How to source and shortlist {role_name}

Where can you find qualified {role_name}?

Bartenders can be sourced from multiple channels - from job boards and hospitality schools to referral programs and social networks. Below is a region-wise and role-specific breakdown.

  • Professional Networks
  • Educational Institutions
    • Target hospitality and hotel management programs:
    • India: Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Oberoi Centre of Learning & Development (OCLD)
    • US: The Culinary Institute of America, Johnson & Wales University
    • UAE: Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management
    • KSA: Prince Sultan College of Business – Hospitality Program
    • Engage their alumni networks or training placement offices for early-career hires.

What are the best practices for headhunting {role_name}?

  • Search by certifications: Look for mixology, beverage management, or alcohol service certification.
  • Use creative Boolean searches:
    • ("Bartender" OR "Mixologist" OR "Barista") AND ("Cocktails" OR "Hospitality") AND ("Dubai" OR "Riyadh" OR "New York")
  • Check bar events or competitions: Identify talent from bartending expos, local cocktail festivals, and hotel chain events.
  • Use referrals: Ask current staff or hospitality schools for trusted recommendations.
  • Engage with visuals: Show the workspace, bar setup, or customer experience in job posts - visuals attract 40% more applications.

"Find Talent Quickly" – Leverage Headhunting and Referrals

How to shortlist candidates?

Once you have started to get applications from applicants, a thorough screening process and shortlisting of prospects will help you make the most of your time spent with the most qualified ones. 

Automated shortlisting tools :

Automated screening quickly filters out unqualified candidates, saving time for manual review. This allows the manual process to focus on the most promising candidates, ensuring the best ones are considered for further evaluation.

Screening questions to auto-shortlist based on predefined criteria

like qualifications, location, experience, and skills. Either use job board or use an ATS such as whitecarrot. Here are some questions for {role_name}

  • Do you have certification in responsible alcohol service (e.g., TIPS, ServSafe, or equivalent)?
    • Auto-reject if answer is ‘No’ (especially for regulated markets like the US, UAE, or KSA).
  • Are you currently located in [City/Region] or willing to relocate for this position?
    • Auto-reject if answer is ‘No’ and relocation is not possible.
  • Have you previously worked in a hospitality or food & beverage environment?
    • Auto-reject if answer is ‘No’ (as basic hospitality experience is essential).
  • Are you available to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays as per bar schedules?
    • Auto-reject if answer is ‘No’ (since shift flexibility is mandatory).

Skill based question to auto shortlist candidate

Analyze the skill test data to automatically shortlist top-performing applicants. (recommended screening test time - 15 minutes). Here are some skill test questions for {role_name}

Customer Service

Ability to handle customer requests, complaints, and maintain professionalism.

  1. A guest complains their cocktail tastes too strong. What should you do first?
    • a) Ignore the comment
    • b) Replace the drink immediately
    • ✅ c) Politely taste/check proportions and offer to adjust
    • d) Ask the guest to pay for a new one
  2. When a guest is indecisive about what to order, what’s the best approach?
    • ✅ a) Ask about their flavor preferences and suggest accordingly
    • b) Offer the most expensive item
    • c) Walk away to serve others
    • d) Recommend random items
  3. A customer appears intoxicated. What should you do?
    • a) Serve one last drink
    • ✅ b) Stop serving and inform the supervisor politely
    • c) Ignore and continue service
    • d) Ask security to remove them immediately

Beverage Knowledge & Mixology

Understanding ingredients, recipes, and preparation techniques.

  1. Which of these is a base spirit for a Mojito?
    • a) Vodka
    • ✅ b) White Rum
    • c) Tequila
    • d) Gin
  2. “On the rocks” means:
    • ✅ a) Served over ice cubes
    • b) Shaken with soda
    • c) Mixed with juice
    • d) Served neat
  3. Which ingredient balances sweetness in a cocktail?
    • a) Syrup
    • ✅ b) Citrus or acidic element
    • c) Bitters
    • d) Liqueur

Hygiene & Attention to Detail

Ensuring cleanliness, safety, and presentation standards.

  1. What is the first step before starting a shift?
    • ✅ a) Sanitizing the bar tools and counters
    • b) Preparing customer bills
    • c) Mixing trial cocktails
    • d) Checking stock records
  2. If glass breaks near the counter, what is the correct protocol?
    • a) Pick up pieces with bare hands
    • ✅ b) Stop service and clean immediately using tools
    • c) Ignore if small pieces
    • d) Continue working
  3. Why is inventory control important for a bartender?
    • ✅ a) Prevents wastage and maintains cost efficiency
    • b) Only useful for managers
    • c) Not necessary if bar is busy
    • d) Done weekly only

Note - Auto reject candidates if scores less than 70% in this section

One way video interview

Recruitment Bullet

Use tools like hirevue, whitecarrot.io to ask candidates pre-recorded questions about their experience and skills.

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Use sample question given in scorecard.

Collect other information 

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Collect data from shortlisted candidates, such as salary expectations and visa status.

"Shortlist in Seconds" – Use our CV scoring feature to get top candidate recommendation

Manual candidate profile shortlisting:

Recruitment Bullet

Thoroughly review the CVs of the top scoring candidates from the automated process

Recruitment Bullet

Look for evidence of the required skills, experience, and achievements

Recruitment Bullet

Review the candidate’s portfolio or GitHub repositories to see examples of their work.

Schedule recruiter calls with the candidate

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Use a tool like calendly or whitecarrot to allow candidates to self-schedule calls based on your availability

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Confirm the call details (date, time, dial-in info) with the candidate via email

What questions to ask in the recruiter phone screen?

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 Use scorecard for rating candidates for recruiter

Recruitment Bullet

Sample scorecard : 

Criteria Sample Question Rating (1–5) Comments
Customer Interaction “How do you handle a guest complaint?”
Beverage Knowledge “Walk me through how you’d make a classic Old Fashioned.”
Communication Skills “Describe a time when you handled a busy night smoothly.”
Hygiene & Presentation “How do you maintain cleanliness during peak hours?”
Team Collaboration “How do you coordinate with servers and chefs?”
Confidence & Personality “What makes a great bartender stand out?”
Recruitment Bullet

Check for consistency in responses from the candidates.

Recruitment Bullet

Record such scorecards in an ATS like whitecarrot or use google doc

Frequently Asked Questions?

What are the most common skills to look for in a Bartender?

Look for customer service, mixology expertise, communication, multitasking, and attention to detail. Certifications like TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol, or HACCP are strong pluses.

How do I keep Bartender candidates engaged during sourcing and shortlisting?

Send personalized messages about your bar culture or signature cocktails. Share videos or photos of your venue to build excitement. Provide transparent timelines — bartenders often have multiple offers. Offer flexible shifts or “trial shifts” to attract quality candidates.

How can I assess cultural fit during shortlisting?

Ask scenario-based questions like: - “How would you handle a guest who’s having a bad day?” - “Describe how you bring energy to your shift.” Assess warmth, team attitude, and ability to align with your venue’s vibe (e.g., casual café vs. luxury lounge).