Tell us about a time when you had to handle a situation where the kitchen was understaffed.

Sample answer to the question

Sure, there was a time when I was working at a busy restaurant and we had a sudden shortage of kitchen staff. It was during the dinner rush, and orders were piling up in the kitchen. As a waiter, I had to step up and help out in the kitchen to ensure that the orders were prepared and served on time. I quickly put on an apron and jumped into action, assisting the chefs with cooking, plating, and garnishing dishes. I also communicated with the customers, letting them know about the delay and assuring them that we were doing our best to serve them as quickly as possible. Despite the challenges, we managed to handle the situation smoothly and ensure that all the customers were satisfied with their meals.

A more solid answer

Certainly! Let me share a specific example of a time when I encountered a situation where the kitchen was understaffed. It was a busy weekend evening at the restaurant I used to work at, and we unexpectedly had two kitchen staff call in sick. This left us with just one chef handling all the orders. As a waiter, I realized the importance of keeping our guests informed and ensuring that their dining experience wasn't compromised. I quickly approached the chef and offered my assistance. We discussed the pending orders and came up with a plan to prioritize them based on their complexity and cooking time. I stepped into the kitchen and took on tasks like prepping ingredients, cooking some of the simpler dishes, and even plating certain items. Simultaneously, I communicated with the customers, apologizing for the delay and offering alternative options or complimentary items to ensure their satisfaction. By coordinating closely with the chef and maintaining open communication with the customers, we were able to handle the situation effectively and minimize any inconvenience caused.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides a more detailed and specific example of the situation, showcasing the candidate's skills in communication, organization, working under pressure, time management, and collaboration. It gives a clear picture of how the candidate took initiative, coordinated with the chef, and maintained customer satisfaction despite the challenges. However, it can still be improved by providing more specific details and outcomes of the situation to better showcase the candidate's skills.

An exceptional answer

Absolutely! Let me share a remarkable incident that truly tested my abilities when the kitchen was understaffed. It happened during one of the busiest nights at the restaurant I used to work at. Two of our kitchen staff members unexpectedly called in sick, leaving us with a critically understaffed kitchen. As a waiter, I knew that we had to act swiftly to prevent chaos and ensure a seamless dining experience for our guests. I immediately gathered the service team and organized a quick meeting to assign tasks and create a streamlined workflow. I took charge of liaising with the guests, going from table to table, personally apologizing for the delay, and offering complimentary appetizers to keep them satisfied. Meanwhile, I wore multiple hats by assisting the chef with prepping ingredients, monitoring stove timers, and plating dishes. To maintain quality, I closely communicated with the chef, relaying precise instructions and feedback from customers. It was crucial to manage our limited time and resources effectively, so I created a priority system for guests with time constraints, ensuring their orders were expedited. Despite the challenging circumstances, we managed to serve all the guests without compromising on the quality of food or hospitality. The guests appreciated our efforts and even left positive reviews, impressed by our teamwork and commitment to their experience.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a highly detailed and specific account of the situation, highlighting the candidate's exceptional skills in communication, organization, working under pressure, time management, and collaboration. It demonstrates the candidate's ability to take charge, handle multiple responsibilities, prioritize tasks, and deliver exceptional service. The candidate's initiative, problem-solving skills, and commitment to customer satisfaction are clearly showcased in this answer.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on your past experiences in the foodservice industry and identify situations where you had to handle understaffing in the kitchen.
Think about how you effectively communicated and collaborated with colleagues and management during those situations.
Consider the strategies you employed to manage time, prioritize tasks, and maintain a high level of service despite the challenges.
Highlight instances where you went above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction and how you handled any complaints or concerns.
Practice articulating your responses in a concise and professional manner, showcasing your skills and achievements.

What interviewers are evaluating

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask.
Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Good time management skills.
A team player with the ability to collaborate with kitchen staff and management.