Whether you are an employer looking for a mixology expert or a candidate searching for a bartender career, prepping for a job interview plays a key role in finding the right fit.
To help you prepare, we compiled a list of 20 bartender interview questions—and approached each from the perspective of both an employer and an applicant.
20 Bartender Interview Questions Employers Should Ask
To help you evaluate whether a candidate is the right fit for your establishment, here are the top 20 bartender interview questions to ask.
1. Can you tell me about your experience as a bartender?
This question will give you an understanding of the candidate’s level of expertise and the type of establishments they have worked for.
2. What do you consider to be the most important qualities for a good bartender to possess?
This question can help you evaluate the candidate’s knowledge of the role and their awareness of the skills required to be successful in this job. It will also reveal whether the applicant has carefully read the job description and how they can link the qualities they possess to the specific role.
3. What is your favorite part of bartending?
Asking about a candidate’s favorite part of bartending can reveal whether they have a passion for the job and enjoy interacting with customers. This question can also provide insights into their customer service skills and ability to connect with customers.
4. What is your favorite cocktail to make and why?
Asking a candidate about their favorite cocktail can provide insights into their knowledge of different drinks. This question can also give you an idea of their level of creativity and willingness to experiment with different ingredients.
5. How do you handle multiple drink orders at once?
During a busy shift, a bartender needs to be able to manage their time effectively to ensure that all customers are served promptly and efficiently.
This question can provide insights into the candidate’s ability to multitask and work well under pressure.
Note their tone of voice and body language as they answer this question, to see if they display confidence and comfort when discussing how they handle busy shifts.
6. How do you ensure that customers are satisfied with their drinks?
This question can help you understand the candidate’s customer service skills and their commitment to providing an enjoyable experience for guests.
7. What will you do if a customer complains about their drink?
This situational question can help you determine how a candidate approaches customer complaints, including their problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult customers in a professional manner.
8. Can you tell me about a time when you had to upsell a drink to a customer?
This question can help you gauge the candidate’s sales skills and their ability to increase revenue for the establishment.
9. Can you remember a time when you exceeded a customer’s expectations?
Going above and beyond to provide excellent customer service is a hallmark of a good bartender. Asking this question can provide insights into the candidate’s ability to provide exceptional service.
10. How do you handle customers who have had too much to drink?
This behavioral question will give you insight into the candidate’s knowledge of responsible service and their ability to manage difficult situations.
11. How do you stay up to date with new drink trends and recipes?
The candidate’s answer to this question can provide insights into their commitment to the job and their willingness to learn, adapt and constantly improve their skills.
Look for candidates who display a genuine interest in the industry and a willingness to seek out new knowledge.
12. What experience do you have with inventory management?
This question can provide insights into the candidate’s experience with managing inventory and their ability to maintain stock levels.
Look for candidates who display a methodical and organized approach to inventory management, as well as a willingness to learn and adapt to new systems.
13. How do you ensure that your bar is always clean and organized?
This question can help you determine the candidate’s attitude to order and cleanliness, along with their attention to detail, which is crucial in maintaining a hygienic and safe work environment in a bar.
14. What POS systems are you familiar with?
This question can provide insights into the candidate’s experience with managing payments and their knowledge of point-of-sale (POS) systems.
15. How do you handle customers who are under the legal drinking age?
This question can help you gauge the candidate’s knowledge of responsible service and their ability to comply with the law.
16. What do you think sets our bar apart from other bars in the area?
This question can help you determine whether the candidate has researched your establishment and whether they have a good understanding of your bar’s unique selling points. This can be indicative of their interest and commitment to the job.
17. Are you able to work weekend/holiday/night shifts?
Flexibility is essential in the hospitality industry, and asking about a candidate’s availability can help determine whether they can be relied upon for working at peak times when you need them the most.
18. What are your strengths?
This question will give you insight into the candidate’s competencies and skills to help you determine whether they can be a good asset to your company.
19. What are your weaknesses?
Asking a candidate about their weaknesses can provide valuable insights into their self-awareness and their desire for improvement.
20. Why should we hire you?
This question will help you understand how the candidate sees their role within the company, along with their potential contribution and desire to build a career in hospitality.
How To Answer Bartender Interview Questions + Sample Responses [For Applicants]
To help you prepare and overcome the stress of your upcoming interview, we have created sample responses to common bartender interviewer questions.
1. Can you tell me about your experience as a bartender?
Give a short overview of the venues where you worked, describing the type of establishment and the duties you performed, such as preparing drinks, serving customers, handling cash and credit card payments, and maintaining a clean and organized bar.
Provide specific examples of how you demonstrated your bartender skills and expertise—for example, by handling difficult customers or creating signature drinks.
While you’re at it, review the bartender job description to make sure you have everything covered.
Sample response: “I have experience as a bartender in various bars and venues. I worked at Smith’s Bar, where I created delicious cocktails, which resulted in positive customer feedback and increased sales. I was able to build a loyal customer base by remembering regulars’ drink orders and preferences.
One of my strengths as a bartender is my ability to engage with customers and create a welcoming atmosphere. I’m knowledgeable about the legal and safety requirements of serving alcohol, and I take these responsibilities seriously to ensure the safety of both customers and staff.”
2. What do you consider to be the most important qualities for a good bartender to possess?
Name a few of the qualities listed in the job description—for example, customer service, multitasking and a thorough knowledge of drinks. Describe how you intend to exhibit these traits if employed.
Add any additional qualities that you believe are important, such as having a positive attitude and being a team player.
Sample response: “Some of the most important qualities a good bartender should possess include knowledge about mixology and drink trends, the ability to multitask and handle challenging situations, and excellent communication and customer service skills.”
3. What is your favorite part of bartending?
Provide examples of what makes your job as a bartender interesting and challenging, such as crafting unique drinks and constantly acquiring new knowledge.
Sample response: “My favorite part of bartending is interacting with customers and mixing unique and delicious drinks. I also enjoy the fast-paced nature of the job and the opportunity to constantly learn and expand my knowledge.”
Name the cocktail you like best, share its ingredients and why you love serving it.
If applicable, share any positive customer feedback you’ve received for the cocktail.
Sample response: “I like preparing and serving the classic Old Fashioned. What intrigues me about this cocktail is its history and the preparation technique that requires accuracy and attention to detail.
I like the process of blending the sugar and bitters, adding the whiskey, and topping it with an orange twist.”
5. How do you handle multiple drink orders at once?
Describe a busy night or event that you experienced as a bartender and explain how you prioritized orders and communicated with customers to make sure everyone was taken care of.
Sample response: “During a busy Saturday night shift at Smith’s Bar, I had a full bar of customers who ordered drinks at the same time.
I prioritized the orders based on the time each customer had been waiting and made several of the same drinks at once for similar orders, and I was able to efficiently make all of the drinks and serve them without any errors.”
6. How do you ensure that customers are satisfied with their drinks?
Describe the steps you take to ensure that customers are satisfied with their drinks, such as confirming their order and providing recommendations based on their preferences.
Explain how you handle any issues or concerns that customers have with their drinks, such as remaking the drink or providing alternatives.
Sample response: “I appreciate customer feedback. That’s why I always ask customers if they’re enjoying their drinks and take note of the feedback provided.
If a customer isn’t satisfied with their drink, I ask them what specifically they don’t like about it and offer to prepare a new one in line with their preferences or suggest a different drink that might better suit their taste.”
7. What will you do if a customer complains about their drink?
Explain your approach to handling customer complaints—for example, asking the customer what they don’t like about the drink and providing options for an alternative.
Convey that you maintain a professional attitude and explain how you ensure that the customer leaves the bar satisfied.
Sample response: “If a customer is unhappy with their drink, I will apologize and ask questions to identify the flavors that do not match their expectations. I’ll either offer to make them a fresh drink or recommend an alternative to better fit their taste preferences based on their feedback.”
8. Can you remember a time when you had to upsell a drink to a customer?
Describe a time when you had the opportunity to upsell a drink to a customer, and how you recommended a more expensive drink without being pushy—for example, by highlighting the drink’s ingredients, flavor, history or popularity.
Sample response: “I remember a situation when a customer told me he liked tequila, but he couldn’t decide on a drink.
I suggested a specialty cocktail with unique flavors and ingredients. The customer enjoyed it and ended up ordering several rounds of the same drink that night for friends.”
9. Can you tell me about a time when you exceeded customer expectations?
Share a situation where you used your skills to provide an exceptional experience for your customers. Briefly list the details along with the feedback you received.
Sample response: “I remember a couple who came to the bar to celebrate an anniversary.
To make their experience special, I offered to create a custom cocktail for them using their favorite flavors. I also surprised them with a complimentary dessert (after getting approval from the manager) to celebrate their anniversary.
Throughout their visit, I made sure to check in with them regularly to ensure that they were enjoying themselves and their drinks.
At the end of the night, the couple thanked me for the personalized service and mentioned that they would be back at the bar in the future and also recommend it to their friends. This experience showed me the importance of going the extra mile for customers and the impact it can have on their overall experience.”
10. How do you handle customers who have consumed too much alcohol?
Explain your approach to handling customers who have had too much to drink, for example, by monitoring their behavior and cutting them off if necessary.
Discuss your professional and respectful behavior during the interaction, and your consideration about the safety of the other customers.
Sample response: “One way I address a situation where a customer consumed too much alcohol is to offer some water.
If they refuse to drink the water and/or they seem likely to cause problems, I’ll inform the manager and ask for their assistance in handling the situation. It’s important to prioritize the safety and well-being of all customers in the bar.”
11. How do you stay up to date with new drink trends and recipes?
Highlight the importance of staying up to date with new drink trends and recipes in the bartending industry.
Explain how you stay updated—for example, by reading industry publications, following mixology blogs, attending industry events, and experimenting with new ingredients and techniques.
Sample response: “I stay updated with drink trends and recipes by attending industry events, reading industry publications and websites, and talking to other bartenders. I also like to experiment with new ingredients and techniques on my own time to see how I can incorporate them into my work.”
12. What experience do you have with inventory management?
Acknowledge the importance of inventory management in the bar industry. List any previous experience you have with inventory management, such as tracking inventory, ordering supplies and conducting regular audits, along with using inventory management software.
Sample response: “I have extensive experience with inventory management and stock tracking. I am familiar with inventory management software and maintain attention to detail when it comes to tracking usage and minimizing waste.”
13. How do you ensure that your bar is always clean and organized?
Emphasize the importance of cleanliness and organization in a welcoming environment and explain your system of keeping the bar clean and organized—for example, by regularly wiping surfaces, restocking supplies and disposing of trash.
Sample response: “I know that a clean, organized bar is a key factor in creating an enjoyable and positive experience for customers. I make sure to clean as I go, wiping down surfaces and equipment between uses, and regularly checking the bar area to make sure everything is in its place.”
14. What POS systems are you familiar with?
Acknowledge the importance of accuracy and security in handling cash and credit card transactions for making customers feel confident in their purchases.
Share you are comfortable using point-of-sale systems, counting cash drawers and reconciling receipts.
Sample response: “I am experienced with both cash and credit card transactions, and I make sure to handle all transactions accurately and efficiently. I am also familiar with different point of sale systems, such as Clover and Lavu, and know how to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.”
15. How do you handle customers who are under the legal drinking age?
Acknowledge the importance of adhering to legal drinking age restrictions. Highlight your diligence in checking IDs, along with your training in recognizing fake IDs.
Sample response: “To ensure a customer is of legal drinking age, I always check their identification. I am also trained to recognize fake IDs. If a customer is under the legal drinking age, I politely inform them of our policy and offer them non-alcoholic options.”
17. What do you think sets our bar apart from other bars in the area?
List the characteristics of the establishment mentioned in the job posting and the information you acquired while researching—for example, the unique drink offerings, atmosphere or exceptional customer service.
Emphasize that you are excited to contribute to the bar’s success and growth.
Sample response: “Your venue caught my interest because it stands out by serving thematic cocktails in a sophisticated atmosphere. I am impressed with the quality of your ingredients and the unique experience you create for your customers.”
18. Are you able to work weekend/holiday/night shifts?
Be honest and inform the interviewer of any other obligations you have, so you can come up with a suitable schedule.
Sample response: “Yes, I can work weekend shifts and I can also work on most holidays, but I am not available for evening shifts during the week due to a prior commitment.”
18. What are your strengths?
Give examples of how your skills and industry knowledge can contribute to the job of a bartender.
Sample response: “My strengths include my organizational skills, my ability to make meaningful conversations with customers, and my ability to multitask and work under pressure. I also have a strong knowledge of cocktail recipes and techniques.”
19. What are your weaknesses?
Share the qualities that you think you should work on and how you plan to improve your skills. This will show that you are self-aware and taking steps to constantly improve.
Sample response: “In some situations, I start to feel pressure when I have to deal with frustrated or angry customers. However, I am working on building up my confidence and improving my problem-solving skills in order to better address tough situations.”
20. Why should we hire you?
Highlight your passion for the role and the industry. Emphasize how your credentials and abilities fit the job’s needs and how you can contribute to the development of the establishment.
Sample response: “I am confident that my passion for the hospitality industry, along with my commitment to creating a positive experience for every customer, would make me a great asset to your team.
I sincerely enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, interacting with customers and crafting unique drinks. I believe I could connect with your customers and provide an enjoyable experience that leads to return visits.”
How To Prepare for a Bartender Interview as an Employer
Interview prep isn’t just for candidates. Here’s how to prepare for interviews as an employer, to help you find the right fit.
- Review resumes: After posting the job, review the applications you receive and narrow down several applicants to interview.
- Prepare for the interview: List down some questions that will help you understand the candidate’s experience, passion for the industry, skills and ability to work under pressure. Include situational and behavioral questions that can help you evaluate the candidate’s approach to the position.
- Prepare to answer the candidate’s questions: These may include questions about shifts, bartender salary, benefits, additional training or career opportunities.
- Listen attentively: Pay close attention to the candidate’s answers during the interview and if needed, ask follow-up questions.
How To Prepare for a Bartender Interview as an Applicant
An interview can be nerve-wracking, which is why preparation is key. The more prepared you are, the more comfortable and confident you’ll be during the interview.
To prepare for your bartender interview:
- Research the bar, restaurant or venue where you are applying: Check out the website, menu, and drinks, along with customer reviews.
- Review common bartender interview questions: Prepare answers to frequently asked interview questions, such as “Why should we hire you?” and “What makes a good bartender?”
- Stage an interview with friends or family members: Organize a mock interview to practice your communication skills.
- Make sure you look professional: Wear appropriate clothing for the interview—typically business casual.
- Be punctual: Plan to arrive for your interview at least 15 minutes before the start time, to show you are a reliable candidate who values your potential employer’s time.
- Bring your resume with you: Make sure you have several copies of your resume with you so you can offer those to additional team members who may join your interview.
Being prepared will help you feel more confident when being interviewed for one of the best-paying jobs in the restaurant industry.
How OysterLink Connects Restaurants With Bartenders
A bartender interview allows employers to find the best candidate for the position, and it allows a candidate to find the best fit for what they’re looking for in terms of their career. At OysterLink, we help facilitate that connection on a larger scale.
We link employers and candidates in the hospitality industry through a user-friendly, comprehensive platform.
Subscribing to OysterLink gets you early access to the latest job openings, salary trends, industry insights and more.
Find the right match in an employee or an employer by establishing connections through OysterLink.
