Top Hostess Interview Questions with Example Answers [2020]

Prepare for your Hostess interview by going through these most asked Hostess interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

Hostess Questions

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  • Question: What is hospitality to you?

    • 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: What would you do if a customer called up and placed an order?

    • 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: How do you handle pressure?

    • 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: How old are you?

    • 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: What are your strengths and weaknesses?

    • 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: What are your shortcomings?

    • 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: How will you contribute to this work environment?

    • 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: When are you available?

    • 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: When do you want to start?

    • 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: What would you do if you forgot to ring in an order and the customer had been waiting a long time?

    • 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