Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Assistant Steward Roles – 2025

Preparing for an assistant steward job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your skills and experience in the hospitality industry. As an assistant steward, you are responsible for ensuring the cleanliness and maintenance of all dining and event areas, as well as the proper handling and storage of all dining and beverage equipment. These questions cover all key areas of the job to assess your fit for the role.

General Questions

• 1. Why did you choose to apply for a role in the hospitality industry?
  A: I have always been passionate about providing excellent service and creating memorable experiences for guests. The hospitality industry allows me to combine my passion with my skills to contribute to a successful and enjoyable guest experience.
• 2. Can you tell us about your previous experience working in a hospitality role?
  A: I have worked in various hospitality roles such as server, bartender, and hostess in restaurants, as well as catering and event planning. These experiences have allowed me to develop strong customer service and organization skills, as well as attention to detail in setting up for events and maintaining cleanliness.
• 3. How do you handle difficult or demanding customers?
  A: I understand that every guest has their own preferences and expectations, and I always strive to meet their needs and exceed their expectations. If a customer is unhappy with something, I would listen to their concerns, apologize if necessary, and work to find a solution that meets their satisfaction.
• 4. How do you prioritize tasks and handle a high volume of work?
  A: As an assistant steward, it is important to prioritize tasks efficiently to ensure the smooth running of operations. I would first assess the urgency and importance of each task, delegate when necessary, and stay organized with a to-do list and time management tools.
• 5. Can you tell us about a time when you had to handle an emergency or unexpected situation?
  A: During a busy weekend shift, a pipe burst in the kitchen, causing a flood on the floor. I immediately informed the manager, turned off the water main, and began to mop up the water to prevent any further damage. I also alerted the kitchen staff to use alternative water sources and brought in extra support to clean up the mess. Thanks to quick thinking and teamwork, we were able to handle the situation efficiently without any disruptions to service.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Can you tell us about a time when you had to work with a difficult team member?
  A: In a previous role, I had a co-worker who was often negative and uncooperative. Instead of avoiding them or engaging in conflict, I made an effort to understand their perspective and offered to help them with their tasks. Over time, our communication improved, and we were able to work together efficiently for the benefit of the team.
• 7. How do you handle criticism or feedback?
  A: I believe that feedback is essential for personal and professional growth. I am open to constructive criticism and always take it as an opportunity to improve my skills and performance. I also ask for feedback regularly, so I can continuously improve and provide the best service for guests.
• 8. Can you tell us about a time when you had to adapt to a new work environment or process?
  A: In my previous role, I had to learn a new POS system, which was vastly different from what I was used to. I took the initiative to study the manual and practice using the system during quieter shifts. I also asked for guidance and feedback from my colleagues. Within a week, I was proficient in using the new system and could train new employees on it.
• 9. How do you handle multitasking and working under pressure?
  A: Multitasking and remaining calm under pressure are vital skills in the hospitality industry. I have honed these skills through my previous roles, where I have had to handle multiple tasks and guests with varying requests simultaneously. I prioritize tasks, focus on one thing at a time, and communicate effectively with my team to ensure everything runs smoothly.
• 10. Tell us about a time when you had to come up with a creative solution to a problem.
  A: During a busy event, we ran out of canapes due to unexpected guest arrivals. Without disrupting the ongoing service, I quickly improvised some bite-sized appetizers using leftover ingredients, which were a hit with the guests. It taught me the importance of being resourceful and thinking on my feet in a fast-paced environment.

Situational Questions

• 11. How would you handle a situation where a guest has a severe allergy, and there are limited options on the menu for them to choose from?
  A: I would first listen to the guest's allergies and concerns and then consult with the chef and kitchen staff to see if they can create a dish that is safe for the guest. If this is not possible, I would offer to check with a nearby restaurant or provide alternative options from our kitchen that are safe for the guest.
• 12. How would you handle a guest who is unhappy with their meal?
  A: I would first apologize for the inconvenience and ask for more details about their dissatisfaction. I would then offer to have a new dish made for them or provide them with a discount or complimentary item as per company policy. If the issue cannot be resolved, I would escalate it to the manager for further assistance.
• 13. How would you handle a situation where a guest is causing a disturbance in the restaurant or event space?
  A: I would approach the guest calmly and politely, asking if they could lower their voice or refrain from causing a disturbance. If the behavior continues, I would inform the manager or the security team to handle the situation further.
• 14. A guest has left a valuable item behind in the dining area; how would you handle this?
  A: I would immediately inform the manager and secure the item in a safe place until the guest can retrieve it. I would also check if the guest left any contact information so we can reach out to them to arrange for the return of their item. I understand the importance of honesty and integrity in handling lost items.
• 15. How would you handle a situation where you have to cater to a last-minute request from a VIP guest?
  A: I would first apologize for any inconvenience and inform the kitchen and service staff about the new request. I would then prioritize the task, delegate necessary tasks to other team members, and work efficiently to fulfill the request to the best of my ability. I understand the importance of making sure all guests, especially VIPs, have an exceptional experience.

Technical Questions

• 16. Can you tell us about your knowledge and experience with food safety and handling regulations?
  A: I have completed the necessary training and obtained a food safety certification to ensure I am aware of all safety and handling regulations. I understand the importance of proper hygiene and following protocols to prevent food contamination and ensure the safety of our guests.
• 17. How would you ensure the proper handling and storage of dining and beverage equipment?
  A: I would regularly inspect the equipment for any damage or wear and tear, clean and sanitize them thoroughly before and after use, and ensure they are stored in a designated area. I would also follow inventory management processes to ensure we have enough supplies at all times.
• 18. Can you walk us through your process for setting up a dining or event space for a function?
  A: First, I would check the event requirements and consult with the event planner to ensure all special requests are taken into account. I would then work with the kitchen staff to prepare the food and beverages, set up tables and chairs, and ensure the space is clean and presentable.
• 19. How would you handle an equipment malfunction or breakdown during an event?
  A: I would first try to troubleshoot the issue and see if I can fix it myself. If not, I would inform the manager and take appropriate action, such as replacing the equipment or finding an alternative solution to ensure the event runs smoothly. I understand the importance of being able to handle technical issues quickly and efficiently to prevent any disruptions to the guest experience.
• 20. How do you handle inventory management and ordering supplies?
  A: I would regularly assess our inventory, check for expiration dates, and create orders based on our usage and upcoming events. I would also keep track of expenses and ensure we are ordering from reputable vendors to maintain the quality of our supplies and equipment.