It would be best to ask the right restaurant manager interview questions, whether you’re a restaurant manager looking for new opportunities or interviewing prospective employees. You’ll want to make sure the candidates meet specific qualifications and will be a good fit for your specific restaurant. Here are some of the most common interview questions for restaurant managers:
Table of Contents
General Restaurant Manager Interview Questions And Answers
What do you know about our restaurant?
This question is to assess your knowledge of the restaurant and its operations. Be sure to research the restaurant before your interview to answer this question confidently.
Sample Answer:
I know that your restaurant is a popular seafood spot in the city. It has been open for ten years and is known for its fresh fish and excellent service. I am confident that I can provide the same high level of service and quality that your customers have come to expect.
What experience do you have in the restaurant industry?
This question is to assess your suitability for the role. Be sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, whether in management or another restaurant business area.
Sample Answer:
I have worked in the restaurant industry for ten years, including five years in management. I have experience in all aspects of the business, from the front to the back of the restaurant. I am confident that I have the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful manager.
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.
What do you think makes a successful restaurant?
This question allows you to show off your knowledge of the industry. A successful restaurant requires a combination of good food, excellent service, and a pleasant atmosphere. Be sure to mention all three of these factors in your answer.
Sample Answer:
A successful restaurant requires attention to detail. The food must be of high quality, the service must be excellent, and the atmosphere must be pleasant and inviting. If all of these elements are in place, customers will keep coming back.
What type of restaurant did you manage?
When the interviewer asks you what type of restaurant you manage, they are looking to see if you have experience with the type of food they serve. They want to know if you have experience working in a high-end establishment or a more casual one. It is important, to be honest and give a clear answer. If you do not have experience with the type of food they serve, be open and explain that you are willing to learn.
How would you deal with a demanding customer?
Demanding customers are inevitable in the hospitality industry. So you need to stay calm and professionally handle the situation.
Be sure to have a few examples of how you would deal with a difficult customer.
Sample Answer:
It is important to stay calm when dealing with a demanding customer. I would try to understand the situation and see if there is anything we can do to resolve the issue. If the customer is still unhappy, I will offer a refund or a voucher for a future visit.
What qualifications do you have for this position?
This question allows you to highlight your relevant qualifications. Be sure to mention any relevant courses or training you have completed and any management experience you may have.
Sample Answer:
I have a degree in hospitality management, and I have completed a course in restaurant management. I also have ten years of experience working in the restaurant industry, including three years in management. I am confident that I have the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful manager.
How would you deal with a staff member who was not performing up to standard?
Show off your people skills to answer it. You must be able to deal with difficult situations calmly and professionally.
Sample Answer:
I would first try to understand the reason for the poor performance. If there is a valid reason, such as illness or personal problems, I would be understanding and offer any help that I can.
If the problem is simply that the staff member is not meeting the standards required, I would have a frank discussion with them and set out an improvement plan. If there is no improvement after a reasonable time, I would be forced to take disciplinary action.
Why do you want to work in Restaurant Management?
Sample Answer: There are a few key reasons I want to work in restaurant management.
- I have a real passion for food and service. I love being able to help create a great dining experience for guests.
- I thrive in fast-paced environments where I have to juggle many different tasks. I enjoy the challenge of managing a restaurant and keeping everything running smoothly.
- I get a lot of satisfaction from training and developing my team members. I take pride in helping them grow and succeed in their careers.
Resources
Best Fast Food Interview Questions and Answers
Taco Bell Interview Questions to Ask candidates
Best McDonalds Interview Questions
Chick-fil-A Interview Questions
Whataburger Interview Questions and Answers
Dominos Pizza Interview Questions
Wendy’s Interview Questions and Answers
Specific Restaurant Manager Interview Questions And Answers
- What strategies would you use to increase sales and profits?
- How would you handle a situation where a customer was unhappy with their meal?
- How would you deal with staff members who were not following company policy?
- What would you do if you received a spoiled food shipment?
- What steps would you take to reduce wastage in the kitchen?
- What would you do if you received a complaint about one of your staff members?
- How would you deal with a shortage of a key ingredient?
- What do you think are the biggest challenges facing restaurant managers today?
- What steps do you take to ensure that your restaurant runs smoothly?
- What do you think is the most important thing you can do to prevent problems in the kitchen?
Restaurant Manager Interview Tips and Skills Needed
As a restaurant manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the restaurant. This includes ensuring that the food is of high quality, the service is good, and that the restaurant is clean and compliant with health and safety regulations.
You will also need to have good people skills, as you will be dealing with staff daily. You must be able to motivate your team and deal with any issues that may arise.
Problem Solving Skills
If you are applying for a job as a restaurant manager, be sure to highlight your problem-solving skills in your interview. Give examples of times when you have had to deal with difficult situations and how you were able to resolve them. Show that you are a quick thinker who can find solutions that work for everyone involved.
Leadership and Motivation Skills
As a restaurant manager, you will lead and motivate your team. You will need to be able to build morale and keep your team focused on their goals. You should be able to provide clear direction and support when needed.
When interviewing for a restaurant manager position, be prepared to discuss your leadership and motivation skills. Be ready to give examples of times when you have successfully motivated your team. Also, be ready to talk about any challenges you have faced as a leader and how you overcame them.
Teamwork Skills/ Staff Management Knowledge
One of the most important skills for restaurant managers is teamwork and staff management. Restaurant managers need to work well with other people to run a successful restaurant.
They need to communicate, delegate tasks, and resolve conflicts. This includes knowing how to effectively schedule staff, train new employees, resolve the dispute, and maintain a high level of customer service.
To assess your teamwork skills, interviewers may ask you when you had to work with a difficult team member. They may also ask you about a time when you had to resolve a conflict within a team. It is important to have examples of times when you have successfully worked with others.
Restaurant Operations
As a restaurant manager, it is important to have a strong understanding of restaurant operations.
It is also important to be familiar with all aspects of the menu and be able to make recommendations to guests. As a manager, you should also have a good understanding of food safety procedures and be able to troubleshoot any problems that may arise in the kitchen.
Finally, it is essential to be able to manage finances effectively. This includes knowing how to control costs, budget for supplies and labor, and maximize profits.
Questions to Ask the Interviewer in the end
It would help if you also were prepared to ask the interviewer some questions.
One question that you should always ask at the end of an interview is the next steps in the process. This will show the interviewer that you are interested in the position and want to move forward.
It would be best if you also took the opportunity to ask questions about the restaurant and the manager position. This will show that you have done your research and are interested in the post.
Asking questions is a great way to show your interest in the position and demonstrate your restaurant industry knowledge. Be sure to ask thoughtful, insightful questions that will make a good impression on the interviewer.