Applying for a waitress position? It’s crucial to be prepared for your interview where you’ll be asked questions about your skills, experience, and customer service philosophy. Familiarize yourself with these typical waitress interview questions and practice your answers to make a great impression.
| Job Description | A waitress is responsible for serving customers in a dining establishment. This involves taking orders, answering questions about the menu, processing payments, and ensuring that customers have a pleasant dining experience. They may also be responsible for cleaning tables and maintaining the cleanliness of the dining area. |
| Skills | Customer service skills, Communication skills, Attention to detail, Physical stamina, Patience, Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, Problem-solving skills |
| Industry | Foodservice, Hospitality |
| Experience Level | Entry-level |
| Education Requirements | No formal education is required, but a high school diploma or equivalent is often preferred. |
| Work Environment | Waitresses typically work in restaurants, cafes, bars, and other dining establishments. The work can be fast-paced and stressful, particularly during busy periods. The job often requires being on one’s feet for long periods and may include lifting heavy trays of food or drinks. |
| Salary Range | The median annual wage for waitresses was about $23,740 in May 2020, but tips can significantly increase earnings. Actual earnings vary widely depending on location, the type of establishment, and the individual’s ability to earn tips. |
| Career Path | Many waitresses begin their careers in entry-level positions and gain experience on the job. With experience and additional training, they may move up to supervisory or managerial roles. Some may also transition into other roles in the hospitality industry. |
| Popular Companies | Denny’s, Applebee’s, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Cheesecake Factory |
Waitress Interview Questions
How do you handle a situation where a customer is dissatisfied with their meal?
How to Answer:
The best way to answer this question is by demonstrating your problem-solving skills and empathy. Show that you understand the importance of customer satisfaction and how you would strive to turn the situation around.
Example:
If a customer was unhappy with their meal, I would first apologize for their unsatisfactory experience. I would then ask if there’s anything I could do to make it better – whether that’s bringing them a different meal or offering a discount. I believe it’s important to listen to the customer’s concerns and do everything in my power to rectify the situation.
Can you describe a time when you had to effectively multitask during a busy shift?
How to Answer:
The interviewer is interested in your ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously without getting overwhelmed. They are also looking at your organizational and prioritization skills. Start by describing the situation, then explain what tasks you were juggling, and how you prioritized and managed them. End by describing the result. Was the situation handled successfully? What did you learn from it?
Example:
During a particularly busy dinner shift, I was in charge of five tables, all at different stages of their meals. I had to take orders, serve food, clean tables, and handle payments all at once. I prioritized by focusing on time-sensitive tasks first, like getting hot food to tables and taking orders from newly seated guests. I also communicated effectively with the kitchen staff and my fellow waitstaff to keep everything running smoothly. Despite the rush, I managed to keep everything under control and we received compliments from guests on our efficiency.
How would you deal with a table that is complaining about their long wait, when the restaurant is extremely busy?
How to Answer:
The best way to answer this question is by demonstrating your understanding of good customer service, patience, and tact. Show how you would empathize with the customer’s frustration but also explain the situation, offering solutions if possible to make their wait more enjoyable. It’s also important to highlight your ability to stay calm and professional under pressure.
Example:
First, I would apologize for the delay and acknowledge their frustration. It’s important to let them know that their feelings are valid. I would explain that we are particularly busy, but we are doing everything we can to serve everyone as quickly as possible. If possible, I may offer them a complimentary appetizer or a discount on their meal. I believe in turning a negative situation into a positive one, and I would do my best to ensure that despite the initial frustration, they leave the restaurant happy and satisfied.
How would you handle a situation where two different tables requested for your attention at the same time?
How to Answer:
The interviewer is looking for your ability to manage time and prioritize tasks efficiently. It’s important to show that you can handle stressful situations and multitask effectively. You need to demonstrate your ability to assess the situation, prioritize based on urgency, and communicate effectively with customers to manage their expectations. Keep your answer focused on the customer’s needs and satisfaction.
Example:
If two tables requested my attention simultaneously, I would quickly assess the situation to determine which request is more urgent. For example, if one table needs the bill and the other has a question about the menu, I would prioritize the bill as it implies they are ready to leave. However, I would reassure the other table that I will be with them as soon as possible. If both requests are equally urgent, I would apologize for the wait and reassure both tables that I am doing my best to attend to their needs promptly. It’s all about managing the situation professionally, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maintaining the flow of service.
How to Answer:
The interviewer wants to know how you would manage customer expectations and maintain professionalism in a situation where you cannot fulfill a customer’s request. Your response should highlight your communication skills, problem-solving ability, and commitment to providing excellent customer service. Ideally, you should demonstrate that you would politely inform the customer about the situation, suggest alternatives on the menu, and ensure the customer feels valued and well-served despite not getting their initial request.
Example:
If a customer requested something not on the menu, I would first apologize and then explain that we are unable to prepare dishes outside our menu due to the nature of our kitchen operations. However, I would then suggest similar alternatives that we do offer, or ask them about their preferences to help guide them towards something they might enjoy. It’s important to make sure the customer feels heard and valued, even if we can’t fulfill their exact request.
Can you tell us about a time when you suggested a specific dish or drink to a customer and they ended up loving it?
How to Answer:
The interviewer wants to understand your ability to upsell and provide exceptional customer service. Share a specific instance where you influenced a customer’s decision and it resulted in a positive experience. Explain the situation, your approach, and the outcome. This will show your ability to understand customer needs, your knowledge of the menu, and your communication skills.
Example:
Once, a regular customer came in and wanted to try something new but wasn’t sure what to order. I suggested our chef’s special pasta, explaining how it was prepared and why I thought they might like it based on their previous orders. They decided to try it and ended up loving it. They thanked me for the suggestion and even ordered it the next time they came in.
How would you approach a customer who appears to be indecisive about what to order?
How to Answer:
The interviewer wants to see your ability to engage with customers, provide suggestions, and help make their dining experience enjoyable. Describe your approach to understanding customer needs and preferences, suggesting suitable dishes, and gently guiding them towards a decision without being pushy.
Example:
If I noticed a customer seemed unsure about what to order, I would start by asking if they have any dietary restrictions or preferences. If they are open to suggestions, I would recommend a few of our most popular dishes or my personal favorites, explaining why I love them. If they’re still undecided, I’d suggest some dishes based on their preferences or mood. I believe it’s important to be patient, understanding, and knowledgeable to help customers make a decision that they will be happy with.
Can you describe a situation when you successfully calmed down an upset customer?
How to Answer:
When answering this question, it’s important to show that you are capable of handling difficult situations with grace and professionalism. You should describe a specific situation where you dealt with an upset customer, explain the steps you took to calm the customer down, and discuss the outcome. Be sure to emphasize your ability to empathize with the customer, remain calm under pressure, and find a solution that satisfies the customer.
Example:
In my previous job, there was a situation where a customer was upset because his food was taking too long to arrive. I calmly explained to him the reason for the delay, assured him that his meal was a priority for us, and offered him a complimentary drink while he waited. He appreciated my transparency and the fact that I took immediate action to rectify the situation. In the end, he left the restaurant satisfied and even left a generous tip.
What strategies would you use to encourage upselling and improve sales in our restaurant?
How to Answer:
The best way to answer this question is to highlight your understanding of the importance of upselling for the restaurant’s revenue. Showcase your product knowledge, your ability to understand customers’ preferences, and your persuasive skills. You can also mention some strategies such as recommending complementary dishes, suggesting specials or popular items, or describing dishes in a way that makes them sound appealing.
Example:
Upselling is an essential part of improving sales in a restaurant. My strategies would primarily focus on knowing the menu very well and understanding the customers’ preferences. I would suggest complementary dishes that pair well with their order, and I’d also highlight our specials or popular dishes. Another strategy I employ is describing the dishes in an appealing way, mentioning the unique ingredients or preparation methods, which often piques the customers’ interest and encourages them to try something new or more expensive.
Can you describe a situation where you had to handle a difficult or unruly customer?
How to Answer:
When answering this question, it’s important to focus on your problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure. Describe the situation clearly and objectively, then explain the steps you took to resolve the issue. Mention any techniques you used to de-escalate the situation, how you managed to keep your cool, and the final outcome. Remember, the interviewer is interested in how you deal with difficult situations while maintaining excellent customer service.
Example:
I recall an instance when I was serving a customer who was obviously in a bad mood and was being quite rude. He was unhappy with his meal and was causing a scene. I remained calm and listened attentively to his complaints. I apologized for any inconvenience, and offered to replace his meal or provide a complimentary dessert. Although he was still somewhat frustrated, he appreciated my efforts to make things right. By the end of his meal, his mood had significantly improved and he even left a tip. This situation taught me the importance of patience and empathy in customer service.