32 Dishwasher Questions (with Answers)

Answer Examples

1.

Being a dishwasher is a physical job. Are you able to bend and lift frequently, as well as stand for long periods of time?

The interviewer wants to know if you have any physical restrictions when it comes to being able to perform the functions related to the job. Keep in mind that in most states, an interviewer cannot demand that you disclose any physical disabilities. It's always best to be honest, and transparent if you cannot perform the duties. If there are no restrictions, you can keep your answer brief and straightforward.

Rachelle's Answer

"I am confident that I will be able to perform the physical functions of this position, as described."

2.

We put a lot of emphasis on the cleanliness of our restaurants. How important is cleanliness to you?

The interviewer would like to know that you have an interest in keeping up their high standards of health and cleanliness. Give examples of times when you went over and above to meet cleanliness standards in your previous role(s).

Rachelle's Answer

"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 in your restaurant."

3.

Being a Dishwasher requires strong commitment to our restaurant's hours. Would you be willing to work over 40 hours a week?

Before answering scheduling questions, it's important to be clear on the interviewer's expectations. If you haven't had a chance to clarify their scheduling needs, now would be the perfect time to ask!

Consider asking, 'What are the scheduling expectations for this position?' If they expect you to work 12 hour days, it would be important for you to know that before you respond with, 'Absolutely! No problem!' You want to be sure that you can meet their expectations.

If it turns out their schedule expectations won't work for you, think about what you CAN offer and see if you can meet in the middle. It's much better to discuss these things in an interview than for you to commit to a schedule that won't work for you.

Rachelle's Answer

"I am available for full time work, preferably Thursday through Monday, 8 hour days. I am happy to be a team player and work some overtime, as required. Will these hours meet your expectations?"

4.

What are your career aspirations beyond this job?

Everyone has some sort of dream or aspirations on where their career could go. When you think about the future, what comes to mind? Openly share with the interviewer where you'd like to see your career take you. Be sure to include how you feel this particular role would fit in with your future aspirations.

Rachelle's Answer

"I have some important career aspirations once I have completed my University degree. This position will allow me to earn a living while I take my classes over the next 3 years. As I prove myself here, it would be wonderful to gain additional experience in leadership, scheduling, and managing a team of junior kitchen staff."

5.

Have you requested extra responsibilities in any of your previous roles?

The interviewer wants to see that you have a desire to learn, grow, and try on new challenges! No hiring manager wants to hire the complacent employee so show them you are willing to see opportunity when it arises!

Your willingness to take on additional tasks, with a positive attitude, gives the interviewer all the more reason to want to get to know you better. Hiring managers are looking for people who will be proactive and help to carry the team.

Here are some ways you can gain extra responsibilities in the workplace:

- Talking to your boss about your career goals and having a conversation about new tasks that may help to get you there
- Offering to take work off of a co-workers plate, if they seem stressed.
- Just jumping in and take on a new responsibility!

Rachelle's Answer

"In my current role I asked my boss if I could take over the social media marketing. We are a small restaurant and my supervisor was struggling with it. Being a millennial, I am always on social media and I really understand what types of posts gain attention. After taking over the task, I grew our Instagram following from just 400 to 2000 in 2 months! I am always game for taking on new tasks."

6.

What questions do you have for me?

Don't let this question catch you by surprise! After you do your research on the restaurant, write down some questions that came up for you. Next, review the restaurant website, and social media accounts, to see if any of those questions can be answered through those resources. Interviewers love to hear intelligent questions about the work environment, and job function. They like to be praised for the ways you are impressed by their reputation, and quality of food. Be strategic in your questions. If you still have uncertainties about the position that need to be clarified, this is an opportunity to get those answers as well.

7.

What causes you to feel dissatisfied on the job?

Everyone will have their own particular triggers that cause them to feel dissatisfied on the job. Talk to the interviewer about any factors that may deflate or discourage you in the workplace.

Rachelle's Answer

"I can feel dissatisfaction on the job when I am not feeling heard or when there is not a mutual respect among the team members. I work best in more harmonious situations where there is little drama or gossip."

8.

Without any job experience, why should we hire you for the position of dishwasher?

Sell yourself! You can talk about your strengths and qualities that make you a great candidate. Believe in yourself. Just because you don't have any work experience doesn't mean you're not the best person for the job. You have character traits that others don't. You have skills you may have learned from school that could be extremely helpful for this role. Take some time to list your skills to help you build confidence in your qualifications before the interview. This question is an opportunity to share about your experiences and your qualities that will help you be successful and bring value you your new team.

9.

Do you have any relevant work experience?

Relevant work experience is anything that relates to the job you're interviewing for. It could be experience in school doing research, writing a paper or doing a group project. Reflect on what you have learned from these experiences that will help you in this new position. Some of the skills you learn in school, like teamwork and communication, are helpful for any job! You may have also gained relevant work experience through volunteering at a children's shelter or animal shelter. Maybe you are involved in organizations at school or church that have taught you how to pay attention to detail or brainstorm new ideas. Stay focused on what the company is looking for as stated in the job description and think about how your experience has helped prepare you so far.

10.

Tell me about an achievement you are proud of. What skills did you use to achieve this goal?

The interviewer would like to know that you are capable of setting goals, and reaching them. The person who aims to achieve more and more every day is the exact person that every manager wants to hire!

Discuss an example of when you overcame obstacles to reach a career related goal that seemed impossible. Or, share a time when you received an award, and talk about the most challenging parts of achieving that award. Highlight your determination and focus.

Rachelle's Answer

"My company has a President's Club for all top sales reps. When you reach PC level, you earn a trip to Mexico! Last year I told myself that I was going to reach the President's Club level, no matter what it took. I worked an average of 50 hours per week, I doubled my cold calling numbers, and utilized areas of our SalesForce program that most people in our company don't even know about. Mixing my strong determination with sound technical skills, and willingness to push through, I made it! I was really proud of this achievement."

11.

Tell me about a time when you took charge of a meeting. Was the outcome a positive one?

The interviewer would like to know that you have the confidence to successfully lead a meeting.

Think about a time when you have led a meeting - big or small. This could be a phone meeting, a lunch and learn, or a large client presentation.

Begin by telling the interviewer the reason for the meeting, who was involved, and what approach you took to prepare for the meeting. Finally, be sure to mention why you felt the meeting was a success! What did you do in that meeting to create an effective and positive outcome?

Rachelle's Answer

"My employer asked me to lead a lunch and learn meeting to train 15 employees on our new client management software. I was already a subject matter expert on the software so it wasn't difficult for me to plan the lesson. The challenge was making the content entertaining enough to keep the employees engaged. I created a strong PowerPoint presentation that included pop quiz questions throughout. The presentation was a success and my employer asked me to lead a follow up meeting a few weeks later."

12.

Why did you leave your last job?

The interviewer wants to know why you chose to move on. A great response would be to say, "I was ready to take on a new challenge," or "there was no room for growth in that position." It's always best to draw attention to what you are moving onto rather than focusing on what was wrong with what you left. It's understandable to want a new challenge or to desire to learn new things. So share what you're interested in getting out of this new opportunity! If you left involuntarily, explain why and be willing to admit fault. Show what you learned from the situation and how you want to prevent that issue from happening again.

Rachelle's Answer

"I was ready to take on a new challenge,"

13.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

If you are a part of any organizations, sports teams or clubs, talk about your involvement. Share the role you play and your contribution as well as what you enjoy about it. If you enjoy other activities like writing, hiking or spending time with friends, talk about those too. This question gives the interviewer a chance to get to know you. They are interested in learning about your personality and what motivates you. If any of your outside activities relate to this position, definitely share the skills you have learned and the similarities.

14.

We want to fill this dishwasher position right away. When would you be available to start?

Before your interview, make sure you have a start date in mind for the new employer. Whether you need to give two weeks to your current employer, or are unemployed and can start right away, be prepared with an affirmative answer.

If you are currently working, you should always show professionalism by offering 2 weeks' notice to your current employer. No hiring manager is ever impressed when they hear "I can quit my job today and start tomorrow!" Show that you are professional and reliable in all situations.

Rachelle's Answer

"I can quit my job today and start tomorrow!"

15.

What are your salary expectations?

The best way to discuss your salary expectations are to use your current earnings as an example. Be open, and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary based questions arise.

Rachelle's Answer

"Currently, I earn $12/hour as a dishwasher. I would like to stay in the same range or slightly higher."

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