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Interview Questions

Top 40 Hotel General Manager Interview Questions & Expert Answers 

This guide provides hiring managers with the best questions to ask Hotel General Manager job applicants in job interviews. It also helps applicants thoroughly prepare for their interviews by understanding what to expect and how to effectively answer these questions.

Table of Contents

Popular Hotel General Manager Interview Questions

These three groups of questions below are perfect to help interviewers assess a Hotel General Manager candidate's experience and expertise.

The Best Hotel General Manager Interview Questions

1. Interview questions regarding skills and experience

2. Interview questions about leadership and management style

3. Situational Hotel General Manager interview questions

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Types of Hotel General Manager Interview Questions

  • Interview questions for Hotel General Managers regarding skills and experience: As a job seeker, you want to describe your previous experience in the hospitality industry clearly. This will help interviewers determine if you're a good fit for the role. Most employers value previous experience more than a university degree. However, if you have one, don't forget to mention it — it can help you stand out among other applicants.
  • Hotel General Manager interview questions about leadership and management style: Since leadership and management style are key to a hotel's success, it's crucial to understand how candidates lead their teams. As a Hotel General Manager candidate, your goal is to clearly describe your leadership approach and management philosophy. This will help interviewers see if your style aligns with the hotel's culture.
  • Situational questions asked in a Hotel General Manager interview: Situational interview questions are designed to measure the candidate's ability to think on their feet. As an interviewer, you need to present a scenario they might face at work and see how they would handle it. As an interviewee, you should quickly provide a solution that highlights your problem-solving skills.

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What Are the Top Hotel General Manager Interview Questions and Answers?

Whether you're a job seeker or a recruiter, make sure to check out these 30 additional questions that dive deeper into the skills, experience and expertise of a successful Hotel General Manager.

30 More Questions for a Hotel General Manager Interview

  • How would you increase hotel occupancy rates at our establishment?
  • What do you believe is the most important aspect of guest satisfaction?
  • Tell me about a time when you had to come up with an effective solution on the spot.
  • How do you ensure your staff follows strict cleanliness standards in the hotel?
  • What is the most challenging thing about being a HGM during peak season?
  • How would you handle a serious complaint from a VIP guest?
  • What was the most successful marketing strategy you've used to attract more clients?
  • What kind of system do you have in place that helps you manage big projects like hotel renovations or expansions?
  • Tell me about a training program you've developed for your team.
  • What are the three most important KPIs you focus on at work?
  • What was the most challenging situation in your career and how did you overcome it?
  • Tell me about the last time you had to resolve a conflict at work. What happened, what did you do and what was the outcome?
  • What is the most difficult decision you've ever had to make in this role?
  • How do you create a positive work environment?
  • How do you decide it's time to let go of an employee?
  • Describe your ideal work environment.
  • Give me an example of a time when you had to work under extreme pressure.
  • What kind of approach do you use to train future leaders within the team?
  • Tell me about a time when you had to lead a team during a setback.
  • What are the three most important characteristics you're looking for in an employee?
  • How would you react if you lost multiple staff members during peak season?
  • Which approach would you take to maximize revenue during peak season?
  • How would you rectify an issue where a guest's reservation was lost?
  • How do you handle unexpected events at work, such as power outages or overbookings?
  • What would you do if a regular guest damaged hotel property?
  • How would you cut costs without compromising a high standard of service?
  • Why did you leave your previous job?
  • Where do you see yourself in five years?
  • What would you say was a turning point in your career?
  • Why would you like to work for us?

How a Miami-Based General Manager Fosters Team Connections

Play the video below to see how Dan Normandin, a GM at Four Seasons Miami, builds strong relationships within his team.

How To Prepare for a Hotel General Manager Job Interview

Use the following tips to prepare for your next Hotel General Manager interview, whether you're a candidate or an interviewer.

As a candidate:

  • Do thorough research on your prospective employer. Check their website, social media accounts and customer reviews to understand their culture, reputation and the type of clientele that stays at their hotels.
  • Carefully read the Hotel General Manager job description to understand the employer's expectations for the role. Be ready to discuss your previous hospitality leadership experience, highlighting achievements and improvements you implemented.
  • Anticipate situational questions that are used to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice your answers with a friend or family member to build confidence prior to the interview.
  • Stay updated on the latest trends in the hospitality industry, including new hotel management software and eco-friendly practices.
  • Pay attention to your body language. Maintain good eye contact, an upright posture and avoid fidgeting to appear confident.

As an interviewer or hiring manager:

  • Start with a warm welcome to make the candidate feel comfortable.
  • Ask relevant questions to assess the candidate's experience, communication, leadership and problem-solving skills.
  • Allow the candidate to ask questions about the role and the hotel.
  • Clearly explain the next steps in the interview process.
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Written by Sasha Vidakovic

Content Specialist

Sasha is an experienced writer and editor with over eight years in the industry. Holding a master’s degree in English and Russian, she brings both linguistic expertise and creativity to her role at OysterLink. When she's not working, she enjoys exploring new destinations, with travel being a key part of both her personal and professional growth.

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Edited by Marcy Miniano

Editor

Marcy is an editor and writer with a background in public relations and brand marketing. Throughout her nearly decade-long career, she has honed her skills in crafting content and helping build brands across various industries — including restaurant and hospitality, travel, tech, fashion and entertainment.