Get That Job as a Bouncer

Before the Interview

1 Understand the Business: It is extremely important for any interview that you not only understand as much as possible about the bar and club business but be as knowledgeable about the actual establishment you are applying at. Make sure to research their website to get an idea of what is most important to the business, search the internet and if possible, ask others you know about the venue. Also, always visit the business beforehand, especially on a busy night. Take note of the type of clientele, how busy the establishment is, common procedures of employees, and common challenges that bouncers or people in your position might face. Knowing this beforehand will show the employer that you are taking the hiring process seriously, understand what might be asked of you and that you really want the position.

2 Rehearse: Practice makes perfect, and that couldn't be truer for an interview. Although it may feel uncomfortable, practicing alone and with others you trust will ensure you are ready and have thought through answers to common questions. It will also increase your confidence. Some common questions you can expect in your interview are:

• Why would you like to work at our establishment?
• Why do you want to be a bouncer (or insert position title)?
• What makes you qualified for this position?
• Do you have any weaknesses that may make this job difficult to you?
• What previous experience do you have that will make you successful in this position?
• Can you tell me about a workplace challenge or obstacle you have faced? Something that was scary, unknown or dangerous? What did you do? Would you like to have done anything differently?
• Have you ever worked with someone you didn't get along with? What was that like? How did you deal with it?
• Have you ever quit a job? Why?
• What would you do if someone presented false identification at the door?
• How would you handle a customer who was intoxicated but refused to leave the bar?
• How would you react if there were a fight? What would you do first?
• In your mind, what would be the proper action to take if a fellow employee was losing control with a guest or using excessive force on a guest?
• Do you have any hesitations about taking on this type of job?

3 Create Examples: In any interview, the interviewer wants real examples of how you have operated in the past because it provides the best evidence for how you will act as an employee. Make sure to prepare various, real life examples of how you have acted in previous positions and situations. If you have experience as a bouncer, come ready with examples of how you have acted. Remember to use the list of possible questions to help you format a great experience background. If you haven't worked in the position before, think of examples that are similar to common situations you may face when employed. Real life, concrete examples build trust and confidence. And, if you have good past references to confirm your work examples, provide the interviewer a name and a phone number.

During the Interview

4 Dress Appropriately: If you were interviewing to be a t-shirt model, you might wear a t-shirt. Since you're not interviewing to be a t-shirt model, dress appropriately. Try to dress in business casual attire. This term means slacks and a dress shirt, maybe a tie. If these items aren't in your closet, a pair of khaki slacks and a tucked in polo shirt will do. Don't for one second let yourself think that if the bar you want to work at is a pool table, biker bar, that you can just dress like some of the guests might dress. If you are the only person dressed nicely, fine, accept it and be sure to ask the interviewer what is the dress code for the staff at the bar. Be sure they know you can dress up or dress down, depending on what's needed.

5 Express Confidence: One of the most important things that an interviewer is looking for is that you are confident. Smile and shake the person's hand at the beginning of the interview, make eye contact, and speak assertively. Tell the person exactly why you think you are the right person for the job and why you would fit well in the company. However, do not become a "Know It All" and have the interviewer think your arrogant.

6 Express Willingness to Learn: There may be times during the interview where the interviewer asks a question and you aren't sure of the right answer. Be honest but express a desire to learn. Share experiences of times in the past when you have been a quick learner and been successful.

7 Show Off Your Knowledge and Experience: Many people tend to shy away from sharing stories of success because they feel like they are showing off or bragging. However, in an interview, the interviewer wants to know about your experience and knowledge. Do not be afraid to share your strengths and expertise. This is a great time to show off the knowledge you learned in our course.

After the Interview

8 Say Thank You: In interviews, sometimes it is the small details that separate one person from another. Always make sure to say thank you at the end of the interview but then follow up with a simple note, email, or phone call to thank the person for their time. Many people skip this step and it can make you stand out from the crowd. Send a quick note letting the hiring manager know that you appreciate the time they spent with you and your excitement for the position. This will make you stand out and ensure they remember you. Don't be afraid to complete this step. Many times the manager gets busy, something emergent comes up and your note, your call to the manager may be the push they needed to hire you.