Waiter Interview Preparation

Practise Waiter Mock Interview Online
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Waiter Interview Prep

1 Free Guide Here

Read this free guide below with common Waiter interview questions

2 Mock Video Interview

Mock video interview with our virtual recruiter online.

3 Evaluation

Our professional HRs will give a detailed evaluation of your interview.

4 Feedback

You will get detailed, personalized, strategic feedback on areas of strength and of improvement.

Expert Tip

Be Specific

Specific examples of your achievements and skills can demonstrate your qualifications for the role. Try to provide quantifiable examples wherever possible.

Top 20 Waiter Interview Questions and Answers

1. What inspired you to become a waiter/waitress?

Answer: I love interacting with people, and I have a passion for food and hospitality. Being able to provide excellent service and create a memorable dining experience for customers is what inspires me to be a waiter/waitress.

2. How would you greet a new customer?

Answer: I would greet them with a warm smile and a friendly hello. It's important to make them feel welcome and comfortable from the moment they walk in.

3. How do you handle difficult customers?

Answer: I try to listen to their concerns and find a solution to their problem. If I am unable to, I would call on my manager or someone with more authority to assist them.

4. How do you handle multiple tables at once?

Answer: I prioritize the tables based on their needs and ensure that no table is left unattended for too long. I also try to be efficient in my tasks and anticipate the needs of the customers, so I can be proactive in my service.

5. How do you take an order accurately?

Answer: I repeat back the order to the customer to ensure accuracy, and I make sure to write it down or enter it into the system as soon as possible to avoid any mistakes.

6. How do you ensure customer satisfaction?

Answer: I listen to their concerns, offer solutions or alternatives, and follow up with them to make sure they are satisfied with their experience.

7. How do you handle food allergies or dietary restrictions?

Answer: I am knowledgeable about the menu and the ingredients in each dish, and I inform the kitchen staff of any special requests or requirements. I also double-check the order before serving it to the customer.

8. How do you handle spills or accidents?

Answer: I clean up the mess as soon as possible and apologize to the customer for any inconvenience. If necessary, I also provide a replacement if the item cannot be salvaged.

9. How do you handle a long wait time for food?

Answer: I inform the customer of the delay and offer them a complimentary appetizer or beverage to help alleviate the wait time. I also follow up with them to ensure they are satisfied with their experience.

10. How do you work as part of a team in a restaurant setting?

Answer: I communicate effectively with my co-workers and assist them when needed. I also try to be proactive in my tasks and anticipate the needs of the kitchen staff or other servers.

11. How do you handle cash and credit card transactions?

Answer: I handle them carefully and accurately, ensuring that the customer's payment is processed correctly. I also safeguard the customer's personal information and follow the restaurant's policies for handling cash and credit card transactions.

12. How do you handle a mistake in an order?

Answer: I apologize to the customer and take steps to correct the mistake as soon as possible. I also inform the kitchen staff of the mistake to prevent it from happening again in the future.

13. How do you handle an upset customer?

Answer: I remain calm and listen to their concerns. I apologize if necessary and offer solutions or alternatives to address their issue. If I am unable to remedy the situation, I call on my manager or someone with more authority to assist them.

14. How do you make menu suggestions to customers?

Answer: I am knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the menu offerings, and I suggest dishes based on the customer's tastes or preferences. I also provide information about the ingredients and preparation of each dish.

15. How do you handle a busy restaurant?

Answer: I remain calm and focused, prioritize my tasks, and work efficiently to ensure that each customer receives excellent service in a timely manner.

16. How do you handle a situation when someone is dissatisfied with the taste of the food?

Answer: I listen to their concerns and offer to replace the dish or suggest an alternative. I also inform the kitchen staff of the issue to prevent it from happening again in the future.

17. How do you handle a situation when you don't know the answer to a question a customer asked about the menu?

Answer: I apologize and inform the customer that I will find the answer as soon as possible. I then ask the kitchen staff or other servers for assistance to ensure that the customer receives accurate information.

18. Have you ever had to deal with a difficult colleague in a restaurant setting? How did you handle the situation?

Answer: I try to communicate effectively and respectfully with my colleagues, even in difficult situations. If necessary, I involve a manager or someone with more authority to assist in resolving the issue.

19. How do you handle a situation when a customer is dissatisfied with the service provided?

Answer: I apologize and listen to their concerns. I offer solutions or alternatives to address their issue, and I follow up with them to ensure that they are satisfied with the resolution.

20. Why should we hire you as a waiter/waitress?

Answer: I have a passion for food and hospitality, and I am dedicated to providing excellent service to each customer. I am also a team player and work well in a fast-paced environment. I believe that I would be an asset to your restaurant and contribute to its success.


How to Prepare for Waiter Interview

Getting hired as a waiter is not an easy task. It takes a lot of effort and preparation to land a job in the food industry. The key to acing your waiter interview is to be well-prepared in advance. Here are a few tips that can help you prepare well for your upcoming waiter interview.

1. Research the restaurant

Before heading into the interview, research the restaurant to understand their unique style and values. Browse their website and social media pages to learn about their menu, chef, and overall atmosphere. Knowing the restaurant inside out will ensure that you are the right candidate for them and help you answer questions more effectively.

2. Prepare answers for common questions

During your interview, you will most likely be asked why you are interested in working as a waiter and what skills you possess that make you a good candidate. Prepare answers to questions like these and practice them in advance. This will help you feel more confident during the interview and ensure you articulate your thoughts appropriately.

3. Dress appropriately

First impressions are important, so be sure to dress appropriately for your interview. Choose a professional outfit and ensure that your hair and grooming are on point.

4. Practice your communication skills

As a waiter, you'll need excellent communication skills. Practice your verbal and non-verbal communication skills to ensure that you come across as professional, confident, and friendly during the interview.

5. Be prepared to demonstrate relevant skills

During the interview, the interviewer may ask you to carry out a task like serving a table. You should be prepared to demonstrate your relevant skills, such as carrying plates, pouring wine, and being able to make recommendations accurately.

6. Show enthusiasm

Employers want to hire waiters who are passionate and enthusiastic about the industry. During the interview, be sure to show your passion for the job and the restaurant's unique cuisine. This will demonstrate that you are a good fit for the restaurant and increase your chances of getting hired.

Preparing for your waiter interview in advance can improve your chances of landing your dream job. Follow these tips, and you are sure to ace your interview and impress your potential employer. Good luck!

Common Interview Mistake

Negotiating Salary Too Early

Raising the salary question too early in the interview process may give the impression that you're primarily motivated by money. Wait until a job offer is on the table before discussing salary.