The key to having a great interview for a bar or nightclub is to be a balance of fun and business. You don’t want to be one of those staff members that either don’t have a clue about what they are doing or are so stuck up themselves that it makes you wonder why they even got into the hospitality business in the first place.
To dress for a bar/nightclub interview, colours are your best friend, don’t just wear black you’ll be wearing that enough once you get the job! I would like to advise to wear something that ensure that you will be remembered, but I’m picturing some smartarses going to an interview in a Sacha Baron Cohen styled bright green thong. Handy hint, unless your are trying to get a job at a strip club, make sure you go wearing clothes. Girls, this applies to you too; if your shirt is longer then your pants, THEY AREN’T PANTS! A good old faithful is business pants and a red or purple business shirt. This goes for guys and girls.
In the interview, show that you are knowledgeable about what the role entails, do not just rock up thinking that a bar job is easy. Recount the recent changes to the laws that affect the bar/nightclub industry or changes that have been made recently to the RSA laws. You could mention things such as the new no take away alcohol sales allowed after ten pm across NSW that came into effect on the 24th of February 2014. You should also provide examples of where you have used your own initiative, such as creating a new drink that was both popular and cost effective. Points like these allow the interview to be two sided, it is always a good idea to have some questions of your own as it shows that you are prepared and enthusiastic about the job.
During the interview, ensure that the interviewer gets a feel for your personality and can see that you would be a perfect fit within the team. It is always helpful to have been to the establishment prior to interviewing, this allows for conversations about what you like about the place and what you could provide to make it even better. Basically, you want to make a good impression. If you can’t achieve that by being your vibrant friendly self, then this probably isn’t the industry for you.
Good luck!
Leave a Comment