chef interview tips

Introduction

Most people worry about chef job interviews and just want to get them over with as quickly as possible. However, you needn't feel that way!

As employers often recruit new chefs to help drive their business forward or strengthen existing teams of chefs, the interview is a potential opportunity for you to develop your career as a chef. It's your chance to show people who you are, and what you're capable of. Appreciating the positive aspects goes a long way towards helping you feel more relaxed and not so nervy!

Rightchef will fully brief you on a chef job prior to interview. However, let's look at some useful tips to help boost your confidence and give you an edge over other applicant chefs. 

Researching the company

Taking the time to do this provides you with valuable background information guaranteed to impress the interviewer(s). Doing your homework shows your genuine interest in the company and your commitment. Surprisingly, many applicant chefs don't bother to find out about their prospective employer.

Visit the company website or request relevant literature. If possible, sample the company or one of its outlets as a customer, to gain first hand knowledge of its operation.

Questions to expect

Listed below are general and specific questions commonly asked by interviewers. Preparing answers to them beforehand allows you to answer confidently and positively.

General questions:

• What do you know about our company?
• Why do you think you are suitable for this job?
• Why do you want to leave your current
   chef job?
• What does your current chef job involve?
• What have you contributed towards advancing
   your current employer's business?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What can you contribute to the chef job?
• Where do you see yourself in five years time?
• Why should we offer you the chef job?

Specific questions:

• Are you a member of any organization
   or association?
• Have you had to manage a budget?
• Have you had to train chefs?
• Are you a good team player?
• Are you able to work under pressure?

Questions to ask

The questions you choose to ask are a reflection of your professionalism. Also, they will help you discover whether the chef job is exactly what you're looking for. Plan in advance several questions about the chef job. Here are some suggestions:-

• What is the company culture?
• Why is the chef job vacant?
• What sort of chef training is offered?
• What are my main responsibilities as a chef?
• What is the most challenging aspect
   of the chef job?
• Could you tell me more about the team?
• What are the main advantages of
   working here?
• How do you feel about my suitability
   for the chef job?

Note: At this stage only ask about the chef job, so as to convey a positive outlook.

Day of the interview

The interview, which normally lasts around 25 minutes, will determine your suitability by assessing your personality, ability and skills as a chef. Therefore create a good impression from the start!

Appearance: Dress to look smart and professional by wearing a suit.

Demeanour:

• Act confidently and professionally
• Be friendly and polite with every
   one you meet

Body language:

• Always start with a firm handshake
• Relax and smile
• Sit upright and look interested
• Make regular eye contact
• Speak clearly, answering questions honestly
   and positively

Other tips:

• Do take your mobile phone to call the company
   if you're  unexpectedly delayed
• Do make sure your mobile phone is switched
   off during the interview!
• Do plan to arrive at your destination at least
   15 minutes early
• Do know the name of the person you are
   meeting
• Do make the point that you are a team player
   as well as a skilled chef
• Do show printed and photographic evidence of
   your past culinary achievements as a chef
• Do express your interest in the chef job, during
   the interview
• Do ask the interviewer(s) what happens next?

Thank the interviewer(s) afterwards, and if invited to do so, shake hands.

Following the interview

Please call Rightchef as soon as possible with your feedback. It is also a good idea to send a brief thank you note explaining how much you enjoyed your visit, and how you look forward to hearing back from them.

We sincerely hope you find these suggestions extremely useful. We believe that by presenting yourself honestly as a professional chef passionate about your work, you will achieve whatever goals you have set yourself.

Good luck! From all the Rightchef team.