Managing a restaurant team isn’t just about hiring the right people—it’s about setting them up for success, keeping them engaged, and knowing how to navigate every stage of their journey. Hiring to Retiring is your go-to guide for mastering the entire employee lifecycle, from recruiting and onboarding to retention, performance management, and offboarding. Whether you’re looking to build a strong team culture, reduce turnover, or handle tough staffing decisions with confidence, this series delivers actionable insights and best practices to help restaurant operators lead with success.
The Resume Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story
In the restaurant industry, real-world skills and attitude often matter more than what’s on paper. A working interview or skill assessment helps you evaluate a candidate’s abilities in action—how they handle pressure, follow instructions, and fit with your team.
What Is a Working Interview?
A working interview gives candidates a short shift or trial task in your restaurant to assess their skills and attitude firsthand. It’s especially useful for:
- Line cooks, prep cooks, and dishwashers
- Bartenders and baristas
- Hosts and servers
Before You Start: Legal & Ethical Considerations
- Compensation: In most states, if a candidate performs actual work (not just shadowing), they must be paid for their time.
- Insurance & Liability: Check with your insurer about covering non-employees on premises.
- Consent & Clarity: Be transparent about the purpose, duration, and pay (if applicable).
What to Observe During a Working Interview
- Technical Skills
- Knife handling, speed, organization, beverage knowledge, POS system familiarity.
- Communication Style
- Are they clear, respectful, and collaborative?
- Work Ethic & Attitude
- Do they take initiative? Stay busy during downtime?
- Coachability
- Are they receptive to feedback or resistant to instruction?
- Team Fit
- How do they interact with staff and guests?
Skill Assessments Without a Full Shift
If a working interview isn’t possible, consider shorter, focused assessments:
- Line Cooks: Ask them to prep a simple dish.
- Bartenders: Have them make a few classic cocktails.
- Servers: Roleplay guest interactions or explain a daily special.
- Hosts: Practice greeting and seating guests.
Debrief with Your Team
Get feedback from team members who observed the candidate. Front-line staff can offer valuable insights on how the person meshed with your restaurant’s energy.
Skill assessments and working interviews can uncover strengths and weaknesses you’d never see in a traditional interview. When done right, they’re one of the most powerful tools in hiring the right people.