Question Overview: As a waitress, you will often be faced with difficult situations. The ideal candidate will be able to discuss a time they had to deal with a difficult customer and how they handled the situation. Focus on the applicant's ability to remain calm and positive during the experience.
Sample Answer: In my last position, I once assisted a patron who was upset about her meal as she felt it was cold. I had the chef remake her meal, and I gave her a free appetizer to ensure that she had a satisfactory experience.
Question Overview: In the restaurant industry, there are many different types of people. Some are pleasant, while others can be difficult to deal with. The ideal candidate will show how they would handle a bad customer and how they would resolve the situation. Focus on the applicant's ability to remain calm and their ability to listen to the patron's concerns.
Sample Answer: I would always make sure to listen to the customer's concerns and offer them a solution. I would also make sure to document any negative feedback so that I could share it with my manager.
Question Overview: As a restaurant manager, you want to know what might be a difficult adjustment for the applicant to work with you. The ideal candidate will be honest about their strengths and weaknesses. Focus on the applicant's ability to be honest about their shortcomings.
Sample Answer: I would need some time to adjust to working with a new manager as I have worked for the same manager for the past five years.
Question Overview: As a waitress, you will often be required to solve problems for customers. The ideal candidate will be able to think quickly and offer solutions to issues. Focus on the applicant's ability to remain calm and think of a solution to a problem.
Sample Answer: I would first ask the customer if they are okay with the situation and if they need anything else. If they are not satisfied, I would ask them what they would like me to do. I would then try to find a solution that works for both parties.
Question Overview: As a waitress, you will often be under pressure to perform at a high level. The ideal candidate will demonstrate how they handle stressful situations. Focus on the applicant's ability to remain calm and think clearly when discussing a time when they were under stress.
Sample Answer: I once had a customer who was upset about his meal, and he wanted to speak with the manager. I remained calm and explained that I could not get the manager at that time, but I would relay his concerns.
Question Overview: Waitresses are often required to travel to and from work. The ideal candidate will have a reliable means of transportation to and from work. Focus on the applicant's response to this question as it will give you insight into their ability to get to work on time and their ability to get home safely after a shift.
Sample Answer: I have a reliable car that I can use for work.
Question Overview: This is a great question to ask a waitress because it will allow you to gauge their values and how they handle situations. The ideal candidate will have a strong sense of integrity and will be able to explain how they have demonstrated this trait in their past jobs.
Sample Answer: Integrity means being honest with others and myself. I always strive to be truthful and honest in my interactions with others.
Question Overview: As a waitress, you will have to deal with many different types of people. The ideal candidate will show how they would handle a situation where a customer is upset about an incorrect order. Focus on the applicant's ability to remain calm and offer solutions to the problem.
Sample Answer: If a customer was upset about an incorrect order, I would first apologize and ask if they would like me to remake the meal. If they were still upset, I would offer them a free appetizer or dessert to make up for the inconvenience.
Question Overview: Waitresses are often required to deal with many tasks at once. During rush hours, one server might have four to five tables at the same time. The ideal candidate will understand the importance of time management and presenting each patron with a pleasant demeanor. Focus on the applicant's tone when discussing how they would handle a busy shift. Are they able to stay calm under pressure?
Sample Answer: I believe that I am qualified for this position because I have experience serving a variety of different types of customers and I am always willing to learn new things. I am detail-oriented and I am able to multitask during busy shifts.
Question Overview: This is a great question to ask a waitress because it will allow you to gauge their interest in the company. The ideal candidate will be able to give you a few reasons why they want to work for your restaurant. Focus on the applicant's enthusiasm and their ability to be a team player.
Sample Answer: I have always wanted to work for your restaurant because I have heard great things about it from my friends. I am excited to learn more about the company and get started.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will have a variety of experience serving customers in a variety of settings. Focus on the applicant's ability to provide specific examples of their experience and how they have handled difficult situations.
Sample Answer: I have experience serving customers in a variety of settings, including restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. I have worked with customers who are in a hurry and those who are more relaxed. I am able to handle difficult situations by remaining calm and finding solutions to problems.
Question Overview: In the restaurant industry, there is a fine line between providing good service and having a good product. The ideal candidate will know that a good product is essential to having a good service. Focus on the applicant's response to this question to determine how they would handle a situation where the food quality is poor.
Sample Answer: A good product is always more important than good service. If the food is not up to par, I would not be able to provide good service.
Question Overview: The ideal candidate will have a positive attitude toward the restaurant and will be able to explain why they are interested in working for your establishment. The applicant's response to this question will allow you to gauge their enthusiasm for the job and their interest in your establishment.
Sample Answer: I have always enjoyed eating at your restaurant, and I have always wanted to work here. I am excited for the opportunity to work with your team and help you grow your business.
Question Overview: Many restaurants have a variety of shifts available for waitresses. The applicant's response to this question will allow you to gauge their availability and how much they enjoy working different shifts. The ideal candidate will have experience working during all shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Sample Answer: I would prefer to work the evening shift as I am able to work full-time and have more time to spend with my family during the day.
Question Overview: Some restaurants have a family-friendly atmosphere, which means waitresses must be able to handle children. The ideal candidate will be able to discuss how they have experience working with children and how they are able to keep them entertained. Focus on the applicant's ability to keep the child's attention and their ability to make the child feel comfortable.
Sample Answer: I have experience working with children as I have worked at a daycare in the past. I would always make sure to keep the children entertained by playing games with them and reading stories.
Question Overview: This is a common question that is asked in an interview. The applicant's response to this question will allow you to gauge how honest they are about their weaknesses and how they plan to improve them. Focus on the applicant's ability to be honest about their weaknesses and how they plan to improve them.
Sample Answer: I am a perfectionist, so I often take longer than necessary to complete tasks. I am working on improving my time management skills.
Question Overview: The applicant's response to this question will allow you to gauge their interest in the company and whether or not they have researched the business. The ideal candidate will be able to discuss their interest in the company and how they found out about the position.
Sample Answer: I have been a fan of Longhorn Steakhouse for many years, and I am excited to be a part of the team. I found out about this position from a friend who works here.
Question Overview: The applicant's response to this question will give you insight into their personality and how they view themselves. The ideal candidate will be confident in their abilities and will show that they are a team player.
Sample Answer: I am a hard worker who is always willing to learn new tasks. I have experience serving a variety of customers and can handle stressful situations with ease. I am a team player who is always willing to help out my coworkers.
Question Overview: In the restaurant industry, there are many different types of customers. The ideal candidate will have a positive attitude toward all patrons and will be able to discuss a time they provided excellent service to a customer. Focus on the applicant's ability to think critically about their experience and how they can apply it to your establishment.
Sample Answer: I once had a customer who was celebrating their birthday. I made sure to bring them a free dessert and sing happy birthday to them. I also made sure to check in with them often during their meal to ensure that they were having a good time.
Question Overview: Waitresses are often required to work in teams to ensure that the restaurant is running smoothly. The ideal candidate will have experience working with others in a positive manner and will be able to explain how they have worked as part of a team in the past.
Sample Answer: I have experience working as part of a team at my previous waitress position. I would always make sure to check in with my coworkers to see if they needed help with anything.