Heading into an interview with TGI Fridays can feel thrilling yet nerve-wracking. You likely have a torrent of questions flooding your mind. What will they ask? How do I properly prepare? What do they want to hear?
Not to worry, I’ve got you covered.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the top interview questions frequently asked at TGI Fridays interviews and provide tactical tips and example responses to help you craft winning answers.
This guide will give you the knowledge and confidence to answer any question asked during an interview, whether it’s for a job as a server, host, bartender, or something else.
So let’s dive right in and get you interview ready!
Commonly Asked TGI Fridays Interview Questions
Here are some of the most common questions that TGI Fridays asks during interviews:
1. Tell me about yourself
This open-ended question is often used by interviewers as an ice-breaker. While it may seem innocuous, how you answer reveals a great deal about your background and compatibility with the company.
The interviewer wants a snapshot of your professional experiences and skills that make you a great fit for the role.
Tips
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Keep your answer concise and focus on highlighting 2-3 relevant experiences
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Emphasize skills like customer service, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
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Relate your experiences back to the role you’re applying for.
Example:
“I have over 3 years of experience as a server in the restaurant industry. In my previous role at XYZ Restaurant, I led my team to our highest customer satisfaction ratings by fostering an upbeat and supportive work environment. That experience ties in directly with TGI Fridays’ commitment to outstanding guest experience and team camaraderie. I also have strong conflict resolution skills developed through diffusing disputes between customers and staff. I’m excited to bring my passion for service and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment to the TGI Fridays team.”
2. Why do you want to work for TGI Fridays?
With this question, the interviewer wants to gauge your passion for the company and the role. They want to hear that you’ve researched the company and understand their brand values.
Tips:
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Research TGI Fridays thoroughly before the interview. Understand their culture, mission and values.
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Pick specific examples of how your skills or values align with the TGI Fridays brand.
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Convey genuine enthusiasm and interest in being part of the company.
Example:
“I’ve always admired TGI Fridays’ emphasis on delivering exceptional guest experiences through great food, drinks and service. Having worked in the restaurant industry for 5 years, providing top-notch customer service aligns directly with my strengths and passions. TGI Fridays also promotes a lively, festive environment, which motivates me. If hired, I’d be excited to join a culture that values collaboration and making every guest feel welcome. Most importantly, TGI Fridays’ commitment to community outreach strongly resonates with me. I would love to work for a company that gives back.”
3. How would you handle an angry or dissatisfied customer?
With this common scenario-based question, the interviewer wants to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain composure and provide excellent service even in challenging situations.
Tips:
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Demonstrate patience, active listening and empathy when dealing with an upset customer.
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Provide a clear step-by-step approach for addressing the issue while following company guidelines.
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Give an example of a time you successfully pacified an angry customer.
Example:
“If a customer was angry or dissatisfied, I would first listen attentively to understand the root of their complaint without interrupting. Next, I’d empathize with their frustration and apologize sincerely. Depending on the situation, I would offer a solution such as a replacement meal or refund per company policy. My ultimate goal is to turn the negative experience into a positive one by addressing their concerns and leaving them feeling heard and valued. For example, a customer at my previous restaurant complained furiously about receiving the wrong order. I apologized, fixed the error, and by the end, the customer thanked me for my prompt service recovery.”
4. How do you handle stress or pressure?
TGI Fridays’ fast-paced setting can be stressful. This question gauges your ability to thrive under pressure.
Tips:
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Acknowledge that stress comes with the job but reframe it positively as providing an energizing challenge.
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Share tactical tips you use to manage stress like deep breathing, task prioritization, seeking support from others.
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Provide an example of when you stayed cool under stress and effectively navigated a high-pressure situation.
Example:
“I’m very comfortable working in high-pressure situations. In my previous serving job, Friday nights could get intensely busy and hectic. While it was stressful, I thrived off the fast pace. When stress levels rise, I make to-do lists to prioritize urgently important tasks. Taking quick but calming deep breaths also helps me slow down and focus. No matter how busy, I retain my composure and provide guests welcoming service with a smile. For example, during a huge influx of customers one night, I took charge directing my fellow servers to tend quickly to our guests’ needs. My ability to operate calmly under stress and lead my team through the rush allowed us to give customers great service amid the hustle.”
5. How do you handle constructive criticism?
With this question, the interviewer seeks to determine your level of humility, self-awareness and dedication to growth.
Tips:
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Demonstrate you are open to feedback and view it as a tool for self-improvement.
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When receiving criticism, actively listen and ask clarifying questions without getting defensive.
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Share an example when you implemented critical feedback to improve your performance.
Example:
“I warmly welcome constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth. When receiving feedback, I listen carefully, ask questions to understand it better, and take notes so I don’t forget important points. I make sure never to get upset or defensive. For example, a restaurant patron complained to my manager that I seemed distracted. I appreciated the feedback, as hard as it was to hear. I asked my manager follow-up questions and realized I needed to improve staying focused on customers. I worked diligently on giving diners my undivided attention. A week later, the same customer told my manager how much more attentive I was. I’m excited to continue developing through feedback at TGI Fridays.”
6. How would you describe your work style?
Here the interviewer wants insight into your approach to your job. Highlight attributes and work styles that would enable you to thrive at TGI Fridays.
Tips:
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Emphasize key qualities like teamwork, high-energy, customer focus, positivity, flexibility, attention to detail.
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Provide examples that demonstrate those qualities in action.
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Align your work style with the lively, guest-focused values of TGI Fridays.
Example:
“I have an upbeat, positive work style focused entirely on creating a stellar guest experience. I love working in lively environments where every day is different. I’m extremely detailed-oriented when taking orders or serving food and drinks to ensure accuracy. I also thrive on working closely with my fellow team members. I’m flexible and willing to assist anywhere I’m needed, whether hosting, managing a large table, or even jumping behind the bar. My outgoing and energetic personality also enables me to build an instant rapport with customers to give them a personalized, memorable visit every time.”
7. What is your greatest strength?
This question allows you to highlight a stand-out skill that makes you a strong candidate for the role. Pick a strength that aligns closely with TGI Fridays’ needs.
Tips:
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Choose a strength relevant to customer service – adaptability, active listening, empathy, problem-solving.
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Provide a specific example of using that strength in your job.
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Do not humblebrag or claim perfection – focus on continual improvement.
Example:
“I believe one of my greatest strengths is the ability to adapt smoothly and promptly to changing situations. The restaurant business inevitably brings surprises that require thinking on your feet. For example, as a server, I’ve had to rapidly change sections when coworkers call out sick before a shift. Or tables ordering complicated custom meal requests that I accommodate seamlessly. I take pride in quickly adapting to whatever gets thrown my way, whether that’s a last-minute staffing change or a large 20-top reservation arriving unannounced. My adaptability enables me to maintain top-notch service no matter the circumstances.”
8. Why should we hire you?
This is your sales pitch – your chance to summarize why you’d be an asset to the TGI Fridays team.
Tips:
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Highlight 2-3 key skills or traits that make you the ideal candidate.
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Emphasize what distinguishes you from other applicants.
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Convey enthusiasm
Top 5 TGI Fridays Interview Questions and Answers
FAQ
Why do you want to work at TGI Fridays?
How to answer why should we hire you?
Is it better to be interviewed first or last?
What is the interview process like at TGI Fridays?
I interviewed at TGI Fridays (Manchester, England) First you must complete an application and if successful you move on to a group interview day. The group interview consists of group tasks and quick fire interviews with different staff Where do you see yourself in 5 years? I applied online. The process took 2 days.
What do you see yourself doing at TGI Fridays?
If you see yourself staying at TGI Friday’s state you would like to see yourself in a management position. TGI Fridays have kitchen management, restaurant management, and general manager positions. If you are going to college state what you see yourself doing when you finish. 4. What does TGIF mean? Thank God it’s Friday. 5. Why should I hire you?
What skills do you need to be a TGI Friday?
Below is a sample T.G.I. Friday’s job description which I will show the skills they are looking for: Greets Guests builds rapport and ensures an enjoyable, quality dining experience (skill required: communication skills) Build rapport. Ask questions to identify the experience the guests want (skill required: listening skills).
What’s new at TGI Friday’s?
Last Monday TGI Friday’s unveiled a new promotion (available at many TGI Friday’s locations, but none on the island of Manhattan) whereby customers can gorge themselves on unlimited appetizers—without fear of punishment, embarrassment, or ostracization—for a one-time payment of $10. The promotion is called “Endless Appetizers.”