Waitress bringing food to the couple by the table

How to navigate hospitality interview questions

How to navigate hospitality interview questions

Amandeep Chahal our consultant managing the role
Date posted: 04/03/2024

Welcome to your go-to guide for mastering hospitality interviews!

Working in a pub, bar or restaurant is like no other job. It’s a whirlwind of excitement, human connection and showing guests a good time. Every day brings something new, where every interaction matters and where you're constantly learning and evolving.

Prepping for any interview is important to help you feel more comfortable on the day. You want to be able to show that you’re ready for anything that comes your way, and that's where we come in. We've got all the tips and tricks you need to ace those top questions and more. Let's dive in and get you set to knock their socks off!

Top hospitality interview questions and how to answer them


Q1: How do you prioritise tasks in a fast-paced environment?

There’s never a dull moment working in hospitality, and anyone working in this industry knows that things can go from zero to one hundred in a flash. Think of a time when this has happened to you…

It’s the middle of a shift and suddenly, a big group walks in, a table asks for the bill, another asks you to take their drinks order, and the kitchen shouts, ‘Service!’. How did you decide what to tackle first?

Or perhaps you have another example of a time that wasn’t in a hospitality environment – don’t be afraid to use these! Hospitality is a perfect environment for showing off your transferable skills, so you will almost certainly have a story you can use.


Q2: A guest is unhappy with their meal. How would you handle this situation?

If you work in hospitality, you’ll be no stranger to guest queries. Give your step-by-step approach and show them you know how to handle these situations like a pro. Remember, it all starts with active listening and getting to the bottom of an issue as quickly as you can so you can work with your team and make sure the guest leaves happy.


Q3: Describe a time when you had to adapt to unexpected changes or work under pressure

Working under pressure or in an environment that changes quickly is part of any job, so we bet you’ve got buckets of examples for this one. Jot down a few and reflect on what you did to roll with the punches – how did you make sure that everything stayed on track? The interviewer wants to hear that you’re adaptable and able to keep your cool when things get shaken up.

Remember to talk about specific actions – if you pulled together as a team, how exactly did you do that? Listing the specific elements of your actions is the best way to take your answer from good to great.


Q4: Can you give an example of a time when you’ve worked successfully as part of a team?

Your answer might look something like this:

"My team faced a particularly busy shift one evening, with a fully booked dining room and a few special events. We made sure that everyone was clear on the role that they were playing and that everyone knew who to ask for help if they needed it. I made sure to check in on colleagues when I was able to and as my section was close to the kitchen, I kept my eye on when food was ready to run. ”

The best answers to this type of question show how communication is key but also highlight your individual role in achieving success. 


Q5: Can you give an example of a time when you’ve used feedback to help you improve?

It’s often said that feedback is a gift. So showing that you’re open to putting it to good use is a great behaviour to demonstrate in an interview. 

Perhaps you got feedback from a colleague or a manager on how best to prioritise tasks or make recommendations to guests? Show your interviewer that you recognise that it’s important to learn and grow and how feedback can help you and others around you. You might also be asked when you have given feedback to others, so use this to show how you help and support others in an encouraging way.


Q6: What has been one of your proudest achievements?

This could be something professional or personal. Either way, it’s a great opportunity to inject a bit of your personality into the answer and show what you value most – perhaps you had a particularly great shift where you got loads of great reviews afterwards? Or maybe you worked really hard at a skill as part of a New Year’s resolution. Whatever it is, the interviewer will always enjoy learning about what makes you tick!


Bonus question: What do you like to do when you’re not at work?

Remember that an interview isn’t just about your skills, it’s about getting to know you. Are you a taekwondo master? Or maybe you have an extensive mug collection?

We love getting to know more about our interviewees. And the more quirky your interests are, the better!

Our extra hot interview tips

  • Get there early, but not too early. 15-20 minutes beforehand is a good time and will give you a chance to take a look around.
  • Take your time – you aren’t being tested on how quickly you can come up with an example. If you need a moment to reflect, the interviewer will be more than happy to let you have a think.
  • Learn a bit about the company’s values and weave these into your answers.
  • Prepare some questions of your own.
  • Believe in yourself - you’ve got this!

Beyond the interview

So, what's the game plan after the interview?

Drop a quick thank-you note to the interviewer, letting them know you appreciate their time and that you're excited about the opportunity.

Keep tabs on the company's socials for updates, but keep your options open. Explore other jobs that catch your eye, and don't hesitate to send out some more applications.

Are you ready to head into that next interview with confidence?

You've mastered some of the top hospitality interview questions and learned how to answer them like a pro. Plus, you’ve got some extra tips that will help you bring the wow factor. What’s next? It’s time to get applying!

You won’t want to miss out on our latest jobs. We’ve got a mix of full-time and part-time roles so you can find something that works for you. Head to our bar and waiting career hub and you’ll find a bunch of different roles, like bar staff, waiting staff, and shift supervisor. Or if you’re a born leader, check out our management roles.

List #1

Some articles you might like

rising star - general managers at M&B
Essential skills for becoming a successful General Manager at M&B

Teaser

Management

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

12/04/2024

Summary

Thinking about becoming a General Manager? Here’s what you’ll need to succeed The path to becoming a General Manager is as rewarding as it is challenging, but success doesn’t happen by chance.  I

Teaser

Find out more
Laura Kelly

by

Laura Kelly

Laura Kelly

by

Laura Kelly

General Manager of the year awards - three people smiling on stage
Celebrating M&B’s General Managers of the Year: Inspiring Stories of Growth and Success

Teaser

Culture

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

12/04/2024

Summary

At Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), our General Managers are the heartbeat of our business, driving excellence in hospitality and creating unforgettable guest experiences.  We believe in celebrating su

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

image of kayleigh
How a temporary Christmas job at M&B kickstarted Kayleigh’s career in hospitality

Teaser

Management

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/28/2024

Summary

Temporary Christmas jobs are a great way to earn extra cash for the holidays while gaining valuable work experience. They offer the chance to build new skills and try out roles like bar, waiting

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

two men and one woman working in a kitchen in their chef whites and smiling
Everything you need to know about being a Kitchen Manager at the different M&B brands

Teaser

Kitchen

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/28/2024

Summary

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to lead a buzzing kitchen team, create memorable dining experiences, and make your mark in hospitality, you’re in the right place.  To give you a better ide

Teaser

Find out more
Laura Kelly

by

Laura Kelly

Laura Kelly

by

Laura Kelly

Image of scottish hills and lake
Celebrating St Andrew’s Day: Job opportunities in Scotland

Teaser

Culture

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/27/2024

Summary

As we approach St Andrew’s Day, it’s the perfect time to celebrate not only the rich culture and history of Scotland but also the opportunities available within Mitchells and Butlers.  What is St

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

image of hala
Home and away, the job that's here to stay: M&B’s university transfer scheme

Teaser

Bar and Waiting

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/27/2024

Summary

It’s that time of year again, university students are going back, freshers is in full swing, and so many students are moving across the country!  We know that having a pub job at uni is the best

Teaser

Find out more
Rachel Weaver

by

Rachel Weaver

Rachel Weaver

by

Rachel Weaver

waiting staff greeting guests at M&B - customer service in hospitality
Crafting memorable moments: The importance of customer service at M&B

Teaser

General

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/22/2024

Summary

In today's busy world of pubs and bars, it's not just about the drinks. What really sets a place apart is how well they treat their guests. At M&B, we believe that every interaction is an opportu

Teaser

Find out more
Katie Handy

by

Katie Handy

Katie Handy

by

Katie Handy

image of bar staff serving drinks with a smile
From serving to socialising: Why Bar jobs in London are a great choice

Teaser

Bar and Waiting

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/22/2024

Summary

So, you're thinking about a bar job in London? Let me tell you, it's not just a job – it's a lifestyle upgrade!  Picture this: every shift is a chance to meet new people, learn new skills, and ex

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

image of part-time staff holding drinks tray
Looking for a part-time job? Here’s everything you need to know to get started!

Teaser

Bar and Waiting

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/06/2024

Summary

What is a part-time job?A part-time job is pretty much what it sounds like—a role where you work fewer hours than a full-time position.  For anyone looking to earn some extra income, balance work

Teaser

Find out more
Sophie Dawson

by

Sophie Dawson

Sophie Dawson

by

Sophie Dawson

Christian from Stonehouse
Can you go from Chef to General Manager? Yes, you can!

Teaser

Management

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/06/2024

Summary

At Mitchells & Butlers, we pride ourselves on the growth and development opportunities we provide to our employees.  We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Christian, General Manager of th

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

Jobs

Jobs you might like...

Chef

Salary

Competitive Salary

Location

Toby Carvery - Eden Park, Beckenham, BR3 3HQ

Departments

Chef

Hours

Full Time

Vacancy Type

Other role

Brand

Toby Carvery

Location

Beckenham

Description

No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you! As a Chef at Toby

Reference

2350251

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Apply Add to shortlist
Food Production Operative

Salary

Competitive Salary

Location

Toby Carvery - Eden Park, Beckenham, BR3 3HQ

Departments

Kitchen Assistant

Hours

Full Time

Vacancy Type

Other role

Brand

Toby Carvery

Location

Beckenham

Description

No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you!  With your suppor

Reference

2350249

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Apply Add to shortlist
Christmas Kitchen Assistant

Salary

Competitive Salary

Location

Toby Carvery - Eden Park, Beckenham, BR3 3HQ

Departments

Kitchen Assistant

Hours

Full Time

Vacancy Type

Other role

Brand

Toby Carvery

Location

Beckenham

Description

No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you!  Unwrap your per

Reference

2350248

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Apply Add to shortlist
 

job search