Top Hostess Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Question Overview: This question is used to determine if the candidate is legally able to work in the country.

Sample Answer: I am 18 years old.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Legal working age

Question Overview: This question will give you insight into the candidate's definition of hospitality and how they would apply it to their job. You want to see if they have a clear understanding of the concept and how it applies to the position.

Sample Answer: Hospitality is the act of providing service with a smile and making sure that your guests are comfortable and happy.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Understanding of the concept
• - Ability to apply it to the position

Question Overview: This question will allow you to see how the candidate views their own strengths and weaknesses. You will also be able to see if the candidate is willing to admit their weaknesses and how they plan to improve upon them.

Sample Answer: My strengths are my ability to multitask and my ability to work well under pressure. My weaknesses are that I can be a bit of a perfectionist and I have a hard time delegating tasks.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Self-awareness
• - Ability to admit mistakes
• - Willingness to improve

Question Overview: This question is designed to see how the candidate handles criticism and how they view their own abilities. You want to see if they are able to admit their shortcomings and explain how they plan to improve upon them.

Sample Answer: I sometimes have a hard time remembering names of people I meet. I am working on improving this by using a memory technique that my grandmother taught me.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to admit shortcomings
• - Ability to explain how they plan to improve
• - Ability to take criticism

Question Overview: This question will allow you to see how the candidate views their role in the restaurant. You want someone who is willing to go above and beyond to create a positive experience for customers.

Sample Answer: I will contribute to this work environment by creating a positive experience for guests. I will greet them with a smile and make sure they have everything they need.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to work as a team player
• - Willingness to take on extra responsibilities
• - Desire to create a positive experience for customers

Question Overview: This question will show you how the candidate handles a situation that requires them to think on their feet. You will want to see if they can quickly assess the situation and determine the best course of action. For example, if a customer calls up and asks for a large order of fries, the hostess should ask if they would like to have it delivered or if they would like to pick it up.

Sample Answer: I would ask if they would like to pick up the order or have it delivered.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to think on their feet
• - Ability to assess a situation
• - Willingness to go the extra mile

Question Overview: This question is designed to see if the candidate has a flexible schedule. You will want to hire someone who is willing to work a variety of shifts and hours.

Sample Answer: I am available to work any shift, day or night.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Flexibility
• - Availability

Question Overview: This question will help you determine how the candidate handles stress and pressure. You want to see how they handle themselves in a stressful situation.

Sample Answer: I take a deep breath and try to remain calm. I then assess the situation and take action.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to remain calm under pressure
• - Ability to think quickly on their feet
• - Ability to prioritize tasks

Question Overview: This question is used to determine the candidate's eagerness to start working for you. You want someone who is willing to start as soon as possible, but you also want to make sure they are not so eager that they are not taking the time to make an informed decision.

Sample Answer: I would like to start as soon as possible.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Timeliness
• - Willingness to start immediately

Question Overview: This question will determine how the candidate handles a mistake. You want to see if the candidate is willing to admit their mistake and take responsibility for it. You also want to see if they are willing to go above and beyond to make sure the customer is satisfied.

Sample Answer: I would apologize to the customer and ask if they would be willing to wait a few minutes while I prepared their order.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to admit mistakes
• - Willingness to go above and beyond
• - Problem solving skills

Question Overview: This question will help you determine how the candidate handles a situation that requires them to think on their feet. You will want to see if the candidate is able to remain calm and friendly while still being able to effectively communicate with the customer.

Sample Answer: I would stop and ask the customer what they needed and if they were having a good experience. I would then try my best to help them out.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• - Ability to communicate effectively
• - Willingness to go above and beyond

Question Overview: This question will give you an idea of how the candidate prioritizes customer service. You want to make sure that the person you hire is willing to go the extra mile to ensure a positive experience for guests.

Sample Answer: I would offer to take the customer's coat or bag and escort them to their table. I would also make sure that they were comfortable and had everything they needed before I left them.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Willingness to go above and beyond
• - Ability to think quickly on their feet
• - Ability to solve problems

Question Overview: This question will test the candidate's ability to handle a situation in a calm and professional manner. You want to see how they handle conflict and whether they are able to diffuse the situation.

Sample Answer: I would ask the guest what was wrong and if there was anything I could do to help. I would also ask if they would like to speak with a manager.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to remain calm
• - Problem solving skills
• - Ability to listen

Question Overview: This question will allow you to see if the candidate is truly interested in working for your restaurant or if they are just looking for a job. You want someone who is genuinely interested in your establishment and what it has to offer.

Sample Answer: I have always been interested in the restaurant industry and I love the atmosphere of your restaurant. I think I would be a great fit for your team.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Passion for the restaurant industry
• - Willingness to work hard
• - Desire to work for your restaurant

Question Overview: This question will allow you to see how the candidate presents themselves. You want to see someone who is confident in their abilities and is able to effectively sell themselves.

Sample Answer: I am a hard worker with a positive attitude. I am also very friendly and enjoy interacting with people.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Confidence
• - Ability to sell oneself
• - Ability to present oneself in a professional manner

Question Overview: This question is used to determine whether the candidate is a good fit for the restaurant's brand. You want to hire someone who will represent your establishment in a positive light.

Sample Answer: My favorite color is red.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to represent the brand
• - Ability to follow rules and guidelines

Question Overview: This question will help you determine how the candidate handles stress and pressure. You want to see how they react when things get hectic and how they handle the pressure of a large group of people.

Sample Answer: I would take a deep breath and assess the situation. I would then delegate tasks to my co-workers and ask for help if needed.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to remain calm under pressure
• - Ability to multitask
• - Ability to prioritize tasks

Question Overview: This question will help you determine how the candidate prioritizes their time. You will want to see if they are willing to take a moment to prioritize the needs of the customer over the needs of other employees.

Sample Answer: I would make sure that I was not holding up a line of customers and then ask the caller if they could hold for a moment. If they agreed, I would then ask if they could hold for a few minutes while I tended to another guest.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Prioritization of duties
• - Ability to tend to multiple people at one time
• - Ability to delegate tasks

Question Overview: This question allows you to see how the candidate views their role in the workplace. You want to see if they are willing to work hard and contribute to the team.

Sample Answer: I think I can bring a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. I am excited to be part of the team and look forward to learning more about the restaurant industry.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to work well with others
• - Willingness to take on responsibility
• - Desire to be a team player

Question Overview: This question will help you determine how flexible the candidate is when it comes to working hours. You will want to hire someone who is willing to work different shifts and days, as well as someone who is willing to work overtime when needed.

Sample Answer: I am very flexible. I am able to work any day of the week and any shift. I am also able to work overtime when needed.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Flexibility
• - Ability to work with others
• - Willingness to go above and beyond