Restaurant General Manager Post-Interview Strategies: Sealing the Deal
So, you’ve aced the interview for a Restaurant General Manager position. Congratulations! But the journey isn’t over. This is where you solidify your chances and demonstrate you’re the only candidate for the job. This isn’t about generic thank-you notes; it’s about strategic communication that reinforces your value and addresses any lingering concerns. This is about post-interview actions, not interview prep.
Here’s the Deal: What You’ll Walk Away With
- A Post-Interview Follow-Up Email Script: Copy, paste, and customize this email to reiterate your interest and subtly address any concerns the interviewer might have.
- A Reference Check Checklist: Ensure your references are prepared to highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the role.
- A Debriefing Scorecard: Objectively assess your interview performance and identify areas for improvement in future interviews.
- A “Handling Silence” Strategy: Know when to follow up and what to say if you haven’t heard back within the expected timeframe.
- An Offer Shaping Script: Craft persuasive language to articulate your desired compensation and benefits.
- A Proactive Proof Plan: Demonstrate continued engagement and value by sharing relevant articles or insights related to the restaurant’s challenges.
What This Article Is (and Isn’t)
- What this is: Actionable strategies to implement after your Restaurant General Manager interview.
- What this is: A focused guide on follow-up communication, reference management, and offer negotiation.
- What this isn’t: A generic interview preparation guide.
- What this isn’t: A comprehensive career advice manual.
The 24-Hour Power Move: The Thank-You Email That Isn’t Just a Thank You
Don’t send a generic thank you. This is your chance to reinforce your value proposition. The key is to be prompt, personalized, and persuasive. The goal? Reiterate your enthusiasm and address potential concerns without sounding desperate.
Use this email within 24 hours of your interview.
Subject: Following Up – [Your Name] – Restaurant General Manager Interview
Dear [Interviewer Name],
Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me yesterday about the Restaurant General Manager position at [Restaurant Name]. I especially enjoyed our conversation about [mention a specific topic discussed, e.g., the challenges of managing inventory in a high-volume setting].
Reflecting on our discussion, I wanted to reiterate my strong interest in this role. My experience in [mention a relevant skill or experience, e.g., optimizing staff scheduling to reduce labor costs] aligns perfectly with the challenges and opportunities you outlined. I am confident I can contribute significantly to [Restaurant Name]’s success.
[Optional: If you sensed any hesitation from the interviewer, address it subtly. For example: “I understand the importance of [mention a key requirement, e.g., maintaining consistent food quality]. My experience in [mention how you’ve achieved this in the past, e.g., implementing standardized recipes and training programs] has consistently delivered results.”]
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Tailor the Email to Each Interviewer
Personalization is key. Avoid sending the same generic email to everyone you interviewed with. Mention something specific you discussed with each person to show you were engaged and listening.
Reference Check: Arming Your Advocates
Your references are your secret weapon. Don’t just provide a list of names and numbers. Prepare your references by briefing them on the specific requirements of the Restaurant General Manager role and the key skills and experiences the interviewer is looking for.
Reference Check Checklist
- Contact your references: Reach out to your references to confirm they are willing and able to provide a positive recommendation.
- Provide context: Share the job description and highlight the key skills and experiences the interviewer emphasized.
- Share specific examples: Remind your references of specific projects or accomplishments that demonstrate your capabilities.
- Prepare them for questions: Anticipate the questions the interviewer might ask and provide your references with talking points.
- Thank them: Express your gratitude to your references for their support.
The Debrief: Objectively Assessing Your Performance
Treat every interview as a learning opportunity. Immediately after each interview, take the time to debrief and objectively assess your performance. Identify areas where you excelled and areas where you could improve.
Restaurant General Manager Interview Debriefing Scorecard
Use this scorecard to evaluate your performance after each interview. This helps you identify patterns and refine your approach.
Category: Communication Skills (Weight: 25%)
- Excellent: Articulated ideas clearly and concisely, actively listened to the interviewer, and maintained a professional demeanor.
- Weak: Rambled, interrupted the interviewer, or struggled to express ideas clearly.
Category: Experience and Qualifications (Weight: 30%)
- Excellent: Demonstrated a deep understanding of restaurant management principles and provided concrete examples of how your experience aligns with the job requirements.
- Weak: Lacked relevant experience or struggled to articulate how your skills and qualifications meet the needs of the role.
Category: Problem-Solving Skills (Weight: 20%)
- Excellent: Provided clear and concise examples of how you have successfully solved complex problems in a restaurant setting.
- Weak: Struggled to articulate your problem-solving approach or provided vague and unconvincing examples.
Category: Cultural Fit (Weight: 15%)
- Excellent: Demonstrated a genuine interest in the company’s mission and values and articulated how your personality and work style align with the company’s culture.
- Weak: Showed a lack of interest in the company or failed to demonstrate how you would fit in with the team.
Category: Enthusiasm and Interest (Weight: 10%)
- Excellent: Expressed genuine enthusiasm for the role and the company.
- Weak: Appeared disinterested or unmotivated.
Handling Silence: When to Follow Up and What to Say
Don’t let silence discourage you. Hiring decisions often take longer than expected. If you haven’t heard back within the timeframe the interviewer provided, it’s perfectly acceptable to follow up.
Following Up When You Haven’t Heard Back
- Check your notes: Review your notes from the interview to confirm the expected timeframe for a decision.
- Send a polite follow-up email: If you haven’t heard back within the expected timeframe, send a brief and polite follow-up email.
- Reiterate your interest: Reiterate your strong interest in the role and inquire about the status of the hiring process.
- Offer to provide additional information: Offer to provide any additional information the interviewer might need.
- Be patient: Avoid sending multiple follow-up emails in quick succession.
Use this email if you haven’t heard back within the expected timeframe.
Subject: Following Up – [Your Name] – Restaurant General Manager Interview
Dear [Interviewer Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to follow up on my interview for the Restaurant General Manager position at [Restaurant Name] on [Date]. I remain very interested in this opportunity and believe my skills and experience align well with the requirements of the role.
I understand that hiring decisions can take time, but I was hoping to get an update on the status of the hiring process. Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Offer Shaping: Articulating Your Value and Desired Compensation
Negotiate confidently and professionally. Don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary and benefits. Research industry standards and be prepared to articulate your value proposition.
Use this script when discussing the offer.
“Thank you so much for offering me the position. I’m very excited about the opportunity to join [Restaurant Name] as the Restaurant General Manager. Before I formally accept, I wanted to discuss the compensation package. Based on my research and experience, I was targeting a salary range of $[Desired Range]. I am also interested in discussing [Mention specific benefits, e.g., performance-based bonuses or additional vacation time]. I am confident that my skills and experience will make me a valuable asset to your team, and I am eager to contribute to [Restaurant Name]’s continued success.”
Proactive Engagement: Demonstrating Continued Value
Show you’re thinking about their challenges. After the interview, continue to demonstrate your interest and value by sharing relevant articles or insights related to the restaurant’s challenges or opportunities.
For example, if the restaurant is struggling with customer retention, share an article about innovative customer loyalty programs. If they’re facing challenges with rising food costs, share an article about effective cost-cutting strategies.
What a Hiring Manager Scans for in 15 Seconds
They’re looking for confidence, competence, and cultural fit. Hiring managers quickly scan for candidates who demonstrate a clear understanding of restaurant management principles, a proven track record of success, and a genuine enthusiasm for the role and the company.
- Clear and concise communication: Can you articulate your ideas effectively?
- Relevant experience: Do you have the skills and experience required to succeed in the role?
- Problem-solving skills: Can you demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems?
- Cultural fit: Do you align with the company’s mission and values?
- Enthusiasm and interest: Are you genuinely excited about the opportunity?
The Mistake That Quietly Kills Candidates
Appearing disinterested or unmotivated. Hiring managers are looking for candidates who are genuinely excited about the opportunity and eager to contribute to the company’s success. If you come across as disinterested or unmotivated, you’re likely to be passed over for other candidates who demonstrate more enthusiasm.
Instead of saying “I’m just looking for a job,” say:
“I’m looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity where I can leverage my skills and experience to make a significant contribution. I am particularly drawn to [Restaurant Name] because of [Mention something specific about the company that excites you, e.g., its commitment to sustainability or its innovative menu].”
FAQ
Should I send a handwritten thank-you note?
In today’s fast-paced world, a prompt email is generally preferred. A handwritten note can be a nice touch, but it may not arrive in time to make a difference. Focus on sending a personalized and persuasive email within 24 hours of your interview.
How soon is too soon to follow up after an interview?
Avoid following up too soon after an interview. Give the hiring manager ample time to review your application and interview notes. If you haven’t heard back within the expected timeframe, it’s perfectly acceptable to follow up after a week or two.
What should I do if I don’t have any references?
If you don’t have any traditional references, consider asking former colleagues, professors, or mentors to provide a character reference. Focus on highlighting your skills and experiences and providing concrete examples of your accomplishments.
How should I handle a low salary offer?
Don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary. Research industry standards and be prepared to articulate your value proposition. If the initial offer is too low, counter with a higher salary and provide a rationale for your request.
What should I do if I get rejected after the interview?
Don’t take rejection personally. Use it as a learning opportunity. Ask the hiring manager for feedback on your interview performance and identify areas where you can improve. Thank them for their time and consideration and express your continued interest in future opportunities.
Is it okay to ask for a signing bonus?
Asking for a signing bonus can be a smart move, especially if you’re leaving behind unvested equity or other benefits at your current job. Be prepared to justify your request and demonstrate how the signing bonus will compensate you for your losses.
How important is it to research the company before the interview?
Thoroughly researching the company before the interview is crucial. It shows that you’re genuinely interested in the opportunity and that you’ve taken the time to understand the company’s mission, values, and challenges. This knowledge will also help you tailor your answers to the interviewer’s questions.
What are some common mistakes to avoid during the post-interview process?
Some common mistakes to avoid during the post-interview process include sending a generic thank-you note, failing to prepare your references, neglecting to debrief after the interview, and being too aggressive or demanding during salary negotiations. Focus on being prompt, personalized, and professional throughout the entire process.
Should I connect with the interviewer on LinkedIn?
Connecting with the interviewer on LinkedIn after the interview can be a good way to stay in touch and build your professional network. However, avoid sending overly personal or intrusive messages. Keep your communication professional and focused on the job opportunity.
What if I realize I forgot to mention something important during the interview?
If you realize you forgot to mention something important during the interview, you can include it in your thank-you email. Briefly mention the information you forgot to share and explain why it’s relevant to the role. This shows that you’re thoughtful and detail-oriented.
How can I make my references stand out?
To make your references stand out, provide them with specific talking points and examples of your accomplishments. Remind them of the key skills and experiences the interviewer is looking for and encourage them to highlight those qualities in their recommendation. Also, make sure your references are enthusiastic and positive about your abilities.
What if I receive another job offer while waiting to hear back?
If you receive another job offer while waiting to hear back from [Restaurant Name], contact the hiring manager and let them know. Explain that you have a competing offer and inquire about the timeline for their decision. This may expedite the hiring process and help you make a more informed decision.
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