Top 8 Food Runner Interview Questions: Example Answers & Tips
If you’ve recently applied for Food Runner jobs and are wondering how to make a good first impression once you’re called in for an interview, we’re here to help. We’ve compiled eight role-specific interview questions and sample answers to help you practice talking about your skills and experience confidently.
If you’re an employer, this guide will be helpful in assessing applicants, as it focuses on the attitude, skills and knowledge required to be successful in the role.
Customer Service Questions Asked in a Food Runner Interview
While the level of interaction with customers for Food Runners isn’t as high as that of Waiters and Servers in a sit-down restaurant, Food Runners still need to have excellent customer service skills to provide guests with a satisfying dining experience.
To answer questions related to customer service, focus on demonstrating your ability to handle customer requests, communicate professionally and go out of your way to ensure guests’ satisfaction.
What would you do if a customer tried to order food from you?
Example answer: “Since Food Runners don’t take orders, I’d politely tell the customer that our Server can take their order and answer any questions they might have regarding the menu. Then, I would approach one of the Servers and inform them that this table needs their assistance. This way, I can handle the customer’s request while staying within the boundaries of my role as a Food Runner.”
How do you make sure that customers are satisfied with the service?
Example answer: “One way is to describe the food when delivering a dish rather than simply placing it on the table. For example, if the customer ordered a steak and a salad, I’d say, ‘Here’s the USDA filet mignon served with a Beverly Hills chopped salad.’ Another way is by being attentive. For instance, if I notice that a guest’s water glass is getting low, I’d refill it right away before they have to ask.”
Questions Assessing Job Knowledge and Organizational Skills
Having job knowledge and excellent organizational skills is the key to success in this role. To answer questions related to your ability to balance multiple tasks, provide a step-by-step explanation of your process.
How will you make sure to deliver the right order to the correct table?
Example answer: “The first thing I’ll do is familiarize myself with the menu and remember as much as possible. That way, I’ll know what I’m serving. Second, I’ll memorize the table numbers and their locations. Before delivering any dishes from the kitchen pass to the dining area, I’ll make sure to check with the Cook if it’s the right dish. If the customer has a dietary restriction, such as lactose intolerance, I’ll confirm with the Cook if the dish was made without dairy. Throughout the shift, I’ll always double-check information to avoid making mistakes, especially when just starting out.”
How do you prioritize tasks during a busy shift?
Example answer: “I prioritize tasks according to their impact on customer service. I make sure I’m able to deliver all pending orders first before I proceed with my rounds to check if customers need their water glasses refilled or if I need to help restock stations in the kitchen.
When delivering orders, I always prioritize those that were placed first. Nothing’s worse than a customer complaining about another table’s orders being delivered earlier, when they know they placed their order first.”
Questions Assessing Ability To Stay Calm Under Pressure
While Food Runner is an entry-level job, it can be stressful, especially for high school students who don’t have prior work experience. If this is the case for you, draw from your own experience in school. Answer by sharing specific instances where you successfully navigated a high-pressure situation.
How do you handle stressful environments?
Example answer: “In my first job as an assistant at an art gallery, I was tasked with labeling paintings submitted for an art contest. More than half of the submissions came in on the day before the judging day. This meant that I had to stay and work overtime to ensure every entry was properly labeled. By staying calm and delegating tasks to others, I finished labeling all the paintings and presented them in time for the screening.”
Example answer (for high school students with no prior work experience): “Taking exams in school is always stressful. To make sure I’m prepared, I plan my schedule accordingly. I also prioritize studying subjects that I find more difficult. For example, I spend more time studying math than history since I’m worse with numbers.”
How do you make sure you’re able to communicate clearly despite a busy and loud kitchen?
Example answer: “I try to only communicate important things and keep my messages short and concise. I also speak clearly and at a volume that can be heard despite the kitchen noise, without shouting. In addition, I also practice active listening, paying attention to non-verbal cues to ensure I understand what’s being communicated.”
Questions Assessing Cleanliness and Knowledge of Food Safety Standards
Having food safety knowledge is important in protecting customers against foodborne illnesses. In answering questions related to this, mention some of the things you learned from the food handler course you took (if you took one) to show your commitment to practicing those standards in the establishment you’re applying for.
How do you maintain personal hygiene during a shift?
Example answer: “I maintain personal hygiene by practicing proper handwashing. The food certification course taught me that it’s one of the best ways to prevent foodborne illnesses. Good handwashing involves using warm water and soap and washing hands for at least twenty seconds. Aside from handwashing, I keep my fingernails short and clean. Lastly, I don’t wear jewelry since it can be a breeding ground for bacteria.”
Why is it important to know proper food handling as a Food Runner?
Example answer: “Knowledge of proper food handling keeps customers safe from illnesses. It also contributes to the establishment’s reputation. I’m committed to helping your restaurant grow so I’ll make sure that all the food is handled with utmost care.”
Tips To Help You Ace Your Food Runner Interview
Aside from practicing how to answer the most commonly asked questions, it also helps to follow these tips:
- Understand the role: Review the job description for Food Runners to understand the tasks you’re expected to perform.
- Ask questions: Ask at least three questions to show your employer that you’re interested in the job. Ask for clarifications regarding your duties and responsibilities, the workplace culture and opportunities for advancement.
- Don’t forget about general interview questions: General interview questions such as “Tell me about yourself,” “Why do you want to work here?” and “What are your strengths?” will be asked as they provide the interviewer a glimpse of your personality, so it’s important to practice answering them.
Tips for Employers
Below are some tips to help you find the right Food Runner for your restaurant.
- Be prepared to list what you have to offer: Write a list of the main selling points of your restaurant. Aside from sharing how much Food Runners can earn in your restaurant, mention what makes it a great place to work. This information can help attract top talent who might be seeking similar positions at other establishments.
- Evaluate personal hygiene: Maintaining safety standards is crucial in any food service establishment. Evaluate the personal hygiene of your interviewee by noticing if they’re presentable, if their hair is clean and neat and if they keep their nails short.
- Ask the interviewee to provide feedback regarding the interview process: A study shows that when an applicant is given the opportunity to provide feedback regarding the interview, they’re 74% more likely to refer other people. The restaurant and hospitality industry has a high turnover rate, making it important to keep your talent pool as wide as possible so you can fill vacancies fast.