
Congratulations on getting a Wagamama Interview.
We can all agree that interviews are stressful and that competition is fierce.
However, with preparation, you can ace the Wagamama Job Interview.
Here, you will find how to answer frequently asked Wagamama Interview Questions and Answers.
Please note that these are practice interview questions, and we are not affiliated with the company mentioned in this post.
Wagamama Interview Questions and Answers
1. Can you tell us about yourself?
- Talk about your hobbies, previous work experience, and education. Keep your answer brief and to the point.
2. What can you tell us about Wagamamas?
- Wagamama offers fresh Japanese-inspired food featuring a wide variety of noodle and rice dishes, salads, side dishes, desserts, freshly squeezed juices, hot drinks, wine, sake, and Asian beers.
- The first restaurant was opened in 1992 in London.
- As of 2023, there are franchised restaurants in 22 different countries across Europe and the Middle East.
- Wagamama is Japanese for ‘naughty child’.
3. Why do you want to work for Wagamama?
- State that you love both the product and the service you receive from Wagamama’s, and you would take pride in representing them.
- Mention you would like a job that keeps you active.
4. 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.”
5. What is your greatest strength?
- I am a quick learner (this is a great answer because they will have to spend less time training you)
- I work well under pressure (this is an excellent answer because all restaurants have their rush hour, and you need to stay focused during this time)
6. How would you deal with an upset customer?
- I would find out what is wrong with the customer. If it were the product, I would offer to replace it (mention you would check with your manager first). It is crucial to keep the customer happy, as an unhappy customer will never return.
- I would also not let the customer upset me and ensure the next customer is treated in a friendly manner.
7. How would you define excellent customer service?
Customer service in a restaurant is important because it shapes the whole dining experience. Good service makes guests feel welcome, cared for, and respected. It also helps the restaurant run smoothly, because happy customers are more patient, more understanding, and more likely to return.
Sample Answer
To me, excellent customer service means being friendly, patient, and paying attention to what customers need. It’s making sure their order is right, keeping the area clean, and staying calm even when it’s busy. When customers feel valued, they enjoy their meal more.
8. Where do you see yourself in five years?
9. Why should I hire you?
For this question, you want to reread the job description and find out why you are a good fit. Suppose I was interviewing for a front-of-the-house team member. Here are the skills I found they are looking for
- Being a Wagamama front-of-the-house team member means being on the move in a busy environment (skill: works well under pressure).
- Making every customer feel welcome (skill: communication skills).
- If you’re ambitious, keen to learn, and eager to fulfill your potential, you’ll fit right in (skill: quick learner)
So when asked why should I hire you, state
- Say you work well under pressure and will thrive in a busy environment.
- State that you have excellent communication skills and will make every customer feel welcome.
- Finally, I would say you are a quick learner and have no issues learning about Wagamama products.
10. What motivates you?
Possible answers are:
Do Say
- Meeting deadlines, targets, or goals
- Mentoring and coaching others
- Learning new things
- Coming up with creative ideas to improve something, or make something new
- Working well as part of a team
- Finding a way to solve a problem, or overcome a challenge
Don’t Say
- Money
- Employee Discounts
11. How did you find this job?
- A great answer to this question is that you have been actively searching for jobs on Wagamama’s website, as you have always wanted to work here.
12. 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.”
13. How do you feel about standing for long periods?
- Most restaurant jobs require you to work on your feet for long periods. If possible, let the interviewer know you are okay with this. Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes with low heels, maintain good posture, and stay hydrated.
Remember Your Job Interview Questions?
Whether it was recent or a while ago, your experience can help others.
Previous Work Experience
14. Why is there a gap in your CV?
Employers ask this to understand your work history and make sure the gap wasn’t due to anything that would affect your reliability or performance. They’re not necessarily judging the gap itself; they just want to know what you were doing during that time and if you’re ready to return to work. They also use this question to check honesty, attitude, and how you explain your situation under pressure.
Sample Answer
“I took some time away from work to focus on personal priorities and reset. During that time, I stayed productive by working on personal development and staying organized with my goals. I’m now fully ready and motivated to return to work and commit to a consistent schedule. I’m looking forward to contributing, learning, and being reliable in a team environment.”
15. Why did you leave your last job?
Let’s first discuss what not to say!
- Do not say anything negative about your previous employer
- Do not say for money.
- The commute was too long.
Example
“I enjoyed my time at my last job, but, I have outgrown my current role and I am looking for new challenges.”
16. What did you like most about your current or last job?
- Unfortunately, this could be a trick question where they ask about things you didn’t like in your previous job.
- The best answer is that you enjoyed everything about your last job; however, you feel you have learned all you could in that role and are now looking for new challenges.
17. How was your attendance at your last job?
This question helps employers see if you are dependable and responsible. They want workers who show up on time, follow their schedule, and can be counted on.
Sample Answer
“My attendance at my last job was very good. I made sure to arrive on time, follow my schedule, and give notice if there were any issues. I understand how important reliability is, especially when working as part of a team.”
Questions to Ask at the End of the Interview
- 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?