Tell us about a time when you had to handle a situation where a guest had a medical emergency.
Waitstaff Interview Questions
Sample answer to the question
One time, while working as a waiter at a busy restaurant, a guest suddenly had a medical emergency. It was a Friday night, and the dining room was full of customers. I was taking an order at a nearby table when I noticed the guest clutching their chest and struggling to breathe. Without hesitation, I excused myself from the table and rushed to the guest's aid. I calmly asked another customer to call 911 while I tried to keep the guest calm and comfortable. I immediately informed the restaurant manager about the situation, and they took over communication with the paramedics. I stayed with the guest until the paramedics arrived, providing reassurance and support. The whole incident was handled swiftly and efficiently, ensuring the guest received the care they needed.
A more solid answer
During my time as a waiter at a busy restaurant, I encountered a situation where a guest had a medical emergency. It was a Friday night, and the restaurant was bustling with customers. I was taking orders when I noticed a guest experiencing chest pain and difficulty breathing. Immediately, I excused myself from the table and approached the guest calmly to assess their condition. I asked a nearby customer to call 911 and informed the restaurant manager about the situation. While waiting for the paramedics, I stayed with the guest, providing reassurance and ensuring their comfort. I also coordinated with the kitchen staff to expedite the preparation of a glass of water and any necessary assistance. Once the paramedics arrived, I updated them on the guest's condition and provided any relevant information. Throughout the process, I maintained clear and effective communication with both the guest and the team, ensuring everyone was informed and involved.
Why this is a more solid answer:
The solid answer provides more specific details and demonstrates the candidate's ability to communicate effectively, problem-solve under pressure, and collaborate with the team. However, it can still be improved by including more examples of teamwork and addressing the evaluation areas in more depth.
An exceptional answer
Let me share an exceptional incident that occurred while I was working as a waiter at a popular restaurant. It was a Saturday evening, and the restaurant was packed with guests enjoying their meals. Suddenly, a guest at one of my tables collapsed and lost consciousness. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, I immediately rushed to their side and called for assistance from my colleagues. One of them contacted emergency services while I stayed with the guest, ensuring their airway was clear and monitoring their vital signs as best I could. Another teammate quickly informed the restaurant manager, who promptly organized the staff and relocated nearby customers to minimize disruption. Meanwhile, the kitchen staff prepared a first aid kit in case any immediate treatment was required. Together, we formed a cohesive unit, calmly working in sync to handle the emergency situation. When the paramedics arrived, we provided them with a detailed account of the guest's condition and the events leading up to it. This incident showcased the effectiveness of our teamwork, communication, and ability to act swiftly under pressure.
Why this is an exceptional answer:
The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing vivid details of the situation, highlighting the candidate's exceptional teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills. It also emphasizes the candidate's ability to remain calm and organized in a high-pressure situation.
How to prepare for this question
- Familiarize yourself with common medical emergencies and their appropriate responses.
- Review the restaurant's emergency procedures and protocols.
- Practice maintaining a calm and composed demeanor in stressful situations.
- Develop effective communication skills, both with guests and team members.
- Consider completing basic first aid and CPR training.
What interviewers are evaluating
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
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