Competency-based Interview questions for Food & Beverage Manager

Mark per question will be awarded in the following order:

Outstanding 9-10 marks

Exceeds Expectations 7-8 marks
Meets Expectations 5-6 marks
Below Expectations 3-4 marks
Unsatisfactory 0-2 marks

Question 1 Max Score Point:

Give us an example of your achievement(s) in a leadership 7
position that led to the overall achievement of targets

Competency:

Leadership Abilities - This is about planning and trying to see if the candidate
possesses the changing and improving abilities. It’s about finding out how quickly he
can identify the obstacles to reaching a goal.

Remarks on candidate’s answers:

Response to cost question was a bit theoretical, otherwise solid.

Question 2 Max Score Point:

Give an example of a situation where you had to deal with a 8
Conflict

Competency:

Conflict management - This question seeks to undercover the ability of the candidate
if he’s able to deploy diplomacy and people skills in a difficult social situation and how
he handled it. This could include: managing a quality service and when he delivered
excellent customer service.

Remarks on candidate’s answers:

Good answer. Relevant too. Able to lead in difficult situations

Question 3 Max Score Point:

Tell us about a time you had to adjust your communication 8
approach to suit a particular audience.

Competency:

Communication – Considering the candidate’s position, the way he interacts with

others is crucial and he need to be able to build and maintain excellent relationships
with clients and colleagues.

Remarks on candidate’s answers:

Well balanced answer with a mix of theory and practice

Question 4 Max Score Point:

Thinking about a time when you had a number of different 7
choices or directions you could choose for a project, to solve a
problem, or to hold an event. Walk us through the process you
followed to make your decision about the appropriate direction to
choose the best chance of a positive outcome.

Competency:

Decision making - This evaluates circumstances, consider alternatives and weigh

options i.e. pros and cons and the use of critical-thinking skills to reach object
conclusions which includes adequate decisions under pressure and how the candidate
opts for a problem-solving attitude to achieve positive result.

Remarks on candidate’s answers:

Question 5 Max Score Point:
Describe a situation where you had to deal with a restaurant 9
emergency, like a power outage.

Competency:

Problem Solving - To be focused on results and improving a system or process,

candidate need to identify issues, obstacles, and opportunities and then device means
to implement effective solutions to the problems for seamless operations.

Remarks on candidate’s answers:

Good example, very pertinent. Response on strategic plan also reasonably pertinent.

Question 6 Max Score Point:

Are you familiar with health and safety regulations? How often do 8.5
you inspect their implementation?

Competency:
Situational Effectiveness - This tries to understand the candidate’s ability to
undertake responsibilities and perform activities to a recognized standard on a regular
basis by combining practical and thinking skills, knowledge and experience without
putting the health and safety of himself or others at significant risk.

Remarks on candidate’s answers:

He is a HACCP trainer and well able to organize HSE in his role.

Question 7 Max Score Point:

Give an example of a time you identified a new approach to a 9
workplace problem

Competency:

Analytical Strength - This illustrates key skills such as analysis, problem solving,
innovation and practicality. Candidate should have simple work-based experience in
both budgeting to cause substantial savings.

Remarks on candidate’s answers:

A strong, analytical but innovative approach to a simple but material problem. Pertinent
response.

Question 8 Max Score Point:

Recall a time a customer was dissatisfied from your service. How 8.5
did you handle their complaints?

Competency:

Behavioral - This is an attribute of skill set, knowledge, can-do, team work and
technical know-how, which contributes to the development of the candidate on how he
can face challenges and take bigger roles.

Remarks on candidate’s answers:

Already answered. Well buttressed with the 5-steps to customer satisfaction

Question 9 Max Score Point:

How do you measure cost and revenue? What cost-reducing 8.5
methods have you found effective in the past?

Competency:

Operational and Situational Approach - Trying to know the candidate’s capability in

service delivery to customers in the most cost-effective manner possible while ensuring
the high quality of service and support.

Remarks on candidate’s answers:

Strong all-round response both in practical approach and management basis
 Question 10 Max Score Point:
What innovations would you bring to ensure our restaurant is at 8
the top of the list in customers preferences?

Competency:

Innovation - It entails being creative, critical thinking, strategic thinking, and problem
solving to find and develop creative solutions for a complex situation for exceptional
performance.

Remarks on candidate’s answers:

Good range of initiatives to reposition the Restaurant.

Note: Whilst evaluating or awarding marks to candidate, the following competencies will
be considered:

Experience
The extent to which the work experience matches the requirements of the job.
Appearance/Comportment (dress etc.) /Manner
The extent to which the candidate’s appearance meets acceptable corporate standards.

Logical Reasoning/Communication Skills

The extent to which articulate speech/diction which matches the job role is displayed while
exhibiting sound intellectual capacity through the provision of structured response to questions
Decision-making and problem-solving skills
The grasp of issues/problems and persistence in following them up to ensure successful
outcome.
Understanding of the Technical requirements of position
The extent to which the applicant understands the core competencies required to succeed in
the role
Accountability
The extent to which the applicant exhibits an attitude of accepting responsibility for actions and
decisions taken and/or mistakes made. From the scenarios portrayed, the candidate must
exhibit an attitude of taking personal responsibility for achieving set objectives and while acting
with integrity.
Team Spirit
The extent to which there is a display of the ability to fit into a team and collaborate with others
to achieve team goals.
Drive for Result
The extent to which the applicant exhibits strong self-motivation and relentless passion for the
job. The scenarios painted must show a persistence to exceed expectations that matches the
requirements of the job.
Recommended for this position: Yes  No 