Top Server Interview Questions with Example Answers [2020]

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.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Specifics of past restaurant experience
• - Level of self-awareness
• - Ability to sell themselves

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.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Self-awareness
• - Ability to work as part of a team
• - Willingness to accept constructive criticism

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.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Level of experience
• - Any formal training
• - Any special certifications

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.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Demonstration of customer service skills
• - Ability to think quickly
• - Level of enthusiasm

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.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Level of professionalism
• - Ability to remain calm
• - Ability to resolve conflict without escalating the situation

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.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Level of understanding of the job
• - Level of enthusiasm for the job

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.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to remain calm under pressure
• - Ability to identify the source of the problem
• - Ability to fix the problem

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.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Level of professionalism
• - Ability to remain calm under pressure
• - Ability to maintain a positive attitude

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.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Level of interest in the cafe's theme
• - Level of interest in the candidate's personal interests

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.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Level of experience
• - Ability to work as part of a team
• - Willingness to take initiative