Restaurant General Manager Interview Questions [For Employers and Applicants]

To ace your job interview for a restaurant general manager position, anticipate questions that assess your qualifications and experience in overseeing all aspects of restaurant operations.

Below are some typical questions you might encounter during a restaurant general manager job interview.

1. Could you walk me through your experience in restaurant management?

For interviewers: An experienced restaurant general manager can be the lifeline of your restaurant.

It’s important to get a clear grasp of their experience and see how creative, independent, resourceful, reliable and proactive they are.

For applicants: Be specific about your experience, highlighting accomplishments and challenges you faced as a restaurant general manager.

Use anecdotes and stories to provide context and show your skills in action.

Prove that you’re excellent at what you do.

2. How do you handle conflict among staff members?

For interviewers: Conflict is inevitable in any workplace, and a restaurant is no exception. This question assesses the candidate’s ability to manage and resolve conflicts effectively, while demonstrating their leadership qualities.

For applicants: It’s important to describe your own approach in a natural and authentic way.

Highlight your ability to stay calm under pressure and emphasize your active listening skills, showing your willingness to understand different perspectives.

Share past experiences demonstrating your conflict resolution skills and describe the positive outcomes of your approach.

Remember to be honest and transparent.

3. What strategies have you implemented to improve restaurant operations and customer experience?

For interviewers: This question evaluates the candidate’s ability to innovate and improve restaurant operations, which is essential in this highly competitive industry.

For applicants: Discuss specific strategies you have implemented to enhance restaurant operations and customer experience, such as introducing new menu items, implementing new technology or improving staff training.

Be sure to explain the impact of your initiatives on the restaurant’s success.

4. How do you ensure compliance with health and safety regulations in the restaurant?

For interviewers: This question evaluates the candidate’s knowledge of health and safety regulations and their ability to implement policies to ensure compliance.

For applicants: Discuss your knowledge of health and safety regulations and your experience implementing policies for compliance.

Emphasize your ability to train staff on safety procedures and identify and mitigate potential safety hazards.

5. How do you motivate and lead your restaurant team?

For interviewers: Being a great leader is critical in becoming the heart of the restaurant’s successful operation as the restaurant general manager.

This question demonstrates the applicant’s potential to become part of the leadership bench that can shape upper management.

For applicants: Talk about your leadership style and provide examples of how you kept staff focused and motivated, through, for example, recognition programs or training opportunities.

It’s important to note that clear and effective communication ultimately creates a positive work environment where everyone feels valued and involved in the restaurant’s success.

When applying for a restaurant general manager job, following up after an interview is crucial to show your dedication and interest in the role.

This is especially important for a senior-level position, where being qualified is only as important as being committed.