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

Are you preparing for a job interview for the role of a chief steward? This guide provides a list of essential questions and their answers to help you showcase your skills, experience, and knowledge of hospitality and customer service. These questions cover all key areas of the chief steward role, from leadership and decision-making to cultural fit and customer satisfaction.

General Questions

• 1. What inspired you to become a chief steward?
  Answer: As a natural leader and someone who enjoys providing excellent service, I was drawn to the role of a chief steward. I love the challenge of managing a team and ensuring customer satisfaction at all times.
• 2. What do you think sets you apart from other candidates for this role?
  Answer: I believe that my strong leadership skills, attention to detail, and customer-centric approach make me a great fit for the role of a chief steward. I also have experience in various hospitality settings, which gives me a diverse perspective and the ability to adapt to different environments.
• 3. How would you handle a difficult customer who is not satisfied with their experience?
  Answer: I would first listen to the customer's concerns and empathize with them. Then, I would try to find a solution that meets their needs and restores their satisfaction. If necessary, I would escalate the issue to my supervisor or manager for further assistance.
• 4. How do you prioritize and delegate tasks to ensure efficient operations?
  Answer: As a chief steward, communication and organization are key. I would communicate with my team to understand their strengths and delegate tasks accordingly. I also believe in setting clear priorities and deadlines to ensure a smooth workflow and quality results.
• 5. Can you tell us about a time when you had to handle a difficult team member?
  Answer: In my previous role, I had a team member who was consistently missing deadlines and causing delays in our operations. I sat down with them to understand their challenges and provided additional training and support. With improved communication and support, the team member's performance and attitude improved significantly.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. What experience do you have in managing inventory and ordering supplies?
  Answer: In my current role, I am responsible for inventory management and ordering supplies for our department. I have experience in forecasting upcoming needs, negotiating prices with vendors, and maintaining accurate records to ensure adequate supply levels.
• 7. How knowledgeable are you in food and beverage safety regulations and procedures?
  Answer: As a chief steward, it is crucial to stay updated on all food and beverage safety regulations and procedures. I am well-versed in these regulations and have implemented them in my previous roles to ensure the safety of our customers and compliance with regulations.
• 8. Can you provide an example of when you had to troubleshoot a technical issue in a timely manner?
  Answer: In my previous job, we experienced a malfunction with our dishwashing machine during peak hours. I quickly identified the issue and coordinated with the maintenance team to get it fixed as soon as possible. In the meantime, I utilized alternative methods to keep the operation running smoothly.
• 9. Do you have experience in creating and managing budgets for a department?
  Answer: In my current role, I am responsible for managing the department's budget. This includes identifying cost-saving opportunities, negotiating prices with vendors, and tracking expenses to ensure we stay within budget.
• 10. How familiar are you with different cleaning and sanitizing methods?
  Answer: I have extensive experience in different cleaning and sanitizing methods, including knowledge of chemical compositions and their proper usage. I also stay updated on industry best practices and am always willing to learn new techniques to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Can you tell us about a time when you had to handle a challenging and stressful situation?
  Answer: In my previous role, I had to handle a sudden increase in demand for our services during a peak season. I remained calm and organized, prioritized tasks, and worked closely with my team to meet the demand. We were able to provide excellent service while also maintaining our standards and meeting deadlines.
• 12. How do you motivate your team to maintain high levels of cleanliness and customer service?
  Answer: I believe in leading by example and recognizing and appreciating my team's hard work. I also foster a positive and supportive work environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to our goals. I also provide regular training and feedback to keep my team motivated and up-to-date with best practices.
• 13. Can you give an example of a time when you had to handle a conflict within your team?
  Answer: In my previous role, I had two team members who had a disagreement that affected their work and the team's dynamics. I scheduled a meeting with them to address the issue and find a resolution. Through open communication and a willingness to understand each other's perspectives, we were able to resolve the conflict and maintain a positive work environment.
• 14. How do you handle pressure and tight deadlines?
  Answer: I thrive in a fast-paced environment and am skilled at managing my time effectively. I prioritize tasks, delegate when necessary, and remain focused and organized to meet deadlines. I also communicate with my team and provide support where needed to ensure we meet our goals on time.
• 15. Can you tell us about a time when you had to handle an unsatisfied customer?
  Answer: In my previous role, we had a customer who was not satisfied with their meal and demanded a full refund. I listened to their concerns and took immediate action to resolve the issue. I offered a complimentary meal and followed up to ensure their satisfaction, and the customer left with a positive experience.

Situational Questions

• 16. How would you handle a situation where you notice a team member not following proper safety procedures?
  Answer: I would approach the team member and remind them of the safety procedures and the importance of adhering to them. If necessary, I would provide additional training and support to ensure they understand and follow the procedures correctly.
• 17. Can you give an example of a time when you had to make a difficult decision that affected the team and operations?
  Answer: In my current role, we were met with unexpected staffing shortages during a busy weekend. I had to make the difficult decision to cancel some reservations and prioritize our resources to ensure we provided excellent service for our existing customers. While this was a challenging decision, it ultimately helped us maintain the quality of our services and prevent dissatisfaction among our customers.
• 18. How would you handle a situation where a customer insists on receiving a service that goes against our company's policies?
  Answer: I would politely explain our policies and the reasons behind them. If necessary, I would offer alternative options that meet the customer's needs while also staying within our policies and procedures.
• 19. How would you handle a situation where you need to discipline a team member for not following instructions?
  Answer: I would first have a one-on-one conversation with the team member to address the issue and give them a chance to explain themselves. If necessary, I would provide additional training and support to help them improve. If the issue persists, I would escalate it to their supervisor for further action.
• 20. Can you give an example of a time when you had to handle a work-related conflict with a customer?
  Answer: In my previous role, we had a customer who was dissatisfied with the food quality. After apologizing and offering a complimentary meal, the customer was still not satisfied. I escalated the issue to my supervisor, who stepped in and offered a full refund. While this was a challenging situation, I learned the importance of effective communication and conflict resolution in maintaining customer satisfaction.