5 Tips to Stand Out in an Interview at a Restaurant

Besides the obvious “dress to impress” suggestion.

Job hunting is exhausting. Going to interview after interview after interview, feeling like you nailed it, but still not getting a call back. We’ve all been there.

Maybe they hired the boss’s kid instead. Maybe they needed someone with more experience. Or, maybe they just didn’t think you wanted it badly enough. Whatever the reason is, maybe it’s time for you to try a different approach.

Here are 5 tips that will guarantee a lasting impression at your next interview:

1. Do your homework

Be familiar with the menu before going into an interview. Mention a few of your favorite dishes and cocktails and ask how they came up with them. You want them to know you’re knowledgeable about their menu and curious to know where the inspiration comes from. Plus, it’s a great way to start up a conversation

Bonus points if you can name drop a few of their competitors and share why you’d rather work here than working with the other guys.

2. Bring your resume and a pen

Chances are they already have your resume printed out but bring two copies just in case. There could also be some paperwork that needs to be filled out, so bring a pen to avoid having to ask for one. Nothing says unprepared like walking into an interview empty-handed.

3. Have answers ready for common questions

“What are your strengths and weaknesses?” If this question stumps you, you’re not prepared.

Interview questions will vary depending on the position you’re applying for, but for the most part, you can expect a handful of standard questions that you can prep for beforehand. Click here to read common questions asked at interviews and tips for how to respond.

4. Be friendly

Don’t save your big smile for just the one person you’re meeting with. Take the initiative to introduce yourself to everyone you encounter. Often times before an interview you’ll have to wait around to speak to the hiring manager. Instead of sitting there quietly staring at your phone, use this time to introduce yourself to the other employees and strike up a conversation (only if the restaurant isn’t busy at the time).

You’ll walk out of the interview with your soon-to-be coworkers vouching for you and telling their boss, “I really liked her/him.”

5. Follow up

This is a step that is often forgotten after an interview. Sometimes we feel like we’re being pests by reaching out after an interview. We think, “I’ll just wait until they reach out to me. They have my contact info — they either liked me or they didn’t.”

The problem with this thinking is that you never know how many candidates are being interviewed. There could be a number of candidates that they really liked, but if you follow up, you’re the candidate that stands out from pack.

Make your note as personal as possible. If you followed tip #4, this should be easy. For example, “Thank you [name] so much for taking the time to meet me today. I got a chance to meet your hostess Jennifer and bartender Ashley who both told me fantastic things about working there. I know I’d be the perfect addition to your awesome team. Looking forward to hearing from you!”

Now go show off your new, expert interview skills! Skip going door to door looking for jobs and apply for hospitality jobs online at www.Instawork.com or download the app here.