What Is Your Schedule Like Are You Able To Work Night/weekend/holiday Shifts
For the interviewer: Dealing with staffing challenges is one of the most common issues for restaurant managers. Thanks to on-demand staffing solutions, the ability to fill shifts quickly with professionals is easier than ever. But building a reliable staff is no walk in the park. This question helps you determine what you can expect from the candidate in terms of time commitment.
For the interviewee: Display your willingness to work and be an asset to the team. Restaurants often deal with staffing challenges that lead to open shifts and stressed managers. Communicate your ability to be a team player, but be honest about other commitments. If you want a truly flexible schedule, consider taking control of your hours with an on-demand solution.
Can You Tell Me About A Time You Experienced Conflict In A Team
This question lets you show how you deal with difficult situations and your ability to find solutions.
Example:’In a previous catering summer job, I needed to use the same tools and work preparation area as another kitchen assistant and we were both working under pressure in a high-stress situation. I suggested we quickly review our task list to see what was most important to the team’s priorities and took it in turns to get our jobs done in that area, working on other tasks in the meantime to keep everything flowing.’
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What Led You To Apply For This Role
For the interviewer: Many server interview questions and answers focus on qualifications and experience. While these are important, they do not paint a full picture of the candidate. Understanding their motivations helps determine how they would fit in the role. It also helps to root out applicants who are not committed to the role and view this job as no different than others they are applying for.
For the interviewee: You likely have many reasons why you applied for this job. Perhaps the location is convenient, the pay is competitive or you would like to use this experience as a stepping stone to another job. While these are all legitimate reasons for applying, they all focus on whats in it for you and not for the employer. Your answer should be a genuine one that includes a benefit for you and the restaurant youre applying to.
For instance:
I was drawn to because Ive heard great things about the company culture and the opportunities employees have to build their skillsets. A company that invests in its employees is one that I would love to be a part of, and that drew me to the role.
Having an employee that wants to grow and learn more is a win for the restaurant, and the development program is a win for you.
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Can You Give Me Some References
This one is a bit tricky. If you have never had a job before, you should be honest. Say that you do not have any references, and hope to prove your skills during the probation period.
But if you had a job and left on bad terms, or made some bad mistakes, or had an argument with an employer, it is maybe better to conceal this reference. On the other hand, if you had a good relationship with your former boss, or at least with a colleague you shared a workplace with, you can and should give their number to the interviewer.
What Is Your Greatest Strength
The answer to this question can help you determine the candidates self-confidence. That said, its important that the strengths they mention be relevant to the restaurant industry. You want to hear things like:
- Good with people
- Cool and calm under pressure
A strength that has nothing to do with the restaurant industry like being good with computers indicates that the candidate might not be well-suited for this fast-paced environment.
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When Was The Last Time You Went Out Of Your Way To Go The Extra Mile For A Guest
Why theyre asking
As youve probably guessed, your interviewer wants an idea of how far youre willing to go to accommodate guests, and what youve done in the past to really make their experience a great one.
What theyre looking for
An ideal answer would be one you dont have to think about for several minutes reference a time you had a positive interaction with a customer, or perhaps your most memorable one. This should fit the bill in terms of the response theyre hoping to hear.
How to answer
Include details about the customers response after you did something special for them to build up the moment that much more. Did they go on to tell your manager what a fantastic waiter/cashier/associate you are? What was your managers response? All of these elements will make the story really shine as youre relaying it to your prospective employer.
Example Answer
Once, a customer was dissatisfied with the temperature at which the kitchen had cooked her burger, and blamed it on me despite the fact that Id entered her requested temperature correctly. When I relayed the instance to my manager and suggested we give her the burger on the house, she was initially unwilling to do this, until I suggested that she could make up for the lost sale with my tip money to cover the price of the customers meal. Not only was my manager extremely happy with me, but the customer ended up having a positive experience, as well.
Describe The Importance Of Communication In Your Role
At any given point, you might find yourself communicating with customers, the host or hostess, a manager, the cooksso yeah, communication is super important! Make sure to say this if asked this question. Something like: Communication is what keeps a restaurant running smoothly, and as a server, I think of myself as being right in the middle of the action. Its my job to communicate with everyone from customers to other staff members to provide an exceptional experience for customers and help my teammates do their jobs effectively.
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Food Service Interview Questions About Fast
These questions help an interviewer evaluate your qualifications to determine if your experience and skills match with those of the fast-food establishment:
1. Can you tell me about your previous fast-food experience?
2. What is your favourite part about working in food service?
3. How would you describe hospitality?
4. What type of customer service experience do you have?
5. How do you resolve conflict amount coworkers?
6. What is your least favourite part about working in food service?
7. Are there any specific customers you would prefer not to serve?
8. What qualities make a great server?
9. How do you handle unsatisfied patrons?
10. Do you think fast service or helpful service is better?
11. Can you describe a customer behaviour that annoys you?
12. What do you know about our establishment?
13. Can you describe what you believe a typical workday is like in this industry?
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Hospital Food Service Worker Questions
Hospital food service staff bringing the patient dinner.
Do you have an interview scheduled for a food service role in a hospital? Here are some specialized questions youll need to prepare for.
- How will you ensure that the menu being served is based on the patients primary clinical needs?
- How will you deal with serving hot-headed patients?
- What do you know about hospital diets?
- What motivates you in this line of food service criteria?
- Are you detail oriented when it comes to serving patients?
- Hypothetically, the patient has requested a meal that he/she cannot eat based on his/her diet, how will you handle him/her?
- What would you do if you caught your colleague testing the foods without proper sanitation?
- Can you handle the stress and pressure of being in this industry?
- Can you name one of your weaknesses in applying to the Hospital Food Service?
- What are you willing to do to improve your skills in working in this industry?
- Tell me about your most embarrassing error and the most terrifying error you have committed in this field.
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Have You Eaten At Our Restaurant Before
Id recommend telling the truth with this question, too. Dont feel pressure to lie and say, yes if you havent eaten there before! Lies lead to more lies, and theyll likely ask follow-up questions like, Whats your favorite dish?
The fact that you havent eaten at a restaurant wont necessarily cost you the job, but getting caught lying will.
One of the best tips I can give is: Avoid lying if you can possibly do so. This will help you stay confident and anxiety-free.
If youre concerned about the fact youve never eaten in the restaurant and want to be able to say you have, just go have lunch a few days before your interview! Order something and try the food. That way, youll have something to talk about if the hiring manager asks this in the interview.
What Is Your Greatest Weakness
The benefit of asking this question comes, not just from the candidates answer, but from how they deliver that answer as well. You certainly dont want to hear that their greatest weakness is their temper that doesnt translate well to the busy restaurant environment.
But whatever weakness the interviewee does tell you about, do you feel theyre being honest and humble about it? Do they mention that theyre trying to work on improving that weakness?
The answer they give, as well as how they give it, can help you see what kind of an employee the candidate might become.
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What Does Hospitality Mean To You
Many food service positions require you to have a strong sense of hospitality. Employers ask this question to make sure you have an awareness of what good customer service looks like. In your answer, share a few qualities that come to mind when you think of hospitality. Mention ways you hope to provide hospitality to the guests you serve.
Example:”Hospitality is all about anticipating a guest’s needs. Try to guess what they want before they even ask. For instance, whenever I notice someone’s glass is getting low, I make sure to offer to top off their drink before they even finish it. Another important aspect is hospitality is making people feel welcome. I do this by making eye contact with all guests and greeting them with a warm smile. I’m always sure to inquire about any questions or concerns a guest might have.”
Which Part Of The Fast
Employers want to assess your understanding of the food industry and how your role fits in. When answering this question, showcase your knowledge of how the industry works and how each component affects the customer in the end. A strong answer shows you value your position and know how it affects the entire business.
Example:The most important part of the fast-food industry is the ability to provide food quickly and efficiently. Customers want great tasting food and good service, but above all, they want their food right away, that’s one of the main reasons they choose to dine with this establishment. Good-tasting and fresh food, fast. That’s why it’s so important to have a standardized kitchen that can cook food quickly. It’s also crucial that employees work efficiently by actively listening during orders, inputting the correct information and putting together orders right the first time. Fewer mistakes lead to increased customer satisfaction and that attributes to the industry’s continued success.”
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Don’t Talk Down To Previous Employers
This is interviewing 101. Restaurant employees tend to bounce between jobs, so you never know if what you’ll say could come back to bite you. If you’re asked why you left or plan to leave your current role, keep your answer opportunistic and talk about how you just feel there were better professional opportunities in other establishments.
Mention The Challenges That You Faced In Your Last Role How Did You Manage Them
As food service workers, we face several challenges, given the nature of this industry. However, they are always manageable with the right level of preparation and collaboration. I was on campus during my last role and had to balance school and work. I would study during the day and work at night, an experience that proved overwhelming. I negotiated with the restaurant manager to allow me to start my shifts a little early so that I would come from school and report directly to work, mostly at 4. It enabled me to have some time to rest and feel rejuvenated for the next day. I also improved my overall productivity.
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Interview Tips For Food Service Positions
Follow these tips when interviewing for a food service position:
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Dress to impress. Even if you’re applying to a casual dining environment, make an effort to dress up for your interview. If you’re applying to a managerial role, wear traditional interview clothing, such as dress pants, a collared shirt and a suit. If you’re applying to an entry-level fast food position, you can be a bit more casual, wearing a collared shirt with khakis.
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Show you’re eager to serve. Serving others is the main part of a job in the food service industry. Show employers that you are excited to provide excellent customer service. Use your responses to show that you will make an effort to anticipate a guest’s wants and needs.
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Practice your responses. The best way to prepare for an interview is to come up with responses to common interview questions. When practicing your responses, ask a friend or family member to do a mock interview with you. This way, you get a chance to say your answers out loud and find ways to be a more effective interviewee.
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Dine at the establishment. If you are applying for a restaurant job, you may want to dine there prior to your interview. This gives you a chance to learn more about the establishment. Take note of its menu, staff’s attitude and the way they operate. This can all help you come up with well-informed talking points during your interview.
Are You Available To Work Evenings And Weekends And Attend Special Events
How to Answer
In the foodservice industry, you may often be required to work late nights, holidays, special events, and weekends. Assure the interviewer that you are capable of offering flexibility to Company ABC and their needs. If you have any restrictions in your schedule such as an evening course, another job, a family requirement, or volunteer commitment, it’s crucial that you bring this up at this time in your interview. Show that you have enthusiasm for the role, and express your willingness to be as flexible as possible to meet their needs.
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Question : Why Do You Want To Work At Our Restaurant
Answer: Interviewers like to hear positive feedback about their establishment and some restaurant improvement ideas. If the candidate has previous experience managing a restaurant, they should give examples of their contribution to its success.
A candidate should mention a few ideas for improving the restaurant for employees and guests. It shows their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Tell Me About A Time When It Was Hard For You To Arrive At Work On Time What Did You Do To Resolve It
Even the most punctual and dependable employee can be late every now and then. But asking this question can help you get a better idea of how the candidate will react when life throws them a curveball.
Did they exercise their problem-solving skills and figure out a way through the issue? Did they arrive late and then make excuses? Or did they prioritize punctuality and still make it to work on time?
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What Do You Absolutely Hate About Being A Waiter Or Waitress
This might seem like a trick interview question but its just a way to get to know you and see what you really dont like about serving. So, be honest. Theres always things you wont like about the job. Show them how you work through the issue as well.
Answer: I dont like it when I have to deal with the customer thats impossible to satisfy. In fact, I hate it when any customer is not happy. But I always try to find a way to make them happy and leave with a good impression.
What Experience Do You Have With Respects To This Particular Food Service Manager Position
Answer tips:
Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you know you do not have much experience in the job you are applying for, plan for this question ahead of time and ensure you can provide some relatable examples based on what you have done.
Almost all interviewers will appreciate confidence and pride in the work experience you have earned and your passion in transfering these valuable skills to your future role or position.
Answer sample
Ever since my first paper route at age 10 Ive been doing something to keep myself busy and earn money. Back then, it was obviously about earning some spending money. What I didnt realize was that I was actually starting the journey of establishing what I liked to do and how I fit in to the grand scheme of things. I then worked as a junior computer tech in my last 2 summers of high school. It was here that I discovered what I was passionate about and what I wanted to do. I enrolled in college to get my degree in computer sciences, and I have been working around technology ever since.
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