Bar Manager Interview Questions

Hiring is often one of the bar manager’s responsibilities, and you need to assess if the candidate has the ability to accurately assess the candidacy of others. When looking for someone who will be able to assess other people’s ability to tend bar, there are several aspects that the bar manager might look for, such as confidence level in speaking to others and drink knowledge. What to look for in an answer:

• Applicant’s ability to confidently identify body cues
• Candidate’s verbal communication skills
• Ability to create rapport with others

Coaching is an essential skill for a bar manager to possess, especially when working with new bartenders. Some people feel overwhelmed. However, proper training from the start, identifying areas of weakness early on and providing further training to those who need it is preferable to finding new bartenders. Bar managers should have a clear idea of what they can do to help bartenders succeed, and they should value coaching. What to look for in an answer:

• Positive attitude about helping bartenders learn
• Clear ideas on how to coach struggling bartenders
• Working well with others

This responsibility usually falls on the bar manager, although he/she can elect other members of the staff to help. It’s very important to keep supplies stocked so that patrons can always have their favorite drinks and bartenders always have access to what they need. You should look for bar managers who make it a priority to keep the bar fully stocked at all times. What to look for in an answer:

• Keeping accurate inventory
• Having a daily schedule and using a list
• Maintaining organized supply rooms, coolers, bar area and freezers

Especially during high-stress times or when schedules conflict, misunderstandings and competition can occur. While bar managers should be aware of conflicts, they should avoid them occurring in front of patrons and should prevent them from interfering with the day-to-day operations. It’s not feasible for bar managers to intervene in every disagreement. Instead, bar managers should take proactive steps to give staff the tools to work out their own arguments. What to look for in an answer:

• Identifying proactive strategies for settling disagreements
• Making rules about where and when disagreements should be discussed
• Deciding when to intervene

The number of bartenders who need to be scheduled can vary depending on the shift, time of year and several other factors. This is one of the essential tasks that bar managers need to master. Too many people scheduled usually results in bartender dissatisfaction because they are unable to make many tips. On the other hand, when not enough bartenders are scheduled, patrons wait for service. What to look for in an answer:

• Awareness of techniques for identifying busy times
• Discussion of how to identify stronger and weaker bartenders
• Understanding of seasonal business

Working as a bar manager will require flexibility and the ability to work at night and weekends, which requires a special set of skills and attitudes. Interviewers can use this question to identify candidates who are comfortable working flexible hours and have the right attitude to ensure customers and staff have the best experience at the bar. A skilled bar manager candidate's answer will demonstrate an understanding of their duties and the personal traits required to deliver on the job. The candidate's answer should emphasize:

• A deep understanding of the job requirements
• Adaptability
• Professionalism