5 Qualities to Look for When Hiring in the Restaurant Industry
The restaurant industry thrives on strong relationships between employees and guests. Whether the focus is on front-facing roles like servers or back-of-house positions like kitchen staff, the qualities of the people you hire can directly influence your establishment’s success. While technical skills can be taught, certain traits are important for individuals to excel. Here are five qualities to prioritize when hiring in the restaurant management industry.
1. Excellent Communication Skills
Effective communication is the backbone of any restaurant role. Employees must not only provide clear, friendly service to guests but also coordinate seamlessly with team members. A great candidate should exhibit the following attributes when it comes to communication:
- The ability to convey menu options, specials, and recommendations clearly and confidently.
- Active listening skills that make guests feel valued and understood.
- The ability to adapt communication styles when interacting with diverse groups of customers or colleagues.
A server who can calmly address a guest’s dietary concerns will create a positive dining experience and build customer loyalty. During interviews, ask situational questions to gauge how candidates have handled complex communication challenges in the past.
2. Customer-Focused Attitude
The restaurant business revolves around creating exceptional guest experiences. Employees who are naturally service-minded and committed to customer satisfaction will play a key role in achieving this goal. Look for individuals who demonstrate:
- A friendly and approachable demeanor.
- A mindset geared toward finding solutions for guests.
- A genuine willingness to go above and beyond.
Encourage candidates to share details about times they’ve delivered standout service in previous roles. Their ability to handle real-world scenarios goes a long way in revealing their customer-first attitude.
3. Strong Work Ethic
The restaurant environment is often fast-paced and physically demanding, especially during peak meal times or busy seasons. Having employees with a strong work ethic is critical to managing this intensity. Candidates with a reliable work ethic demonstrate:
- Dependability, making sure they show up on time and ready for shifts.
- A willingness to step in wherever needed, whether bussing tables or helping a colleague.
- Resilience in high-pressure situations, such as handling a rush of guests.
During the hiring process, ask candidates how they’ve managed demanding workloads or challenging shifts in the past. Look for answers that reflect their ability to work efficiently and maintain enthusiasm under pressure.
4. Problem-Solving Abilities
Unexpected situations are common in restaurants, whether it’s running out of an ingredient or managing a reservation mix-up. Employees need to stay composed, think on their feet, and offer quick solutions. Strong candidates will:
- Evaluate challenges and take proactive action to resolve them.
- Keep a calm presence under pressure.
- Learn from situations to better handle similar issues in the future.
For example, if an entrée isn’t cooked to a guest’s satisfaction, an effective problem-solver would apologize sincerely, offer a replacement, and make sure the issue is handled promptly. Role-playing scenarios during interviews can highlight a candidate’s ability to solve problems effectively.
5. Adaptability and Flexibility
The restaurant business is constantly changing, from shifts in guest traffic to menu adjustments or seasonal needs. Employees who adapt quickly can thrive in this dynamic environment. Flexibility means being open to feedback, learning new tasks, and working varied hours when required. Look for individuals who:
- Adjust easily to schedule changes or high-demand situations.
- Approach new challenges with confidence and a positive attitude.
- Strive to improve by taking constructive feedback to heart.
During interviews, ask candidates about experiences where they had to adapt quickly to a change in their workplace environment. A flexible attitude is a sign of an employee who can handle the restaurant industry’s fast-paced nature.
How to Spot These Qualities During the Hiring Process
While reviewing résumés can give you a snapshot of a candidate’s technical abilities, these traits often require deeper insight. Use these strategies to identify the right qualities:
- Behavioral Interviews: Ask open-ended questions about past roles to understand how candidates navigated real challenges.
- Scenario Testing: Pose hypothetical restaurant situations, such as resolving a double-booked reservation, to evaluate problem-solving and adaptability.
- Reference Checks: Speak to past employers to learn about the candidate’s teamwork, work ethic, and ability to handle the demands of food service.
Concluding Remarks
Hiring for the restaurant industry is about more than technical skills. To build a team that’s collaborative, guest-focused, and resilient, prioritize these five traits. When you hire employees with strong communication, a customer-focused approach, a solid work ethic, problem-solving skills, and adaptability, you’re creating a foundation for long-term success.
At Martin Recruiting Partners, we understand how important it is to find employees with the right traits for your restaurant. With extensive experience in restaurant and hospitality hiring, we can help identify top-tier candidates to meet your unique needs. Get in touch today and let us help you find outstanding talent to strengthen your team’s success.