Interview Tips

Before the Interview

The more effort you put into finding out as much as you can about a potential job, the better it will reflect on you during the interview.  Research the restaurant or organization where you are interested in working.  You may be able to find information on the Internet and in magazine or newspaper ads and articles.  The websites of many restaurants, caterers and hotels can be found by a search on the Restaurant Association of Maryland website.  If possible, find out the name of the chef, the manager, the owner, or anyone who holds a position of power.  If possible, eat there!  You will gain knowledge of the menu, what type of food the operation serves, the style of service, the hours of operation and the volume of business.  If you have a favorite dish, remember to mention it during the interview!  Ask questions of the wait staff (but don’t interfere with their job).  Your school counselor may also have some information available.

If, upon inquiring with the manager, you are asked to fill out an application, fill it out as completely as possible and ask for a manager when you return it.  If you cannot speak to him/her, find out what times are best to do so and try again to deliver it personally to a manager.  As you give it to him/her, ask when you can schedule an interview.

Before the interview, ask a friend or family member to review your resume for possible questions the employer might ask.  Practice your answers.  The more you practice your answers, the better prepared you will be. Identify your strengths, key abilities and personality characteristics that demonstrate the best you have to offer.  Identify specific events that demonstrate these strengths, abilities and characteristics. 

Six Common Interview Questions will help you to practice.  Basic questions you should be prepared for include, "Tell me about yourself,” “Why do you want to cook?” and “What did you like best/least about your last position?” When answering questions, try to be as concrete as possible, using examples from past experiences. 

Check out Monster.com for some Response Strategies for Frequently Asked Questions. 

Prepare a list of five questions to ask the interviewer.  It is best to concentrate on questions about the job's responsibilities, the company's philosophies and how you fit the position until you get the actual offer.

Find out where your interview is going to be held before you have to be there.  If necessary, practice the route.  Anticipate traffic delays.  Do not be too early and definitely do not be late.  If you can't avoid being late, phone and let your interviewer know and apologize.  Try to re-schedule, but whatever you do - don't be a no show!

Your References

Bring your references sheet with you to the interview.  Most prospective employers will ask two basic questions:

• What were your dates of employment?
• What was your official title?

The employer may also confirm factual details of your resume, like your responsibilities and skills.  In addition, employers will often ask subjective questions that require your references to share opinions about you.  These address your strengths, weaknesses, ability to work as part of a team, etc.

Make sure your references have given you permission to use their names.   Confirm all information, such as name, title, phone number and e-mail address, before providing it to a prospective employer.  Warn your references in advance so they will be expecting a call from your interviewer.  Explain the type of job you are applying for.  This gives them time to think about what they'll say.  It also gives you an opportunity to prepare them by describing the position and "coaching" them by reminding them of your relevant experience, skills and good qualities.

If you don't have prior work experience, ask a teacher if you can list them as a reference.  You could also ask older neighbors or family friends who have known you for a long time for whom you have provided services such as lawn cutting or babysitting.  If you volunteer, consider using leaders or other members of the organization as personal references.

During the Interview

• Dress neatly and be well groomed.
  
• Turn off your cell phone.
• Bring with you:  an extra copy of your cover letter and resume, a list of your references, a notepad and pen, your driver's license and portfolio (if applicable) and know your social security number.
  
• Be polite. 
• Think before answering questions.  A silence of a few seconds might SEEM like forever, but it is perfectly acceptable.
  
• Don't eat, drink or smoke, even if the opportunity is offered.  You are there to get a job - concentrate on the task at hand. 
• Relax and answer each question honestly and concisely.
• Learn the name of your interviewer and greet him or her with a firm but gentle handshake.  Ask for their business card so that you will know the correct spelling of their name and how to contact them after the interview.
  
• Use proper English—avoid slang.
• Be cooperative and enthusiastic.
• Use body language to show interest.  And don't forget to smile! 

• Never speak negatively about a past employer, or anyone else you have previously worked with.  Try to find something good in every job you've had and focus on that.

• Ask questions about the position and the organization.  The best questions will come as a result of your listening to what is asked during the interview. 
  
• Thank the interviewer when you leave.  Ask when you can expect to hear from them.

After the Interview

After the interview, immediately send a thank you note to the person who interviewed you and restate your interest in the position.  After the time has passed when you expected to hear back (generally about a week), call to ask about the status of your application. 

Before Accepting the Job

Before accepting a job, it is helpful to clarify some details.  For instance, ask:

• What is the starting date?

• Is your salary hourly or weekly?

• How many hours and days are you expected to work each week?

• Will you have regular shifts/days off or will the schedule change frequently?

• Many restaurants allow employees a meal before or after their shifts. Check if this is taken out of your salary.

• Many restaurants provide uniforms. Will the cost be taken out of your salary?

• Will you get paid vacation? How many days?

• Is there a 401K plan, retirement benefits, or an IRA?

• Will you get health or dental benefits? Will you have to contribute to them?

• Will you be required to join a union? If so, what are the dues?