Barback Interview Questions

The goal for a successful interview for a Barback is to demonstrate their knowledge of drink preparation, ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, and excellent customer service skills.

Situational interview questions

• You are working as a barback and realize that a keg has run out during a busy shift. What steps would you take to quickly replace the keg while minimizing disruption to the customers and bartenders?
• The bartender has instructed you to set up a new drink station, but you are unsure where to begin. How would you evaluate the situation and determine the best layout for the new drink station?
• One of the customers is unhappy with their drink and has requested a new order. However, the bartender is occupied with other orders and cannot immediately accommodate the request. What would you do to ensure that the customer’s needs are met in a timely manner?
• During a busy shift, you notice that supplies are running low and need to be restocked. How would you prioritize which supplies need replenishing first and effectively communicate this to the bartender or management?
• A customer has spilled their drink and the mess is quickly spreading across the bar area. How would you ensure that the spill is cleaned up quickly and safely, while also continuing to assist the bartender and maintain a clean and organized workspace?

Soft skills interview questions

• Can you tell us about a time when you had to work effectively with a team in a fast-paced environment?
• How do you typically handle difficult or demanding customers and ensure their satisfaction?
• How do you prioritize your tasks and ensure that you meet all the demands of your role?
• Can you tell us about a time when you had to adapt to a new working environment or change in processes and procedures?
• How do you communicate effectively with your colleagues and supervisors to ensure that everyone is on the same page?

Role-specific interview questions

• What is your experience with preparing mixed drinks?
• Have you ever worked in a high-volume bar? How did you manage to keep up with the pace?
• How do you maintain a clean and organized bar area?
• Can you explain the difference between ales and lagers?
• What is your approach to dealing with difficult or intoxicated customers?

STAR interview questions

1. Can you describe a time when you had to handle a situation as a barback? What was the situation, and what was your task in that specific situation? What actions did you take to address the situation? What was the result of your actions?

2. Tell me about a time when you had to prioritize your tasks as a barback. What was the situation you faced, and what was your task in that specific situation? What actions did you take to prioritize your tasks? What was the result of your actions?

3. Give me an example of a time when you had to handle a difficult customer as a barback. What was the situation, and what was your task in that specific situation? What actions did you take to handle the customer? What was the result of your actions?

4. Can you describe a time when you had to work collaboratively with other staff members as a barback? What was the situation, and what was your task in that specific situation? What actions did you take to work with other staff members? What was the result of your actions?

5. Tell me about a time when you had to troubleshoot an issue with the bar equipment as a barback. What was the situation, and what was your task in that specific situation? What actions did you take to troubleshoot the issue? What was the result of your actions?