Have You Ever Used A Pos System Or Taken Payments And What Type Of Payments Have You Taken
Servers will handle cash, take payments and use POS systems. Explain your experience taking payments and be detailed. Describe the exact experience you have using POS and taking any other form of payment.
Answer: I have handled credit card payments, cash and gift cards. I have used multiple types of POS systems and software. I can learn how to run these systems very quickly and at my previous job I helped train employees and was often asked how to solve simple issues with them.
Characteristics Of A Good Waiter
A good waiter has skills that include positively engaging patrons and setting a pleasant tone for their meal. Servers should inspect the food presented by cooks before delivering it to the table to make sure that the order is complete and cooked to specifications.
Waiters check with customers regarding their satisfaction with their meal and advocate on their behalf if there are any complaints. They may also be required to receive and process payments for meals.
Servers work for the foodservice component of a variety of establishments including hotels, resorts, bars, and restaurants. Many servers work part-time on evenings and weekends to supplement their income from other jobs.
Chapter 1: Do You Have Bar Experience
Nowadays, restaurant employees like their waiting staff to have plenty of skills. If the bar gets busy but the restaurant is quiet, waitresses with bar experience can work on the bar to help the rest of the staff.
Example Answer: “I used to work on a bar a couple of years ago. I learned how to make cocktails and pour draught beer.”
If you have no experience working behind a bar, show your interest in learning this new skill.
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What Are The Roles Of A Waiter/waitress
I will be the first person to serve clients as a waiter/waitress. My responsibilities will include greeting customers and assisting them with menu selections. Using my product knowledge, I will assist customers in making informed choices about food items. I will also take orders for food and drinks. Additionally, I will be around the dining area to attend to guests needs. When food is ready, I will deliver it to clients tables. I will make sure that the order details have been translated appropriately by the kitchen staff and that the client receives a delicious meal.
Tell Me Something About Yourself
This can be the first question in your hostess interview. Try to stay relevant in your answer, and talk about things that matter for the employer.
You can talk about the jobs you hadany jobs in retail or customer service. But you can also refer to your strengths , such as your communication skills. You can say this in a very natural way: I enjoy talking to people, and listen to them. I like to socialize and enjoy being a part of a team
You can mention one or two hobbies as well, especially if your hobbies help you to stay in an excellent condition, or improve your skills. If you like to run or bike it a good sign for an employer. The same can be said about your hobby in learning languages
Special Tip: Download a full list of questions in a simple one-page long PDF document, print it, and practice your interview answers anytime later:
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What Do You Like Most About Working As A Waitress
Tip: A perfect candidate is the one motivated by something else except money. Explain to your interviewer why you love being a waitress.
Answer: I like that each day is different, as I am serving different people. I continuously learn new things in communication, psychology, and self-management. My favorite part of this work is people whom I learn from and whom I serve.
What Do You Wear To A Food Service Interview
Dress in business-casual attire and accessories. Men should wear a suit or sports jacket, a tie, and dress slacks. Women may wear a suit or a skirt and shirt. Additionally, women may wear formal slacks.
For any waitress job, it’s best to attend in a business dress code. This is a business casual top for both men and women. And a more formal outfit rather than ripped jeans or a t-shirt.
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Cite Any Accomplishment Or Disappointment Of Your Past
Answer. When you are asked about your disappointments, state a situation that was not under your control. Show them that how to stayed positive throughout the situation and accepted it. Accomplishments are very easy to state and comes from within. Illustrate an example that played quite a major role in your career and for the company. Try specifying an accomplishment that is relevant to the job you have applied for and state how could you execute the situation and what were the outcomes.
Why Have You Applied For A Position As A Waiter With Us
Managers may ask this question to see how much you know about the restaurant and understand how you might fit in. This can be a good time to show that you’ve read the job description, researched the restaurant and know how it’s unique. You can also include one or two personal traits that explain why you are a good fit for the position.
Example:”I’d like to work as a waiter at Shake and Skate because I believe the relationship with the customers here is really fun and unique. When people eat at Shake and Skate, they get both classic diner food of really high quality and the carhop experience, and I’ve seen how great that can be for families. I’ve lived in the area a long time, and this Shake and Skate location seems to create the best all-around dining experience of all the local fast-food restaurants. My experience skating and working with families could be a great fit for this job.”
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Why Should I Hire You
Your answer should stress how your skills and experience benefit the company and help meet the companys goals. If you are being hired to address a specific problem, explain how you have handled similar situations in the past.
Other things you might be asked about include:
- An explanation of any gaps in your resumé, poor grades, or a change in career direction
- How you might handle a specific problem on the job
- How you would describe your personality
- How you feel about overtime, working on holidays, or other job conditions
- How much you expect to be paid
- What you value at work and in life, what you look for in a job, or what is your ideal job
- What you find difficult to do or who you find difficult to work with
When planning responses, be positive. Indicate how you have learned from experience, what benefits you have gained, and how this learning benefits the employer. Be honest and sincere. Some employers may ask about your leisure activities. Often these employers are looking for someone who is well rounded and contributes to the community.
Getting Your Foot In The Door
Keep in mind that waiters often start their careers as bussers or hosts and then move up in the same restaurant or the restaurant hierarchy from casual chain restaurants to more upscale establishments. Consider accepting a job that may not be what you are looking for to start. It could be a way to get started on a restaurant career.
One place you can get a head start is to get the food safety training required by your state or local authorities. This training covers everything from how to wash your hands to the correct serving temperature of meats and other food items. By having this training in place, it may give you a leg-up on the competition. There are many companies that provide classroom and online food safety courses, Some even offer training that is available on connected smartphones.
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What Major Challenges Did You Face During Your Last Role How Did You Manage Them
When I first started my career, I had difficulty dealing with some customers who displayed funny behaviors. When they talked to me like that, I would get offended. As I discussed it with my colleagues, I realized that such behavior is exhibited by some clients. However, I laughed it off and continued working. These days, it does not offend me, and I even jokingly match their energy.
Have You Ever Had A Chance To Explain A Missing Menu Item To A Customer
I used to stock up on sensitive skin lotion in my previous role. The sales werent great because most people bought the normal range. We ran out of fish when we had a customer come in. This was not what we anticipated being purchased first. I assured her that a supplier had been ordered already for the same and will soon deliver. As a suggestion, I suggested other menu items she may enjoy. In the end, she chose our delicious chicken. I made her feel comfortable to such an extent that she was impressed.
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What Are Your Salary Expectation
Answer. This is a very tricky question and can make or break the situation. Do not be impulsive and state any amount that you find is relevant enough to demand. Go through the companyâs website and research their salary ranges. You can specify a salary range, you should be comfortable with the lowest range as well. However, if you think that you want a specific amount and is qualified enough for that with the company who would be able to provide such an amount, then you can go for it.
What Is Your Experience Handling And Serving Alcohol
If the restaurant serves alcohol, servers may recommend, serve and even make a variety of drinks. This question lets managers know whether you can begin these tasks right away or whether you would need training if they hired you. Include details about your experience in your answer, so that the manager can understand whether you’re familiar with what they serve. If you don’t have experience, you might mention that you’re eager to learn.
Example:”At my previous position, I recommended drinks from our selection of local beers and house cocktails. I occasionally worked in the barback position, so I also learned how to make many standard cocktails to help the bartender during the evening rush. I don’t have extensive knowledge of wine, but I’m eager to learn more about your house selections.”
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How Do You Help Keep Your Workplace Safe
Your answer to this question can show hiring managers how much you know about workplace safety and how you follow rules and regulations. You can mention any experience you have with specific food safety standards or workplace expectations and then include your approach to learning new safety regulations.
Example:”In my experience, communication is a huge part of workplace safety. I make sure to call out to others when I’m in the kitchen or approaching someone where they can’t see. I like to learn routines and procedures for things like hot pans, cleaning chemicals and food-safe practices within the first couple days of work.”
Formal And Informal Job Hunting
Many restaurant jobs are filled both formally and informally. The usual job boards are a good place to start your search. Formal job searches include job sites like Indeed and SimplyHired. Search using keywords like food server, waiter, and restaurant to generate job listings. If you’re interested in working for a restaurant chain, check the website to see if they accept online applications. Have an updated copy of your resume and any food safety training that you have completed available to attach to the application.
You may also find a position informally through personal referrals. Start looking for a job by asking people you know if they are aware of any job openings. Your best chance of getting introduced to restaurant managers and owners will be through members of your family and friends network. Reach out to everyone you know and ask if they know anyone in the restaurant business. Ask any friends who are already working in restaurants if there are any open positions where they work.
If you do find someone with a job lead, you can pass your resume so it will get to the right person quickly.
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Can You Please Tell Us Something About Your Previous Working Experience
No experience is completely fine and even proffered at some places. In case of having no experience, you should ensure them that you are willing to learn and work hard, and understand what will be expected from you in the job.
If you have previous experience working in a bar or restaurant, I suggest you to mention only places where you worked for six months or more. Summer job is an exception, of course. They should get a feeling that you arent a job hopper, and will stay with them for some time.
Try to talk positively about your former jobs and colleagues. Negativity is a bad sign for most employers. If you did some long shifts or night shifts or anything else special, you should say so.
This Is A Repetitive Job And Sometimes A Hard One What Motivates You
You have a few options for a good answer. One is saying that you actually enjoy the job of a waitress. You feel like a fish in a water in the environment of a busy restaurant, you delight in your interactions with the customers, and basically the day flies away quickly for you in work.
Whats more, though the tasks repeat each day, different people come to the place, and there is no lack of interesting situations in a bar or restaurantat least in your view.
Another option is referring to your goals. You want to provide for a family, or save enough money for your studies, or you have another goal on your mind, and this drives you forward on days when you struggle with motivation. Because you want to achieve your goal, and it would be impossible to do so without money.
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What Are Your Additional Skills
In this fast and competitive world, the employer expects an additional skill that can be enclosed for the purpose of successful turnover of the restaurant business. And thats why the candidate should have some special skills like bar attending or anything, this provides a possibility that the candidate might get selected for the waitress job offered.
Therefore, obtaining additional skills in a restaurant business can be an added advantage for the candidate.
Describe Briefly About Your Experience
In a busy restaurant downtown, I worked for two years as a waiter. The position required this experience. During my time in this position, I have developed key sales skills such as communication and interpersonal skills. I have developed my ability to handle a variety of clients and provide complete assistance to them. My skills in customer handling and customer service have improved over the past year. My belief is that this reflects the restaurants continuous improvement strategy.
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Chapter : What Is Your Greatest Strength
This question is a popular question for most types of interviews. It’s the kind of question, an interviewer asks to see if you’re well suited for the job. To give the best answer you need to make it relevant to your job. For example:
Example Answer: “I think my greatest strength would be my experience, I’ve worked as a waitress for three years and I’m used to working independently and part as a team.”
Interviewers will want to hear answers like ‘my personality’ or ‘my experience.’ Successful waitresses do well in their job if they have experience and they’re friendly to customers. To show your interviewer you’re telling the truth, use your CV or describe a time, to prove your greatest strength is real and not made up.
Chapter : What Is Your Weakness
You need to be careful with this question. Being too honest can dash all hopes of you getting the job. Here is an example of a good answer:
Example Answer: “Because I focus on making customers happy, I can get quite stressed. I understand you can’t make every customer happy but I want to show I’m good at my job.”
Business owners like to see their employees are willing to go the extra mile for their customers. If you can prove that you’re willing to go out of your way to help people, you’ll shine in the interview.
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What To Wear For A Waitress Job Interview
This really depends on your future place of work. In high class restaurants and posh places, you will have to follow a dress code. In a casual bar or ordinary place, you will be typically allowed to wear anything.
The best thing you can do is visiting the place in advance, and checking what the waitresses are wearing. If the idea feels occurred to you, you can always send a friendpaying for their drink. Once you know what the existing waitresses are wearing, you can just put on something similar for your interview
May also help you prepare for your waitress job interview:
- How to overcome interview nerves simple guide that will help you beat your anxiety and deliver your very best.
- Restaurant interview questions check some questions you may get while applying for any job in a restaurant.
