Are you comfortable working flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays?

Sample answer to the question

Yes, I am comfortable working flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. I understand that the banquet industry often requires events to be held during these times, and I am committed to providing exceptional service to guests. In my previous role as a server at a high-volume restaurant, I regularly worked evenings and weekends to accommodate the dining needs of our customers. I have also worked during holidays and special events, ensuring that guests had a memorable experience. I believe that being flexible with my schedule is essential in this industry, and I am ready to contribute my best during any shift.

A more solid answer

Absolutely! I thrive on the excitement and variety that comes with working flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Having worked as a server in a high-volume restaurant for the past 4 years, I have become accustomed to the demands of these hours and have developed the necessary adaptability and resilience. For example, during weekends and holidays, our restaurant would experience a surge in customers, and I would efficiently manage multiple tables, ensuring each guest received excellent service. Even during the busiest shifts, I remained calm, prioritized tasks, and maintained a positive attitude, creating a pleasant dining experience for all. Additionally, I understand the importance of being a team player and am willing to step in and cover for colleagues when needed. Working flexible hours is part of the job, and I am fully committed to delivering exceptional service regardless of the time or day.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The candidate provides a more comprehensive answer by highlighting their experience working in a high-volume restaurant and how they have developed adaptability and resilience. They provide specific examples of their ability to handle multiple tables and remain calm during busy shifts. The candidate also emphasizes their commitment to delivering exceptional service and willingness to be a team player. However, they could further improve their answer by mentioning their experience in handling customer inquiries or dealing with challenging situations during flexible hours.

An exceptional answer

Yes, I am absolutely comfortable working flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. In fact, I believe that the ability to adapt my schedule to accommodate the needs of the guests is a crucial aspect of providing exceptional service. Throughout my 3 years of experience as a banquet server at a prestigious hotel, I have consistently demonstrated my dedication to going above and beyond for guests, even during unconventional hours. For instance, during a large-scale wedding event on a Saturday evening, I efficiently managed the service for over 200 guests, ensuring that each table received their meals promptly and that any special dietary requests were accommodated. Furthermore, I have developed strong problem-solving skills, allowing me to handle unexpected situations that may arise during events, such as last-minute changes to the seating arrangement or sudden guest inquiries. I embrace the fast-paced nature of the hospitality industry and genuinely enjoy the challenge of delivering outstanding service regardless of the day or time.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The candidate goes above and beyond in their answer by providing specific and detailed examples of their experience and achievements as a banquet server. They demonstrate their ability to efficiently manage large events with multiple guests and highlight their problem-solving skills in handling unexpected situations. The candidate's answer also conveys their positive attitude towards working flexible hours and their genuine enjoyment of the challenges that come with the hospitality industry. Overall, the exceptional answer showcases the candidate's experience, skills, and enthusiasm for the role.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on your past experiences working in roles that require flexibility, such as shift work or customer service positions. Identify specific instances where you successfully adapted to unconventional hours and provided excellent service.
Consider situations where you faced challenges or unexpected events while working flexible hours and how you resolved them. Think about the strategies you used to remain calm and efficient in those situations.
Research the banquet industry and familiarize yourself with the typical demands and expectations of working flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. This will help you demonstrate your understanding and commitment to the role.
Practice discussing your ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. Provide examples of how you managed your time effectively and prioritized tasks to ensure exceptional service.
Highlight your communication and interpersonal skills, as these are essential in creating a pleasant dining experience for guests. Think about how you have effectively engaged with customers and colleagues in previous roles.

What interviewers are evaluating

Flexibility
Customer Service
Ability to work under pressure