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SENIOR LEVEL

What does excellent customer service mean to you?

Waitstaff Interview Questions
What does excellent customer service mean to you?

Sample answer to the question

To me, excellent customer service means going above and beyond to meet and exceed the needs and expectations of the guests. It starts with a warm and friendly greeting, making the guests feel welcome and valued. It involves actively listening to their needs and preferences, and providing prompt and knowledgeable assistance. Excellent customer service also means being attentive and anticipating the guests' needs before they even ask. It requires effective communication, both verbal and non-verbal, to ensure clear understanding and to address any concerns or issues. Additionally, excellent customer service involves being proactive in problem-solving and resolving any conflicts or complaints with professionalism and empathy. Lastly, it means always maintaining a positive and professional attitude, even in challenging situations, and continuously striving to improve and exceed the standards of service.

A more solid answer

To me, excellent customer service means providing a personalized and memorable experience for each guest. It starts by warmly greeting the guest, addressing them by name if possible, and showing genuine interest in their preferences and needs. Active listening is crucial, as it allows me to understand their expectations and tailor my service accordingly. Communication is key, not only in conveying information clearly, but also in using body language and non-verbal cues to enhance the guest experience. Excellent problem-solving involves being resourceful and finding creative solutions to any issues that may arise, ensuring the guest's satisfaction. Being detail-oriented enables me to anticipate their needs, such as refilling their water glass or offering recommendations based on their preferences. Overall, excellent customer service means going the extra mile to exceed expectations and create a positive and lasting impression.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing more specific examples and details to demonstrate the candidate's skills and experience in outstanding customer service. It highlights the candidate's ability to provide a personalized and memorable experience by actively listening, using effective communication, and being detail-oriented. The answer also mentions the candidate's problem-solving ability and their commitment to exceeding expectations and creating a positive impression. However, it can be further improved by including examples of past experiences or situations where the candidate has demonstrated these skills.

An exceptional answer

To me, excellent customer service means consistently exceeding expectations and providing a seamless and personalized dining experience for each guest. It starts with a warm and genuine greeting, where I make an effort to remember the guest's name and any specific preferences they may have. Active listening is crucial, as it allows me to anticipate their needs and make informed recommendations. Effective communication involves not only providing clear and concise information, but also actively engaging with the guests through conversation and showing genuine interest in their experience. Excellent problem-solving means taking immediate action to resolve any issues or concerns, and always finding a solution that leaves the guest satisfied. Being detail-oriented enables me to anticipate their needs and ensure that every aspect of their dining experience is taken care of, from the ambiance to the presentation of the food. Overall, excellent customer service means going above and beyond to create a memorable and exceptional dining experience that exceeds the guests' expectations and leaves a lasting positive impression.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer further expands on the solid answer by incorporating additional details and examples to demonstrate the candidate's exceptional customer service skills. It emphasizes the candidate's ability to consistently exceed expectations and provide a seamless and personalized dining experience. The answer highlights the candidate's commitment to remembering guest preferences, actively engaging with them through conversation, and resolving any issues or concerns promptly. The answer also emphasizes the candidate's attention to detail in ensuring every aspect of the dining experience is taken care of. Overall, the answer showcases the candidate's exceptional customer service mindset and their ability to create a memorable and exceptional dining experience.

How to prepare for this question

  • Reflect on past experiences where you have provided excellent customer service and think about specific examples to share during the interview.
  • Familiarize yourself with the company's menu, wine selection, and any special offerings to demonstrate your knowledge and ability to make recommendations.
  • Practice active listening and effective communication techniques, such as maintaining eye contact, using open-ended questions, and paraphrasing to ensure understanding.
  • Think about how you have handled challenging customer service situations in the past and come up with examples to showcase your problem-solving skills.
  • Consider how you have anticipated and met customer needs in previous roles, and be prepared to share specific examples that highlight your detail-oriented approach.

What interviewers are evaluating

  • Outstanding customer service skills
  • Active listening and effective communication
  • Excellent problem-solving ability
  • Detail-oriented with the ability to anticipate guest needs

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