Essential Restaurant Interview Questions Managers should Ask

In this challenging restaurant industry, it's important to hire the right talent to ensure success. The interview process is critical for managers to accurately assess potential candidates.

Today, we're exploring 21 essential interview questions that every restaurant manager should include in their hiring process. These questions aim to uncover the vital skills, experiences, and traits that set exceptional candidates apart, allowing managers to make informed hiring decisions.

By delving into these insightful questions, you can refine your interview approach and secure candidates who will significantly contribute to your restaurant's success and foster a positive, customer-centric atmosphere.

The restaurant industry demands employees with a unique set of skills and qualities, such as adaptability, communication, and a positive attitude. Exceptional customer service, teamwork, and professionalism are also vital for creating a harmonious and efficient work environment. By incorporating targeted interview questions that address these essential aspects of the job, you can identify candidates who possess the necessary skills and traits to excel in the restaurant industry.

Useful Read: Types of Job Interviews and Strategies for HR Professionals

General Questions

1. What do you know about our restaurant and its menu?

This question helps you assess a candidate's research and preparation for the interview. It also shows their genuine interest in your restaurant and its offerings. Look for answers that demonstrate knowledge of your restaurant's concept, menu items, and any unique features or specialities.

2. Why did you choose to apply to our restaurant?

This question helps you evaluate a candidate's genuine interest in your restaurant and its offerings. It also allows you to understand their motivations for applying and whether they have researched your establishment. Look for answers that demonstrate the candidate's desire to contribute to the team and grow within the company.

3. What motivates you to perform well in a restaurant setting?

Understanding a candidate's motivations can provide valuable insight into their work ethic and commitment to the job. Look for answers that demonstrate a passion for the industry, a desire to learn and grow, and a commitment to contributing to the restaurant's success.

4. What do you consider the most important qualities of a successful team member in a restaurant?

This question helps you understand a candidate's perspective on teamwork and collaboration. Look for qualities such as adaptability, communication, and a positive attitude, which are essential for fostering a harmonious and efficient work environment.

5. How would you describe your work style?

This question aims to understand a candidate's preferred work style and whether they would be a good fit for the company culture and the specific role. Their answer should highlight their individual work style, such as being detail-oriented, a team player, or independent, and provide examples of how their work style has contributed to their success in previous roles.

6. How would your previous employer describe you?

This question aims to understand a candidate's work ethic, personality, and how they interact with others in a professional setting. It also provides insight into their self-awareness and ability to receive feedback. Look for answers that highlight the candidate's strengths, areas for improvement, and how they have grown professionally based on feedback from their previous employer.

7. What does customer service mean to you?

This question assesses a candidate's understanding of the importance of customer service in the restaurant industry. It also helps gauge their commitment to providing exceptional experiences for guests. Look for answers that emphasize the candidate's dedication to meeting and exceeding customer expectations, their ability to empathize with customers, and their willingness to go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction.

Background and Experience Questions

1. How do you handle high-pressure situations in a restaurant setting?

This question helps assess a candidate's ability to remain calm and composed during busy shifts or when faced with unexpected challenges. Look for examples of how they've successfully navigated high-pressure situations in the past and their strategies for managing stress.

2. Can you describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer? How did you handle it?

Dealing with difficult customers is an inevitable part of working in the restaurant industry. This question allows you to gauge a candidate's interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to customer satisfaction.

3. How do you stay up-to-date with food safety regulations and best practices?

Food safety is a critical aspect of any restaurant operation. This question allows you to assess a candidate's commitment to maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment, as well as their knowledge of relevant regulations and guidelines.

4. Can you provide an example of a time when you went above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service?

Exceptional customer service is the cornerstone of a successful restaurant. This question helps you gauge a candidate's dedication to exceeding customer expectations and their ability to think creatively to enhance the dining experience.

5. How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with coworkers?

Conflict resolution is an essential skill in any workplace, especially in a fast-paced restaurant environment. This question allows you to assess a candidate's ability to communicate effectively, empathize with others, and find solutions to interpersonal issues.

6. How do you ensure consistency and quality in food preparation and presentation?

Consistency and quality are crucial for maintaining a restaurant's reputation and customer satisfaction. The question helps you evaluate a candidate's attention to detail, knowledge of culinary techniques, and commitment to upholding high standards.

7. Can you describe a time when you had to adapt to a sudden change or unexpected challenge in the workplace?

Adaptability is a vital trait in the dynamic restaurant industry. This question allows you to assess a candidate's ability to think on their feet, embrace change, and find solutions to unforeseen obstacles.

In-Depth Questions

1. How do you contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment?

A positive and inclusive work environment is essential for employee satisfaction and productivity. This question helps you understand a candidate's commitment to fostering a supportive and diverse workplace, as well as their strategies for promoting inclusivity and collaboration.

2. How do you ensure proper hygiene and cleanliness in your work area?

Maintaining a clean and hygienic work environment is crucial in the restaurant industry. This question allows you to evaluate a candidate's commitment to cleanliness and their understanding of the importance of hygiene in preventing foodborne illnesses.

3. How do you handle customer complaints or negative feedback?

This question helps you gauge a candidate's ability to handle criticism and their commitment to continuous improvement. Look for answers that demonstrate empathy, active listening, and a willingness to learn from mistakes and make necessary adjustments.

4. What is your favourite part of working in the restaurant industry, and why?

This question allows you to understand a candidate's passion for the industry and what aspects of the job they find most rewarding. Look for answers that highlight their enthusiasm for customer service, teamwork, or the culinary arts.

5. How do you stay organized and manage your time effectively during a busy shift?

Time management and organization are essential skills for success in the restaurant industry. This question helps you assess a candidate's ability to prioritize tasks, multitask, and maintain efficiency during peak hours.

6. What do you know about the kinds of food we serve here? Can you describe some of the techniques used to prepare our most popular menu items?

This question assesses a candidate's knowledge of your restaurant's cuisine and their familiarity with the preparation techniques involved. It also helps you understand their level of interest in your restaurant's offerings and their ability to learn and adapt to your menu. Look for answers that demonstrate a clear understanding of the types of dishes you serve, and the techniques used to create them.

7. Have you ever found it challenging to meet a diner's expectations? What happened, and how did you correct the situation?

This question evaluates a candidate's ability to handle challenging situations involving customer expectations and their commitment to providing exceptional service. Look for answers that showcase the candidate's problem-solving skills, empathy, and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. Pay attention to how they describe the situation, the steps they took to address the issue, and the outcome achieved.

Tips for Interviewing in the Restaurant Industry

In addition to your interview questions, here are some tips to help you create a successful interview experience for both you and the candidates:

• Prepare for interviews: Familiarize yourself with the candidate's resume and background before the interview. Show genuine interest in their responses and actively listen to their answers.
  
  
• Show respect by reading the candidate's resume and knowing their name and how to pronounce it: Demonstrating familiarity with the candidate's background and addressing them by their correct name shows respect and professionalism.
  
  
• Create a welcoming environment for candidates: Make candidates feel comfortable and at ease during the interview process. This will encourage open and honest communication, allowing you to better assess their suitability for the role.
  
  
• Be thorough when asking about experience: Try to get a feel for the candidate's personality, motivations, and potential fit within your team. Ask questions that delve into their values, work style, and approach to problem-solving.
  
  
• Outline the responsibilities of the job: Provide a clear and accurate job description to ensure candidates understand the expectations and responsibilities of the role.
  
  
• Be professional during interviews: Maintain a professional demeanour throughout the interview process, treating candidates with respect and courtesy.
  
  
• Look for kindness, optimism, intellectual curiosity, work ethic, empathy, and self-awareness: These traits are essential for success in the restaurant industry and can help you identify candidates who will contribute positively to your team and work environment.

Employee scheduling and Time-tracking software!

• Easy Employee scheduling
• Clear time-tracking
• Simple absence management

Try for free Request a demo

Final Thoughts

Incorporating these 21 restaurant interview questions into your hiring process will help you identify candidates with the skills, experiences, and traits necessary for success in the restaurant industry. By asking targeted questions that delve into essential aspects of the job, you can make informed hiring decisions and build a team that will contribute significantly to your restaurant's success and cultivate a positive, customer-centric atmosphere.