How should I phrase teamwork and collaboration expectations in a Bartender job description?

Date modified: 1st May 2025 | This FAQ page has been written by Pilla Founder, Liam Jones, click to email Liam directly, he reads every email. Or book a demo to see how hospitality businesses use Pilla to create and record job descriptions.
Professional hospitality job roles and responsibilities

When writing a job description for a bartender, it's important to clearly communicate how they should work with others. Mention specific teamwork skills like helping colleagues during busy periods or sharing knowledge about drinks. This helps potential candidates understand the collaborative nature of the role.

Common misunderstanding: Teamwork just means getting along with coworkers.

Teamwork in a bar setting goes beyond just getting along; it involves actively supporting each other during service, coordinating tasks efficiently, and sometimes sharing tips. It's about creating a smooth experience for both the team and the customers.

Common misunderstanding: Teamwork skills are not as important for bartenders as technical skills.

While mixing drinks accurately is crucial, bartenders also need strong teamwork skills to manage the bar effectively, especially during peak hours. This includes communicating clearly with the kitchen and floor staff to ensure that customer orders are fulfilled promptly and accurately.

Should I mention the size of the bar team?

Yes, mentioning the size of the bar team in the job description can be very helpful. It gives candidates an idea of the team dynamics and the level of interaction they might expect. For example, a larger team might indicate a busier environment where coordination and communication are crucial.

Common misunderstanding: The size of the team doesn’t impact the bartender's role.

The size of the team can significantly affect a bartender's responsibilities. In a smaller team, a bartender might need to take on more varied tasks, while in a larger team, roles can be more specialized.

Common misunderstanding: All bartending jobs involve the same amount of teamwork, regardless of the team size.

The dynamics of teamwork can vary greatly depending on team size. In larger teams, collaboration and clear communication are essential to manage the volume of work, whereas, in smaller teams, flexibility and multi-tasking become more important.

How do I describe how the bartender interacts with floor staff?

In the job description, specify how the bartender should interact with floor staff. Highlight the importance of clear communication, such as confirming orders and discussing customer preferences. This ensures that everyone is on the same page, which is crucial for providing excellent service.

Common misunderstanding: Bartenders only need to focus on making drinks.

Bartenders play a critical role in the overall customer experience, which includes interacting with floor staff to ensure that drinks are correctly matched with customer orders and preferences. This collaboration helps in delivering a seamless service.

Common misunderstanding: Interaction between bartenders and floor staff is minimal.

Effective interaction between bartenders and floor staff is key to a well-run bar. This includes everything from handling special drink requests to managing the timing of drink delivery with meal courses, which requires ongoing communication.