When I was a manager running a restaurant in Dallas, my Vice President of Operations decided to add the follow shift to the interview process – My first experience was amazing – I could not believe what I learned spending 4 hours with a young man that wanted to work for us. Walking through the restaurant talking about operations and meeting the staff was so much more informative than sitting across a desk from each other asking questions in a robotic fashion – after my first follow shift I was hooked -and could not wait for the next one – At the end of the shift I was absolutely sure if I wanted the candidate to be a part of our team or not.
The follow shift is a very important step in the process – most restaurant companies use the follow shift as part of their interview process. One you begin the interview process with the company you have decided you want to work for, you will go through at least five interviews:
· The first contact is usually a phone or Zoom Screen -remember a Zoom interview is exactly like a face-to- face interview
· The second interview is usually a face-to-face interview -either in an office or at the restaurant
· The third interview in the process is the follow shift -todays topic
· There will most likely be a final interview with a senior manager of the restaurant company
· The final stage is the offer and the acceptance – this should be a formality as both parties should already know and agree upon the compensation package
The shift interview is usually three to five hours in length. The candidate spends time “following” a manager on his shift -usually a tour of the restaurant, introduction to other management and staff. The manager will also tell the candidate about the company and his experience.
Feel free to ask questions as you walk through the shift if it helps -make notes. This is a great opportunity to see, feel and experience what a day in the restaurant will be like. It not only gives you an idea if this is what you’re looking for, but the manager will also be deciding if you are a fit for the company. This is a great experience for both the company and the candidate.
Once you have a date and time for the follow shift, prepare:
· If you haven’t – visit the company website and read any and all information available about the company and future plans
· Find out what the managers wear on duty and wear the same
· Visit a restaurant if possible – before the follow to get a lay of the land -do not engage with any management or staff.
· Make sure you know the distance from your location to the restaurant.
· Review the food and drink menu
When you show up for the follow shift, be prepared to engage and learn. Remember you are working a shift just like you were at your current restaurant. Introduce yourself to everyone you meet and explain why you are there -remember the staff is observing you, too.
After the shift, the “tour guide” manager will probably want to sit down and review the shift and answer any questions you may have. Do not talk money/ pay or start dates, unless the manager brings them up first. He will most likely let you know that someone will be in touch, unless he is the decision maker – Be sure to tell everyone you came in contact goodbye and thank you.
If you have the manager’s email address -send him /her a thank you note. Hopefully the follow shift will seal the deal and you will soon get an offer. Good Luck!
HPS works with management jobseekers throughout the US for all restaurant concepts and positions -If you are a current jobseeker visit www.HProSearch.com click on Job opportunities -if you find a position of interest, apply to it – a hospitality recruiter will contact you to discuss the details of the opportunity. You can also visit www.HProSearch.com to learn more about resume writing interviewing, and other important information for jobseekers
Contact Gary E Turner with any questions or comments at: [email protected]