The Mixology Talk Podcast, Episode #123
It’s the last (and maybe hardest) step to getting your first bar manager job: The interview. Here’s how to make sure you ace it!
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In today’s Episode…
It’s all about the interview: how do you interview well to win that bar manager position?
If you missed them, start with episode #121 for information on how to start your bar manager job hunt. Then watch episode #122 for tips on getting your resume into the right hands.
Step 1: Preparation
- Do your homework on the bar / restaurant to make sure you are familiar with them and their menu.
- Prepare yourself! Review common interview questions and think seriously about the questions you’re afraid they will ask.
- Clean up: dress right, shower, etc. Make sure you’re presenting your best self!
- Show up Early: This goes without saying – don’t be late (or awkwardly early either!)
Step 2: The First Interview
- Pay attention to your body language. Be confident, friendly, and nice to everyone!
- Stay positive. Avoid talking down about past jobs or coworkers.
- If you’re totally blindsided and can’t answer a question, be honest. “I don’t know but look forward to finding out” is way better than lying or faking it.
Step 3: The Stage
If things go well, you may be asked to stage (pronounced ‘stah-zhe’) for a few hours.
- Stay focused, stay off your phone and pay attention
- Stay out of the way. If it seems like you could really help, ask permission first.
- Prepare some notes – they may ask you to prepare some thoughts like “two things you liked and something you feel you could improve upon”
Stage 4: The Final Interview
This is it – the final step. At this point you’re really close but you could still make or break your chances!
- Come prepared to talk compensation – it will definitely be discussed here.
- Expect to speak with many different members of the staff.
- They will likely have already spoken to your references by now. Be prepared to answer any questions about that.
- Again: Stay positive, confident and friendly!
Stuff we Mentioned:
Here’s a quick list of some of our favorite interview questions:
- How would you cut off a customer? What if they were a high-paying regular?
- Two employees want the same day off. How do you navigate this?
- How do you enforce consistency with your team?
- After running your reports, you find that your costs are out of line. How would you go about remedying this?
- What are your feelings about cell phones on the floor? Follow up question: how would you keep staff from using their cell phones on the floor?
- What is your approach to motivating and creating incentive for a staff?
- Have you heard much about our company, or do you know much about us?
- Whats the last book you read about management, hospitality or leadership?
- What is your favorite interview question that you like to ask potential hires? How would you answer it?
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What are your favorite interview questions and tips? What’s worked well for you? Let us know in the comments below!
