23 Waiter Interview Questions to Hire the Best Staff for Your Restaurant

Hiring the right wait staff is one of the most critical decisions for any restaurant owner. Your waiters and waitresses are the face of your establishment, shaping the customer experience and directly impacting revenue.

According to 51% of restaurant operators, staffing is one of the top challenges to success. You can address this by knowing the questions to ask during the interview process. By doing so, you can find candidates who possess the necessary skills and attitudes to contribute to your restaurant's success.

Waiter interview questions to ask:

1. What experience do you have as a waiter or waitress?

2. How do you handle multiple tables and orders at once?

3. What does excellent customer service mean to you?

4. Tell us about a time you dealt with a difficult customer. How did you resolve it?

5. How do you handle a situation where a customer complains about the wait time?

6. What would you do if a customer tried to use an expired coupon or special offer?

7. How would you recommend menu items to guests to enhance their dining experience?

8. Have you ever handled a situation where a customer asked for a dish not on the menu? What did you do?

9. What steps would you take if a customer received the wrong order?

10. How do you maintain a professional demeanor when dealing with rude or impatient customers?

11. How do you maintain accuracy when taking orders for large groups?

12. What techniques do you use to upsell menu items or drinks?

13. How do you ensure a team-oriented approach to working with the kitchen staff and other waiters?

14. Have you ever worked long shifts? How do you stay energetic and deliver quality service?

15. What do you think is the most important skill for a waiter during peak hours?

16. How do you manage stress during a busy service shift?

17. How do you handle special dietary requests or food allergies?

18. How would you handle a scenario where you received a poor tip from a customer?

19. What restaurant tools have you used?

20. How do you prioritize tasks when juggling multiple responsibilities during a shift?

21. What steps would you take to maintain a clean and organized workspace during service?

22. What do you do if you encounter an emergency on the way to a shift?

23. Why do you want to work at this restaurant?

1. What experience do you have as a waiter or waitress?

Experienced waiters and waitresses are familiar with restaurant workflows, such as taking orders, upselling menu items, and delivering extraordinary customer service overall.

Providing good customer service alone can boost business by as much as 50%, so hiring an experienced waiter or waitress improves customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Use this interview question to explore the candidate’s familiarity with food service operations. Look for specific answers that highlight their ability to handle multiple orders and go with the flow, which is one of the top skills to have regardless of one’s position in a restaurant.

2. How do you handle multiple tables and orders at once?

In a busy restaurant, your wait staff must be able to handle multiple tables and manage orders efficiently. Aside from providing the best dining experience, order-taking accuracy can help you avoid food waste and unnecessary costs.

Placing the wrong order can cost you around $30 per order, so you want someone who can organize and prioritize orders effectively. They should also be able to communicate with kitchen staff and the team clearly.

3. What does excellent customer service mean to you?

Asking this question helps you understand how a candidate prioritizes the customer’s experience and aligns with your restaurant's values. For a waiter or waitress, this skill can directly impact repeat business, tips, and overall team morale.

Look for answers that include a focus on listening to customers’ needs and a proactive approach to solving problems.

Vague answers or a lack of real-life examples might indicate that the candidate lacks experience or genuine interest in the role. Exceptional waiters and waitresses know how to deliver food, as well as a positive interaction that leaves a lasting impression.

4. Tell us about a time you dealt with a difficult customer. How did you resolve it?

This question is a chance for the interviewer to hear about real-life experiences where the candidate demonstrated composure, empathy, and teamwork. The candidate should be able to provide a clear description of the situation, the customer's issue, and the steps they took to resolve the problem, such as listening actively or collaborating with the team.

Lastly, the outcome should be checked, and how the waiter or waitress learned from the experience should be checked. Avoid candidates who place blame on the customer or lack a clear process for resolving issues. Successful waiters and waitresses know how to handle tough situations professionally without escalating the problem.

5. How do you handle a situation where a customer complains about the wait time?

Long wait times are a common challenge in busy restaurants, especially during peak hours. With 72% of guests saying they’ll wait no more than 30 minutes for a table, the candidate you choose, whether as a host or server, should know how to acknowledge the customer’s frustration and offer solutions, such as updates on their order or complimentary items.

A simple update about their order status or reassurance that their food is on its way shows empathy and attentiveness. These actions can help diffuse tense situations and maintain the restaurant’s reputation.

6. What would you do if a customer tried to use an expired coupon or special offer?

This question helps evaluate how a candidate manages customer expectations while maintaining the restaurant’s policies and providing excellent service. A skilled waiter or waitress needs to enforce rules respectfully without offending the customer.

Strong answers to this interview question would show clear communication of the restaurant's policy and an ability to offer alternative solutions that keep the customer satisfied.

For instance, they may highlight other menu deals or specials available or offer a free drink or appetizer if applicable. These strategies help turn a potentially negative situation into a positive customer experience.

7. How would you recommend menu items to guests to enhance their dining experience?

Your wait staff should demonstrate a deep knowledge of your menu items. Asking this question will show you how a candidate connects with customers and how they use their knowledge of the restaurant to upsell effectively.

As they answer, check how well the candidate knows popular dishes, ingredients, and flavors from the restaurants they worked for before. Better yet, you can have them provide recommendations from your menu.

Check their ability to suggest appetizers, beverages, or desserts that complement the meal as well.

8. Have you ever handled a situation where a customer asked for a dish not on the menu? What did you do?

Unexpected situations like this can happen in your restaurant, and the waiter or waitress you hire must be creative and communicate clearly to make sure the customer’s needs are met.

They must acknowledge the customer’s request and show a willingness to help. The candidate should also check with the kitchen or their manager to explore options, like customizing a dish with available ingredients.

9. What steps would you take if a customer received the wrong order?

Mistakes happen in every restaurant, but how a waiter or waitress handles them is critical. The ability of a waiter or waitress to act quickly and professionally when a customer receives the wrong order can turn a negative situation into a positive experience.

Check whether they acknowledged their mistake and apologized for the oversight. A heartfelt apology can go a long way toward diffusing tension.

Next, they should offer a solution. Whether it’s replacing the food, providing a complimentary item, or expediting the correct order, the response should prioritize the customer’s satisfaction.

10. How do you maintain a professional demeanor when dealing with rude or impatient customers?

Seasoned servers are no strangers to difficult customers. 40% of restaurants reported having to deal with at least one disruptive guest per week.

Asking this question helps you determine whether a candidate can remain calm and deliver exceptional service even in challenging situations. Assess how the candidate listened to the customer and found a solution.

A proactive waiter or waitress might involve the team to address the issue more efficiently, such as asking a manager to assist if the customer’s frustration escalates. A seasoned wait staff could also defuse tension with humor or empathy, creating a more positive outcome for everyone.

11. How do you maintain accuracy when taking orders for large groups?

Order-taking is challenging enough, especially during busy hours, but being accurate for orders of groups of 10 or more people is a critical skill for any waiter or waitress. Mistakes in these situations can lead to delays, wasted food, and a poor guest experience.

Writing down orders or using mobile point-of-sale software reduces errors. Tools help ensure no detail is missed, especially with special requests or dietary restrictions. Confirming the order with the customers before sending it to the kitchen also guarantees everything is correct.

12. What techniques do you use to upsell menu items or drinks?

Upselling is a key skill for any waiter or waitress, as it can significantly boost a restaurant’s revenue. Effective upselling can increase a restaurant’s average check size by around 20% for the same number of customers.

The candidate should be able to list different ways to upsell, like recommending drinks or side dishes that complement the main order or highlighting specials.

Asking the right questions can also guide customers in considering upgrades. A skilled waiter or waitress can seamlessly incorporate upselling into the conversation, making recommendations that enhance the customer's dining experience rather than feeling like a sales pitch.

13. How do you ensure a team-oriented approach to working with the kitchen staff and other waiters?

A successful restaurant thrives when there’s teamwork. The ability of a waiter or waitress to work well with the kitchen staff and fellow waiters directly impacts the efficiency of service and the customer's overall experience.

58% of restaurant employees reported that their coworkers and the camaraderie they share boost their engagement at work. The candidate you choose should be able to join your team seamlessly by showing strong communication skills, a willingness to collaborate, and a commitment to the restaurant's success.

They should be able to provide examples of how they've worked effectively with kitchen staff and other waiters in the past.

14. Have you ever worked long shifts? How do you stay energetic and deliver quality service?

Most restaurants employ swing shift scheduling, which helps cover peak dining hours but can lead to long shifts on some days. Waiters and waitresses need to have the stamina and motivation to provide excellent service throughout their entire shift.

The candidate should share strategies they use to maintain their energy and focus, such as taking breaks, staying hydrated, and practicing self-care. A waiter or waitress who handles long shifts gracefully can keep operations smooth and customers happy.

15. What do you think is the most important skill for a waiter during peak hours?

Asking this interview question helps uncover how well a candidate can handle high-pressure situations. They may answer that the ability to prioritize and organize tasks is the most critical skill to have.

Meanwhile, others may focus on communication since, without this trait, servers can get the orders wrong or delayed, which frustrates customers. They may say that a good waiter knows how to coordinate with the kitchen and colleagues to keep everyone on the same page.

Multi-tasking and attention to detail can also be considered as an important skill during peak hours, which often involve juggling multiple orders and remembering specific customer requests. A great candidate with sharp attention to detail can make sure no order is overlooked or mishandled.

16. How do you manage stress during a busy service shift?

Working in a restaurant is stressful because it’s physically and mentally demanding, with low levels of control. In fact, it’s even deemed more stressful than being a doctor, with employees at a 22% higher risk of stroke.

Your wait staff must know how to remain composed and maintain high-quality service without sacrificing their well-being.

One of the most effective ways to handle stress is by staying calm and focusing on immediate priorities. A seasoned waiter will often focus on orders that need attention first to complete every task efficiently. Breaking down their server duties into smaller, manageable steps can also significantly reduce stress.

Additionally, stress during a busy shift is easier to manage with a supportive team. A great candidate understands the importance of communication with other staff members, including the kitchen.

Long shifts can take a toll on anyone. Candidates should share how they prioritize their physical and mental well-being during and after their shifts. Strategies like staying hydrated, wearing comfortable shoes, and taking brief moments to breathe deeply can keep stress levels manageable.

17. How do you handle special dietary requests or food allergies?

Knowing how to manage special dietary requests and food allergies effectively is something you should look for in your wait staff. Asking this interview question can help identify candidates who are prepared to handle these situations.

The candidate must share how they listened carefully and confirmed the details of the request. An experienced waiter will always clarify with the customer to avoid misunderstandings.

For instance, if a customer mentions a nut allergy, the candidate should respond by asking whether they have cross-contamination concerns.

Next, the waiter should communicate the request to the kitchen staff right away and confirm any modifications needed. They might also mention the use of color-coded order tickets or digital systems to flag the special request.

A candidate should also have in-depth knowledge of the menu, including ingredients and preparation methods, as well as the necessary restaurant skills and certifications in health, allergen, and food safety training. This allows them to recommend alternative dishes or modifications confidently. 

18. How would you handle a scenario where you received a poor tip from a customer?

Getting a job at a restaurant and providing excellent customer service doesn’t guarantee great tips. A great waiter or waitress understands that tipping habits vary.

Even if a customer leaves a poor tip, they ought to remain professional and avoid letting emotions affect future interactions. Candidates who maintain a positive attitude demonstrate maturity and resilience, which are valuable traits for high-pressure roles.

Sometimes, poor tips have nothing to do with the waiter’s skills. A candidate might mention understanding factors like a customer’s financial situation or a policy they disagreed with, which shows empathy and emotional intelligence.

19. What restaurant tools have you used?

One of the reasons restaurant operators hire candidates with experience is so that they won’t have to train from scratch. If you need your new waiters and waitresses to be deployed quickly, look for candidates who have used common restaurant tools like POS systems, inventory management software, and communication platforms.

Ask them to describe their experience and how it helped them perform their duties more efficiently. Candidates with experience using key tools are often better prepared to handle the fast-paced nature of the job.

20. How do you prioritize tasks when juggling multiple responsibilities during a shift?

During a busy shift, managing multiple tables, orders, and special requests can become overwhelming. Asking this question lets you evaluate how candidates approach this challenge to maintain excellent service and customer satisfaction.

Experienced waiters and waitresses understand the importance of planning and focus during peak hours. For instance, they prioritize taking orders from new tables before delivering drinks so that the kitchen can start preparation right away.

A great candidate also makes sure every customer feels attended to, even during high-pressure moments. They balance urgent tasks like clearing a table for new guests while maintaining ongoing orders for existing tables.

Familiarity with restaurant tools like POS systems and kitchen display screens helps servers manage their tasks easily. Knowing when to delegate tasks to teammates also makes sure no single person becomes overwhelmed.

For example, asking a colleague to deliver drinks while focusing on a complicated order helps maintain efficiency.

20. How do you prioritize tasks when juggling multiple responsibilities during a shift?

During a busy shift, managing multiple tables, orders, and special requests can become overwhelming. Asking this question lets you evaluate how candidates approach this challenge to maintain excellent service and customer satisfaction.

Experienced waiters and waitresses understand the importance of planning and focus during peak hours. For instance, they prioritize taking orders from new tables before delivering drinks so that the kitchen can start preparation right away.

A great candidate also makes sure every customer feels attended to, even during high-pressure moments. They balance urgent tasks like clearing a table for new guests while maintaining ongoing orders for existing tables.

Familiarity with restaurant tools like POS systems and kitchen display screens helps servers manage their tasks easily. Knowing when to delegate tasks to teammates also makes sure no single person becomes overwhelmed.

For example, asking a colleague to deliver drinks while focusing on a complicated order helps maintain efficiency.

21. What steps would you take to maintain a clean and organized workspace during service?

Waiters and waitresses are key in maintaining cleanliness and efficiency during busy shifts. Hiring servers who understand the importance of having clean tables and well-organized workstations is crucial, especially with 66% of customers not willing to return to a restaurant with bad food hygiene.

A great candidate will explain how they regularly wipe down tables, refill condiments, and restock supplies to maintain a tidy environment for both customers and staff. They may also mention using a checklist or schedule to stay on top of cleaning tasks throughout the shift. 

22. What do you do if you encounter an emergency on the way to a shift?

Emergencies can happen at any time, and the way a waiter or waitress responds shows their level of reliability and professionalism. You need team members who are proactive, communicate well, and prioritize the team and customers even during unforeseen situations.

The first step is to call the restaurant and inform the manager about the situation. A clear explanation helps the manager make adjustments to cover the shift or redistribute tasks among the team.

Proactive employees might suggest alternatives, such as swapping shifts or finding another staff member to assist. Doing so shows responsibility and dedication to the job.

23. Why do you want to work at this restaurant?

This interview question gauges how well a candidate aligns with your restaurant’s values and vision. A thoughtful answer shows the applicant has done their homework and is genuinely enthusiastic about joining your team.

For example, they might mention admiration for your cuisine, customer service, or workplace culture.

A candidate who has researched your menu, customer base, or unique selling points demonstrates serious interest. They should mention specific aspects of your restaurant, such as a popular dish, innovative service style, or positive reviews.

Moreover, candidates who see the job as a stepping stone in their career often bring extra motivation. They might talk about their desire to learn new skills, gain more experience, or grow in the hospitality industry.

Build a winning team with the right interview questions

Your wait staff plays a key role in creating memorable dining experiences for your customers. That’s why you must ask the right questions to help you find the best people who’ll excel in this fast-paced, customer-facing role. The right hire will not only provide exceptional service but also contribute to a positive work culture.

Equip your team with the tools and support they need to thrive. Make scheduling, assigning tasks, and communication easier with 7shifts. This way, your wait staff can focus on providing exceptional customer service.