Question Overview: Waitresses are often required to deal with many tasks at once. During rush hours, one server might have four to five tables at the same time. The ideal candidate will understand the importance of time management and presenting each patron with a pleasant demeanor. Focus on the applicant's tone when discussing how they would handle a busy shift. Are they able to stay calm under pressure?
Sample Answer: I believe that I am qualified for this position because I have experience serving a variety of different types of customers and I am always willing to learn new things. I am detail-oriented and I am able to multitask during busy shifts.
Question Overview: As a waitress, you will often be faced with difficult situations. The ideal candidate will be able to discuss a time they had to deal with a difficult customer and how they handled the situation. Focus on the applicant's ability to remain calm and positive during the experience.
Sample Answer: In my last position, I once assisted a patron who was upset about her meal as she felt it was cold. I had the chef remake her meal, and I gave her a free appetizer to ensure that she had a satisfactory experience.
Question Overview: As a waitress, you will have to deal with many different types of people. The ideal candidate will show how they would handle a situation where a customer is upset about an incorrect order. Focus on the applicant's ability to remain calm and offer solutions to the problem.
Sample Answer: If a customer was upset about an incorrect order, I would first apologize and ask if they would like me to remake the meal. If they were still upset, I would offer them a free appetizer or dessert to make up for the inconvenience.
Question Overview: This is a great question to ask a waitress because it will allow you to gauge their values and how they handle situations. The ideal candidate will have a strong sense of integrity and will be able to explain how they have demonstrated this trait in their past jobs.
Sample Answer: Integrity means being honest with others and myself. I always strive to be truthful and honest in my interactions with others.
Question Overview: As a waitress, you will often be required to solve problems for customers. The ideal candidate will be able to think quickly and offer solutions to issues. Focus on the applicant's ability to remain calm and think of a solution to a problem.
Sample Answer: I would first ask the customer if they are okay with the situation and if they need anything else. If they are not satisfied, I would ask them what they would like me to do. I would then try to find a solution that works for both parties.
Question Overview: In the restaurant industry, there are many different types of people. Some are pleasant, while others can be difficult to deal with. The ideal candidate will show how they would handle a bad customer and how they would resolve the situation. Focus on the applicant's ability to remain calm and their ability to listen to the patron's concerns.
Sample Answer: I would always make sure to listen to the customer's concerns and offer them a solution. I would also make sure to document any negative feedback so that I could share it with my manager.
Question Overview: As a waitress, you will often be under pressure to perform at a high level. The ideal candidate will demonstrate how they handle stressful situations. Focus on the applicant's ability to remain calm and think clearly when discussing a time when they were under stress.
Sample Answer: I once had a customer who was upset about his meal, and he wanted to speak with the manager. I remained calm and explained that I could not get the manager at that time, but I would relay his concerns.
Question Overview: This is a great question to ask a waitress because it will allow you to gauge their interest in the company. The ideal candidate will be able to give you a few reasons why they want to work for your restaurant. Focus on the applicant's enthusiasm and their ability to be a team player.
Sample Answer: I have always wanted to work for your restaurant because I have heard great things about it from my friends. I am excited to learn more about the company and get started.
Question Overview: As a restaurant manager, you want to know what might be a difficult adjustment for the applicant to work with you. The ideal candidate will be honest about their strengths and weaknesses. Focus on the applicant's ability to be honest about their shortcomings.
Sample Answer: I would need some time to adjust to working with a new manager as I have worked for the same manager for the past five years.
Question Overview: This is a great opportunity for the applicant to sell themselves as the best candidate for the job. The ideal candidate will have a positive attitude and will highlight their skills and experience that make them the best candidate for the position.
Sample Answer: I am a hard worker who is always willing to learn new tasks. I have experience working in a fast-paced environment and have strong interpersonal skills. I am confident that I can be an asset to your team.
Question Overview: Everyone makes mistakes, but the best candidates will be able to share a time when they failed at something and how they overcame it. The ideal candidate will show that they learned from their mistakes and are able to apply the knowledge to future tasks. Focus on the applicant's ability to stay positive and learn from their mistakes.
Sample Answer: I once forgot to put an order in for a customer who was waiting for their food. I apologized and offered them a free appetizer for their next visit.
Question Overview: Waitresses are often the first line of defense when a customer has a complaint. The ideal candidate will have a positive attitude and be able to handle complaints in a calm manner. Focus on the applicant's ability to listen to the customer and offer solutions to their concerns.
Sample Answer: I would listen to the customer's complaint and offer solutions to fix the problem. I would also make sure that the customer was satisfied with my response before moving on to the next table.
Question Overview: This is a common question that is asked in an interview. The applicant's response to this question will allow you to gauge how honest they are about their weaknesses and how they plan to improve them. Focus on the applicant's ability to be honest about their weaknesses and how they plan to improve them.
Sample Answer: I am a perfectionist, so I often take longer than necessary to complete tasks. I am working on improving my time management skills.
Question Overview: This is a common question that interviewers ask to gauge how the applicant will answer. The ideal candidate will discuss their strengths and weaknesses in a positive manner. Focus on the applicant's ability to accept criticism and use it to improve their skills.
Sample Answer: I am a hard worker and I always strive to be the best at my job. My weakness is that I am sometimes too hard on myself when I make mistakes. I have learned to be more forgiving of myself and focus on improving my skills.
Question Overview: Some restaurants require waitresses to make simple alcoholic beverages; however, others might only require servers to handle beers and wine. The applicant's response to this question will allow you to gauge their knowledge of a variety of drinks and how experienced they are as a waitress. Does the individual prefer handling only non-alcoholic beverages? Focus on the candidate's confidence in their abilities.
Sample Answer: I have six years of experience serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. At my last job, I learned how to make bloody marys and mimosas for our daily brunch service.
Question Overview: In the restaurant industry, there are many different types of customers. The ideal candidate will have a positive attitude toward all patrons and will be able to discuss a time they provided excellent service to a customer. Focus on the applicant's ability to think critically about their experience and how they can apply it to your establishment.
Sample Answer: I once had a customer who was celebrating their birthday. I made sure to bring them a free dessert and sing happy birthday to them. I also made sure to check in with them often during their meal to ensure that they were having a good time.
Question Overview: Waitresses are often required to sell additional items to customers. The ideal candidate will have experience selling additional items, such as appetizers, desserts, or drinks. Focus on the applicant's ability to sell additional items and their ability to handle rejection.
Sample Answer: I have had experience selling additional items to customers. In my previous position, I would ask if the patron would like to add an appetizer or dessert to their meal.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will have a positive attitude toward the restaurant and will be able to explain why they are interested in working for your establishment. The applicant's response to this question will allow you to gauge their enthusiasm for the job and their interest in your establishment.
Sample Answer: I have always enjoyed eating at your restaurant, and I have always wanted to work here. I am excited for the opportunity to work with your team and help you grow your business.
Question Overview: As a waitress, you will be required to know the most popular dishes on the menu. This question will allow you to gauge the applicant's knowledge of the menu and their ability to sell a variety of items. The ideal candidate will be able to discuss the most popular dishes at their previous restaurant and how they would describe each meal to a customer.
Sample Answer: The most popular dish at my previous restaurant was our chicken parmesan. I would describe it as a breaded chicken breast with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.