Bar Interview Questions and Answers
We’ve compiled a list of some of the top bar interview questions you can expect to hear along with a great answer which you can customize to fit your own situation. This list is a continuation from the bar interview questions and answers on our Bar Interview page. If you haven’t already done so, you’ll also want to check out our Before the Interview and Interview Follow up pages.
Bar Interview Questions and Answers Cont’d
Bar Interview Questions: A customer complains his beer is flat? What do you do?
The best way to handle a situation like this is to charm the customer right from the start, before the apologies come pouring out. It can be annoying and feel fake to a truly upset customer but defusing the situation by relating to the customer and understanding his frustration will go a long way. Say, “Oh that’s terrible, flat beer is no good, I’ll check the keg and get it fixed. If I can’t fix it immediately, is there another type of beer I can get you?”
Keep in mind the most common reasons for flat beer: its the bottom of the keg, the beer is ‘off’ or too old, or the glass is dirty causing the carbonation to dissipate too quickly.
Never tell the customer they’re wrong or ask “are you sure?” They will be offended that you are questioning them and you won’t be any closer to a happy customer. If the customer and situation are getting out of hand, tell them that you will get the manager to come over. This makes the customer feel important as he will get to talk to the “higher ups”.
Bar Interview Questions: Tell me about your previous work experience? or What related skills do you have?
This one is easy. Always find a way to relate your past experience to the job you’re applying for. If you worked at McDonalds for example, you understand the importance of systems, timing and a good work ethic and you’re quick to greet and serve customers. If you worked in retail, again, you’re experienced with greeting customers and helping them find what they want. Share your experiences about answering the phones at work, handling money, and cleaning up after yourself and others. If you’ve ever had a creative idea that your boss used at work, highlight that experience. Maybe you designed the window display at a shop by yourself or suggested a special that really took off. The interviewer will like to hear about your initiative and how your past experiences relate to the job you’re applying for.
Bar Interview Questions: Why did you leave your last job?
If you left your last job for school or because you moved, then this question is pretty easy. If you got fired or quit because you didn’t like your last job, then it becomes a little harder to answer. If you got fired, you don’t obviously don’t want to mention that you got fired. Tell them that you left because:
1. you found it difficult to work in a place that didn’t have any systems and was very disorganized
2. you were looking for more hours that they just couldn’t offer
3. they constantly called you in last minute to cover shifts – up to 3 times / week
4. you were looking for something a little more fast-paced
5. the manager wasn’t professional and made sexist comments that made me uncomfortable
6. they expected me to wear clothing that was just short of being a stripper
Studying the above example bar interview questions will give you a huge advantage over anyone else who may be interviewing for the same job. Have an answer ready for any question and show confidence and personality and you’ll be hired in no time.
Not enough bar interview questions for you? Did you already see the 1st page of bar interview questions and answers?