Question Overview: This question is a classic, and you'll hear it in almost every interview. The candidate's answer will tell you a great deal about their self-awareness and ability to work with others.
Sample Answer: I'm a hard worker who's always willing to pitch in and help out. I'm also a bit of a perfectionist, which can be both a strength and a weakness.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will have experience pairing beer with food, but you can also ask about wine or cocktails. The candidate's answer will reveal their level of knowledge and whether or not they've had any formal training.
Sample Answer: I've worked in a few places that have a good beer selection, and I've learned a lot about what goes well with different foods. I've taken a few classes on pairing beer with food.
Question Overview: The candidate's answer to this question will reveal their level of customer service and their ability to think on their feet. It's a good idea to ask this question in a group setting so that you can see how they interact with others.
Sample Answer: I once had a guest who was very particular about his coffee. He told me that he liked it very hot, but not so hot that it burned his tongue. I made sure that his coffee was just right every time he ordered it.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will be able to resolve conflict in a calm, professional manner. You don't want someone who's going to escalate the situation or get into a screaming match with a customer.
Sample Answer: I try to remain calm and talk things out. I've never had to call the police or anything like that.
Question Overview: The candidate's answer to this question will tell you whether or not they have a clear understanding of the job and whether or not they're a good fit for your particular establishment.
Sample Answer: I've always enjoyed working with people, and I'm really good at remembering orders. I've worked in restaurants for years, and I'm looking for a new challenge.
Question Overview: The candidate's answer to this question will tell you a great deal about their personality. If they're able to come up with a specific example, it will also tell you how well they're able to sell themselves.
Sample Answer: I'm a hard worker who's always willing to pitch in and help out. I'm also very friendly and outgoing, which helps me make friends with the customers.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will be able to handle any situation with grace and professionalism. They'll also be able to identify the source of the problem and take steps to correct it.
Sample Answer: I'd first ask if there was anything I could do to make things better. If they said no, I'd apologize and ask if they'd like me to get their check. If they said yes, I'd ask what they'd like me to do.
Question Overview: This question is designed to reveal the candidate's level of professionalism and ability to handle pressure. The ideal candidate will be able to remain calm and focused in a variety of situations.
Sample Answer: I'm good at staying focused on the task at hand. I don't let stress get to me.
Question Overview: This question will tell you a lot about the candidate's personality and interests. If they're a sports fan, they might have a favorite team's jersey or hat. If they're a music buff, they might have a favorite band's poster. If they're into art, they might have a favorite painting or sculpture.
Sample Answer: I love the painting of the cafe that hangs on the wall near the bathroom. It was painted by a local artist and depicts the cafe in its heyday.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will be able to handle difficult clients with grace and professionalism. The candidate's answer will also reveal whether or not they've had experience dealing with difficult people.
Sample Answer: I would try to find out what the problem was and see if I could help. If that didn't work, I'd ask my manager for help.
Question Overview: The candidate's answer to this question will reveal whether or not they're familiar with the restaurant and its menu, and whether or not they've done any research on the company.
Sample Answer: I'm a big fan of your menu. I've eaten at your restaurant several times and I like the variety of options.
Question Overview: This question is designed to test the candidate's math skills. It's a simple question, but it will reveal whether or not they're comfortable with numbers and can think quickly on their feet.
Sample Answer: I'd count the wings in groups of three and then round up to the nearest whole number.
Question Overview: The candidate's answer to this question will tell you how much they're willing to work for the job. If they say that they're willing to work hard, that's great, but if they don't have any specific ideas about what they'd do to stand out, you might want to look elsewhere.
Sample Answer: I'd make sure that I was the most knowledgeable server in the restaurant. I'd also be sure to make every customer feel special.
Question Overview: This question is a bit of a joke, but it's also a good way to see how the candidate reacts to a silly question. If they laugh and answer the question, they're probably a good fit for your restaurant.
Sample Answer: My favorite color is blue.
Question Overview: This question is designed to reveal the candidate's level of loyalty and commitment. If they've only been with one company for a short time, they may not be as invested in their career as someone who's been with the same company for years.
Sample Answer: I've been with my current company for five years.
Question Overview: This is a question that's designed to reveal the candidate's level of enthusiasm for the job. If they're not excited about the prospect of working for you, they probably won't be able to convince your customers to come back.
Sample Answer: I'm a hard worker who's always willing to pitch in and help out. I'm also very friendly and outgoing.
Question Overview: This question is a great way to find out if the candidate has done any research on the restaurant. If they haven't, they're probably not the ideal candidate. If they have, they'll be able to tell you what they like about the place and what they think it has to offer.
Sample Answer: I've eaten here a few times and really enjoyed the food. I like the atmosphere and the fact that you have a full bar.
Question Overview: This question is a simple one, but it will tell you a lot about the candidate. If they're unable to provide a complete answer, they may not have been able to hold down a job for very long. If they've been working for years, but are unable to provide a complete answer, they may be hiding something.
Sample Answer: I've worked as a server in several restaurants over the past few years. I've also worked as a bartender and as a hostess.
Question Overview: This question will reveal whether or not the candidate has a history of job hopping. If they've been fired, they should be honest about it, but if they've left on their own accord, they should be able to explain why.
Sample Answer: I left my last job because I was offered a position with a higher salary.
Question Overview: This question is designed to reveal the candidate's leadership skills, and it's a good idea to ask it of everyone who interviews. The ideal candidate will be able to tell you about a time when he or she was in charge of a group project, a sports team or a club.
Sample Answer: I was the president of my college fraternity. I was in charge of planning events and making sure that everyone was on the same page.