The interview is often the first direct interaction candidates have with your company representatives, providing a glimpse into your organization’s culture, values and professionalism.
As many as 61% of job seekers find the interview process to be extremely important in shaping their opinion of an employer. If the first impression during the interview is negative, candidates may lose interest in the position you are offering.
[Source: Robert Walters Group]
This bar graph is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the chart to see detailed data.
Additionally, 32% of candidates said they had been asked irrelevant questions in a job interview. This shows that preparation for this recruitment phase is important for both employers and prospective employees.
If you’re looking to hire new employees for your fast-food or quick-service restaurant, we’ve gathered the most important questions to ask in a Fast-Food Worker interview.
These aim to help employers properly evaluate candidates while also making a good impression. We’ve also provided applicants with example answers to ensure they come to the interview prepared.
Fast-Food Worker Interview Questions About Skills and Experience
Questions to ask when assessing a candidate’s experience and skills include:
Do you have any experience working in a fast-food restaurant?
For employers: This question will help you determine if their level of expertise matches your requirements. Some applicants might be looking for their first job in the fast-food industry, so if you are not accepting applicants with no prior work experience, you can immediately establish they are not the right fit.
Example answer: “I have worked in two fast-food places before. In my first job, I was in charge of taking orders and serving customers. Meanwhile, my second job involved additional responsibilities like managing inventory levels and communicating with various suppliers.”
What do you think are the most important skills a Fast-Food Worker should have?
For employers: The purpose of this question is to gain insight into the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of what working in a fast-food restaurant implies and what skills they deem important for doing the job properly.
Example answer: “In my experience, good communication skills are vital for performing a Fast-Food Worker job. This is simply because you have to deal with different people every day and stay professional in those interactions.
I would also emphasize the ability to efficiently work in a fast-paced environment. Working in a quick-service restaurant can get really hectic so it is important to keep everything under control during those busy hours.”
Do you have experience operating POS systems?
For employers: This question assesses a candidate’s knowledge of POS systems, as handling payments may be part of their daily tasks.
Example answer: “Yes, in my previous roles, I was responsible for handling transactions via the ABC POS system. However, I am also a fast learner, so I can quickly get the hang of other POS systems that you might be using in your establishment.”
Are you comfortable standing for long periods of time?
For employers: This question helps you evaluate whether the candidate is accustomed to being on their feet for the better part of their working hours.
Example answer: “I have no problem standing for long hours, especially since that’s part of being a Fast-Food Worker. Also, I prefer to have a job that involves some physical activity rather than mostly sitting for eight hours.”
Are you familiar with our menu items?
For employers: Asking this question shows a candidate’s dedication to working in your fast-food restaurant. Being familiar with the establishment’s menu items means they have done their research and are committed to getting a job.
Example answer: “Yes, I know your items very well as I was your customer many times before. My favorite is your double cheeseburger with salad dressing. I know you are focused on delivering high-quality, unique burger options with premium ingredients and creative toppings as well as sweet options like gourmet milkshakes and freshly baked cookies.”
Fast-Food Worker Interview Questions About Customer Service & Interaction
Customer service is one of the most important aspects of running a successful fast-food business.
But did you know that the saying “Customer is always right” doesn’t end there? The full quote is, “Customer is always right, in matters of taste.”
This means that while a Fast-Food Worker should respect customers’ preferences at all times, they should also maintain professional boundaries and not allow customers to take advantage of their goodwill.
That said, here are the questions to ask:
How important is it for you to see a customer leave the restaurant satisfied?
For employers: This question should show you how dedicated a candidate is and if they care enough to go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. It also helps you assess their level of enthusiasm for the role and if they are customer-oriented.
Example answer: “Seeing customers leave the restaurant satisfied with our service gives me a sense of accomplishment. This is one of the main reasons I started working and building my career in the hospitality industry.”
Have you ever bent the rules for a customer?
For employers: This question should reveal if a candidate possesses problem-solving skills. Also, given the more direct tone of this question, it will help you evaluate the candidate’s capability for answering tricky questions and balancing company policies with customer satisfaction.
Example answer: “I usually follow standard procedures but I’ve sometimes made a few exceptions for the sake of helping customers. For instance, one time a customer came with an expired coupon. She explained that she’s been in the hospital for weeks and just got out.
After consulting with my manager, I managed to extend our offer and give her the food she wanted at a discounted price. She left the restaurant visibly content and grateful.”
Do you think a customer is always right?
For employers: Asking this question will help you determine how far a candidate’s patience stretches and if they are accustomed to dealing with difficult customers on a daily basis.
Example answer: “I try to honor customers’ wishes most of the time but there were instances when some were unreasonable with their requests. When that happens I make sure to stay calm, listen attentively and repeat my explanation to give them a better understanding.”
Situational/Behavioral Fast-Food Worker Interview Questions
Behavioral questions show you how a candidate would navigate different situations a Fast-Food Worker normally encounters at their jobs. Here are the questions you should ask:
Describe a time when you had to deal with a rude customer. How did you handle the situation?
For employers: This question will help you determine if a candidate knows how to stay professional in challenging situations and if they know how to deal with unpleasant people.
Example answer: “One time this lady approached me visibly angry, asking why I put pickles in her sandwich when she specifically said she didn’t want pickles. She then required a new sandwich free of charge. Since I was the one who took her order, I know she didn’t mention pickles at all and I had a feeling she was fishing for a free meal.
I calmly explained to her our establishment’s guidelines. Then, as a gesture of goodwill, I suggested making her a new sandwich while offering the first one free of charge, so she’ll only need to pay for the new one. Despite her initial annoyance, she eventually accepted my solution.”
Have you ever had a situation when your POS system stopped working? What did you do?
For employers: Asking this question will help you understand the applicant’s level of technology proficiency and if they are capable of fixing small issues by themselves.
Example answer: “In my previous job, there have been many times when the POS system stopped working. When this happens, I usually check if the printer is out of paper or if it is jammed. If that’s not the case, I unplug the POS device, wait for about one minute and then press and hold the red button until the screen goes off. Then, I press and hold the green button to turn the screen on again.
This does the trick most of the time. But in cases when it doesn’t, I consult the user manual and have been able to fix it every time.”
How do you handle a sudden surge of customers outside regular peak hours?
For employers: This question should help you determine if a candidate is a quick thinker and if they can adapt to unforeseen situations fast while still delivering top-notch service.
Example answer: “I’ve had a situation where a bus tour group arrived unexpectedly and around 50 people came to the restaurant all at once. To maintain organization, I established a clear waiting line, making it easy for customers to know whose turn it was. I coordinated with other front-of-house staff members to begin taking orders as the customers waited in line.
By the time customers reached the cashier, their orders were already processed. It took a team effort but we managed to serve all those people in less than an hour.”
Have you ever had a conflict with another team member and how did you handle it?
For employers: Asking this question should help you gauge if a candidate knows how to work in a team and how well they communicate with others.
Example answer: “There were a couple of instances where I disagreed with some team members but I never let it be blown out of proportion. I am a firm believer in finding a common ground with just about anyone and I have managed to solve every issue I had with my colleagues by a simple, calm conversation. “
How To Prepare for a Fast-Food Worker Interview
To get ready for your job interview, follow these three simple steps.
1. Research the company
As many as 99% of job seekers research the company before going to an interview.
The chart below shows what sources candidates use the most to find out more about their potential workplace. It can also guide you in the right direction when doing your own research.
[Source: Robert Walters Group]
This chart is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the chart to see detailed data.
Researching the company before your interview helps you understand its values and work culture. Once you understand the business on a deeper level, you can adjust your answers to fit their needs and requirements.
2. Practice your answers
Familiarise yourself with the most commonly asked Fast-Food Worker interview questions and practice what to say. By doing this, you leave little room for saying the wrong things or not knowing what to say at all.
3. Come up with your own set of questions
At the end of an interview, you will most likely be asked if you have any questions for the recruiter or hiring manager. Here is what you can ask after a Fast-Food Worker job interview:
- Will I be working shifts and if so, will I know my shifts in advance?
- Can you tell me a bit more about the team and the people I would be working with?
- Do you provide training for your new hires?
- Do you offer any bonuses or non-monetary benefits?
Tip: After your fast food worker interview, a follow-up email can help you stand out in the hiring process.
How To Hire the Best Fast-Food Worker for Your Establishment
To attract, evaluate and select ideal candidates, try the following steps:
- Create a clear job description outlining key requirements and responsibilities.
- Conduct your interviews in person if possible, so that you can better assess a Fast-Food Worker candidate’s communication and social skills.
- During the interview, observe the candidates’ communication style, attitude and enthusiasm.
- Give the candidates on-the-spot tasks, such as preparing a menu item or handling a cash transaction to evaluate their practical skills.
- Offer an attractive salary and benefits package.
- Show them what potential they have for career growth and development within your establishment.
