Hospitality careers

Hospitality Interview Questions

Jobs in hospitality are often fast-paced, requiring teamwork and great communication. Popular interview questions in hospitality are:

Tell me about yourself
What makes you an effective chef/ manager?
What are your strengths?
What areas would you like to improve in?
What are your hospitality career goals?
Why do you want to work here?
What are three positive things your last boss would say about you?
What salary are you seeking?
Why did you become a chef/ restaurant manager/etc?
Can you work under pressure?
What are you like working in a team?
How are you at taking direction/ motivating your team?
How would you handle a difficult customer/ guest/ employee?

Questions to ask your future employer

Another common question you may be asked in an interview:

Do you have any questions for us?

This is your opportunity to ask one or more questions of your potential new employer. Although you would have done your research prior to the interview, you may want to find out more about the work environment and culture of the establishment.

You may have questions about salary, career development or training. E.g. as a Chef you may want to know if there are opportunities for you to develop or practice a specialisation.

Hospitality work environment and culture

It is important to have the right skills and experience for the job, ideally it is equally important to be the perfect match for the business environment and culture. Just as your potential future employer will want to explore whether you will be a good ‘cultural fit’ in their work environment, you’ll want to know that it will suit you too.

How does the interviewer describe the work culture and environment?
What characteristics does the employer value most in employees?
How does the employer define success?
How is performance measured and rewarded?
Is there a formal vision, values and mission statement? (Check the company website prior to your interview as you may find this in the ‘About Us’ section)

Salary and career development

What is the scope for promotion and upward progress? (This will show that you are making long-term plans to remain with the establishment).
What type of challenges do you have? (Embrace these by showing that you are keen and ready to take them on, but be honest and modest, as arrogance is not a favourable attitude.)

Negotiating your salary

Work with the employer to find a salary package that works for both. You will be amazed how flexible the employer is, once you show a genuine desire to work with him/her in satisfying both parties.
Review and value the benefits and perks.
Though the salary offered may seem low, review the salary against some of the negotiable benefits, such as promotional opportunities, bonuses, discounts, training and holidays.

Here are some common hospitality interview questions..

How do you manage pressure effectively?

a. Points to Consider: i. Consider specific strategies like prioritization, time management, and maintaining a calm demeanour.

1. ii. Highlight the areas you feel important

b. Points to Consider: When addressing this question, consider discussing strategies for managing pressure effectively, emphasizing the significance of open communication and the value of seeking assistance when required.

You may have questions about salary, career development or training. E.g. as a Chef you may want to know if there are opportunities for you to develop or practice a specialisation.

In your opinion, what presents the greatest challenge in a managerial role?

a. Points to Consider: Your previous challenges, such as balancing leadership and teamwork, decision-making, and conflict resolution.

Highlight your experience in overcoming these challenges.

Points to Consider: When addressing this question, contemplate discussing the challenges associated with a managerial role, including those related to leadership, teamwork, decision-making, and conflict resolution. Also, emphasize your proficiency in addressing these challenges.

What motivated you to apply for this specific position within our company?

a. Points to Consider:Highlight your research on the company and its values.

Speak on how you see you skills and goals align with the position, keep it punchy
Please don’t provide generic or vague reasons for applying. Be specific about what attracted you to this particular position and company.

How do you stay current with developments in management practices?

a. Points to Consider: Discuss your commitment to professional development and staying informed about industry trends.

Mention specific resources or methods you use to stay updated.
Please don’t overlook the importance of continuous learning in management practices. If you do, show that you actively engage in staying informed. If not own it.

What would you consider your most prominent strength as a manager?

Identify your strongest managerial attribute, such as leadership, decision-making, or conflict resolution.

Provide an example illustrating how this strength benefits your team.

Please don’t offer a general list of strengths. Focus on one prominent strength and provide a concrete example of how it positively impacted your team.

How do you establish a positive rapport with new team members?

Mention your onboarding process and efforts to make newcomers feel welcome.

Highlight your commitment to building strong relationships from the beginning.

Please don’t overlook the importance of onboarding and building relationships. Showcase your proactive approach to integrating new team members.

What is your method for effectively communicating expectations to team members?

Discuss your approach to setting clear expectations, goals, and performance standards.

Mention your communication style, whether it’s through regular meetings, written guidelines, or other methods.

Please don’t provide vague answers about communication. Explain your specific methods for ensuring clarity and alignment within your team.

How do you approach coaching an underperforming employee?

Discuss your approach to identifying the root causes of underperformance and providing constructive feedback.

Mention your commitment to helping the employee improve.

Please don’t shy away from discussing how you handle underperforming employees. Highlight your supportive and constructive approach to coaching.

Explain your problem-solving process.

Outline your problem-solving steps, which may include defining the problem, gathering data, brainstorming solutions, and evaluating outcomes.

Provide an example of a complex problem you successfully solved.

Please don’t provide a vague overview of your problem-solving process. Offer a detailed explanation and a real-world example to illustrate your approach.

How would you characterize your management style?

Describe your management style, whether it’s collaborative, directive, or transformational.

Highlight how your style aligns with achieving team and organizational goals.

Please don’t provide a vague characterization of your management style. Show how it aligns with specific goals and objectives.

How do you adapt your approach to manage employees with different personalities?

Discuss your ability to recognize and appreciate diverse personalities and working styles.

Mention your flexibility in adapting your communication and management techniques.

Please don’t provide a one-size-fits-all approach to managing employees. Emphasize your adaptability to each individual’s unique needs.

Hospitality Interview Questions

Jobs in hospitality are often fast-paced, requiring teamwork and great communication. Here are some popular interview questions.

Preparing for an interview in hospitality

Take the time to note down some bullet points to jolt your memory during the meeting. The interview is your opportunity to ‘sell’ your skills and highlight your related work experience.

Behavioural Interview Questions

The idea behind this style of interviewing is for the interviewer to get a good idea of your suitability and potential by asking you to give examples of what you have done in your previous roles.

Hospitality Career Planning

By looking ahead and examining what you want from your job, and where you want to be, you will give yourself the benefit of purposeful career planning.