Tell me about a busy shift where you helped a teammate even though your own section was full.

What the interviewer is looking for

• This question tests teamwork. Describes running food for others, helping bus tables, communicating with the kitchen respectfully, and supporting coworkers during a rush.
• What to bring out: A specific example of running food, refilling drinks or bussing, and balancing it so their own tables were still cared for.
• Expect a follow-up like: How do you handle friction with the kitchen during a rush?

Another way it may be asked: Think of a night when another server was buried. What did you do to help?

A structure to follow: STAR, with the weight on Action and Result

1. Step 1

   Situation

   One or two sentences: where, when and what was at stake. Pick a real example you were close to.

2. Step 2

   Task

   What you personally were responsible for. Say "I", not only "we", so the teamwork you showed is visible.

3. Step 3

   Action

   The two or three things you did and why you chose them over the alternatives. This should be about half your answer.

4. Step 4

   Result

   What changed, in your own measure of it, and what you would do differently. Only use numbers you can stand behind.

This is guidance on shape, not a script. Use your own real experience and facts; never invent details to fill a gap. See the STAR guide and answer frameworks.

Common slips

• Describing what the team did without saying what you did.
• Choosing an example with no clear outcome, or one you cannot answer detailed questions about.
• Ending on the action and skipping the result and what you learned.

How to practise it

Write two bullet points for each STAR letter, then say the answer aloud in about two minutes.

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