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16 Waiter 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 waiter interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

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Common Waiter Interview Questions

What made you choose to become a waiter?

An interviewer may ask "What made you choose to become a waiter?" to learn more about the waiter's motivations and reasons for choosing this career. This question can help the interviewer understand the waiter's work ethic and commitment to the job. Additionally, this question can give the interviewer insight into the waiter's customer service skills.

Example: “I chose to become a waiter because I enjoy interacting with people and providing them with excellent customer service. I also like the fast-paced nature of the job and the opportunity to work in a team environment.”

What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful waiter?

The interviewer is trying to determine if the waiter has the qualities necessary to be successful in the role. It is important to know if the waiter has the qualities necessary to be successful because it will help the restaurant ensure that they are providing good service to their customers.

Example: “The most important qualities for a successful waiter are:

1. Good communication skills: A waiter needs to be able to communicate effectively with customers, taking their orders and answering any questions they may have. They also need to be able to communicate with the kitchen staff, relay customer orders and ensure that they are prepared correctly and in a timely manner.

2. Good people skills: A waiter needs to be friendly and personable in order to provide good customer service. They should be able to build rapport with customers and make them feel comfortable in the restaurant.

3. Good organizational skills: A waiter needs to be organized in order to keep track of customer orders and ensure that they are delivered correctly. They also need to be able to keep the dining area clean and tidy, setting up tables and chairs as needed.

4. Good problem-solving skills: A waiter needs to be able to think on their feet and solve problems as they arise. For example, if a customer is unhappy with their order, the waiter will need to be able to quickly find a solution that satisfies both the customer and the restaurant.

5. Physical stamina: A waiter needs to have physical stamina in order to stand for long periods of time and move around”

What do you think are the biggest challenges you face as a waiter?

An interviewer would ask "What do you think are the biggest challenges you face as a waiter?" to a waiter in order to gauge the waiter's self-awareness and ability to reflect on their work. It is important for interviewers to ask this question because it allows them to see if the waiter is able to identify areas where they need to improve and how they plan on addressing those challenges. Additionally, this question can give the interviewer insight into the waiter's work ethic and attitude.

Example: “The biggest challenges that I face as a waiter are keeping up with the demands of the customers, making sure that everyone is happy with their food and drink, and dealing with any complaints or problems that may arise. I also have to make sure that I am always polite and professional, even if the customers are not.”

How do you deal with difficult customers?

Waiting tables can be a difficult job, and one of the most challenging aspects can be dealing with difficult customers. This question allows the interviewer to gauge the applicant's customer service skills and see how they handle difficult situations. This is important because it can give the interviewer a good idea of how the applicant would interact with customers on a day-to-day basis.

Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to deal with difficult customers will vary depending on the situation. However, some tips on how to deal with difficult customers include remaining calm and professional, being patient and understanding, and taking the time to listen to their concerns. Additionally, it can be helpful to offer solutions or alternatives when possible, and thank the customer for their feedback.”

How do you stay calm during busy periods?

The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the waiter's ability to handle stressful situations. It is important for a waiter to be able to stay calm during busy periods because they need to be able to provide good customer service despite the chaotic environment.

Example: “When it comes to staying calm during busy periods, there are a few key things that I always keep in mind. First and foremost, I try to stay organized and have a clear plan of action for each shift. This helps to ensure that I am not feeling overwhelmed by the tasks at hand. Additionally, I take breaks when I can and make sure to stay hydrated throughout my shift. Finally, I always remember that the guests are counting on me to provide them with a positive dining experience, so I remain professional and courteous at all times.”

What do you think are the best tips for avoiding mistakes when taking orders?

This question is important because it allows the interviewer to gauge the waiter's understanding of the importance of taking orders correctly. It also allows the interviewer to see if the waiter has any tips or strategies for avoiding mistakes when taking orders. This question is important because it allows the interviewer to gauge the waiter's understanding of the importance of taking orders correctly. It also allows the interviewer to see if the waiter has any tips or strategies for avoiding mistakes when taking orders.

Example: “There are a few key things to keep in mind when taking orders to avoid mistakes:

1. Pay attention to the customer and repeat back the order to ensure accuracy.
2. Write down the order or input it into a computer system as soon as possible.
3. If using a computer system, double check the order before sending it to the kitchen to make sure it is correct.
4. Be familiar with the menu and know which items can be modified to accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies.
5. Ask questions if you are unsure about anything on the order.
6. Check with the customer if there are any changes or substitutions made to their order.
7. Make sure all items on the order are accounted for before delivering it to the table.”

How do you deal with spillages or other accidents?

A waiter needs to be able to deal with accidents quickly and efficiently in order to keep the dining area clean and safe for customers. This question allows the interviewer to gauge the waiter's ability to handle unexpected situations.

Example: “If a spillage or other accident occurs, the first thing to do is to ensure the safety of those around by clearing the area and making sure no one is in danger. Once the area is safe, you can then start to clean up the mess. Depending on the severity of the spill, this may involve simply mopping up the liquid with a cloth or using a more heavy-duty cleaning solution. Once the area is clean and dry, you should then report the incident to a manager so that they can investigate what happened and put measures in place to prevent it from happening again.”

How do you upsell without being pushy?

An interviewer would ask this question to a waiter because upselling is an important skill for waiters. It is important because it allows them to increase their sales and tips. Upselling without being pushy requires good people skills and the ability to read customers.

Example: “There are a few ways to upsell without being pushy. One way is to simply suggest the next higher priced item on the menu, or a special that may be available. Another way is to ask questions about what the customer is looking for in their meal, and then make recommendations based on that. For example, if they are looking for something light and healthy, you could suggest the salad instead of the fries. Or, if they are looking for something filling and hearty, you could suggest the steak instead of the chicken. Ultimately, it is up to the customer to decide what they want, but by making suggestions and providing information, you can help them make the best decision for their needs.”

What do you do if you forget an order?

An interviewer would ask "What do you do if you forget an order?" to a waiter because it is important for the interviewer to know how the waiter would handle a situation in which they forget an order. This is important because it can give the interviewer insight into the waiter's ability to handle difficult situations and how they would react under pressure.

Example: “If I forget an order, I will apologize to the customer and let them know that I will be getting their order as soon as possible. I will also update the kitchen staff on the situation so that they can be aware of the missing order.”

How do you deal with slow or late service from the kitchen?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a waiter. First, it can give them insight into how the waiter handles difficult situations. Second, it can help them understand how the waiter deals with customers. Third, it can help them understand how the waiter deals with stress. All of these factors are important when it comes to determining if a waiter is a good fit for a particular restaurant.

Example: “If I am working as a waiter and I notice that the kitchen is running slow or behind on orders, the first thing I would do is to inform my manager. From there, we would work together to come up with a plan to help speed up the process. This could involve anything from additional staff being brought in to help with the workload, to changing the order of service to accommodate the delays. Whatever the solution, my goal would be to ensure that the guests are still getting the best possible experience despite the delays.”

How do you manage your time during your shift?

One reason an interviewer might ask a waiter how they manage their time during a shift is to gauge how well the waiter can handle multiple tasks at once. This is important because waiters often have to juggle taking orders, serving food, and checking on customers, all while keeping a smile on their face. Another reason an interviewer might ask this question is to see if the waiter is able to stay calm and organized when faced with a busy shift. This is important because it shows that the waiter can handle stress well and won't let the chaotic nature of the job get to them.

Example: “I generally like to start my shift by getting all of my side work done so that I can focus on serving my guests. I then try to stay ahead of the game by constantly monitoring my section and keeping an eye on what needs to be done. If I see a guest who looks like they need assistance, I will go over and see if they need anything. I also keep an eye on the other servers and help them out when needed. Towards the end of my shift, I start to wrap things up and make sure that everything is in order for the next shift.”

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

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask a waiter about the best way to deal with difficult co-workers. First, it shows that the interviewer is interested in how the waiter would handle a difficult situation. This is important because it shows that the interviewer is looking for a candidate who can handle difficult situations in a professional manner. Second, it allows the interviewer to gauge the waiter's people skills. This is important because people skills are essential for a successful career in the hospitality industry. Finally, it gives the interviewer insight into the waiter's personal values and beliefs. This is important because it allows the interviewer to see if the waiter's values align with the values of the company.

Example: “There is no one answer to this question as everyone may have their own methods of dealing with difficult co-workers. However, some tips on how to deal with difficult co-workers may include:

-Try to understand the root cause of the issue and why the person is acting out in a difficult manner. This can help you to better deal with the situation.

-Keep your cool and remain professional at all times. This can be difficult, but it is important to remember that you are representing your company and you want to maintain a positive image.

-Attempt to resolve the issue directly with the person involved. If possible, have a private conversation in order to avoid any public conflict.

-If the situation continues or escalates, speak with a supervisor or human resources representative in order to get assistance.”

What do you do if you run out of a menu item that a customer wants?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the waiter's customer service skills. It is important to find out if the waiter is able to handle difficult customer situations in a professional and courteous manner.

Example: “If you run out of a menu item that a customer wants, the best thing to do is to apologize and offer them something else. For example, if they are looking for the chicken dish but we are all out, you can offer them the beef or pork dish instead. If there are no other options on the menu, you can offer to make them something similar with what you have in stock.”

How do you deal with customers who complain about the food or service?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the waiter's customer service skills. It is important to know how the waiter would deal with a complaint because it shows how they would handle a difficult situation. If the waiter can't handle a complaint properly, it could reflect poorly on the restaurant.

Example: “If a customer complains about the food or service, the first thing I would do is apologize and try to rectify the situation. If the complaint is about the food, I would offer to replace the dish or refund the customer's money. If the complaint is about the service, I would try to find out what the problem was and correct it if possible. I would also make sure to thank the customer for bringing the issue to my attention.”

How do you handle payments, especially when a customer doesn't have enough cash or wants to pay by card?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask this question to a waiter. Firstly, it is important for the waiter to know how to handle payments in a professional and efficient manner. Secondly, the interviewer wants to know how the waiter would deal with a customer who does not have enough cash or wants to pay by card. This question is designed to test the waiter's customer service skills and knowledge of the restaurant's payment policy.

Example: “In general, waiters will handle payments by taking the customer's order and then either taking their payment directly or bringing the bill to them. If a customer doesn't have enough cash, the waiter may offer to take a check or credit card. If the customer wants to pay by card, the waiter will usually run the card through a machine and then bring the bill back to the customer.”

What do you think is the best way to deal with tips?

The interviewer is likely asking this question to gauge the waiter's customer service skills. It is important for a waiter to be able to deal with tips in a professional and courteous manner, as this can affect the level of service that customers receive.

Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to deal with tips will vary depending on the country, restaurant, and waitstaff. However, some tips on how to deal with tips include:

-In some countries, it is customary to leave a small tip (5-10% of the bill) for good service.
-In other countries, it is not customary to leave a tip at all.
-Some restaurants automatically add a service charge to the bill, which goes towards the wages of the waitstaff.
-In some cases, tips may be shared amongst all staff members working that shift.

Ultimately, it is up to the individual waiter or waitress to decide what to do with their tips. Some may choose to keep all of their tips, while others may choose to share them with fellow staff members.”