Review the top 20 interview questions you'll most likely be asked at a waiter interview questions, plus the best answers.
Remember, these responses are only suggestions. Try to personalize your response as much as possible.
Tips Waiter interview questions and answers
Dress appropriately. Plan your outfit at least the night before and make sure it is clean/pressed.
Turn OFF your cell phone (a lot of people forget this one).
Bring copies of your resume and references for the interviewer as well as a pad of paper and a pen. Be polite and friendly to EVERYONE that you meet because the hiring manager may ask for their opinion.
Look the interviewer in the eyes. Speak clearly. Smile. Try to use "confident" body language.
Stay calm and try to remember that an interview is a 2 way discussion. You're trying to find out of an employer is going to be good for you, just like they are trying to find out if you will be good for them.
Prepare some answers for the typical questions like "tell me about yourself" "what are your greatest strengths/weaknesses" "where do you see yourself in x years" (you can search for interview questions and answers and see what more of the typical questions are as well as the best ways to answer them)
Try to include specific examples of your relevant skills, experience, and abilities in your answers. Remember you're selling yourself so you want to point out things that are relevant to the company.
Stay positive. Try to frame everything in a positive way, even if it is/was horrible. Never speak badly of other people or past positions/companies. There is always something polite to say.
If you find yourself flustered, its ok to ask for a moment to think about the question... it is, afterall, a discussion and discussions have pauses and silence in them.
DO YOUR RESEARCH! Look into the company, their vision, the duties of the job, and the typical pay for a similar position in your area.
Ask questions at the end. You should prepare 5-10 questions (I prepare 8 in case some get answered) based on the research you have done.
Tell me a little about yourself. This is always a tough one because you may be asking yourself “what do they want to know?” Focus on your skills, abilities and your interests. The interviewer wants to know about you and what your plans are for the present and the future. Remember to keep the answer brief because it can set the tone for the rest of the interview.
Why do you want to work for us? Here’s your chance to tell the interviewer why you chose to apply for the job. Don’t say because of the pay. While it is good to be honest, that may be pushing it. This is your opportunity to talk about how this job will help you and mention your availability.
What extracurricular activities do you participate in? This is your chance to talk about you—especially to show your personality. Your extracurricular activities are a reflection of you and your interests.
Why should I hire you? Be honest. Let the interviewer know why you are the best for the job. This is your chance to “sell” yourself and set yourself apart from the other interviewees
Pressure: If an interviewer asks you a question you simply do not know the answer to, don't panic. Interviewers may try to get a sense of a waiter's existing food knowledge by quizzing her on wine pairings, proper place settings and kitchen vocabulary. While many applicants may not know the answer to every question, an applicant who demonstrates grace under pressure is most likely to get the job. Instead of panicking, she will utilize what she knows to find the best answer and won't be afraid to ask.
Availability: When asked about your availability, be honest about how much you intend to work. A common mistake in interviews is claiming an open availability simply to appear more attractive as an applicant. This can cause problems down the line if you do get the job and can't work certain shifts. That said, Interviewers see an applicant who is willing to work difficult hours as someone with a strong work ethic. In this way, a simple question about availability conveys an applicant's overall quality as a prospective server.
How would you handle a guest that was upset with their meal?
This is a great time to showcase your problem solving skills. Talk about how you would first want to make sure that you understood what the customers needed and ensure them that you were going to try to make things better. Try to bring up examples from your current or past employment that are relevant and that help showcase your customer service and problem solving skills.
Have You Worked as a Waiter Before?
One of the first questions you will likely be asked when you are being interviewed for a position as a waiter or waitress is whether or not you have any previous experience. Since you will be required to perform a variety of tasks which include taking orders, delivering orders, prepping workstations, handing disgruntled customers and even handling money, most employers prefer experienced wait staff. If you have experience, simply provide this information. If you do not, a statement such as, “While I don’t have formal experience, I enjoy working with people and I learn very quickly” should suffice.
Why did you leave your last job, or why are you looking to leave your current job?
Remember, these responses are only suggestions. Try to personalize your response as much as possible.
Tips Waiter interview questions and answers
Dress appropriately. Plan your outfit at least the night before and make sure it is clean/pressed.
Turn OFF your cell phone (a lot of people forget this one).
Bring copies of your resume and references for the interviewer as well as a pad of paper and a pen. Be polite and friendly to EVERYONE that you meet because the hiring manager may ask for their opinion.
Look the interviewer in the eyes. Speak clearly. Smile. Try to use "confident" body language.
Stay calm and try to remember that an interview is a 2 way discussion. You're trying to find out of an employer is going to be good for you, just like they are trying to find out if you will be good for them.
Prepare some answers for the typical questions like "tell me about yourself" "what are your greatest strengths/weaknesses" "where do you see yourself in x years" (you can search for interview questions and answers and see what more of the typical questions are as well as the best ways to answer them)
Try to include specific examples of your relevant skills, experience, and abilities in your answers. Remember you're selling yourself so you want to point out things that are relevant to the company.
Stay positive. Try to frame everything in a positive way, even if it is/was horrible. Never speak badly of other people or past positions/companies. There is always something polite to say.
If you find yourself flustered, its ok to ask for a moment to think about the question... it is, afterall, a discussion and discussions have pauses and silence in them.
DO YOUR RESEARCH! Look into the company, their vision, the duties of the job, and the typical pay for a similar position in your area.
Ask questions at the end. You should prepare 5-10 questions (I prepare 8 in case some get answered) based on the research you have done.
Tell me a little about yourself. This is always a tough one because you may be asking yourself “what do they want to know?” Focus on your skills, abilities and your interests. The interviewer wants to know about you and what your plans are for the present and the future. Remember to keep the answer brief because it can set the tone for the rest of the interview.
Why do you want to work for us? Here’s your chance to tell the interviewer why you chose to apply for the job. Don’t say because of the pay. While it is good to be honest, that may be pushing it. This is your opportunity to talk about how this job will help you and mention your availability.
What extracurricular activities do you participate in? This is your chance to talk about you—especially to show your personality. Your extracurricular activities are a reflection of you and your interests.
Why should I hire you? Be honest. Let the interviewer know why you are the best for the job. This is your chance to “sell” yourself and set yourself apart from the other interviewees
Pressure: If an interviewer asks you a question you simply do not know the answer to, don't panic. Interviewers may try to get a sense of a waiter's existing food knowledge by quizzing her on wine pairings, proper place settings and kitchen vocabulary. While many applicants may not know the answer to every question, an applicant who demonstrates grace under pressure is most likely to get the job. Instead of panicking, she will utilize what she knows to find the best answer and won't be afraid to ask.
Availability: When asked about your availability, be honest about how much you intend to work. A common mistake in interviews is claiming an open availability simply to appear more attractive as an applicant. This can cause problems down the line if you do get the job and can't work certain shifts. That said, Interviewers see an applicant who is willing to work difficult hours as someone with a strong work ethic. In this way, a simple question about availability conveys an applicant's overall quality as a prospective server.
How would you handle a guest that was upset with their meal?
This is a great time to showcase your problem solving skills. Talk about how you would first want to make sure that you understood what the customers needed and ensure them that you were going to try to make things better. Try to bring up examples from your current or past employment that are relevant and that help showcase your customer service and problem solving skills.
Have You Worked as a Waiter Before?
One of the first questions you will likely be asked when you are being interviewed for a position as a waiter or waitress is whether or not you have any previous experience. Since you will be required to perform a variety of tasks which include taking orders, delivering orders, prepping workstations, handing disgruntled customers and even handling money, most employers prefer experienced wait staff. If you have experience, simply provide this information. If you do not, a statement such as, “While I don’t have formal experience, I enjoy working with people and I learn very quickly” should suffice.
Why did you leave your last job, or why are you looking to leave your current job?
Never say anything negative about your past or current waitress positions. You can talk about how you are looking to expand your knowledge and experience and that this job would allow for that. If you were working at more of a chain restaurant and interviewing at an independently owned restaurant you could talk about the uniqueness and how you would rather be working for an individual instead of a corporation, etc.
- Have you ever taken charge in a restaurant in an emergency?
- How do you handle fast-paced work environments?
- How do you entertain customers as a waiter?
- What is the most difficult part of being a waiter?
- Imagine a customer asks for an item on the menu that is not available at the time. How do you convince him to select something else?
- Describe a time when you had to deal with a particularly difficult customer/table. How did you handle the situation? Is there anything you would have done differently?
- Have you ever taken charge in a restaurant in an emergency?
- Have You Worked as a Waiter Before?
- What are the basic rules for waiters?
- How do you handle fast-paced work environments?
- Do You Work Well with Others?
- How do you entertain customers as a waiter?
- What do you know about service and different types of menus?
- What is the most difficult part of being a waiter?
- Do You Have any Related Degrees or Certificates?
- Can you speak about any dish if any customer wants?
- How can you convince customer for another choice if his/her choice is not available at that time?
- Imagine a customer asks for an item on the menu that is not available at the time. How do you convince him to select something else?
- What would you do if a customer sent his meal back?
- If a customer asks for a suggestion, what would you say?
- What is your favorite item on our menu?
- Can You Describe a Situation in which You Helped a Difficult Customer?
- What do you think are important components of an exceptional dining experience?
- Why did you choose our restaurant?
- What do you do in your free time? They will want to assess how many late nights you will actually work.
- What kind of qualities do you think a good waiter/waitress must possess?
- How do you gauge the success of a restaurant?
