Ace Your First Watch Interview: The Top 21 Questions You Need to Prepare For

Getting hired at First Watch starts with acing the interview. As one of the fastest growing daytime restaurant chains in the US, First Watch is selective about who they bring onto their team. With over 420 locations across 36 states, they look for candidates who align with their values of serving fresh, made-to-order breakfast and lunch with excellent service.

To stand out from the competition and land the job, you need to demonstrate your qualifications during the interview process. While each conversation will vary, there are some common First Watch interview questions that you can expect to encounter and prepare for.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover the top 21 questions asked at First Watch interviews based on insider info from employees and candidates. With tips and sample answers for each, you’ll know exactly how to wow the hiring managers and prove you have what it takes to succeed at First Watch.

Common First Watch Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Let’s get right into the heart of this guide – the types of First Watch interview questions you’re likely to face and how to nail your responses

1. Why do you want to work at First Watch?

This is one of the most common opening questions in any interview It allows the interviewer to gauge your interest in and enthusiasm for the company

How to answer: Highlight your knowledge of First Watch’s commitment to fresh, made-to-order food and exceptional service. Share why their values and brand align with your own goals and passions. You might mention loving breakfast foods, wanting a fast-paced work environment, or being excited to learn from an established restaurant chain.

2. What experience do you have in customer service or the restaurant industry?

First Watch wants to hire candidates with relevant skills and experience to thrive in the role. When answering this question be sure to highlight any food service hospitality, or customer-facing positions you’ve held, especially at fast-paced establishments.

Discuss responsibilities you’ve handled such as serving customers, preparing food, cash handling, managing inventory, etc. Quantify your achievements and capabilities gained from past roles. Even if you lack direct experience, you can focus on transferable skills.

3. How would you handle an unhappy or difficult customer?

Providing excellent customer service is crucial for First Watch employees. Expect scenarios like this one to assess your patience, communication skills and problem-solving abilities.

Respond by walking through your approach to turn a negative situation into a positive outcome. Emphasize listening, understanding the customer’s perspective, apologizing for the issue, and working to find a resolution. Having an example from a past job is helpful.

4. Tell me about a time you had to juggle multiple tasks at once. How did you handle it?

Multi-tasking is a must in the fast-paced restaurant environment. This question evaluates how you prioritize, stay organized, and work under pressure when faced with competing tasks.

In your response, provide a specific example that demonstrates your process. Discuss how you analyzed the situation, prioritized the most critical tasks, employed time management strategies, and ensured everything got completed properly. Emphasize positivity, organization, communication and teamwork in your approach.

5. Why should we hire you over other candidates?

A common question, but one that’s still important to have a great answer for. The interviewer wants you to set yourself apart and make a case for why you’re the best fit compared to others.

Focus on your most relevant skills, experiences and personal qualities. You might highlight your passion for the brand, existing expertise in food service, ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, or stellar customer service skills. Back up claims with specific examples. Keep it positive by focusing on yourself rather than critiquing others.

6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

For roles in the restaurant and hospitality industry, employers want to ensure you have long-term career goals and vision aligned with the opportunity at hand.

In your response, convey your interest in professional growth within the company. You might express interest in advancing from server to shift lead or manager. Focus on acquiring new skills, developing leadership capabilities and taking on more responsibility over time. This shows you’re dedicated to growing in your role.

7. How do you handle stress or pressure in the workplace?

Landing top talent means finding candidates that know how to stay cool under pressure. Restaurants can be high-stress environments, so interviewers want to know you can handle the heat.

In your response, start by acknowledging that workplaces can be stressful or chaotic at times. Provide examples of times you maintained composure in high-pressure situations, whether it was an unhappy customer, a kitchen mishap or a busy shift. Share specific stress management tactics you use such as taking deep breaths, compartmentalizing tasks, or having a positive attitude. Demonstrate you thrive under pressure.

8. Tell me about a time you made a mistake at work. How did you handle it?

Don’t be afraid of this question! Interviewers actually want to see how you take responsibility for and respond to mistakes. It demonstrates maturity, accountability and a learning mindset.

In your example, briefly explain the mistake, taking ownership. Then give a detailed overview of how you handled the situation, such as apologizing, making corrections, notifying a supervisor if appropriate, and putting processes in place to prevent it in the future. Keep the focus on the resolution rather than the mistake itself.

9. Why is teamwork important in a restaurant environment?

First Watch runs like a well-oiled machine, with teamwork at the core. Interviewers want to ensure you understand the value of collaboration and can work effectively with all roles.

In your answer, explain why teamwork and communication are essential for providing excellent service, maintaining quality and efficiency, and creating a positive work environment. Provide examples of times you were a valuable team member by assisting others, filling gaps, sharing knowledge, or leading by example.

10. What would you do if you saw a team member stealing?

Questions about ethics aim to assess your integrity, values and ability to make the right choices when faced with a difficult situation. There are many ways to answer, but focus on doing the right thing.

You can explain you would privately report the issue to a supervisor to handle appropriately per company policy. Emphasize you want to preserve team unity but that theft should not be tolerated. Share you would learn from the experience about early warning signs.

11. How do you ensure food safety in a busy restaurant environment?

Customers count on safely prepared, fresh meals at First Watch. When answering, you’ll want to demonstrate you take food safety seriously and follow all policies and procedures.

Discuss how you’d follow prep guidelines, monitor ingredient temperatures, prevent cross-contamination, wash hands frequently, and keep a clean work station. Highlight any food safety training or certification you have. Emphasize it’s a top priority for you behind the scenes.

12. This job can involve long hours, weekends and holidays. How do you feel about that?

First Watch needs reliable team members willing to work less desirable shifts to keep the restaurant running smoothly. When you respond, convey your total flexibility and willingness to work the hours the business requires.

Highlight any experience you have working early mornings, weekends, holidays or overtime. Share that you understand restaurants operate outside of traditional schedules and you don’t mind the adjustment. Express enthusiasm for dedicating your time when needed.

13. What are your salary expectations for this role?

Have a well-researched number in mind prior to the conversation and provide this when asked. Take time to research average compensation on sites like Glassdoor and account for your level of experience. Be flexible if your expectations don’t align with their offer.

You can say: “Based on my experience and research for a server role in this market, I’m targeting an annual salary in the range of $X to $Y. However, I’m open to understanding your full compensation package and flexible on the starting salary.”

14. What kind of work environment do you prefer?

First Watch wants to know you’ll thrive in and contribute to their culture. When answering, emphasize you enjoy fast-paced environments focused on great service and high-quality food.

Discuss how you appreciate collaborative team settings that allow you to help others and grow your skills. Share that you embrace hard work when it means achieving excellence. Convey you find reward in serving customers and making their experiences memorable.

15. How do you handle working in a fast-paced environment for long shifts?

Servers at First Watch need stamina and a resilient attitude. In your response, convey genuine enthusiasm for this dynamic work environment.

Share any related experience you have with long shifts on your feet in busy restaurants or retail settings. Highlight how you stay energized through physical health, proper rest, a positive mindset or stress relief practices. Outline how you stay focused on providing excellent customer service even when demands are high.

16. Why do you think customer service is important in the restaurant business?

This open-ended question allows you to showcase your understanding of how vital customer service is for the restaurant industry. Take it as an opportunity to show why you’re passionate about providing an amazing dining experience.