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

Jan 25, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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Alcohol consumption has a significant effect on the behavior of those who consume it. After drinking, people may become more outgoing and social, but they are also more likely to become aggressive or violent. This can lead to a number of dangerous consequences, such as fights and other physical altercations, car accidents, and the potential for alcohol poisoning.

The bartender plays an important role in moderating alcohol consumption, by monitoring how much each individual customer is drinking and ensuring that they are not becoming too intoxicated. By doing so, the bartender can help to protect bar patrons and prevent dangerous situations from occurring.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers require bartenders to have a high school diploma or GED.
Obtain a Bartending License. Depending on the state, bartenders may need to obtain a license in order to legally serve alcohol. Check the requirements for your state.
Gain Experience. Most employers prefer to hire bartenders with at least some experience. Consider taking on a part-time bartending job at a restaurant, bar, or club.
Take Bartending Classes. Bartender classes are available in many areas. Taking classes can help you learn more about bartending and increase your knowledge of mixing drinks.
Prepare a Resume. When you are ready to apply for jobs, create a resume that highlights your bartending experience and skills.
Network and Apply for Jobs. Reach out to local bars and restaurants and let them know you are looking for a bartending job. You can also search online job boards for openings.
Develop Your Skills. Bartending is a skill that requires practice and experience. Take time to experiment with different drink recipes and practice your customer service skills.

The ideal and qualified bartender is an important asset to any restaurant, bar, or event. Being knowledgeable of different types of drinks, understanding customer needs and having great customer service skills are all essential qualities of a successful bartender. Having an organized work station and the ability to multitask in a busy environment are also important factors that can lead to success.

Knowing how to properly measure ingredients, correctly mix drinks, and serve drinks in a timely manner will help ensure customer satisfaction. Being able to handle difficult customers and handle money responsibly are also important qualities that make a great bartender. With the right training, knowledge and skills, the ideal and qualified bartender can provide the ultimate customer experience, leading to increased repeat customers and higher profits for the establishment.

You may want to check Head Waiter, Catering Waitstaff, and Cocktail Waiter for alternative.

Job Description

Greet customers and ascertain their needs.
Prepare and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Mix ingredients to prepare cocktails and other drinks.
Check identification of customers to ensure they meet legal drinking age.
Receive payment for drinks served.
Maintain cleanliness of bar area and all related equipment.
Check stock levels and order supplies as needed.
Answer customers questions regarding drinks and menu items.
Ensure that all safety and hygiene regulations are followed.
Provide excellent customer service at all times.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to follow health and safety regulations
Patience and strong customer service skills
Knowledge of beverage ingredients and drink recipes
Strong problem-solving and multitasking skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Knowledge of cash handling and point-of-sale systems
Knowledge of wines, beer, spirits, and mixed drinks
Ability to accurately measure ingredients
Ability to stand for long periods of time
Excellent communication skills

The ability to be an effective bartender is highly dependent on having certain skills. Perhaps the most important skill for a bartender to possess is the ability to multitask. This includes being able to attend to customers needs, mixing drinks, stocking supplies, and operating the cash register all at the same time.

having good people skills is essential, as bartenders must be able to interact with customers in a friendly and professional way. They must also be flexible and have the ability to think on their feet when unexpected issues arise. Being knowledgeable about different types of alcohol and cocktails is also important, as bartenders must be able to answer customer questions and make recommendations.

Finally, having good organizational skills allows bartenders to keep track of orders, prevent mix-ups, and remain efficient. All these skills combined help make a successful bartender.

Busboy, Counter Attendant, and Waiter/Waitress are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a bartender?
How long have you been working as a bartender?
What do you think makes a great bartender?
How do you handle difficult customers?
What drinks can you prepare?
Are you familiar with state and local laws regarding alcohol?
How do you handle a situation when a customer has had too much to drink?
How do you ensure accuracy when making drinks?
What strategies do you use to remember drink orders?
How would you handle an emergency situation in the bar?

Common Tools in Industry

Bottle Opener. A tool used to open bottles. (eg: bottle opener)
Corkscrew. A tool used to remove corks from bottles. (eg: wine corkscrew)
Strainer. A tool used to strain liquids, such as cocktails or drinks. (eg: Hawthorne strainer)
Jigger. A tool used to measure out precise amounts of liquid in mixing drinks. (eg: double jigger)
Muddler. A tool used to mash fruits, herbs, and spices in a glass. (eg: wooden muddler)
Blender. A tool used to blend and mix drinks. (eg: immersion blender)
Ice Scoop. A tool used to scoop ice out of an ice bin or tray. (eg: stainless steel ice scoop)
Citrus Squeezer. A tool used to squeeze juice from citrus fruits like lemons and limes. (eg: manual citrus squeezer)
Bar Spoon. A tool used to stir drinks while mixing them. (eg: twisted bar spoon)
Cocktail Shaker. A tool used to shake and mix drinks together. (eg: Boston shaker)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Restaurant Association
National Association of Bartenders
United States Bartenders Guild
International Bartenders Association
International Wine & Spirits Guild
Society of Wine Educators
Club Managers Association of America
National Association of Catering & Events
American Food & Beverage Association
International Sommelier Guild

We also have Silver Service Waiter, Coffeehouse Server, and Barback jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Alcohol. An intoxicating substance derived from fermented grains, fruits, or vegetables.
Barware. The tools and equipment used to prepare and serve drinks in a bar.
Cocktails. Mixed drinks made with different types of alcohol and mixers.
Mixology. The study and practice of creating cocktails.
Liquor. An alcoholic beverage distilled from grains or other plant materials.
Spirits. An alcoholic beverage distilled from fermented fruits, vegetables, or grains.
Garnish. An edible decoration placed on a drink to make it look more appealing.
Blending. The process of combining different liquors to create a new flavor.
Muddling. The process of mashing ingredients in a glass with a muddler to release their flavors and aromas.
Shaking. The process of mixing ingredients together in a shaker to create a frothy texture and cold temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What type of alcohol is used to make a Bartender? A1: A bartender typically uses a variety of spirits such as vodka, gin, rum, tequila and whiskey to create cocktails. Q2: What is the recommended amount of alcohol per cocktail? A2: It is generally recommended that one serving of an alcoholic beverage should not exceed 1.5 ounces of spirits. Q3: What are the essential tools for a bartender? A3: Bartenders should have the essential tools such as a shaker, strainer, muddler, jigger, bar spoon, and citrus juicer. Q4: How many different types of cocktails can a bartender make? A4: A professional bartender can make hundreds of different types of cocktails, limited only by their creativity and the ingredients available. Q5: What qualifications are needed to be a Bartender? A5: Generally, a bartender should have basic knowledge of cocktails and spirits, as well as food safety, customer service and bartending techniques. Depending on the employer, a bartender may also need to obtain a food handler's license or other certifications.