Top tips for answering common pub interview questions

So, you’ve got a pub job interview coming up. No doubt you’ll be keen to ace your interview and land the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. We get it, interview nerves are real, but don’t worry, we don’t bite. Prepping for those common pub interview questions doesn’t need to be full of stress. 

Whether you’re joining our pub team, the skilled kitchen crew, or lining up for a leadership role, it’s all about bringing your best self to the table. Getting ahead of the game and preparing for the interview questions you’re likely to be asked means you’re never caught out.

At Greene King, we pour happiness into everything we do. We’re always on the lookout for people who share this passion. If you’re looking to shine in one of our interviews, we’re here to give you a helping hand with some tips for answering common pub interview questions.

Common pub interview questions and how to answer them

You’ve read the job description, you’ve got your smart-casual interview outfit at the ready, and you’re feeling good to go. All that’s left to do is get set for the questions that will come your way. Fail to prepare and you prepare to fail, as they say. 

For behavioural questions, the STAR method is a good tactic to use. By also looking at these bar interview questions, you can get to grips with how you want to approach them on the big day. 

1. Why do you want to work at Greene King?

This is one of our most common hospitality questions, and it’s your opportunity to show off that you’ve done your homework. We want to hear about your motivation for coming aboard and why you want to be a part of our team. 

The good news is you’re already in the best place to do your research! From understanding our values and our culture to digging into our career advice content, you can highlight what resonates with you and where you fit into the picture. 

2. Tell us about a time when you work as a part of a team 

Teamwork makes the dream work in our pubs, so it’s easy to see why this is a common pub and kitchen interview question. We want to know how you bring your a-game when you’re working alongside others. Try to demonstrate your communication and collaboration skills and how you go the extra mile when things get busy. 

Think of a time when you worked together to get the job done. It doesn’t have to be in a pub setting, it could be in a group activity or in another workplace. Focus on how you supported, stayed positive, and kept everything on track. 

3. How do you handle difficult customers or situations?

Let’s face it, we all encounter tricky customers every now and then. What we want to know is how you deal with it. Can you stay calm and find a solution with a smile? Let us know how you turn tough moments into positive ones. 

Give some real-life examples here if you can. Keep any times where you’ve overcome a difficult situation, in or outside of a work environment in mind. Walk us through your entire process here and you’ll be one of our customer service heroes in no time.

4. What do you think makes you good at this job?

Time to take centre stage. This is your chance to tell us what makes you a cut above the rest. Whether you're a whizz with a cocktail mixer, know how to deliver excellent customer experiences, or are a dab-hand in the kitchen, this is where you shine. 

Don’t be shy when this question gets asked. Here, you can talk about what you bring to the table and highlight any relevant experience or skills. Come with confidence and let your personality come to the fore. 

5. Describe a time when you gave good customer service

Customer service is our bread and butter. This common interview question is all about showing how you go above and beyond for customers. Think of a moment where you turned a regular interaction into a memorable one. We want to hear about the time you made someone’s day, as that’s what we do every day at Greene King.

6. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Time for some self-reflection. This pub interview question isn’t here to catch you out, don’t worry. We just want to know what you’re especially great at and where you’re working on getting even better. We’re committed to untapping potential, and this is a great moment to explore how working at Greene King is right for your career goals. Be honest with your weaknesses and pick strengths that relate to the role. 

Ready to impress?

There you have it. All the tips you need to answer those common hospitality interview questions with confidence. Remember to be yourself, bring a positive attitude, and show us what makes you a perfect fit for the role. 

All that’s left to do is put these top tips into practice. Explore our pub jobs, kitchen jobs and bar and waiting jobs today to set the wheels in motion.