21 Bartender Interview
Questions & Answers

Bartender Job Description – The Skills and Qualities Needed to Become a Bartender

The main role of a Bartender is to prepare cold alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages of different types and then serve them in a timely manner to patrons or customers of the bar. The job of a Bartender comes with a large number of different responsibilities. To be effective in the role, you will need a diverse set of skills and qualities, all of which are detailed below. To begin with, let’s take a close look at some of the more prominent duties you will be required to undertake as a Bartender once hired:

BARTENDER MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• To prepare the bar in preparation for opening time and ensure stock is maintained to a level that meets customer demand;
• Mix beverages and drinks in accordance with the bar menu;
• Recommend suitable drinks as and when requested to do so by customers and patrons;
• Taking orders and serving drinks and snacks in a timely manner;
• Providing a warm and friendly service to all patrons of the pub;
• Dealing with rude or difficult customers in line with your Bartender training and the guidelines provided by the Bar Manager;
• Collecting payment for drinks either by way of cash or card and providing change as per the customer’s order;
• Checking identification of those patrons who you suspect to be under the legal limit of alcohol consumption and refusing entry if required;
• Calling last orders at the bar in a timely manner in line with the law;
• Collecting and cleaning empty glasses to ensure there is sufficient supply available to meet demand, especially during busy periods;
• Maintaining a well-stocked bar and ensuring there is plenty of supply in respect of beer, wine, liquor, mixers, non-alcoholic drinks, crisps, nuts, snacks and accessories;
• Ensuring maximum occupancy and customer numbers are maintained in line with licensing requirements;
• Any other duties as deemed appropriate by the Bar Manager.

SKILLS AND QUALITIES NEEDED TO BE A BARTENDER

• Be able to provide exceptional customer service;
• Capable of working at pace and serving drinks in a fast and timely manner;
• An ability to follow the strict rules and procedures laid down by local laws and those that encompass licensed premises;
• Confidence and resilience to be able to deal with difficult, drunk or rude customers;
• Organizational skills to ensure the bar area is fully stocked at all times;
• Be strong and physically fit to be able to carry boxes of drinks and barrels of beer when required;

Flexibility and adaptability to work the hours needed and be available at short notice to cover shifts;

• Exceptional communication skills;
• A sociable and positive attitude to work.