Restaurants, Food & Franchising

With various jobs across the restaurant industry, recruitment processes for individual positions differ. This page details the steps of the hiring process that you can expect during your application process, including several different types of assessment tests such as numerical reasoning tests, situational judgment tests, and personality tests.

If you're applying for a job at a prominent restaurant, you will have to jump through several hoops before getting hired. The hiring process at most retail corporations and restaurants is as follows:

1. Apply online and submit your resume and cover letter.
2. Complete a preliminary telephone or video interview. In the case of a video interview, you may be sent a list of questions to which you must record your answers. This is called a pre-recorded interview. The goal of the preliminary interview is simply to identify potential candidates, so show why you are qualified for the position and you will move on to the next round of the hiring process. You will be asked basic screening questions.
3. Take a pre-employment assessment test. This psychometric test may evaluate your numerical reasoning skills, verbal skills, or logical reasoning skills. You may take a personality test, especially if you are applying for a managerial role or a client-facing position. Alternatively, it may be a technical test, such as a clerical skills test for those seeking a position as an administrative assistant.
4. The second interview may be a group interview, a panel interview, or a one-on-one interview. You may be interviewed by a Human Resources manager, your future boss, or a peer. If you are in a group interview, remember not to appear competitive. Answer questions using the S.T.A.R. method—discuss the situation, task at hand, action taken, and result. Prepare to answer questions about your experience and career goals.For some positions, especially upper-level positions, you may have an additional interview with HR. At some companies, this interview is a mere formality, whereas others seek to build a more comprehensive profile of your personality and management style based on the information you provide at this interview.

Generally, the questions that you will be asked at your interviews will be situational and behavioral in nature. That is, you will be asked how you acted in a specific situation in the past, as well as how you anticipate that you would behave in hypothetical scenarios. Aim to convey that you are positive, action-oriented, sensitive, and flexible. 

The tests that will take depend on the job for which you are applying. You may have to take any of the following entrance exams:  

• Numerical Reasoning Test
• Situational Judgment Test
• Personality Test

Another key role in the kitchen industry is food safety management. Read all about the ServSafe Manager Test to better understand what is required for being certificated for this position.