OpenTable

Term from Restaurants industry explained for recruiters

OpenTable is a popular restaurant reservation and management system used by dining establishments worldwide. It's both a consumer-facing platform where diners can book tables online, and a business tool that helps restaurants manage their bookings, tables, and guest information. When you see this on a resume, it usually means the person has experience using the system from the restaurant management side, not just as a customer. Think of it as the restaurant industry's equivalent of a customer booking and management system.

Examples in Resumes

Managed daily operations and guest relations using OpenTable reservation system

Increased restaurant efficiency by optimizing OpenTable seating arrangements

Trained staff of 15 on OpenTable management system

Typical job title: "Restaurant Managers"

Also try searching for:

Restaurant Manager Host/Hostess Front of House Manager Dining Room Manager Reservations Manager Restaurant Operations Manager Guest Relations Manager

Where to Find Restaurant Managers

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How have you used OpenTable data to improve restaurant operations and revenue?

Expected Answer: Look for answers that show they can analyze booking patterns, use guest history for marketing, and make strategic decisions about seating arrangements and reservation policies to maximize covers and revenue.

Q: Describe a situation where you had to handle multiple large party reservations during peak hours.

Expected Answer: Strong answers should demonstrate experience with complex booking scenarios, table management, and problem-solving skills while maintaining good guest relations.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you handle overbooking situations using OpenTable?

Expected Answer: Should explain their approach to managing waitlists, communicating with guests, and using the system's tools to prevent and resolve booking conflicts.

Q: What OpenTable features do you use to maintain guest relations?

Expected Answer: Should mention using guest notes, dietary preferences, special occasions tracking, and communication tools to enhance the dining experience.

Junior Level Questions

Q: Walk me through the basic process of taking a reservation on OpenTable.

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain checking availability, entering guest information, handling special requests, and confirming reservations.

Q: How do you update floor plans and table availability in OpenTable?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of basic system navigation, table status updates, and managing real-time availability.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-1 years)

  • Basic reservation management
  • Guest check-in and seating
  • Table status updates
  • Basic guest note entry

Mid (1-3 years)

  • Managing multiple reservation sources
  • Handling complex booking scenarios
  • Guest relationship management
  • Staff training on system use

Senior (3+ years)

  • Strategic table management
  • Data analysis for business improvement
  • Advanced reporting and forecasting
  • System optimization for restaurant operations

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No hands-on experience with restaurant reservation systems
  • Poor understanding of basic restaurant operations
  • Lack of customer service experience
  • Unable to describe basic booking management procedures