Client Consultation

Term from Mobile Catering industry explained for recruiters

Client Consultation in mobile catering means meeting with customers to understand and plan their catering needs. This is when catering professionals discuss event details, menu options, dietary requirements, and budgets with their clients. It's a crucial first step in the catering process, similar to a wedding planner's initial meeting or a contractor's project discussion. This process helps caterers create the right food service plan and ensures customer satisfaction.

Examples in Resumes

Conducted over 200 Client Consultation|Client Consultations leading to 85% booking rate

Developed streamlined Client Consultation process resulting in increased customer satisfaction

Led Client Consultations and Customer Meetings for high-profile corporate events

Typical job title: "Catering Consultants"

Also try searching for:

Catering Consultant Event Planner Catering Sales Manager Food Service Consultant Menu Planning Specialist Catering Coordinator

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you handle difficult clients with unrealistic expectations during consultations?

Expected Answer: Look for answers that demonstrate leadership, problem-solving, and diplomatic communication skills. Should mention setting clear expectations, offering alternatives, and maintaining professionalism.

Q: Describe your process for training new staff in client consultation techniques.

Expected Answer: Should discuss creating standardized procedures, mentoring techniques, role-playing exercises, and methods for teaching active listening and sales skills.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What information do you gather during a client consultation and why?

Expected Answer: Should mention collecting event details, guest count, dietary restrictions, budget, venue information, timeline, and special requirements. Should explain how each piece of information affects planning.

Q: How do you turn a consultation into a confirmed booking?

Expected Answer: Should discuss building rapport, understanding client needs, presenting appropriate options, addressing concerns, and effective follow-up techniques.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the essential documents you prepare for a client consultation?

Expected Answer: Should mention menu options, pricing sheets, booking forms, terms and conditions, and consultation questionnaire.

Q: How do you prepare for a client consultation?

Expected Answer: Should discuss reviewing available menu options, preparing presentation materials, having pricing ready, and researching the type of event if information is available beforehand.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic menu knowledge
  • Understanding of pricing structures
  • Customer service skills
  • Basic event planning knowledge

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Strong negotiation abilities
  • Detailed knowledge of catering operations
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Experience with various event types

Senior (5+ years)

  • Advanced sales techniques
  • Staff training and development
  • Strategic planning
  • High-value client management

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Poor communication skills or inability to explain catering concepts clearly
  • Lack of knowledge about food safety and dietary restrictions
  • No experience with event planning or timeline management
  • Unable to demonstrate basic math skills for pricing and portions