Job offers are exciting—they’re positive proof that you possess marketable skills, they make you feel great and they’re essential if you want to continue paying your living expenses. But, like all things worth having, they’re not always easy to come by—especially in a highly competitive industry like hospitality. Fortunately, asking questions at your next job interview is one way to increase your chances of securing one. Consider these five queries that will make hotel and restaurant employers want to hire you.
1. If I were to start next week, what would be the top priority on my to-do list?
This question serves several purposes. First, it will show the employer you will get right to work if selected for the position. Second, it will provide you with valuable information regarding the current state of the role. For example, if the employer rattles off a long list of urgent tasks the next hotel manager needs to tackle, it might indicate the last professional left without notice, was fired, the establishment is disorganized, or the employer has unreasonable expectations.
2. How would you describe your top-performing hotel/restaurant employees?
Employers view this question positively because it indicates that you intend to work hard enough to become a top performer if hired. As a bonus, you’ll gain insight into expectations that can help you determine if the job is right for you. For example, if the hiring manager says the best managers in the restaurant are the ones who spend 80 hours a week at work—and you have family obligations or other interests—you might decide to pursue other options.
3. I understand that XYZ restaurant/hotel earned $X in revenues last year. What could I do in this job position to make this year’s revenues even better?
When you work facts and figures you learned while researching the company into the job interview conversation, you show the employer that you’re really interested in the job position. This question also shows you’re thinking about the company as a whole—not just the paycheck you’ll collect—and want to contribute to its success.
4. What words would you use to describe your management style?
Employers spend a lot of time listening to job seekers talk about their own characteristics. A table-turning question like this will get you noticed. It will also help you decide if working for this particular employer will be a pleasant experience or your worst nightmare. For example, words such as “hands off” or “friendly” may indicate you’ll be on your own while “collaborative” or “firm” might mean they’ll be observing you closely.
5. What do you like most about working for XYZ restaurant/hotel?
As with the last question, this one will allow the employer to talk about his or her own experience for a change. In exchange, you’ll learn more about the company’s culture—a factor that can be just as important as salary and benefits when it comes to employee satisfaction. For example, if the employer describes the work atmosphere as “family-oriented,” it may indicate that schedule flexibility is the norm.
Most employers close an interview by asking, “Do you have any questions for me?” While you’re understandably interested in salary, benefits and when they’ll be making a hiring decision, try a few of the questions above instead. You’ll make a favorable impression that will increase your chances of landing your next hospitality job.