When interviewing potential candidates for your restaurant, it’s essential to gauge their motivation and fit within your establishment. We asked eight industry professionals what they look for when asking, “Why do you want to work for this restaurant?” Their answers range from a passion for food and creativity to showcasing knowledge and enthusiasm. Read on to discover the insights they shared and how these responses can help you identify the best candidates for your team.
- Passion for Food and Creativity
- Aligning Values and Culture
- Revealing Personality and Mindset
- Demonstrating Research and Skills
- Genuine Interest and Growth
- Adding Value to Restaurant’s Goals
- Exceptional Customer Service Focus
- Showcasing Knowledge and Enthusiasm
Passion for Food and Creativity
“As someone who loves to experiment in the kitchen and rarely prepares the same meal twice, I would be delighted to contribute to the restaurant’s repertoire of unique and tantalizingly delicious tastes.
“Working here would give me the opportunity to share my enthusiasm for cooking with the amazing customers that come through its doors every day and help create an experience that they will always associate with incomparable taste.
“This is why I want to work for this restaurant; because it provides a chance for me to do something great with my passion for food, contribute positively to someone else’s experience, and add something truly special that people won’t forget.”
Lorien Strydom, Executive Country Manager, Financer.com
Aligning Values and Culture
When asking about the interviewee’s motives behind wanting to work in a particular restaurant, the interviewer’s objective is really to find out more about the candidate’s values.
I recommend talking about personal goals and motivations and framing them in a way that aligns with the restaurant’s mission and culture. Whether it’s the opportunity to be exposed to a diverse cuisine, clientele, and experiences, or the fact the restaurant focuses on locally-sourced ingredients and sustainability, talk about what you’re passionate about. That way, you not only showcase that you are invested enough to get to know the establishment’s culture but also that you’re a perfect fit.
Maja Kowalska, Community Manager, Zety
Revealing Personality and Mindset
When someone asks these types of questions, you’re mostly looking to learn a little bit about the candidate’s personality and understand them a little more. You want to see how they handle the question and what appears to come to their mind first.
Do they simply need the money? Are they using it as a springboard to something else? Are they being forced to get a job like this? Or do they see a future with them at this specific place of employment?
It’s another piece of the hiring puzzle and, while these questions often feel generic, they can give the hiring manager an interesting look into the personality and mindset of the person who is applying. It’s a valuable step in the process of learning about the people you could end up hiring.
Brian Porter, CTO, Dream Home Studio
Demonstrating Research and Skills
When you ask a candidate why they want to work for your restaurant, you’re not just looking for a generic answer. You want to know if they’ve done their research and if they understand your brand, menu, and mission. An appropriate answer will show that they are passionate about the industry and the opportunity to work with your team.
Additionally, it’s important to look for candidates who can show how their skills and experience can contribute to the success of the restaurant. This question can also help you know if the candidates have communication skills and whether the candidate is a good cultural fit.
Luciano Colos, Founder and CEO, PitchGrade
Genuine Interest and Growth
When hiring for a restaurant, the interview question “Why do you want to work for this restaurant?” aims to uncover the candidate’s genuine interest in the business and its mission, rather than just a desire for any job.
The ideal answer should demonstrate enthusiasm for the restaurant’s cuisine, atmosphere, or reputation. However, it should also reveal the candidate’s desire to contribute to the team, learn new skills, and potentially grow with the company.
One way to determine if the answer is sincere is to ask follow-up questions that dig deeper into the candidate’s specific interests and goals. For example, “What aspects of our restaurant’s menu appeal to you the most?” or “How do you see yourself fitting into our team dynamic?” A strong answer will show a genuine connection to the restaurant’s values and a willingness to work hard to help achieve its goals.
Himanshu Sharma, CEO and Founder, Academy of Digital Marketing
Adding Value to Restaurant’s Goals
Questions like this are seeking a tie-in to how the interviewer can add value to what is most important to the establishment. The interviewer is typically not interested in hearing about the candidate’s need for a paycheck or that it’s very convenient to their home.
The answer to this question should directly correlate to the mission and goals of the restaurant. For example, if the company prides itself on world-class customer service, the answer should reflect the job seeker’s desire to provide top-tier customer experiences… icing on the cake can also include how.
Kristina Ramos, Reverse Recruiter, Find My Profession
Exceptional Customer Service Focus
A candidate should emphasize their willingness to deliver exceptional customer experiences. It’s also a good idea to mention that you want to learn from the best and that the high-quality service the given restaurant provides makes them want to be a part of it. Here’s a sample response:
“I am excited about the opportunity to work at this restaurant because I am passionate about providing high-quality service to customers. Your restaurant has a reputation for delivering exceptional experiences, and I want to be a part of that opportunity. I have worked in the service industry for several years, and I know it takes a dedicated team to consistently provide top-notch service. I believe that my experience and skills, combined with the culture of excellence at this restaurant, will allow me to contribute to delivering the kind of service that customers rave about. I am excited to work with a team that shares my passion for providing an unforgettable dining experience for every customer.”
Agata Szczepanek, Community Manager, MyPerfectResume
Showcasing Knowledge and Enthusiasm
Emphasizing the unique attributes of the restaurant that attracted the candidate to apply can be an effective way to answer the question, “Why do you want to work for this restaurant?” that the hiring manager expects to hear. The answer proves the candidate has done their research and is genuinely interested in working for the specific establishment rather than just any restaurant job.
For example, the candidate might highlight the restaurant’s reputation for using locally-sourced, sustainable ingredients, innovative and creative menu offerings, or commitment to sustainability and community involvement. They could also mention the restaurant’s exceptional customer service or its unique atmosphere or ambiance that sets it apart from other restaurants in the area.
By showcasing their knowledge and enthusiasm for the restaurant’s distinctive qualities, candidates can demonstrate their fit with the restaurant’s culture and values, making them more compelling candidates.
Nina Paczka, Community Manager, Resume Now
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