3 Questions Candidates Should Ask Restaurant Hiring Managers

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Restaurant hiring managers are typically the ones asking the questions during a job interview. It is a nice change when they receive questions from you, since it shows that you are engaged in the conversation and are interested in the job. Here are some questions that restaurant employers like to be asked:

#1: What do you expect from me in the first month of working?

This question may seem like you are jumping the gun, as if you are already hired. However, it is still a great question to ask the hiring manager because it shows that you are thinking ahead. Also, the hiring manager will see that you are goal-oriented and look to succeed in the new role. When working at a restaurant, every employer has different expectations, so it is a good idea to get a feel of what the business particularly looks for from their staff.

#2: How do you measure success?

This is a great follow-up to the previous question. When you ask this, hiring managers again will see that you care about succeeding and want to know how you can achieve that. In addition, it shows that you are responsible and hold yourself accountable to your work. For example, you may want to ask how your performance will graded, whether it be based on number of sales, customer feedback or another factor.

#3: What are some challenges I may face in this role?

A question like this indicates to the hiring manager that you understand the position will have both positives and negatives. Let your interviewer know that you welcome challenges, and are one to find solutions. You not are afraid when you are faced with problems, and can manage difficulties. The hospitality industry itself is full of surprises, so your hiring manager will definitely appreciate that you are able to handle all types of predicaments. 

Want more job interview advice? See these following articles: 


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Restaurant and Hospitality Job Search Mistakes

Having trouble finding a job on Harri? You may not be fully utilizing the suite of tools we offer. Here are some tips to help you on your way to being employed: 

#1: Narrow down your search.

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We offer countless restaurant and hospitality job opportunities on our platform. Instead of going through the job listings one by one, use the search and filter options on the left-hand side. If you only want to work in restaurants and have a front-of-house role, specify that so you only see those jobs in your results. On Harri, you can select the type of position, type of restaurant and even type of cuisine you are interested in working with.

#2: Your image is extremely important.

The way you present yourself online and offline are noted by hiring managers. Make sure your online profiles are polished and up-to-date. Also, remember to contact employers with a professional email. Read here for ways on how to improve your Harri profile. Your attire is key too. Dress properly when taking a profile photo and when going on a job interview. See our post, Tips for a Professional Profile Photo, for more advice.

#3: Double check on your references.

A bad reference can totally ruin your chances of finding that job you were hoping for. Confirm that your professional and personal references will be speak highly of you. Not having somebody to give you a positive recommendation may also be just as bad. If you unsure how to ask your employer (or former employer) to be your reference, take a look at How to Ask Someone for a Job Reference.

#4: Understand that you may not find your 'dream job' immediately.

Searching for the perfect job may take some time. You can still take on other opportunities while you find the perfect one for you. If you are presented with something that does not meet your requirements 100%, consider taking it anyways, so that you can build up your experience and develop your skills. In addition, understand that hiring in the hospitality industry goes through waves. You might just be looking for a new job at the wrong time. Check for open opportunities frequently, both on desktop and mobile, if you are on-the-go. In addition, sign up for Harri’s job alert notifications, where we will send you updates on jobs that match your preferences. 


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Meet Mikel, Harri’s 200K Member

Late last year, we introduced to you Ronnie, Harri’s 150K member. That was an amazing milestone in itself, but as our platform has evolved, we have grown to a community of now over 200K+. So meet Mikel, our lucky 200K member.

Mikel, an executive chef with more than 20 years of experience, found Harri by chance. He had taken a short break from his career to travel, but he is now ready to get back to doing what he loves, and is looking for new opportunities.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO COOKING?

At first, I just went with it because Spain, where I come from, is famous and known for its Michelin-star restaurants. Besides that, I grew up in the countryside with my grandma, spending time there during the weekends and summers. I was basically living in the kitchen; it was the heart of the house. She had a traditional, wood-fired stove and it was my favorite part of the house. My mother learned from her as well.

HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START IN THE HOSPITALITY BUSINESS?

I started my career working front-of-the-house when I was 16, and I moved up until I was a GM by age 26. I went on to attend culinary school at Escuela de Hostelería de Barcelona, while working as GM. After completing my degree, I started working in the kitchen and never left.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT WORKING IN THE INDUSTRY?

Making people happy. From the way I cook and also not just cooking for myself, but for others. It is my main secret to being successful and loving what I do. The most important thing for me is to make people feel happy from what they eat.

HOW DID YOU FIND HARRI AND WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO JOIN? 

I found Harri randomly while looking online for work. I was directed to Harri. Harri offers executive and management positions from awesome restaurants, unlike Craigslist and LinkedIn. When you look for a job on Harri, you do not feel like you are thrown onto a rollercoaster, where you do not know where you are or where you will end up. Also, on Harri, employers are always quick to respond to job seekers.

HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT BEING OUR 200K MEMBER?

I could not even believe it at first, since I was in Barcelona when Team Harri reach out to me. I thought it was a joke, but then I realized it was really true. I was impressed and wanted to be a part of your feature.

HOW HAS HARRI BEEN USEFUL FOR YOU?

Since I am a new member and just started using Harri, I have found a few possible opportunities that are opening in the summer.

HOW HAVE EMPLOYERS REACTED TO YOUR HARRI PROFILE?

Employers have responded pretty quickly to my profile. It is very different from the way other job sites hire, which tend to be be pretty complicated, like Taleo, for example. When you apply for positions on Taleo, you probably will get a reply three or four weeks later. In contrast, Harri is able to match job seekers’ profiles to jobs that they qualify for and employers react quickly.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF OTHER JOB SITES, COMPARED TO HARRI?

Basically, I only use LinkedIn and ZipRecruiter. I think ZipRecruiter is not as useful because I do not like the way they designed the website; it is a bit more complicated and super impersonal. As for LinkedIn, the basic, free account is not as helpful. I actually got a premium account for the purpose of finding a new job, so that I could access other features, like inMail. But with Harri, these features are free. Harri is also tailored for hospitality professions, where as LinkedIn is more general.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE MOBILE APP?

Because I have been traveling so much, I prefer the mobile app more than the actual website. It is easier and it sends me updates pretty often. 

WHAT TYPE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING HOSPITALITY PROFESSIONALS?

Work hard and be patient, and be honest! There are so many chefs that think that after they finish school in two years, they are a chef. It took me three years after culinary school, working in the kitchen with experienced chefs, to actually learn how to cook properly and respect food. You have a base that you learn from school, but the experience is totally different from a restaurant. They have to understand that they will not be chef right away, you have to work at your craft.


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3 Key Things to Research Before Your Job Interview

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Before you interview for your next job, be sure to do some prior research. Do not meet with the hiring manager without knowing basic background information about the restaurant or hotel company you hope to work for. Here are three key things to research on and how/where you can find the information:

  • What is the company all about?

Find out what the company does. Is it a restaurant, a bar, a cafe, a hotel restaurant? Make sure you clearly understand what type of business you may potentially be working for. Do thorough research online; visit their Harri company employer page and their company website.

  • What does the company value?

Learn why the business does what it does. What is its mission? See what fuels the employees and employers to work in the hospitality industry, day in and day out. If possible, try to find videos online of the restaurant owner or restaurant manager speaking about the business. With the video, you can hear first hand what the company is like, and why you should be a part of their team. For example, see what it is like working at The Little Beet, which was featured in our Kitchen Culture series. 

  • Is the company being talked about in the news?

This could either be a good sign or a bad sign. Browse through news sites and see what is written about your potential employer. Check out their social medias for hints on what company culture is like. Also, research key people who are part of the business, including owner(s), senior-level managers and decision-makers.

Other important things you may want to research prior to your interview include: 

  • How big is the company?
  • How many employees do they have?
  • Who are their main competitors?
  • What are their goals in the future?
  • Are they a global brand? If not, will they be expanding?

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5 Reasons The Restaurant Industry Is In Good Shape

The restaurant industry started the year off weak, at least based on sales indices. Black Box Intelligence said same-store sales fell 0.8 percent for the month. According to MillerPulse, same-store sales increased 1 percent. Both were the weakest figures in years.

But both numbers mask what was, in reality, a good month for the industry and what could be the start of a profitable year. Here’s why:

The two-year trend is still strong. Both MillerPulse and Black Box were comparing themselves to a January 2015 that was the strongest month in recent years thanks to a run of stupid good weather. So sure, January’s sales weren’t quite as good as the previous year, they were still quite good on a two-year basis. MillerPulse’s two-year same-store sales trend of 6.3 percent was the strongest for that index in two years. For Black Box, the two-year trend is 5.3 percent. Two-year trend numbers factor out one-time events like weather that can influence a single year’s same-store sales.

Overall sales were stronger. According to recent federal data, sales at food services and drinking places increased 6.1 percent in January, to $53.5 billion. Federal data tracks all sales, rather than same-store sales, and so it can account for increases in sales from new units as well as independents. Overall retail sales excluding auto sales, by comparison, increased just 2.5 percent. Sales at grocery stores, 2.3 percent.

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Restaurant owners are hiring. This is the best indication of an industry still in expansion mode. Restaurateurs hired 46,700 workers in January, or close to one out of every three jobs the economy created in the month. Over the past year, the industry has added more than 380,000 jobs. What’s the point of adding workers if you don’t think your business will need the added labor?

Gas prices are still ridiculously low. Gas prices averaged $1.70 per gallon as of Tuesday, according to AAA. While that’s a bit higher than it was a week ago, it’s still 60 cents per gallon cheaper than a year ago. Gas prices are expected to be low for some time, as long as there remains a glut in oil, putting money in the pockets of more consumers. When consumers get more money, they really want to spend it on dining out.

Food costs are coming down. These additional sales are coming as beef costs finally join other commodities in deflating. Lower prices for beef, pork and chicken should make for a more profitable industry in 2016. Indeed, Texas Roadhouse executives said on the company’s earnings call Monday that they expect higher margins this year thanks to more sales and lower food costs.

None of this is to say that there aren’t challenges in the industry. But barring some major calamity, it appears this could be the best year for restaurants since the start of the Great Recession.

(via Nation's Restaurant News)