Top Hostess Interview Questions with Example Answers [2020] (2024)

Question Overview: This question is used to determine if the candidate is legally able to work in the country.

Sample Answer: I am 18 years old.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Legal working age

Question Overview: This question will give you insight into the candidate's definition of hospitality and how they would apply it to their job. You want to see if they have a clear understanding of the concept and how it applies to the position.

Sample Answer: Hospitality is the act of providing service with a smile and making sure that your guests are comfortable and happy.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Understanding of the concept
• - Ability to apply it to the position

Question Overview: This question will allow you to see how the candidate views their own strengths and weaknesses. You will also be able to see if the candidate is willing to admit their weaknesses and how they plan to improve upon them.

Sample Answer: My strengths are my ability to multitask and my ability to work well under pressure. My weaknesses are that I can be a bit of a perfectionist and I have a hard time delegating tasks.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Self-awareness
• - Ability to admit mistakes
• - Willingness to improve

Question Overview: This question is designed to see how the candidate handles criticism and how they view their own abilities. You want to see if they are able to admit their shortcomings and explain how they plan to improve upon them.

Sample Answer: I sometimes have a hard time remembering names of people I meet. I am working on improving this by using a memory technique that my grandmother taught me.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to admit shortcomings
• - Ability to explain how they plan to improve
• - Ability to take criticism

Question Overview: This question will allow you to see how the candidate views their role in the restaurant. You want someone who is willing to go above and beyond to create a positive experience for customers.

Sample Answer: I will contribute to this work environment by creating a positive experience for guests. I will greet them with a smile and make sure they have everything they need.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to work as a team player
• - Willingness to take on extra responsibilities
• - Desire to create a positive experience for customers

Question Overview: This question will show you how the candidate handles a situation that requires them to think on their feet. You will want to see if they can quickly assess the situation and determine the best course of action. For example, if a customer calls up and asks for a large order of fries, the hostess should ask if they would like to have it delivered or if they would like to pick it up.

Sample Answer: I would ask if they would like to pick up the order or have it delivered.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to think on their feet
• - Ability to assess a situation
• - Willingness to go the extra mile

Question Overview: This question is designed to see if the candidate has a flexible schedule. You will want to hire someone who is willing to work a variety of shifts and hours.

Sample Answer: I am available to work any shift, day or night.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Flexibility
• - Availability

Question Overview: This question will help you determine how the candidate handles stress and pressure. You want to see how they handle themselves in a stressful situation.

Sample Answer: I take a deep breath and try to remain calm. I then assess the situation and take action.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to remain calm under pressure
• - Ability to think quickly on their feet
• - Ability to prioritize tasks

Question Overview: This question is used to determine the candidate's eagerness to start working for you. You want someone who is willing to start as soon as possible, but you also want to make sure they are not so eager that they are not taking the time to make an informed decision.

Sample Answer: I would like to start as soon as possible.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Timeliness
• - Willingness to start immediately

Question Overview: This question will determine how the candidate handles a mistake. You want to see if the candidate is willing to admit their mistake and take responsibility for it. You also want to see if they are willing to go above and beyond to make sure the customer is satisfied.

Sample Answer: I would apologize to the customer and ask if they would be willing to wait a few minutes while I prepared their order.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to admit mistakes
• - Willingness to go above and beyond
• - Problem solving skills

Question Overview: This question will determine if the candidate is willing to work on weekends. Restaurants are open on weekends, and you will need a hostess who is willing to work on those days.

Sample Answer: I am willing to work on weekends.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Availability to work weekends

Question Overview: This question is designed to see how well the candidate can relate to others. You want to see if the candidate can find a common ground with you and other employees.

Sample Answer: My favorite movie is "The Shawshank Redemption".

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to relate to others
• - Ability to find common ground

Question Overview: This is a great question to ask to see how the candidate approaches the hiring process. You want someone who is confident in their abilities and can demonstrate that they are a good fit for the job.

Sample Answer: I am a hard worker with a positive attitude and I am always willing to go the extra mile.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to sell themselves
• - Confidence in their abilities

Question Overview: This question will allow you to see if the candidate has experience in a similar position or in a position that required similar skills. You will also be able to see if the candidate has experience in a restaurant setting.

Sample Answer: I have previous experience as a hostess at a local restaurant. I also have experience working in retail and customer service.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Relevant experience
• - Ability to work in a restaurant setting
• - Ability to work with customers

Question Overview: This question will give you a glimpse into the candidate's personality and values. You want to see if the candidate is able to think of someone other than themselves.

Sample Answer: My favorite person is my mother. She is always there for me, and she has taught me so much about life.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Personality traits
• - Values

Question Overview: This question will help you determine how well the candidate works with others. You want to see how the candidate communicates with others and how they handle situations that require teamwork.

Sample Answer: I was working at a restaurant where the hostess was absent. I had to work with the bartender and server to take care of the reservations.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to work with others
• - Ability to communicate effectively
• - Problem solving skills

Question Overview: This question will allow you to see how the candidate works with others in a group setting. You will want to see if the candidate is a team player who works well with others or if they are more of a loner.

Sample Answer: I work well in teams because I know that it takes a team to get things done. I am always willing to help out and do my part.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to work with others
• - Team player or loner
• - Ability to work well under pressure

Question Overview: This question will allow you to see how the candidate's personality aligns with the restaurant's brand. You want to hire someone who is passionate about their work and who will be able to bring that passion to the restaurant.

Sample Answer: I would be a musician because I love music and I love entertaining people. I would want to be a musician because it would be a great way to express myself and entertain others.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Passion for the restaurant industry
• - Passion for music
• - Ability to relate to others

Question Overview: This question will help you to determine whether the candidate is looking for a job or a career. You will want someone who is looking for a long-term position and who is willing to work hard to achieve their goals.

Sample Answer: I'm looking for a long-term position where I can learn and grow as a hostess.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Commitment to the job
• - Desire to learn
• - Desire to achieve

Question Overview: This question will help you to determine how the candidate will handle the promotion of new products and services. The hostess should be able to explain their experience in promoting new products and services to customers.

Sample Answer: I have promoted new products by explaining the benefits of the product and how it is different from other menu items. I have also used social media to promote new products.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to promote new products
• - Willingness to promote new products
• - Knowledge of the menu