These questions are written for hiring a host specifically. Each one includes what you learn from asking it and what a strong answer sounds like.
1. A guest says they have been waiting too long and wants to be seated now. What do you say?
Why ask it: Tests honesty and composure at the door.
A strong answer: Acknowledges the wait, gives a real update, offers options such as the bar, and avoids promises they cannot keep.
2. How do you decide which section to seat the next party in?
Why ask it: Checks understanding of server rotation and balancing.
A strong answer: Describes seating in order, watching for open servers and table turns, and avoiding overloading any one section.
3. How would you handle a phone that keeps ringing while a line of guests is waiting at the stand?
Why ask it: Looks at multitasking and prioritization.
A strong answer: Greets the guests, tells the caller to hold briefly, handles the walk-ins, and then returns to the phone.
4. A table is not ready but guests have a reservation. What do you do?
Why ask it: Shows how they communicate delays.
A strong answer: Tells the guests promptly, gives a realistic wait, offers a drink at the bar, and tells the manager.
5. How do you estimate wait times?
Why ask it: Accurate quotes keep guests happy.
A strong answer: Tracks table turns and current seatings, adds a small cushion, and updates guests if the wait changes.
6. Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult customer.
Why ask it: Reveals service recovery and temper.
A strong answer: Offers a specific story where they listened, stayed polite, and found a workable solution.
7. How would you greet a large party arriving unannounced?
Why ask it: Tests flexibility and communication with the floor.
A strong answer: Greets warmly, checks what is available, tells the manager, and gives an honest wait or setup plan.
8. What would you do if you saw a server falling behind in their section?
Why ask it: Shows teamwork and initiative.
A strong answer: Holds seating to that server, tells the manager, and helps with water or clearing if free.
9. How do you handle a reservation mix-up, such as a double booking?
Why ask it: Looks at problem solving in the reservation system.
A strong answer: Stays calm, apologizes, looks for alternative tables or timing, and involves a manager for compensation.
10. What makes a great first impression at the door?
Why ask it: Hosts set the tone for every guest.
A strong answer: Eye contact, a genuine smile, clear greeting, and being ready the moment guests walk in.
11. How do you stay on your feet and positive during a long Saturday night?
Why ask it: Checks stamina and attitude.
A strong answer: Talks about pacing, hydration, comfortable shoes, and focusing on the next guest.
12. What reservation or waitlist tools have you used?
Why ask it: Tells you how fast they can get up to speed.
A strong answer: Names specific tools such as OpenTable, Resy, or Yelp Waitlist, or shows confidence learning new software quickly.