Speaking honestly, a typical interview for a job of a bartender does not belong to most difficult, or most sophisticated job interviews. And it makes a perfect sense, because you do not need years of experience or some special knowledge to be a great bartender. Motivation to work hard and willingness to learn are more important attributes in this case. But hiring managers still have to ask you something in your interview. They will often go with the typical “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” question.
As a rule of a thumb, you should pick strengths relevant for the job, and weaknesses that aren’t central to it. But what does it exactly mean in this case? We will try to find out together. Let’s start directly with 7 sample answers to the question. I aimed for some variety in my selection, because we are all different, and while one answer may resonate withe many job seekers, it won’t resonate with all. Hopefully you will find some inspiration on the list. Once you are done with it, proceed to the notes below the list, for some additional hints on how to deal with the question.
7 sample answers to “What are your strengths and weaknesses ” interview question for bartenders
- Communication skills and attention to detail are perhaps my greatest strengths. I enjoy working with people, and never struggle to understand their needs and wishes. In my opinion, it is a helpful quality to have as a bartender. On the other hand, I am not that good in leading teams or managing others. Have tried it before while working as a supervisor, but I guess I am too nice to people for such a job.
- Responsibility and focus are perhaps the strengths I will pick. Be it my partner, employer, or a friend, people can always count on me when it comes to arriving on time, taking care of my duties, and responsibly approach each and every interaction with a fellow human being. I also do not struggle to stay focused on a long shift, even during the night, which helps once you work in clubs and bars. What I can improve on, however, and perhaps even should, are my computer skills. I still struggle to make an online banking transaction or troubleshoot basic issues on my computer. That’s something I really want to improve on, because computers and smart devices are an integral part of our life today, and one cannot avoid them in any job.
- I would say that empathy is my greatest strength. People in general like to talk to me and spend time with me, because they can feel that I genuinely listen, and genuinely care. Such things were perhaps commonplace a hundred years ago, but now we live in a different time and it is hard to find a good listener, or someone who’s genuinely interested in your feelings and problems. On the other hand, I would love to improve on my time management skills, because I often waste a lot of time during the day and do not get as much done as I would love to, just because of poor planning and time management. Maybe a job in a bar can help me to address this weakness, because I will have to manage my time well in order to not let the customers waiting.
- My experience is my greatest strength. I’ve been mixing drinks and cocktails for the past ten years, including a long stint in a posh place, where I really had to satisfy all sorts of tastes and cravings of the patrons. You name a drink, and you can be 100% sure I’ve mixed it many times. What is more, I have always experimented with new tastes and cocktails, and can bring new ideas onboard. If I should pick a weakness, I would say that I am not the very best colleague, because I always expect the highest standard from my coworkers, and some find it hard to bear with such an attitude. But I am aware of this weakness, and know that I have to be more sensitive while talking to others. The job of a bartender in your place is another opportunity to improve on my weakness.
- I would say I’m not the right person to judge this. You should perhaps ask my friends or former colleagues, because we always perceive ourselves in a better light, admiring our strengths too much, and struggling to see our weaknesses. But I can assure you about one thing: I always try my very best in work, and I am no loafer. I understand what the patrons of a place like this expect, and I am ready to deliver it. You can 100% rely on me, that’s for sure.
- My greatest strength is probably my passion for a work of a bartender. I thrive in an environment of a busy club, and I enjoy mixing drinks and making sure the customers have a great time, and do not wait a second longer than necessary for their orders. While bar tending is a hard work–without a doubt, I still enjoy my shifts and time really flies when I immerse myself in the work. If I should pick one weakness, I would say that I am over-friendly to customers. I paid my price for this several times, and learned my lesson, but sometimes I just cannot help it. Anyway, we learn the entire life and every day is an opportunity to improve.
- My biggest weakness is my lack of experience. I’ve never worked in a bar, actually I’ve never worked anywhere before, and for sure I will need some time to get used to the routine, to get a good grasp of the job, and to deliver the expected quality of service. On the other hand, I believe I can make up for it with my attitude. I want to learn, work hard, and I never give up. What’s more, people typically enjoy my company, and I believe that with my attitude I can lift the atmosphere in the workplace. And I sincerely hope you will give me a chance to prove my words.
Willingness and desire to improve is the most important thing
At the end of the day, perfect bartenders (or any other employees) do not exist. Everyone of us has some strengths and weaknesses, something that helps us in our work, and something that hinders our progress. But we are not trees, we can change things in our life if we do not like them, and we can definitely improve on any weakness. And that’s exactly what the bar managers and owners want to hear from you.
Admit that you still have a room for improvement in this or that area, and ensure them that you are not complacent with the status quo. On the contrary, you want to improve on your weaknesses, and eventually become the best bartender you can be.
Experience is always a good answer
If you cannot figure out any particular personal trait to talk about, you can always mention relevant experience. Either you have it–than it is certainly your strength, because you are used to mixing drinks, serving clients, and working in a fast-paced environment. It will definitely help you to get going from day one.
Or you lack working experience from a bar, and then it is your weakness, because you will need someone to show you how to do this and that, and won’t work as quickly as someone experienced–at least not in the beginning. Whatever you say, however, you should always be confident that you will eventually handle the job.
Ready to answer this one? I hope so! But it isn’t the only tricky question you may face in your interview for a job of a bartender. Check also 7 sample answers to other tricky questions:
- Restaurant job interview – What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Tell us about a time when you worked on a team.
- What makes you stand out from other applicants?
- All bartender interview questions and answers.
