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: This question will give you a good idea of how much money the candidate is likely to make in your restaurant. If they're too high, they might be unrealistic about their potential earnings. If they're too low, they might be underselling themselves.
Sample Answer: I averaged about $300 per hour.
Question Overview: This question is designed to reveal the candidate's work ethic. If they're unable to come up with a difficult job, they might not be the best fit for your restaurant.
Sample Answer: The most difficult job I've had was as a dishwasher. I had to work fast and hard to keep up with the pace.
Question Overview: A good answer to this question will demonstrate that the candidate understands the importance of teamwork and is willing to work with others. It will also show that they understand the concept of personal accountability.
Sample Answer: Teamwork is working together to get things done. It's about being accountable for your own actions and making sure that everyone is on the same page.
Question Overview: This question is designed to reveal the candidate's level of preparedness. If they're unable to answer it, it's a sign that they're not ready for the job.
Sample Answer: I need my uniform, my order pad and my pen.
Question Overview: The candidate's answer to this question will reveal a great deal about their priorities. If they say the food, they're probably not the best choice for your restaurant. If they say the customers, they're probably a good fit.
Sample Answer: I think the most important thing in a restaurant is the customers. Without them, we wouldn't have a business.
Question Overview: This is a question that you should only ask if you're legally required to do so. If you're not, it's best to steer clear of this topic altogether.
Sample Answer: No, I've never been arrested.
Question Overview: This is a simple question that will reveal the candidate's level of experience and whether or not they're qualified for your position.
Sample Answer: I've been working in restaurants for the past five years. My first job was as a busboy, and I've worked my way up to server.
Question Overview: This is a question that's often asked in the interview process, and it's important to know the answer. The candidate's age will give you an idea of their maturity level and how long they've been in the workforce.
Sample Answer: I'm twenty-five.
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 a bit of a softball, but it's still important to ask. The candidate's answer will tell you a lot about their personality and their ability to sell themselves.
Sample Answer: My best quality is my ability to make people feel comfortable. I'm very friendly and outgoing, and I'm good at putting people at ease.