First Impressions: A 2-Way Street
Continuing with our first blog series, The Hiring Process, we wanted to chat re: first impressions.
As the interviewer, it’s easy to forget that interviewees are assessing you and your restaurant at the same time you are interviewing and determining whether they are the right fit. Impressions are a two-way street and its important that both sides are making good ones.
Keep this in mind: it takes seconds to make a first impression. Made up of a number of details―a first impression provides an initial assessment that serves as the foundation of all relationships.
Remember mom’s mantra: treat people the way you want to be treated. If you expect potential candidates to come in looking nice, set the precedent. If you expect them to arrive on time and be prepared, don’t make them wait for twenty minutes while you finish pre-shift. Make them feel welcome. If you are expecting candidates or hosting an open call, let your staff know so they can guide them in the right direction. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen open call candidates roam around restaurants for 15-20 minutes with resumes in hand until a team member finally notices and takes down their information or gives them a couple minutes of time. This isn’t a positive first experience for someone applying to your job posting.Â
When approaching an applicant, make sure to show off those pearly whites, warmly greet the applicant, and extend a handshake. Look to see if the candidate reciprocates. Are they smiling? Are they giving you eye contact? How is their body language? Did you receive a dead fish or a confident handshake? This initial interaction should showcase the applicant’s openness, greeting style, and how they respond to meeting new people. If they do each of these things with ease and exude a genuine warmth, you can be assured they will do the same for your customers—these details are key for all team members especially FOH.
Once the interview is initiated, small talk subsides and you are ready to ask these important questions. Make sure to observe the following:
Presentation
Are they neat, well groomed, and dressed appropriately: clean clothes, appropriate attire, hands clean, appropriate or conservative jewelry for females, face clean (shaven or groomed facial hair for males)?
Can the candidate relate to your target customer?
Keep your atmosphere in mind: casual, fine dining, sports bar, etc...
Posture
When seated, does the applicant sit up straight and pay attention versus slouching or acting disinterested or looking around the room
Good posture illustrates confidence, self-esteem, and pride
Demeanor
Are they smiling? Do they use hand gestures? Are you able to understand what they are saying? Can they communicate ideas and answer questions? How did they interact with staff upon entering your restaurant?
Smiling and talking easily means they are able to act comfortably in a business customer service environment.
A good or bad first impression should not be a sole indicator to hire or not hire an employee but it is something to take under careful consideration. When preparing to host an interview or an open call, utilize these benchmarks and pieces of advice to set you, your restaurant and your potential employees up for success.
