How to Be Cocktail Waitress - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 3, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The job of a cocktail waitress can be both rewarding and challenging. Working in a busy bar or restaurant requires excellent customer service skills, an ability to multi-task, and a willingness to work long hours. It also requires an understanding of the laws and regulations governing the sale of alcohol.

Effectively handling these responsibilities can lead to better tips and higher wages but can also lead to stress and fatigue. Working in this field also requires knowledge of different types of drinks, bar service techniques, and food and beverage pairing. With proper training and experience, a cocktail waitress can provide an enjoyable experience for customers and help create a positive atmosphere in the establishment.

Steps How to Become

Research the job. Before committing to becoming a cocktail waitress, it is important to research the job and understand the requirements and duties associated with it. This can be done by visiting cocktail bars and speaking to the staff, or researching online.
Get the required qualifications. Typically, it is necessary to hold a valid liquor license or certification in order to work as a cocktail waitress. It is also important to have basic knowledge about food/beverage service, as well as customer service.
Look for a position. Once the necessary qualifications have been obtained, the next step is to look for a position as a cocktail waitress. Job postings can be found in newspapers, online job sites, or directly at bars and restaurants.
Prepare for the interview. Once an interview has been scheduled, it is important to prepare for the interview by researching the company and practicing answering common questions. It is also important to dress appropriately for the interview, as this can make a good impression on the interviewer.
Attend the interview. On the day of the interview, be sure to arrive on time, be polite and courteous to the interviewer, and answer questions honestly and confidently.
Start training. Once hired, it is important to attend all required training sessions and follow all safety guidelines.
Begin working. After completing the training period, it is time to begin working as a cocktail waitress. This includes taking orders, bringing drinks to customers, collecting payment, maintaining a clean work environment, and providing excellent customer service.

The role of a Cocktail Waitress requires a strong level of skill and capability. To be successful in this role, one must have a good understanding of the bar and restaurant industry, excellent customer service skills, and an ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. Knowledge of various cocktail recipes is also essential for this job, as well as the ability to effectively manage time and resources.

Furthermore, having a friendly attitude and an outgoing personality are essential qualities that a Cocktail Waitress must possess. As a result of these attributes, Cocktail Waitresses are able to provide great customer service to guests, leading to a higher level of customer satisfaction and repeat business.

You may want to check Bar Consultant, Bar Tender Trainer, and Craft Beer Specialist for alternative.

Job Description

Greet guests and patrons of the bar in a friendly and professional manner.
Explain bar menu items, including specialty drinks and available discounts.
Take and serve food and drink orders to guests in a timely manner.
Check IDs to ensure that all guests ordering alcoholic drinks are of legal drinking age.
Up-sell food and drink items to guests.
Maintain a clean and orderly bar area.
Process payments from customers and provide correct change.
Refill ice bins, liquor bottles, and other supplies as needed.
Ensure that all laws, rules, and regulations related to the sale and service of alcohol are followed.
Handle customer complaints in a professional manner.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of mixology and cocktails
Excellent customer service skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Ability to recall customer orders quickly
Knowledge of food and beverage safety regulations
Knowledge of beer, wine, and spirits
Excellent organizational and multitasking skills
Ability to handle cash and credit cards
Strong attention to detail
Ability to upsell food and drinks
Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays
Ability to lift and carry heavy trays of drinks
Ability to take orders via computer or tablet
Ability to work with a team
Ability to resolve customer complaints

Having the right skills as a cocktail waitress is essential to success in this job. The most important skill is being able to provide excellent customer service. This includes being friendly and welcoming, as well as having the ability to multitask and pay attention to detail.

Being able to anticipate customer needs and respond to requests quickly and efficiently is also important. having a strong knowledge of different drinks and beverages helps the waitress provide quick, accurate service. Good organizational skills are also essential, as cocktail waitresses must keep track of orders, handle cash transactions, and manage their time efficiently.

All of these skills are essential for success in this job, and when combined, can result in satisfied customers and good tips.

Taproom Manager, Mobile Bartender, and Specialty Cocktail Maker are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in customer service?
How comfortable are you working in a fast-paced environment?
What techniques do you use to remember orders and serve customers efficiently?
How would you handle a difficult customer?
What is your knowledge of mixed drinks and cocktails?
Are you familiar with food safety and hygiene standards?
Describe how you would handle multiple customers at once.
How do you ensure accuracy when taking orders?
What do you think sets you apart from other cocktail waitresses?
What is your availability for nights and weekends?

Common Tools in Industry

Tray - Used to carry beverages and food to the customers. (eg. Cocktail waitress carrying a tray of drinks to guests. )
Cash Register - Used to process customer payments. (eg. Cocktail waitress ringing up a customer's tab at the cash register. )
Ice Scoop - Used to scoop ice for drinks. (eg. Cocktail waitress scooping ice for a customer's drink. )
Bar Tools - Used to mix drinks. (eg. Cocktail waitress using a shaker and strainer to mix a customer's drink. )
Bottle Opener - Used to open beer bottles. (eg. Cocktail waitress opening a bottle of beer for a customer. )
Glassware - Used to serve drinks in. (eg. Cocktail waitress setting out glasses for customers' drinks. )
Napkins - Used to clean up spills and messes. (eg. Cocktail waitress cleaning up a spilled drink with a napkin. )
Drink Menu - Used to inform customers of available drinks. (eg. Cocktail waitress presenting a menu of drinks to customers. )

Professional Organizations to Know

National Bartenders Association
United States Bartenders Guild
Association of Professional Bartenders
International Bartenders Association
National Restaurant Association
National Association of Professional Cocktail Waitresses
International Association of Food and Beverage Professionals
Society of Professional Bartenders
International Food Service Executives Association
International Council of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Educators

We also have Club Bartender, Bouncer/Security Guard, and Event Bartender jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Bartender. A professional who mixes and serves alcoholic beverages behind the bar.
Mixologist. A professional who specializes in the art of creating cocktails, including creating unique recipes with specialized ingredients.
Flair Bartender. A professional who performs tricks and showmanship while mixing drinks behind the bar.
Wine Steward. A professional who specializes in the selection and serving of wines.
Barback. A professional who assists the bartender by stocking supplies and cleaning the bar area.
Bar Manager. The person responsible for managing the bar staff, controlling costs, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Server. A professional who takes orders, serves food and drinks, and collects payments from customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age requirement to become a Cocktail Waitress?

21 years of age is the minimum requirement to become a Cocktail Waitress.

What are the primary duties of a Cocktail Waitress?

The primary duties of a Cocktail Waitress include taking orders, serving drinks, collecting payment, and cleaning tables.

What education or training is necessary to become a Cocktail Waitress?

No formal education or training is necessary to become a Cocktail Waitress, but it can be beneficial to have prior knowledge of drink recipes and customer service skills.

What skills are important for a Cocktail Waitress to have?

Important skills for a Cocktail Waitress include good customer service, attention to detail, knowledge of drink recipes, and the ability to multitask.

What are the average hourly wages for a Cocktail Waitress?

The average hourly wages for a Cocktail Waitress range from $8.50 - $15 depending on the location and experience.

Web Resources

The cocktail waitress - University of San Diego Libraries link.sandiego.edu
Holdings: The cocktail waitress - catalog.lib.uchicago.edu catalog.lib.uchicago.edu
The cocktail waitress in SearchWorks catalog searchworks.stanford.edu