Maggiano's Retail Associate Interview Questions
& Process

I applied online and got my interview date immediately. I got there a bit early and told the hostess. She wrote my name down and gave me a paper application to complete. Make sure to bring your resume and have all supervisor contacts ready because I had to look mine up on my phone, which was annoying. The Assistant Manager was interviewing others, so I waited. When it was my turn, I gave him the paper application, my availability (not required), and my resume. We went to a quiet area of the restaurant to start. He reviewed my resume and availability, and I briefly discussed them. He asked about my wine knowledge. I admitted it wasn't great. Then he tested me by asking what wine to pair with spaghetti and meatballs. I eventually said 'Merlot', but I wasn't confident. He said any red wine would work. He also asked about my spirits knowledge. When I was asked about suggesting a vodka for an Apple Martini, I suggested Kettle One, and he seemed unimpressed. I started listing other vodkas, but I got nervous and listed less premium ones. I should have said Grey Goose or Absolut. He also asked about my expected tip earnings per shift. We discussed potential starting shifts and the number of tables I'd handle. After that, he said he needed to finish his interviews for the week and would be in touch, or I could call him. I'm assuming I didn't get the job. The interviewer was nice and tried to make me comfortable, but I just got too nervous.

You will have two separate interviews with different managers. They will ask you basic questions and really like someone with an engaged personality. You will need at least 2 years of fine dining server experience to be a FOH server.

The first interview I met with one of the hiring managers. He seemed serious about hiring people that could work in a high energy environment and has excellent multitasking skills. He asked me about an example of 4 tables and the different serving stages they were in and what I would prioritize. I made it to the second and final interview just to make sure it was a good match, and it was. He really wanted to make sure I was going to stay on for a while and be determined to work hard in a fast paced restaurant.