Top 10 Questions for Restaurant Server Interview

1. What are your key responsibilities as a Server in a restaurant?

• Greeting customers and seating them at their table
• Taking and relaying orders to the kitchen
• Serving food and beverage and checking in on customers to ensure satisfaction
• Clearing tables and resetting them for new guests
• Maintaining a clean and organized work area
• Working as part of a team to provide excellent customer service

2. How do you handle complaints or difficult customers?

Emphasizing empathy and resolution

• Listen actively to the customer’s complaint and acknowledge their concerns.
• Apologize for any inconvenience and show empathy for their frustration.
• Offer a solution to the problem, such as a replacement dish or a discount.

Setting boundaries and maintaining professionalism

• If the customer becomes aggressive or unreasonable, remain calm and professional.
• Set clear boundaries and explain that disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.
• If necessary, involve a manager or supervisor to assist with resolving the situation.

3. Describe a time when you went above and beyond to provide excellent customer service.

• Share a specific example of a situation where you exceeded a customer’s expectations.
• Highlight your initiative, creativity, and attention to detail in resolving the issue.
• Explain how your actions led to a positive outcome and enhanced the customer’s experience.

4. What is your favorite part about working as a Server?

• Emphasize the aspects of the job that genuinely motivate and fulfill you.
• Share specific experiences or anecdotes that demonstrate your passion for serving others.
• Explain how your enthusiasm translates into exceptional customer interactions.

5. How do you stay organized and efficient during busy shifts?

• Describe your strategies for managing multiple tasks and prioritizing responsibilities.
• Explain how you use technology or other tools to streamline your work.
• Highlight your ability to adapt to changing demands and maintain a positive attitude under pressure.

6. What are the most important qualities of a successful Server?

• Emphasize qualities such as attention to detail, empathy, communication skills, and teamwork.
• Explain how these qualities contribute to providing exceptional customer service.
• Relate your own experiences to illustrate how you embody these qualities.

7. How do you handle peak hours and large parties?

• Describe your strategies for managing a high volume of customers and ensuring efficient service.
• Explain how you prioritize orders, delegate tasks, and work effectively as a team.
• Share examples of successful experiences handling large parties or busy rushes.

8. What is your experience with upselling and suggestive selling?

• Explain your understanding of upselling and suggestive selling techniques.
• Share examples of how you have successfully implemented these techniques to increase sales.
• Highlight your ability to make recommendations based on customer preferences and menu knowledge.

9. How do you stay up-to-date on menu changes and restaurant promotions?

• Describe your methods for staying informed about menu updates, specials, and ongoing promotions.
• Explain how you use this knowledge to provide accurate information to customers and enhance their dining experience.
• Share examples of how you have effectively communicated menu changes or promotions to guests.

10. What is your understanding of wine pairing and food recommendations?

• Explain your knowledge of wine pairing principles and how you use it to enhance the dining experience.
• Share examples of successful wine recommendations you have made to customers.
• Describe your strategies for learning about new wines and expanding your wine knowledge.

Restaurant Servers are responsible for providing excellent customer service and ensuring the smooth operation of the dining room.

1. Greeting customers and taking orders

Servers greet customers, seat them, and take their orders accurately and efficiently. They may also answer questions about the menu and make recommendations.

2. Serving food and beverages

Servers serve food and beverages to customers in a timely and courteous manner. They may also clear tables and reset them for new customers.

3. Maintaining the dining area

Servers keep the dining area clean and organized. They may sweep, mop, and restock supplies as needed.

4. Upselling and promoting menu items

Servers may upsell menu items and promote specials to customers. They may also suggest wine pairings or other items that complement the customer’s order.

5. Handling customer complaints

Servers handle customer complaints in a professional and courteous manner. They may offer solutions to problems or escalate complaints to a manager.

6. Working as part of a team

Servers work as part of a team to provide excellent customer service. They may assist other servers with tasks such as taking orders, serving food, or clearing tables.

Preparing for a Restaurant Server interview can help you make a great impression on the hiring manager and increase your chances of getting the job. Here are a few tips to help you prepare:

1. Research the restaurant

Before your interview, take some time to research the restaurant. This will help you understand the restaurant’s concept, menu, and atmosphere. You can also learn about the restaurant’s history, awards, and any special events they may host.

2. Practice your answers to common interview questions

There are a few common interview questions that you are likely to be asked in a Restaurant Server interview. These questions may include:

• “Tell me about your experience as a Restaurant Server.”
• “What is your favorite part about being a Restaurant Server?”
• “What is your greatest strength as a Restaurant Server?”
• “What is your greatest weakness as a Restaurant Server?”
• “Why do you want to work at this restaurant?”

Take some time to practice your answers to these questions so that you can deliver them confidently and concisely.

3. Dress professionally

First impressions matter, so it is important to dress professionally for your interview. This means wearing clean, pressed clothes that are appropriate for a restaurant setting. You should also arrive on time for your interview and be polite and respectful to the interviewer.

4. Be enthusiastic and positive

Restaurant Servers are often the first point of contact for customers, so it is important to be enthusiastic and positive. This will help create a welcoming atmosphere for customers and make them more likely to have a positive dining experience.

5. Ask questions

At the end of your interview, be sure to ask the interviewer any questions that you have about the position or the restaurant. This shows that you are interested in the job and that you are taking the interview seriously.