Want to know how to get hired as a server? Good news: restaurant interviews are very predictable. Managers ask the same 10–15 questions almost every time.
In this guide you’ll get short, easy answers to the most common questions, plus what to wear, what to bring and what to say after. Tap 🔊 to hear each answer.
Want to practise this with video? See the English for Waiters course →
What managers really want: the RAT rule
Managers can teach you the menu. They can’t teach you to be on time or to smile. So they look for three things, in this order:
- Reliable: you come on time, every shift.
- Attitude: you are positive and friendly.
- Team player: you help your coworkers.
Experience comes after these. So in every answer, show that you are reliable, positive and a good team player.
Before the interview
- Research the restaurant: look at the menu, photos and reviews online. Find one thing you like.
- Bring: two copies of your CV (résumé), a list of references, and a pen.
- Wear: one level smarter than the servers. Clean, ironed clothes and clean, closed shoes.
- Practise out loud: record your answers on your phone and listen back.
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early.
The 10 most common questions (with easy answers)
1. “Tell me about yourself.”
Talk about work, not your life story. Experience + one skill + why this restaurant.
“I’m a server with two years of experience. I’m good at staying calm on busy nights. I applied here because I love your fresh, local menu.”
Change the details to your own. Keep it under one minute.
2. “Why do you want to work here?”
“I ate here last month, and the servers were friendly and professional. That’s the kind of team I want to join.”
Show you did your research. Never say “It’s close to my house.”
3. “What is your experience?”
“I worked at a busy family restaurant for two years. I usually had a section of five or six tables.”
Use numbers. They sound real.
“I don’t have restaurant experience yet, but I worked in a shop for three years. I’m good with customers and I learn fast.”
No restaurant experience? Talk about customer service in any job.
4. “What are your strengths?”
“I stay calm when it’s busy. My manager often gave me the busiest shifts.”
One strength + one example. Not “I’m a hard worker.”
5. “What is your weakness?”
“I’m still learning about wine. I’m reading about it, and I’d love to learn more here.”
A real but small weakness, and how you are fixing it.
6. “How do you handle difficult customers?”
“First, I listen. Then I say sorry and offer a solution. If it’s a big problem, I get my manager.”
Listen, sorry, fix. Show you have a plan.
7. “Can you work nights and weekends?”
“Yes, I’m available nights and weekends.”
These are the busiest shifts. If you have one limit, say it clearly and say you are flexible on other days.
8. “Why did you leave your last job?”
“I moved to a new city, and I’m looking for a team where I can grow.”
Never say bad things about your old boss.
9. “What would you do if you made a mistake on an order?”
“I’d say sorry to the guest, ask the kitchen to fix it, and tell my manager.”
Take responsibility. Never blame the kitchen.
10. “Do you have any questions for me?”
“What does the training look like for new servers?”
Always ask one or two questions. It shows you are interested.
If they ask about your English
“My English is good enough to talk with guests clearly. If I don’t understand something, I ask. I always repeat orders back.”
Confident, not sorry. Show you have a system.
“Sorry, could you say that again, please?”
If you don’t understand a question. Asking is professional. Guessing is not.
Save this card and look at it before your next shift. On Pinterest? Pin it so you can find it fast.
How to get hired as a server: example interview
Manager: Thanks for coming in. Tell me about yourself.
You: I’m a server with two years of experience. I’m good at staying calm on busy nights.
Manager: Why do you want to work here?
You: I ate here last month, and the servers were friendly and professional. That’s the kind of team I want to join.
Manager: Can you work weekends?
You: Yes, I’m available nights and weekends.
Manager: Great. Do you have any questions for me?
You: Yes. What does the training look like for new servers?
Manager: You’ll shadow a senior server for three shifts.
You: That sounds great. Thank you for your time.
Short, clear answers. Each one shows reliable, positive and team player. (“Shadow” = work next to someone and learn from them.)
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Get the course →After the interview
- Within 24 hours, send a short thank-you email.
- After about a week, if you hear nothing, send one polite follow-up email.
- Keep applying to other restaurants while you wait.
A simple thank-you email:
“Hi Jennifer, thank you for meeting me today. I enjoyed learning about your team, and I’m excited about the server job. Please let me know if you need anything else. Best regards, Ana.”
Red flags: when to think twice
- The manager says “We’re always hiring.”
- They can’t explain how pay and tips work.
- They want you to start tomorrow, with no training.
- They ask for an unpaid trial shift. In many places, a trial shift must be paid. Ask: “Will I be paid for the trial shift?”
Common mistakes
Quick quiz
1. What do managers look for first?
They can teach the menu, not attitude. Remember RAT.
2. The manager asks “Any questions?” You say…
A good question shows you’re interested in doing well.
3. You don’t understand a question. You…
Asking is professional. Guessing can go wrong.
FAQ
What should I say in a server interview?
Keep answers short. Show you are reliable, positive and a team player, and give one real example for each answer.
What should I wear to a server interview?
Dress one level smarter than the servers. Clean, ironed clothes, closed shoes and neat hair.
Can I get a server job with no experience?
Yes. Talk about customer service from any job, and show you learn fast. Many restaurants train new servers.
Related guides
- Your first 30 days as a server
- How to get good references
- Your first week as a waiter: scripts for every situation
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