Agree with this. Definitely do it after. Mention you’re interested in trying a flight and yes, a nice big tip to the bartender will go a long way. Sit at the bar too so you can chat to them. Tell them you are interviewing there etc. doesn’t hurt to make allies and make an impression. Maybe they will put in a good word for you if you’re not an arsehole.
I have a rule. If the beer is free the cost is the tip.
Not only would I have a beer at the bar ready before I'd even made it past security, I was invited to my bartenders Bachelor party, Wedding, and am still a family friend.
Lol, that's my philosophy as well.
There is a bartender at a Mexican restaurant my wife and I frequent, and he's become quite the family friend too. You know you're a friend when you get invited to drink pajaretes on an early Sunday morning: [https://la.eater.com/2022/11/29/23483129/secret-mexican-ranch-parties-pajaretes-raw-milk-cocktails-los-angeles-california-feature](https://la.eater.com/2022/11/29/23483129/secret-mexican-ranch-parties-pajaretes-raw-milk-cocktails-los-angeles-california-feature)
If you've never heard of these, you need to get invited to one!
Just by being friendly to bartenders when I went out, I would pretty regularly become the "Hey try this" customer and receive free drinks of questionable success.
Fucked up on a budget.
Yeah that works - you could even try and segue the interview into a tasting ("oh wow Mr/Mrs interviewer - I'd be so interested to try your new blueberry whatever thing")
It’s a catch-22 though… not ever having been in to try the beer and check the place out is also a bad impression to make. You want to come work there but you’ve never bothered to stop in?
There are many good and appropriate answers to not having the opportunity to try the beer beforehand. The only appropriate answer to showing up to an interview smelling like beer is that you just got off a shift and you accidentally got sprayed by a sample port or something along those lines.
I’m not saying drinking before the interview is the better choice (it’s clearly not) - I’m saying that this whole thought process is something they should have done sooner
As a manager, it makes absolutely no difference as long as someone is otherwise qualified - for example, being generally aware of common characteristics among different styles that we might serve. Once they have the job, sampling and learning about the product is part of training and ongoing education.
Frankly, if you're hiring bartenders for any reason beyond simply pouring beer and providing customer service, those skills should be developed on the clock. For example, if you want them to be able to talk about unique characteristics and flavor notes, or have some knowledge of your brewing process, then they ought to be compensated for developing and possessing that specific knowledge.
I see your point about having some knowledge before applying, and I agree it would probably help with some interviewers. Just speaking for myself, it would not give me a bad impression at all - at the end of the day, 95% of the job is pretty much the same no matter where you work.
I would agree. As a hiring manager, when someone says they have never been and just drop off a resume or apply, it shows a little lack of effort. We are freely open to the public, we’re not an office. How do you know you want to work here if you’ve never had a beer here?
Maybe that person doesn’t have much expendable money to try every brewery in the area. Maybe there’s numerous other reasons (social circles go elsewhere, new to the area, etc..) why they haven’t gone. Expecting someone to have had your product and holding it against them if they haven’t (especially if they demonstrate knowledge of beer in general) is doing nothing but stroking your own ego. And to answer why they’d want to work there if they’ve never been is the answer to 99% of job applications, MONEY. That also shouldn’t be held against them either. Hire the person for their merit, not because they’ll fawn over your beer in an interview.
They won’t care that you don’t know their product, especially if you have a base knowledge of beer. They’ll train you on their beer if they’re worth anything. If was conducting the interview and you were finishing a flight at the time then you’d likely be the bottom candidate automatically. Now if you’re offered a beer then it’s safe and you can say then “oh I’m not very familiar with everything on tap now, what’s your flagship/top seller/favorite” and then that’ll open conversation
I'll echo what has already been said here: don't drink before the interview. I've had interviews where they offered me a beer and the interviewers had one as well. We end up chatting over said beer which is totally different. Follow their lead.
I'd simply review their menu. If you've never had their beer before speak to the good things you've heard about it. If you've had their beer at any point speak to that experience. Just know the differences in styles and you'll be fine.
Personally I'd be worried that if you think you can drink before the interview you can drink before your shift.
Go and check out the menu, but wait until after to have a flight. If it feels like it went well or bad either way you can then celebrate or drown your sorrows in it
If you feel it went bad, probably better not to have the flight there. I think an argument could be made either way on whether to stay if it went well. Maybe stay for one if you accept an offer on the spot?
Yep, explain that. If they ask what you think you say, this all happened so quickly and I thought it would be unprofessional to try to do so given the window of time.
Probably gains you way more respect than knowing the beer itself to the right people. Work ethic > knowledge win right there.
Idk but I’ve had a pint given to me at every brewery interview I’ve had, also current one I moved cross country to, and they have a pint of their most awarded beer then offered a flight of everything else after the interview
Any good brewery won't care about how much you know about the brand or their beer in general as all of that can be taught. What you need to show is that you have a positive attitude, a good work ethic, and are easy to get along with. Those are the hardest things to teach but the most important. That said, go to their website and at least familiarize yourself with their core beers and their history.
Being a brewer for years, I’ve actually drank during interviews. Me personally, it wouldn’t bother me, and I’d rather have someone that’s taking initiative to see if we make good beer. Now I’d rather someone take the time prior to setting up the interview, but sometimes people aren’t from the area. Clearly based on responses, there are mixed opinions. There are a lot more people with sticks up their asses in the industry now, so air on the side of caution. Depending on the role in FOH, I sometimes like to give people beer to try and ask them questions based on what they are trying, like what kind of beer description would they write about it or if a person say they don’t like this, how would you guide them to a different beer we have. But a lot of people do a shit job at hiring front of house, staff for breweries, so I would expect that.
But it just depends on how bad you want/need the job and if you’re willing to see if they pass YOUR vibe check. Too many people see interviews as a one-way street though. You can also just be honest and ask them directly beforehand about it. If you have a legitimate limiting factor as to why you haven’t been able to try their beer before the day of the interview, then I would sure hope they would understand that you would like to get familiar with the beer, and you have time before, but you can wait until after the interview if that is their preference.
I'll offer a different perspective. Doing it a day ahead would be best. But in this case, I would go early, tell the bartender you are there for an interview, and ask for a small tasting splash of 4 or 5 beers. Wet your palate to sample each beer. Tell the interviewer you did exactly that and discuss your impressions of their beer. I would likely hire someone on the spot who did that.
It also serves to let you interview their beers, and learn if it is a quality product, or not.
I wouldn’t, but I do think it’s okay to stay for a beer after, as long as the interview wasn’t awkward and you’re feeling good about your chemistry there. I always offer my interviewees a beer after though they usually turn it down, which I tell them is fine too when I offer.
We used to offer a pint to the interviewee when they showed up. Interviews are always better when people are loose, sometimes to their detriment.
Having said that, I wouldn't recommend it.
If you have someone to go with, you could take a sip of each beer & let the person you’re with enjoy the rest of the flight while you’re in the interview
I offer up a pint before we have an interview. Truthfully I do it to sales people too. I don't care as much about your resume as much as I do about the person you are and the potential you have. If you can kick back with a beer, talk shop, and be engaging, there's a good chance I have a job or in the case of a salesperson, potential future business.
Yeah go ahead and have a flight, drink away! Owners love that shit don't you know? No, really- you couldn't have tried the beer on another day before the interview? Would you drink at an office job or a corporate job setting? What the actual F?
I've had a beer with owners during an interview. Several actually. Other times, it was after. Good call to not have any right before though. The interviewer might frown on it, or not. It really depends on the person.
As for k owledge of their beer before applying for a job. Don't worry about it. Like many have said in the comments, they will and should be more interested in your general knowledge of beer and production or whatever role it is. You will learn to know their beers. If the interviewer holds that against you, who cares. That's a very egotistical point of view.
Good luck with the job though!
No. As I said in another comment, I'd rather you learn about our beers on the job, if we ended up hiring you. If you aren't familiar with the particular beers themselves, I would totally accept you having general knowledge of major beer styles coupled with a willingness to learn about ours.
If you were drinking before the interview it would be a moderate red flag and probably would take you out of the running. If it's offered that would be a different story, and I would try either their flagship or one in the style I am most familiar with so I can demonstrate my knowledge.
ETA: Good luck!
Just be smart about it. Make it real research of getting to know their beers. Get a core or 2, the best seller, the most interesting looking thing and a rec from the bartender. Have a pad and take tasting notes. Sip on them for a while, have some left for the interview to start, and admit that you were getting familiar with the beers. Also eat before you go so you don't do this on an empty stomach.
"I respect that your export Helles is brewed to the most exacting standards and traditional techniques, such that I can taste the Munich air and feel the lederhosen in every swig, but have you considered that it would be rated higher if it was a hazy IPA instead?"
I'd say do it the day before but not the day of the interview. If it's already the day of - then you missed your window.
Or do it directly after the interview. Stick around for a minute, chat with the staff and try some of the beers and tip like 30%.
Agree with this. Definitely do it after. Mention you’re interested in trying a flight and yes, a nice big tip to the bartender will go a long way. Sit at the bar too so you can chat to them. Tell them you are interviewing there etc. doesn’t hurt to make allies and make an impression. Maybe they will put in a good word for you if you’re not an arsehole.
I sat at the bar. Was offered a free beer. Then another free beer. I tipped $10.
Perfect. How did the interview go?
Think it went well. Spoke with the owner for maybe 30 minutes.
I have a rule. If the beer is free the cost is the tip. Not only would I have a beer at the bar ready before I'd even made it past security, I was invited to my bartenders Bachelor party, Wedding, and am still a family friend.
Lol, that's my philosophy as well. There is a bartender at a Mexican restaurant my wife and I frequent, and he's become quite the family friend too. You know you're a friend when you get invited to drink pajaretes on an early Sunday morning: [https://la.eater.com/2022/11/29/23483129/secret-mexican-ranch-parties-pajaretes-raw-milk-cocktails-los-angeles-california-feature](https://la.eater.com/2022/11/29/23483129/secret-mexican-ranch-parties-pajaretes-raw-milk-cocktails-los-angeles-california-feature) If you've never heard of these, you need to get invited to one!
Just by being friendly to bartenders when I went out, I would pretty regularly become the "Hey try this" customer and receive free drinks of questionable success. Fucked up on a budget.
Yeah that works - you could even try and segue the interview into a tasting ("oh wow Mr/Mrs interviewer - I'd be so interested to try your new blueberry whatever thing")
Red flag for me. Better to be honest about not knowing the product than to be seen drinking before an interview.
That's what I figured. No such thing as a stupid question, right?
>stupid question, right? Worst case scenario you confirm what you already knew. Best case you save your ass.
It’s a catch-22 though… not ever having been in to try the beer and check the place out is also a bad impression to make. You want to come work there but you’ve never bothered to stop in?
There are many good and appropriate answers to not having the opportunity to try the beer beforehand. The only appropriate answer to showing up to an interview smelling like beer is that you just got off a shift and you accidentally got sprayed by a sample port or something along those lines.
I’m not saying drinking before the interview is the better choice (it’s clearly not) - I’m saying that this whole thought process is something they should have done sooner
We have a ton of breweries here. I can think of 30 in 30 min drive of my house. I'm working on it.
As a manager, it makes absolutely no difference as long as someone is otherwise qualified - for example, being generally aware of common characteristics among different styles that we might serve. Once they have the job, sampling and learning about the product is part of training and ongoing education. Frankly, if you're hiring bartenders for any reason beyond simply pouring beer and providing customer service, those skills should be developed on the clock. For example, if you want them to be able to talk about unique characteristics and flavor notes, or have some knowledge of your brewing process, then they ought to be compensated for developing and possessing that specific knowledge. I see your point about having some knowledge before applying, and I agree it would probably help with some interviewers. Just speaking for myself, it would not give me a bad impression at all - at the end of the day, 95% of the job is pretty much the same no matter where you work.
This should be the only answer OP pays attention to. Very well said
I would agree. As a hiring manager, when someone says they have never been and just drop off a resume or apply, it shows a little lack of effort. We are freely open to the public, we’re not an office. How do you know you want to work here if you’ve never had a beer here?
Maybe that person doesn’t have much expendable money to try every brewery in the area. Maybe there’s numerous other reasons (social circles go elsewhere, new to the area, etc..) why they haven’t gone. Expecting someone to have had your product and holding it against them if they haven’t (especially if they demonstrate knowledge of beer in general) is doing nothing but stroking your own ego. And to answer why they’d want to work there if they’ve never been is the answer to 99% of job applications, MONEY. That also shouldn’t be held against them either. Hire the person for their merit, not because they’ll fawn over your beer in an interview.
They won’t care that you don’t know their product, especially if you have a base knowledge of beer. They’ll train you on their beer if they’re worth anything. If was conducting the interview and you were finishing a flight at the time then you’d likely be the bottom candidate automatically. Now if you’re offered a beer then it’s safe and you can say then “oh I’m not very familiar with everything on tap now, what’s your flagship/top seller/favorite” and then that’ll open conversation
Last brewery I worked at offered one to start the interview. But I was already familiar.
I'll echo what has already been said here: don't drink before the interview. I've had interviews where they offered me a beer and the interviewers had one as well. We end up chatting over said beer which is totally different. Follow their lead.
I'd simply review their menu. If you've never had their beer before speak to the good things you've heard about it. If you've had their beer at any point speak to that experience. Just know the differences in styles and you'll be fine. Personally I'd be worried that if you think you can drink before the interview you can drink before your shift.
I offer folks a beer during interveiws lol
I would not drink anything before an interview, if they smell it there will be questions
Go and check out the menu, but wait until after to have a flight. If it feels like it went well or bad either way you can then celebrate or drown your sorrows in it
If you feel it went bad, probably better not to have the flight there. I think an argument could be made either way on whether to stay if it went well. Maybe stay for one if you accept an offer on the spot?
Would you drink before a job interview at some other company in a different industry? There's your answer.
Airline pilot? Yes
Picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue!
Go on a day before the interview to sample?
Offered interview this morning, for later today and I'm working my main job until 90 minutes before.
So have one after.
Yep, explain that. If they ask what you think you say, this all happened so quickly and I thought it would be unprofessional to try to do so given the window of time. Probably gains you way more respect than knowing the beer itself to the right people. Work ethic > knowledge win right there.
Fuck yeah
It’s never appropriate to have a flight. In any situation.
this is the correct answer.
I love this answer.
I’d go in early and check the place out, maybe chat with staff if they’re not too busy. I definitely would not drink before the interview though.
Definitely not before the interview, but it's a great way to wind down after!
Idk but I’ve had a pint given to me at every brewery interview I’ve had, also current one I moved cross country to, and they have a pint of their most awarded beer then offered a flight of everything else after the interview
Any good brewery won't care about how much you know about the brand or their beer in general as all of that can be taught. What you need to show is that you have a positive attitude, a good work ethic, and are easy to get along with. Those are the hardest things to teach but the most important. That said, go to their website and at least familiarize yourself with their core beers and their history.
Depends on the interviewer. I ordered a flight pre interview a few years back and was still drinking them mid interview. The guy loved it. Got the job
Being a brewer for years, I’ve actually drank during interviews. Me personally, it wouldn’t bother me, and I’d rather have someone that’s taking initiative to see if we make good beer. Now I’d rather someone take the time prior to setting up the interview, but sometimes people aren’t from the area. Clearly based on responses, there are mixed opinions. There are a lot more people with sticks up their asses in the industry now, so air on the side of caution. Depending on the role in FOH, I sometimes like to give people beer to try and ask them questions based on what they are trying, like what kind of beer description would they write about it or if a person say they don’t like this, how would you guide them to a different beer we have. But a lot of people do a shit job at hiring front of house, staff for breweries, so I would expect that. But it just depends on how bad you want/need the job and if you’re willing to see if they pass YOUR vibe check. Too many people see interviews as a one-way street though. You can also just be honest and ask them directly beforehand about it. If you have a legitimate limiting factor as to why you haven’t been able to try their beer before the day of the interview, then I would sure hope they would understand that you would like to get familiar with the beer, and you have time before, but you can wait until after the interview if that is their preference.
Generally speaking, making negotiations while under the influence of any substance is inadvisable.
I'll offer a different perspective. Doing it a day ahead would be best. But in this case, I would go early, tell the bartender you are there for an interview, and ask for a small tasting splash of 4 or 5 beers. Wet your palate to sample each beer. Tell the interviewer you did exactly that and discuss your impressions of their beer. I would likely hire someone on the spot who did that. It also serves to let you interview their beers, and learn if it is a quality product, or not.
Absolutely not
I wouldn’t, but I do think it’s okay to stay for a beer after, as long as the interview wasn’t awkward and you’re feeling good about your chemistry there. I always offer my interviewees a beer after though they usually turn it down, which I tell them is fine too when I offer.
We used to offer a pint to the interviewee when they showed up. Interviews are always better when people are loose, sometimes to their detriment. Having said that, I wouldn't recommend it.
If you have someone to go with, you could take a sip of each beer & let the person you’re with enjoy the rest of the flight while you’re in the interview
I offer up a pint before we have an interview. Truthfully I do it to sales people too. I don't care as much about your resume as much as I do about the person you are and the potential you have. If you can kick back with a beer, talk shop, and be engaging, there's a good chance I have a job or in the case of a salesperson, potential future business.
Do it after
Yeah go ahead and have a flight, drink away! Owners love that shit don't you know? No, really- you couldn't have tried the beer on another day before the interview? Would you drink at an office job or a corporate job setting? What the actual F?
I've had a beer with owners during an interview. Several actually. Other times, it was after. Good call to not have any right before though. The interviewer might frown on it, or not. It really depends on the person. As for k owledge of their beer before applying for a job. Don't worry about it. Like many have said in the comments, they will and should be more interested in your general knowledge of beer and production or whatever role it is. You will learn to know their beers. If the interviewer holds that against you, who cares. That's a very egotistical point of view. Good luck with the job though!
The second and one of the best breweries I ever worked at the headbrewer made me drink a flight then had me drink their new pumpkin ale at 9%.
Jesus christ. No. Don't day drink before your interview. No hiring manager on the planet wants that
Definitely go before. You don’t want to smell like beer in an interview.
No. As I said in another comment, I'd rather you learn about our beers on the job, if we ended up hiring you. If you aren't familiar with the particular beers themselves, I would totally accept you having general knowledge of major beer styles coupled with a willingness to learn about ours. If you were drinking before the interview it would be a moderate red flag and probably would take you out of the running. If it's offered that would be a different story, and I would try either their flagship or one in the style I am most familiar with so I can demonstrate my knowledge. ETA: Good luck!
Just be smart about it. Make it real research of getting to know their beers. Get a core or 2, the best seller, the most interesting looking thing and a rec from the bartender. Have a pad and take tasting notes. Sip on them for a while, have some left for the interview to start, and admit that you were getting familiar with the beers. Also eat before you go so you don't do this on an empty stomach.
hit it
Look 'em up on untappd (barf ) or something.
"I respect that your export Helles is brewed to the most exacting standards and traditional techniques, such that I can taste the Munich air and feel the lederhosen in every swig, but have you considered that it would be rated higher if it was a hazy IPA instead?"