20 Food Runner Interview Questions and Answers

Applying for a Food Runner position? Preparation is key to leaving a good impression during your interview. 

Food runners, also known as expeditors or busser-runners, play a crucial role in the restaurant industry. Their responsibilities primarily focus on ensuring the efficient operation of the dining area and providing excellent service to customers.

Here are 20 common questions that could come up and how you might answer them:

1. Can you describe your previous experience in the food service industry?

Question Explanation: The interviewer wants to understand your background in the food service industry to gauge how your experience could be valuable in the food runner position.

How to answer: Your answer should highlight any roles you've had in the food service industry and the skills you've acquired during those roles.

Example Answer: "I've worked in the food service industry for over 2 years, starting as a busser before moving up to a server role. These roles have given me a deep understanding of restaurant operations and customer service."

2. How do you handle a high-stress, fast-paced work environment?

Question Explanation: The interviewer wants to assess your ability to cope under pressure and in a fast-paced environment, common in food service roles.

How to answer: You should highlight your coping strategies and provide examples of how you've previously managed stress at work.

Example Answer: "During busy times, I focus on prioritizing tasks and maintaining clear communication with my team. For instance, when I was a server during peak hours, I would make sure to communicate clearly with the kitchen staff about order timings to ensure smooth operations."

3. What would you do if a customer complained about their food?

Question Explanation: The interviewer is testing your customer service skills and how you handle complaints and negative feedback.

How to answer: Your answer should show that you would handle the situation professionally, empathetically, and efficiently.

Example Answer: "I would first apologize to the customer and ask them to explain the issue. Then, I would immediately communicate the problem to the kitchen staff or a manager, depending on the restaurant's protocol."

4. Can you describe a time you had to collaborate with a team to accomplish a goal?

Question Explanation: This question assesses your teamwork and collaboration skills. The ability to work with others is crucial in a food service environment.

How to answer: Try to provide an example where your collaborative efforts directly contributed to achieving a shared goal.

Example Answer: "In my previous role, during a particularly busy dinner service, our team had to pull together to manage a large group of customers. Through excellent communication and mutual support, we were able to provide high-quality service and manage all orders efficiently."

5. Why do you want to work as a food runner?

Question Explanation: The interviewer wants to assess your motivation for applying for the food runner position.

How to answer: Discuss your interest in the food service industry and how you believe this position will help you grow in your career.

Example Answer: "I'm passionate about the food service industry and I believe a food runner position will allow me to develop a comprehensive understanding of restaurant operations. I'm also keen to hone my customer service skills."

6. How would you handle a situation where you have to serve an unpleasant or rude customer?

Question Explanation: This question helps the interviewer understand your customer service skills, particularly how you handle difficult situations.

How to answer: Emphasize your patience, communication skills, and commitment to providing excellent service regardless of customer behavior.

Example Answer: "In such situations, I remain calm and professional, trying my best to address their concerns and deliver excellent service. If the situation escalates, I would seek assistance from my manager."

7. Can you lift and carry heavy trays of food and dishes?

Question Explanation: The interviewer is evaluating your physical ability to perform the job as it may involve lifting heavy items.

How to answer: Be honest about your physical capabilities, but also express your willingness to work hard.

Example Answer: "Yes, I am physically fit and able to lift and carry heavy items. I understand that it's a part of the job, and I'm prepared for it."

8. How would you deal with a conflict with a team member?

Question Explanation: The interviewer is assessing your conflict resolution skills and ability to maintain a positive work environment.

How to answer: Talk about your problem-solving skills, and give an example of a time when you successfully resolved a conflict.

Example Answer: "I believe in clear and respectful communication. If I have a conflict with a team member, I'd seek a private conversation to discuss the issue and find a mutual solution."

9. Can you handle multiple tasks at once?

Question Explanation: The interviewer wants to know if you can manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously, as it's a key aspect of being a food runner.

How to answer: Describe your multitasking skills and provide examples of when you've successfully handled multiple tasks at once.

Example Answer: "Yes, I'm comfortable multitasking. In my previous role as a server, I often had to manage multiple tables, handle payments, and communicate with kitchen staff, all at the same time."

10. How flexible is your schedule?

Question Explanation: Restaurants often require staff to work during peak dining hours, holidays, and weekends. The interviewer wants to know if you can accommodate these demands.

How to answer: Be honest about your availability. If you have a wide range of availability, be sure to mention it.

Example Answer: "I understand the demands of this industry and I'm willing to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed."

11. How would you handle a situation where a dish you're serving is not up to the restaurant's standards?

Question Explanation: This question evaluates your attention to detail and your commitment to quality service.

How to answer: You should express your commitment to the restaurant's standards and the steps you would take to rectify the situation.

Example Answer: "If I notice a dish that doesn't meet the restaurant's standards, I would immediately bring it to the attention of the kitchen staff or manager, so the issue can be rectified before reaching the customer."

12. How do you ensure accurate food delivery?

Question Explanation: The interviewer wants to understand how you ensure that the right dish gets to the right customer without any mix-ups.

How to answer: Discuss your strategies for keeping orders organized and ensuring accuracy.

Example Answer: "I always double-check the order tickets and visually inspect the dishes before delivery. I also mentally map the layout of the tables to keep track of orders."

13. How do you keep yourself motivated during slower periods of the day?

Question Explanation: The interviewer wants to see your self-motivation skills and how you use downtime effectively.

How to answer: Discuss the tasks you would undertake during slow periods, such as cleaning, restocking, or preparing for the next rush.

Example Answer: "During slower periods, I use the time to prepare for the next rush. I restock supplies, clean the service areas, and organize my workspace."

14. Have you ever made suggestions to improve efficiency in your previous roles?

Question Explanation: The interviewer wants to assess your problem-solving skills and your potential contribution to improving their operations.

How to answer: Share an example where you made a suggestion that helped improve efficiency in a previous role.

Example Answer: "In my previous job, I suggested implementing a color-coding system for order tickets, which helped us reduce mix-ups and increase efficiency."

15. What do you think is the most challenging aspect of being a food runner?

Question Explanation: The interviewer wants to know if you understand the challenges of the job and how you would handle them.

How to answer: Discuss a challenge associated with the role of a food runner, but also emphasize your strategies to overcome it.

Example Answer: "I believe the most challenging aspect is maintaining speed and accuracy during peak hours. However, I am able to handle stress well and stay organized, which helps me manage such situations effectively."

16. How do you ensure you are providing excellent customer service? Question Explanation: The interviewer wants to understand your approach to customer service and the strategies you use to ensure customers are satisfied.

How to answer: Explain your approach to customer service, how you interact with customers, and any techniques you use to go the extra mile.

Example Answer: "I believe communication is key in providing excellent customer service. I make sure to greet every customer with a smile and provide them with any assistance they might need. I also try to anticipate needs where I can."

17. Are you comfortable handling cash transactions?

Question Explanation: The interviewer is checking if you're able to handle the cash transactions that might be part of the food runner's responsibilities.

How to answer: If you have experience handling cash transactions, mention this. If you don't, express your willingness to learn.

Example Answer: "In my previous job as a server, I often handled cash transactions. I'm comfortable with it and understand the importance of accuracy in this process."

18. How do you handle feedback and criticism?

Question Explanation: The interviewer wants to understand how you respond to feedback, whether it's from supervisors, peers, or customers.

How to answer: Talk about the importance of feedback for improvement and give an example of a time you received feedback and used it to improve your work.

Example Answer: "I see feedback as an opportunity to improve. In my previous role, my manager pointed out that I could be more efficient in organizing my orders. I took this on board and worked on my organizational skills, which greatly improved my performance."

19. What steps do you take to ensure personal hygiene and cleanliness in the restaurant?

Question Explanation: The interviewer wants to gauge your understanding of hygiene standards in the restaurant industry.

How to answer: Discuss the hygiene practices you follow, such as regular hand washing, wearing clean uniforms, and ensuring the cleanliness of serving areas.

Example Answer: "I ensure I'm always clean and presentable, regularly wash my hands, especially after handling money or cleaning duties. I also keep the serving trays and utensils clean and ready to use."

20. Why should we hire you for this food runner position?

Question Explanation: The interviewer wants to know what makes you stand out from other candidates and why you would be a good fit for their restaurant.

How to answer: Discuss your strengths, relevant skills, and experience. Show enthusiasm for the role and how you could contribute to the team.

Example Answer: "I believe I have the right combination of experience, skills, and a positive attitude for this role. My previous experience in food service has helped me understand the importance of speed, efficiency, and top-notch customer service, all of which I can bring to your team."