HR Templates | Sample Interview Questions
Waiter Or Waitress Interview Questions and Answers
Use this list of Waiter Or Waitress interview questions and answers to gain better insight into your candidates, and make better hiring decisions.
Waiter Or Waitress overview
When interviewing for a Waiter or Waitress position, it's important to assess the candidate's customer service skills, ability to handle stress, teamwork, and multitasking abilities. A fun and engaging approach can help reveal their personality and suitability for a fast-paced environment.
Sample Interview Questions
️ What's your favorite dish to recommend to customers and why?
Purpose: To gauge their enthusiasm and knowledge about the menu.
Sample answer
“I love recommending our signature pasta because it's a crowd-pleaser and always gets rave reviews!
How do you handle a situation where a customer is unhappy with their meal?
Purpose: To assess their problem-solving and customer service skills.
Sample answer
“I would listen to their concerns, apologize sincerely, and offer a solution like a replacement dish or a discount.
️ How do you stay organized during a busy shift?
Purpose: To understand their multitasking and organizational skills.
Sample answer
“I keep a mental checklist and prioritize tasks, making sure to communicate with my team to stay on top of everything.
How do you ensure good teamwork with your colleagues?
Purpose: To evaluate their ability to work well in a team.
Sample answer
“I believe in clear communication and helping each other out whenever needed to ensure smooth service.
Can you share a memorable experience you had with a customer?
Purpose: To see their customer interaction skills and ability to create positive experiences.
Sample answer
“Once, I helped organize a surprise birthday celebration for a regular customer, and seeing their joy was incredibly rewarding!
How do you handle special dietary requests or allergies?
Purpose: To check their attention to detail and knowledge about food safety.
Sample answer
“I always double-check with the kitchen and ensure the customer feels confident that their needs are being met.
How do you keep yourself motivated during a long shift?
Purpose: To understand their work ethic and motivation.
Sample answer
“I stay positive by focusing on providing great service and taking short breaks to recharge when possible.
How do you stay updated on the menu and any specials?
Purpose: To assess their commitment to staying informed and providing accurate information.
Sample answer
“I make it a point to review the menu regularly and attend any briefings or tastings for new items.
️ ️ How do you handle a situation where you suspect a customer is trying to dine and dash?
Purpose: To evaluate their ability to handle potential security issues.
Sample answer
“I would discreetly inform my manager and keep an eye on the customer while continuing to provide good service.
What do you think makes a great waiter or waitress?
Purpose: To understand their perspective on the key qualities of the role.
Sample answer
“A great waiter or waitress is attentive, friendly, and efficient, always striving to make the dining experience enjoyable for every customer.
🚨 Red Flags
Look out for these red flags when interviewing candidates for this role:
- Lack of enthusiasm or interest in customer service.
- Poor communication skills.
- Inability to handle stress or multitask.
- Negative attitude towards teamwork.
- Lack of knowledge about food safety and dietary restrictions.