30 JD Wetherspoon Interview Questions & Answers
1. Why do you want to work for JD Wetherspoon?
How to Answer
With many options in the family restaurant industry for employment, why do you want to work for JD Wetherspoon plc? Talk to the interviewer about your preference for their company. Dig deep when it comes to your response, bringing up specifics related to their menu, the shifts available, employment awards they have won, or their company mission.
1st Answer Example
"Since I am a university student, it is important to me that I join a company that will be flexible around my hours, and support my goal to finish my degree. Also, I have read a lot on your tuition reimbursement program for top performers, and it intrigued me. I look forward to joining an organization that supports its employees wholeheartedly."
2nd Answer Example
"I especially want to work for JD Wetherspoon plc because I have friends who have worked here previously, providing me with positive feedback on their experiences. I am looking for a positive work environment where I can stay for a long time to come. Also, your menu is delicious so it's food and quality that I can easily get behind!"
2. We offer great training at JD Wetherspoon. Which areas do you feel you need the most training?
How to Answer
Chances are, JD Wetherspoon plc is well aware they will need to train you before you are a great performer. What the interviewer would like to know is where you feel you are the weakest, and where they will need to jump in the most when it comes to your training. Talk to the interviewer about any job-related areas that you feel you may be lacking.
1st Answer Example
"If I could choose an aspect of training I would like to learn more about health and food safety. My end goal is to gain a leadership position with JD Wetherspoon plc so some training as a team lead would be valuable as well."
2nd Answer Example
"When it comes to training in the restaurant industry, I feel that I could use more training in the operation of the point of sale systems. I like to fully understand the software programs and platforms that I work with, to ensure efficiency and faster service for my tables."
3. What do you know about the workplace culture at JD Wetherspoon?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know that you have researched their organization before your interview. Company culture and fit is a critical factor when considering a career move. Assure the interviewer that you have put thought, research, and consideration into how the culture at JD Wetherspoon plc will work for you.
1st Answer Example
"I know that JD Wetherspoon plc has a great reputation for hiring and supporting local university students while they work their way through school. I have a friend who worked at your York location last year, and she said it was one of the best service positions she had ever held. I look forward to learning more about the culture here."
2nd Answer Example
"Your restaurants are well known for encouraging continued education opportunities and offering advanced training, compared to your competitors. I appreciate your focus on employee development and cannot wait to learn more!"
4. The family restaurant industry is highly competitive. What do you think makes JD Wetherspoon stand out?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know what attracted you to this role, to begin with, and what prompted you to apply. Perhaps you prefer their menu, the ambiance, the clientele, or even the location. Your reason could also include their flexibility in hours, or that you heard their servers earn better tips that most of their competitors. Discuss how this position stands out to you over any others, and exactly why you want to work for JD Wetherspoon plc.
1st Answer Example
"I believe that JD Wetherspoon plc stands out above its competitors because it has an incredible reputation for quality food and strong customer service. I'd like to work for an organization that takes quality and service as seriously as you do."
2nd Answer Example
"Through my research of JD Wetherspoon plc I have found that you stand out most by your great online reviews and unique brand marketing strategies on Instagram and Twitter. I understand that you are planning to launch ten more locations in our city over the next couple of years. I could learn a lot when it comes to rapid growth, which is also enticing to me."
5. Delivering excellent customer service is of utmost importance at JD Wetherspoon. How would you describe your customer service skills?
How to Answer
To deliver excellent customer service you need first to recognize the skills that you have and play off of those. If you are naturally not a smiley person who give hugs, then being a smiley person may come off as fake. Think about your natural personality and how you can use those characteristics to deliver stellar service on the job.
Some skills you may have are:
- Patience
- Empathy
- Adaptability
- Knowledge
- Thick skin
- Networking
1st Answer Example
"As a server, and former retail sales associate, I believe in the importance of having thick skin. I come across a huge range of clients with varying needs in a day. Some are polite, and others are not. My ability to resist stress is one of the reasons why I excel in the area of customer service and dispute resolution. I can put my feelings aside and get down to the basics of what my customers need from me to be satisfied."
2nd Answer Example
"Your customer service standards are one of the reasons I was so attracted to your company. I am highly trained in hospitality and am a very attentive individual. I would describe my customer service skills as genuine, friendly, and always a step ahead. When you call my references, they will attest to my great customer service skills."
6. At JD Wetherspoon we put a lot of pride in the cleanliness of our restaurants. How important is cleanliness to you?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know that you have an interest in keeping up their high standards of cleanliness. Give examples of times when you went over and above to meet cleanliness standards in your previous role(s).
1st Answer Example
"I am very concerned about cleanliness as it has everything to do with first impressions, and also the health of your customers. In my current position, I am always the first to notice anything out of place or in disorder. Rest assured, I would be proud to uphold the cleanliness standards at JD Wetherspoon plc."
2nd Answer Example
"I appreciate that JD Wetherspoon plc has such a strong focus on cleanliness. I have taken some health and safety related courses and am confident that you will be more than satisfied with my standard when it comes to cleanliness."
7. JD Wetherspoon has gained a lot of momentum using social media marketing techniques. Do you follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter?
How to Answer
Before an interview, you should always thoroughly research the company's online presence and, if possible, follow them on social media. This research is also helpful because many companies will post their new openings using their social media platforms. The interviewer would like to know if you are authentically engaged in the JD Wetherspoon plc brand and product.
1st Answer Example
"I know that you have a great social media presence and I do follow your Instagram account. Of course, your posts always make me hungry!"
2nd Answer Example
"I am not highly involved with social media; however, I can only imagine that your posts are fun and mouthwatering. Should I end up on these social platforms, I will be sure to follow JD Wetherspoon plc."
8. How do you handle a rude, picky or upset customer?
How to Answer
In the restaurant industry, you will come across customers who are rude from time to time. This is par for the course for any service based job. Are you able to brush it off when a customer is extra picky, or do you take it personally? Assure the interviewer that you can keep your composure when it comes to demanding customers.
1st Answer Example
"I have spent the past few months working in a retail environment. I no longer take it personally when a customer is picky or difficult. I will do my best to make them happy, but I fully understand that you cannot please everyone, all the time."
2nd Answer Example
"I handle an extra-choosy customer with utmost care! I listen, and do my best to deliver above their expectations."
9. In this role, you will be responsible for cash transactions. Do you consider yourself a trustworthy and honest person?
How to Answer
In the restaurant industry, you could be completing dozens of transactions per day, many of them being cash exchanges. Can you be trusted with money when it comes to counting correctly, giving the right change, or making bank deposits after your shift? Draw on the strength of your references and assure the interviewer that you are a trustworthy and honest employee.
1st Answer Example
"One of my greatest strengths as an employee is my level of honesty and trustworthiness. I have multiple references who will attest to the fact that I am competent and honest. I have experience handling large amounts of cash and credit card transactions, without a single discrepancy."
2nd Answer Example
"I see myself and trustworthy and always honest. My integrity has never been in question, and my most recent manager will be happy to give you a solid reference regarding my reliability and transparent approach in the workplace; whether that be with a high volume of cash transactions or a large bank deposit at the end of the day."
10. JD Wetherspoon values our customers. Do you agree with the phrase 'The customer is always right'?
How to Answer
'The customer is always right' has been a long-standing mantra for service-based organizations. Do you agree with this mantra? Why, or why not? The interviewer would like to see you respond positively. If possible, take a look at the company website to see what their mantra or customer service statement is.
1st Answer Example
"Although I believe that the customer is not always right - it's important to treat them as though they are. Within the limitations of health and safety, etc.; I believe it's best to accommodate the customer within reason."
2nd Answer Example
"Some customers are quite impossible to please so I would not go so far to say that the customer is always right. With that said, I do treat every customer with the utmost respect and do put their needs first in all reasonable situations."
11. How do you feel about promoting a new menu item, or upselling, during every customer interaction?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know that you would be comfortable taking a customers' order and turning it into an opportunity to add on menu items or upgraded beverages. If you have a specific example of a time when you made this happen, this is an excellent addition to your reply. Be sure to mention any training that you have in sales, upselling, or a similar skill.
1st Answer Example
"I have a few years of experience selling in a retail environment where upselling was very important. I am fully comfortable putting in some extra time to turn a customer order into a bigger sale. For instance, I could recommend a larger drink or an additional side dish."
2nd Answer Example
"I believe that each customer service interaction should be considered an opportunity to upsell or turn an order into a larger one. I am very comfortable doing so when I can stand behind the quality of the food items that I represent."
12. Tell me about the last customer service skill you learned.
How to Answer
It is essential to a hiring company that you are someone who is willing to learn new skills. Being eager to add to your professional repertoire is an excellent way to stand out from the competition. Some new skills related to customer service can range from linguistic to communication, to software capabilities. If there is a skill that you want to learn, and have not yet taken advantage of, you can mention your interest.
1st Answer Example
"The last customer service skill that I learned included a course on dispute resolution management. I feel this course helped me a great deal when it comes to my confidence level, and working with disgruntled customers. I would like to take the advanced level of this course, as a follow-up."
2nd Answer Example
"I recently took a 'Communication for Managers' workshop and am thrilled with the outcome, and everything that I learned. Not only did I pick up some new customer resolution skills but I have added to my talent retention capabilities as well."
13. Referring to the job description, what will be your least favorite part of this job?
How to Answer
This question is an opportunity for you to discuss a little more in depth about how you might handle some of the challenging aspects of the role. All jobs can have frustrating moments. To show you have some knowledge of the difficulties you may encounter, share one hesitation you may have, related to the job posting or job description. If this is your first time in the workforce, you might not know all of the different problems to anticipate in the restaurant industry. If you're not sure, ask.
1st Answer Example
"I believe that working on satisfying unhappy customers will be the most challenging aspect of this role. My experience in customer service has helped me understand how to listen, empathize and deal with conflict. I feel confident I can do the same in this role."
2nd Answer Example
"I would never want to enter into a job thinking that there are things I would dislike. However, as a realist - I understand that there may be situations that I don't particularly enjoy. If I had to choose a particular part of the role that I may dislike it would probably be the customer dispute resolution. I am confident in my abilities with dispute resolution, but I don't particularly love it."
14. Are you a leader or a follower?
How to Answer
You may not have held a significant leadership role in the past; however, the interviewer is referring to your character and nature as a leader vs. practical experience. Robin Sharma says 'Leadership is not about a title or designation. It's about impact, influence, and inspiration. Impact involves getting results; influence is about spreading the passion you have for your work.'
With that said, keep in mind that it is not a negative thing to be a follower. You may not be the person to take charge of a situation or command a room, and that is okay! A good follower is good at following directions and working hard to accomplish tasks. Rodger Adair says, 'A follower shares in an influence relationship among leaders and other followers with their intent to support leaders who reflect their mutual purposes.' A follower is an incredibly vital role to play.
Both have great qualities. Depending on the role, it may be more critical for you to instigate solving problems and creating innovative solutions, or it may be more important to get the work done. Share some of your strengths to show you have qualities in both categories.
1st Answer Example
"My role as a leader or follower depends on the situation. I am good at listening and following directions, but I am also great with people and working as a team to solve problems. I would say I have qualities of both, and I know I would rise to the occasion if given a leadership opportunity."
2nd Answer Example
"At this point in my career, being just out of high school, I would say that I follow the lead more often than I take the lead. I am a sponge and ready to learn from those more experienced than I. With that said, I can be a leader when the time is right."
15. Have you ever volunteered?
How to Answer
Did you know that, according to LinkedIn research, 1 in 5 hiring managers prefers to hire candidates with volunteer experience? This question is an excellent opportunity to discuss how you are involved in your community and that you commit time to help others. If you have volunteer experience, you have a leg-up on other candidates.
Many non-profit organizations have a long onboarding process with background checks and references required so if you need to gain volunteer experience pronto, here are some options for a quick turnaround:
- Raise money for a cause, like the Red Cross
- Donate blood on a regular rotation or organize a blood drive
- Have a craft or bake sale to raise funds for a charity close to your heart
- Run in a charity race where financial pledges are required
- Advise high-school and University students on a crowd-sourced advice platform like CareerVillage
- Write articles for non-profit organizations, for free
- Sponsor a business owner in a third world country using a platform like Kiva.org
- Volunteer at your church camp
- Clean up a local park
- Volunteer to tutor a student
- Foster animals for a rescue society
1st Answer Example
"I currently volunteer every Saturday at the local animal shelter. I help to organize adoption applications and also screen the applicants. It feels great to help out, and it melts my heart when we make a perfect pet-parent match."
2nd Answer Example
"I saw on the JD Wetherspoon plc website that you have a few community events, where you serve hot meals to the less fortunate. I am very interested in becoming involved in these efforts. I agree that volunteer work is vital to my growth as a professional and as a person."
16. How many tables are you able to manage at one time?
How to Answer
Depending on the size of the restaurant, you may handle anywhere from 4 to 8 tables, an average of 16-32 guests. If you have previous restaurant experience, discuss the average amount of tables or people that you are accustomed to serving at one time. If you do not have any restaurant experience, you can ask the interviewer questions regarding how they train and prepare their new servers to handle peak volumes.
1st Answer Example
"I have handled tables anywhere from 4-12, depending on the size of the restaurant and the staffing situation. Could you share with me the average section size at JD Wetherspoon plc?"
2nd Answer Example
"I can commit to excellent customer service, and efficiency, up to approximately 30 guests. In my current role, that is around 6-8 tables. How large are the sections that you assign to your servers?"
17. All employees must abide by our dress code. How do you feel about the JD Wetherspoon uniform?
How to Answer
Before your interview, you should have an idea of what the dress code or uniform looks like at :company.: You may have questions such as, if you are expected to purchase your outfit, or if it will be provided to you. Also, footwear is an essential factor as well. Will you be allowed to wear comfortable and healthy shoes, or does the restaurant expect you to wear heels, for instance. It is okay to ask questions regarding the uniform. The interviewer will want to hear; however, that you will comply with the dress code.
1st Answer Example
"I am happy to comply with your dress code. I have seen the uniforms, and they look professional yet easy to work in. Will I be expected to purchase my uniform, or will it be provided to me?"
2nd Answer Example
"I have worn a uniform in my previous roles and am certainly willing to comply with your dress code requirements. Is the uniform provided to me, or will I be asked to purchase it?"
18. How often should you ask a guest if they have a food allergy?
How to Answer
You will learn a lot about managing potential food allergies in your training with JD Wetherspoon plc; however, the interviewer would like to see that you have enough common sense to know that asking about food allergies is a critical step when it comes to responsible food service. Show the interviewer that you understand this to be important.
1st Answer Example
"I have been trained to ask about food allergies or sensitivities when I seat a table and take their drink order. Then, I again ask about food allergies and sensitivities when they order their food. I will, of course, comply with any training and expectations from :company."
2nd Answer Example
"Although I have not received any food training, I assume it's important to ask each guest at least once if they have food allergies or intolerances. Is this correct? I look forward to receiving further training from JD Wetherspoon plc."
19. During slow times in the restaurant, what would you do to keep yourself busy?
How to Answer
It's essential that you can keep yourself busy, even during downtime. Restaurants will almost always have ebbs and flows when it comes to the volume of dining traffic. Peak times for most restaurants will be the hours surrounding breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some of the tasks you could take on, during the slower times include:
- Ensuring glassware is clean
- Polishing silverware
- Making utensil rollups
- Offering to take inventory
- Wiping down sticky menus
- Working on your menu knowledge
- Check the bathrooms for cleanliness or potential issues
Show the interviewer that you are resourceful and motivated to work!
1st Answer Example
"If we are experiencing some downtime, I will start by wiping down menus and cleaning other areas of the restaurant that may be more neglected. I will offer to help a co-worker with a task or will memorize more of the menu. It's important to me that I always keep busy on the job."
2nd Answer Example
"It's essential to me that I keep myself on the go and useful. If the restaurant is experiencing a slower time, I will make utensil rollups, and polish silverware. I will also do additional cleaning or ask the bartender if I can assist with cleaning glasses or cutting the drink garnishes."
20. How would you react if your friends came in to eat and asked for a discount on their bill?
How to Answer
The restaurant industry often falls victim to a loss of revenue due to employee dishonesty and unapproved discounts. Assure the interviewer that you are trustworthy and would not succumb to peer pressure.
1st Answer Example
"The food and beverage offered at JD Wetherspoon plc is not mine to discount or give away. I would only give a discount once my manager approves. I believe that discounts should be offered when a situation needs to be repaired."
2nd Answer Example
"Friends who expect to come into my work and receive a discount are probably not great friends! I understand that there are rules and expectations surrounding discounted items. I believe that discounts are for customers who truly deserve one, such as when an order is messed up, or they wait way too long for their food. I would never discount a bill without expressed permission from my boss."
21. How would you respond to a customer who wanted to send their food back?
How to Answer
Oh, the woes of working in the service industry! Whether you work at an upscale restaurant or a fast food establishment, you will come across customers now and then, who are difficult to please or take advantage of you or your restaurants' hospitality. JD Wetherspoon plc will likely have procedures in place for situations such as this. You can refer to previous training you received, and discuss with the interviewer how you would react. This question is not the opportunity to go on a tangent about terrible customers. Keep your answer to the point and present your solution.
1st Answer Example
"I come from the school of thought that the guest is always right. This philosophy means that no matter how far into their meal they are - they can send it back. Now, with that said, if the person is a repeat offender I may approach the situation differently. Do you have a policy in place for this type of situation?"
2nd Answer Example
"If the kitchen did not prepare a guests' meal correctly, I want to know. I believe the only way to get better is to learn from constructive criticism, no matter how frustrating it may be in the moment. The customer is always right, but I will ask questions so that I can repair the situation rather than just put a band-aid on it."
22. What is your favorite menu item at JD Wetherspoon?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking to see how well you have researched the menu at JD Wetherspoon plc before coming into your interview. Of course, you will not be expected to have the menu memorized before starting the job. It is crucial that you take some time to get to know the food offerings. This knowledge will show the interviewer that you are engaged and interested in working for them. If you have dined at JD Wetherspoon plc before, tall the interviewer which dish is your favorite. If you have not eaten there before, then discuss which item seemed the most mouth-watering to you.
1st Answer Example
"My favorite item from the menu is your Braised Beef Bolognese. It's the perfect comfort food and reminds me of my grandmothers' recipe. I order it nearly everytime I come to eat at JD Wetherspoon plc."
2nd Answer Example
"There are many great meals available at JD Wetherspoon plc. If I had to choose one, I would pick the Five Cheese Ziti al Forno. It sounds cheesy and delicious. I look forward to trying it!"
23. Do you have any preferred shifts?
How to Answer
When working in the restaurant industry, you may be asked to take a wide range of hours. Many family restaurants are open from morning to night, seven days per week. Talk to the interviewer about your availability. If you are not available on particular days, take the time to better outline your schedule with the interviewer.
1st Answer Example
"I am a university student, so my preferred shifts are evenings and weekends. Once school is out in June, I can take any shift available."
2nd Answer Example
"My hours are wide open right now. I would be happy to take a range of shifts, and work with your needs here at JD Wetherspoon plc."
24. How much money do you think this role should pay?
How to Answer
This question is a less abrupt way for an interviewer to ask about your earning expectations. There can be a wide range of earnings among employees in the family restaurant industry; perhaps because of minimum wage expectations differing between regions, but also because some people are excellent at tipping, while other guests may not tip at all. On the odd occasion, a restaurant may also have a no-tipping policy in place. When asked about your earnings, you can give an example of what you are currently earning, or provide a minimum baseline of what you would accept.
1st Answer Example
"I am currently paid $11.10 per hour plus tips, earning an average of $19 per hour. This amount is okay for me; however, I am looking for a role with greater earning potential - whether that be more shifts, a higher hourly rate, or both."
2nd Answer Example
"I often see that high-performing servers can feel undervalued when it comes to tip outs. In my current role, my customers' tips range from 10-15%. I am seeking a role in a family restaurant with an elevated ambiance and customer base, that will allow for a higher earning potential."
25. Choose a dessert from our menu and sell it to me.
How to Answer
This question serves two purposes. One, the interviewer is looking to see if you have researched their menu before your interview. Two, the interviewer is checking to see if you have the ability to upsell and romanticize the menu items enough to have a customer choose a dessert before asking for their bill.
1st Answer Example
"Your cannoli are to die for, so I would have no problem selling them to you. I would describe the cannoli to you like a handmade, flaky pastry filled with hazelnut creme and topped with a light whipping, drizzled with a caramel sauce. Mouthwatering."
2nd Answer Example
"When presenting the dessert menu, I always say to my table, 'You can never leave dinner without something sweet.' It entices them to at least take a look and see if anything catches their eye. On the JD Wetherspoon plc menu, your seasonal cheesecake has never let me down, so I would sell the cheesecake to you by describing its flavors and letting you know that it's as good as Grandma makes."
26. This position requires you to work around children. Will you agree to a full criminal background check?
How to Answer
Pre-employment background checks are very reasonable requests in the family restaurant industry. A responsible employer will take the time to properly vet you for a role where you are working around children. Assure the interviewer that you can pass a criminal record check. If you have a criminal record, this is the time to disclose it.
1st Answer Example
"I am happy to participate in a full criminal background check. I have a clean record."
2nd Answer Example
"If you do have a mark on your record: "I will disclose to you that I received a DUI in 2014 but do not have any other marks on my criminal record."
27. JD Wetherspoon likes to hire individuals who want to grow with us. Where do you see yourself in 2-5 years?
How to Answer
Interviewing, hiring, and onboarding is an expensive and time-consuming endeavor for any company, but the restaurant industry has an exceptionally high turnover rate compared to many industries. The interviewer wants to know that, if engaged, you will see this as a longer-term fit. Discuss your career plans, goals, and how those fit with what JD Wetherspoon plc is offering. Describe your passion for this opportunity, and what you like about the company for which you are applying.
1st Answer Example
"You can see in my resume that I have strong loyalty and tenure. My career plans include growing with JD Wetherspoon plc in a management based role as I prove my skills. I would be happy to find a long-term fit here."
2nd Answer Example
"2-5 years from now, I would like to be supervising or managing a team of my own. I feel like I am progressing at a rate that will make this a possibility, and your training program will help to accelerate my professional growth."
28. Do you have reliable transportation?
How to Answer
Even if you're not expected to drive for the job, you will need to have some form of reliable transportation. If you take the bus or ride a bike, that works too! Merely share that you have the means to get to work consistently and on time.
1st Answer Example
"I have reliable transportation. I have a well-maintained vehicle, and I am comfortable with the amount of travel required to get to your office every day."
2nd Answer Example
"I take public transit; however, I find it to be very reliable. I was late to work only once last year, and that was due to a snowstorm which stalled all of our employee's commute - including those with personal vehicles. Rest assured, I am reliable and will always come to work on time."
29. Tell me about your experience with Point of Sale systems.
How to Answer
The point of sale (POS) systems that you have experience in may, or may not be listed on your resume. The interviewer is looking for an idea of the systems and programs that you have used before.
Some common POS systems include:
- Toast POS
- Square POS
- Lightspeed Restaurant
- TouchBistro
- NCR Silver
1st Answer Example
"I have approximately eight months' experience with Square POS. I picked up the system very quickly and believe that I could learn your system quickly."
2nd Answer Example
"The bulk of my POS experience is with Lightspeed Restaurant systems and TouchBistro. I can learn how to use any system that you require."
30. What questions do you have for me?
How to Answer
It's always a great idea to have questions ready for the interviewer. Review the company website and other online resources to ensure the queries you have are not mundane, or redundant. The last thing an interviewer wants to hear is a list of items you could have found the answers for from merely watching a video on their company site!
Here are some sample questions:
- When would you like to have this position filled?
- How long has this role been vacant?
- Is this a replacement search or a newly created role?
- What is your favorite part about working here?
- What is the company's primary goal for this position in the next 12 months?
- Is there anything from my background and experience that I can clarify for you?
- What do you see as the most significant change in this industry over the past three years?
- Is there any reason why you would not hire me?
1st Answer Example
"Thank you for asking - I do have a few questions. What does your training schedule look like, should I be the successful candidate? Also, when are you hoping to make a decision?"
2nd Answer Example
"I would like to ask if there is anything in my background on which you need clarification? Also, after discussing everything today, is there any particular reason why I would not be the best fit for this shift manager role?"