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: 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 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 ideal candidate will be able to juggle multiple tasks at once without getting flustered or losing focus. This is a good question to ask if you're looking for a server who can handle a busy dining room.
Sample Answer: I was working the dining room at a busy restaurant and had a large party of eight walk in. I was already working on another table, but I was able to take care of them without any problems.
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 question that's designed to reveal the candidate's personality and sense of humor. The ideal candidate will be able to think on his or her feet and come up with a unique answer that will make you laugh.
Sample Answer: I'm a great dancer. I can do the robot and the moonwalk.
Question Overview: The candidate's answer to this question will reveal their level of enthusiasm for the job and whether or not they're a good fit for your establishment.
Sample Answer: I've worked in restaurants for years and I've always enjoyed it. I'm looking for a new challenge and I think this position would be a great fit for me.
Question Overview: This question is a simple one that will tell you whether the candidate is available for the position you have open. If they're not, you'll have to either wait for them to become available or find someone else.
Sample Answer: I'm available immediately.
Question Overview: The candidate's answer to this question will reveal their level of interest in the job, as well as their knowledge of the company. It's also a good opportunity to find out if they've done any research on the company prior to the interview.
Sample Answer: I'm interested in working for BWW because I've heard that you're a great place to work, and I've always wanted to try your wings.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will be able to tell you about his or her unique skills, such as a background in wine, experience working in a busy kitchen or a knack for remembering names and faces.
Sample Answer: I'm a quick learner and I'm very personable. I also have a background in wine, which is something that not everyone has.
Question Overview: This question will tell you where the candidate has worked and how long they've been in the business. It will also tell you whether or not they've been able to stick with a job for a reasonable amount of time.
Sample Answer: I've worked at three different restaurants. I started out at a family-owned place in town and then moved on to a chain restaurant. I'm currently working at a local diner.
Question Overview: This question is designed to reveal the candidate's level of knowledge about the restaurant, and it's important that they have a good answer. If they haven't done their homework, you'll know it right away.
Sample Answer: I've done my research on the menu and I know that you're known for your burgers. I'm a big fan of burgers and I'm excited to have the opportunity to work here.
Question Overview: This is a common question that's asked in almost every interview, and it's a good one to ask in a restaurant interview as well. The candidate's answer will tell you how honest they are and whether or not they're aware of their own shortcomings.
Sample Answer: I'm a perfectionist, and sometimes I can be too hard on myself. I know that I need to work on this.