the settings or look for a spare blender in the kitchen. If the problem persists, then I inform my Bartender right away so they know what’s going on.
For the supplies, I check them before and after every shift so we can prevent running out of them.”
What to highlight:
- Problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Communication skills
- Troubleshooting and maintenance abilities
9. Would you have any problems moving about in a packed crowd?
Sample answer for experienced candidates:
“I don’t have any problems moving about in a packed crowd. In my previous job, I regularly navigated through tight spaces while carrying trays, buckets of ice and other supplies. I stay calm and communicate with my team so I don’t lose focus.”
Sample answer for candidates without experience:
“While I haven’t worked in a bar before, I’m confident that I can handle moving through packed crowds. I’ve spent time in busy environments in school, and I’m comfortable navigating through tight spaces.”
What to highlight:
- Physical stamina
- Comfort with busy environments
- Patience and composure
Tips for Acing Your Barback Interview
Here are some tips to help you even more in getting your next Barback opportunity.
Understand the role
Read and understand the job description carefully to learn the key responsibilities of a Barback.
Highlight relevant skills
Emphasize teamwork, physical stamina and attention to detail, which are some of the best skills to have in your resume as a Barback.
Show willingness to work
Express your eagerness to learn new skills and support Bartenders.
Be clear with your schedule
Be upfront and honest about your availability. Also, understand that being a Barback requires you to be available at peak times, including holidays, weekends and evenings.
Dress appropriately
Do some research on your potential employer. If it’s a more high-end establishment, dress in business casual attire. For more casual bars, a clean, well-fitted outfit that’s slightly more casual may be appropriate. Better yet, confirm this with the hiring manager.
Tips for Employers Hiring Barbacks
Here are some tips to help you find the best candidate for your Barback position.
Prioritize key qualities
Look for candidates who exhibit strong attention to detail, physical stamina, teamwork and a willingness to learn. These qualities are essential for the demanding nature of a Barback role.
Differentiate experience levels
Be clear if you’re opening an entry-level job or if you’re looking for an experienced Barback.
- Experienced candidates: Assess their previous bar-related experience, understanding of bar operations and ability to handle busy shifts. Ask for specific examples of how they’ve supported Bartenders and managed their responsibilities.
- Inexperienced candidates: Focus on their enthusiasm, adaptability and willingness to learn. Evaluate their potential to quickly grasp the role’s requirements and their ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Involve the Bartender
As the Barback will be working closely with the Bartender, you might want to involve the Bartender in the interview process. This will help you assess the compatibility and ensure the Bartender’s confidence in the candidate’s ability.
Emphasize schedule flexibility
Ensure candidates understand the importance of availability during peak times, including weekends, evenings and holidays. Clearly communicate your scheduling needs and confirm their willingness to meet these demands.
Consider cultural fit
Evaluate how well the candidate will fit into your establishment’s culture. A Barback who aligns with your team’s values and work ethic will contribute positively to the work environment. Your other staff should also find it easier to work with your candidate.
