Waitress Interview Preparation Guide

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The answer to this question can give great insight into what kind of person you'll be dealing with and what style they have.
You could also ask this question in a more direct way. Give a scenario (maybe a scenario that has actually happened in the restaurant) and ask how they would have handled it or how they would handle it if it happens to them in the near future.

By seeing their definition of a successful restaurant I can gain an understanding of their priorities or, at the very least, see if their mentality is in alignment with ours. Some people might think a successful restaurant is one that is a James Beard award winner while others define success as a strong and respectful team that provides excellent service on a regular basis.

Staying on one's feet comes with the territory and doesn't really bother me. My work is demanding so it keeps me on my toes, taking the edge off feeling tired.

This is probably the most asked question in an interview. It breaks the ice and gets you to talk about something you should be fairly comfortable with. Have something prepared that doesn't sound rehearsed. It's not about you telling your life story and quite frankly, the interviewer just isn't interested. Unless asked to do so, stick to your education, career and current situation. Work through it chronologically from the furthest back to the present.

If you are serious about changing jobs then it is likely that you are applying to other positions. It is also a way of showing that you are in demand. Be honest but don't go into too much detail; you don't want to spend a great deal of time on this. If asked about names of who you have spoken to, it is absolutely legitimate to say you prefer not to disclose that information at this stage.

This is something you need to have very clear in your mind prior to the meeting. There is no point in saying yes just to get the job if the real answer is actually no. Just be honest as this can save you problems arising in the future.

I have experience working in another restaurant, I worked busy shifts and I'm used to serving large parties. From my experience I feel comfortable talking to customers.

I'm not much of a wine drinker but I have a good sense of which wines pair well with certain foods, because of my previous experience as a waitress. If I started working here, I would like to have a look at the wine list and find out which dishes work best with which wines. So if a customers asks me, I can give them a good recommendation.

From your job advert, I thought it would be a normal waitress role. Taking orders, serving meals, cleaning tables and helping with drink orders. I remember the advert saying that you would need the candidate to work every other Sunday, which I'm happy to do.

☛ if they are quick to respond about a hobby they are more likely to be focused on whatever they do
☛ if they have just moved to Flagstaff, they had better like the outdoors or they may not be staying too long in Flag
☛ if they don't have much going on they could be heavy partiers

One other thing I like to do is have a candidate walk me out to their car at the end of the interview where I look to see how well they treat what is likely their most expensive and important possession. If it is disgusting, I try to think how they will treat the things that don't belong to them. This serves as a fairly accurate barometer.

Greeting and seating customers, offering menus, providing suggestions according to their specific likes, responding to customers' questions regarding ingredients and cooking times, and ensuring that all orders are delivered on time, I have handled it all!

Think about a few and say how you think they compare (similarities, differences). This is a good opportunity to highlight what you think are the company's key strengths.

This is a challenging question -- as if you have no weaknesses you are obviously lying! Be realistic and mention a small work related flaw.
Many people will suggest answering this using a positive trait disguised as a flaw such as "I'm a perfectionist" or "I expect others to be as committed as I am." I would advocate a certain degree of honesty and list a true weakness. Emphasize what you've done to overcome it and improve. This question is all about how you perceive and evaluate yourself.

It is your chance to stand out and draw attention to your skills, especially those that haven't already been addressed. Saying "because I need a job" or "I'm really good" just won't cut it. Don't speculate about other candidates and their possible strengths or flaws. Make sure you focus on you. Explain why you make a good employee, why you are a good fit for the job and the company and what you can offer.
Keep it succinct and highlight your achievements.

Yes, in my last job as a waitress I had to set out cutlery correctly. I know how to set out different types of wine glasses when preparing a table.

I took a food order and accidentally wrote down chicken burger instead of beef burger. When I brought the order, I realised I had made a mistake, I was obviously embarrassed. I apologised to the customer, who was thankfully very nice about it and then I went to the chefs who were about to get a beef burger ready in 10 minutes. I served it to the customer and apologised again.

This is one of my favorites, you get some great answers…

I like this question because an applicant's answer gives me a lot of information on whether or not they're a "food person" or someone who doesn't necessarily love food but just has a history of waiting gigs. Either situation is totally okay, but I prefer people who themselves love dining as opposed to just eating.

No, I don't believe that it is. Through suggestive selling, one is simply reminding a customer if he or she may be forgetting to order something, or providing them with information on what else is available that they may like. While it may generate additional revenue for the restaurant, it also provides satisfaction to the patrons.

This question typically follows on from the previous one. Here is where your research will come in handy. You may want to say that you want to work for a company that is x, y, z, (market leader, innovator, provides a vital service, whatever it may be). Put some thought into this beforehand, be specific and link the company's values and mission statement to your own goals and career plans.

There is no right or wrong answer here. The logic behind this type of question is that your past behaviour is likely to predict what you will do in the future. What the interviewer is looking for is to understand what you find difficult.

I suppose my least favourite part of waitressing is when you get an unhappy customer. Sometimes you get that customer who was in a bad mood when they arrived and they're unhappy with everything you do. It's alright, I'm used to it and I know how to remain professional throughout the situation.

I have experience working as a barista, so I'm happy to use the machines when I need to.

For health and safety, I always keep my hair tied back at work. In the past, I've worn blue plasters on my fingers if they've been cut. When there is broken glass on the floor, I know to alert another colleague and get it cleaned up quickly to avoid injuring our diners or staff. At work I always make sure to wear appropriate work shoes, to reduce the chance of slipping or falling.