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 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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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 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: If your restaurant is open on holidays, you'll need to know whether or not the candidate will be willing to work on those days. If they're not, you'll have to decide whether or not you want to hire them anyway.
Sample Answer: I'm willing to work on holidays if it's necessary.
Question Overview: The candidate's answer to this question will reveal a great deal about their personality, sense of humor and ability to think on their feet. It's a silly question, but it's also a test of their ability to think quickly and creatively.
Sample Answer: A manhole is round because it's the shape that will fit through the hole in the street.
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 will reveal how the candidate handled a difficult situation. It's also a good way to see how well they communicate.
Sample Answer: I once had a guest who was very drunk and kept insisting that I give him free drinks. I was able to get him to leave without incident, but it was a little scary.
Question Overview: This question is designed to reveal the candidate's level of enthusiasm for the job. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic and passionate about the industry, and should be able to explain why they're interested in working at your restaurant.
Sample Answer: I've always loved food and wine, and I want to share that passion with others.
Question Overview: This is a question that will reveal a lot about the candidate's character. What they did wrong and how they handled it will tell you how they'll react in a crisis.
Sample Answer: I was serving a table of four and I accidentally gave them the wrong check. I realized my mistake as soon as I'd walked away, and I immediately went back to apologize and correct the problem.
Question Overview: This question is a great way to find out if the candidate has done any research on the restaurant. If they haven't, they're probably not the ideal candidate. If they have, they'll be able to tell you what they like about the place and what they think it has to offer.
Sample Answer: I've eaten here a few times and really enjoyed the food. I like the atmosphere and the fact that you have a full bar.
Question Overview: This is a trick question. The ideal candidate will answer that they'll do whatever it takes to make sure that the boss is happy, but will also stand up for themselves if the boss is being unreasonable.
Sample Answer: I'd listen to what my boss had to say and then do whatever it took to make him or her happy. If I felt that the criticism was unjustified, I'd speak up and explain why.
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: The candidate's answer to this question will tell you a great deal about his or her tastes and preferences. If they're unable to name a single restaurant, they might not be the ideal candidate.
Sample Answer: I love Thai food, but I also love Italian. I'm not sure I could pick just one.