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Server Interview Questions

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated 24 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 Server interview questions and answers.

  1. What is your favourite part of being a server? See answer
  2. What would you do if you notice a customer is being ignored? See answer
  3. What other roles in the hospitality industry would you consider? See answer
  4. What POS systems are you familiar with? See answer
  5. In your previous experience, did your team divide the dining room into sections or alternate tables? Which do you prefer? See answer
  6. Have you worked long shifts before? See answer
  7. How will you keep yourself, our customers, and your colleagues safe at work? See answer
  8. Why do you think you are a great addition to our team? See answer
  9. How do you deal with demanding customers? See answer
  10. Do you have experience serving different drinks? See answer
  11. Can you make coffee using a coffee machine? See answer
  12. How would you handle multiple orders at the same time? See answer
  13. If hired, what do you expect would be your daily responsibilities? See answer
  14. What payment methods are you familiar with? See answer
  15. Have you ever worked in a bar? What was your experience? See answer
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Hire your next Server today.

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Hire your next Server 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 Server Interview Questions and Answers

What is your favourite part of being a server?

This question helps determine how passionate the applicant is about the job. The candidate should demonstrate their reason for applying for the role. Use their response to determine if they could be a good addition to your staff. What to look for in an answer:

  • Passion for the job
  • Previous relevant experience
  • Confidence in their answer
Example:

"I love the challenges serving provides. I have the opportunity to learn something new each shift. Also, I consider myself a people person, so I love meeting new people every day."

What would you do if you notice a customer is being ignored?

It's important for candidates to demonstrate an ability to serve all customers equally. This helps create a positive experience for customers, encouraging them to return to your business. Use this question to assess a candidate's customer service and problem-solving skills. What to look for in an answer:

  • Comfort with handling different tasks
  • Ability to lead others in doing the right thing
  • Ability to accommodate different customers 
Example:

"When I notice a customer may need help, I greet them, apologise for their wait, and offer my assistance. I try to resolve their most immediate issue myself. However, I then talk to the necessary coworkers for further help."

What other roles in the hospitality industry would you consider?

A candidate with further interest in the hospitality industry may benefit your business. They may want to work at your restaurant for a long time and have a desire to grow professionally. Use this question to learn more about their short-term and long-term goals. What to look for in an answer:

  • Passion for the hospitality industry
  • Knowledge of roles in the hospitality industry 
  • Willingness to adapt to the changing hospitality environment
Example:

"I started working in hospitality as a teenager, and I hope to make my career in this industry. I've previously worked as a host and busser, and I'm excited to become a server. I plan to enrol in a culinary programme to become a chef soon."

What POS systems are you familiar with?

Servers often use point of sale systems, or POS systems, to complete their work. Prior experience working with a POS can minimize the additional time you have to allocate to train new servers. The programmes they're familiar with may also help you determine how long they've worked in particular restaurants. What to look for in an answer:

  • Prior experience using a POS
  • Willingness to learn how a new system works
  • Posses some basic computer literacy 
Example:

"At my current job, I use Restaurant Pro to enter orders and cash out customers. When I worked as a barista, I used Coffee House Tools to enter and modify orders and complete transactions. I also have previous experience using retail POS systems, which helps me learn new systems quickly."

In your previous experience, did your team divide the dining room into sections or alternate tables? Which do you prefer?

Restaurants use different methods to divide available tables fairly among servers. Some larger restaurants divide the dining room into sections, but smaller restaurants may alternate tables between servers as guests arrive. Use this question to evaluate a candidate's professionalism, awareness of others, and adaptability. What to look for in the answer:

  • Ability to work as a team
  • Specific details of previous restaurant experience
  • Level of awareness
Example:

"I've worked in restaurants that use both methods. I enjoy working in sections because I feel it helps me focus on my customers more and prevents miscommunication among staff. However, I enjoy the challenge and variety of working with alternating tables."

Have you worked long shifts before?

Servers often work long shifts, which can be strenuous. Use this question to evaluate a candidate's comfort with and ability to work long hours. Ask about their specific experiences working long shifts. What to look for in an answer:

  • Commitment to working long shifts
  • Some experience working long shifts
  • Ability to adjust to different work routines 
Example:

"I understand working long hours is a large part of being a server. I actually prefer working longer hours rather than short shifts. I believe it gives me the opportunity to learn more about my coworkers and how the restaurant is during different times of the day."

How will you keep yourself, our customers, and your colleagues safe at work?

Adherence to safety protocols at the workplace is crucial for servers. This question evaluates a candidate's understanding of workplace safety standards, especially those specific to hospitality. This includes knowing how to handle food and beverages properly, communicate with coworkers, and practise kitchen safety.  What to look for in an answer:

  • Good knowledge about workplace safety
  • Ability to adapt to new safety standards
  • Awareness of risks
Example:

"Workplace safety is paramount to me. In my current position, I'm a member of our in-house committee that oversees safety protocols. I keep current with critical updates, and I'm responsible for monthly safety trainings."

Why do you think you are a great addition to our team?

It's important to find candidates who're genuinely interested in working for your restaurant. Use this question to evaluate a candidate's understanding of the job and your specific restaurant. Look for unique qualities they may have that others don't. What answer to look for:

  • Relevant experience
  • Enthusiasm for the job
  • Unique skills
Example:

"I'm passionate about working in the restaurant industry. I have experience working in a traditional French bistro environment like this one, and I've completed some sommelier training. It would be an honour to join your staff because I believe I would understand your clientele well to serve them effectively."

How do you deal with demanding customers?

Servers encounter many types of customers every day. It's important for them to know how to handle challenging customers professionally. Use this question to assess a candidate's professionalism, customer service skills, and problem-solving abilities. What to look for in an answer:

  • Leadership skills
  • Ability to maintain a positive attitude
  • Courage to address different situations at the workplace
Example:

"As an experienced server, I'm familiar with the different types of customers I may have at my tables. When problems occur, I try to resolve them calmly and quickly. I apologise, express my genuine desire to help, try to provide a solution myself, and involve a manager or the chef only when necessary."

Do you have experience serving different drinks?

Some servers have experience preparing drinks, such as experience as a barista or bartender. Use this question to learn more about their previous work experience. Hiring candidates with additional experience may be beneficial during busy times because the servers can perform a variety of tasks. What to look for:

  • Experience of preparing specific drinks
  • Willingness to learn
  • Able to multitask
Example:

"During slow nights at my previous job, the bartender would teach me how to prepare popular cocktails. This allowed me to assist the bartender during very busy times. Also, my first job as a teenager was as a barista, so I'm also comfortable preparing complex tea and coffee drinks."

Can you make coffee using a coffee machine?

Some restaurants require servers to prepare certain foods or beverages themselves. This may involve servers learning how to use different types of equipment and follow recipes. Use this question to assess a candidate's previous experience with food or drink preparation. What to look for in an answer:

  • Prior experience in making food or drinks
  • Ability to multitask
  • Willingness to learn new things
Example:

"Before becoming a server, I worked as a barista. I'm comfortable preparing a wide selection of different coffee and tea beverages. Also, I'm familiar with the basic maintenance and repairs of standard espresso and coffee machines."

How would you handle multiple orders at the same time?

The purpose of this question is to determine how a candidate behaves in a busy setup. It's important for serves to multitask effectively to create a positive experience for customers. Their answer may also indicate how well they work in a stressful environment. What to look for in an answer:

  • Excellent multitasking skills
  • Ability to work in a busy restaurant 
  • Works well in stressful situations
Example:

"Although I'm an experienced server, I always write down my orders. I also verify them with my customers before I submit them. This helps prevent miscommunication and mistakes in the kitchen."

If hired, what do you expect would be your daily responsibilities?

Servers may have a variety of responsibilities based on where they work. This question assesses their understanding of the role at your specific restaurant. This may help you determine if the candidate could be successful on your staff. What to look for in an answer:

  • A clear understanding of the role
  • Commitment to delivering if hired
  • Enthusiasm for the job
Example:

"Based on my understanding of the job description, you're looking for a server for your weekday dinner shifts and weekend lunch shifts. My availability aligns with this, and I have previous experience as a server that I believe will make me successful. While I expect each day to be different, I anticipate taking orders, filling drinks, cashing out customers, cleaning my tables, and completing any other tasks necessary."

What payment methods are you familiar with?

Servers are typically responsible for cashing out their customers. It's important for servers to understand the different payment methods your restaurant accepts and how they work. Use this question to evaluate their experience. What to look for in an answer:

  • Experience with payment methods
  • Knowledge of security risks
  • Willingness to learn how to use new payment methods
Example:

"At my current job, we accept cash, debit or credit cards, and gift cards. I'm comfortable processing each of these payment types, using multiple payment methods for one transaction, and splitting bills for guests. I know your restaurant also accepts digital payments via an app, and I'm excited to learn more about that."

Have you ever worked in a bar? What was your experience?

Many servers have experience working in different types of restaurants. Use this question to learn more about their previous experience. Hiring a server who previously worked in a bar may provide you with someone who can assist with preparing drinks during busy times or fill in if a bartender cannot come in for their shift. What to look for in a successful answer:

  • Experience serving alcoholic drinks
  • Confidence in their skills
  • Flexibility and adaptability
Example:

"When I was in university, I worked as a barback for a few years. This prepared me to work in the busy environment of a restaurant, and I appreciate each person's role in making a bar or restaurant successful. On slow days, some of the bartenders would teach us how to make cocktails, so I'm familiar with the basics and happy to learn more."

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