Conduct interviews in actual bar area with proper equipment access, realistic service atmosphere, and normal operational activity whilst ensuring candidates experience authentic working conditions and establishment culture. Create environment that showcases service expectations and allows comprehensive competency assessment.
Common misunderstanding: Office interviews don't show real bartending skills
Many hiring managers talk to bartenders in office settings without letting them use actual bar equipment. This means you cannot see how well they make drinks or handle busy periods.
Let's say you are interviewing for a cocktail bar position. Meeting in an office might reveal good communication skills, but you'll miss seeing if they can make a proper mojito or handle three orders at once during rush hour.
Common misunderstanding: Quiet times give better interviews
Some managers schedule interviews during quiet periods thinking it's less distracting. But this means you miss seeing how candidates handle noise, crowds, and pressure that happen during real shifts.
Let's say you are hiring for weekend evening shifts at a busy sports bar. Interviewing during a quiet Tuesday afternoon won't show if they can stay calm when fifty football fans all order drinks at half-time.
Use your actual bar setup during typical service periods to showcase realistic working conditions whilst including access to equipment, ingredients, and team interaction opportunities for comprehensive assessment. Schedule interviews when establishment atmosphere reflects normal operational energy and customer activity.
Common misunderstanding: The bar area is too distracting for interviews
Hiring managers sometimes think the bar area is too noisy or busy for proper interviews. But this is exactly where bartenders will work, so they need to show they're comfortable there.
Let's say you are interviewing someone for a pub role. Having the interview behind the bar whilst other staff serve customers shows if the candidate feels natural in that environment or looks awkward and nervous.
Common misunderstanding: Busy periods ruin interview concentration
Some managers avoid interviewing during busy times, thinking it affects their ability to focus on the candidate. Actually, watching how candidates react to real service energy gives valuable insights.
Let's say you are conducting an interview whilst your venue serves the lunch rush. A good candidate will watch how your team works, ask relevant questions about procedures, and show they understand the pace of service.
Balance professional assessment with relaxed service atmosphere, include background music and lighting that reflects normal operations whilst allowing candidates to experience establishment culture and customer base authentically. Maintain interview structure within natural service environment.
Common misunderstanding: Formal interviews are more professional
Hiring managers sometimes create very formal, serious interview atmospheres thinking this looks more professional. But bar work is social and dynamic, so overly formal settings might scare off great candidates.
Let's say you are interviewing for a cocktail lounge with relaxed music and dim lighting. Using harsh office lighting and sitting formally across a desk doesn't match your venue's personality and might put off someone who'd be perfect for your atmosphere.
Common misunderstanding: Casual settings aren't serious enough
Some managers think that interviewing in a relaxed bar setting makes the process less serious or professional. Actually, authentic environments help candidates show their real personality and service style.
Let's say you are hiring for a friendly neighbourhood pub. Conducting the interview at the bar with background chatter and music playing lets you see if the candidate naturally engages with the environment or seems uncomfortable with the casual atmosphere.