Hiring isn’t simple, particularly whenever you work in a busy—and let’s face it, typically frantic—setting like a restaurant. So, what restaurant interview questions will aid you discover the proper group members? What must you ask to suss out the most effective of the bunch? 

We’ll evaluation all of it with these 25 restaurant interview questions for BOH and FOH roles, plus every little thing in between.

The aim of interviews in a restaurant 

Interviews may be tough, and never only for the one that’s answering the questions and sweatin’ up a storm as they do it. Interviews may be nerve-racking for the individual asking the questions, too. Doubtless, you: the hiring supervisor.

As a hiring supervisor, you’ve obtained tons in your plate, and want a group who can deal with the obligations that include working in your restaurant. To get there, you’ll must put together your job postings, have a listing of candidates to select from, and have a set of restaurant interview inquiries to prep your self for the duty at hand: hiring.

And to ensure you’re hiring the proper workers, you’ll must host a strong interview. Or, generally, interviews. It’s a course of, and an necessary one at that. 

Positive, your aim is to fulfill the staffing wants of your restaurant, however you additionally need to ensure you’re constructing a group that, effectively, acts like a group. As well as, you’ll need workers who match the vibe and environment of your restaurant, or in enterprise converse, are “on model”.

Possibly you need enthusiastic, heat, organized and approachable FOH workers. Or in the event you’re a type of needs-reservations-six-months-in-advance kind of eating places, perhaps you’re searching for a bit extra mystique in your new hires. Regardless of the case, the interview course of is a approach to perceive who you’re hiring, their strengths, persona, expertise, and their capabilities to get the job finished. 

Interview finest practices for restaurant hiring managers

Hiring managers, rejoice! There are a selection of interview finest practices and sources on the market that can assist you discover the proper workers. Listed below are three to get you began.  

1. Put together for the interview

what they are saying: getting ready is caring. Okay, so perhaps that’s not precisely the phrase, however belief us: whenever you put together for the interview, the individual sitting on the opposite aspect of the desk will really feel much more comfy. It’s a win-win for you each.

And don’t fear. Getting ready doesn’t should take all day. Merely studying your candidate’s resume, taking the time to replicate on their previous expertise, and you understand, figuring out their identify and find out how to pronounce it, can go a great distance.

It exhibits respect, and provides a glimpse into the welcoming work setting the interviewee would possibly get to be part of.

2. Set the proper setting

Image this: you’re quick staffed however have a candidate coming in for an interview in simply quarter-hour. What do you do? Shrug and host the interview in the course of a busy kitchen or messy break room, or take a couple of minutes to set the stage for a relaxed, clear, and cozy setting? Hopefully the latter.

Interviews are nerve-racking sufficient with out the additional noise and commotion. However by getting ready an setting that you just and your interviewee each need to be in for the following half-hour, you’ll each have a greater general expertise. And naturally, it’s at all times nice to  truly hear the candidate’s solutions.

3. Ask the proper questions

Asking the proper questions comes right down to what you need to get out of the interview. That could possibly be a deeper understanding of their expertise, how effectively they carry out below strain, or what they’re searching for in a job.

Relying on the position, you’ll want a unique set of questions, too. For instance, you most likely don’t must ask a line prepare dinner about their expertise with on-line reservation software program or a server about how they prepare dinner the proper filet mignon. (Uncommon, clearly.) 

25 restaurant interview inquiries to ask candidates 

It’s time for the primary course: 25 restaurant interview questions that your candidates can’t wait to reply. 

Widespread interview questions 

Earlier than you dig deep into expertise or objectives, maintain it informal with these 5 widespread interview questions.

1: Inform me about your self.

Search for somebody who’s comfy talking personably and authentically. They need to be capable of spout off a concise reply with one or two private info about themselves, too—not simply their time working in eating places. Though: that’s at all times a perk. 

2: Why do you need to work right here? 

This query will aid you get a way of how effectively the candidate is aware of your restaurant. Search for a solution that features particulars about your enterprise, like your group, menu, and work setting, whereas additionally concerning how which may influence how the person likes to work: round for the hustle and bustle or in a extra laid again setting that’s suited to the early shift?

3: What are your biggest strengths? 

This is usually a powerful one, particularly as a result of not everybody likes to speak about themselves. That mentioned, some folks do—rather a lot.

Search for a solution that isn’t boastful, however displays the obligations which can be required from the position. For instance, a candidate would possibly say they’re a incredible listener and conversationalist. This could possibly be splendid for a bartender who would possibly spend their evenings making drinks in your clients whereas making small speak along with your regulars. 

4: What are your largest weaknesses? 

Once more, not everybody loves speaking about themselves, or the issues they need they may enhance on. However in an interview, it’s necessary to ask.

You’ll need a solution that’s trustworthy and self-aware, and exhibits a willingness to be taught and enhance.

5: What’s your favourite half about this position? 

See how a lot your candidates know concerning the position they’re making use of for, and the way their favourite components match as much as the realities of the job. 

Distinctive interview questions

Subsequent up is a set of out-of-the-box inquiries to get an thought of character and tradition match. A phrase of recommendation earlier than we start: skip the “what number of golf balls match into a faculty bus” query. It’s as overdone as a burnt steak. 

6: Do you agree with the concept “the shopper is at all times proper”? 

This restaurant interview query provides you a way of an worker’s thought course of, and the way they work by way of totally different situations. It additionally helps you perceive how they prioritize buyer satisfaction, and what which may imply for his or her teammates. 

7: What makes a restaurant stand out from rivals? 

This query may give you a glimpse into how invested your workers could also be, and the way they may also help form the way forward for your restaurant.

For instance, a candidate would possibly discuss extraordinary customer support or new occasion concepts that may usher in new clients. A lot of these feedback present that they need the job, and in addition need your restaurant to succeed. 

8: You overhear that desk 12 is celebrating an anniversary. What do you do? 

This restaurant interview query places your candidate on the spot with an on a regular basis state of affairs. Their solutions can point out their consolation degree with spontaneity, and the way they could work with their teammates to make a buyer’s expertise even higher. 

9: Are you extra of a morning individual or an evening owl? 

You’re not asking this since you need to celebration. You’re asking this restaurant interview query to learn how your new coworker reacts to an inquiry that’s posed with a little bit of levity. Plus, you need to know what shifts are finest suited to them.

As an example, in the event that they admit to being extra of an evening owl, is the morning shift serving your early birds actually the most effective thought? We don’t suppose your 6 a.m. common, aptly known as Chipper Charlie, would agree. 

10:  How do you outline a great shift? 

This query lets the candidate replicate on what they worth in a office, and the way they outline success and satisfaction of their roles. They may reply {that a} good shift means hitting gross sales targets or an evening the place they didn’t get a break. Or, they could worth a shift the place each buyer leaves with a smile on their face.

There’s no proper reply to this query, nevertheless it gives you perception on how one can create a great setting in your future workers. 

Situational interview questions

Sticky conditions are widespread, particularly whereas working in a restaurant. Right here’ are 5 inquiries to ask that can aid you decide how your candidates work finest in numerous conditions and environments. 

11: Inform us a few time whenever you had a tough buyer. How did you deal with it?

Search for folks abilities and a relaxed demeanor. You’ll need somebody who can work with a buyer in these situations, and may drawback remedy on the spot. 

12: Are you able to inform me a few time you went above and past for a buyer? 

This restaurant interview query provides you extra perception into how your potential rent interacts with friends and builds relationships with clients. As soon as they supply a state of affairs, ask them why they helped this buyer and what occurred after the interplay. 

13: All of us make errors. How do you deal with yours? 

Errors occur. Possibly a buyer was introduced a soda as a substitute of a seltzer, or perhaps they have been served the incorrect meal after ready half-hour to put their order. Regardless of the mistake, learn how your candidate offers with them, and the way they’re studying from them.

14: How do you deal with fast-paced environments? 

Are you hiring a multi-tasker? Somebody who can sustain dialog whereas remembering Desk 10’s dietary restrictions? This restaurant interview query will aid you assess whether or not or not your latest worker can deal with stress, talk with their group, and prioritize their duties.

5 efficiency interview questions

Hiring for positions that require a bit extra group, administration, and other people abilities? Listed below are a number of inquiries to ask that can aid you assess your candidate’s experience. 

15: What would you do if an worker didn’t present up for his or her shift? 

Lacking a shift or two may be widespread for workers, however it could actually additionally create mistrust and frustration between teammates, which might result in a poisonous office. This query will aid you perceive how effectively your future worker works with others, handles stress, and their ranges of empathy and compassion.

16: How do you deal with conflicts or disagreements with coworkers?

Workforce gamers don’t get alongside 100% of the time. This query helps you find out about how your new hires might cope with disagreements, and higher but, how they get previous them. 

17: Are you able to describe a state of affairs the place you labored collaboratively with teammates?

Working in a restaurant isn’t a one-person job. This query assesses not solely how effectively your new rent will work with their group, however the roles and personas they could tackle as they achieve this.

For instance, are they extra of a take-charge chief or does collaboration imply tackling a to-do listing with a coworker? You’ll discover out with this query. 

18: Are you able to clarify your course of for prioritizing duties? 

Ask this query in the event you’re seeking to consider your new worker’s capacity to handle workloads and duties in a busy setting. Take note of the steps they define, instruments they use, and any concrete examples they provide that demonstrates their talents to take action. 

19: The place/how do you see your self excelling on this group?

This query is sort of a crystal ball. It may give you an thought of the place your workers might shine, and the varieties of obligations they might need to tackle as they proceed working in your restaurant. It might probably additionally present you what they’ll take pleasure in doing, and even offer you clues as to what kind of roles received’t swimsuit them.

As an example, in the event that they see themselves excelling in FOH roles due to their familiarity with the shoppers and the menu, perhaps becoming a member of as a dishwasher is lower than splendid for them and your restaurant. 

Management interview questions

In the event you’re seeking to rent managers or group leads, you’ll need to know that they will inspire workers, keep organized, and have what it takes to maintain shifts below management. Listed below are 5 inquiries to ask that can assist you decide who’s proper for the position. 

20: Have you ever managed a group earlier than?

It might appear apparent, however asking about previous expertise that’s instantly associated to the position is necessary—even when it’s laid out on their resume. By asking the query, you’ll be able to be taught extra about their previous jobs; what labored, what didn’t, and why they’re seeking to handle your group.

21: What’s your administration fashion?

Administration kinds are available all shapes and varieties: the cheerleader, the get-sh*t-done’er, and the my-way-or-the-highway varieties, simply to call a number of. your restaurant finest, so decide what fashion fits your group earlier than asking the query.

22: What are your favourite instruments to remain organized? 

Sticky notes? Job lists? A bulletin board on the again of the break-room door? Find out about what your restaurant leaders use to remain on monitor, and decide their capabilities for making an attempt new instruments. 

Bonus: in the event that they have already got expertise utilizing your present techniques—or perhaps even higher ones—they may train you and your group a factor or two.

23: How do you rejoice success? 

Good days are widespread in your restaurant, which implies excessive fives are, too. Ask your management teammates how they are saying thanks, present reward, and rejoice wins with their coworkers.

24: How do you cope with shift issues, like no-shows or late clock-ins?

Okay, so perhaps not eachday is an efficient day. Somedays, you’ve obtained no-shows or workers who clock in quarter-hour late, or worse: have their buddy punch-in for them in order that they don’t lose pay. When interviewing, ask how your latest coworker would cope with this, and the way they might monitor it, too.

25: What do you want in an effort to succeed on this position? 

That is the place you’ll be able to shine. Take heed to your interviewee about what they should succeed, then prepare to spice up the professionals of working at your restaurant and how one can assist them win at work. Discuss tradition, communication, flexibility, PTO, HR insurance policies, and reward. 

And don’t be shy. They know the way nice your restaurant is, which is strictly why they utilized. 

Homebase for restaurant hiring 

Hiring in your restaurant would possibly occur greater than you suppose. With busy peaks—hey, patio season—adopted by short-lived lulls, you might need to interview and rent staff frequently.

Fortunately, you’ve obtained Homebase to assist.

Homebase supplies you with a library of pre-written, custom-made job descriptions, and may even publish your job without cost to prime on-line job boards. Want extra eyes on it? Promote your job with paid boosts to succeed in extra candidates quicker. 

In relation to monitoring and sorting by way of all your candidates, Homebase retains it multi functional place—even walk-in and referral candidates. When you’ve collected all of them, use Homebase to determine the most effective candidates with screener questions, and sources identical to this weblog publish.

Able to coordinate interviews? Message candidates and schedule interviews all inside Homebase, and as soon as you’ve discovered your subsequent nice rent and so they’ve signed the dotted line, you’ll be able to add them to your restaurant’s schedule and timesheets in only one click on. And yep, you guessed it—that’s all housed in Homebase, too.

“I really like the performance of this software program. All of the functions come by way of one portal on the Homebase platform, making it very simple to display screen, contact, or interview job candidates.” – Chris Williams, Proprietor at A great deal of Garments in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Is your enterprise fighting interviewing in your restaurant? Discover assistance on job postings, interview questions, hiring, and onboarding finest practices with Homebase.  Get began without cost.

Restaurant interview questions FAQs

What’s the objective of an interview for roles within the restaurant business?

Within the restaurant business, there are many roles that must be crammed. The aim of an interview on this business permits hiring managers to get a greater sense of who they’re hiring, their strengths, persona, expertise, and their capabilities to get the job finished.

Finally, it lets a restaurant discover the proper individual for the job and their group. 

What are the most effective practices for conducting restaurant job interviews?

Three finest practices for conducting restaurant job interviews are to arrange for the interview by figuring out who’s coming in, setting the proper setting, and asking the proper questions.

Hiring managers ought to have a transparent understanding of the position they wish to fill, what’s wanted for it, and find out how to finest assess that for his or her group. 

What are widespread interview questions for restaurant managers to ask?

Widespread interview questions for a restaurant supervisor to ask can embody:

• Inform me about your self
• Why do you need to work right here? 
• What’s your expertise on this business? 
• What’s your favourite half about this position? 
• What are your strengths and weaknesses? 

These questions may also help a hiring supervisor get to know the candidate and the way they may do of their position, and work together with the group and clients. 

Is your enterprise fighting interviewing in your restaurant? Homebase may also help with job postings, interview questions, hiring, and onboarding finest practices with Homebase. Get began without cost.