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Cook Interview Questions

Interviews

Cook Interview Questions
Cook Interview Questions

If you are looking for Cook Interview Questions you have come to the right place.

We all know interviews are stressful and competition is intense.

However, with a small amount of preparation you can ace the cook interview.

Here we will discuss how to successfully answer Cook Interview Questions.

Cook Interview Questions and Answers

Can you tell us about your formal training as a cook?

  • Remember a cook is not a chef so it’s okay if you don’t have your chef papers.
  • What is important is to discuss your related work experience.

Why do you want to be a cook?

  • Say you would like a job that keeps you active and you will enjoy the challenge of working under pressure.
  • Say you have a passion for food and enjoy cooking.

How do you feel about standing on your feet for long periods?

  • Most restaurant jobs will require you to work on your feet for long periods. If possible, let the interviewer know that you do not have a problem with this. Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes with low heels, maintain good posture, and stay hydrated.

If I were to call your previous manager what would he/she say about you?

  • Say you are punctual, and you know the importance of starting your shift on time.
  • Mention your work well in a team but can get tasks done on your own.
  • State you work well under pressure.
  • Say you are organized, and will always have your workstation ready for rush hour.
  • Gina Scott of Global Post provides tips on how to answer this question if your boss doesn’t like you and recommends being honest with a positive spin.  For example, if you asked too many questions say your manager said you were through.

Suppose a meal got sent back that you prepared. How would you handle that situation?

  • Say you would note the mistake and learn from it. Mention you understand it is necessary to keep a customer happy to obtain repeat business.
  • Also say you understand that word of mouth is everything in this business and all food must go out perfectly.

Basic Kitchen Interview Questions and Answers

How do you feel about getting up very early to prep food?

  • This question applies to people who are on a prep cook interview.
  • State you are a morning person and have no problem getting up early.

How are your knife-handling skills?

Is it more important to deliver the food on time or made properly?

This question is frequently asked during line cook interviews.

  • Say made properly as customers may have allergies.
  • If the food is not made properly the customer may return the item which would cause a delay.

Cooking is a craft, I like to think, and a good cook is a craftsman — not an artist. There’s nothing wrong with that: The great cathedrals of Europe were built by craftsmen — though not designed by them. Practicing your craft in expert fashion is noble, honorable, and satisfying.

Anthony Bourdain

What did you do during your downtime?

  • Always make sure your workstation is clean which includes sweeping floors.
  • Checked inventory levels and made sure all prep had been completed.

What temperature do you need to maintain so bacteria will not form?

  • You need to maintain a temperature colder than 41 °F (7°C) or hotter than 140°F (60°C).

How do you cook a steak?

  • Steaks can be served raw, well done, medium, medium-rare, and rare. Mention you use the finger test to prepare a stake.

Additional Interview Questions

How do you feel about working on weekends and holidays?

  • Restaurants rarely close so you need to be flexible with your availability.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

  • If you say become a chef or a career in restaurant management you will sound like a good fit for their business.

What hours can you work?

  • The more flexible you are with your hours, the better your chance of getting hired, so be flexible!
  • Let the interviewer know if you can work on weekends and holidays.

If you could be one animal what would it be?

Possible Answers are

  • Dogs show loyalty.
  • Ants are hard workers and team players.
  • Dolphins are smart.
  • Elephants are strong.
  • Gorilla is gentle but powerful, a good parent, and a good leader.

Why did you leave your last job?

Let’s first discuss what not to say!

  • Do not say anything negative about your previous employer
  • Do not say for money.
  • The commute was too long.
Example

“I enjoyed my time at my last job, but, I have outgrown my current role and I am looking for new challenges.”

Questions to ask on a Cook Interview

  • What type of advancement can top-performing cooks receive?
  • How would you describe your ideal candidate for this position?
  • What do you like best about working here?
  • What type of training will I receive?

How do I prepare for a cook interview?

  • Learn as much as you can about the company and ask yourself why you want to work there.  Why would you rather work at this restaurant than any other?
  • Review potential interview questions and think about how you will answer them from your personal experience.  
  • Think about where you see yourself in the future.  Restaurants will prefer to hire people whose career goals align with the restaurant industry.  Perhaps you want to become a restaurant general manager or chef.  Note if you want to work at a restaurant to pay for your education that is fine but make sure you demonstrate that you are committed to working there for more than a few months.
  • Make sure you know where you are going and how long it takes to get there. Go online and work out the easiest way to get there, then be sure to add on extra time so you are on time. The last thing you want is to arrive late.

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