Working as a Busser presents opportunities for learning and advancement if you want a career in the restaurant industry. Although it’s an entry-level role, you still need to prepare thoroughly for the job interview.
The same goes for the restaurant owners or hiring managers. How well the Bussers do their job can have an impact on your general operations and customer satisfaction.
This guide provides the essential Busser interview questions and answers for both employers and job seekers to help them prepare for this part of the hiring process.
10 Examples of Busser Interview Questions and Answers
We’ll start with some examples of in-depth Busser interview questions and answers that will help prepare you for the interview.
For the employers, you might be thinking, “I’ve done this many times, why do I need these questions?” Our aim is to provide you with a more situational approach to your interview session, diving deep into the candidate’s hard and soft skills.
For the applicants, take note of the reasoning behind asking these questions and what insights the employers wish to get so you can craft your answers better.
For employers: This question evaluates the candidate’s knowledge of the skills required for the role and their ability to identify the critical competencies for success.
For applicants: Don’t just enumerate the skills; also explain why you think a Busser should have them and why they’re crucial in ensuring that the restaurant provides good customer experience consistently.
Example answer:
“For me, a Buyboy/Busgirl should have these three key skills: attention to detail, time management and teamwork. Please let me elaborate on my answer.
Attention to detail because I would have to clear and reset tables at a fast pace; therefore, I must ensure that I won’t miss anything, that everything will be clean and ready for the next guest. Meanwhile, effective time management means I can handle multiple tasks efficiently, particularly during a busy time in the restaurant when I‘m also expected to assist the waitstaff and see to the customers’ requests.
Finally, strong teamwork is important to have a good working relationship with other staff members so we can coordinate table turnovers and address customer needs promptly.”
For employers: Assess the candidate’s willingness and ability to exceed expectations in their role. These, in turn, would also show their commitment to providing exceptional customer service.
For applicants: Answer this question by telling a story and go straight to a time when you went above and beyond your duties to help out a customer or coworker. Describe the situation and the positive outcome of your actions.
Example answer:
“Our restaurant is always busy on weekend nights, and there was one occasion when we were short-staffed and having problems managing the reservations. Even though it wasn’t part of my duties, I decided to help the Hostess by cross-referencing the reservation logs with the seating availability to ensure that we can accommodate incoming guests efficiently.
As a result, the night went by without any complaints, and we even received good feedback from the management.”
For employers: How the candidate answers this question will show their ability to prioritize tasks during unexpected situations and provide insight into their problem-solving skills.
For applicants: The question may sound simple, but we would advise you to take a moment to think about your answer here. You’ll need to clearly outline how you’ll clean the dining area given the limited time — what do you intend to do first and what steps will you take to get it done fast? The employer wants to see your problem-solving skills so you must show presence of mind and logical thinking.
Example answer:
“The first thing guests will notice is the cleanliness of the restaurant, particularly the table reserved for them. So, I would prioritize the customer areas first and clean the tables, wipe surfaces, remove any spills or messes and straighten the chairs.
I would also volunteer to do more tasks, like handle the trash and mop the floors so we can get the place ready in time for the opening.
When things settle down, I’ll inform the Restaurant Manager about what happened so they can investigate the cause and prevent it from happening again.”
For employers: This question will assess the candidate’s systematic approach to his/her work, and if they’re really paying attention to details as they claim in their previous answers.
For applicants: Mention specific practices to show how you prioritize while clearing and resetting tables. If you can, describe how you perform each task in their order so you can show the employer that you have a system and don’t just do your work haphazardly.
Example answer:
“I follow a systematic approach when it comes to clearing and resetting tables so I can make sure I don’t miss anything.
For example, when I’m clearing the table, I always start by removing dirty plates and utensils so they don’t contaminate clean cutlery. When I reach the bussing station, I’ll scrape the leftover food to a designated waste plate before stacking them to minimize waste.
As best practice, I also make sure to keep food waste, napkins and recyclables in separate bins. And then finally, I’ll wash my hands thoroughly before resetting the table or moving to another task, especially if it involves food handling to delivering orders to the customer.
Throughout the process, I remain attentive to detail and maintain personal hygiene to provide a safe dining experience for our guests.”
For employers: This will show the candidate’s ability to handle difficult customer interactions and provide insight into their communication skills, problem-solving abilities and ability to remain composed under pressure.
For applicants: Focus on providing a specific example of a difficult customer situation you encountered while bussing tables. Start by briefly describing the situation, including the nature of the customer’s concern or issue. Then, explain the actions you took to address the situation, emphasizing your communication skills, problem-solving and ability to remain calm. Finally, discuss the outcome of your actions and any lessons learned from the experience.
Example answer:
“In a recent shift, a customer approached me with a complaint about the cleanliness of their table, expressing dissatisfaction with leftover crumbs and spilled drinks from the previous guests. Understanding the importance of addressing their concerns promptly, I listened attentively to their feedback and apologized for the inconvenience.
I immediately proceeded to clear of any visible debris and wipe down all surfaces, paying close attention to areas where spills might have occurred. I tried to remain calm and respectful the whole time while also making sure the customer was comfortable.
Then, I replaced the table setting with clean, fresh utensils, napkins, and any necessary condiments. Once I was finished, I asked the customer if everything was to their satisfaction and I was happy that they expressed appreciation for my quick response and proactive approach to resolving the issue.
This experience taught me the importance of effective communication and swift action in addressing customer concerns.”
For employers: This question gives an insight into the candidate’s emotional intelligence — their self-awareness and ability to manage their emotions.
For applicants: Start by acknowledging how feedback from coworkers and Managers should be seen as a positive thing as it means your team cares about your performance and wants you to succeed. Then, cite a specific example of feedback that helped your improve in your job.
Example answer: “For me, feedback and constructive criticisms should be welcomed because these will help me do better in my job. I prefer coworkers and managers who will guide and mentor me instead of simply reprimanding me when I make mistakes.
One experience I can share is when a customer complained about not having enough napkins on their table. It was a busy day and I was doing multiple things — clearing tables, serving drinks, following up orders and so on.
Before my shift ended, one of the Waiters told me I should always prioritize resetting the tables properly because that’s my main responsibility. Trying to help with other tasks was well appreciated but losing my focus affects my and the restaurant’s performance.
I followed this advice, and it has helped me set priorities during peak hours at the restaurant.”
For employers: Other than skills, employers will want to dig into the candidate’s earnestness about the role. The answer will provide insight on whether they understand what it needs to succeed as a Busser or if they’re just looking for their next job.
For applicants: Think about how you’ll answer this question; it sounds simple enough, but the employer will be looking for signs you’re serious about taking on this role and ready for the challenges ahead.
Example answer: “I would say the most important quality for a Busser is their ability to multitask without sacrificing service quality.
Bussers will do more than clear and set tables, we’re also expected to be general support staff taking on necessary tasks to help keep the restaurant running smoothly, especially during peak hours.”
For employers: This question allows the employer to gauge the candidate’s ability to handle difficult situations, have presence of mind and come up with solutions when prompted.
For applicants: Show the employer that you’re a person who will readily acknowledge mistakes and learn from them. Emphasize how you’ll interact with the customer and make amends so you can manage the situation.
Example answer: “I would apologize personally to the customer for the inconvenience it caused and consult my immediate supervisor about how I can possibly rectify the situation.
Mistakes can’t be helped, especially when the restaurant is servicing so many guests during busy hours. However, it’s important to assess how the mistake happened so I can prevent it from happening again.”
For employers: This question will help the employer determine if the candidate values company policies and protocol. It shows they care and can be relied upon to help keep things running smoothly in the restaurant. It also tests their ability to get along with coworkers while prioritizing service quality and customer satisfaction.
For applicants: Assure the employer that you understand the importance of following restaurant protocols and that you would take steps to correct or guide your coworker into doing the same. Also reassure the employer that you will bring the matter to their attention if the coworker ignores your advice.
Example answer: “I’d approach my coworker to point out that their noncompliance with the restaurant protocol will affect our service quality and may even lead to customer complaints. If they’re not aware of the violations, I’ll point out what they’re doing wrong and show where they can review the protocols.
If the issue persists, however, I’d inform the Restaurant Manager so they’ll deal with the person and so they can remind everyone to follow proper protocol.”
For employers: This question will help the employer understand the candidate’s motivation, what drives them and their aspirations. It would also show whether the candidate is looking for a long-term position or just looking for something temporary.
For applicants: The employer wants to determine if you’re worth investing their time and resources. It’s okay to be honest if other restaurant roles are not something you want to pursue in the future. Even if you have other career ambitions, if your goals are aligned with the company’s, they will feel that you’re likely to stay for a long time and contribute to their success.
Example answer: “For now, I’m looking for a long-term position where I can gain experience and training. My true aspirations lie in the __________ field, but I’m not closing my doors for future opportunities in the restaurant industry if I feel I can succeed in them.”
25 Additional Interview Questions for Bussers
Meanwhile, these are questions to anticipate and add to your list when interviewing for a Busser job. We’ve categorized them into Background and Experience, Soft Skills, Situational/Behavioral and General questions.
These will further help in assessing an applicant’s qualifications and setting their expectations regarding the role.
Busser Interview Questions About Background and Experience
Employers would usually ask these initial interview questions to immediately see if the candidate is right for the job based on their background and prior or related experience with the role.
Applicants, on their part, should be ready to present their credentials and demonstrate their capability to do the job.
- Why do you want to be a Busser?
- Do you have any prior experience working in the food and restaurant industry? Describe the role and your responsibilities.
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced environment?
- Do you have any prior training in restaurant protocols or cleaning procedures?
- Do you have experience in stocking and restocking supplies?
- Are you familiar or do you have any experience with different types of table settings?
- What’s your understanding of food sanitation protocols?
Interview Questions for Bussers About Soft Skills
While hard skills are crucial for any job, soft skills are just as essential and more difficult to develop.
Soft skills are synonymous with people skills or emotional intelligence and are required for working effectively within a team and managing day-to-day challenges of a job.
Here are some guide questions to measure a Busser’s soft skills.
- How would you resolve a conflict or misunderstanding with a coworker?
- What would you do if an impatient customer is being rude while following up on their orders?
- What steps would you take when a customer is unhappy about the cleanliness of their table? How do you make up for the situation?
- How do you identify when a customer might need assistance, even if they haven’t explicitly called you over?
- How would you help maintain a cheerful and positive demeanor when everyone is stressed out during busy shifts?
Situational/Behavioral Interview Questions for Bussers
Situational and behavioral interview questions are valuable during job interviews as these help employers see how the candidate would react to similar situations they might encounter.
This set of questions uncovers a candidate’s problem-solving abilities and critical thinking.
- You noticed a safety hazard in the dining area. What would you do to ensure the safety of guests and coworkers?
- The Waiters/Waitresses are busy. What would you do if a customer asked you for a recommendation from the menu?
- How would you react if you were asked to cover a shift for a coworker with short notice?
- Can you describe a time when you had to work under pressure? How did you manage it?
- How would you handle a situation where you accidentally spill the drink on the customer?
- Tell me about a time when your workload was heavier than you expected. How did you prioritize and manage your tasks?
- How would you handle an unfair criticism from your coworkers or a customer?
General Interview Questions for Bussers
Here are a few general questions to gauge a candidate’s willingness to take on the role and work in your restaurant.
- Why do you want to work at this particular restaurant?
- In your opinion, how do Bussers help a restaurant succeed?
- Are you agreeable to working on different shifts and during holidays even on short notice?
- What do you do outside of work that helps you manage stress and fatigue?
- What kind of work environment motivates you?
- Do you have any training or certification related to this job? Do you plan to acquire one soon?
How To Prepare for an Interview as a Busser
Prepare for a Busser interview by focusing on the important aspects of the hiring process both as a candidate and an interviewer.
As a candidate:
- Familiarize yourself with the restaurant’s menu, ambience and customer service standards. Understanding the restaurant’s brand and values will help you tailor your responses during the interview.
- Reflect on the key skills and qualities required for a Busser, such as attention to detail, time management, teamwork and customer service. Then, prepare examples that highlight your proficiency in these areas.
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the role, the restaurant’s expectations and the work environment. This demonstrates your interest in the position and helps you gather valuable information to assess if the role is the right fit for you.
- Be transparent about your expected salary as this shows professionalism and will set the tone for a fair negotiation when they make you an offer. However, remember to only bring up the subject when the employer asks about it; they usually ask either during the initial screening or during the interview.
Extra tip: Sending a follow-up email after your Busser interview can help you stay top of mind with the hiring manager.
As an interviewer:
- Clearly communicate the expectations and responsibilities to Busser candidates during the interview process. This helps candidates understand what is required of them and ensures that there is no miscommunication.
- Think about specific scenarios or challenges that Bussers may encounter in their role and prepare questions that allow candidates to demonstrate how they would handle these situations. This could include scenarios related to managing customer complaints, handling spills or accidents and working efficiently during peak dining hours.
- Determine the key criteria and qualities you are looking for in a Busser, such as attention to detail, time management skills, teamwork and customer service orientation. Use these criteria as a guide when evaluating candidates.
How To Hire the Best Busser for Your Restaurant
How the candidate answers the interview questions will reflect their personality and character. This will help you decide if they’re the best fit. Here are the key qualities every employer should look for when hiring a Busser.
- Strong work ethic
- Strong sense of customer service
- Attention to detail and problem-solving abilities
- Good verbal and nonverbal communication skills
- Great teamwork and collaboration skills
- Effective time management
