Here’s a list of the most common restaurant server interview questions, and what you should know with each of them—whether you’re an employer or a candidate.

1. Can you describe a time when you provided exceptional customer service in a fast-paced environment?
For the interviewer: This question helps assess the candidate’s customer service skills, ability to handle pressure, and commitment to delivering excellent service.
For the applicant: Talk about a time when you ensured every customer felt valued by addressing their needs promptly and courteously. Highlight an instance in which you went the extra mile by offering personalized recommendations and ensuring their orders were accurate.
2. How do you handle multitasking and prioritizing tasks in a fast-food setting?
For the interviewer: Try to evaluate the candidate’s organizational skills, ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and approach to managing time and priorities efficiently.
For the applicant: Discuss how you manage to prioritize tasks based on urgency, maintain a checklist and stay focused to ensure efficient multitasking. Do not be ashamed to mention the way you delegate non-essential duties and ensure critical tasks are completed promptly without compromising quality.
3. How would you handle a difficult or dissatisfied customer?
For the interviewer: Look for candidates with the ability to handle challenging situations and analyze their problem-solving skills and approach to resolving customer complaints or issues in a professional and satisfactory manner.
For the applicant: Talk about active listening and empathizing with customers’ concerns as well as taking prompt action to resolve the issue satisfactorily. Mention a willingness to involve a supervisor or manager to ensure a swift resolution and maintain customer satisfaction, if necessary.

4. What do you do as a restaurant server to ensure food safety and hygiene in a fast-food environment?
For the interviewer: You want to hire an applicant with enough knowledge of food safety protocols and attention to detail. The goal is to find someone who knows how to maintain a clean and safe work environment.
For the applicant: Talk about the way you follow strict hygiene protocols, regularly sanitize workstations and ensure proper food storage and handling. Mention monitoring food expiration dates and conducting temperature checks to guarantee food safety standards are met.
Keep reading: Fast Food Worker Interview Questions
5. How do you display teamwork in a fast-food setting?
For the interviewer: Look for candidates who show they can communicate and work well in a team. They should also display a willingness to support other team members.
For the applicant: Say that you communicate effectively, assist teammates when needed and maintain a positive and cooperative attitude toward achieving goals. By fostering open communication and offering support, you contribute to a harmonious team environment that enhances productivity and customer service.
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