Why this matters:
While optimizing operations, restaurant managers might need to introduce new workflows. How a candidate answers this question will provide insight into their ability to adapt to change, juggle multiple priorities at once, and lead a team of employees. To ensure a seamless transition process, candidates should stay organized and encourage feedback.
What to listen for:
- Excellent leadership skills
- Strategies for keeping up with industry trends and technological innovations
- Willingness to ask for assistance when necessary
Why this matters:
A restaurant manager handles personnel decisions, sometimes autonomously. This question will help you find a manager who can properly recruit and train waiters, cooks, and support staff. Candidates should also be prepared to handle potential obstacles, such as high turnover among hourly staff members.
What to listen for:
- Familiarity with industry-specific hiring needs and talent demands
- Knowledge of labor-related best practices, such as paying or exceeding standard wages for restaurant positions in your area
- Experience training and onboarding new employees
Why this matters:
All restaurants are subject to health and cleanliness inspections. Failing an inspection can result in steep consequences, including fines, profit losses, and even temporary or permanent business closure. By enforcing all health code regulations, candidates can ensure the safety of both team members and customers.
What to listen for:
- A commitment to maintaining a clean and safe environment on a daily basis
- In-depth knowledge of local health regulations
- Willingness to hold others accountable when necessary
Why this matters:
Turnover in the restaurant industry tends to be higher than in other fields, but that doesn’t have to be a given at every restaurant. The best managers can provide long-term organizational structure, even as waiters, dishwashers, and cooks come and go. By executing forward-looking strategies, candidates can help scale your business over time.
What to listen for:
- A genuine passion for the industry
- Long-term career goals that align with your mission
- Positive contributions to previous teams
Why this matters:
As the person in charge of recruiting and retaining employees, the restaurant manager must also handle letting them go when necessary. Asking the applicant about serious misconduct specifically, not just underperformance, lets you gauge the applicant’s trustworthiness and ethics. As an owner or operator, you will be delegating much of the day-to-day operations to the manager, but you need to be kept in the loop when poor behavior is occurring in the restaurant.
What to listen for:
- Knowledge of acceptable behavior in the workplace
- Willingness to enforce behavioral standards among staff
- Intervention and proportional punishment
Why this matters:
Restaurants are fast-paced environments where tempers can easily boil over in high-stress situations. As leaders, restaurant managers should be prepared to mediate any conflicts that may arise. By practicing effective communication and acknowledging all concerns, they can help cultivate a welcoming environment for all.
What to listen for:
- An understanding of the difference between petty disputes and more serious incidents, such as harassment or criminal activity
- Excellent conflict-resolution skills
- Willingness to set boundaries when necessary
Why this matters:
Restaurant managers must be able to juggle several priorities at once, especially during rushes and other stressful situations. Whether due to employees suddenly quitting, calling out sick, or just an unexpected rush of customers, the restaurant must stay open and keep serving until closing time. Finding a manager who can navigate all these roadblocks while still providing quality service is essential.
What to listen for:
- Excellent time management skills
- Willingness to step in for others when necessary
- A team task management strategy
Why this matters:
Rude, disruptive, or otherwise difficult customers are somewhat inevitable. Restaurant managers should carefully evaluate the situation in question, defending staff members or other patrons when necessary. By doing so, they can ensure a safe and comfortable environment for both employees and customers.
What to listen for:
- Excellent listening skills
- Ability to maintain composure in high-pressure situations
- A commitment to fairness, safety, and respect
Why this matters:
Working in a restaurant can be tense and demanding. The work is hard, the margins are usually very narrow, and as with many industries that depend on an hourly workforce, turnover can be high. Restaurants with chaotic or negative working conditions will inevitably let some of that negativity show to customers, whether it's in the form of poor service, order mistakes, or an uncomfortable environment. Avoid having unhappy staff and unhappy customers by selecting a manager determined to make a positive impact.
What to listen for:
- Leading by example with a great attitude and willingness to do hard work
- Ability to balance providing a great customer experience with being fair and supportive to staff
- Leading new initiatives to improve staff retention or company culture
Contact a sales consultant.