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Top 20 Host or Hostess Interview Questions with Full Content
1.
What are your career goals?
Working in the service industry is a means to an end for a lot of people. Even those who stay in the industry are working on accomplishing other goals, like finishing school or helping your family meet loose ends. The interviewer doesn't expect you to say you want to work at their restaurant forever, but they are interested in hearing your future plans. Wherever you're at in your career, let them know how this job will fit into your career goals. Here's an answer example: "I plan to work for your restaurant while I finish my degree, which I plan to complete two years from now." shows you are working towards a goal. Your role as a host will help you to achieve that goal by providing stability and income.
Rachelle's Answer
"I plan to work for your restaurant while I finish my degree, which I plan to complete two years from now."
2.
Why is it important to smile at every guest?
Customer service is all about consistency. Smiling at every guest gives restaurants and bars a solid reputation. As a host, you are the first point of contact for customers, so you need to be sure to treat them kindly. Tell the interviewer, "I understand that I'm the first person a customer meets when they walk through the door. It's important that I make a good impression with each person."
Rachelle's Answer
"I understand that I'm the first person a customer meets when they walk through the door. It's important that I make a good impression with each person."
3.
What are your greatest weaknesses?
To successfully answer this question, you will need to be strategic! First, think of an area where you can improve. For example, maybe you could do a better job of taking initiative to solve problems before they become an issue. Your self-awareness is already a strength! Your insight that you need to grow in this area shows the interviewer that you know you have room for improvement and that you have a desire to grow. Now, think about how you can explain what you're doing to improve. Paying closer attention to detail and noticing body language are two ways you can be more perceptive. Solving problems before they start takes a lot of observation and awareness. Talk about how you are working to improve!
4.
How do you fill your downtime?
Show off some of your skills by talking about how you take initiative and make an effort to help the rest of the team. List off any responsibilities that you think could be helpful to do in your extra time. There is usually side work, like sweeping the floor and filling salt and pepper shakers. Let the interviewer know that you can keep yourself busy by helping the team and taking care of your responsibilities.
Rachelle's Answer
"Usually I ask the servers if they need any help busing the tables or rolling silverware. There is always something to do, so I try my best to help the rest of the team when I can."
5.
How would you deal with an angry customer?
Keep it simple. Think through the steps you take when handling demanding customers. Be prepared to give an example of how you have dealt with these types of customers in the past. If it's all new to you, be honest! Explain how you would use your communication and listening skills to relate to customers and calm them down. And tell them you're learning! You aren't expected to know everything in a new job, so just relax and do your best!
Rachelle's Answer
"I stay calm, and I listen. I'll let a customer vent as long as they need to. Then I empathize and look for a solution or a compromise."
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