What to expect in your bar staff interview

So you’ve got an upcoming interview for a bar staff position, have you? It’s natural to be thinking about what you can expect on the day and how you can ace your interview.

Keep reading to find out just what you can expect when the interview rolls around!

How to prepare for an interview at a bar

First things first, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got a solid understanding of the job description and the nature of the hospitality company you’re applying for. 

Look to understand the core responsibilities of the role, the company’s values and culture, and how your skills match perfectly with what they’re looking for - this will help you tailor your answers to really show off how you’re a great fit. 

Remember, when you’re applying for bar jobs at Greene King, previous experience is preferable but not necessary as full training will be given! 

Next, it’s useful to prep some answers for some common bar staff interview questions. It might be helpful to practice the STAR Method for any situational or behavioural questions that pop up. 

These are just a few examples of what you could be asked:

• What do you think makes a good bartender?
• Describe a time when you gave good customer service.
• Describe a time when you received good customer service.
• Why are you interested in this job?
• Describe a time when you worked as part of a team.
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Skills to emphasise during the interview

We’ve already got a pretty handy guide on the top skills you gain in Bar and Waiting jobs so make sure you familiarise yourself with that before your big day.

Some key skills to consider talking about with your interviewer are:

• Customer service
• Verbal Communication
• Active listening 
• Attention to detail
• A good memory
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving

It helps to provide real-life examples of where you’ve used these skills, it might be from previous jobs, studies, or even your hobbies!

Frequently asked questions

What should I say in a bar staff interview?

Candidates who ask questions to their interviewer look more engaged and interested in the position. 

You could ask questions about the team, the culture, or what a typical shift looks like at the venue you’re applying at. You can build a rapport with your interviewer by asking them about their own career journey too!

Asking the right questions not only helps you stand out from the crowd but also can help you decide if the role is right for you too - remember, it’s a two-way conversation.

What to wear to a bar staff interview?

Are you wondering what you should wear to the interview? We’ve got you covered!

Our advice is to keep it smart-casual - wear a smart shirt and some plain black trousers with some smart shoes.

Final tips for interview success

To recap, you’ll want to prep some answers using the STAR method, have a solid understanding of the role and its requirements, and come armed with your own questions to show your engagement and interest!

It’s also useful to:

• Research the company and its values.
• Be punctual on the day while always showing off your can-do positive attitude.

Unlock new transferable skills with bar jobs at Greene King

You’ve by now got a pretty solid understanding of what to expect on the interview day so why not take this info on board and use it to dazzle us in a Bar Staff interview?

Apply for Bar Staff positions at Greene King today and put our advice into practice!