How would your current manager describe you?

"My manager would describe me as proactive and hard working. I run through a mental checklist during each shift to follow a routine. I like to be busy and combine my tasks to eliminate unnecessary trips. Whenever possible, I help out the bartender by running food or greeting guests."

They want to hire a candidate who knows about the position and will complement the team. The ideal candidate is an employee who will excel and grow into the bartender's role.

Take this opportunity to showcase your strengths as a barback but from your manager's perspective. Then, describe how those strengths are crucial for the position and how those will benefit that company.

How did you become interested in this field?

"When I was younger, my parents would celebrate special occasions at this family-run restaurant in town. I looked forward to going to the restaurant because it was a treat and the food was delicious. Many of the servers had been there 10+ years, and when I was old enough to work, I started working as a busboy. I reset tables, delivered food from the kitchen, and enjoyed the non-stop action."

The hiring manager wants to learn more about your motivation for applying for the barback position. Your answer helps the hiring manager determine what you like the most about the industry and your desire to grow.

Explain how you became interested and what you enjoy most about being a barback. Show your excitement for this industry too.

Can you handle criticism? Describe an example of when a bartender gave you feedback during a shift.

"During a busy shift, I had changed out three different beer kegs simultaneously. After I change out the kegs, I take the empty ones, put them out by the loading dock, and then go to the bar to make sure the beer is pouring correctly. Unfortunately, I was moving quickly and had to restock the ice and didn't check the beer. When the bartender poured a draft beer, it was all foam. However, she was direct and reminded me to check the beer because it slowed her down. Even though I was disappointed, I learned that I consistently follow the process. Otherwise, I may have to repeat the process, which slows everything down."

During a busy shift, the bartender will be direct as to what they need from you at that time. Unfortunately, some employees don't respond well to direct feedback and take it personally.

Think of the criticism as constructive feedback to help you perform your job duties. Include an example of how feedback has helped strengthen your working relationship with that bartender.

How do you handle a stressful shift?

"Sometimes the shift is stressful because we underestimated what the crowd would be drinking and didn't prepare properly. At the end of the night, I talk it over with the bartenders to avoid making the same mistake. When it becomes stressful during the shift, I stay calm and focus on the priority. Of course, priorities change when it gets that busy, but I focus on completing the important ones first."

The hiring manager wants to know how you handle a difficult situation and maintain your composure. Most bars get busy quickly, and they want to hire a candidate that can manage that added pressure.

You want to give the impression that you can maintain your composure and focus when the bar is busy. Be sure to include an example of how you prioritize your task during busy times.

Have you been to this bar before?

"I am impressed by how much your company has grown. Within the last three years, I noticed the organization had taken calculated risks expanding in the region. I've been a frequent customer of your flagship location and am excited to see you are opening one closer to my home. Your commitment to the community and an environment that values hard work and dedication is why I applied for the barback position."

The hiring manager interviews several candidates they think may be a good fit for the barback position. However, it is expensive to hire and train a new employee, and they want to hire the candidate they believe will complement the organization.

Do additional research about the company and visit the restaurant/bar. Review the mission statement and explain how those values align with yours. You want the hiring manager to know that you are just not applying to get a job, but to the companies, you want to grow your career.

Why do you want to be a barback?

"I remember the first time I came to your flagship location. The place was packed, there was a line out the door, and I remember the bartenders were busy. While waiting for a table, I noticed the barback working hard to keep the bar stocked. He was having a blast the entire time, and I would love to have that much fun while working. So when I saw the position posted, I applied immediately."

Many consider a barback position a stepping stone to becoming a bartender, and the hiring manager asks this question to determine your motivation.

Explain why you are applying for the role of the barback and why you want to work there. Talk about your experience at the bar/ restaurant and how you would love to be a part of that.

We are open every day except Christmas and New Year's Day. Do you have any concerns about working holidays or weekends?

"I enjoy working holidays and weekends because it's the busiest time in the bar. In addition, I enjoy seeing the customers enjoying themselves celebrating the end of the workweek or special occasion. What I enjoy most is that I get paid to be a part of that experience."

The nature of the business is that bars and restaurants are busier on the weekends and open most holidays. Therefore, if an applicant does not have experience working holidays and weekends, the hiring manager will hesitate to hire that candidate.

This question reminds you that having off on the weekend or during holidays will be a rare occurrence, especially since you are new to the team. So include reasons why you like to work those shifts.

Which one of our menu items is your favorite?

"My favorite item is the southwest nacho platter with all toppings. I enjoy spicy food and am amazed that the jalapeno cheddar cheese melts on every chip. I asked Barry, the bartender, how the cook makes it because it's rare to find a nacho platter with melted cheese on the bottom layer of chips."

This question is another way of understanding how much you know about the company and a frequent customer. An employee that is also a fan of the company and knowledgeable about the menu will be more vested than an applicant that does not know the brand.

Your answer is an opportunity to show how often you solicit their business and why you choose to eat/ drink there. Be specific about why you like it so much. Describe it in a way that is as if you were selling it to a guest.

If you are currently a barback, why are you leaving your bar?

"The reason why I applied here is that my current employer is not going to expand. The owner is content with the one location and has expressed that he might sell in a couple of years. Many bartenders have been there for 3+ years, and I don't see the growth potential for me. But, here I know you will open 5 locations in the next three years, and I want to be a part of that growth."

Hiring managers want to know that you are interested in this opportunity and want to see why you want to leave your current employer. Therefore, candidates that can explain why they are looking for other options will alleviate some of the hiring manager's concerns.

Focus on what the current company can offer you that your current employer can not. First, do your research and explain why you applied. Then, use your answer as an opportunity for you to show your excitement at the possibility of joining the team.

Why do you need this job?

"Based on the reputation from what I heard from current employees the teamwork is fantastic and turnover is low. In addition, working for you would allow me to improve my knowledge of spirits and cordials. I know your downtown location is the premier place to enjoy a cordial or specialty coffee, and I am excited at the possibility of being a part of that experience."

The hiring manager wants to know what you are looking for rather than getting at your current job. The employer wants to ensure that they can deliver that and that your goals align with theirs.

Explain why you want to work there and what you know about the company. Include something about this company that your current employer cannot provide.

Can you carry a bucket of ice through a packed crowd?

"Before the rush, I make sure there is enough product and ice to get through the shift. When I have to get more ice, I take the tub of ice and leave it near the section where the servers pick up their drink orders. It's easier for me to move through the crowd that way. Once behind the bar, I go to that section of the bar and get the tub of ice."

The barback will have to navigate through the crowd during busy nights to restock the bar. So the hiring manager asks this question to find out how you interact with the customers while doing so.

As an experienced barback, you know that you will have to navigate through crowds to restock ice, beer, wine, or liquor. When answering this question, mention that you proactively fill the bar before the rush and how you try to minimize trips.

Why should we hire you?

"When I first became a barback, I was not very efficient. After training, there were several nights in which I made multiple trips up and down the stairs to keep the bar restocked. Once I refilled the napkins and straws, I needed to go back down and get fruit to fill the garnish tray. The same thing happened when I would refill the Coors Light, and I had to make another trip to get a case of Bud Light.It taught me to be much more observant when walking through the bar. For example, instead of looking at one item, I would l look to see what else was running low. Soon after that, the bartenders didn't have to wonder where I was because I was jumping in and helping them greet customers."

The hiring manager has several applicants and wants to hire candidates that complement the team and potentially become long-term employees. It is expensive to place job ads and train staff so they want to make sure they hire the right candidate.

If you are an experienced barback, you know that working smarter than harder is in your best interest. Identify a particular skill(s) listed in the job description that will separate you from the other applicants.

What are your goals as a barback?

"My immediate goals would be to learn how each of the bartenders operates. Each bartender has a preference on how they want their bar maintained and what should be the priority. I find that once I understand their preference, I make sure it is taken care of before moving on to the next task."

This question is more about your short-term goals than your five-year plan. The hiring manager wants to make sure that you focus on being the best barback you can be instead of how quickly you can move up to bartending.

Be specific about what you want to accomplish during the short term. Answers should focus on impacting the guest experience and help make the bartender's job easier.

What do you like least about being a barback?

"It's hard to determine what the patrons will drink, and it makes my job a little more challenging. I'm always keeping the ice and glassware stocked, but some nights the draft been may be popular, and I'm changing kegs multiple times a night. On the other hand, the crowd may be drinking bottled beer on different nights, and I'm making frequent trips to the basement to get more beer.Either way, I like it when it's busy, and if it were slow, I would be the first one to punch out for the night."

The hiring manager asks this question to get a sense of what you do and don't like about being a barback. A barback can be extremely busy working long hours to keep up with all the responsibilities.

Mention an example that the hiring manager can understand why that would make your job more challenging. Examples could include not having enough glassware or not having enough beer, wine, or liquor for a holiday weekend.

What do you like most about being a barback?

"What I like most about being a barback is that I get to support the bartenders and anticipate their needs. I am learning more about how each bartender works, what they want to be stocked first, and what can come secondary. For example, some bartenders like to make sure the ice well is full of ice, and others want the glassware cleaned first. I am always willing to jump in, and some bartenders will ask me to deliver food from the kitchen to the table. So I'm always finding ways to keep busy."

Explaining what you like most about the barback position helps the hiring manager learn more about your background and experience. The barback position is not as glamorous as the bartender role but equally important.

The barback's primary responsibility is to keep the bar stocked so the bartender can work efficiently. Describe an example that focuses on helping the bartender or improving the customer experience.

Do you want to be a bartender in the future?

"I would like to be a bartender in the future, but there is so much I want to learn before doing so. I have a basic knowledge of recipes but have limited experience with specialty cocktails. Here I notice that your barbacks make fresh juice for every shift, and the bartenders make their bitters. Understanding the flow of the bar and increasing my knowledge will make it an easier transition when you want to add additional bartenders."

The hiring manager wants to learn why you applied for the barback position and how it ties into your future goals. For example, a barback that can maintain the cleanliness and organization of the bar will make an easier transition to becoming a bartender.

Even though it is common for the barback to become a bartender, your answer should focus on the role of the barback. Explain that you want to understand the flow of the bar and gain more knowledge to transition into the bartender role.

Do you know how to change a keg?

"Our bar has thirteen taps, and we sell more beer by draft than by the bottle. I'm changing kegs multiple times a week, and if I'm moving too fast, I sometimes make the mistake of not connecting the barrel the right way, and it sprays a little bit of beer in the cooler."

This specific question is asked to determine your experience level. Explaining the process of changing a keg will demonstrate that you have adequate barback experience.

As an experienced barback, you know that changing a keg can be difficult, especially when you've done it before. You want to be specific enough that the hiring manager is familiar with the process.

What kind of experience do you have preparing drinks?

"I have limited experience making cocktails and do so when the bartender needs help. I know the correct pour and know the difference between the rail liquor and try to upsell when I can. For example, our house vodka is Smirnoff, and I try to upsell it to Grey Goose or Ultimat vodka. I know our wines by the glass and all of the draft beer. However, my martini knowledge is limited, and pay close attention when the bartenders make those."

The barback supports the bartender, and there will be instances in which the barback has to help make drinks. For example, a bar with a martini or specialty cocktail menu will require more knowledge than a bar where customers order beer and wine.

Explain your beverage knowledge and relate it to the barback position you hope to get hired. It is ok to say that you have limited experience preparing drinks because you are interviewing for the barback position, not as a bartender.

Do you have any restaurant or serving experience?

"Before becoming a barback, I worked as a server assistant and as a server. My beverage knowledge was limited when I became a server, and I had difficulty getting drink orders correct. Before my shift and the dinner rush, I asked the bartenders questions and watched them prepare drinks. Eventually, my knowledge improved and I transitioned to becoming a barback to increase my beverage knowledge."

The hiring manager wants to learn about your experience in a full-service restaurant and your experience with beer, wine, and spirits. Having serving experience may differentiate you from the other candidates.

Explain how your experience as a server helped you improve your drink knowledge. For example, taking the initiative to learn about the drink menu helped give you the confidence to upsell and increase your beverage sales.

What is your experience using the register/point of sale system?

"I am very comfortable using MICROS because of my experience as a server. I only ring in orders when the bar becomes too busy for the bartenders scheduled. Anytime I prepare a drink, our standard is to provide a receipt right away. Then, if that guest wants to settle up, the bartender completes the transaction on the register, and I change the guest."

Typically a barback doesn't ring in transactions or have a cash drawer. However, some establishments give the barback a drawer during busy periods or assist until the next bartender arrives.

The hiring manager asks this question to learn more about your experience ringing in orders or giving a customer change. Then, re-read the job description to know what system they use or visit the establishment to see for yourself.

Describe the steps you take when closing at the end of your shift.

"As it slows down, I do one final restock of the beer coolers. Then, I fill up the napkin dispensers and straws and remove trash from behind the bar. When I have those tasks done, I help the bartender close up. Then, I focus on cleaning the bottles, drinking wells, and the areas of the bar where guests are not sitting."

The hiring manager wants to gauge your experience and understand your routine. This question helps the hiring manager know how detailed you are when your shift ends.

Provide enough detail to show that you are competent to close down at the end of your shift. Run through your mental checklist to show that you are focused on completing the tasks and not rushing to get out.

How do you ensure the bar area runs smoothly during your shift?

"I follow a mental checklist and do my best to anticipate the bartender's needs. For example, I always make sure that enough clean glassware is available and all ice wells are topped off. Once those areas are good to go, my focus switches to the product, garnish, and cleanliness."

The hiring manager wants to hire a barback to make it easier for the bartender to do their job. The ideal candidate will talk about their observation skills, taking the initiative to refill ice or restock the coolers.

If the bar is not set up and ready to go for the crowd, it will be much more difficult for the barback to do their job. Provide examples that show you are dependable and proactive to ensure the bartender has all the tools needed for the shift.

Have you had any training to tell if a guest is intoxicated?

"I have been trained through the ServSafe Alcohol training program to serve alcohol responsibly and evaluate intoxication levels. There have been several instances in which I noticed the customer's behavior and alerted the bartender to prevent the customer from being overserved. At every quarterly meeting, our manager conducts a refresher course."

Serving alcohol involves many risks, and the organization wants to be sure that employees are doing all they can to minimize or eliminate those risks. A barback trained to evaluate intoxication levels, verify identification, and deal with difficult situations will benefit all.

Explain training you have had to make sure you and the company are serving alcohol responsibly. As an experienced barback, you know different factors to consider before providing that customer with alcohol.

Do you enjoy working in a bar atmosphere? What do you like about it?

"What I enjoy the most about working in a bar is the calm before the storm. Just before it gets busy, I have the bar stocked, and then for a good two to four hours, I am constantly moving to make sure the bartenders have everything they need. During that block of time, guests are having a great time, enjoying the night, and I get to be a part of that experience."

The late nights and long hours moving cases of beer and changing kegs are not for everyone. So the hiring manager asks this question to understand what motivates you.

You want to provide specific details of what you like about working in a bar atmosphere, so the hiring manager knows you are familiar with that environment. An example could be that you want to make sure the bartender has everything they need to provide a great customer experience for the guests.

How do you feel about pooling your tips with you coworkers?

"I like pooling tips with my coworkers because it increases teamwork and improves customer satisfaction. While at my current company, they changed the process and have all front-of-the-house pool tips. At first, I wasn't keen on the idea but realized that the staff no longer cared about whose table guests were sitting at and took more ownership to provide a better customer experience."

The hiring manager is asking because they are switching to that process or are already doing it that way. This helps the hiring manager learn your experience pooling tips and determine if you favor it that way.

Refer to your past experiences how you received your tips. If you don't have that experience, reiterate why it would benefit you and the establishment doing it that way.

Can you describe an example in which you provided excellent customer service?

"When I have some downtime, I'll help the bartender pick up food from the kitchen and deliver it to the table. One night a guest didn't realize that the burger came with jalapeno peppers on the sandwich, and she doesn't like spicy food. So she didn't read the menu closely and started scrapping them off because she was hungry. I told her that I would have the kitchen remake the burger and deliver it as soon as ready. Since the bartender was busy with other guests, I explained the mistake to the kitchen expeditor. Then, remembering the guest was hungry, I brought out a basket of fries to eat while waiting."

Even though you are assisting the bartender, the hiring manager wants to be sure that you recognize good customer service. Therefore, there will be instances in which you will need to assist the bartender and greet guests.

Describe a similar example so the hiring manager can picture that happening at their location. Reiterate the reason why you felt that you provided excellent customer service.

Explain how you dealt with an ethical dilemma while working as a barback?

"During one of my shifts, I noticed the bartender didn't ring in draft beers for customers that paid cash. Instead, he collected payment, provided change, and kept the difference in his drawer. At the end of the night, he would split the money he made with the manager, who happened to be one of his friends. I couldn't believe what I had witnessed, and the next day I reported it to human resources."

There is potential for the bartender to steal because it is one of the few restaurant positions where the person prepares the goods/ services and collects payment. Therefore, the hiring manager asks this question to learn about your character as a person and potential employee.

If you are an experienced barback, chances are you have come across a situation in which the bartender displayed questionable behavior. Use this opportunity to show that you have strong character and use good judgment when making decisions.

How do you keep yourself busy during a slow night?

"If it's a slow night and all my barback responsibilities are complete, I find ways to help the servers. I help run their food to the tables, help clean dirty tables and restock their side stations. Then, if it's quiet and the manager is not making cuts, I ask the bartender how to make the popular menu items or practice ringing drinks on the point of sale system (P.O.S.) system."

This question is a way of learning about your work ethic. An employee with a strong work ethic will find ways to be productive by keeping busy and helping other employees.

Let the hiring manager know that you find ways to be productive, especially during the slower shifts. In your response, demonstrate that you are a team player too.

Have you had trained any other barbacks?

"I am not the official barback trainer but often volunteer to have a new barback shadow me during my shift. I find it rewarding to help another employee learn where to get the product and show them the company standards."

It can be an intimidating experience for a new employee to start at a new job. However, a candidate with experience training an employee understands how that experience must feel to that new employee.

Even if you are not the official trainer, provide examples of how you help a newly hired employee get up to speed. Taking that initiative is a great character trait because it shows that you want to help other employees succeed.

Do you have any experience doing a liquor inventory?

"Every Monday, our manager places the beverage order, so the delivery arrives on Friday, just before the start to the weekend. One weekend we ran out of Bud Light, and many customers were unhappy. So to prevent that from happening again, I do a spot check of what we have on hand every Thursday. If I notice any beer or alcohol below par levels, I mention it to the manager."Even though the manager ordered those items and will arrive the following day, I know my manager appreciates that I let her know."

The manager needs to know what alcohol is on hand before placing a beverage order, and the barback has first-hand knowledge of what product is running low. Identifying and communicating that information helps ensure that it won't run out.

Explain how you are another set of eyes and alert the manager when inventory is running low. An employee who communicates that a product is running low before it runs out has an interest in the company's success.

Barback Interview Questions

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1. How would your current manager describe you?
2. How did you become interested in this field?
3. Can you handle criticism? Describe an example of when a bartender gave you feedback during a shift.
4. How do you handle a stressful shift?
5. Have you been to this bar before?
6. Why do you want to be a barback?
7. We are open every day except Christmas and New Year's Day. Do you have any concerns about working holidays or weekends?
8. Which one of our menu items is your favorite?
9. If you are currently a barback, why are you leaving your bar?
10. Why do you need this job?
11. Can you carry a bucket of ice through a packed crowd?
12. Why should we hire you?
13. What are your goals as a barback?
14. What do you like least about being a barback?
15. What do you like most about being a barback?
16. Do you want to be a bartender in the future?
17. Do you know how to change a keg?
18. What kind of experience do you have preparing drinks?
19. Do you have any restaurant or serving experience?
20. What is your experience using the register/point of sale system?
21. Describe the steps you take when closing at the end of your shift.
22. How do you ensure the bar area runs smoothly during your shift?
23. Have you had any training to tell if a guest is intoxicated?
24. Do you enjoy working in a bar atmosphere? What do you like about it?
25. How do you feel about pooling your tips with you coworkers?
26. Can you describe an example in which you provided excellent customer service?
27. Explain how you dealt with an ethical dilemma while working as a barback?
28. How do you keep yourself busy during a slow night?
29. Have you had trained any other barbacks?
30. Do you have any experience doing a liquor inventory?

Barback Interview Questions

1. How would your current manager describe you?

2. How did you become interested in this field?

3. Can you handle criticism? Describe an example of when a bartender gave you feedback during a shift.

4. How do you handle a stressful shift?

5. Have you been to this bar before?

6. Why do you want to be a barback?

7. We are open every day except Christmas and New Year's Day. Do you have any concerns about working holidays or weekends?

8. Which one of our menu items is your favorite?

9. If you are currently a barback, why are you leaving your bar?

10. Why do you need this job?

11. Can you carry a bucket of ice through a packed crowd?

12. Why should we hire you?

13. What are your goals as a barback?

14. What do you like least about being a barback?

15. What do you like most about being a barback?

16. Do you want to be a bartender in the future?

17. Do you know how to change a keg?

18. What kind of experience do you have preparing drinks?

19. Do you have any restaurant or serving experience?

20. What is your experience using the register/point of sale system?

21. Describe the steps you take when closing at the end of your shift.

22. How do you ensure the bar area runs smoothly during your shift?

23. Have you had any training to tell if a guest is intoxicated?

24. Do you enjoy working in a bar atmosphere? What do you like about it?

25. How do you feel about pooling your tips with you coworkers?

26. Can you describe an example in which you provided excellent customer service?

27. Explain how you dealt with an ethical dilemma while working as a barback?

28. How do you keep yourself busy during a slow night?

29. Have you had trained any other barbacks?

30. Do you have any experience doing a liquor inventory?