Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Restaurant Waiter – 2021

Are you preparing for an interview as a restaurant waiter? Here are 20 up-to-date questions and answers that will help you showcase your skills, experiences, and alignment with the restaurant's values. Whether you're applying for a fine-dining restaurant or a casual cafe, these questions cover all aspects of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about yourself.
  Answer: I have been working in the restaurant industry for 5 years now. I am a passionate and hardworking individual who enjoys providing excellent customer service. I am also a team player and always willing to learn and improve.
• 2. Why do you want to work as a waiter in our restaurant?
  Answer: I have always been a fan of your restaurant's concept and menu. I believe that my previous experience and skills align perfectly with the type of service you provide to customers. I am also excited about the opportunity to learn and grow in a renowned establishment like yours.
• 3. Can you share a difficult customer experience that you have successfully handled in the past?
  Answer: I remember one time when a customer was unhappy with their food and was very vocal about it. I remained calm and listened to their concerns, apologized on behalf of the restaurant, and offered to replace their dish with something they would enjoy. In the end, the customer left happy and even wrote a positive review about the customer service they received.
• 4. How do you handle stress and pressure during busy shifts?
  Answer: I have learned to stay organized and prioritize tasks during busy shifts. I also try to remain calm and focused, prioritize communication with my team, and work efficiently to avoid any mistakes.
• 5. How do you ensure the cleanliness and hygiene of a table before and after a customer leaves?
  Answer: Before a customer arrives, I wipe down the table and chairs with a disinfectant, replace the tablecloth if necessary, and provide clean silverware and napkins. After a customer leaves, I clear the table, wipe it down, and sanitize all surfaces before resetting it for the next customer.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Tell us about a time when you had to handle a difficult or demanding customer.
  Answer: I had a customer who was very particular about their food and kept sending it back for various reasons. I remained patient and listened to their specific requests, communicated effectively with the kitchen staff, and ensured that the customer's needs were met. By the end of their dining experience, the customer was happy and even thanked me for my patience and understanding.
• 7. How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with your colleagues?
  Answer: In such situations, I try to remain calm and communicate my thoughts in a respectful manner. I also make sure to listen to my colleagues' perspectives and find a solution that would work for everyone. In the end, it's essential to maintain a positive and professional working relationship.
• 8. Tell us about a time when you had to multitask and manage different tasks simultaneously.
  Answer: During a particularly busy shift, I had to handle several tables at once, take orders, serve drinks, and assist my colleagues. I stayed organized and focused, prioritized tasks, and communicated effectively with my team. By the end of the shift, we were able to provide excellent service and handle the rush smoothly.
• 9. How do you handle a mistake you made during a customer's dining experience?
  Answer: I take full responsibility for my mistakes and immediately apologize to the customer. I also inform the manager and work with them to find a solution that would satisfy the customer and prevent similar mistakes in the future.
• 10. Tell us about a time when you had to provide excellent customer service in a challenging situation.
  Answer: There was a customer who had food allergies and requested a special dish that was not on the menu. I worked with the kitchen staff to create a personalized dish that met their dietary restrictions, and the customer was impressed and appreciative of the effort we put in to accommodate their needs.

Situational Questions

• 11. Imagine a customer is unhappy with their dining experience and wants to speak to the manager. How would you handle this situation?
  Answer: I would listen to the customer's concerns and reassure them that I will communicate their feedback to the manager. I would then inform the manager and explain the situation, allowing them to handle it professionally.
• 12. If a customer is unsatisfied with their food and wishes to send it back, what would you do?
  Answer: I would apologize on behalf of the restaurant and offer to replace the dish with something else. I would also communicate with the kitchen staff and ensure that the new dish meets the customer's expectations.
• 13. What would you do if a customer complains about a long wait time for their food?
  Answer: Firstly, I would apologize and inform them that I will check on their order with the kitchen staff. If there is a delay, I would communicate this to the customer and offer them a complimentary drink or appetizer while they wait. I would also keep them updated on the status of their order.
• 14. Imagine a customer is unhappy with their dining experience and requests a refund. How would you handle this situation?
  Answer: I would apologize to the customer and inform the manager of their request. I would also make sure to communicate effectively and find a resolution that would satisfy the customer.
• 15. If there is an issue with the POS system and you are unable to process a customer's payment, what would you do?
  Answer: I would apologize to the customer and offer an alternative payment method, such as cash or another credit card. If necessary, I would also inform the manager and seek their assistance in finding a solution.

Technical Questions

• 16. What are your thoughts on suggestive selling? How do you do it effectively?
  Answer: Suggestive selling is an excellent way to increase sales and enhance the customer's dining experience. I believe it's important to listen to the customer's preferences and make suggestions accordingly. For example, if a customer orders a steak, I may suggest a wine pairing that would complement the dish.
• 17. How do you handle customer complaints related to food quality?
  Answer: I first apologize to the customer and immediately inform the kitchen staff about the issue. If possible, I would also offer a replacement dish or find a solution that would satisfy the customer.
• 18. What steps do you take to ensure food safety and proper handling?
  Answer: I always wash my hands regularly, ensure that food items are stored at the appropriate temperature, and check expiration dates before serving. I also follow the restaurant's policies and procedures for food safety and handling.
• 19. How do you handle a customer who has dietary restrictions or allergies?
  Answer: I make sure to listen to their needs and communicate their restrictions to the kitchen staff. I also inform the customer of the ingredients in their dish and any possible cross-contamination concerns.
• 20. How do you handle inventory management and restocking of supplies?
  Answer: I keep track of supplies and inform the manager when we are running low on certain items. I also make sure to restock supplies at the end of each shift and follow the restaurant's protocols for inventory management.