Log InSign Up

15 Restaurant Worker 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 worker interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

Restaurant Worker Resume ExampleUse this template

or download as PDF

Common Restaurant Worker Interview Questions

What made you want to become a restaurant worker?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask this question. First, they may be trying to gauge your interest in the industry and whether or not you have a passion for it. Secondly, they may be trying to determine if you have the necessary skills and experience to be successful in the role. Finally, they may be trying to assess your motivation for wanting to become a restaurant worker and whether or not you would be a good fit for their team. Ultimately, it is important for the interviewer to get a sense of your interest in and commitment to the restaurant industry, as well as your ability to perform the duties of a restaurant worker.

Example: “I have always enjoyed working in the food service industry and I love interacting with people. When I was younger, I worked in a few different restaurants and I really enjoyed the fast-paced environment and the opportunity to meet new people. I also enjoy being able to work independently and being able to take on different roles within the restaurant.”

What are the most important qualities for a successful restaurant worker?

The most important qualities for a successful restaurant worker are the ability to work well under pressure, to be able to handle customer complaints in a professional manner, and to have a strong work ethic. It is important for restaurant workers to be able to work well under pressure because they often have to deal with large crowds of people and need to be able to keep their cool in order to provide excellent customer service. Being able to handle customer complaints in a professional manner is also important because it shows that the restaurant worker is able to remain calm and collected in difficult situations. Finally, having a strong work ethic is important because restaurant workers need to be able to work long hours on their feet and still provide quality service.

Example: “The most important qualities for a successful restaurant worker are:

1. Punctuality: Showing up on time for your shifts is crucial in the restaurant business. Customers expect their orders to be taken and served promptly, so it’s important that staff are punctual in order to maintain good customer service.

2. Flexibility: Being able to adapt to changes in the kitchen or dining room is important for restaurant workers. Things can get busy and chaotic during service, so it’s important to be able to think on your feet and be flexible in order to get the job done.

3. Team player: It’s important to be able to work well with others in the restaurant, whether it’s your fellow servers or the kitchen staff. Good communication and teamwork is essential in keeping the dining room running smoothly.

4. Customer service oriented: Providing excellent customer service is one of the most important aspects of being a successful restaurant worker. This means being friendly and attentive to customers, taking their orders correctly, and making sure their dining experience is a positive one.”

What do you think sets your restaurant apart from others?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask this question. First, they want to know if you are familiar with the competition and what makes your restaurant unique. This question also allows the interviewer to gauge your level of customer service and how you would sell your restaurant to a potential customer. Lastly, this question allows the interviewer to see if you have any creative marketing ideas that could help attract new customers.

Example: “There are several things that set our restaurant apart from others. One is our location. We are situated in a prime spot that gets a lot of foot traffic. This means that we get a lot of customers who are just passing by and decide to come in.

Another thing that sets us apart is our menu. We offer a wide variety of dishes, both traditional and modern. This means that there is something for everyone, whether they are looking for something familiar or something new.

Finally, our service is impeccable. Our waitstaff are attentive and always go the extra mile to make sure our customers are happy. This means that people keep coming back, which is great for business.”

What do you think is the most important thing that a restaurant worker can do to ensure success?

The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the restaurant worker's understanding of what it takes to be successful in the role. It is important for a restaurant worker to be able to identify the key components of their job and how they contribute to the overall success of the restaurant. By understanding the most important thing that they can do to ensure success, the restaurant worker can focus their efforts on those areas and be more likely to achieve success.

Example: “There are a few things that are important for a restaurant worker to do in order to ensure success. First, it is important to be punctual and arrive to your shift on time. This sets the tone for the rest of the night and lets your coworkers and guests know that you are professional and reliable. Second, it is important to be attentive to guests and make sure their needs are met in a timely manner. This includes taking orders, serving food and drinks, clearing plates, and providing any other assistance that may be needed. Third, it is important to maintain a clean and organized work area. This includes wiping down surfaces, sweeping floors, stocking supplies, and anything else that needs to be done to keep the restaurant running smoothly. Finally, it is important to have a positive attitude and be a team player. This means working well with others, being willing to lend a helping hand, and having a good sense of humor.”

What do you think are the biggest challenges that a restaurant worker faces?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask this question to a restaurant worker. First, it allows the interviewer to gauge the restaurant worker's level of experience and understanding of the industry. Secondly, it allows the interviewer to get a sense of the restaurant worker's ability to handle challenges that may arise while on the job. Finally, it gives the interviewer an opportunity to see how the restaurant worker responds to difficult questions. Ultimately, these questions help the interviewer to determine if the restaurant worker is a good fit for the position.

Example: “There are a few challenges that restaurant workers face:

1. Time management – There are a lot of things that need to be done in a short amount of time, so time management is key.

2. Prioritizing – With so many things going on, it can be difficult to prioritize what needs to be done first.

3. Dealing with customers – Customers can be demanding and sometimes difficult to please. It’s important to be able to handle them with grace and professionalism.

4. multitasking – There are often multiple tasks that need to be done at the same time, so being able to multitask is essential.

5. Keeping calm under pressure – With so much going on, it can be easy to get frazzled and stressed out. It’s important to stay calm and focused in order to get the job done right.”

What do you think is the best thing about working in a restaurant?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a restaurant worker. First, the interviewer wants to know what the worker likes about their job. This can help the interviewer understand the worker's motivation and whether they are likely to be satisfied in their position. Additionally, the interviewer may be interested in hearing about the positive aspects of working in a restaurant so that they can better promote the business to potential employees. Finally, this question gives the restaurant worker an opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences about their job, which can help the interviewer get to know them better.

Example: “There are many great things about working in a restaurant, but one of the best things is the opportunity to meet new people and learn new things. Restaurants are typically busy places where you can meet a lot of different types of people. You also have the chance to learn about different cultures and cuisine. Working in a restaurant can be a very rewarding experience.”

What do you think is the worst thing about working in a restaurant?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the applicant's level of dissatisfaction with working in a restaurant. It is important to know whether the applicant is likely to be unhappy in the job, as this can lead to high turnover and decreased productivity.

Example: “There are a few things that can be considered the worst thing about working in a restaurant. One is the long hours. Many restaurants are open late into the night, and employees may have to work long shifts. Another is the low pay. Many restaurant workers earn minimum wage, and tips can be unpredictable. Finally, there is the high level of customer interaction. Restaurant workers are constantly interacting with customers, and some customers can be rude or demanding.”

What do you think are the most important things that a restaurant worker can do to make sure that the customers are happy?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask this question to a restaurant worker. First, it shows that the interviewer is interested in how the restaurant worker plans to make sure customers are happy. Second, it allows the interviewer to gauge the restaurant worker's customer service skills. Finally, it gives the interviewer insight into the restaurant worker's work ethic and commitment to customer satisfaction.

The most important thing a restaurant worker can do to make sure that customers are happy is to provide excellent customer service. This means being polite and friendly, taking orders correctly, and providing prompt service. Additionally, it is important to be attentive to customers' needs and to go above and beyond to ensure their satisfaction. By providing outstanding customer service, restaurant workers can help create a positive dining experience for customers that will keep them coming back.

Example: “There are a few things that a restaurant worker can do to make sure that the customers are happy. First, it is important to be attentive and responsive to customer needs. This means being quick to take their order, bring them their food, and clear away any dishes they are finished with. Secondly, it is important to be friendly and personable with customers. This means taking the time to chat with them, getting to know them, and making them feel welcome in the restaurant. Finally, it is important to provide quality service throughout the entire dining experience. This means ensuring that the food is of good quality, the drinks are fresh and cold, and that the bill is correct. By providing excellent service from start to finish, restaurant workers can ensure that customers have a positive experience and are likely to return in the future.”

What do you think are the most important things that a restaurant worker can do to make sure that the food is of high quality?

The interviewer is asking this question to find out if the restaurant worker is aware of the necessary steps that need to be taken in order to serve high quality food. It is important for a restaurant worker to know how to properly prepare and cook food, as well as how to store food so that it remains fresh and safe to eat.

Example: “There are a few things that a restaurant worker can do to make sure that the food is of high quality. First, they can make sure that all of the ingredients are fresh and of good quality. Second, they can make sure that the food is cooked properly and at the correct temperature. Third, they can make sure that the food is presented in an appealing way.”

What do you think are the most important things that a restaurant worker can do to ensure that the restaurant is clean and presentable?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a restaurant worker. First, it is important for a restaurant to be clean and presentable in order to create a good impression on customers. Second, a clean and presentable restaurant is more likely to pass health inspections. Finally, a clean and presentable restaurant is simply more pleasant for both customers and employees.

In order to ensure that a restaurant is clean and presentable, employees need to be diligent about cleaning up spills, wiping down surfaces, and taking out the trash. Employees should also be sure to keep the dining area and restrooms clean and tidy. By taking these simple steps, restaurant workers can help create a clean and inviting space for customers.

Example: “There are a few things that a restaurant worker can do to ensure that the restaurant is clean and presentable. First, they can make sure that all surfaces are clean and free of debris. This includes wiping down tables, chairs, and countertops; sweeping and mopping floors; and cleaning bathrooms. Second, they can ensure that the dining area is well-organized and free of clutter. This means setting up tables and chairs in an orderly fashion, stocking napkins and utensils, and making sure that menus are easily accessible. Finally, they can provide guests with a positive experience by being friendly and helpful. This means greeting guests when they arrive, answering any questions they may have, and providing assistance as needed.”

What do you think are the most important things that a restaurant worker can do to make sure that the staff is happy and motivated?

The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the interviewee's ability to motivate and manage a team of workers. It is important for a restaurant worker to be able to motivate and manage a team of workers because a motivated and happy staff is essential to the success of a restaurant. A motivated and happy staff will provide better customer service, which will lead to more repeat customers and higher profits.

Example: “There are a few things that a restaurant worker can do to make sure that the staff is happy and motivated. First, it is important to ensure that everyone has a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. Secondly, it is important to provide regular feedback so that employees know how they are doing. Finally, it is important to create a positive work environment where employees feel valued and appreciated.”

What do you think are the most important things that a restaurant worker can do to ensure that the restaurant is profitable?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a restaurant worker. First, the interviewer may be trying to gauge the worker's understanding of what it takes to run a successful restaurant. Second, the interviewer may be looking for specific ideas or strategies that the worker has for ensuring that the restaurant is profitable. Finally, the interviewer may be trying to assess the worker's commitment to helping the restaurant be successful. Ultimately, it is important for a restaurant to be profitable in order to stay in business and provide jobs for its employees.

Example: “There are a number of things that a restaurant worker can do to ensure that the restaurant is profitable. First and foremost, it is important to provide excellent customer service. This means being attentive to customers' needs, taking their orders accurately, and providing them with a pleasant dining experience. Secondly, it is important to keep the restaurant clean and organized. This includes ensuring that the dining area and kitchen are clean and free of clutter, and that all food is prepared and served in a timely manner. Finally, it is important to be efficient in your work. This means working quickly and efficiently to complete tasks, and being mindful of costs associated with running the restaurant. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your restaurant is profitable.”

What do you think is the best thing about being a restaurant worker?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the restaurant worker's level of satisfaction with their job. It is important to know whether or not the worker is happy with their job, as this can affect their level of motivation and productivity. Additionally, if the worker is not satisfied with their job, the interviewer wants to know what could be done to improve the situation.

Example: “There are many great things about being a restaurant worker. One of the best things is that you get to meet and interact with people from all walks of life. You also get to learn about different cultures and cuisines. Another great thing about being a restaurant worker is that you get to work in a fast-paced and exciting environment.”

What do you think is the worst thing about being a restaurant worker?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they could be trying to gauge your level of experience and see if you have any negative opinions about the industry. Additionally, they may be trying to get a sense of your work ethic and see if you have any reservations about the job. Finally, they could be trying to identify any areas where you may need additional training or support. Regardless of the reason, it is important to be honest in your answer and provide specific examples of any challenges you have faced in your role as a restaurant worker.

Example: “The worst thing about being a restaurant worker is that you are constantly on your feet and dealing with customers. There is little to no down time, and you often have to work long hours. You also have to deal with the stress of making sure everything is running smoothly and that the customers are happy.”

What would you say is the most important advice that you would give to someone who is thinking about becoming a restaurant worker?

The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the restaurant worker's experience and expertise in the industry. It is important to know what advice the restaurant worker would give to someone considering a career in the industry because it shows that the worker is knowledgeable and has thought about the pros and cons of working in a restaurant. Additionally, this question allows the interviewer to get a sense of the restaurant worker's work ethic and values.

Example: “There are a few things that are important to keep in mind if you're thinking of becoming a restaurant worker. First, it's important to be able to work well under pressure and handle multiple tasks at once. Second, it's important to have good people skills and be able to interact with customers in a positive way. Third, it's important to be able to take direction from your superiors and follow instructions. Fourth, it's important to be detail-oriented and organized. Finally, it's important to be able to work as part of a team. If you can keep all of these things in mind, you'll be well on your way to being a successful restaurant worker.”

Related Interview Questions