I’ve recently noticed a lot of food trucks across the country have been looking for window service staff. I’ve even spotted some on message boards where vendors are seeking insight on how to hire top performers. Coming from my time as a recruiter (aka headhunter) in the automotive industry, I can tell you that the best answer to this question is in asking the right interview questions to determine the skills that the server is bringing to the table.
These interview questions will help you determine whether the applicant you are interviewing has the talent and personality to be a top performer in your food truck. What you can learn from the answers to these questions will help you avoid poor hiring decisions and enable you to build your staff with the best servers in town.
Here are four interview questions that should be included in every window server interview:
Describe Your Favorite Meal.
This will give you insight into an applicant’s ability to sell and their passion for food. If they cannot describe their favorite meal in a way that makes you salivate, how are they going to describe your food truck specials? Any applicant that fails to impress you with their description will require a great deal of time and effort to train. This should not result in an immediate rejection, but should serve as a red flag.
What Do You Like About The Mobile Food Industry?
The answer you are looking for here is one that shows a passion for the industry. Be cautious of a server that loves the ability to work with friends, or make a bunch of money. These servers are looking at the industry as a means to an end, but not passionate about it. Loving the pace of the business, impacting the guests’ experience, or contributing to a team are all great answers that come from top performers.
What Would You Change About The Food Truck Industry?
This question works in much the same way as the previous one, but measures something different. The answer to this question will uncover the level of frustration and burnout a server may already have. This gives them a chance to vent their frustrations to you, before they vent them on the guest. Be wary of any answers that are critical of guests or former managers. A hostile response may indicate a server who will lower morale.
Why Do You Want To Work Here?
This question is commonly asked, but the answer is often misinterpreted. The answer to this question will give you a great idea of how they view your food truck. If they cannot tell you why your food truck excites them, then they are probably just looking for a job. While all applicants are looking for a job, those that do not hold your mobile food business in high regard will often jump ship at the next opportunity.
Finding employees who are excited about your food truck will significantly decrease turnover and help insure that your new employees bring a sense of excitement to your staff.
RELATED:Â Writing Food Truck Help Wanted Ads That Bring In Great Candidates
The Bottom Line
None of us should be naive enough to believe that an applicant will be completely honest in their interview. There are always going to be exaggeration and positive spin placed on their responses. One of the best ways to avoid this is to ask questions that they are not expecting.
Responses that have not been rehearsed will provide more accurate information than those that are carefully planned. If you want a more accurate answer, you need to ask a better question. These are five great questions to start with.
If you’ve found interview questions for your window servers we’ve missed, share them in the comment section, our food truck forum or social media. Facebook | Twitter
