What questions should I ask in a restaurant interview?
Behavioral Questions That Work
Behavioral questions ask candidates to describe specific past situations. They predict future performance better than hypotheticals. For example: 'Tell me about a time you were in the weeds during a rush. How did you handle it?' or 'Describe a time you disagreed with a manager. What did you do?' Listen for details, ownership, and what they learned.
Other useful questions: 'How do you prioritize tasks when everything is urgent?' 'Give an example of how you helped a teammate without being asked.' 'What would you do if a customer sent back a dish?' These reveal problem-solving, teamwork, and customer service skills. For lead or management roles, ask about scheduling, inventory, or handling call-outs.
- Tell me about a time you handled a difficult customer.
- How do you stay organized during a rush?
- Describe a time you helped a coworker without being asked.
- What would you do if you noticed a safety issue?
- How do you handle feedback from a manager?
- Why do you want to work here?
Practical and Availability Questions
Don't forget logistics. Ask about availability, transportation, and whether they can work weekends, holidays, or late nights. For tipped roles, ask if they're comfortable with the tip structure. For cooks, ask about knife skills, food safety knowledge, and experience with your cuisine. For all roles, ask about their ideal schedule and how they handle shift changes.
Also ask about their long-term goals. Do they want to grow into a trainer or manager? That helps you see if the job fits their plans. Finally, leave time for their questions. Candidates who ask thoughtful questions are often more engaged.
Common mistakes
- Asking only yes/no questions that don't reveal real experience.
- Forgetting to ask about availability and transportation, leading to no-shows.
- Talking too much and not letting the candidate speak.
