Admin Interview Questions
Admin Interview Questions
Admin Interview Questions
4. Tell me about the very first job you ever did that you got paid for. What did you learn from
that job? (Take the applicant through their entire work history by asking these questions for
each position.)
Work ethic, pattern of career growth (or lack of it), ability to meet challenges.
7. Tell me about a time you were the leader of a team. What did you enjoy about the experience?
What was difficult about it?
Ability to direct and motivate others.
8. Tell me about the manager who inspired you to do your best. Why did this person have this
effect on you?
An indicator of how best to manage the person if hired.
9. What’s toughest job you ever had and how long did you last at it? Why was it tough? Why did
you stick/not stick with it?
Stamina / staying power.
10. In your last position, were you given a performance appraisal? If yes, what did you get your
highest rating in and why? What did you get your lowest rating in and why? Could you give
me a copy of that appraisal?
Past performance is a good indicator of future performance.
11. On a scale of 1-10, where 10 is best, how would you rate yourself when it comes to (controlling
costs) (budgeting) (motivating employees) (dealing with problem employees) (managing
vendors) (hiring people)? Give me an example of why you rate yourself that way. What would
it take for you to become the next highest number?
Competencies.
13. What do you like/not like about the restaurant industry and why?
Understanding of and commitment to industry.
14. Do you think it’s possible to have fun at work? How do you make work fun for your
subordinates?
Motivation skills.
15. When I call your last manager, what will he/she tell me about you?
Past performance is a good indicator of future performance.
18. If you could change one bad decision you’ve made in the past, which would it be and why?
Ability to learn from experience.
2. Take the applicant to the kitchen and ask him/her to critique the layout and equipment and
to make recommendations.
Job knowledge.
3. Take the applicant to the kitchen and ask him/her to create a dish with what is on hand.
Skills.
III. Conclusion
1. What is the one question you hope I won’t ask you?
May bring to light a potential liability.
2. I’ve asked you a lot of questions. What one question would you like to ask me? (After
applicant asks his/her question, say: That’s interesting. Why did you ask that? After the
person explains, answer the question).
Insight into what applicant believes is important.
3. Is there anything you’d like to tell me about yourself that we haven’t covered?
Ends the interview on a positive note.
If you think you’d like to hire this person, ask them to come back in a couple days with a list of concerns they have about
this job.
V. Third Interview
1. Arrange for the applicant to meet one-on-one with another manager or supervisor and a
couple of front and back of house staff members.
Solicit applicant’s impressions of staff. Solicit staffs’ feedback about applicant.