Restaurant Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Restaurant interviews are usually short and practical. The interviewer wants to know whether you can serve guests well, work as part of a team, and be relied on for your shifts. Preparing answers to the common questions below will help you speak with confidence.

Before the interview

• Know where and when. Confirm the address and the name of the person you are meeting, and plan to arrive ten minutes early.
• Look the part. Clean, neat and simple clothes. For a service role, presentation is part of the job.
• Learn about the restaurant. Look at the menu and the type of guests it serves, so you can say why you want to work there.
• Bring copies, not originals, of your CV and any certificates.

Common questions and how to approach them

"Tell me about yourself."

Keep it to about a minute and make it about work: your experience, what you enjoy about serving people, and why you are applying.

"Why do you want to work here?"

Show that you have looked at the restaurant. Mention something specific, such as the menu, the atmosphere or its reputation for service, and link it to what you want to do.

"What would you do if a guest complained about their food?"

The interviewer wants to see that you stay calm and put the guest first. A good answer: listen without interrupting, apologise, offer to fix the problem by informing the kitchen or the supervisor, and check back with the guest afterwards.

"How do you handle busy periods?"

Give a real example if you have one. Explain how you prioritise: greeting new tables quickly, grouping tasks when you walk through the restaurant, and communicating with the kitchen and your team.

"Are you available to work evenings, weekends and public holidays?"

Answer honestly. If there are hours you cannot work, say so now. It is better than accepting a job you cannot keep.

"Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team."

Describe a specific situation: what happened, what you did, and the result. Hospitality is teamwork, so show that you help colleagues when it is busy.

"Do you have any questions for us?"

Always ask one or two. Good examples: "What would a typical shift look like?" or "How do you train new staff?" You can also ask about working hours and pay if they have not been explained.

Practical tests

Some restaurants ask candidates to do a short trial, such as carrying plates, describing a dish or making a coffee. Stay calm, move carefully and be polite to everyone, including other staff. They may be asked for their impression of you.

A note on safety

A genuine employer or recruiter will explain the job, the pay and the working hours clearly. Be cautious if you are asked to pay money to be interviewed or to secure a job. Read our guidance on recognising genuine opportunities.