20 McAlister’s Interview Questions and Answers

When you go to a McAlister’s Deli job interview, you can expect to be asked questions about your customer service skills, your ability to handle difficult situations, and your knowledge of the company’s menu. You may also be asked questions about your availability and your ability to work in a fast-paced environment. To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of sample McAlister’s Deli interview questions and answers.

McAlister’s Interview Process

The interview process at McAlister’s is generally pretty easy and straightforward. Most applicants will sit down with the general manager and answer a few questions. The interview is usually pretty short, and you may even be hired on the spot! However, some positions (such as cook or server) may require a more in-depth interview process. Overall, the experience is generally positive and relaxed.

1. What is your experience working with food?

McAlister’s Deli is a restaurant that serves food, so it’s important to have experience working with food. This question helps the interviewer determine if you’re qualified for the position and how much experience you have in this field. To answer this question, share your previous work experience and highlight any skills or knowledge you gained from these experiences.

Example: “I worked as a server at a casual dining restaurant where I learned about customer service and hospitality. I also had the opportunity to learn more about food preparation and presentation while working there. I’m excited to use my skills and knowledge of food to help McAlister’s Deli provide excellent customer service.”

2. Tell us about a customer service experience you have had that made you proud.

McAlister’s is a restaurant that prides itself on excellent customer service. This question helps the interviewer determine if you have experience in this area and how it may relate to working at McAlister’s.

Example: “I worked as a server for a small family-owned restaurant where I was responsible for taking orders, delivering food and drinks and ensuring customers were happy with their meals. One day, a regular came in who had been out of town for a while. He ordered his usual meal but said he couldn’t remember what side dish he usually got. I told him not to worry about it and gave him a few options. When he decided which one he wanted, I went back into the kitchen and asked our cook what sides they made most often so we could make sure the customer got the right thing.”

3. How would you handle an upset customer?

This question is an opportunity to show your customer service skills. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a time you had to diffuse a situation with a customer and how you did so successfully.

Example: “I once worked at a restaurant where we were understaffed on the weekend. This led to long wait times for customers who ordered food. I noticed one family was waiting over an hour for their meal. I apologized profusely and offered them free dessert or appetizers as compensation. They agreed to that compromise and seemed satisfied.”

4. Have you ever handled cash before?

This question is asked to determine your experience with handling cash and coins. Cashiers at McAlister’s Deli need to be able to count money accurately, so it’s important that you can demonstrate this skill in your answer.

Example: “I have worked as a cashier before, but I’ve never had the opportunity to work with such large amounts of cash. However, I am confident that I could handle working with cash at McAlister’s Deli because I have practiced counting money for my previous jobs.”

5. Why are you interested in working at McAlister’s Deli?

This question is a great way to learn more about the applicant and their motivations. McAlister’s Deli wants employees who are passionate about food, customer service and hospitality. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific aspects of the restaurant that you find interesting or exciting.

Example: “I am interested in working at McAlister’s Deli because I love the idea of being part of a family-friendly restaurant with delicious food and excellent customer service. I have always been impressed by your commitment to fresh ingredients and unique flavors.”

6. If hired, what area of the restaurant do you think you would excel in and why?

This question is a great way to determine what your strengths are and how you can use them in this role. When answering, think about the skills you have that would be beneficial to McAlister’s Deli.

Example: “I believe I would excel as a server at McAlister’s Deli because of my outgoing personality and ability to make customers feel welcome. In my previous job, I was always complimented on my friendly demeanor and positive attitude. I also love interacting with people and making sure they’re having a good time.”

7. Do you get along well with others?

McAlister’s is a team-oriented environment, so the interviewer wants to know that you’re able to work well with others. Show them that you have excellent interpersonal skills and can collaborate effectively with your coworkers.

Example: “I’m very friendly and outgoing, which makes it easy for me to get along with others. I enjoy meeting new people and making friends, so working in a restaurant setting suits me perfectly. In my last job, I was part of a large team and we all got along really well. We were always there for each other when someone needed help or advice.”

8. Would you be able to move up quickly within the company?

McAlister’s is a growing company that offers many opportunities for advancement. The interviewer wants to know if you have the ambition and drive to advance your career at McAlister’s.

Example: “I would love to move up quickly within the company. I am passionate about food service, and I believe my skills are transferable to other positions in the restaurant. For example, I could see myself working as a server or bartender. I also think I would be an excellent team leader because of my ability to motivate others and delegate tasks effectively.”

9. Describe a time when you went out of your way for a customer.

This question is a great way to show your dedication and passion for customer service. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the situation in detail and explain how you helped the customer.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job as a server, one of my regular customers came in with his family on a busy Saturday night. He was having trouble deciding what he wanted to order, so I offered to bring him samples of several different menu items. After trying everything, he decided on an appetizer and entrée. His entire family enjoyed their meals, and they left me a generous tip.”

10. At what point would you ask for help from someone else on a task?

This question can help the interviewer understand your ability to work with others and ask for assistance when needed. Use examples from past experiences where you asked a coworker or manager for help on a task, and how that helped you complete it successfully.

Example: “I would ask for help if I was unsure of what to do next in a task. For example, at my last job, I had to make several different types of sandwiches. If I didn’t know how to prepare one type of sandwich, I would ask my coworkers for advice so I could learn how to make all the sandwiches.”

11. What would you do if you noticed that one of your fellow employees was slacking off or not doing their work?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle conflict and whether or not you’re willing to speak up when necessary. In your answer, try to show that you value teamwork and are willing to hold others accountable for their actions.

Example: “If I noticed a fellow employee slacking off, I would first approach them privately to see if there was anything going on in their personal life that might be affecting their work performance. If they didn’t have an excuse, I would let them know that I expected more from them and that I would need them to improve by a certain date or else face termination.”

12. Describe a time when you were having trouble completing a task, how did you handle it?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work through challenges. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the steps you took to solve the issue and how you were able to overcome it.

Example: “When I was working as a server at a restaurant in my hometown, there was one table that would always leave me tips of pennies. At first, I thought they were just being generous, but after a few weeks, I realized they were trying to get me to give them better service. I talked with my manager about the situation, and we decided to add an automatic gratuity to their bill so I wouldn’t have to worry about giving them good service anymore.”

13. How do you like to receive feedback?

McAlister’s is a growing company that values employee feedback. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your communication style and how you respond to constructive criticism. In your answer, explain what makes you receptive to feedback and how you use it to improve your performance.

Example: “I like receiving feedback because it helps me understand my strengths and weaknesses as an employee. I try to be open-minded when someone gives me feedback, even if it isn’t positive. If I disagree with the feedback, I take time to reflect on whether there is truth in it. If so, I make a conscious effort to change my behavior or approach.”

14. Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced environment?

McAlister’s is a fast-paced restaurant that serves customers quickly. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle the pace of their business. In your answer, explain why you are comfortable working in a busy environment and what strategies you use to stay organized.

Example: “I am very comfortable working in a fast-paced environment because I have experience doing so. At my last job, we had a lot of customers during lunchtime. To keep up with the pace, I learned how to multitask efficiently. For example, when taking an order, I would write it down on a piece of paper while also listening to the customer’s drink order. This allowed me to get through orders more quickly.”

15. How would you go about training new team members?

McAlister’s Deli is a growing company that offers training opportunities for new team members. The hiring manager wants to know how you would help your new colleagues learn the ropes and feel comfortable in their roles. Use examples from previous jobs where you helped train others or developed an onboarding process.

Example: “I believe it’s important to make sure everyone on the team understands what they need to do, when they need to do it and why they are doing it. I also think it’s helpful to have a mentor program in place so new employees can get to know more experienced staff members. In my last job, I was responsible for training new servers and bartenders. I created a training schedule with specific tasks and expectations. Then, I held weekly meetings with each employee to discuss their progress and answer any questions they had.”

16. How well can you handle being criticized?

McAlister’s is a fast-paced environment where you may make mistakes. Employers ask this question to see if you can take constructive criticism and learn from it. In your answer, show that you are willing to accept feedback and use it to improve yourself.

Example: “I understand that working in the food service industry means I will occasionally make mistakes. When I do, I try my best to listen to what my manager has to say about it. If they give me advice on how to avoid making the same mistake again, I write it down so I remember it. I also like to think of constructive criticism as an opportunity to grow and become a better employee.”

17. What do you consider to be excellent customer service?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have experience providing excellent customer service. Use examples from your previous job or a time when you helped someone in need.

Example: “I believe excellent customer service means going above and beyond for customers, which includes being friendly, helpful and attentive. At my last job, I had a regular customer who was always in a rush but would come in every day at lunchtime. One day, she came in late and asked if we could make her sandwich quickly. I told her it would only take a few minutes and offered to hold her order until she got back. She thanked me profusely and said she appreciated it more than she could say.”

18. We want our customers to feel welcome when they come into the store. How would you make sure that happens?

This question is a great way to show your customer service skills. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about how you would make customers feel welcome in the store and what actions you would take to ensure they have a positive experience.

Example: “I want to make sure that every customer feels welcomed when they come into McAlister’s Deli. I believe that one of the best ways to do this is by greeting them as soon as they walk through the door. If there are no other customers in line, I would ask if they need any help or if they know what they want to order. This shows them that we care about their experience and want to provide excellent service.”

19. What makes McAlister’s stand out as a restaurant?

McAlister’s is a unique restaurant that offers a variety of food and beverages. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you understand what makes McAlister’s special. In your answer, try to explain why the restaurant is different from other restaurants in its category.

Example: “I think what makes McAlister’s stand out as a restaurant is the quality of the food and drinks. I’ve been to many casual dining restaurants where the food was just okay, but at McAlister’s, everything tastes fresh and delicious. Another thing that sets McAlister’s apart is the customer service. Every time I come here, the servers are friendly and helpful.”

20. What is something that you would change about McAlister’s?

This question is a way for the interviewer to see how you would handle constructive criticism. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of something that you noticed during your time at McAlister’s and explain what you would change about it if you were in charge.

Example: “I would like to see more healthy options on the menu. I know that many people are looking for healthier food choices when they eat out, so I think adding some new items with fresh ingredients could help attract more customers.”