Top 10 Hostess Interview Questions and Answers [Updated 2024]

Sample Answer
I remember a time when I was working at a previous restaurant. A customer was upset because their food was taking longer than expected. I calmly explained to them that the kitchen was doing their best to get their meal out as soon as possible. I offered them a complimentary drink while they waited. In the end, they appreciated my efforts and left a positive review. From this situation, I learned the importance of clear communication and making customers feel valued, even when things are not going perfectly.

Sample Answer
In a busy environment, my first priority is always to ensure the customers are comfortable and attended to promptly. I would start by greeting customers as they come in and quickly assess the situation. If there are tables available, I would seat the customers immediately. If not, I would inform them about the wait time and try to make their wait as comfortable as possible. In case there are other tasks like answering phone calls or managing reservations, I would handle them in between seating customers, always maintaining a polite and calm demeanor. I believe it’s all about staying organized and focused, and ensuring the customers feel welcomed and valued at all times.

Sample Answer
In such situations, I would first apologize to the customer for the inconvenience. I would then explain the reason for the delay, ensuring to maintain a polite and understanding tone. I would offer them a complimentary drink or appetizer for their wait, and assure them that I would do my best to get them a table as soon as possible. I think it’s essential to keep customers informed and make their wait as comfortable as possible.

Sample Answer
In my previous role at XYZ Restaurant, we had a family come in with a child who had specific dietary requirements due to allergies. The family was unsure of the menu items that would be safe for their child. I took the initiative to sit down with them and our chef to create a custom meal that was safe and enjoyable for the child. The family appreciated the effort and became regular customers.

Sample Answer
I believe efficient seating management is crucial for a restaurant’s smooth operation. I would first ensure that I am familiar with the layout and the capacity of each section. If the restaurant uses a reservation system, I would use it to manage and anticipate the flow of customers. For walk-in customers, I would seat them based on the availability of tables, ensuring a fair distribution among the service staff. In case of a rush, I would remain calm, inform customers about the waiting time honestly, and offer alternatives like bar seating if available. I also believe in maintaining constant communication with the service staff to understand if they can handle more tables or if they are overwhelmed.

Sample Answer
In my previous role as a hostess, there were many times when the restaurant would be extremely busy, especially during weekends or holidays. I learned to stay calm and composed under such pressure. I would start by organizing things in my mind, prioritizing tasks according to their urgency and importance. For example, I would first focus on greeting and seating incoming guests, then manage the waiting list and finally handle any other tasks like answering phone calls or helping with payments. I also realized that taking a few deep breaths helped me maintain my composure. So, I believe I am well-equipped to handle stress and high-pressure situations.

Sample Answer
I understand the importance of always being aware of the status of each table in the restaurant. If a table management system is in place, I would utilize it to track which tables are occupied, which are about to be freed up, and which are ready to be seated. If such a system is not in place, I would maintain this information manually by regularly checking the dining area and staying in close communication with the serving staff. I believe that good teamwork and clear communication are key to ensuring smooth operations in a busy restaurant.

Sample Answer
Firstly, I would greet the guests warmly and apologize for the inconvenience. I would then check for any available tables or cancellations. If there are none, I would provide them with an accurate waiting time. I would also suggest that they could have a drink at the bar while they wait. If the wait time is too long, I would recommend making a reservation for another day and apologize for the inconvenience. Throughout the entire process, I would maintain a positive attitude and ensure the guests feel valued.

Sample Answer
I understand the entrance area is the first impression a guest has of the restaurant, so I would ensure it’s always clean, tidy, and inviting. I would regularly check the area for any litter, straighten any misplaced furniture, and make sure all promotional materials are current and displayed in an attractive manner. In addition, I would always greet guests with a friendly smile and warm welcome to ensure they start their dining experience on a positive note.

Sample Answer
There was a time when one of our regular customers ordered a dish and requested certain modifications due to dietary restrictions. However, due to a mix-up, the kitchen prepared the dish as per the standard recipe. When I was informed about it, I immediately apologized to the customer and assured them that their dish would be prepared again as per their requirements. I then communicated the special instructions to the kitchen and made sure that the dish was served promptly. The customer appreciated our quick response and continued to be a loyal patron.