Landing a Job as a Food Service Manager: Interview Questions & Answers
Congratulations! You've got yourself an interview for a food service management position! Now how to convice the interviewer that you're the right person for the job?
Before you don the proper interview attire, be sure you're mentally prepped with the following food service management interview questions:
Why do you want this food service management position?
Seems an obvious enough question, but you should come to the interview ready to explain just how passionate you are about the job (and if you aren't, well, it might be time to pick another profession). Key answers here identify both why the role fits your personality and life goals, and why you appreciate the company.
What have you learned from mistakes at other positions?
You won't appear credible unless you have a specific example at hand. Before you head to the interview, reflect on your previous experiences and write down any scenarios in which you grew from an event. Your best bet may be to choose one of these events in which the mistake was inconsequential and unintentional, but resulted in lessons learned.
What challenges are you looking for in this position?
Employers are just as reserved about hiring people who are overqualified as they are about hiring those who are underqualified. You'll want to come across as being competent to hold the job, but also explain how it will provide an exciting challenge for you. Discuss how you would effectively use your skills and experience, and how you are motivated by challenges. Be prepared to give specific examples of personal and employer-given goals you have met and exceeded in the past.
Describe a typical work week for a food management position.
Employers expect a supervisor candidate to discuss what they do and how they do it in detail. Before the interview, you'll want to be well-versed in the duties that will be required of you. Talk with a colleague or reflect on your own previous positions that relate to the desired job and make note of all the key details. The more you can connect past experiences and know-how with the current opening, the more successful you'll be at answering questions related to this topic. Good topics to cover include showcasing how you're organized and timely.
What is your biggest weakness?
This question is common in every industry and it's easily one of the least-liked of all because it requires the most balanced of answers. Lying and say you don't have weaknesses or offering a strength in the guise of a personal weakness (such as the "I work too much and forget my social life" answer) won't get you far. Better to be honest and choose small flaws, such as saying you get sidetracked by minor details or are uncomfortable with your public-speaking skills. Sometimes our weaknesses are just one side of our strengths, so try to find a positive side of the "flaw" (ex. not comfortable speaking publicly? maybe you take excellent notes instead!) Finish your answer by accentuating your awareness of the flaw and how you are trying to best correct it.
Why should we hire you as a manager?
This is where you link your education, experience, skills, and personality to the desired position. Counter with your best firm example of how you're a team leader who understands the industry. If this is one of your first jobs in the management sector, then you'll want to underscore aspects of your personality that will set you apart from the rest of the applicants, such as your passion and energy.
Why do you want to work with us?
Key phrase here is 'with us'. The interviewer wants to know what you know about the company's culture, value, and vision. Whether it's a fast food restaurant, five-star restaurant, or large dining hall, they will aspire to be unique. You should be able to pinpoint that uniqueness and be able to relate to it yourself. For instance, if a Belgium restaurant emphasizes its great beer selection, then you should be able to respond with just how fluent you are in hops. Or if a fast food restaurant emphasizes its integrity with customers, then you want to answer this question with why you have the same value with any team you work with.
Do you have any questions to ask us?
Never, ever, ask about salary, benefits, leave, or other self-focused questions. Not on the initial interview. Instead ask about how induction to the restaurant will begin or how food, beer, and wine training occurs amongst employees. If the interviewer has truly covered everything then ask for feedback with the purpose of improving your strengths and fixing any interview or talent shortcomings.
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Getting Started in Food Service Management
If you're interested in a future in food service management but lack the higher education many companies are looking for today, then contact ECPI University to learn how you could earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Service Management in as little as 15 months. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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