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Dishwasher Interview Questions

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated 17 January 2025
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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Dishwasher interview questions and answers.

  1. Apart from dishes and glasses, what else would you expect to clean? See answer
  2. This task can be pretty monotonous; how do you expect to stay efficient? See answer
  3. Have you ever worked with a commercial-type dishwashing machine in a professional kitchen space? See answer
  4. Did you have a system of organising dishware at your previous job? See answer
  5. Can you tell me about a time you broke dishware by dropping it accidentally? How did you salvage that situation? See answer
  6. How much time do you spend washing kitchen instruments on average? See answer
  7. Are you familiar with restaurant safety rules? See answer
  8. If you found another employee breaking food safety rules, what would you do? See answer
  9. Are you up to date with modern methods of keeping dinnerware inventory? See answer
  10. How do you expect to juggle all your responsibilities in a professional kitchen setting? See answer
  11. Would you be comfortable helping to unload food inventory at the beginning of your shifts? See answer
  12. Are you interested in cooking? Would you like to undergo professional training someday? See answer
  13. The kitchen can be fast-paced and demanding. Would you be able to withstand the pressure that comes with that setting? 
  14. Was there a time you disagreed with someone in your workstation? How were you able to handle the situation?
  15. Do you have other methods of stain removal if the dishwasher can’t remove certain stains? 
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Hire your next Dishwasher today.

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Hire your next Dishwasher today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Dishwasher Interview Questions and Answers

The kitchen can be fast-paced and demanding. Would you be able to withstand the pressure that comes with that setting?

The goal of this question is to determine the candidate's ability to work well under pressure in a professional kitchen setting. They will face high demands, and it's essential to know if they will meet these demands. It will also allow you to see if they can work in this setting without getting frustrated. Look for:

  • Good workmanship skills
  • Ability to stay calm and efficient
  • Proper time management skills 
Example:

'I can work well and efficiently under pressure. I worked in a fast-paced workstation in my previous job, and I could get the job done in time. I can ensure a seamless operation, as I'm well aware that I'll be working with other people doing different tasks in the same setting. I can stay calm even in these situations.'

Apart from dishes and glasses, what else would you expect to clean?

This question tests the candidate's knowledge of the different dishware types and kitchen instruments they would be expected to wash up. A candidate that is well versed in these kitchen instruments will prove to you their preparedness for the job at hand. You can look for: 

  • Ability to list out basic kitchen instruments 
  • Ability to mention different dinnerware types
  • Experience washing these types of instruments 
Example:

'There are different instruments used daily at a restaurant. From the cooking spoons to the pots and pans and baking sheets, cleaning any kitchen instrument or dinnerware that has been in use is my responsibility.'

This task can be pretty monotonous; how do you expect to stay efficient?

You're looking out for the candidate's ability to remain efficient even when repeating the same process over and over again. You might want to know if the candidate can maintain the same quality of work over some time. You may want to look out for:

  • Good work coping mechanisms
  • Good refocusing skills
  • Dedication to quality service
Example:

'I don't like to believe that this job would be monotonous to me, but I have a good strategy that helps me stay focused even after a long period. I also plan to use my breaks to make sure I'm well-rested and in a relaxed state of mind before resuming work. I plan to stay hydrated. I also intend to maintain a healthy relationship with people at my workstation, so I'm able to motivate myself by talking with them.'

Have you ever worked with a commercial-type dishwashing machine in a professional kitchen space?

This question determines their work experience and ability to operate commercial dishwashing machines. You'll be able to ensure the candidate has indeed worked in a professional kitchen setting and can use commercial-type dishwashing machines instead of the regular ones. Look out for:

  • Experience working in a professional kitchen space
  • Experience operating a commercial type dishwashing machine
  • Knowledge as regards washing dishes properly 
Example:

'At my previous job, I worked alongside the cooks and the waiters. I am comfortable working in a professional kitchen space and sharing this space with other workers. I also have experience operating both domestic and commercial type dishwashing machines, so you don't have to worry; your dishes will be cleaned properly and will be ready for use when required.'

Was there a time you disagreed with someone at your workstation? How were you able to handle the situation?

You're looking out to see how well the candidate works with other people and how they can reconcile and move on to ensure a good working relationship with others to foster a healthy work environment. Look out for:

  • Good communication skills
  • Good working relationship skills 
  • Ability to be a good team player 
Example:

'People are diverse and might have conflicting views on issues, so yes, disagreements might spring up. However, I believe that good communication skills can diffuse any disagreement. I got along well with everyone I worked with at my previous job because I was considerate and respectful to people. If there is a recurring issue with my colleague, I won't hesitate to inform Human Resources so that the issue is resolved, and we're able to move on and work together as a team.'

Did you have a system of organising dishware at your previous job?

This question allows you to know if the candidate can efficiently stay on top of their other duties that don't involve washing, like stacking dishes and separating fine china from glasses. This question will further establish their experience and skills. Look for the following in an answer:

  • Ability to stack dishes without them breaking
  • A foolproof system of organisation
  • Working experience
Example:

'At my previous job, I was able to create a system that allowed me to organise dishware and other instruments efficiently. This system made it easy to stack and transport without accidents happening. This system also made it easy for others to easily locate where dishware items would be at any given time.'

Can you tell me about a time you broke dishware by dropping it accidentally? How did you salvage that situation?

You're looking out for the candidate's ability to take responsibility for accidents. Accidents happen, so it's important to know how to handle them. Look out for these in an answer:

  • Ability to take responsibility
  • Ability to handle delicate dishware
  • Good working efficiency 
Example:

'I strive to be very careful around delicate dishware because I understand the risks involved. I'm very confident in my abilities to keep accidents to a minimum. I wouldn't want to cost your business any losses, so I'll be careful around delicate dishware.'

How much time do you spend washing kitchen instruments on average?

A professional kitchen setting will require timely completion of duties and tasks. This helps you determine how time-efficient the candidate is and if they can cope in your kitchen space. Since it's usually fast-paced, workers will be required to be on their feet for an extended period. Look out for: 

  • Time management skills 
  • Ability to stand for long 
  • Efficient skill set 
Example:

'I like to believe that I'm very efficient and have good time management skills. I can complete tasks on time and provide quality service in good time. I also understand that having the right gear will make it more comfortable for me to stand for a while.'

Are you familiar with restaurant safety rules?

This question showcases the candidate's knowledge of the safety rules applicable in your state. These rules are there to ensure that customers and employees are safe at all times. You might want to look out for:

  • Knowledge of Australian health and safety standards
  • Personal hygiene of candidate 
  • Knowledge of basic emergency procedures
Example:

'I'm well aware of the health standards, and I abide by them to ensure everyone is safe whenever they're in the restaurant.  I have good knowledge of emergency procedures. I think and act fast, so I assure you I'll be able to execute these skills when they're needed.'

Do you have other methods of stain removal if the dishwasher can't remove certain stains?

This question tests the candidate's knowledge and skill set regarding stain removal. Certain stains might be difficult to remove; a well-skilled dishwasher should know other efficient stain removal methods. Look for:

  • Knowledge of conventional and unconventional stain removal methods
  • Resourcefulness
  • Ability to ask for help when stuck
Exercise: 'I am well versed in a few other methods of dealing with stubborn stains, like the use of dinnerware friendly chemicals and other treatments. I'm also always willing to learn, and not afraid to ask for help or research if need be.'
Example:

If you found another employee breaking food safety rules, what would you do?

Your business needs people with integrity who aren't afraid to defend what's right at any time. It's a great and invaluable asset. Look out for:

  • Ability to comply with rules
  • Sense of responsibility
  • Ability to take note of what's happening around them
Example:

'I'd like to think I'm a stickler for rules, so be rest assured that I will inform you if another employee is breaking a rule or a couple of rules. Your business will be of utmost importance to me if I'm hired, and it will be my duty to ensure the rules are kept.'

Are you up to date with modern methods of keeping dinnerware inventory?

Keeping dishware inventory might be another duty entrusted to a dishwasher. You should make sure the candidate will be efficient in maintaining a modern inventory of all your dinnerware. Look out for:

  • Experience with keeping dinnerware inventory
  • Knowledge of more progressive ways of keeping an inventory
  • Ability to take on new assignments 
Example:

'At my previous job, it wasn't my responsibility to keep the dinnerware inventory, but I worked with someone who did. I've also spent some time researching systems, so if I have to perform this task, I'll be organised and efficient.'

How do you expect to juggle all your responsibilities in a professional kitchen setting?

The candidate needs to assure you they'll prioritise tasks and manage their time efficiently. They will have other duties asides from washing, and they need to prove to you they can handle these responsibilities. Look for:

  • Time management skills 
  • optimisation of the work environment
  • Prioritisation of tasks
Example:

'I can prioritise my tasks to deliver them in good time. I can also work well under pressure to ensure work efficiency. I'm aware that I will have other duties, and failure to complete them in time will not allow for a seamless operation. I am up to speed and capable of completing these tasks.'

Would you be comfortable helping to unload food inventory at the beginning of your shifts?

This question shows the candidate's willingness to help out whenever they can. You might be short-staffed, or someone might call in sick; you would need any help you can get.  Such an employee is a good asset. Look out for:

  • Good team player
  • Willingness to undergo other assignments 
  • Ability to help out
Example:

'I like to lend a hand whenever and wherever I can, so I'll be comfortable helping to unload food inventory at the beginning of my shifts or at any other time I'm required to.'

Are you interested in cooking? Would you like to undergo professional training someday?

Since the candidate is already in the restaurant business, they might want to pursue other positions at your business in the near future. Look out for:

  • Ability to learn
  • Interest/skill in cooking
  • Willingness to undergo training
Example:

'I know how to cook but don't mind undergoing actual professional training, so I'm able to move further in your establishment. I am willing to learn, as well as add to my skills, so that would be a great privilege.'

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