Heading into an interview at Joes Crab Shack? You’ll want to be prepared to answer some common interview questions that recruiters at this restaurant chain are known to ask.
As a popular seafood chain with over 130 locations across the United States Joes Crab Shack prides itself on hiring energetic and customer-focused team members. The interview aims to assess whether you’d be a good fit for their lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
Based on what current and former employees have told me, I’ve looked at some of the most common Joes Crab Shack interview questions. In this article, I’ll share details on:
- The Joes Crab Shack hiring process
- Examples of common interview questions with tips on how to answer them
- Questions specific to different roles like server, host, cook
- Strategies to help you prepare for the Joes Crab Shack job interview
Let’s get cracking!
Overview of the Joes Crab Shack Interview Process
The interview process at Joes Crab Shack is fairly straightforward and relaxed Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect
- Application: Apply online or in-person with a resume. Having prior restaurant experience helps.
- Phone interview (optional): You may get a preliminary call to screen applicants. Be prepared to discuss availability, job interests, and experience.
- In-person interview: Most locations conduct a single face-to-face interview. It’s conversational and usually lasts 20-30 minutes.
- Follow up: Expect to hear back within 1-3 days. Hiring is often done on the spot.
- Orientation: If hired, you’ll complete orientation and training before starting.
The goal of the in-person interview is to see how well you can deal with customers, how hard you work, and how well you fit in with the Joes Crab Shack culture. Being friendly and energetic goes a long way.
Now let’s look at some of the common questions that come up.
8 Frequently Asked Joes Crab Shack Interview Questions
Here are some of the most commonly asked interview questions at Joes Crab Shack and tips for answering them:
1. Why do you want to work at Joes Crab Shack?
This is a very common opening question. Interviewers want to gauge your interest in the company.
Tips for answering:
- Talk about why you’re drawn to their lively, beach-themed atmosphere.
- Mention if you’re excited by the menu and seafood dishes.
- Highlight that you enjoy the emphasis on family-friendly dining.
- Discuss aspects of their culture or values that resonate with you. Show you’ve done your research.
Example: “I’m very excited by the lively, fun beach vibe at Joes Crab Shack. The menu full of seafood buckets and crab dishes is right up my alley too. I love the focus on bringing people together for a great family-style meal. I feel my upbeat personality and passion for seafood would make me a great fit.”
2. What experience do you have in customer service?
Joes Crab Shack prides itself on providing top-notch hospitality. They’ll want to know you have the skills and experience to create a memorable dining experience.
Tips for answering:
- Share specific examples of providing excellent customer service in past roles.
- Highlight skills like active listening, patience, and communicating effectively.
- For those without experience, discuss times you’ve helped customers in other settings.
Example: “In my previous role as a server at a family restaurant, I gained significant experience in customer service. From greeting guests as they arrived to anticipating needs and addressing complaints, my priority was ensuring diners had a pleasant experience. For example, I often received compliments on remembering and using customers’ names, which created a welcoming atmosphere. My ability to listen attentively and respond to feedback helped me resolve any issues too. I’m excited to provide the same high level of hospitality at Joes Crab Shack.”
3. How would you handle an unhappy or difficult customer?
Dealing with disgruntled diners is an inevitable part of working at a restaurant. Interviewers want to see you can handle these situations professionally.
Tips for answering:
- Acknowledge the importance of remaining calm and patient.
- Discuss using empathy, active listening, and a constructive tone.
- Explain how you would work to resolve the issue to the customer’s satisfaction.
- Share any success stories of turning dissatisfied customers around.
Example: “If faced with an unhappy or upset customer, I would first listen closely to understand the exact issue without interrupting them. I’ve found that truly listening and showing empathy often helps diffuse difficult situations. Next, I would apologize sincerely for any lapses and see how I may be able to resolve the issue, whether that’s correcting a food order or offering a discount on the bill. My goal would be turning them from an unhappy customer into a satisfied one before they leave the restaurant. In the past, patience and actively working to solve problems has helped me successfully pacify frustrated diners.”
4. How would you handle a busy night with large groups and wait times?
Joes Crab Shack is known for its lively ambiance, often with large groups and wait times. They’ll want to see you can maintain quality service even when it gets hectic.
Tips for answering:
- Highlight skills like composure, multitasking, and effective communication.
- Discuss strategies for balancing attention between groups and managing priorities.
- Share examples of handling high pressure rushes successfully in the past.
- Emphasize that guest experience remains the priority regardless of how busy it gets.
Example: “Handling busy nights with large groups and wait times comes down to staying composed, anticipating needs, and communicating proactively. I would start by setting expectations upfront with guests about potential delays, while assuring them we’re doing our best. Multitasking is crucial too – I may be welcoming a large party while also processing other tables’ orders simultaneously. Having a system helps, like keeping checklists to track orders and meal progress. Most importantly, I’d collaborate closely with the kitchen staff to push out orders quickly. My experience serving large crowds has taught me how to still make guests feel valued, even during hectic rushes.”
5. This location gets very busy during summer weekends. When would you be available to work?
Staffing needs fluctuate at Joes Crab Shack based on peaks and valleys in customer traffic. They’ll want to know you can work during their busiest times.
Tips for answering:
- Express maximum availability and openness to work weekends and peak periods.
- If your availability is limited, highlight times you can work and flexibility to cover shifts.
- Convey that you are eager to contribute and will make yourself available for key hours.
Example: “I understand weekends during summer are your busiest times at Joes Crab Shack. I’m glad to share that I have completely open availability on Saturdays and Sundays. Even beyond that, I’m very flexible to work additional weekends or extend my hours when needed. I don’t have constraints from another job or school that would restrict my ability to work prime hours. I’m excited by the lively summer crowds and would welcome the opportunity to take on more hours and responsibility during peak seasons.”
6. How do you handle criticism from managers or team members?
Kitchens and service teams work best when everyone can give and receive feedback constructively. They’ll want to see you don’t take criticism personally.
Tips for answering:
- Show you welcome constructive feedback as an opportunity to improve.
- Share examples of implementing manager or team member suggestions positively.
- Convey that you give feedback respectfully and avoid defensiveness.
- Emphasize keeping emotions in check and focusing on doing your best.
Example: “I welcome constructive criticism and feedback from my colleagues because I see it as an opportunity to grow. In the past, when managers have Critiqued my work, I’ve made a point to listen, ask clarifying questions if needed, and implement their suggestions. There’s always room for improvement, and an outside perspective helps me strengthen my skills. In turn, when I have feedback for fellow team members, I offer it constructively by focusing on the issue at hand. I provide specific examples to help them improve rather than make it personal. And I find accepting criticism gracefully and without ego is crucial for maintaining positive working relationships in a restaurant.”
7. Tell me about a time you had to be flexible to the needs of a job.
Restaurants require flexibility – you may be asked to come in last minute, switch stations, work overtime, etc. They’ll want to know you’re adaptable.
Tips for answering:
- Share an example of adjusting your schedule or responsibilities to fulfill the restaurant’s needs.
- Highlight that you’re willing to take on additional tasks outside your job description when required.
- Emphasize prioritizing the guest experience and team needs above your own convenience.
Example: *”Adaptability and being flexible to fulfill the restaurant’s needs is crucial, in my experience. For example, when I worked at a
Interview Tips From a Joe’s Crab Shack Manager Video
The interviewer asked, “What qualities do you look for in an applicant?” The manager of Joe’s Crab Shack replied, “I look for someone who shows confidence.” They enter my interview with a knowledge of our company. They knew we were a happy environment, and they knew that they were good for the job. If they didn’t seem to know why they were applying, I’d question them because we have high standards and want to meet them.
Job Interviewer: What kinds of answers do you want to hear?
Joe’s Crab Shack Manager: I usually want to know if they’ve dealt with problems in the past. Would they try to handle it on their own, or would they ask someone higher up, like a manager, to help them? For that person, that says a lot, especially in that setting where there is only one manager and a lot of things going on. If you can at least apologize and say you’re sorry, then seek a higher. That told me that they’re great people. They know how to handle disagreements and problems, which I believe is very important in the customer service field.
Interviewer: What was the best answer you’ve ever heard in an interview?
Joe’s Crab Shack Manager: One of the girls just said they’ll apologize right away. After apologizing they would just listen to them. Honestly, that’s all the customer wants sometimes. They just want to be listened to. They most likely had a bad day and are taking it out on other people because they don’t want to deal with it. You can make things easier for everyone if you just say, “I’m sorry, let me see what I can do for you,” and let them get it all out. When the manager comes, he already let everything out. He doesn’t have anything else to argue about.
When someone applies for a job, what should they do to get ready for the interview? Joe’s Crab Shack Manager: Any restaurant wants you to know about them. The hardest part that you can ever do, training process, is going to be the menu test. We’ve had a lot of people that have failed the menu test. There’s just too much to learn, and you won’t know it all by the time this test is over. A previous, before you think about going to that restaurant and applying, take a to-go menu. See what they sell, your top picks. Then you’ll go through an interview, which is also known as an “audit.” This is to see if you know what you’re talking about. We basically have a list to look over and see if you know the menu and how to give the steps to make a great Joe’s experience. If you know a little about something, like your favorite dish, you can definitely fool us into thinking you know everything. We’ll think you know everything if you look sure of yourself and say, “Oh, I know this” or something similar. Just do a little bit of studying, it won’t hurt.
Interviewer: Describe the advancement opportunities for someone starting out. Joe’s Crab Shack Manager: Joe’s Crab Shack has the best advancement opportunities, honestly. I was a server for only two months maybe. As soon as they see potential in you, you get promoted super fast. It starts from hosting, but if you had recent serving experience they’ll put you as a server. As they see how good you are, they’ll put you in charge of a bar, then another bar, and finally the chance to open a new Joe’s Crab Shack across the country as a team leader. Which is cool because you get to go somewhere else. For example, I went to Florida to open a Joe’s Crab Shack and train other people. You get paid for that, you get the experience. The professional development. Then management, flex manager. All of the opportunities.
