Waitress Interview

  
Interview Tips and Questions for Waitress

Although being a Waitress isn’t considered to be a skilled job, there are several attributes necessary to be successful.  Many students look for part-time waitressing work and this is often their first paid employment.

A Waitress needs to look smart and take care with their appearance.  Hair and nails need to be groomed – you wouldn’t want your meal being served by someone with dirty fingernails!  Good hygiene is essential for everyone who works in the catering industry.  There may be a simple uniform – often a black skirt and white blouse or top but is there isn’t this is still a good choice.  Wear comfortable shoes as you will be on your feet for several hours.  A Silver-Service Waitress will need specific training, but they will usually have had some restaurant experience.

A wage for a Waitress is usually the minimum allowed for the age of the applicant.  There are opportunities to increase the basic wage by earning tips for good service.  Some establishments arrange for all tips to be collected and divided out to all staff, but in other restaurants each Waitress retains their own tips.

If the Waitress is unhappy for some reason they should still always smile at the customer.  Always be polite, and be attentive so that when diners have finished eating the dirty plates can be removed almost immediately. The customer will leave a larger tip if the service from the Waitress has been good but don’t let the customer see you’re disappointed if they don’t leave a tip.

The customer may want details about the food, or for you to recommend a dish.  Tables should be ready for the next customer so all tablecloths should be replaced regularly.   Write the order, so there can’t be errors.  When the restaurant is busy it is easy to forget or confuse orders.

Read more:
Waitress CV Example
Waitress Salary
Waitress Resignation Letter
Waitress Cover Letter Example

The Interview

Do you prefer to work independently or on a team? interview question
What type of work environment do you prefer? Interview Question
How do you evaluate success? Interview Question

Don’t overdress or wear too much make-up.  Ensure that you arrive in plenty of time for your appointment.  It doesn’t create a good impression if you are late.

The interviewer will ask you about yourself – your hobbies and interests, whether you are a student and when you can work.

The customer’s bill will be automated so there isn’t any need for the Waitress to be particularly good at maths. A clear speaking voice is essential, together with the ability to remain calm, even if there is an irate customer.

Thank the interviewer for seeing you, and ask when a decision will be made.  Confirm that you want the job if you are selected.

Waitress interview questions:
How do you evaluate success? Interview Question
What can you do for this company? Interview Question
Why are you the best person for the job? Interview Question
What are your salary expectations? Interview Question
Describe a difficult work situation project and how you overcame it
Give some examples of teamwork – Interview Question
What motivates you? Interview Question and Answer
What is your greatest weakness? Interview Question
Why do you want this job? Interview Question
What is your greatest strength? Interview Question

View the full list of typical interview questions and answers!