How to Be Bartender, Catering - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 15, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The rise of the catering industry has had a direct effect on the bartender industry. As more and more people turn to catering services for events and parties, the need for bartenders to mix and serve drinks is reduced. This has led to a decrease in the number of bartenders available for hire, as many have been replaced by catering services.

In addition, due to the increasing demand for catering services, many catering companies have begun to offer their own bar services, which has further eroded the need for independent bartenders. As a result, bartenders are left with fewer opportunities, forcing them to look for other options to sustain their livelihoods.

Steps How to Become

Get a high school diploma or GED. Most bartending jobs require a high school education.
Attend bartending school. Bartending schools provide hands-on instruction and teach the fundamentals of mixology, customer service, and responsible alcohol service.
Get certified in responsible alcohol service. In most states, bartenders must have certification in responsible alcohol service, such as TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures).
Get hands-on experience. Many bartending schools provide internships or externships with local bars and restaurants to get real-life experience.
Network with local bar and restaurant owners. Building relationships with local restaurant and bar owners can help you get job opportunities.
Research local laws and regulations. Familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations regarding alcohol service and the sale of alcohol.
Obtain a catering license. Most states require caterers to hold a catering license. Check your states requirements for obtaining a catering license.
Become knowledgeable about food and beverage pairings. Learn about the different types of food and beverage pairings to create unique menus for your clients.
Build a catering portfolio. Assemble photos of your past catering jobs, including menus and photos of food and drinks served, as well as customer testimonials.
Market yourself as a bartender and caterer. Advertise your services through social media, word of mouth, fliers, and networking events.

The ideal and efficient bartender and caterer should have a good understanding of the fundamentals of bartending and catering. They should be knowledgeable about the ingredients and equipment used and be able to accurately measure and combine ingredients to create drinks. They should also have an understanding of the different types of alcohol, mixers, and garnishes available and be able to suggest combinations to customers.

Furthermore, they should have excellent customer service skills, with the ability to provide helpful advice and conversation to guests. Lastly, they should be organized and efficient in their work, which is essential for providing timely service in a busy environment. All of these elements combined are necessary in order to create the ideal and efficient bartender and caterer.

You may want to check Event Catering Manager, Waiter/Waitress, Catering, and Line Cook, Catering for alternative.

Job Description

Bartender: Responsible for preparing and serving drinks to customers, collecting payments, and providing excellent customer service.
Catering Server: Responsible for preparing food for events, setting up and breaking down buffet tables, and interacting with guests.
Catering Chef: Responsible for creating menus, cooking food for events, and ensuring food safety.
Catering Supervisor: Responsible for overseeing catering staff, ensuring that events run smoothly, and assisting with ordering supplies.
Event Planner: Responsible for coordinating all aspects of an event, from booking venues to arranging catering and entertainment.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage preparation
Knowledge of customer service principles and practices
Ability to take orders and serve customers in a friendly, professional manner
Knowledge of health and safety regulations
Ability to maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards
Ability to follow recipes accurately
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Ability to work independently or as part of a team
Ability to handle cash and credit card transactions
Ability to lift and carry supplies and equipment
Knowledge of food safety regulations
Knowledge of wine, beer and spirits
Understanding of basic nutrition principles
Knowledge of food-pairing techniques
Ability to plan menus and events
Ability to anticipate customer needs
Excellent communication skills
Good organizational skills
Creativity in the development of drinks and menus
Knowledge of local liquor laws

Having the right skills is essential for bartenders and caterers. Being able to manage a bar or restaurant and handle customers effectively, while also creating high-quality food and drinks, is a must. Time management and organization are key components of success, as well as having an eye for detail to make sure all orders are accurately prepared and served.

Communication skills are paramount when dealing with customers, as well as the ability to stay calm and professional in any situation. The ability to multitask and to work quickly is also essential, as well as the ability to handle last-minute changes and requests. Finally, having a good knowledge of the menu, and the latest trends in drinks and food, will help to ensure that customers have the best experience possible.

All of these skills and abilities are necessary for bartenders and caterers to be successful in their roles.

Food and Beverage Coordinator, Catering, Airline Catering Manager, and Corporate Catering Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in bartending or catering?
Describe the most challenging catering or bartending job you have ever had.
How do you handle difficult customers?
Describe a successful event you have catered or bartended?
Do you have any special skills or experiences that would make you a great bartender/caterer?
What is your knowledge and experience when it comes to creating unique, top of the line drinks or recipes?
How do you handle multiple orders or tasks simultaneously?
Have you ever encountered a situation where you had to think on your feet?
What safety precautions do you take when preparing drinks or food for guests?
What sets you apart from other bartenders/caterers?

Common Tools in Industry

Cocktail Shaker. A tool used to mix ingredients together to create cocktails (eg: Martini).
Cutting Board. A flat surface used to chop and prepare food ingredients (eg: onions).
Blender. An electric tool used to mix, puree, or emulsify food and drinks (eg: Margaritas).
Ice Scoop. A scoop-shaped tool used to scoop ice from an ice bin (eg: for drinks).
Bottle Opener. A tool used to open bottles by removing the metal cap (eg: beer bottles).
Corkscrew. A screw-shaped tool used to remove corks from bottles (eg: wine bottles).
Tray. A shallow, flat container used for carrying food or drinks (eg: for serving appetizers).
Chafing Dish. A metal stand with a heating element used to keep food warm (eg: for buffet lines).
Soup Ladle. A spoon-like tool used to serve soup or other liquids (eg: hot soup).
Serving Tongs. A tool used to pick up and serve food items (eg: vegetables).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Restaurant Association
International Caterers Association
Society for Foodservice Management
United States Bartenders Guild
Foodservice Consultants Society International
International Special Events Society
National Association for Catering and Events
American Culinary Federation
National Association of Professional Bartenders
International Bartenders Association

We also have Food and Beverage Director, Catering, Catering Assistant, and Catering Supervisor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Alcohol. A type of beverage typically containing ethanol, a type of alcohol, as an active ingredient.
Mixology. The art and science of combining ingredients to make cocktails and other drinks.
Garnish. An edible decoration added to a drink for aesthetic or flavor purposes.
Bar Tools. Tools used by bartenders to make drinks, such as shakers, strainers, and muddlers.
Cocktails. Alcoholic beverages made with a combination of different ingredients.
Distillation. The process of separating alcohol from other liquids by boiling and condensing the vapor.
Infusions. The process of adding flavor to a spirit or mix by steeping herbs, spices, fruits, and/or vegetables in it.
Muddling. The process of crushing ingredients with a muddler or pestle to release flavors and aromas.
Swizzles. A type of drink made by stirring ingredients with a swizzle stick.
Catering. The business of providing food and services for events and other gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum number of bartenders needed for a catered event of 300 people?

For a catered event of 300 people, the minimum number of bartenders needed would be 4 or 5.

What is the most common type of alcohol served at a catering event?

The most common type of alcohol served at a catering event is usually beer, wine, and spirits.

What is the average hourly rate for a bartender at a catering event?

The average hourly rate for a bartender at a catering event is typically between $15 and $25 per hour.

What qualifications are required to be a bartender at a catering event?

To be a bartender at a catering event, you must generally have a valid liquor license, experience in bartending and/or mixology, and knowledge of sanitation and food safety regulations.

What are the responsibilities of a bartender at a catering event?

The responsibilities of a bartender at a catering event typically include setting up the bar, mixing and serving drinks, monitoring customer consumption, keeping track of inventory, and cleaning up after the event.

Web Resources

Catering Bartender | Job Listings | University Career Center hireaniner.charlotte.edu
Beverage catering and bartender services « Muddy Charles Pub muddy.mit.edu
Bar Packages Catering dining.williams.edu