1. Potential interview questions and answers for restaurant jobs
There are tons of questions you could be asked in a restaurant job interview, especially to suit the
locality and type of restaurant, but, bearing in mind that it will have regular long hours, especially
evenings and weekends, the following questions are the most likely to be asked with tips on how to
answer them.
1. "Tell me about yourself"
This is likely to come at the beginning in order to lead you in gently, to help you feel relaxed and provide
a topic you know the most about - you! Give a short summary of your personality, passions and hobbies,
qualifications, career history and specific skills. Add anything you might be involved in just now like
social clubs and responsibilities. Keep it brief without rambling too much
2. "What are your strengths?"
This is for assessing your suitability, to see whether you would fit that hothouse environment or not.
Think about a few of your main strengths, but try to focus on skills that would be useful and relevant to
the new company. Good examples are communication, interacting with others, sales, IT (if required),
coping with a crisis, flexibility, having a positive attitude and other interpersonal skills.
3. "What are your weaknesses?"
We tend to focus on weaknesses a lot and ignore our strengths. Yet what might be a weakness in one
role is likely to be strength in another, hence why this could be the most difficult question to answer.
Don't be afraid to identify what you might not be good at. It not only shows you are human, but it is
actually strength to admit your weakness. It demonstrates a healthy balance in how you perceive
yourself. Once you present a weakness, show any steps you have already taken to remedy or overcome
it.
4. "Do you prefer to work under pressure or in a more relaxed environment?"
This is very important to consider because restaurants can get very busy. If a relaxed environment is
really for you, then be honest with your reply, even if you don't get the job. Otherwise you will say what
you think they want to hear, and then find out that you can't cope later on when things get really hairy
and the chef is going mad.
5. "Do you like routine work? Regular hours?"
Make sure that you really do prefer routine work and give examples of the type of work you have
enjoyed to back this up. The hours are going to be long, so consider that and give an honest answer in
how you would deal with it. Consider the effects of night work on your social life too so that you are
prepared for any questions along those lines.
6. "What interested you most about our restaurant?"
They want to see whether you are being selective in your application or it is just any old job to you.
Hopefully, you would have researched the organization before going for the interview to be able to

2. answer this question. Mentioning facts such as their products/services, sales figures, employment
conditions, customer care etc, and especially the reputation they might have among your community,
peer group etc., will prove that you have carefully thought about your application to work for this
particular company.
7. "Why do you want to work with us?"
Select the positive aspects of the job you are applying for. Do not be too quick to mention money or
shorter hours, or speak negatively of your current job. Make sure you include factors such as wanting a
new challenge or more responsibility, new opportunities to help you develop and grow in order to
achieve your full potential. Emphasis their most well known things about them and how you wish to be
part of that.
8. "How much do you expect to earn with us per hour (or per year)?"
You would have worked this out before your interview. Do not be afraid to say a realistic wage. In fact,
make it as high as you wish. You are worth it. If they really want you, and they see that you value
yourself, they will either meet your figure or make you a near offer. Don't allow yourself to be exploited
simply because you might want the job. Also be prepared to explain why you want that amount. You
may add that you are seeking more money than your last job, that you need that much to maintain your
living standard and, most important, because your experience, skills, qualifications and capability merit
it.
9. "Why do you think you are suitable for this role?"
In other words: "Why should we offer you the job?"This is the ideal opportunity to show how you might
differ from the next candidate; what is unique to you that you would bring to the new company and put
at their disposal. In a nutshell, how your skills, qualifications and experience would match with their
needs. You could also emphasis your personality, if you feel the role would benefit from the kind of
person you are. For example, if you are a cheerful, smiley person, that would be an excellent attribute in
dealing with grumpy customers and children!