Top 40 Restaurant Manager Interview Questions & Answers
This guide includes effective example answers and tips that can help applicants ace their interviews and land a Restaurant Manager job.
Popular Restaurant Manager Interview Questions
Prepare for your upcoming job interview by reviewing the most commonly asked questions. We've organized them into three key categories: questions about skills and industry experience, customer service scenarios, and situational or behavioral questions relevant to hospitality management.
Types of Restaurant General Manager Interview Questions
- Key Skills and Experience Interview Questions for Restaurant Managers: These questions and answers will assist recruiters in evaluating a candidate’s relevant experience, expertise, and knowledge of restaurant operations. As a job applicant, your goal is to highlight your background in restaurant management. Bear in mind that most employers consider previous experience as more valuable than a university degree. However, make sure to mention it (if you have one), together with the relevant certifications you possess. This can help you stand out among other applicants.
- Restaurant Manager Questions About Customer Service: As a hiring manager, one of your main priorities should be to evaluate the applicant's customer service skills, including their ability to handle guest complaints, manage table reservations, and create a welcoming restaurant atmosphere. As an applicant, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to provide exceptional customer service by highlighting past experiences where you ensured guest satisfaction.
- Situational Restaurant Manager Interview Questions: The following interview questions aim to assess the candidate's critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and how effectively they handle high-pressure situations in a fast-paced restaurant setting. As an interviewer, you need to come up with a situation your candidate is likely to find themselves in and see how they would handle it. As an interviewee, you need to quickly come up with a solution that demonstrates your problem-solving skills and dedication to providing exceptional customer service.
What Are the Top Interview Questions for Restaurant Manager?
In this section, you'll find 30 additional questions your should ask restaurant manager candidates during the interview process to further assess their skills and problem-solving abilities.
Restaurant Manager Interview Tips
Use the following preparation tips to excel in your next Restaurant Manager interview, whether you are a job seeker or a recruiter looking to assess candidates’ suitability for management roles in the hospitality sector.
As a candidate:
- Do thorough research on your prospective employer. Check their website, social media accounts, menu offerings and try to understand their company culture and the type of clientele they serve.
- Carefully read the Restaurant Manager job description to get a better understanding of the employer's expectations for this role. Be ready to discuss your previous restaurant experience, highlighting results you achieved or improvements you implemented.
- Anticipate situational questions that will assess your problem-solving and customer service skills. It's best to practice your answers (especially for these types of questions) with a friend or family member. That way, you will you feel more confident during the interview.
- Make sure you're up to date with the latest trends in the restaurant industry so you impress the interviewer. This includes refreshing your knowledge of new restaurant management software and eco-friendly practices.
- Pay attention to your body language. If you want to exude confidence, you need to maintain good eye contact and maintain an upright posture. Don't touch your face or play with your hair because you'll appear nervous or distracted. Instead, nod your head to show understanding or lean forward to express interest.
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 and expertise, as well as communication, leadership and problem-solving skills
- Give candidates opportunities to ask questions about the role and the restaurant.
- Clearly explain the next steps in the interview process.
Testimonial From an Industry Expert
We asked an industry professional who's been in the game for several years to share his opinion on what's more important, experience or education.
What do you think is more important, learning through experience or through formal education and training?
"I always think experience is valuable in the hospitality industry. With experience, you have a better understanding of hospitality and how to make each one of your guests feel like a VIP."
Kerven Rimpel, Assistant Manager of Food and Beverage
Written by Sasha Vidakovic
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.
Reviewed by Marcy Miniano
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.