Operating on a global scale, Topgolf has become a leader in providing a state-of-the-art sports entertainment community. Now, if you love sports entertainment, and golf in particular, that might be a great place for you to launch a career.
The journey to become a part of this vibrant organization, of course, begins with the interview process. So, how do you make sure that you ace your interview and land a job there? With the right preparation, of course!
In this guide, we’ll delve into the dynamics of a Topgolf interview, helping you prepare in the best possible manner to showcase your capabilities and potential confidently. I’ll give you comprehensive guidance on the Topgolf interview process, including insights on preparation steps, common and in-depth questions, and role-specific questions, as well as advice on what you may ask at the end of your interview.
What is the Interview Process like at Topgolf?
The interview process at Topgolf is quite unique and engaging. It’s designed to be interactive and somewhat informal, reflecting the vibrant and friendly culture ingrained within Topgolf’s operations.
With that in mind, Topgolf’s interview process usually consists of two different kinds of interviews:
- Group interview
- Individual interview
Let me break down what each of these interviews is like in a bit more detail.
Group Interview
The process usually commences with a group event, often referred to as an “audition”. It’s a gathering of candidates where the company tries to gauge the energy, personality, and team spirit of the prospective employees in a social setting, something that truly sets Topgolf apart from many other companies.
These group interviews usually involve fun games or ice-breakers that allow candidates to express their personality and collaborative abilities.
Individual Interviews
These can either be one-on-one with a manager or with a small panel of management and team leaders. Depending on the job role you’re seeking, this stage may include competency-based questions, role-playing, or more targeted questions regarding potential job duties.
For instance, someone applying for a server position might be asked to handle a scenario of dealing with an unhappy guest.
How Long Does the Topgolf Interview Process Take?
The time frame for the Topgolf interview process can vary widely; some people have completed the process in as little as a few days, while others have said it took a couple of weeks from the initial application to the job offer.
Nevertheless, candidates are generally given a good indication of the timeline during their initial audition or interview. So, you’re not likely to walk into this interview not knowing how much time you’ll need to set apart.
How Can You Prepare for a Job Interview at Topgolf?
In any job hunting process, preparation is the key to success. This is particularly true for Topgolf, where the company’s unique, energetic atmosphere is reflected in its interview process. Here are a few tips to help you properly prepare for a job interview at Topgolf.
Research the Company
Understanding the company culture and values beforehand is crucial. Topgolf places great emphasis on teamwork, guest service, integrity, and fun. Browse Topgolf’s website and social media platforms to get a feel for what they promote and value.
You’ll come across important aspects like their menu offerings, events, leagues, features, etc. The more you know about Topgolf, the better you will be able to align your skills and experiences with their offerings.
Read the Job Description
Each job role at Topgolf, be it a bay host, server, kitchen staff, or bartender, has its own unique set of responsibilities. Make sure you understand your potential role; what does a day in that role look like? Knowing this will help you showcase how your skills and experiences will translate into job performance.
Dress Appropriately and Be Punctual
At Topgolf, appearance matters. It’s a hospitality business where you’ll constantly interact with guests. Hence, make sure you put thought into dressing appropriately. A smart casual outfit would be suitable for most positions. Most importantly, be punctual. It shows respect for your interviewers’ time and demonstrates a professional attitude.
Practice Common Interview Questions
While you can’t predict every question, you can certainly prepare for common ones. Questions like “Why do you want to work at Topgolf?” or “Describe a time you provided exceptional customer service” are likely to come up. Practice your responses using concrete examples from your own experiences.
Remember, you’re not just preparing to provide ‘right’ answers. Your goal is to demonstrate who you are as a person, how you can fit within Topgolf’s team, and how you can contribute to their goal of creating memorable experiences for their guests. So, stay authentic and let your enthusiasm show!
Common Questions Asked at a Topgolf Interview
One of the biggest tips I mentioned on interviewing at Topgolf is to practice interview questions.
Now, the types of interview questions you can be asked can vary quite a bit. So, to give you a brief overview of what to expect, let’s check out a few of the more common interview questions at Topgolf. These questions can be relatively straightforward, focusing on how you can bring fun, energy, and excellent service to the company.
Here’s a brief rundown.
Ice-breaking Questions
Ice-breaking questions aim to ease the applicant into the interview and gauge their personality. A few examples of these questions include:
- Tell us something fun about yourself
- What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend
These questions allow you to show your personality and how it aligns with the company’s vibrant, customer-oriented culture.
Customer Service Questions
Topgolf places high importance on service excellence, and hence, they can ask you about your past customer service experiences.
An example of this type of question could be:
- Can you share an experience where you had to deal with a difficult customer and how did you resolve it?
Here, they are seeking to evaluate the customer handling skills and techniques you employ, emphasizing customer satisfaction.
Questions About Handling Difficult Situations
Working in a fast-paced, entertaining environment can come with its set of challenges, and Topgolf wants to know how their prospective employees handle pressure. A scenario-based question you can be asked includes:
- Imagine we are at a peak time, and the orders are piling up. How would you prioritize tasks?
You’ll want to answer this by emphasizing your ability to maintain calm under pressure, prioritize tasks efficiently, and still deliver excellent service even in high-pressure situations.
In-depth Questions Asked at a Topgolf Job Interview
Interviews at Topgolf are designed to cater to both the technical aspects and personal attributes of potential candidates. While you may come across some typical interview questions, there are other in-depth queries you should prepare for.
Remember, these questions probe for your values and experiences. The key to answering these is to stay honest, be specific with your examples, and align your responses with Topgolf’s values and expectations.
Here are some examples and some good ways to tackle them.
Describe a situation where you dealt with an irate customer and how you turned it around?
This question aims to understand your problem-solving skills and your ability to maintain calm in heightened situations. While responding, ensure you stress on your patience, emotional intelligence, and customer satisfaction. Provide an example where you managed to pacify an unhappy customer and ensured they left with a good impression of your prior workplace.
Give me an instance where you took an initiative that was not part of your job role?
Topgolf values employees who go above and beyond their assigned tasks. This question tests your propensity to take initiative and your ability to recognize opportunities for improvement. Don’t hesitate to share instances where you stepped out of your job description and added value to your team or company.
How have you dealt with a difficult colleague in the past?
This question evaluates your interpersonal skills and your ability to handle conflicts. You can provide an example where you diplomatically resolved a dispute with a coworker, underlining your communication skills and your ability to maintain harmony in a diverse environment.
What would you do if you noticed a fellow employee disregarding company policy?
Here, Topgolf assesses your integrity and commitment to the company’s values. My advice? Don’t take an overly aggressive or docile approach. Instead, suggest reporting the issue to a superior or discussing it with the colleague involved privately, if appropriate.
How have you approached a situation where you had to multitask under pressure?
Working in the hospitality and sports industry, dealing with multiple tasks simultaneously is inevitable. Topgolf looks for employees who can handle pressure with a positive attitude. Share an example where you managed multiple tasks efficiently, emphasizing your excellent time management and priority-setting skills.
Role-Specific Interview Questions at Topgolf
Topgolf hosts a variety of positions, each with its own unique set of interview questions tailored to assess the necessary skills and experiences of the candidate.
Besides general and in-depth interview questions, you may also be asked some role-specific questions. Here are a few examples of these questions to help you prepare.
Server Role
A server at Topgolf requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills combined with the agility to handle a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Key questions likely to be asked include:
- How would you handle a situation where you have multiple tables waiting for service?
- Can you describe instances when you had to manage a heavy workload, how you prioritized tasks, and the outcome?
- Have you ever had to deal with a customer complaint, and if so, how did you handle it?
Host Role
Hosts create the first impression at Topgolf. Interview questions revolve around customer service, teamwork, and the ability to handle pressure:
- How would you greet a large group and ensure everyone feels welcomed?
- What would you do if a customer seems dissatisfied when they first arrive?
Chef Role
In the kitchen, precision, creativity, and stress management are essential. Questions could include:
- How do you ensure consistency in food quality when multiple orders are placed simultaneously?
- Have you ever had to handle feedback about a meal you’ve prepared, and how did you respond?
Maintenance Role
For the maintenance team, problem-solving, hands-on technical skills, and time management are highly desirable:
- Have you ever had to troubleshoot a complex technical issue, and what was your approach?
- How would you handle unexpected maintenance issues during peak operational hours?
Questions to Ask at the End of a Topgolf Interview
Towards the end of a Topgolf job interview, it’s beneficial for candidates to ask their own questions. This part of the interview provides a useful opportunity to gain more detailed insights into the company culture, growth opportunities, and job role expectations. Make sure your questions reflect your curiosity, enthusiasm, and investment in securing the job.
For those of you who aren’t sure what to ask, here are a couple of different ideas to get you started.
Idea #1: Discuss the Organization Culture
Before accepting a job position, it’s important to truly understand the workplace environment as it significantly impacts job satisfaction and growth. Thus, you may want to pose the following question: “Could you describe the work culture here at Topgolf?” This question demonstrates that you’re invested in your potential workplace and want to ensure it’s a good fit for you.
Idea #2: Ask About Growth Opportunities
It’s essential to enquire about the pathways for progression within the company. An example question could be: “What are the chances for professional development and career growth in this position?” This question conveys your ambitions and long-term career goals, demonstrating to the interviewer that you’re viewing this role as more than a temporary stopgap.
Idea #3: Ask Questions that Show Interest and Dedication
Another angle to take is to ask about the challenges associated with the role you are interviewing for: “What are some of the potential challenges or obstacles for the individual taking up this role?” This indicates that you are proactive and aren’t afraid to face and overcome any challenges that may come your way.
Bonus Idea: What Not to Ask in an Interview
While asking questions is important, avoid asking about holidays, bonuses, and other benefits during your first interview – this information, while important, can give the impression that you’re more interested in personal gains than contributing to the organization.
Get a Hole in One With a Career at Topgolf
When it comes to navigating the interview process at Topgolf, my most important piece of advice is to enter the interview prepared. Understanding who Topgolf is as a company, the role you’re applying for, and what you can bring to that role is instrumental for success.
And, of course, don’t forget that the interview is also a chance for you to ask your questions. Show your interest and eagerness for the role. Ask about the company culture, about what a typical day looks like, and how the organization supports the personal and professional growth of their employees. That, combined with the proper preparation, can help make the difference in landing you a job.
If you feel your interview answers need practicing as you prepare, our dedicated team of career coaches is just a click away. They’re ready to offer personalized support, deep insights, and proven strategies to polish your responses.
