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.
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.
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.
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.
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.