If you have an interview at T.G.I. Fridays, you’re probably wondering what questions they will ask and how you can make a great first impression. T.G.I. Fridays is a busy restaurant that looks for friendly, fast, and reliable team members, so preparing ahead of time will help you stand out.
In this guide, we cover the most common T.G.I. Fridays interview questions, what managers look for in your answers, and simple tips to help you feel confident. Whether you’re applying for server, host, cook, or bartender, these questions will help you walk in ready and prepared.
TGI Fridays Interview Questions and Answers
1. What can you tell us about TGI Fridays?
Interviewers ask this question to weed out applicants who are 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 TGI Fridays
- TGI Fridays is an American restaurant chain focusing primarily on American cuisine and casual dining.
- The restaurant was founded on March 15, 1965
- The first TGI Friday’s was opened in Manhattan, followed by a second location in Memphis, Tennessee.
- TriArtisan Capital Advisors is the owner of TGI Fridays.
- TGI Friday’s is a global company and in the United Kingdom, the restaurant is called Fridays.
2. Why do you want to work for TGI Fridays?
They ask this question to see if you understand the company, if you’re a good fit for the team, and if you’re genuinely interested in the job.
🗣 Sample Answer:
“I want to work at TGI Fridays because I enjoy working in a fast-paced, fun environment. I’ve heard the team here is friendly and supportive, and I like the idea of working with people who care about good service. I also enjoy helping others, and I believe I can provide customers with a great dining experience. Plus, I’m excited to learn new skills and grow with the company”.
3. Where do you see yourself in five years?
- If you see yourself staying at TGI Friday’s, you would likely want to see yourself in a management position. TGI Fridays offers kitchen management, restaurant management, and general manager positions.
- If you are going to college, state what you see yourself doing when you finish.
4. What does TGIF mean?
- Thank God it’s Friday.
5. Why should I hire you?
This question helps employers see what makes you a good fit for the role. They want to know if you have the right attitude, skills, and willingness to learn.
Sample Answer
“You should hire me because I’m a hardworking, reliable, and friendly person who enjoys working with others. I’m quick to learn and always willing to take on new tasks. I also take pride in helping customers and making sure they have a positive experience. I would bring a positive attitude to the team and do my best to support both customers and coworkers.”
6. How would you deal with an upset customer?
- Mention that you will find out what is wrong with the customer. If it were the product, you would offer to replace it (after checking with the manager). Mention that your goal is to have the customer leave happy, as an unhappy customer is unlikely to return.
7. What salary are you looking for?
- Odds are you will get paid minimum wage but you can always flip the question and ask, “Do you mind if I ask what is the salary range?” When told the range you can counter with the high end of the range.
8. 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.”
9. 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.”
10. Do you have any questions for us?
- What do you like best about working here?
- How do you describe your ideal candidate for this position?
- What about this position is the most important?
- How do you measure my success, and what could I do to meet your expectations?
- Which part of the position has the steepest learning curve? What can I do to get up to speed quickly?
- What opportunities will I have to learn and grow?
Does TGI Fridays Drug Test?
- TGI Fridays does not drug test.
Server Interview Questions
Why do you want to be a server?
- Say you feel you would enjoy the challenge of working in a fast-paced environment.
- Say you enjoy meeting new people. and will work well with guests.
What previous work experience do you have?
- It is best to state any related experience to the restaurant industry rather than non-related experience. So if you have experience working in a restaurant, working with customers, or experience using a POS say that first.
Remember Your Job Interview Questions?
Whether it was recent or a while ago, your experience can help others.
Why should we hire you as a server?
For this question, you want to reread the job description, find key skills they are looking for, and match those skills to your own. Below is a sample T.G.I. Friday’s job description which I will show the skills they are looking for:
- Greets Guests, builds rapport, and ensures an enjoyable, quality dining experience (skill required: communication skills)
- Build rapport. Ask questions to identify the experience the guests want (skill required: listening skills).
- Learn TGIF menu and beverages, expertly recommends and up-sells on items (skill required: quick learner)
- Promptly and accurately takes food and beverage requests from guests (skill required: works well under pressure)
A possible answer to this question is
- Say you have excellent communication skills, always greet guests with a warm welcome, and quickly build rapport.
- Mention that you are a good listener, which will allow you to listen to the customer and meet their needs.
- State that you are a quick learner and can learn the features and menu items quickly.
- Finally, say you work well under pressure and can promptly take guests’ orders and handle any rush hours the restaurant experiences.
How would you deal with an upset customer?
- Say you would give the customer your full attention and make sure they feel they are being listened to.
- Say you would do whatever it takes to keep the customer happy, as an unhappy customer eliminates the chance for repeat business.
How would you fill the downtime in this job?
- I would ask other servers if they need any help.
- If there were any cleaning to be done, I would also help out with that task.