Traditional interviews can be misleading in hospitality. Working interviews—also called trial shifts—give you the real picture. You can see how they interact with guests, handle pressure during rushes, take direction, fit with your team, and their actual skill level versus what's on their resume.
How to Structure It
Set clear expectations upfront. Keep it short but meaningful—2-4 hours during your busiest time. Assign a strong team member as mentor. Give them real tasks, not just busywork. Watch how they ask questions, interact with guests, stay calm under pressure, help without being asked, and engage with your team. In most states, you must pay candidates for working interviews—failing to do so is illegal and unethical.