I interviewed for what was advertised as a cocktail server position. However, as soon as the interview began, it quickly turned into a full-on bartending exam. Despite my resume clearly showing I’m new to hospitality and just graduated from bartending school, the interviewer fixated on a small mention of light bar experience from years ago (when I was a teenager by the way lol) and used that to justify drilling me with advanced liquor questions — the kind that would challenge even seasoned bartenders.
I was completely blindsided. This had nothing to do with the role I applied for. The interviewer offered no warmth or professionalism, and once I couldn’t answer her overly advanced questions, she abruptly ended the interview. It felt like she was actively looking for a reason to dismiss me — not evaluate me fairly. The tone was cold, rigid, and condescending from the moment I walked in.
As a Black woman, I left that interview feeling very disrespected. I didn’t feel welcomed or encouraged — I felt judged before I ever spoke. I didn’t “fit the look,” and that was clear. I came ready to speak about service, hustle, and guest experience — not to pass what felt like a surprise bartending final exam.
To top it off, after cutting the interview short, she awkwardly asked if I had any questions as she was walking me to the door. It felt so performative and insincere, like it was just part of her script.
I also find it funny that I went back and read other Glassdoor interview reviews for the same role — and none of them mentioned going through a harsh bartending quiz like I did. Most said they were asked simple customer service questions or just had to perform. That really confirmed what I already felt: I was held to a different standard, and it didn’t feel like a coincidence.
Takeaway:
If you’re applying here as a cocktail server, depending on your appearance, just know they may expect you to have the liquor knowledge of an experienced bartender and they won’t be kind about it. The process was cold, the energy was off, and I left feeling dismissed and disrespected. If you’re a person of color, be aware that you may not feel the inclusiveness and professionalism you deserve. I should have trusted my gut after reading the poor reviews from other employees. Thankfully, I had an actual bartending interview later that day and I got hired! I’m grateful I wasn’t selected here. I dodged a major headache!
