These days, it’s not easy for hiring managers, especially when they have to figure out how to interview an A-list candidate. Employers say finding talent is their No. 1 challenge, and it’s a candidate-driven market. And while you’re interviewing them, they’re judging you. According to new research from CareerBuilder, about four out of five candidates (78%) say their candidate experience shows them how much the company values its employees. And that matters when they’re deciding where they want to work.
You can have these question-and-answer sessions with the candidate in person, over the phone, or on a video screen. They are both a chance to get to know them better and to court them. Use these five tips to conduct a job interview that wins talent.
Before applying for a loan, you should check your credit score. Before hiring someone, you should also see how your company looks to people who are thinking about working there. You might be thinking about how to run a job interview, but candidates could be turning you down before you even get the chance because of bad reviews or information.
Look for words and phrases that job seekers would use, like “jobs at My Stellar Company” or “sales positions at My Stellar Company.” ” Look at your job ads to be sure they’re well written and encourage diverse candidates. And don’t forget to look at review sites and social media.
“Online review sites have become more popular, and a lot of people visit them,” says Tom Gimbel, founder and CEO of LaSalle Network, a staffing firm in Chicago. To help them choose their next employer, job candidates read reviews on Glassdoor, Yelp, and other review sites, as well as on social media. So, find out what people are saying about you to anticipate some of the questions you may receive.
Candidates should know what to expect throughout the process. One Inc. magazine piece recommends outlining a clear progression for candidates so they know what to expect.
People who are interested in working for a company are more likely to see the process through to the end if they know what to expect. So, think through your progression, when you’re determining how to conduct a job interview.
To get your dream job at EzCater, you need to be skilled and be able to clearly explain your skills and experiences. This detailed guide goes over the top 25 EzCater interview questions and gives you smart answers that will help you stand out from the others.
1. Tell me about a time you went above and beyond to assist a customer.
Example: “In my previous role, a customer had mistakenly ordered far less food than required for their event. Recognizing this discrepancy, I reached out and explained the situation. They were initially taken aback, but I worked with our kitchen team to come up with a solution that provided enough food without significantly increasing the cost. The outcome was highly positive, and the client became a regular due to the exceptional service.”
2. How do you approach building relationships with new clients?
Example: “I focus on understanding their needs, preferences, and budget. I actively listen, show empathy, and promptly address inquiries to build trust. I also offer personalized catering solutions and go the extra mile, like complimentary tastings, to exceed expectations.”
3 Describe your strategy for prioritizing multiple support requests
Example “I use task management tools and prioritize based on urgency and impact. Urgent and high-impact requests are addressed first. For less urgent ones, I use a ticketing system and communicate with customers to manage expectations”
4. What experience do you have managing a pipeline of potential clients?
“I used CRM tools to keep track of leads and make sure they made it through the sales funnel correctly.” I set clear objectives, implemented upselling/cross-selling, and achieved sales targets by 25%. “.
5, Can you share a situation where you remained calm with an irate customer?
“I understood how upset they were, listened carefully, and suggested solutions like a full refund or a new order.” I maintained a calm demeanor and de-escalated the situation. The customer liked what was done, and I learned how to keep calm when things got tough. “.
6. How would you ensure a seamless handoff between departments?
“I would set up clear lines of communication, hold regular meetings, use tools for working together, and make sure everyone knew their job in each department.” I’d also review and refine the process based on feedback. “.
7 Explain how you’ve managed a high-performing team to achieve goals
Example: “I set clear expectations, established regular check-ins, fostered innovation, and recognized team members’ efforts. In an engineering project, we delivered software ahead of schedule by maintaining open communication and motivating the team.”
8. How do you stay knowledgeable about menu offerings and dietary restrictions?
Example: “I regularly study menus, attend food expos, and subscribe to culinary magazines. I discuss dietary needs with the kitchen staff and take advantage of online courses and seminars to stay updated.”
9. Describe a challenging pricing negotiation scenario.
Example: “I prepared a presentation highlighting our services’ value and proposed a revised pricing structure. After several meetings, we reached an agreement that reduced their price by 10% while maintaining our profitability over a longer contract term.”
10. How familiar are you with software development processes?
Example: “I have extensive experience with Agile and Waterfall methodologies. I know how to work with people from different departments, coordinate work between them, and make sure needs are met. This knowledge will help me communicate effectively with tech teams and solve problems. “.
11. Discuss a time you identified areas for improvement in customer service.
Example: “I noticed a high volume of calls related to unclear product documentation. I proposed a revamp of the guides and FAQs, collaborated with product and marketing teams, and implemented a system for customer service reps to direct customers to these resources. This led to reduced call volumes, improved customer satisfaction, and increased team efficiency.”
12. How would you handle a large enterprise account?
Example: “I would understand the client’s needs, establish clear communication channels, involve relevant stakeholders, and create a comprehensive plan. I’d leverage diverse expertise from different departments to meet complex requirements.”
13. Provide an example of when you successfully resolved a conflict between team members.
Example: “In a project, two team members clashed over responsibilities. I organized a meeting, asked each to explain their perspective, and helped them realize both aspects were crucial. We created a balanced workflow schedule that accommodated their needs and improved team collaboration.”
14. What techniques do you use to actively listen to customers?
Example: “I paraphrase, ask open-ended questions, and maintain eye contact. I empathize with customers and aim to resolve their issues efficiently. Active listening helps me understand their needs and enhance their experience.”
15. How do you balance maintaining relationships with existing accounts while pursuing new business?
Example: “I set clear goals for both areas and allocate my time accordingly. I dedicate certain days to client acquisition and maintain regular contact with existing accounts. Customer satisfaction is always my priority, whether it’s an old or potential client.”
16. Describe your experience collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Example: “In a product launch, I worked with marketing, product development, and engineering. I coordinated communication, ensured everyone was aware of their responsibilities, and tracked progress. We successfully launched the product on schedule by fostering open communication and promoting understanding of each team’s role.”
17. How do you effectively communicate difficult news to clients?
Example: “I provide context for the change, explain the reasons behind it, and highlight how it will ultimately benefit the client. I show empathy and understanding, offer solutions if possible, and follow through with promises made. This helps maintain trust and preserve client relationships.”
18. Describe your experience working in a fast-paced environment.
Example: “In my previous role, I managed multiple projects simultaneously and met tight deadlines. I stayed organized, prioritized tasks effectively, and communicated clearly with stakeholders. I thrived in this environment and enjoyed the challenge of juggling multiple responsibilities.”
19. How do you handle pressure and stress?
Example: “I remain calm under pressure and focus on finding solutions. I break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps and delegate effectively. I also take breaks when needed to avoid burnout and maintain a positive attitude.”
20. What are your salary expectations?
Example: “My salary expectations are in line with my experience and qualifications. I am open to discussing a range based on the specific responsibilities and benefits of the position.”
21. Why are you interested in this position at EzCater?
Example: “I am passionate about the food industry and believe EzCater is a leader in the online catering space. I am impressed by your innovative approach and commitment to simplifying the catering process. I am confident that my skills and experience would be a valuable asset to your team.”
22. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Example: “My strengths include my strong communication skills, ability to work effectively in a team environment, and my attention to detail. My weakness is that I can sometimes be too perfectionistic, but I am working on improving this by setting realistic deadlines and delegating tasks effectively.”
23. What are your career goals?
Example: “My career goal is to continue to grow and develop my skills in the food industry. I am particularly interested in learning more about the online catering space and how technology can be used to improve the customer experience. I believe that EzCater is a great place to achieve my career goals.”
24. What questions do you have for me?
Example: “I am interested in learning more about the company culture at EzCater. I would also like to know more about the specific responsibilities of this position and the team I would be working with.”
25. Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
Example: “In my previous role, I had to make a decision about whether or not to lay off an employee. This was a difficult decision, but I ultimately decided to lay off the employee because they were not performing well. I met with the employee to discuss the decision and offered them severance pay and outplacement services.”
By thoroughly preparing for your EzCater interview with these questions and answers, you can demonstrate your skills, experience, and enthusiasm for the role. Remember to be confident, articulate, and enthusiastic, and you’ll be well on your way to landing your dream job!
Additional Tips:
- Research EzCater’s company culture and values.
- Practice your answers to common interview questions.
- Dress professionally and arrive on time for your interview.
- Be polite and respectful to everyone you meet.
- Follow up with a thank-you email after your interview.
With careful preparation and a positive attitude, you can ace your EzCater interview and land your dream job!
Showcase Your Culture and People
Use your interview time to showcase your culture. One article in Inc. says that culture fit is the most important thing for keeping employees, so let them know what to expect from your business. In remote interviews, discuss what makes your company culture strong. When you’re determining how to conduct in-person job interviews, be prompt and make the candidate comfortable. Introduce the prospective employee to others in the office and show them around. Consider arranging for snacks or a meal.
Candidates want to know what the environment is, as well as who their coworkers or managers will be. He says you could even “invite them to a team happy hour or to shadow an employee for a half day so they can really get a feel for what it’s like to work at the company.” And be genuine, so both the candidate and the company can determine if they’d be a good fit.
Crafting good interviews is an art form. One piece in Fast Company suggests particularly revealing questions interviewers should ask to get better insight into the candidates they’re interviewing. Questions like, “What were you doing on your best day at work?” and “Why shouldn’t I hire you?” require more than pat responses. The first question dives deep into what makes a candidate happy at work. The second is a new twist on asking about weaknesses and requires the employee frame the response in a new way. When you’re determining how to conduct a job interview, think about what really matters to you in new employees and craft questions that will help you discover those attributes.
There was a time when you could interview someone and then leave them wondering what would happen for a week or two. Candidates expect to know where they stand at all times. The good news is that applicant tracking systems (ATS) like Jobvite, Bamboo HR, and MightyRecruiter can help you speed up the hiring process, keep track of analytics, and send responses automatically. They let you quickly get in touch with applicants after each interview to let them know what’s next.
Your interview process is the candidate’s first experience with your employer brand. Set up your hiring team for success and win the best talent by making every step of the process the best it can be.
When you’re deciding how to run a job interview that gets people hired, ezCater’s blog can help you with everything from business best practices to great food choices.
