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INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

Tell us about a time when you went above and beyond to satisfy a guest's needs or requests.

Waitstaff Interview Questions
Tell us about a time when you went above and beyond to satisfy a guest's needs or requests.

Sample answer to the question

One time, I had a guest who had a severe gluten allergy and needed a gluten-free meal. I went above and beyond to ensure that their meal was prepared safely and according to their dietary restrictions. I personally spoke to the chef to make sure they understood the severity of the allergy and the necessary precautions to take. I also double-checked all the ingredients to ensure they were gluten-free. The guest was incredibly grateful for my attention to detail and thanked me for making their dining experience worry-free.

A more solid answer

During my time as a waiter, there was a guest who had a severe gluten allergy and needed a gluten-free meal. I went above and beyond to make sure their needs were fully satisfied. Firstly, I approached the guest with a friendly smile and introduced myself. I listened attentively to their dietary restrictions and assured them that we would take every precaution to ensure their safety. I promptly communicated the guest's requirements to the kitchen staff, emphasizing the importance of cross-contamination prevention. I personally spoke to the chef to ensure they understood the severity of the allergy and gave detailed instructions on how to prepare the meal. I then double-checked all the ingredients to ensure they were gluten-free and verified with the kitchen staff that the meal was prepared in a separate area. The guest was incredibly grateful for my attention to detail and thanked me for making their dining experience worry-free.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides more specific details and showcases the candidate's excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of food safety. However, it could still be improved by including information about how the candidate handled any challenges or obstacles during the process.

An exceptional answer

I vividly remember a time when a guest with a severe gluten allergy came into the restaurant. As soon as they mentioned their dietary restrictions, I sprang into action to ensure their needs were met. Taking a proactive approach, I reassured the guest that I would personally oversee their order and communicate their requirements with the kitchen staff. I verified with the chef that they understood the severity of the allergy and emphasized the importance of following strict protocols. I even went the extra mile and offered to show the guest the separate area where their meal would be prepared to alleviate any concerns. Throughout their meal, I periodically checked in to ensure their satisfaction and address any additional requests. The guest was not only impressed by the level of care and attention I gave to their needs but also expressed their gratitude to the restaurant manager. This experience not only reaffirmed the importance of providing exceptional service but also solidified my commitment to going above and beyond for every guest.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer is highly detailed and goes beyond the basic and solid answers by showcasing the candidate's proactivity, commitment to exceptional service, and ability to handle any challenges or obstacles. It provides a more comprehensive and memorable response that aligns well with the job description.

How to prepare for this question

  • Familiarize yourself with the menu, including seasonal and special items, to confidently answer any guest inquiries.
  • Research and stay updated on various dietary restrictions and allergens to effectively address guests' concerns.
  • Practice active listening skills to fully understand and remember guest requests.
  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of food safety and handling procedures to ensure the highest level of guest satisfaction.
  • Prepare examples of previous experiences where you went above and beyond for guests, highlighting your communication and problem-solving skills.

What interviewers are evaluating

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Keen attention to detail for remembering orders and adhering to special requests
  • Knowledge of food safety and handling procedures

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