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

Mar 1, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The effects of having a skilled bartender can be far reaching. Not only will they ensure that drinks are served quickly and accurately, they will also be able to create an enjoyable atmosphere for patrons. A good bartender is able to develop relationships with customers that are based on trust, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.

Furthermore, a great bartender can help to create memorable experiences for customers, leading to positive word of mouth and an enhanced reputation for the establishment. As a result, hiring a talented head bartender is essential for any successful bar or restaurant.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. A high school diploma or equivalent is a basic requirement for any bartending job.
Earn a bartending certificate. Earning a bartending certificate can help you stand out among other bartenders and increase your chances of being hired as a head bartender. Most bartending schools offer classes that are taught by experienced professionals who can help you learn the fundamentals of bartending.
Obtain a valid liquor license. Most states require bartenders to have a valid liquor license before they can serve alcohol. The requirements for obtaining a liquor license vary by state, so be sure to check with your states Alcoholic Beverage Control Board for more information.
Get experience working as a bartender. Many employers prefer to hire head bartenders who have several years of experience in the field. To gain experience, you may need to start out as a cocktail server or barback and work your way up to become a bartender.
Apply for the position of head bartender. Once you have all the necessary qualifications, its time to apply for the position of head bartender. You may need to submit a resume and cover letter to the employer, and you may also be required to take part in an interview.
Show excellent customer service skills. As a head bartender, you will be responsible for ensuring excellent customer service at all times. You should be friendly, courteous, and professional when interacting with customers and should be able to handle difficult situations calmly and efficiently.

Bartending is an art form that requires skill, precision, and efficiency. A successful bartender must be able to effectively manage their time and resources to ensure that guests are served quickly and with the highest quality drinks. Proper preparation is essential for any bartender to create the perfect drink.

Stocking the bar with a full range of liquors, mixers, garnishes, and glassware is essential for a well-stocked bar. Knowing how to properly store and rotate ingredients to ensure freshness is also important. Furthermore, bartenders should keep track of current trends and recipes, and practice their craft regularly to stay sharp.

Finally, good communication skills are essential to creating a pleasing customer experience. By mastering these elements, bartenders can become ideal and efficient in their craft and provide an unforgettable experience for their guests.

You may want to check Bar Tender Trainer, Draft Beer Technician, and Bartender/Cashier for alternative.

Job Description

Prepare and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to customers.
Take orders from customers and serve them promptly.
Monitor customers consumption of alcohol to ensure compliance with legal regulations.
Ensure proper storage of all beverages and supplies.
Maintain bar area cleanliness and orderliness.
Train, supervise and motivate bar staff.
Plan and coordinate bar service operations.
Develop new and innovative drinks for the bar menu.
Follow health and safety regulations when serving customers and preparing drinks.
Handle customers complaints in a professional manner.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of beverage recipes and techniques
Excellent customer service skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Knowledge of proper sanitation and safety procedures
Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks
Proficiency in cash handling and POS systems
Ability to mix drinks quickly and accurately
Knowledge of spirits, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages
Ability to stock and maintain bar and inventory levels
Ability to work well with a team and independently

Bartending requires a unique set of skills, but the most important skill to have is the ability to provide excellent customer service. An effective bartender must be able to listen to customers and anticipate their needs. They must also be able to maintain a positive attitude and remain calm in difficult situations.

Furthermore, a good bartender should be knowledgeable about different types of drinks, understand how to mix them properly and serve them in an efficient manner. All of these qualities combined result in a successful and enjoyable experience for customers, which will lead to repeat business and potentially increase profits for the establishment.

Alcohol Server, Beverage Manager, and Bar Consultant are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How many years of experience do you have in bartending?
What techniques do you use to create a memorable customer experience?
Describe a time when you had to manage a difficult customer.
What do you think sets your service apart from other bartenders?
Are you familiar with new and seasonal trends in the bar industry?
How would you handle a situation where a customer is overserved?
What safety protocols do you follow when mixing drinks?
What strategies do you use to manage a busy bar?
Are you comfortable with cashing out customers at the end of the night?
Are you knowledgeable about different spirits and liquors?

Common Tools in Industry

Jigger. A tool used to measure out precise amounts of alcohol for cocktails. (eg: 3/4 oz jigger for a Manhattan)
Shaker. A container used to mix and chill alcoholic drinks. (eg: Boston shaker for a Margarita)
Muddler. A tool used to mash fruits, herbs, and other ingredients in cocktails. (eg: Muddle mint leaves for a Mojito)
Strainer. A tool used to strain out unwanted ingredients from the drink. (eg: Hawthorne strainer for a Daiquiri)
Bar Spoon. A tool used to stir drinks and measure out ingredients. (eg: Teaspoon of simple syrup for an Old Fashioned)
Citrus Reamer. A tool used to extract juices from citrus fruits. (eg: Ream a lime for a Margarita)
Zester. A tool used to create thin strips of citrus rinds, which are used as garnishes. (eg: Zest an orange for a Tequila Sunrise)

Professional Organizations to Know

United States Bartenders' Guild
National Restaurant Association
The International Bartenders Association
National Association of Bartenders
Professional Bartenders Association
International Association of Professional Bartenders
Society of Professional Bartenders
Association of Professional Bartenders International
American Bartenders School
National Alcohol Beverage Control Association

We also have Cocktail Waitress, Club Bartender, and Specialty Cocktail Maker jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Barback. A barback is a bartender's assistant. They help out by stocking the bar with supplies, cleaning glassware, running errands, and handling other tasks related to bar service.
Cocktails. Cocktails are alcoholic beverages made with a combination of several ingredients, such as spirits, liqueurs, mixers, juices, and garnishes.
Free Pour. Free pouring is the technique of pouring spirits and mixers directly from the bottle into a glass or shaker without measuring.
Mixology. Mixology is the art of creating and serving cocktails. It involves knowledge of the different types of spirits, liqueurs, and mixers as well as skillful techniques for mixing and garnishing drinks.
Liquor License. A liquor license is a legal document that allows a business to sell alcoholic beverages.
Bartending Tools. Bartending tools are items used for mixing and garnishing drinks, such as shakers, spoons, strainers, jiggers, and muddlers.
Garnish. A garnish is an edible decoration added to a cocktail to enhance its visual appeal and flavor. Popular garnishes include citrus slices, olives, berries, and herbs.
Drinks Menu. A drinks menu is a list of the alcoholic beverages offered at a bar or restaurant. It typically includes cocktails, wines, beers, and spirits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to be a Head Bartender?

A Head Bartender typically requires at least two years of experience working in a bar or restaurant, a working knowledge of alcoholic beverages and cocktails, and a valid food handler's license.

What are the primary duties of a Head Bartender?

The primary duties of a Head Bartender include creating drink menus, stocking and organizing the bar, managing staff, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maintaining a safe working environment.

How much does a Head Bartender typically earn?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Head Bartender is around $34,000 per year.

What skills are important for a Head Bartender to possess?

Key skills for a Head Bartender include customer service, problem solving, communication, organizational skills, and the ability to multitask.

What type of personality is best suited for a Head Bartender?

A Head Bartender should possess strong interpersonal skills, be able to work in a team environment, be patient and organized, have the ability to stay calm under pressure, and have excellent problem solving skills.

Web Resources

Crescent School | Mixology Classes | Become a crescent.edu
Bartender - Housing & Hospitality housingandhospitality.ucla.edu
(DOC) Bartender Training Manual | Gajanan Shirke Author-mih - Acade www.academia.edu