How to hire a cook/bartender

How to hire a cook/bartender, step by step

Here's a step-by-step cook/bartender hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a cook/bartender job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new cook/bartender
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The cook/bartender hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A cook/bartender's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, cook/bartenders from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of cook/bartenders.

   Type of Cook/Bartender	Description	Hourly rate
   Cook/Bartender		$11-18
   Kitchen Cook	A kitchen cook prepares food for customers. Kitchen cooks help devise new menu items and methods of cooking... Show more	$12-18
   Prep Cook	Prep cooks are responsible for preparing ingredients. They are usually part of an assembly line-like structure in the kitchen... Show more	$12-19

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Drink Orders
   • Customer Service
   • Bartending
   • Bartend
   • Food Orders
   • Non-Alcoholic Beverages
   • Food Service
   • POS
   • Beverage Orders
   • Serving Drinks
   • Food Preparation
   • Food Quality
   • Customer Orders
   • Allergies

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage business operation initiatives, including payroll, invoicing, inventory, and human resource relate matters.
   • Process orders on a computerize POS system.
   • Cook until kitchen close and then bartend rest of evening.
   • Prepare, craft, and serve artisan food for guests, pour taps, operate POS.
   • Cook and serve food to customer's, keep a clean and orderly work area, also some bartending.
   • Participate and win awards in regional and divisional bartending competitions.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your cook/bartender job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A cook/bartender salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, cook/bartenders' average salary in louisiana is 41% less than in colorado.
   • Seniority. Entry-level cook/bartenders earn 41% less than senior-level cook/bartenders.
   • Certifications. A cook/bartender with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a cook/bartender's salary.

   Average cook/bartender salary

   $14.88hourly

   $30,956 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level cook/bartender salary

   $23,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

4. Writing a cook/bartender job description

   A job description for a cook/bartender role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a cook/bartender job description:

   Cook/bartender job description example

   The Bistro Attendant is responsible for providing the highest quality of service possible to guests in an efficient and courteous manner specifically within the Bistro at the Hotel.
   QUALIFICATIONS:
   
   + High School diploma or equivalent and/or experience in a hotel or a related field preferred.
   
   + Must be able to convey information and ideas clearly.
   
   + Must be able to evaluate and select among alternative courses of action quickly and accurately.
   
   + Must work well in stressful high pressure situations.
   
   + Must be effective at listening to understanding and clarifying the concerns and issues raised by co-workers and guests.
   
   + Must be able to work with and understand financial information and data and basic arithmetic functions.
   
   + Must maintain composure and objectivity under pressure.
   
   JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
   
   + Approach all encounters with guests and employees in an attentive friendly courteous and service oriented manner.
   
   + Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Aimbridge Hospitality standards as required by scheduling which will vary according to the needs of the hotel.
   
   + Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming which include wearing the proper uniform and name tag when working.
   
   + Comply at all times with Aimbridge Hospitality standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.
   
   + Service guests with all food and beverage requirements in a warm friendly courteous and professional manner.
   
   + Clear clean and reset tables as needed.
   
   + Preparing buffet station for food set up. Ensuring buffet is stocked with silverware plates and glassware.
   
   + Accommodate any special requests made by a guest or offer appropriate alternatives.
   
   + Be familiar with the operation of the P.O.S. system.
   
   + Greet and seat guests at appropriate tables in a timely manner.
   
   + Ensure quality control of menus with regard to cleanliness and appearance.
   
   + Ability to answer the telephone according to standards.
   
   + Have a complete knowledge of standards of service for receiving a room service order.
   
   + Have a thorough knowledge of menus and current specials in all applicable departments.
   
   + Carry out cashiering functions in closing checks and end of shift paperwork.
   
   + Perform opening and closing procedures and side work duties according to station rotation assignment.
   
   + Ensure that tables and side stands are kept stocked tidy and clean.
   
   + Employees must at all times be attentive friendly helpful and courteous to guests managers and all of their fellow employees.
   
   + Be familiar with the organization of Aimbridge Hospitality Hotels and know the function of each department.
   
   + Attend meetings as required by management.
   
   + Perform any other duties as requested by management.
   
   Nestled near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains near Golden and Lakewood, the Courtyard Denver West hotel is just 10 miles from downtown Denver and 30 miles from Denver International Airport at Highway 6 and I-70. We are conveniently located near the RTD Light Rail Station at Red Rock Station, Denver Federal Center, Coors Brewery, Red Rocks Amphitheater, Coors Field, Mile High Stadium, Pepsi Center and Colorado Mills Mall. Our business-friendly lobby features media pods, lounge seating to enjoy a cocktail from our onsite bar or great outdoor patio. Guests can enjoy onsite dining from The Bistro - Eat. Drink. Connect. ™ offering a variety of healthy breakfast options, Starbucks beverages and dinner service with a selection of wine and craft beers. Each of our modern guestrooms feature free WiFi; select rooms offer stellar views of the Front Range. With easy access to downtown Denver for Rockies, Broncos, Nuggets, and Avalanche games, travelers will find out what makes Courtyard Golden the best of Golden, Colorado
   
   As the global leader in third-party hotel management, our growing portfolio represents over 1,550 hotels in 49 states and 22 countries, from top international lodging brands to luxury hotels, destination resorts and lifestyle hotels. Our associates around the globe are passionate about serving our guests and driving exceptional results, and thrive in a culture where everyone is inspired to be the best. Join a world of possibility with Aimbridge Hospitality.
   
   After an initial waiting period, those hired into full time positions are eligible for a competitive benefits package that includes the following:
   
   + Now offering Daily Pay! Ask your Recruiter for more details
   
   + Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
   
   + Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Income
   
   + Term Life and AD&D Insurance
   
   + Paid Time Off
   
   + Employee Assistance Program
   
   + 401k Retirement Plan
   
   
   Full-Time/Part-Time: Part-Time
   
   Street: 14700 W 6Th Ave

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find cook/bartenders for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your cook/bartender job on Zippia to find and recruit cook/bartender candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit cook/bartenders, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new cook/bartender

   Once you've selected the best cook/bartender candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new cook/bartender first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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