Tips on How To Be a Successful Restaurant Owner

Behind every great restaurant is a great restaurant owner. In order for your restaurant to become a success, you'll need to be an effective leader for your team. Here are four key pieces of advice on how to be a successful restaurant owner: 

Listen to your staff.

Your staff, especially the front-of-house team, interact with customers on the daily. They have a first-hand account of what the dining hall is like, and what can be improved so that they can serve guests better. Hear your employees out by holding sessions where they can voice out their concerns. Stay close to them, so they feel comfortable enough to share their ideas.

Your guests are equally as important.

Like your staff, your customers' feelings should not be overlooked. Include a suggestions/comments card along with the bill, so that diners can rate their experience, the service, the food and other items that you want to know more about. Gather the cards and analyze them to see if there are any particular patterns. Publish the results, then have your staff go through them. Review the information as a group, as well, so that everybody understands what needs to be fixed.

Leave room for growth and expansion.

Keep in mind you cannot rush success. It is possible that your restaurant can expand in physical size/scale and you might need to hire more staff. Also, realize that at a certain point, growth and sales will slow down. Be sure to have a back-up plan or ideas on how you can help grow the business. Maybe consider opening a second location, or even relocating. If not, what about reworking your restaurant's concept, menu, etc.?

Remember your role as the leader.

As the restaurant owner, be sure that you lead by example. Conduct yourself as a person that is hard working and dedicated to the restaurant. When your employees see that, they will be encouraged to be so too. You want your staffers to know you as somebody that is strong and dependable.

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How to Write the Perfect Thank You Note

The job interview isn't over once you leave the meeting room. There is still one more step to the process, the thank you note.

#1: Salute with your interviewer's name.

Start off the note with "Dear Mr./Mrs." and include your interviewer's name. When you greet with their name, it shows that it is more personalized and you put thought into writing, rather than reusing a generic template. Also, indicate the date you met and position you applied for, to help refresh their memory. Your hiring manager might be conducting multiple interviews.

#2: Express your gratitude.

A thank you note/email would not be one if you do not include "Thank you". Write that you appreciated the time they took out to meet, speak and consider you for the position.

#3: Confirm that you are interested.

Let the hiring manager know that you are still interested in the position. State how you are excited to work for the company, and how you look forward to learning and growing with them. HR professionals like to hear enthusiasm from potential candidates when applying to jobs.

#4: Promote yourself.

Write a little promotional blurb about yourself. Briefly discuss your strengths and skills, and how they would be valuable to the team. You may also want to talk about your previous experience in the hospitality industry. Basically, provide further support on why you are qualified and the best candidate for the position. 

#5: Remember to follow up.

Sum up by writing thank you once more, and suggesting to keep in contact. Mention how you can be reached again via email or phone, if your hiring manager has any further questions. If you do not hear back from him/her in about a week or so, send a friendly a reminder email.

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How to Ace Your Video Job Interview

Many companies, like ones on Harri, are embracing modern hiring methods. Video interviews are quickly becoming common practice.

Here are some tips on how to ace your next video interview:

#1: Do a technology test run.

You do not want to miss out on the job interview due to technical difficulties. Double check to see that all your technology, including your video/webcam software, microphone and speakers, are running properly. 

#2: Practice in front of your screen.

In addition to making sure your equipment is working, conduct a trial video job interview. Ask a friend to pretend and play the role of the hiring manager. Rehearsing, even for a little bit, can help calm your nerves. Maybe consider practicing and answering the most common restaurant job interview questions during the mock interview.

#3: Be distraction free.

It is essential that you select a place where you will not be disturbed.

• Interview in a quiet, well-lit space, so that your interviewer can hear and see you clearly.
• Good lighting is also appreciated. Sit in front of a light source, rather than behind it, because it will create shadows.
• Turn off of silence your phone during the interview.

#4: Dress as if you would in a face-to-face interview.

Even though you are not sitting in on an in-person interview, you still have to be in presentable attire. Wear a button-down or blouse, and pants. It is important to dress in a complete outfit because it will help you feel and project professionalism when you speak with your potential employer.

#5: Send a thank-you note and follow up.

As you would in any other interview, remember to thank the person you interviewed with for their time. After, send them an email, so that you can easily contact them in a week or two about updates in your job status.

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How to Attract Great Candidates

"How do I attract and hire the best people?" is a very common question among hospitality HR professionals.

Finding the perfect talent can be challenging and may take some time. Here are some ways you can attract the best of the best:

#1: Recruit based on attitude, instead of skills.

When hiring, look for candidates that have a good personality, rather than exceptional skill. It's actually harder to teach a person how to be personable than to teach someone technical skills. Consider hiring a person that is willing to start at a lower position, who you could then train him/her for a greater role within the company. That way, he/she can see that there is opportunity to grow career-wise and see their work being valued in the business.

#2: Find candidates by networking.

Don't limit yourself to just those who applied to your job post. Search elsewhere and through other means, like using our Search and Connect feature. You're bound to find other great candidates that meet your requirements within our vast network of 180,000+ users. Add members to your Talent Pool and invite them to submit their applications.

#3: Promote from within the company.

During the recruitment process, inform candidates that your business looks to promote entry-level staffers to higher positions. That way, job seekers know that their efforts put in the company will be rewarded. In addition, this strategy will keep employees motivated to work harder.

#4: Company culture is essential.

Attract candidates with the amazing company culture that you've built. Express that your company is a great workplace, and provide supportive words like how everybody is a team player and the business appreciates and listens to the feedback from staff.

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3 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Lie in a Job Interview

George Washington never told a lie, and it's a good practice to keep in mind during a job interview. Honesty is a key trait that employers look for in employees. Here are reasons why you should only speak the truth when meeting with a hiring manager:

#1: Background checks may come back to hurt to you.

Employers will check up on you after the initial interview. They may possibly contact your previous employers and references. You definitely do not want to be caught lying about your professional history. Instead be honest, and explain any past situations if asked.

#2: You won't do well on the job.

Let's say you do get the job. If you were hired based on the skills you don't actually have, it's only a matter of time before your employer will know the truth. You won't be able to accomplish anything at work, and it can lead to termination. Be as truthful as possible when discussing your abilities. If you believe you are weak in one area, talk about how you would like additional training in order to strengthen your weaknesses.

#3: Dishonesty ruins your reputation.

Dishonesty not only hurts your current situation, it won't be good for you in the future either. Word travels fast in the restaurant and hospitality circle; the industry is small and hiring managers are very well connected. It's not a good idea to leave him/her with a bad experience.

Remember, honesty is the best policy! Mark Twain even once said, "If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything."

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