THE NINE BEST AND WORST THINGS TO DO IN A JOB INTERVIEW, AS TOLD BY THE MANAGERS AND OWNERS OF LONDON’S HOTTEST RESTAURANTS.

From nose picking to lying to not showing up, this bunch have seen it all! BUT they’ve also seen the best: from big smiles and consistent eye contact to strong knowledge of the industry, read on for 9 of the best and worst interviews as had by Rola Wala, Nuala, Kudu, Mother, Spring, Santo Remedio, The Little Yellow Door, JKS Restaurants and Serge et Le Phoque.

HERE WE GO AND IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER….

MARK WRIGHT, OWNER: ROLA WALA

WORST THING YOU’VE SEEN A CANDIDATE DO IN AN INTERVIEW?

Put his cigarettes on the table. NEXT!

BEST THING YOU’VE SEEN A CANDIDATE DO IN AN INTERVIEW?

Just tell the bloody truth!

CHARLIE SIMS, MANAGER: NUALA

WORST THING YOU’VE SEEN A CANDIDATE DO IN AN INTERVIEW?

Someone brought a friend along to an interview once. It was very strange. I asked if they were both looking for a job, but the candidate said their friend was just there for support and this person proceeded to sit in silence as I tried to start asking questions about the role. The interview didn’t last very long!

BEST THING YOU’VE SEEN A CANDIDATE DO IN AN INTERVIEW?

When they try to find common ground with you. An interview is as much about the potential employee trying to find something that’s right for them, as it is you trying to find someone suitable for the role. I love it when you chat to someone in an interview about something completely off topic, that gives you an insight as to what working with them on a daily basis might be like.

AMY CORBIN, OWNER: KUDU RESTAURANT

WORST THING YOU’VE SEEN A CANDIDATE DO IN AN INTERVIEW?
Take their phone out and answer a call mid interview, needless to say he didn’t get the job.

BEST THING YOU’VE SEEN A CANDIDATE DO IN AN INTERVIEW?
Tuck their chair in when they get up. I always look at that as I think it’s a good way to gauge what their attention to detail is like and how polite they really are.

YAZZ ABDULLA: MOTHER RESTAURANT

WORST THING YOU’VE SEEN A CANDIDATE DO IN AN INTERVIEW?
I’ve seen a candidate pick their nose halfway through the meeting, and they were interviewing for a managerial position! Just having a conversation with me, looking me in the eye and just did it so naturally and casually. He clearly did it on a regular basis!

BEST THING YOU’VE SEEN A CANDIDATE DO IN AN INTERVIEW?
It happened to me last week actually. I was interviewing a guy for a floor position and I couldn’t see what was happening behind me but I guess one of our waitresses were trying to put the star on the Christmas tree and she was struggling with it. So he stopped the meeting and helped her get the star to the top of the tree, came back and apologised for pausing the meeting but said he had wanted to help. It was totally genuine, a lovely human touch from one to another.

GRACE WELCH, GENERAL MANAGER: SPRING RESTAURANT

WORST THING YOU’VE SEEN A CANDIDATE DO IN AN INTERVIEW?

We had someone apply for a full time job, then in the interview it transpired that not only did they not want to work full time but that they could only work a Thursday lunch every two weeks. Time is a precious commodity in a restaurant and that was a complete waste of mine.

BEST THING YOU’VE SEEN A CANDIDATE DO IN AN INTERVIEW?

I’ve had lots of great interviews. The candidates who come as themselves and relax into the interview are the best. It’s so important that a new hire fits into the team and is passionate about the same things we are so if you can just get chatting then I know you will fit in and the guests will love you.

NATALIE DIAZ-FUENTES, OWNER: SANTO REMEDIO

WORST THING YOU’VE SEEN A CANDIDATE DO IN AN INTERVIEW?

Spend the whole interview moaning about their current employer, followed by a blow by blow account of their divorce.I couldn’t wait to get them out the door!

BEST THING YOU’VE SEEN A CANDIDATE DO IN AN INTERVIEW?

They came in with a big smile, full of passion, energy and enthusiasm and also asked a lot about our restaurant and concept. I could tell straight away this candidate would be a fantastic waitress who would transmit Santo Remedio to customers, and this was absolutely the case.

KAMRAN DEHDASHTI, OWNER: THE LITTLE YELLOW DOOR

WORST THING YOU’VE SEEN A CANDIDATE DO IN AN INTERVIEW?

Currently, it not even at the interview. Its people not turning up to scheduled interviews without warning or follow up. In other industries this isn’t done but seems to happen more than ever in ours! Do people not realise owners keep CVs on file and share this info?!

BEST THING YOU’VE SEEN A CANDIDATE DO IN AN INTERVIEW?

Prepare a presentation on how they would tackle the job in the first 9 months of working with us, having researched the brand thoroughly.

SUNAINA SETHI, SOMMELIER: JKS RESTAURANTS

WORST THING YOU’VE SEEN A CANDIDATE DO IN AN INTERVIEW?

Call me darling!

BEST THING YOU’VE SEEN A CANDIDATE DO IN AN INTERVIEW?

Turn the interview into a fascinating conversation about the industry, demonstrating passion and a clear understanding with some interesting thoughts on changes and developments. I was thoroughly impressed.

CHARLES PELLETIER, OWNER: SERGE ET LE PHOQUE

WORST THING YOU’VE SEEN A CANDIDATE DO IN AN INTERVIEW?

Lie!

Never lie because we are going to be working so close together that the truth will always come out. When you cross-check people and it’s fake, there’s nothing worse than that.

When people tell you that they left their previous job but were actually fired for example. It’s a small world and we all know each other so it will eventually come out. We always cross-check.. so don’t lie.

BEST THING YOU’VE SEEN A CANDIDATE DO IN AN INTERVIEW?

Well, for me, it’s when I want to hire the person straight away. I often give jobs straight away if I like the candidate. It’s just a spark, a chemistry thing. When people are just themselves it makes such a difference to the interview experience and to the probability of getting the job.