20 Cactus Club Cafe Interview Questions and Answers

Cactus Club Cafe is a Canadian casual dining restaurant chain founded in Vancouver, British Columbia. The company has over 30 locations across Canada, with the majority of them being in Ontario and British Columbia.

Cactus Club Cafe is known for their fresh, made-from-scratch food and friendly service. If you’re hoping to land a job at Cactus Club Cafe, you can expect the interview process to be pretty competitive.

To give yourself the best chance of landing the job, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some tough questions. In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of some of the most common Cactus Club Cafe interview questions, so you can go into your interview with confidence.

Cactus Club Cafe Interview Process

The interview process at Cactus Club Cafe can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For server positions, there are typically three interviews which may be considered unnecessary by some. The office manager interview is said to be rushed and not very informative. The prep cook/dishwasher interview is usually conducted in two parts, with questions that are easy to answer. The hostess interview is generally casual. For food servers, the interview is done online without an interviewer present. Some applicants have reported being ghosted after going through multiple interviews. The front desk interview is not difficult and the interviewer is friendly. Service assistant interviews are done online and if shortlisted, candidates will be contacted for the next steps. Server/shift leader interviews focus on questions relating to the ability to keep up in a fast-paced environment and also ask about hobbies and interests to get a sense of whether or not the applicant would mesh well with the team. Dishwasher interviews are described as being patient and overall good. Host/busser interviews are relatively short, lasting around 7 minutes. Bartender interviews are done via video call and focus on basic questions.

1. Do you have any customer service experience?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your experience in the customer service industry. If you have previous experience, be sure to highlight what skills you used and how they helped you succeed. If you don’t have any experience, you can talk about how you would treat customers if you were hired.

Example: “I worked as a barista at a local coffee shop while I was going to school. It was a part-time job, but it taught me so much about working with people and making them happy. I learned that every customer has different needs, and I had to adapt my approach to each person who came through the line. I also learned how important it is to listen to customers and ask questions to make sure I understood their order.”

2. How would you describe your leadership style?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would lead your team members if hired. Your leadership style is unique to you, so it’s important to be honest about what works best for you and why. You may want to describe a time when you led a project or initiative that was successful.

Example: “I believe in being an approachable leader who encourages my team members to ask questions and voice their opinions. I think this helps create a more collaborative work environment where everyone feels comfortable contributing ideas. In my last role as a server at a restaurant, I noticed that our wait staff wasn’t communicating with each other very much. So, I started holding weekly meetings where we discussed ways we could improve service and make sure customers were happy.”

3. What is the most important thing to remember when working in a fast-paced environment like ours?

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to work in a high-pressure environment. It also allows you to demonstrate that you understand the importance of teamwork and communication when working with a large group of people.

Example: “The most important thing to remember when working in a fast-paced environment like this one is to stay calm, communicate clearly and be respectful of others’ time. I know how frustrating it can be to wait for someone who doesn’t seem to have any urgency about their tasks. That’s why I always make sure to prioritize my tasks so that they’re done as quickly as possible while still maintaining quality.”

4. Describe a time where you had to deal with an angry customer, how did you handle it?

An interviewer may ask this question to see how you handle stressful situations. This is an opportunity for you to show your communication skills and problem-solving abilities. In your answer, try to focus on the steps you took to resolve the situation.

Example: “In my previous role as a server, I had a customer who was upset about their meal. They were demanding that we give them a full refund because they didn’t like their food. I calmly explained to them that we couldn’t give them a refund but offered to replace their meal with something else. After some back and forth, they agreed to have another meal. The next day, they left us a five-star review.”

5. What do you think are the most important qualities of a successful server/waiter?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the industry and how you can be a valuable employee. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight qualities that are relevant to working at Cactus Club Cafe. Consider mentioning qualities such as friendliness, communication skills, attentiveness and problem-solving abilities.

Example: “I think one of the most important qualities of a successful server or waiter is their ability to multitask. At my previous job, I was often serving multiple tables at once while also taking orders and delivering food. Another quality I find important in this role is being able to communicate with customers. It’s important to listen to what they want and answer any questions they have about the menu.”

6. Why should we hire you?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can benefit their company. Before your interview, make a list of reasons why you are the best candidate for the position. Think about what skills you have that match the job description. Also, think about any personal qualities or traits that would help you succeed in the role.

Example: “I am passionate about customer service and hospitality. I believe that every guest deserves excellent service from their server. I also love interacting with people and making them feel welcome. These skills make me an ideal candidate for this position because I know I can provide quality service to guests while creating a fun and friendly environment.”

7. Tell me about a time when you had to make a decision on behalf of a customer that could not decide for themselves.

This question can help interviewers understand how you make decisions and whether or not you have experience making tough choices. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, ability to think critically and willingness to take on responsibility.

Example: “When I worked at a small restaurant in my hometown, we had a regular customer who would come in every Friday night with his wife. He always ordered the same thing, but one week he came in without his wife. When I asked him where she was, he told me that she passed away two weeks ago. I knew that he wanted her favorite meal, so I talked it over with the other servers and decided to give him the meal for free.”

8. Are you comfortable working with people from different backgrounds and cultures?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience working with people from different backgrounds and cultures. This can be an important skill for servers, as they often interact with customers of all ages, races, ethnicities and socioeconomic statuses. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific time when you interacted with someone who was different than you.

Example: “I am very comfortable working with people from different backgrounds and cultures. In my last position, I had the opportunity to work with many different types of people. One day, I served a table that included a family from another country. They spoke little English, but I was able to communicate with them using hand gestures and simple words. We were able to successfully place their order and enjoy our meal together.”

9. Describe your experience working as a line cook.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience as a line cook. Line cooks are responsible for preparing food in the kitchen, so employers want to make sure you have enough experience working in this role. In your answer, describe what your typical day was like and highlight any skills or experiences that show you’re qualified for this position.

Example: “I worked as a line cook at my previous job for three years. During my first year, I mostly prepared side dishes and salads while learning how to work with different ingredients. After one year, I became comfortable working on the line and learned how to prepare many of the restaurant’s signature dishes. As a line cook, I am confident using all types of cooking equipment and can multitask when needed.”

10. What do you know about Cactus Club Cafe?

This question is a great way for employers to see if you have done your research on the company. They want to know that you are interested in working for them and that you understand what they do. When preparing for this question, make sure you read through their website and social media accounts. You can also look at reviews online to get an idea of what customers like about the restaurant.

Example: “I’ve been following Cactus Club Cafe since I moved to San Diego two years ago. I love the fresh ingredients and unique menu items. I think it’s important to support local businesses, so I would be thrilled to work here. I noticed that there were some complaints about long wait times last year, but I’m happy to hear that has improved.”

11. Do you have any food handling training or certification?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience and qualifications. If you have any food handling training or certification, share the name of the program and how it helped you in your career.

Example: “I took a food safety course through my local community college when I was working at a restaurant as a server. The class taught me how to properly store and handle food so that customers could safely eat their meals. It also gave me an understanding of what kitchen staff do to prepare food for guests. This knowledge has helped me communicate with kitchen staff and understand why orders take longer than expected.”

12. How well do you work under pressure?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your ability to work in a fast-paced environment. In many cases, working under pressure can help you perform well and meet deadlines. To answer this question, think about how you’ve handled similar situations in the past. Consider mentioning any strategies that have helped you succeed in high-pressure environments.

Example: “In my previous role as a server at a busy restaurant, I learned how to manage stress while still performing my job duties. When it got really busy, I would take deep breaths to calm myself down. This helped me stay focused on my tasks and not get overwhelmed by the amount of customers we had. I also used positive self-talk to remind myself that I could handle whatever came my way.”

13. Have you ever had problems with other co-workers? How did you resolve them?

This question can help interviewers understand how you work with others and your problem-solving skills. Use examples from previous jobs to explain how you resolved the issue, what steps you took and what the outcome was.

Example: “In my last position as a server at a restaurant, I had a coworker who would often be late for their shift. This caused them to rush through their tasks, which affected the quality of their work. I talked to them about it and they understood that rushing wasn’t an option because it could affect other servers’ performance. They agreed to arrive 15 minutes early for their shifts so they could get everything done before their customers arrived.”

14. Which shift are you available to work?

The interviewer may ask this question to determine which shifts you are available to work. This can help them decide if you’re a good fit for the current needs of their business. When answering, be honest about your availability and consider what time of day or night is best for you to work.

Example: “I’m available to work any shift that fits with the needs of Cactus Club Cafe. I prefer working in the evenings because it’s when I have the most energy. However, I am also willing to work during lunch hours if needed.”

15. What is your availability?

Employers ask this question to make sure you are available for the job. They want someone who can work a full schedule and be there when they need them. When answering, list your availability in terms of days and times. Make sure that it matches what is listed on the job posting.

Example: “I am available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. I also have some availability at night, but not as much. I would love to work more nights if needed.”

16. What kind of hours are you looking for?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your availability. They may ask this question to see if you are looking for full-time or part-time work, and they might also want to know how many hours you’re hoping to work per week. When answering this question, be sure to let the employer know what kind of schedule you’re looking for and why it fits your needs.

Example: “I’m looking for a part-time job that allows me to work around my school schedule. I am currently a student at San Diego State University, so I would love to find a job that works with my class schedule. I have classes Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., so I was hoping to work one or two days during those times.”

17. What are some of your hobbies outside of work?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and interests. They want to know if you’ll fit in with their team, so they’re looking for hobbies that are similar to those of the other employees. When answering this question, try to think of a hobby that is unique or uncommon. This shows that you have an interesting background and can help you stand out from other candidates.

Example: “I love playing board games. I’ve been collecting them since I was a kid, and now I have quite the collection. My favorite game is Monopoly, but I also enjoy Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit. I’m always up for a friendly competition, so I hope my coworkers will be willing to play some games with me.”

18. Would you be willing to work overtime if needed?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re willing to work extra hours when they need them. They want employees who are dedicated and hardworking, so it’s important that you show your willingness to do whatever is necessary for the job. In your answer, explain why you would be willing to put in extra time at work.

Example: “I’m a very dedicated employee, and I always strive to get my work done on time. However, if there was ever a situation where I needed to stay late or come in early, I would definitely do what was necessary. I understand that sometimes things happen that require us to work overtime, and I am happy to help out as much as possible.”

19. What has been your biggest failure so far? What lessons did you learn from it?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s personality and how they handle failure. It also shows that you’re willing to share your mistakes with others, which can be an important quality in any employee. When answering this question, it’s best to focus on what you learned from the experience rather than dwelling on the negative aspects of the situation.

Example: “My biggest failure was when I applied for my previous job at Cactus Club Cafe. I had just graduated college and was eager to get started in my career. I sent out over 100 applications without much thought or research into each company. After receiving many rejections, I realized that I needed to take some time to find a position that would be a good fit for me.”

20. What is your favorite restaurant?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential new coworkers. It can also help you determine if the Cactus Club Cafe has similar values and culture as your favorite restaurant. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest. You want to show that you’re excited about working at this restaurant.

Example: “My favorite restaurant is The Olive Garden. I love Italian food, and their breadsticks are my favorite. I think what makes them so special is how they make each dish unique. For example, I always get the Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with extra garlic breadsticks. They know exactly how much sauce to put on my pasta, and they never forget my breadsticks.”