Hilton Garden Inn Retail Associate Interview Questions
& Process

I applied after visiting the location and asking for an application, and I called ahead to verify they were still hiring. I was concerned about my attire (shorts, athletic shoes, and a plain t-shirt) since this would have been my second official job, but the front desk said I could swing by and not to worry since it wasn't an interview. I filled out the application and met the Assistant General Manager. Thankfully, I got a call, possibly with help from my cousin who was working as a server there. I was called in for an interview with the former Server Lead, which was very basic and I was pretty much hired then and there (wearing black slacks and black flats). A couple days later, after my background check finished, I came in for training (TABC certified). After I had just started, the server Lead moved on and a bartender became the new server lead. The interview was held in a banquet room, though I've seen interviews held inside the restaurant. Training/certificate was done on a computer, and notes were allowed and recommended, with paper provided.

I got to the hotel and they had me fill out a paper application even though they asked me to come 15 min early for that. After I gave it back, the head chef came to meet me. We went to the dining room and she went over how the job worked, the breakfast and sit down service, how the kitchen was set up, the dining room layout, how many servers were on at a time, and how tips were handled. She also mentioned extra hours for banquets and events. Then she asked about my experience and work history. The head of HR joined us for a bit and listened, asking a question sometimes. She left, and I finished with the chef. It was a really friendly and relaxed chat, not like an interrogation. She mentioned that if they wanted to move forward, I'd meet with higher-ups like the hotel's GM. I felt good about it and emailed them a thank you and to restate my interest. I was disappointed later to get a form email saying they weren't moving forward without any reason why. I get they're not as invested, but I thought I was going to advance and wanted to know what changed their minds.

I interviewed with the Restaurant Manager, and it went really well. I think he was more nervous than I was. A few days later, he called me back and said he wanted to hire me if I was still interested. I went in and signed a lot of paperwork, and then started working and training a couple days after that. The process was fast; I didn't have to wait long for a call.