These questions are written for hiring a restaurant cashier specifically. Each one includes what you learn from asking it and what a strong answer sounds like.
1. A guest is upset because their order is wrong. How do you handle it at the register?
Why ask it: Shows calm service recovery in the one spot every guest passes through.
A strong answer: Listens, apologizes, checks the ticket, gets a manager or the kitchen to fix it, and thanks the guest for their patience.
2. What do you do if your drawer is short at the end of the shift?
Why ask it: Tests honesty and cash accountability.
A strong answer: Recounts, reviews the transactions, reports it to the manager right away, and never hides or covers up a discrepancy.
3. How do you keep a long line moving without making guests feel rushed?
Why ask it: Balances speed with hospitality.
A strong answer: Greets everyone, uses a friendly tone, preps the next guest, and asks for backup when the line grows.
4. A guest hands you a large bill for a small order. Walk me through counting back change.
Why ask it: Confirms basic cash handling skills.
A strong answer: Counts up from the total to the amount tendered, says it aloud, and checks the bill before putting it in the drawer.
5. How would you answer a question about allergens when you are not sure?
Why ask it: Protects guests and the restaurant.
A strong answer: Says they will check, asks the kitchen or manager, and never guesses.
6. How do you handle someone who tries to use a coupon that has expired?
Why ask it: Looks at policy knowledge and tact.
A strong answer: Politely explains the policy, offers what they can do, and brings a manager if the guest pushes back.
7. Tell me about a time you made a mistake with money. What did you learn?
Why ask it: Reveals ownership and care.
A strong answer: Describes the mistake plainly, how it was corrected, and what check they now use to avoid it.
8. How would you suggest an add-on to a guest who looks rushed?
Why ask it: Tests sales sense and reading the guest.
A strong answer: Keeps the suggestion short and relevant, or skips it entirely when the guest is clearly in a hurry.
9. What would you do if the POS froze during the dinner rush?
Why ask it: Checks composure and problem solving under pressure.
A strong answer: Informs the manager, uses a backup process such as handwritten tickets, and communicates honestly with guests.
10. How would you react if a coworker was giving friends free items?
Why ask it: Tests integrity and loss prevention awareness.
A strong answer: Understands it is theft, raises it with a manager, and does not take part.
11. How do you stay friendly when you have repeated the same menu a hundred times?
Why ask it: Checks attitude during repetitive work.
A strong answer: Treats each guest as new, varies small details, and takes pride in giving people a good first impression.
12. What days and hours can you work?
Why ask it: Counter coverage during peak times matters.
A strong answer: Gives clear, honest availability and shows flexibility on weekends and busy periods.