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18 Restaurant Server Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various restaurant server interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

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Common Restaurant Server Interview Questions

What made you decide to become a restaurant server?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. They could be trying to gauge your interest in the position, or they might be trying to see if you have any experience in the industry. Either way, it is important to be honest and give a detailed answer.

Some potential reasons why you might want to become a restaurant server include: you enjoy working with people and providing customer service, you like the fast-paced environment of a restaurant, or you are interested in the food and beverage industry. Whatever your reasons, be sure to share them with the interviewer. They will want to see that you are sincere and have thought about why you are interested in the position.

Example: “I became a restaurant server because I enjoy interacting with people and working in a fast-paced environment. I also like the challenge of being able to work under pressure and juggle multiple tasks at once.”

What are some of the most important qualities that a successful restaurant server must have?

Some qualities that a successful restaurant server must have are the ability to multitask, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to upsell. It is important for the interviewer to ask this question in order to get a better understanding of the candidate's experience and qualifications.

Example: “Some of the most important qualities that a successful restaurant server must have are:

-The ability to remain calm and professional under pressure
-Excellent customer service skills
-Good organizational skills
-The ability to multitask
-The ability to upsell”

What do you believe is the key to providing good customer service?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a restaurant server. First, it is important to provide good customer service in the restaurant industry because it can make or break a business. Secondly, good customer service can lead to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth. Finally, providing good customer service is simply the right thing to do - it is how we should treat others.

Some key things to remember when providing good customer service include being polite and respectful, being attentive and responsive to customer needs, and going the extra mile to make sure the customer is happy. It is also important to be patient, even when dealing with difficult customers.

Example: “The key to providing good customer service is creating a positive and friendly environment for customers, and always being willing to go the extra mile to ensure their satisfaction. This could involve things like greeting them with a smile when they come in, taking the time to answer any questions they have, and going out of your way to make sure their experience is a positive one.”

How do you deal with difficult or angry customers?

It is important to know how a restaurant server deals with difficult or angry customers because it can give the interviewer insight into how the server would handle a difficult situation. If the server is able to stay calm and handle the situation in a professional manner, it would likely reflect positively on the restaurant. On the other hand, if the server is unable to handle the situation well, it could reflect negatively on the restaurant. In either case, it is important for the interviewer to know how the server would deal with a difficult customer.

Example: “If a customer is angry or difficult, the best thing to do is to remain calm and try to understand the situation. It is important to listen to what the customer is saying and see if there is anything that can be done to resolve the issue. If the problem cannot be resolved, it is important to apologize and let the customer know that you are doing everything you can to help.”

What do you do when you make a mistake while taking an order or serving a customer?

This question is important because it allows the interviewer to gauge the restaurant server's ability to handle difficult customer service situations. It also allows the interviewer to see how the restaurant server would take responsibility for their actions if they made a mistake while taking an order or serving a customer.

Example: “If I make a mistake while taking an order or serving a customer, the first thing I do is apologize. Then, I correct the mistake and make sure the customer is satisfied.”

How do you handle it when a customer complains about the food or service?

The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the server's ability to remain calm and professional when faced with a difficult customer. It is important for servers to be able to handle complaints in a constructive way because it can help to improve the overall dining experience for the customer and prevent negative word-of-mouth about the restaurant.

Example: “If a customer complains about the food or service, I would first apologize to the customer and try to resolve the issue. If the issue cannot be resolved, I would offer the customer a refund or compensation.”

What do you think is the most important thing that servers can do to ensure a positive dining experience for their customers?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the server's customer service skills. It is important for servers to ensure a positive dining experience for their customers because it can result in repeat business and positive online reviews.

Example: “The most important thing that servers can do to ensure a positive dining experience for their customers is to provide prompt and attentive service. This means being attentive to customer needs and responding quickly to any requests or questions. Additionally, it is important to be friendly and personable with customers, as this can help create a more enjoyable dining experience. Finally, it is also important to ensure that all food and drink orders are correct before serving them, as this can help avoid any potential issues or complaints.”

How do you deal with slow periods during your shift?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the server's ability to stay calm and efficient during slower periods of the shift. This is important because it can be a challenge to maintain good service when there are fewer customers and less to do. The interviewer wants to know that the server can handle these periods without getting frazzled or making mistakes.

Example: “There are a few ways that I like to deal with slow periods during my shift. First, I make sure that I am staying busy by cleaning up my station and prepping for the next rush. This helps to keep me from getting too bored and also ensures that I am ready for when things pick back up again. Additionally, I use slow periods as an opportunity to get to know my guests better. I take the time to chat with them, learn about their day, and find out what brought them in to the restaurant. This helps to create a more personal connection that can make the dining experience more enjoyable for both parties.”

How do you stay motivated throughout your shift?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask a restaurant server how they stay motivated throughout their shift. First, it is important to see if the server is able to maintain a positive attitude and remain professional with customers, even when they are tired or stressed. Secondly, it is important to see if the server is able to keep up their energy level throughout their shift in order to provide good customer service. Finally, it is important to see if the server is able to stay motivated in order to upsell and make additional sales for the restaurant.

Example: “There are a few things that I do to stay motivated throughout my shift. First, I make sure to get enough rest before my shift so that I am well-rested and can focus on my work. Secondly, I eat a healthy meal before my shift so that I have the energy to last through the night. Finally, I set small goals for myself throughout the shift, such as getting all of the tables clean before the end of my shift, or upselling a certain number of items. By setting small goals, I can keep myself on track and motivated to do my best work.”

What are your thoughts on teamwork in the restaurant industry?

The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the server's thoughts on teamwork in the restaurant industry because it is important for restaurants to have a team that works well together. A server who has positive thoughts on teamwork is more likely to be a team player and work well with others, which is important in the restaurant industry.

Example: “I believe that teamwork is absolutely essential in the restaurant industry. There are so many moving parts to a restaurant and each team member needs to be able to rely on one another in order to create a smooth dining experience for guests. I think it’s important for team members to be able to communicate effectively with one another and to be able to work together seamlessly. When there is a strong team in place, it really shows in the quality of service that guests receive.”

How do you handle it when things get busy and hectic in the restaurant?

This question is important because it allows the interviewer to gauge the server's ability to handle stress and stay calm under pressure. A good server will be able to maintain their composure even when the restaurant is busy and hectic, and will be able to provide excellent customer service despite the chaotic environment.

Example: “When things get busy and hectic in the restaurant, I handle it by remaining calm and organized. I make sure to keep track of all the orders that come in, and communicate with the kitchen staff to ensure that everything is running smoothly. I also keep an eye on the dining room to make sure that guests are happy and comfortable. If there are any problems that arise, I handle them quickly and efficiently.”

What is your strategy for upselling customers on menu items?

An interviewer would ask "What is your strategy for upselling customers on menu items?" to a/an Restaurant Server in order to gauge how the server might encourage customers to spend more money at the restaurant. This is important because it can help the restaurant increase its profits.

Example: “There are a few different strategies that I like to use when upselling customers on menu items. The first is to simply make suggestions based on what the customer is ordering. For example, if someone is ordering a burger, I might suggest upgrading to a combo meal with fries and a drink. Or, if someone is ordering a salad, I might suggest adding chicken or shrimp to make it a heartier meal.

Another strategy I like to use is to ask the customer if they are looking for something specific. For example, I might ask if they are looking for something light and healthy, or something hearty and filling. Based on their answer, I can make suggestions for menu items that will fit their needs.

Finally, I like to let the customer know about any special deals or promotions that we have going on. For example, if we have a 2-for-1 deal on appetizers, I will let the customer know and suggest that they order an appetizer to share.”

How do you handle it when a customer refuses to leave a tip?

The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the server's ability to handle difficult customers. It is important for servers to be able to handle difficult customers because they are a common occurrence in the restaurant industry. Servers need to be able to remain calm and professional when dealing with difficult customers in order to maintain their composure and provide excellent customer service.

Example: “There are a few different ways that you can handle it when a customer refuses to leave a tip. One way is to simply thank them for their business and let them know that you appreciate it. Another way is to ask them if there is anything you could have done better in order to earn a tip. If they still refuse to leave a tip, you could politely ask them to reconsider or even offer to comp their meal.”

What are your thoughts on multitasking while serving customers?

An interviewer would ask "What are your thoughts on multitasking while serving customers?" to a/an Restaurant Server in order to determine if the server is able to handle more than one task at a time. This is important because it is often necessary for servers to be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in order to provide good customer service.

Example: “I believe that multitasking is an important skill for any server. In a busy restaurant, there are often many things happening at once and being able to juggle multiple tasks can be the difference between a good shift and a great shift. That being said, I also think it's important to know when to focus on one task at a time. If a customer is asking for my attention, I will always give them my full attention until they are satisfied.”

How do you deal with challenging situations that may arise while on the job?

An interviewer would ask this question to a restaurant server in order to gauge their ability to handle difficult situations that may come up while working. This is important because it can give the interviewer an idea of how the server would react under pressure and whether or not they would be able to maintain their composure in a challenging situation.

Example: “There are a few ways to deal with challenging situations that may arise while on the job. The first is to stay calm and collected. This can be difficult to do, but it is important to remember that the customer is always right. If a customer is unhappy with their food or service, it is important to listen to their concerns and try to resolve the issue as best as possible. Sometimes, this may mean offering a discount or refund. Other times, it may mean simply apologizing and trying to make the situation right.

Another way to deal with challenging situations is to delegate tasks to other members of the restaurant staff. This can help take some of the pressure off of you and allow you to focus on resolving the issue at hand. For example, if a customer is unhappy with their food, you could ask a chef to come out and speak with them directly. This can help diffuse the situation and allow for a more constructive conversation.

Finally, it is important to document any challenging situations that occur while on the job. This can help you and your manager identify any patterns or areas that need improvement. It can also help to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.”

What are some of your favorite things about being a restaurant server?

The interviewer is asking this question to get to know the server better and to see what they like about their job. This is important because it helps the interviewer understand what motivates the server and what makes them happy in their work. It also allows the interviewer to gauge the server's level of satisfaction with their current position and to identify any areas where the server may need more training or support.

Example: “There are many things I enjoy about being a restaurant server. I love the fast-paced environment and the opportunity to meet new people every day. I also enjoy the challenge of trying to upsell customers and exceed their expectations. Additionally, I like the tips that come with the job, which can be very generous at times.”

What do you think sets your restaurant apart from other restaurants in the area?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they want to see if you are familiar with the competition and what makes your restaurant unique. This shows that you are thinking about ways to improve your business and attract more customers. Second, they may be looking for ideas on how to improve their own restaurant. Asking servers for their opinions on what sets your restaurant apart can give the interviewer some great ideas. Finally, this question allows the interviewer to gauge your level of customer service. If you are able to talk about how your restaurant provides a better experience for customers, it shows that you care about providing excellent service.

Example: “There are several things that set our restaurant apart from others in the area. First, we have a unique and innovative menu that features items you won't find anywhere else. Second, our customer service is outstanding - we go above and beyond to make sure our guests have a great experience from the moment they walk in the door until the moment they leave. Finally, our prices are very competitive, especially for the quality of food and service we provide.”

What are your long-term career goals as a restaurant server?

The interviewer is trying to gauge if the restaurant server is committed to the job, or if they are just looking for a temporary position. It is important to know if the restaurant server is planning on staying with the company for the long haul, as this can impact things such as training and development opportunities.

Example: “I would like to continue working as a restaurant server for the foreseeable future. I enjoy the fast-paced nature of the job and the opportunity to interact with customers on a daily basis. In the long term, I would like to move into a management position within the restaurant industry. I believe that my experience as a server and my people skills would make me well-suited for a management role.”

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