Getting ready for an Applebee’s interview? Applebee’s is known for its casual dining experience, friendly service, and team-focused environment. Because of this, interview questions often focus on customer service skills, teamwork, and how you handle busy or stressful situations.
In this guide, you’ll find common Applebee’s interview questions, why they ask them, and sample answers to help you prepare. Whether you’re applying for a server, host, bartender, cook, or to-go specialist role, this page will help you understand what Applebee’s looks for in employees and how to stand out during your interview.
Interview Questions by role:
Please note that these are practice interview questions, and we are not affiliated with the company mentioned in this post.
Applebee’s Interview Questions and Answers
Can you tell me about yourself?
Interviewers use this question to learn more about your background, personality, and work style. They want to hear about your experience, strengths, and why you would be a good fit for the job.
Sample Answer
“I’m a reliable and hardworking person who enjoys helping others and learning new skills. I work well in team environments and like staying busy. In school and past experiences, I’ve learned the importance of communication, responsibility, and customer service. I’m looking for an opportunity where I can grow, gain experience, and contribute positively to the team.”
What can you tell us about Applebee’s?
Interviewers ask this question to weed out applicants hoping to get an interview by randomly applying to hundreds of jobs. Instead, they want to meet with applicants who have done their research about the company. Here are a few facts about this company
About Applebee’s
- Applebee’s is an American casual dining chain known for its salads, chicken, pasta, burgers, and riblets.
- The menu also has a 2-for $20 menu (2 Entrees and one appetizer).
- The first Applebee’s opened in Atlanta, Georgia in 1980.
- Applebee’s first restaurant opened in Kansas City.
- Customers can order their meals online.
- Applebee’s parent company is Dine Brands.
- Many restaurants offer Applebee’s To Go, allowing customers to order online and have their meals delivered to the Car Side To Go parking spot.
- Do you think you know a lot about Applebee’s? Take our Applebee’s Interview Preparation trivia and find out!
Why do you want to work for Applebee’s?
- Tell the interviewer that you would love to learn more about the restaurant industry and business in general and that you feel Applebee’s would be a good place to do this. Applebee’s has received numerous awards, such as “Chain of the Year” from Restaurant Hospitality Magazine, “Excellence in Retention Award” from National Restaurant Magazine, and “One of America’s Best Managed Companies” from Forbes Magazine.
- Say how their product is better than the competition. For example, you can mention how you love the lunch combo meal, the desserts, and the very friendly atmosphere.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- If you see yourself staying at Applebee’s, say you see yourself in a career in restaurant management.
- If you are going to college, tell them this and state what you plan on doing once you finish your degree.
Why should Applebee’s hire you?
- All restaurants will be looking for someone who works well as part of a team, is punctual, is a great communicator, and works well under pressure. State that you have these skills and, because of this, you would be a good fit at Applebee’s.
What is your greatest strength?
Employers ask this to understand what you do well and how it can help the team. They want to see strengths that match customer service, teamwork, and reliability.
Sample Answer
“One of my greatest strengths is that I’m dependable and a good communicator. I stay focused, show up on time, and make sure I complete my tasks properly. I also enjoy working with people and helping customers, which helps me stay positive and do well in a team environment.”
What is your greatest weakness?
Employers ask this question to see if you are self-aware, honest, and willing to improve yourself.
Sample answer
“One weakness I have is that I can be a little nervous when starting something new. I like to do a good job, so I sometimes put pressure on myself at first. However, once I learn the job and get comfortable, I become more confident and work well with others. I also try to ask questions and learn from feedback so I can improve.”
Do you have any restaurant experience?
- If so, mention it, as it will help you get the job, but be prepared for the “why did you leave” question.
- If you don’t have restaurant experience, don’t worry as Applebee’s hires many first-time employees.
What hours can you work?
They ask this to understand your availability and see if it fits the needs of the workplace. Employers want people who are reliable and can work a flexible schedule when needed.
Sample Answer
“I have a flexible schedule and am available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays if required. I understand that some shifts can be busier than others, and I’m willing to be flexible to support the team when needed.”
Remember Your Job Interview Questions?
Whether it was recent or a while ago, your experience can help others.
How would you handle a difficult customer?
- Say you would give the customer your full attention and ask how he/she is doing. If they were upset about a product state, you would offer to replace it. If they are upset about the wait time, apologize and ensure that you provide extra special care to this customer during their visit.
What motivates you?
Interviewers ask this to understand what pushes you to do your best at work. They want to see if you stay positive, work hard, and enjoy helping customers and teammates.
Sample Answer
“I’m motivated by learning new skills and doing a good job. I also enjoy working with people and helping customers have a positive experience. Knowing that I’m contributing to a team and improving each day keeps me focused and motivated.”
Who are Applebee’s competitors?
- Several of Applebee’s competitors include Outback Steakhouse, Cheesecake Factory, T.G.I. Friday’s, Ruby Tuesday, and Chili’s.
Hostess Interview
Can you tell us about your previous work experience?
- They want to know how your related work experience matches the experience required to be a hostess. So, if you have any experience working in a restaurant, with customers, or cleaning, say that first.
- Don’t worry if this is your first job and you do not have much work experience, as Applebee’s hires many first-time employees. Tell the interviewer you have been focusing on school and are now anxious to prove yourself in the workforce.
Why do you want to be a Hostess?
- Say you enjoy meeting new people and will work well with customers so you feel like you would be a good fit as a host/hostess.
In your opinion, what makes a great hostess?
- The door is held open when the customer arrives.
- They are greeted in a friendly manner.
- They are not waiting long for a table. If they are staying because it is busy, they are told how long the wait is.
- All guests’ needs are accommodated, including special needs such as boosters, high chairs, and disabilities.
Why should we hire you?
Reread the job description, find the skills they seek, and tell the interviewer you have those skills. Here are the skills I found they are looking for after reviewing the job description
- Greets (both arriving and departing) and seats all guests in a friendly manner (skill required: communication)
- Assists in maintaining the overall guest flow of the restaurant (skill required: organizational)
- Maintains a clean and organized work area and completes cleaning as assigned (skill required: attention to detail)
- Provides guest assistance to the server when needed. (skill required: teamwork)
A possible answer to this question is
- Say you have excellent communication skills, making the customer feel welcome.
- Mention you have strong organizational skills and will not have an issue maintaining the overall guest flow of the restaurant.
- State you pay great attention to detail and always ensure the restaurant is always clean.
- Finally, say you are a team player and will always assist the server when needed.
How would you deal with guests who are tired of waiting?
- If it were okay with the manager, I would offer a free sample of an appetizer.
- I would assure them their table is coming and try and give them an accurate estimate of their wait time.
Do you have any questions for us?
- What are the characteristics of top-performing host/hostesses?
Server Interview
The job description states that an Applebee’s server communicates with guests to serve food and drinks while maintaining an upbeat atmosphere. A server also relays orders to the bar and kitchen. You will find frequently asked Applebee’s Server Interview Questions and Answers here.
Can you tell us about your previous work experience?
- They will ask about your previous work experience during the Applebee’s server interview. Talk about any experience you have working with customers, serving food and drinks, using a point of sale system, and finally setting and busing tables.
Why should we hire you?
Have a second read of the job description, find the key skills they are looking for, and convince the interviewer that you have these skills. Below are the skills I found after reviewing the job description:
- Interacts verbally with all guests, creating a friendly and upbeat atmosphere (skill required: communication)
- To serve food and drinks, and to accommodate guests’ needs in a courteous and timely manner (skill required: works well under pressure)
- Relays orders to service bar and kitchen via the point-of-sale computerized register system. (skill required: quick learner)
So when asked why should they hire you as their server say
- Mention you have excellent communication skills and will always greet the customer in a friendly manner.
- State that you work well under pressure, allowing you to serve guests kindly and courteously.
- Finally, mention that you are a quick learner and will learn about the point of sale system and menu items quickly.
How would you deal with an upset customer?
- I would find out what was wrong with the customer and, if it was an unsatisfactory item, offer to replace it.
- I would apologize if they felt they were waiting too long for their meal.
- The ultimate goal is to ensure that the customer leaves happy, as unhappy customers are unlikely to return.
Questions to ask at an Applebee’s Server Interview
- What type of promotion can top-performing servers receive?
- What are some traits of great servers you have worked with in the past?
Manager Interview
An Applebee’s Restaurant Manager reports to the General Manager and assists in leading the restaurant’s operations and a team of 40+ hourly associates. Here are frequently asked Applebee’s Restaurant Manager Interview Questions and Answers.
Can you tell us about your previous work experience?
This is where you relate your previous work experience to the experience required to be a restaurant manager. Below is the knowledge required for this position:
- Two years of management experience, with a minimum of three months each in all of the following operational areas: Kitchen, Bar, Front of House Operations, and Financial/Human Resource and Systems Management is required. So, try to relate your experience to the operational areas mentioned above.
- Tip!!! Be sure to mention any college courses you have completed, especially in hospitality.
Why do you want to be a Restaurant Manager at Applebee’s?
- Say you enjoy mentoring and coaching others in their careers.
- Say you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and enjoy the challenge.
Why should Applebee’s hire you as their restaurant manager?
For this question, you need to look at the job description, find the critical skills they are looking for, and tell the interviewer that you have these skills. Below is what I found after reviewing the job description:
- We are looking for quality, hard-working Associate Managers who have an established career in leadership in the hospitality industry (skill required: leadership)
- Monitors and maintains adequate food and beverage inventories (skill required: attention to detail).
- Ensures timely product preparation and presentation meet company standards. Uses daily line checks to ensure product preparation meets sales volume (skill required: works well under pressure).
- Communicates effectively with other management staff (skill required: communication skills).
A possible answer to this question is
- State your excellent leadership skills, allowing you to manage a large organization such as a restaurant.
- You mention paying great attention to detail, which is vital when managing tasks such as managing inventory and ensuring guests are treated in an excellent manner.
- Say you work well under pressure, which will help ensure all products are sent out according to company standards and that the restaurant meets its sales targets.
- Finally, say you have strong communication skills, allowing you to communicate effectively with other management staff.
What are your salary expectations?
- Be sure to research Applebee’s Manager Salaries online before you go into this interview.
- You can always flip the question and ask what the salary range is.
How do you motivate others?
- Say you feel money is not the best motivator, and a simple pat on the back goes a long way.
- Say you always take the time to praise good work.
Can you describe your process for firing someone?
- Say you put most people on a performance review as they have to understand why they are not performing well. I let them go if they still make mistakes after a week or two.
Questions to ask at an Applebee’s Manager Interview
- What are the characteristics you look for in top-performing Applebee’s Restaurant Managers?
- Why is the restaurant manager position open? What did the previous manager do well, and what could he or she have improved on?
Does Applebee’s drug test for employment?
- There is no evidence to suggest that Applebee’s does a drug test on their employees.
Interview Tips for Applebee’s
- Arrive 10 minutes early.
- Turn off your smartphone.
- Learn as much as you can about the company.
- Don’t speak too fast, as you will sound nervous.
- Don’t speak too slowly, as you will sound dull.
- Make eye contact during the entire interview.
How should I dress for an interview at Applebees?
Entry-Level Position
- Dress business casually if you are interviewing for an entry-level position. Do not wear shorts and avoid wearing jeans.
Management Position
- Dress formally or business casual if you are interviewing for a management position. Blazers and dark trousers are a safe choice, as well as wrap dresses for females. Avoid sportswear clothes.
Colors
- Blue tells employers that you’re credible and trustworthy.
- Black shows leadership and is great if you’re going for a senior position.
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Red sends a message that you are assertive and will work well in a field like sales.
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People consider wearing orange to a job interview unprofessional, linking it to being the worst color choice.
Applebee’s Second Interview
The second interview is an opportunity for the interviewer to find out more about you or to have someone more senior interview the final list of candidates.
Many suggest the second interview is about past performance. Such as
- Can you name the most significant accomplishment of your last job?
- Can you tell us about how you increased sales and/or productivity?
Remember to use the names of all the people you met last time. Make sure you recognize them and greet them.