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Food Runner Interview Questions

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

  1. What do you believe to be some of the most desired qualities in a food runner? See answer
  2. How do you organise food tickets for the kitchen staff? See answer
  3. How would you communicate complex orders to a chef? See answer
  4. What do you do to ensure food safety in the restaurant? See answer
  5. Are you able to carry food and stand for the duration of your shift? See answer
  6. Could you explain a technique you have used that helps you ensure the order is delivered to the correct table? See answer
  7. What seating and service systems are you familiar with? See answer
  8. Can you tell me about a mistake you made and how you remedied it? See answer
  9. A customer is unhappy with their service, how do you respond to them? See answer
  10. How do you approach solving disputes between yourself and other service staff? See answer
  11. How do you manage working in a sometimes stressful restaurant atmosphere? See answer
  12. Why do you want to work as a food runner at our restaurant? See answer
  13. What are your expectations for your food service team? See answer
  14. What’s your current level of education? Do you have any certifications?
  15. What’s your approach to training new food runners?
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Hire your next Food Runner today.

Post a job

Hire your next Food Runner 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 Food Runner Interview Questions and Answers

What do you believe to be some of the most desired qualities in a food runner?

You probably already know which qualities you're looking for in an ideal candidate. This question helps you understand if the candidate has knowledge about the role and if they will be a good fit in your workplace. What to look for in an answer:

  • Focus on collabouration
  • Time-management
  • Emphasis on organisation

Example:

"As a food runner, I think some of the most desired qualities are the ability to work well with others in a fast-paced environment and being able to manage time well. I'm always multitasking and working with my team to provide the best service for the customer."

How do you organise food tickets for the kitchen staff?

When the candidate answers, listen for evidence of an understanding of kitchen operations. You want to ensure the food runner understands how to work with the kitchen staff and prioritises helping their colleagues. What to look for in an answer:

  • Specific organisation method
  • Consideration for kitchen staff
  • Detail-oriented ticketing

Example:

"When delivering tickets to the kitchen staff, I always order them by time. I also clearly mark out our online or takeout orders from the in-house ones so they know how to package them up."

How would you communicate complex orders to a chef?

This question determines what the candidate's methods are for communicating. Communication is important to ensuring each customer receives the best service, so you want to make sure the candidate understands that and knows how to convey complex information. What to look for in an answer:

  • Strong communication skills
  • Planning abilities
  • Kindness towards colleagues

Example:

"The first thing I always do is make sure I'm making eye contact with them and that they can hear what I'm saying. Sometimes, when the kitchen gets busy, it's easy to think someone has heard you when they haven't. Other than that, I also make marks on complex or special orders so the kitchen staff can differentiate them when preparing the food."

What do you do to ensure food safety in the restaurant?

Food runners must know how to safely handle the food they deliver to customers. Food runners should keep general areas clean and presentable. What to look for in an answer:

  • Understanding of cleaning agents
  • Good personal hygiene
  • Prioritizing food safety

Example:

"To ensure food safety, I always wear gloves when filling sauces or handling food closely. I always wear my hair up and wear a clean uniform at work, not only to have a good appearance but also so the customers know I care about food safety. I sanitise each table after customers have left as well."

Are you able to carry food and stand for the duration of your shift?

A food runner can stand and walk for eight to ten hours at a time, depending on where they work. Asking them if they are able to stand and enjoy active tasks can help you determine if they are a suitable candidate for the position. What to look for in an answer:

  • Physical ability
  • Understanding of jobs requirements
  • Enthusiasm for active tasks

Example:

"Yes I can, and I've always enjoyed jobs where I'm on my feet. I prefer to move around because I don't like sitting still, I'll feel like I'm not getting much done. I always try to be doing something when things slow down."

What's your current level of education? Do you have any certifications?

Depending on your qualifications, you may want to know if the person has graduated from secondary school. You may also want to determine if the candidate is currently a student at a university and if they have any restaurant certifications. What to look for in an answer:

  • Understanding of education
  • Minimum degree for job
  • Food related certifications

Example:

"I graduated from high school three years ago and I'm currently studying to get a higher degree. I am certified in food safety and CPR because of my other jobs as a food runner and from babysitting."

Could you explain a technique you have used that helps you ensure the order is delivered to the correct table?

Food runners transport the food from the kitchen to the customers, and when the restaurant gets busy, it's easy to confuse orders. organisation and attention to detail are vital for success as a food runner. What to look for in an answer:

  • Planning for success
  • Focus on accuracy
  • Multiple methods 

Example:

"The first thing I do is memorise the table layout so I can easily remember which table is which. Then, when delivering food, I memorise which table number corresponds to which dish. If I'm really busy, I might create rhymes or other correlations in my head to help me remember. For example, the tuna goes to table two, or the salad and wine to nine."

What seating and service systems are you familiar with?

Many restaurants use technology to seat, serve and bill their customers. This question determines if the candidate is familiar with any systems or programmes you may use. What to look for in an answer:

  • Specific service programmes
  • Willingness to learn new systems
  • Adaptability and quick learning

Example:

"I'm well-versed in using DineIO and SilverPlatter, and I'm familiar with TableTuner. I am majoring in technology and software studies so I can pick up on and learn new programmes quickly."

Can you tell me about a mistake you made and how you remedied it?

This question's goal is to determine if the candidate can admit their faults and finding solutions for their mistakes. A suitable candidate will answer this question honestly, showing that they can assess their own performance and improve. What to look for in an answer:

  • Honesty and modesty
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Critical thinking skills

Example:

"When I first started working as a food runner, I delivered plates to the wrong tables. When the customer informed me of the mistake, I apologised and ensured them I would get them their food as quickly as possible. I told my manager about the mistake right away and they gave the customers a discount. After that, I paid more careful attention to the food I was delivering."

A customer is unhappy with their service, how do you respond to them?

Customer service is an important skill for food runners to have, as they interact with customers frequently. Excellent quality service and problem-solving abilities allow the food runner to influence the customers to return or leave a positive review. What to look for in an answer:

  • Excellent customer service
  • Composure under pressure
  • Conflict resolution abilities

Example:

"First, I always try to understand what the issue is before making assumptions, and I try to understand where the customer is coming from. If I can handle the problem myself by getting them a fresh drink or side, I'll do it as quickly as possible. If not, I'll notify the manager so we can work together on making sure the customers leave happy."

How do you approach solving disputes between yourself and other service staff?

This question allows you to understand how the candidate will work with your other service staff. Disputes will happen, and how the candidate responds to them will affect your customers and the rest of your staff. What to look for in an answer:

  • Effective communication
  • Empathy for others
  • Professional conduct

Example:

"If I'm disagreeing with another service person, I never express it in front of customers. If I need to problem solve with another member of the team, I make sure not to do it in the dining room. Staying calm and understanding where the other person is coming from is important, and I try to resolve disputes on our own before asking the manager for help."

How do you manage working in a sometimes stressful restaurant atmosphere?

A food runner should understand that serving in a restaurant requires managing many tasks at once and can be stressful. This question determines their understanding of the environment and learn about their methods for managing stress when it occurs. What to look for in an answer:

  • Methods for managing stress
  • Understanding of environment
  • Resiliency during difficult situations

Example:

"I think the first step to stress management is knowing when a stressful shift might happen. So, for example, before working a holiday or a longer shift, I always get a full night of sleep and properly hydrate the day before. Then, during my shift, I remember to take deep breaths and minor breaks between interactions when I need to calm down."

What's your approach to training new food runners?

The candidate may need to train a new food runner, and learning about how they would approach it can inform you about their learning and teaching abilities. It can also show you they're a team player if they are open to training new people. What to look for in an answer:

  • Patience with others
  • Knowledge of foodservice
  • Ability to share information

Example:

"When training new food runners in the past, I start by teaching them about the layout of the restaurant. Understanding how to organise the tables is the most important part of providing great service. I always try to be patient with them and find alternative ways to help people remember the information."

Why do you want to work as a food runner at our restaurant?

Understanding what motivated the candidate to apply for a position in your restaurant can help you determine how committed they are to the role. If they enjoy your establishment or are passionate about their work, they may perform better and stay in the role longer. What to look for in an answer:

  • Familiarity with your establishment
  • Passion for customer service work
  • Growth-oriented mindset

Example:

"I've worked as a food runner in the past and I really enjoyed it. I also enjoy coming here as a guest and I would love to be a part of the team because I enjoy the food and the atmosphere. Helping people have a great time is a passion of mine and this seems like a place where I can improve my customer service."

What are your expectations for your food service team?

Food runners should understand the dynamic of the service team, and they should have reasonable expectations for how their responsibilities compare to other team members. This question can help you understand the behaviour the candidate believes is ideal. What to look for in an answer:

  • Knowledge of service staff
  • Reasonable expectations
  • Evidence of being a team player

Example:

"I expect the same things from my colleagues that I expect from myself, to be kind to one another and always help each other improve our service. I expect everyone to be willing to solve our problems together and help one another."

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