I applied online. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at The Dunlavy (Houston, TX) in Jan 2020
Interview
From the beginning the interview started off very smooth and high on energy. Every question was answered the best and with confidence. At the end I received an offer and took it happily.
I applied online. I interviewed at The Dunlavy (Houston, TX) in Oct 2021
Interview
I submitted a resume both via email and the company's site after hearing that the restaurant will reopen after the pandemic. The founder was interviewed on the radio 2 months prior to the planned opening, inviting job seekers. Today's hospitality industry is suffering from work force shortage.
I have a current job and am paid well, but my evenings and week-ends are free, so I expressed to them that my background & experience can serve their clientele Very Well. I believe I can bring the professionalism and maturity that the clientele deserve; I've worked for the most exclusive restaurant in the county where I lived in California, where previous Presidents have dined. Food and food service is my passion, and I've earned my BS in Hospitality Management, in addition to Culinary School and two additional degrees.
I got an invitation to an interview, and after rescheduling three times, the manager was finally able to stick to a time. Our meeting lasted over 90 minutes and the conversation went well. The fact that they'll be open only for dinner would fit my availability, and I stated that if I get the job, I will speak to my current boss about the training time to be sure I wouldn't miss any time. He stated I would be a great addition to the team, and we talked about start dates, how the HR paperwork will be sent via email, and that he would text me later that day with the schedule.
He also reviewed our uniforms and told me that White Polo Cotton Shirts with blue pants will be the standard. He suggested Cole Haan for the brown work shoes.
We shook hands on this and I thanked him for giving me the opportunity, and I looked forward to the next steps. He said again that he would be sending the HR info later that week.
Because I wear a small size that's often out of stock, I went to Ralph Lauren to buy three white shirts -- the last three available.
The following days, I emailed this manager a few times without EVER getting a single response.
Ghosting a candidate is the most unprofessional response from this class of establishment, and business owners need to know about this.
If you change your mind about hiring someone, have the courage to stand and say so.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
I asked what is the greatest challenge in putting together a team from scratch, and how had the pandemic affected their hiring practices