Top 30 Server Interview Questions and Sample Answers

Example answer: “In my previous role as a Server, I was tasked with greeting the customers, delivering orders and making sure all their needs were met. I was also in charge of handling cash and credit card payments. I gained valuable experience in customer service and time management as I worked in a fast-paced restaurant with hundreds of guests daily.”

Example answer without experience: “Although I don’t have direct experience working as a Server, I developed excellent customer skills while working in retail. I have extensive experience handling customer questions and complaints in my previous positions. I believe I understand customers’ needs and that my communication and problem-solving skills make me a great fit for this role.”

For employees: Explain what were your day-to-day duties at work. If you don’t have any previous experience, elaborate on how you learned to provide excellent customer service and express your desire to work in the hospitality industry to hone your skills.

For employers: Focus on specific tasks the candidate was handling in their previous role. If they don’t have previous experience, ask them about specific skills they’ve acquired that could be applicable to their new job.

Example answer: “I remember there was a couple who came to our restaurant for a special anniversary dinner. As I was taking their order, I noticed they were quite indecisive. I immediately understood that they were looking for something out of the ordinary to celebrate this unique occasion. So, I offered the Chef’s special for the day that was not on the menu. I also suggested a wine that would go well with the meal. By the end of the dinner, they were thrilled with the service and they praised my attention to detail to my manager.”

For employees: Talk about past opportunities that you’ve used to create a memorable experience for customers. Focus on your ability to communicate with guests and provide them with top-notch service.

For employers: Focus on the way the candidate is identifying opportunities and how they’re approaching the customer. You’re looking for someone who’s willing to go the extra mile and offer personalized service.

Example answer: “I’m available from Monday to Friday. However, I’m flexible with my schedule, and I’m willing to work day, evening, and weekend shifts when required. I can also adjust to your needs as long as you let me know a day or two in advance.”

For employees: Be transparent about your current availability to ensure this suits the employer for long-term cooperation. A lot of Servers work part-time, and many employers want an employee who’s available for full-time work. If that’s you, mention you’re free and willing to work a full-time schedule.

For employers: Determine the candidate’s availability in a way that suits your current needs. You want to make sure you’re hiring someone who can do rotating shifts any day of the week.

Example answer: “In my previous role, I had to deal with a customer who was waiting for his meal order for more than an hour. Although I wasn’t serving their table, they approached me to complain about the service. I listened to their concerns carefully before heading out to the kitchen and inquiring about the order. After finding out there’s been a mix-up, I politely apologized to the customer and offered them complimentary appetizers. I believe my calm attitude was crucial in solving the problem without further challenges.“

For employees: Provide specific examples of situations where you were able to prevent them from escalating. Emphasize how your calm composure led to a positive outcome.

For employers: Focus on candidates’ empathy and problem-solving skills. You’re looking for someone who’s able to effectively use their skills to de-escalate any uncomfortable situation.

Example answer: “I always start by identifying the tables that have been waiting the longest. Then, I make sure to check with the kitchen that the most urgent orders are out first. I make sure to keep the customers in the loop and I regularly check on all tables to provide them with estimated wait times.”

For employees: Focus on specific actions you take to ensure all orders are delivered on time. Use a simple, common-sense approach to convince the employer that you have great prioritization skills.

For employers: The ideal candidate should be able to organize tasks in a smooth and efficient manner. You’re looking for someone who’s able to successfully execute tasks even during the busiest hours.

Example answer: “Over the years, I found that prioritizing tasks works well. That way, I’m able to anticipate and minimize problems as they arise. Also, I try to break tasks into smaller sub-tasks so I can focus and not feel overwhelmed. Whenever it’s not busy, I make sure to take short breaks.”

For employees: Mention all the techniques you use to stay calm at work. It’s important for your future employer to get the impression that you’re capable of dealing with stress in a calm and composed manner.

For employers: Considering Servers can sometimes find themselves in a high-stress environment, it’s important you assess their ability to handle stress effectively.

Example answer: “During the busiest hours at the restaurant, we had a large group of guests arriving. As I was taking their orders, the POS system unexpectedly crashed. Since something similar happened to me in the past, I remained calm and focused on amending the situation. I immediately informed the team and the customers before proceeding to take orders manually. In the end, all the customers left happy and we were able to proceed with the service without any disruptions or delays.”

For employees: Provide a specific example that would demonstrate how you calmly handled a stressful situation at work. Make sure to mention how it led to a positive outcome.

For employers: This question helps you assess the applicant’s skills for problem-solving and decision-making. You’re looking for someone who’s able to handle any unexpected situation at work.

Example answer: “During my previous tenure, I frequently worked in a high-volume environment. Our busiest periods were weekend brunches, where we had to handle ten tables per Server. My priority was to focus on getting the right orders in a reasonable amount of time. To make sure everything ran smoothly, I would communicate clearly with the kitchen staff and proactively report any issues beforehand.”

For employees: Elaborate on your experience working during busy periods and serving multiple customers simultaneously. Emphasize your ability to remain calm under pressure and effectively collaborate with other staff.

For employers: Assess the applicant’s ability to pay attention to details while working in a fast-paced environment. Look for specific actions they’ve performed that contributed to operations running smoothly.

Example answer: “In my previous role, before my first day, I would create simple flashcards and practice until I got it right. Afterward, I would spend a few minutes each day revising the menu. I would also regularly communicate with the staff to make sure I’m aware of any changes. I also believe it’s crucial to discuss the menu with the customers, as they provide valuable feedback, which has helped me improve my menu knowledge.”

For employees: Talk about daily habits that you’ve developed to be able to memorize menu items. Share any interesting or effective ways you’ve discovered that helped you stay on the learning curve.

For employers: You’re looking for someone who has the drive to improve and learn continuously on the job. Focus on specific techniques they use to stay informed and updated about the menu.

Example answer: “Since I have extensive experience working in a fast-paced environment, I always make sure to prioritize orders. In case the restaurant’s not using a digital system for tracking, I keep my notepad handy. I also make sure to inform the customers in case of any delays. I believe it’s crucial to check in with them from time to time, to make sure they are happy and satisfied with the service.”

For employees: Elaborate on your ability to multitask and cooperate with the staff to ensure that orders reach customers in a timely manner.

For employers: Assess the applicant’s ability to work with others and handle problems. Look for someone who’s able to track multiple orders at the same time.