THE INTERVIEW: Reduce turnover by hiring the best employee for the job
By Thornhill Training
One of the best ways to cut turnover is to hire the right person for the job the first time.
Clearly defining what kind of person you are looking for is THE most important step in hiring great employees and reducing turnover.
Consider what personality traits you are looking for. You can learn a great deal from
first impressions. Talk to the hostess, waitress or whoever met the candidate first to get their feedback on the type of personality the person exuded.
Was the candidate
- Polite?
- Enthusiastic?
- Self-confident?
- Able to make eye contact?
- Sincere?
Two basics for any interview:
- Stop talking! Listen! Let your candidate do most of the talking.
- Use open-ended questions… such as questions where the person can’t answer with a simple “Yes” or “No.”
After asking the obvious questions about hours, money expected, transportation, previous employment or schooling, try some of these:
- What did you like the most about your previous job?
- What did you least like?
- Describe high stress. How do you handle it?
- Tell me about a time you had to make a quick decision. (Let them answer, then…)
- How did things work out?
- What kind of working conditions do you need to perform at your best?
- What is your description of a great manager?
- How would you describe teamwork?
- What do you think it takes to be a great … (server, bellman… fill in the blank.)
- How do you feel about meeting new people?
- What kinds of people upset you?
- What would you be doing if you didn’t have to work?
Put your candidates in real situations:
(Take good notes to hold them accountable later!)
- What would your current employer do to entice you to stay?
- What is the most important aspect of a kitchen staff’s job?
- You are on break and are in the restroom – it is a complete mess, trash all over the place… what will you do?
- Some of your friends come in while you are working and want to spend time talking to you… how will you handle it?
- You see someone stealing supplies… what will you do?
The success of your establishment depends on the quality of people you hire. The more upbeat, dependable and host employees you employ, the more your customers will want to come back and the less time you will have to spend on rehiring.
Register your new employees for an upcoming Food Handler class.
You’re in safe hands with Thornhill Training