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17 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 server interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

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Common Server Interview Questions

What motivated you to become a server?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. For one, they want to know what drew you to the food service industry and what keeps you motivated to work in it. This can help them gauge how well you'll fit in with the company culture and whether or not you're likely to stick around for the long haul. Additionally, this question can give the interviewer some insight into your customer service skills and how you deal with difficult situations.

Example: “I have always enjoyed working with people and serving others. I like being able to help people in any way possible and making sure they have a good experience. When I was younger, I worked as a waitress in a few different restaurants and really enjoyed it. I also worked as a hostess and bartender, so I have a lot of experience in the food and beverage industry. I decided to become a server because I wanted to have a career that I could be passionate about and that would allow me to help others.”

What do you enjoy most about being a server?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they may be trying to gauge your customer service skills. Second, they may be trying to see if you have a good attitude and are easy to work with. Third, they may be trying to see if you have a good work ethic and are reliable. Fourth, they may be trying to see if you are able to handle stress well. Finally, they may be trying to see if you have a good knowledge of the menu and are able to make recommendations. All of these things are important in the role of a server.

Example: “There are many things that I enjoy about being a server. I enjoy the fast pace and the opportunity to meet new people. I also enjoy the satisfaction of providing excellent service and seeing the enjoyment that my guests take in their meal.”

What do you think are the key skills necessary for success as a server?

An interviewer would ask this question to get a sense of whether the server has the necessary skills for the job. It is important to know whether a server has the necessary skills because it can impact the quality of service and the overall dining experience.

Example: “The key skills necessary for success as a server are:

• The ability to multitask and handle multiple orders at once
• Strong communication skills
• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• A positive attitude
• The ability to upsell and cross-sell menu items
• The ability to provide excellent customer service”

What do you think are the biggest challenges you face when working as a server?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the server's self-awareness and ability to identify areas for improvement. This question also allows the interviewer to get a sense of the server's work ethic and whether they are constantly striving to improve their skills.

Example: “There are a few challenges that I face when working as a server. First, there is the challenge of keeping up with the demands of the customers. They can be very demanding and it is my job to make sure that they are happy with their experience. Second, there is the challenge of dealing with difficult customers. Some customers can be very challenging to deal with and it is my job to make sure that they are satisfied. Third, there is the challenge of dealing with the different personalities of each customer. Each customer is different and it is my job to make sure that I am able to cater to their individual needs.”

What do you think sets you apart from other servers?

An interviewer might ask "What do you think sets you apart from other servers?" to a server in order to gauge what the server believes are their strengths. This question is important because it can help the interviewer understand if the server has a clear understanding of their own strengths and how they can benefit the restaurant. Additionally, this question can help the interviewer understand if the server is confident in their abilities and is likely to provide excellent customer service.

Example: “I believe that my ability to connect with people and make them feel comfortable is what sets me apart from other servers. I am able to read people well and know how to adjust my demeanor and approach accordingly. I also take pride in my attention to detail and my ability to provide an exceptional dining experience by ensuring that all of my guests' needs are taken care of.”

What do you think are the biggest benefits of being a server?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the server's level of customer service skills and knowledge. It is important to know the benefits of being a server so that the interviewer can assess whether the server is capable of providing good customer service.

Example: “There are many benefits to being a server, but some of the biggest ones include the ability to interact with customers, the opportunity to upsell and earn tips, and the chance to work in a fast-paced environment.”

What do you think are the best tips for success when working as a server?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they want to see if you have any experience working as a server and if you have any tips that could help someone new to the job. Second, they may be looking for specific advice on how to be successful in the role. This is important because it shows that you are knowledgeable about the position and that you are willing to share your insights with others. Finally, it shows that you are motivated to help others be successful in their careers.

Example: “There are a few key things to remember when working as a server that can help ensure success:

1. Always be professional and courteous to guests, no matter what the situation may be.

2. Be efficient in taking orders and delivering food and drinks in a timely manner.

3. Be attentive to guests’ needs and make sure they are satisfied with their experience.

4. Be able to upsell menu items and promote special offers to guests.

5. Keep a positive attitude at all times and work well with fellow team members.”

What do you think are the biggest challenges you face when dealing with customers?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the server's ability to deal with difficult customers. This is important because it shows whether the server has the people skills necessary to handle customer complaints and other difficult situations.

Example: “There are a few challenges that I face when dealing with customers. The first challenge is providing excellent customer service. It is important to be friendly and helpful to customers, and to make sure that their needs are met. Another challenge is dealing with difficult or angry customers. It is important to stay calm and professional when dealing with these types of customers, and to try to resolve the issue to the best of your ability.”

What do you think are the best ways to deal with difficult customers?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a server. First, it shows that the interviewer is interested in finding out how the server deals with difficult customers. This is important because it shows that the interviewer is interested in finding out how the server deals with difficult customers. Second, it shows that the interviewer is interested in finding out how the server deals with difficult customers. This is important because it gives the server an opportunity to show off their customer service skills. Finally, it shows that the interviewer is interested in finding out how the server deals with difficult customers. This is important because it shows that the interviewer is interested in finding out how the server deals with difficult customers.

Example: “There are a few different ways that you can deal with difficult customers. First, you can try to understand where they are coming from and what their needs are. Once you understand their needs, you can try to accommodate them as best as possible. If you are unable to accommodate their needs, you can try to explain your position and offer alternatives. Finally, if all else fails, you can always escalate the issue to a manager or supervisor.”

What do you think are the biggest benefits of working as a server in a restaurant?

The interviewer is likely asking this question to gauge the server's experience and to see if they are a good fit for the position. It is important to ask this question because it allows the interviewer to get an idea of the server's work ethic and how they would interact with customers.

Example: “There are many benefits of working as a server in a restaurant. One of the biggest benefits is that you get to interact with people from all walks of life. You also get to learn about different cultures and cuisine. Another big benefit is that you get to work in a fast-paced environment which can be very exciting. Additionally, you often have the opportunity to earn tips, which can significantly increase your earnings.”

What do you think are the best tips for success when working as a server in a restaurant?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask this question to a server. First, they want to know if the server is knowledgeable about the best practices for success in the industry. Second, they want to know if the server is committed to providing excellent service to customers. Finally, they want to know if the server is willing to take on additional responsibilities to help the restaurant succeed. By asking this question, the interviewer is trying to gauge the server's level of experience, commitment, and dedication to the job.

Example: “The best tips for success when working as a server in a restaurant are to be attentive and responsive to customers, maintain a positive attitude, and keep your station clean and organized. Additionally, it is important to upsell items and offer dessert options to maximize your tips.”

What do you think are the biggest challenges you face when working in a fast-paced environment?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they want to see if you are able to identify the challenges you face when working in a fast-paced environment. This shows that you are aware of the potential difficulties and are able to think critically about your work. Second, they want to see how you handle these challenges. Do you let them get the best of you or do you find ways to work around them? This question allows the interviewer to gauge your resilience and adaptability. Finally, this question gives the interviewer insight into your work style. Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment or do you prefer a slower pace? Knowing this can help the interviewer determine if you would be a good fit for the position.

Example: “One of the biggest challenges I face when working in a fast-paced environment is trying to keep up with the pace. It can be difficult to stay on top of everything that is happening and to keep track of what needs to be done. This can often lead to feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Another challenge is dealing with customers who are impatient or who have high expectations. It can be difficult to meet their expectations when you are working in a fast-paced environment and there is often a lot of pressure to get things done quickly.”

What do you think are the best ways to deal with challenging situations when they arise?

In the hospitality industry, servers are often faced with challenging situations, such as angry customers or long lines. It is important for servers to be able to deal with these situations in a calm and professional manner. By asking this question, the interviewer is trying to gauge the server's ability to handle difficult situations.

Example: “There are a few ways that I think are best for dealing with challenging situations when they arise. The first is to stay calm and level-headed. This can be difficult to do, but it is important to try to keep your emotions in check so that you can think clearly and make the best decisions. Another way to deal with challenges is to be proactive and try to anticipate potential problems before they happen. This can help you avoid or resolve issues before they become major problems. Finally, it is important to learn from your mistakes and challenges so that you can avoid them in the future.”

What do you think are the best methods for keeping your cool under pressure?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask this question. First, it shows that they are interested in how you handle stress and pressure. Second, it allows them to gauge your level of experience in the industry. Finally, it gives them an opportunity to see how you think on your feet and how you react under pressure. All of these factors are important in determining whether or not you would be a good fit for the position.

Example: “There are a few methods that can help keep server cool under pressure:

1. Time management - This is crucial in any job, but especially in a high-pressure environment. Make sure to plan ahead and give yourself enough time to complete tasks. This will help avoid last-minute rushes and stress.

2. Stay organized - Having a clear plan and knowing what needs to be done can help reduce stress. Keep your work area tidy and make sure to write things down so you don't forget anything important.

3. Take breaks - When things start to get overwhelming, take a step back and take a few deep breaths. It can also be helpful to take a walk or get some fresh air. Taking breaks will help you stay calm and focused when you return to work.

4. Delegate tasks - If possible, delegate tasks to others on your team. This will help lighten your workload and allow you to focus on the most important tasks at hand.

5. Talk to someone - Sometimes it can be helpful to talk to someone about what's going on. This could be a friend, family member, or co-worker. Talking through your stress can help you find solutions and make you feel better overall.”

What do you think are the best techniques for dealing with difficult customers?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the server's customer service skills. It is important because servers need to have strong customer service skills in order to be successful in their job.

Example: “There are a few techniques that can be useful for dealing with difficult customers. First, it is important to try to understand the customer's perspective and what they are trying to achieve. Second, it can be helpful to offer alternatives or solutions that may meet the customer's needs. Finally, it is important to remain calm and professional when communicating with the customer.”

What do you think is the best way to handle customer complaints?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the Server's customer service skills. It is important to be able to handle customer complaints in a professional and efficient manner in order to maintain good relationships with customers and keep them coming back.

Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to handle customer complaints will vary depending on the situation. However, some tips on how to handle customer complaints effectively include:

-Listen to the customer and try to understand their perspective.

-Empathize with the customer and apologize for any inconvenience caused.

-Attempt to resolve the issue as quickly and efficiently as possible.

-If the issue cannot be resolved immediately, keep the customer updated on progress and expected resolution time.

-Follow up with the customer after the issue has been resolved to ensure they are satisfied with the outcome.”

What do you think is the best way to deal with difficult co-workers?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the server's ability to deal with difficult people and handle conflict. This is important because it can affect the server's ability to do their job and provide good customer service.

Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to deal with difficult co-workers will vary depending on the situation. However, some tips on how to deal with difficult co-workers may include:

-Try to understand the root cause of their behavior. Is there something going on in their personal life that is causing them to act out?

-Talk to them directly and try to resolve the issue. Sometimes all it takes is a simple conversation to clear the air.

-If the situation is truly untenable, speak to your supervisor or HR department. They may be able to help mediate the situation or take other action as appropriate.”

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