Search for a job, search for employees or find more information
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?
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.
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.
Explore & Learn
Placed Recruitment is Sydney’s and Queensland’s preferred hospitality recruitment agency for hotels, restaurants, clubs, resorts, restaurant groups and cafes.
