What Are The Roles Of A Restaurant Manager
The interviewer wants to know whether you are aware of the duties and responsibilities that you are entitled to. Talk about the main duties and responsibilities of a restaurant manager.
Sample Answer
As a restaurant manager, these are the duties and responsibilities that I am expected to perform
i) Recruiting, training, and supervising the staff
ii) Planning and managing the restaurant budget
iii) Ensure compliance with licensing, hygiene, and health safety guidelines
iv) Taking reservations made in a restaurant
v) Making improvements to the restaurant and developing it
vi) Handling administration paperwork
vii) Assessing and improving profitability
viii) Planning of menus
These are the top duties and responsibilities I would be delighted to perform in your restaurant.
Why Do You Feel You Are Most Suited For This Role
Your interviewer wants to know why you think you are the only candidate you are looking for. Talk about the unique qualities and experience that adds an advantage to you.
Sample Answer
Firstly, I think that I am the only candidate you are looking for because of the experience, knowledge, and skills that I have been equipped with in this sector. I have gained seven years experience while working as a restaurant manager. This is the kind of experience needed for a big restaurant like yours. I believe that you will consider it as an added advantage to me.
How Would You Describe Your Leadership Style
Interviewers might ask this questions to see how you talk about yourself and whether you have prior experience in leadership positions. Take advantage of this opportunity by explaining any past experiences and then honestly and humbly expressing your strengths.
“Based on my experiences working for the YMCA as a swim coach and working at SweetFrog as an assistant manager, I would say that my leadership style consists of leading by example and being consistently participative. That is, I help with everyday tasks in order to promote unity and productivity within the team.”
You May Like: What Questions Should I Be Prepared For In An Interview
What Do You See Yourself Doing In Five Years
This one is all about job commitment.
Some people make job hopping a career in of itself, and your answer here can be telling. Here, your interviewer is determining if you are:
- someone who sets goals
- someone who demonstrates commitment
- someone who is loyal
While no interviewer expects someone to stay at a company forever, try and craft your response in such a way that shows progression in your career, and alignment with the Companys needs and future. Again, self awareness is key your employer doesnt want to send you down an unwanted path, resulting in wasted time and energy for everyone.
Questions For Restaurant Manager Interview
You are about to make a career move, and you want to know what the questions for restaurant manager interview are and how to answer them? We’ve got you covered!
But the first things – first:
Once you sit down for the interview and before they start with the questions, there will be some small talk. This kind of chit-chat is part of your job description, so make sure you can carry the conversation with ease. The person who leads the interview will observe your body language and want to see that you are engaged and excited to be talking to them.
The first questions they ask will be the most important ones, so make sure you give the correct answer with the right energy. You have to answer the questions with original responses based on your past experiences don’t use cliches!
And remember, during the interview, you have to decide if you want to work with these people , so don’t go all in up-front, stay calm and observe listen carefully to every word they say.
You May Like: How To Prepare Yourself For An Interview
What Type Of Pay Are You Looking For
Ideally, you want the candidate to answer in such a way that indicates that theyre more focused on finding the right fit for their skills and abilities rather than a specific dollar amount.
Chances are, though, that youll hear lots of responses in the latter category. Thats okay, but dont be afraid to ask follow-up questions, such as, Would you be willing to work for X if the job was a good fit? to get to the heart of the matter.
Tell Me About A Time When It Was Hard For You To Arrive At Work On Time What Did You Do To Resolve It
Even the most punctual and dependable employee can be late every now and then. But asking this question can help you get a better idea of how the candidate will react when life throws them a curveball.
Did they exercise their problem-solving skills and figure out a way through the issue? Did they arrive late and then make excuses? Or did they prioritize punctuality and still make it to work on time?
Recommended Reading: Interview Questions For Instructional Coaches
Have You Ever Had To Fire An Employee What Did You Do
The aim of this question is to assess the candidate’s ability to handle conflict professionally. What to look for in an answer:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Experience in a similar role
- Ability to resolve conflict professionally
Example:
“I had to fire an employee once for stealing. Another server complained about a portion of her tips missing, so I checked the cameras and saw the employee taking money from everyone’s tip envelopes. I scheduled a private meeting with the employee and human resources and let her know we were letting her go and why. She denied stealing, so we showed her the footage and she left with her final paycheque.”
What Are Your Thoughts On Menu Development And Innovation
An interviewer would ask “What are your thoughts on menu development and innovation?” to a/an Restaurant General Manager because it is important to know their opinion on how the menu should be developed and what innovative ideas they may have to improve it. It is important to know their opinion on these matters because it can help the company save money and time by having a better understanding of what the customers want. Additionally, it can help the company improve its customer service by offering new and innovative menu items that the customers may be interested in.
Example: There are a few things to consider when developing or innovating a menu, such as the restaurant’s concept, the target market, current trends, and of course, what dishes the kitchen is capable of preparing. It’s important to strike a balance between offering familiar dishes that guests will love and new dishes that will pique their interest and keep them coming back for more.When it comes to menu development, I believe it’s important to be open to new ideas and willing to experiment. However, you also need to be mindful of your guests’ preferences and make sure you’re not making too many changes all at once. Smaller tweaks and additions here and there are usually more well-received than overhauling the entire menu. And of course, always test out new dishes before rolling them out to the public!
Also Check: Power Bi Real Time Scenarios Interview Questions
Our Field Is Always Changing As Such What Have You Done With Regards To Personal Development When It Comes To A Restaurant General Manager Position In The Last 12 Months
Answer tips:
Here is an opportunity for you to showcase a wide variety of things you may have done both personally and professionally that will get your potential employers interested. Be sure to think about this one in advance in the event that it comes up.
Keep in mind, one of the key things that employers look for is an applicant who is self motivated and goal oriented.
Even if you dont have something that is specific to the role you are applying for, dont be afraid to list hobbies or other non-work related activities here. Again, this shows your employer you are the go-getter they are looking for.
In the end, you want to ensure that you are leaving your interviewer with the impression that you are motivated, self sufficient, and manage your time effectively.
Answer samples
That is a really great question. While I havent had the opportunity to develop within this particular role per se, I have actually become very involved in my local foodbank this year. This has taught me a great deal about community, teamwork, and taking initiative.
I took it upon myself to enroll in a summer business admin course at the local community college. Through this, I picked up some really great knowledge on communication and teamwork, as well as further develop overall managerial skills. Though it may not be directly applicable to this particular job, I believe the overall experience I gained could be a real asset here.
How Would You Handle A Problem Raised By A Customer
The interviewer wants you to tell them how you would solve problems as a restaurant manager.
Sample Answer
I would first listen to the problem from a customer without any interruptions. I would own the mistake and acknowledge the mistake and let them know that we are sorry. Even if I disagree with the customer, I would stay calm, maintain eye contact, and watch my body language. I would then listen to their suggestions and negotiate a solution that is acceptable to both parties. I would then solve the problem as agreed without causing any drama. That would be a problem solved professionally.
Also Check: How To Do A Proper Interview
What Would You Say The Meaning Of Hospitality Is
The aim of this question is to assess the candidate’s industry knowledge and understanding of the role. What to look for in an answer:
- Knowledge of common industry terms
- Confidence when answering
- Understanding of the importance of hospitality
Example:
“I would say hospitality is when a person is generous and friendly to guests or customers. Hospitality is necessary for the food and beverage industry as it encourages customers to come back and recommend our restaurant to other patrons.”
Can You Tell Me About A Time When You Had To Deal With A Difficult Customer And What You Did In The Situation
All restaurant employees have to deal with rude or difficult customers at one point or another, yet that timeless saying of the customer is always right never fails to reign supreme.
Interviewers want to know how you handle a very real, stressful part of the job. Its not uncommon for employees dealing with particularly unruly or disruptive customers to involve management, and citing an example of this shows you know when and how to escalate if necessary.
Read Also: How To Record Interview On Iphone
Whats The Most Important Skill Youve Learned In Your Current Job
You want your candidates to have a ready answer to this question because it can indicate their willingness to learn, be taught, and improve their skills and abilities.
Take note of how this skill can add value to your team. If you dont get a good feel for this by the time theyre done answering, try asking a follow-up question or two to get more details.
How Long Have You Been A Restaurant Manager
The interviewer wants to know how much experience you have in managing a restaurant. If you have only been a manager for a short time, highlight any other relevant experience you may have, such as working in a fast-paced environment or dealing with customer complaints.
Sample Answer:
I have been a restaurant manager for three years. Before that, I worked as a server and a shift supervisor, so I understood the various roles. I am confident that I can manage all aspects of the business successfully.
You May Like: Interview Guide Template For Hiring Managers
What Does Hospitality Mean To You
The answer the candidate gives to this question can tell you a lot about their behavior should they get the job. The way they view hospitality will give you some insight into how they will respond to your guests.
The dictionary defines hospitality as, the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, and strangers. The candidates response should be something similar in their own words, of course.
If theres too big a difference between the interviewees response and what you expect, they might not be the right choice for your restaurant.
What Is Your Favorite Customer Service Story
This question allows you to show your interviewer your passion and skills for customer service. When answering this question, consider if you have a story that not only highlights your ability to delight but also how you turned a potentially challenging situation into a success.
Example answer:”In my last position, a family visited every Friday night with their young son. Because they usually came during my shift, I served them many times and got to know them. Their son mentioned his birthday was coming up the following week, so I made a note on the calendar and arranged a small, free cake for him on his next visit. He was delighted, and his parents promised to recommend us to their friends.”
Read Also: What Are The Best Interview Questions To Ask A Candidate
What Kind Of Strategies And Mindset Is Required For This Role
The interviewer asks this question to learn what attitude you have towards this role. Talk about what restaurant managers should always focus on.
Sample Answer
The success of a restaurant depends on the managerial strategies and mindset. A restaurant manager will be the main cause of any success or failure in the restaurant. As a restaurant manager, I should always focus on customer satisfaction as my core agenda. If the customers are satisfied, we expect the business to perform well. The feedback that I will get from customers will determine whether we need to improve on a certain sector or not. As a restaurant manager, focusing on customers feedback is very important. It will help me know what it is that I am doing best and what it is that I need to improve in the restaurant.
How Do You Define Success
Some people define success as pay and promotions. Others define success as working well together as a team. The list of such definitions literally goes on and on, but youll, no doubt, have a definition of your own.
Listen for an answer that is close to your own definition of success or one that works well with your established standards.
Read Also: What To Wear To An Interview
Behavioral Restaurant Manager Interview Questions
These behavioral based interview questions ask you to provide an example of when you previously demonstrated a required competency.
You can find out more about how to answer these type of interview questions at the behavioral interview.
Tell me about a decision you recently had to make at work under intense time pressure.
This question is used to assess your decision-making and judgment. Include the following steps in your answer:
- considering the relevant facts carefully
- weighing up the alternatives
It is important to highlight your ability to remain clear-headed under stress, restaurant staff often work under high levels of pressure.
How have you managed an employee who is under performing?
In your interview answer discuss how you probed the reasons for poor performance by asking questions and listening.
From this conversation you would be able to determine if the employee had the necessary resources, skills and motivation to perform and provide the right support to improve performance.
Tell me about a situation when you had to discipline an employee for poor performance.
If poor performance continues it is necessary to follow the correct disciplinary process. In your interview answer show how you can be authoritative and firm when necessary.
Tell me about a time you identified and resolved a small problem that could quickly have escalated.
This is about your ability to detect problems early on.
What Is The Biggest Challenge That You Foresee In This Job
When you are asked about this question, you need to talk about the difficulties that you think might affect this sector in future.
Sample Answer
The main challenge that I foresee in this industry is unpredictability. As we know that the world keeps on changing, there is no guarantee that the customers that you had today will come today to eat the same menu. Tomorrow they may want to eat something that you never expected them to order. Or even, you might have very few customers turn up today than yesterday. Of course, you had planned and budgeted your menu. A lot of food will go to waste.
Read Also: Net Interview Questions For 10 Years Experience
What Are The Qualities That A Restaurant Manager Need To Be Successful
Your interviewer expects you to tell them the qualities you have that you think can help you succeed working as a restaurant manager.
Sample Answer
Despite having the academic and experience qualifications, I believe that having the right personal qualities determines whether you are going to perform well in this role or not. As a restaurant manager, I should have good customer to business communication skills. Secondly, customer service skills are essential since you are dealing with your customers directly. Having problem-solving skills is also essential since you have to solve issues that may arise in the workplace. Lastly, a restaurant manager should be able to work in a team since there are several departments they have to work with to succeed in this role,
Related articles:
to create your Restaurant Manager perfect resume in 15 minutes using an easy-to-use resume builder. Build beautiful, recruiter-tested resumes in a few clicks!
Dont Talk Down On Previous Employers
This is interviewing 101. Restaurant employees tend to bounce between jobs, so you never know if what youll say could come back to bite you. If youre asked why you left or plan to leave your current role, keep your answer opportunistic and talk about how you just feel there were better professional opportunities in other establishments.
Recommended Reading: Interview Questions For Director Of Talent Acquisition
