/Waitstaff/ Interview Questions
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

Have you ever had to deal with a difficult coworker? How did you handle it?

Waitstaff Interview Questions
Have you ever had to deal with a difficult coworker? How did you handle it?

Sample answer to the question

Yes, I have dealt with a difficult coworker in the past. They had a habit of being consistently late for their shifts, which put extra pressure on the rest of the team. I addressed the issue by speaking directly to the coworker in a calm and understanding manner. I explained how their tardiness was affecting the team and our ability to provide prompt service to our guests. I offered my help and support to find solutions and suggested they set alarms or create a schedule to ensure they arrive on time. I also notified our supervisor about the situation and provided updates on any progress or improvements. Ultimately, the coworker realized the impact of their actions and made a conscious effort to be more punctual.

A more solid answer

Yes, I have encountered a challenging coworker in the past. This individual had a consistent habit of arriving late to work, which created difficulties for the rest of the team. To address the situation, I took a proactive approach by initiating a conversation with the coworker. I expressed my concerns regarding their punctuality and explained how it affected the team's ability to provide prompt service to our guests. I genuinely listened to their perspective and offered my assistance in finding a solution. We brainstormed ideas together and came up with a plan to set alarms and establish a schedule to ensure on-time arrival. Additionally, I notified our supervisor about the issue and provided regular updates on any progress or improvements. Through open communication and a collaborative approach, the coworker recognized the impact of their actions and made a conscious effort to improve their punctuality.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer addresses the candidate's experience with a difficult coworker and provides specific details on how they handled the situation. It showcases their communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. However, it could still be improved by including more information on the outcome of the situation and the overall impact on teamwork and guest satisfaction.

An exceptional answer

Yes, I have encountered a challenging coworker in the past and effectively handled the situation. This individual had a consistent pattern of arriving late to work, causing a significant strain on the entire team. Recognizing the importance of addressing the issue promptly, I initiated a one-on-one conversation with the coworker in a calm and empathetic manner. I expressed my concerns about their punctuality and how it impacted the team's ability to provide exceptional service to our guests. I actively listened to their perspective, understanding the reasons behind their lateness, and showed genuine empathy. Together, we brainstormed possible solutions and agreed on implementing a detailed plan. This plan included setting alarms and reminders, creating a personal schedule, and being accountable for their time management. Importantly, I maintained open communication with the coworker while providing ongoing support and encouragement. I also reported the situation to our supervisor to ensure appropriate action was taken. As a result of our collaborative efforts, the coworker significantly improved their punctuality, which led to reduced stress for the team, improved teamwork, and enhanced guest satisfaction. This experience taught me the value of open communication, empathy, and proactive problem-solving.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a comprehensive and detailed response to dealing with a difficult coworker. It showcases the candidate's strong communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and empathy skills. The answer highlights the candidate's ability to initiate and handle difficult conversations, actively listen, and find workable solutions. It also emphasizes the positive outcomes of their actions, including reduced stress for the team, improved teamwork, and enhanced guest satisfaction.

How to prepare for this question

  • Reflect on past experiences with difficult coworkers and think about the strategies or approaches that worked well.
  • Consider how you can showcase your communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills in your response.
  • Practice expressing empathy and understanding when discussing challenging coworker situations.
  • Think about the potential outcomes of effectively handling a difficult coworker and how it positively impacts teamwork and guest satisfaction.

What interviewers are evaluating

  • Communication skills
  • Collaboration
  • Problem-solving

Related Interview Questions

More questions for Waitstaff interviews

What steps do you take to provide an exceptional dining experience for guests?
Tell us about a time when you had to handle a situation where a guest had a medical emergency.
Describe your experience using point-of-sale systems and handling cash or credit transactions.
How do you handle a situation where a guest is unhappy with the menu options?
How do you handle a situation where a guest refuses to pay for their meal?
How do you handle a situation where a guest is unsatisfied with the portion size of their meal?
Have you ever had to deal with a difficult coworker? How did you handle it?
How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple tables at once?
Tell us about a time when you went above and beyond to satisfy a guest's needs or requests.
How do you handle a situation where a guest is unsatisfied with the quality of the food?
Describe a time when you had to memorize a long list of orders accurately.
How do you handle a situation where a guest is being disruptive or rude to other guests?
What experience do you have working as waitstaff in a fast-paced restaurant environment?
How do you handle a situation where a guest has a last-minute special request?
How do you handle a situation where there is a mistake in the order and the guest is unhappy?
How do you prioritize and manage timing of course delivery with the kitchen staff?
Tell us about a time when you had to upsell additional items to guests.
Tell us about a time when you had to handle a difficult guest complaint and how you resolved it.
Tell us about a time when you had to collaborate with kitchen staff and management to ensure smooth operations.
How do you handle a situation where a guest is unsatisfied with the food or service?
Tell us about a time when you had to handle a situation where the kitchen was understaffed.
Describe a time when you had to handle a high-stress situation in the restaurant.
How do you ensure accuracy when taking and delivering orders to guests?
How do you handle working under pressure in a fast-paced environment?
Tell us about a time when you had to handle an unexpected delay in course delivery.
How do you handle a situation where you make a mistake in taking an order?
Describe a time when you had to handle a guest's dietary restrictions or allergen concerns.
Describe a time when you had to handle a large party of guests efficiently.
Describe a time when you had to handle a guest's complaint about the cleanliness of the dining area.
How do you maintain a clean and organized work area?
Describe a time when you had to work as part of a team to ensure efficient operations.
What steps do you take to ensure the safety and handling of food?
Back to all questions