How do I assess problem-solving abilities during a Restaurant Duty Manager job interview?

Use realistic operational scenarios requiring immediate decisions, systematic thinking, and resource prioritisation whilst observing their approach to safety, guest impact, and team coordination. Test multiple concurrent problems demanding calm leadership and logical sequencing.

Common misunderstanding: Testing theoretical problem-solving instead of real operational challenges.

Academic-style questions won't reveal how candidates handle actual restaurant crises. You need realistic scenarios that test immediate decision-making, resource management, and priority setting under genuine time pressure.

Let's say you are a duty manager when your main kitchen equipment fails during Saturday night service with a full restaurant. The right candidate will quickly assess safety risks, communicate with guests, redeploy staff, and find practical solutions whilst maintaining service standards.

Common misunderstanding: Thinking general intelligence equals operational problem-solving.

Smart people don't automatically make good crisis managers. Test how candidates balance safety priorities, guest satisfaction, and team coordination when multiple problems occur simultaneously during busy periods.

Let's say you are a duty manager facing a suspected food poisoning complaint whilst dealing with a staff member's injury and a large party arriving early. Watch how candidates prioritise these competing demands whilst maintaining calm leadership.

What scenarios test Restaurant Duty Manager decision-making skills effectively?

Present equipment failures during busy service, staff emergencies affecting operations, and guest incidents requiring immediate response whilst testing their ability to balance competing priorities. Use cash discrepancies, licensing issues, and health safety concerns.

Common misunderstanding: Using simple problems instead of complex operational scenarios.

Easy scenarios don't reveal decision-making under pressure. Present candidates with equipment failures, staff emergencies, and guest incidents that happen simultaneously, testing their ability to prioritise and coordinate effectively.

Let's say you are a duty manager when your dishwasher breaks down, a server calls in sick, and an important guest complains about slow service all within ten minutes. The best candidates will systematically address each issue whilst maintaining team morale.

Common misunderstanding: Not testing ability to handle multiple competing priorities.

Restaurant duty managers rarely face single, isolated problems. Test how candidates balance competing demands like guest satisfaction, staff welfare, cost control, and safety compliance when everything happens at once.

Let's say you are a duty manager during a power cut that affects kitchen equipment whilst you have a large booking arriving and staff asking whether to continue service. The ideal candidate will weigh safety, legal, and business considerations before deciding.

How can I evaluate Restaurant Duty Manager crisis management capabilities?

Test response to fire alarms, medical emergencies, and security incidents whilst observing leadership under pressure and systematic emergency protocols. Evaluate their ability to maintain guest safety, team coordination, and operational control simultaneously.

Common misunderstanding: Not properly testing crisis management under realistic pressure.

Crisis management requires systematic thinking under extreme pressure. Test candidates' response to serious emergencies, observing their leadership approach and adherence to safety protocols whilst maintaining operational control.

Let's say you are a duty manager when the fire alarm sounds during peak service with a restaurant full of guests. Watch whether candidates follow emergency procedures systematically, communicate clearly with staff and guests, and maintain authority whilst ensuring everyone's safety.

Common misunderstanding: Avoiding realistic emergency scenarios because they seem too intense.

Emergencies happen regularly in restaurants, so candidates must demonstrate genuine crisis capability. Test their emergency response skills, leadership under pressure, and systematic protocol implementation through realistic scenarios.

Let's say you are a duty manager when a guest has a severe allergic reaction whilst your restaurant is fully booked and understaffed. The right candidate will prioritise medical emergency response, coordinate with emergency services, manage other guests' concerns, and document everything properly.