Even though you don’t need extensive experience to land an interview for the Server position, it’s important that you’re well-prepared. Whether you have previous experience in the industry or you’re just starting out, make sure to go through some of the most common interview questions listed in this article to increase your chances of getting hired and becoming a Server.
As an employer, there are certain traits you should pay attention to when hiring a Server for your establishment. Apart from ensuring the candidate has strong communication skills and a teamwork spirit, you should also ask specific questions related to the role, such as menu memorization and customer service.
Interview Questions for Servers
This set of questions will help you, as the employer, find the best candidate for the Server role. However, you should also tweak the questions or add additional ones to fit the needs of your establishment.
As a candidate, you should take some time before the interview to practice answering the most frequently asked questions. This will ensure you appear more confident and prepared for the upcoming role. For optimal preparation, make sure to go through some valuable resources in our career advice section.
1. Can you tell me more about your previous experience as a Server?
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: 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.
Get a Server Job Without Experience
To best prepare for the interview, make sure to watch this YouTube video to find out what exactly your employer is looking for in a candidate without Server experience.
2. How would you handle a difficult or unhappy customer? Give me an example.
For employees: Provide specific examples where you were able to prevent the situation 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: 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.
3. Do you have experience working in a team in a high-volume environment?
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: 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.
4. How do you ensure that you memorize the menu?
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: 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.
5. Can you tell me about a time when you successfully upsold an item or service?
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 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.
6. What steps do you follow to ensure orders are delivered on time?
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.
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.
7. What’s your go-to prioritizing method when you have multiple tables to serve?
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: 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.
8. What techniques do you use to handle stress at work?
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: Over the years, I found that prioritizing tasks works well. That way, I’m able to anticipate and minimize problems as they are arising. 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.
9. Tell me about the last time you had to solve an unexpected problem at work.
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 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.
10. What’s your current availability?
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: 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.
How To Prepare for a Server Interview
As a candidate:
When you’re interviewing for any role, you want to make sure you present yourself in the best light. This means that, apart from choosing professional business attire for the interview, you should also work on your CV to increase your chances of landing the job.
As an interviewer:
As an interviewer, it’s important you prepare structured questions that will accurately reflect whether a candidate is fit for the role. You also want to be paying attention to the way the applicants express themselves – evaluate their confidence and knowledge about the role.
If you’re hiring a Server who has no previous relevant experience, look for someone who’s adaptable, reliable and a quick-learner. Considering that most of the applicants learn crucial skills like multitasking, prioritization and time management while working, you want to fairly provide them with opportunities to prove themselves.
