Can you describe a time when you had to handle a maintenance issue with dining equipment?

Sample answer to the question

Yes, I can describe a time when I had to handle a maintenance issue with dining equipment. In my previous role as a Steward at a high-end restaurant, we encountered a malfunctioning dishwasher right in the middle of a busy weekend dinner rush. With the kitchen staff relying on clean dishes to keep up with orders, it was crucial to address the issue promptly. I immediately took charge and coordinated with the maintenance team to fix the dishwasher as quickly as possible. In the meantime, I organized a temporary system using manual dishwashing stations to ensure a smooth flow of clean dishes to the chefs. I also communicated with the front-of-house staff to manage customer expectations and minimize any disruptions to service. The maintenance team was able to resolve the issue within a few hours, and we were able to resume normal operations without any significant impact on the customer experience.

A more solid answer

Certainly! Let me share with you a time when I faced a maintenance issue with dining equipment. In my previous role as a Senior Steward at a high-volume hotel restaurant, we had a critical situation where our main dishwasher broke down during a fully booked evening service. As the person responsible for overseeing the maintenance and operation of the dining area, I quickly assessed the situation and gathered a team of stewards to manage the issue. We immediately contacted the maintenance department, providing them with all the necessary details to expedite the repair process. Meanwhile, I implemented a contingency plan to ensure a continuous supply of clean dishes by reorganizing the workflow and utilizing alternative dishwashing equipment that we had available on-site. I communicated the situation to the kitchen staff and front-of-house team, informing them of the temporary changes and setting their expectations. Thanks to our rapid response and efficient teamwork, we managed to minimize any disruptions to the service and maintained a high standard of cleanliness and efficiency while the main dishwasher was being repaired.

Why this is a more solid answer:

This is a solid answer because it provides specific details about the maintenance issue and demonstrates the candidate's ability to handle it effectively. It showcases leadership skills in coordinating a team and managing the situation, problem-solving skills in implementing a contingency plan, communication skills in informing other staff members, and adaptability in adjusting the workflow. However, it can be further improved by emphasizing the candidate's role in training and mentoring junior staff, as mentioned in the job description.

An exceptional answer

Absolutely! Let me share a time when I successfully handled a maintenance issue with dining equipment. In my role as a Senior Steward at a luxury resort, I was responsible for maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and service in the dining area. One evening, during a high-profile event with VIP guests, our main oven malfunctioned, posing a significant challenge to our operations. Realizing the urgency of the situation, I immediately assembled a team of stewards and communicated with the executive chef to devise a solution. While waiting for the maintenance team to arrive, I collaborated with the kitchen staff to rearrange the menu and utilize alternative cooking equipment to ensure a seamless dining experience for the guests. Simultaneously, I personally took charge of managing the maintenance team, providing them with detailed information about the issue and coordinating their work without disrupting the event. Additionally, I assigned junior stewards specific tasks related to cleaning and sanitizing the dining equipment to maintain a pristine environment throughout the evening. Our swift response and proactive approach not only salvaged the event but also earned commendations from the VIP guests for our professionalism. This experience taught me the importance of remaining calm under pressure, leading a team with confidence, and finding creative solutions to ensure exceptional service even in challenging situations.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

This is an exceptional answer because it goes above and beyond the basic and solid answers. It demonstrates the candidate's ability to handle a significant maintenance issue during a high-profile event and showcases key skills such as leadership, problem-solving, communication, adaptability, and attention to detail. The candidate effectively highlights their role in collaborating with the executive chef, managing the maintenance team, and delegating tasks to junior stewards. The exceptional answer also emphasizes the positive outcome and the impact on guest satisfaction. The candidate's extensive experience and expertise shine through in this response.

How to prepare for this question

Familiarize yourself with common maintenance issues related to dining equipment, such as dishwasher breakdowns, oven malfunctions, or plumbing issues.
Highlight your experience in managing and training a stewarding team, as it demonstrates your leadership and team management skills.
Think about specific instances where you had to handle maintenance issues under pressure and ensure a smooth operation in a high-volume dining environment.
Consider how you communicated and collaborated with other departments or individuals, such as the kitchen staff, maintenance team, or executive chef, during maintenance issues.
Detail your approach to resolving the maintenance issue, including any contingency plans or temporary solutions you implemented.
Reflect on the importance of maintaining cleanliness and adhering to health and safety regulations when dealing with dining equipment maintenance.

What interviewers are evaluating

Leadership
Problem-solving
Communication
Adaptability
Attention to detail