Do you thrive in a fast-paced and collaborative environment? If so, then serving might be the perfect job for you, and these server interview questions will help you land your dream job! According to Workable servers are responsible for “seating guests, taking guest orders, communicating them effectively to the kitchen and in addition, memorizing the menu and offering recommendations to upsell appetizers, desserts, or drinks.”
Interested in a server job like this? Be sure to check out our open server positions on our TemPositions website! Now, let’s dive in!
1. Tell me about your previous experience in the serving industry
Server interview questions typically start off by asking about your previous serving experience. Start by providing an overview of your previous positions, including the types of establishments you worked in (such as restaurants, cafes, or hotels) and the duration of your experience. Emphasize your key responsibilities and the specific skills you developed in each role.
For example, you can mention your experience in greeting and seating guests, taking accurate orders, and delivering food and beverages promptly. Highlight your ability to handle cash transactions, process payments, and maintain a clean and organized work area. If you received any recognition, such as employee of the month or positive customer feedback, be sure to mention it. This will demonstrate that you’re capable of succeeding in a server role.
2. How do you handle high-pressure situations when multitasking?
The second of our server interview questions is asked to evaluate your ability to stay organized and work efficiently and collaboratively under pressure. Discuss your strategies for staying calm during busy hours, such as your process in prioritizing tasks, maintaining effective communication, and having a positive attitude despite being under stress. Get specific with your examples and describe a time when you succeeded in providing top notch customer service while under pressure.
3. Describe a time when you went above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service?
Now is your time to demonstrate your dedication to customer satisfaction and showcase your willingness to go the extra mile. Share a specific story where you exceeded a customer’s expectations or resolved an issue in a creative and proactive manner. Highlight your ability to anticipate customer needs and personalize their experience. Illustrate how your actions positively impacted the customer’s overall dining experience and left a lasting impression. The interviewer is looking for a server who is a personable, efficient, and dedicated. To land the serving position, ensure you have examples to back these qualities.
4. How do you handle constructive feedback?
Effective communication and a willingness to learn and grow are vital qualities for servers. Describe your approach to receiving feedback from customers, colleagues, or supervisors. Discuss how you actively seek feedback to improve your skills and provide better service. Show your appreciation for both positive feedback, as it motivates you to continue delivering excellent service, and constructive feedback, as it helps you identify areas for improvement. Emphasize your ability to remain open-minded, receptive, and adaptable in response to feedback.
5. How do you ensure accuracy in taking and delivering orders?
Attention to detail is crucial to succeed as a server, and this question allows you to showcase your commitment to accuracy. Explain your process for taking orders, such as repeating them back to the customer or using an order pad. Discuss how you verify specific dietary requirements or preferences to avoid mistakes. Highlight your diligence in double-checking orders before delivering them to ensure accuracy and customer satisfaction.
6. How do you handle difficult customers and resolve conflicts?
The last of our server interview questions will assess your customer service skills and ability to handle challenging situations with grace and professionalism. Share an example of a difficult customer encounter you faced in the past and explain how you handled it. Emphasize your ability to actively listen, empathize, and find a satisfactory resolution. Discuss your approach to de-escalating tense situations and your willingness to seek assistance from supervisors or managers when necessary.
