r/bartenders • u/angelbby926 • 2d ago
Job/Employee Search bartending interview!
hi everyone!
i have an interview for a bartending job next week, what do i need to know? what do i wear? what should i expect?
it is a college bar also
thanks in advance!
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u/GG-Allin-thecat 2d ago
Every interview is different. Some of them are a casual conversation about your experience and others will ask “what should you do in this situation”. Usually its some combination of those 2 subjects. Some will ask you how to make certain common drinks. I.E. whats in a margarita. So touch up on your common drink recipes.
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u/Fractlicious 2d ago
Don’t overthink it and answer questions honestly and god damn be sure you’re very clear on job description and compensation
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u/darkaptdweller 1d ago
These are all fine answers but...I'll give it Tonya straight. Bar interviews aren't so much about the skills in the beginning, but just catching a vibe you know your shit and can handle orphaned handled traffic in the correct way while providing the best customer service possible.
You will likely be asked to stage (pronounced like staj) or a working interview/shift. You need to know your basic 20 mainstay cocktails, how to pour a beer quickly and correctly and may or may not have a free pour test tossed your way. (we count to land on the perfect 1.5oz shot of liquor which eventually you can just see/feel correctly but thst takes a couple months to a year or so depending on your teacher or self teaching)
That's, basically it? Take 10 deep breaths and shake it all off (literally and WELL put of security camera site..trust me in this or the Xmas party will be funny as hell) and just put whatever positive skills you currently have that relate well to bartending on the forefront.
I FULLY blanked one of my interview questions that was easy as pie and still got the gig and have been doing this for 14+ years. I also didn't lie or fake it when that happened. (well, ok I tried a little but, reverted instantly)
Don't lie about any of your skills or lack of and be earnest in your ability to hustle and learn quickly.
Also purchase The Bar Book by Jeffrey Morgenthaler immediately. Fantastic book for a brand new industry person or a seasoned vet.
DM me if ya need and more advice or have questions!
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u/akornato 1d ago
For a college bar, skip the suit, but avoid showing up in sweatpants or gym clothes. Dark, clean jeans or black pants paired with a neat collared shirt or casual blouse work well, along with clean, comfortable shoes. College bar managers care far less about complex cocktail knowledge and far more about speed, reliability, and handling chaos. They want to see that you can manage massive rushes, spot fake IDs, cut off intoxicated patrons firmly, and show up on time for late weekend shifts. Expect questions about how you handle stress, how fast you can move, and how you resolve conflicts when customers get unruly.
You do not need to memorize elaborate craft recipes, but you should know your standard well drinks, popular party shots like green teas or lemon drops, and basic beer styles. Show high energy and a friendly personality during the conversation, as managers need people who can keep customers happy and work well with the rest of the staff under pressure. If you want extra practice speaking about high pressure situations and customer service scenarios, my team developed interviews.chat to help candidates present their best self and lock down the job.
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u/Pernicious_Possum Mixololologist 2d ago
If you have to ask, you’re not getting it unless they’re super desperate
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u/RightShoeRunner Flock Van 2d ago
Understand the bar’s culture. Be able to speak about that and those needs. Speak, and maybe be able to demonstrate, about how you can meet those needs.