How to answer common chef interview questions
How to answer common chef interview questions
Did you know that interview questions come in different flavours?
Hiring managers use a blend of questions and activities so they can get to know who you are as a person, how you'll work in a team and what experience you'll serve up.
If you're gearing up for an interview or plotting your next job move, you'll want to get familiar with the different types of questions that will come your way. To help you put your best foot forward, we've whipped up a quick guide, with some extra tips for adding a bit of personality to your answers and beating any interview jitters.
So, let's get kicked off with four main types of interview questions.
What are some common chef interview questions? And how should you answer them?
Traditional
- What inspired you to become a chef?
- What's your favourite thing to cook and why?
These questions are a chance for the interviewer to get to know you and your passion for cooking and not just who you are on paper. So make sure you're open and honest and tell them a little bit about your story and what motivates you.
Behavioural
- Give us an example of a time when faced a rush of orders in the kitchen. What did you do?
- Can you tell us about a time when you faced a challenging situation in the kitchen and how you approached it?
When behavioural questions are asked, the hiring manager wants to hear a specific example of a time when you faced a situation so they can understand how you work. So, channel your inner storyteller and talk about the situation you faced, the actions that you took and what the results of your efforts were.
It always helps to think about what your biggest moments or proudest achievements were ahead of time so that you can draw on these more easily in the moment.
Observational
- Having taken a look around, what have you noticed about the business, team and kitchen environment?
- Standing at the pass, what observations can you make about the menu and the types of dishes we serve?
Often when interviewing for a chef job, you’ll be shown around the kitchen and the business so that you can also get a feel for the environment that you would be working in. Here, they're looking to hear some comparisons to other kitchens you’ve worked in and are curious about how you'd handle things if you worked here, revealing your problem-solving skills in the kitchen.
Experience
- Can you share an achievement from a previous job that you're particularly proud of?
- How do you keep on top of health and safety guidelines?
It's all in the name - these questions uncover a bit more about your technical knowledge and are designed to help you display the right experience and skills for the job. This is your chance to stand out from other candidates in the mix and show off your know-how. Seize the spotlight!
Adding personality to your answers
Of course, you should keep it light and add a bit of humour where you can, but remember, an interview is about building trust with the hiring manager. You want to show that while you know how to have fun, you take pride in your work.
So, how else can you inject your personality?
- Avoid overly rehearsing your answers.
- Don't give straightforward answers. Tell the story.
- Share personal values or experiences and how these align with the company's values.
- Ask thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the company.
Keep these in mind, and you can be sure you'll leave a memorable impression.
How to beat any interview jitters
We know the word 'interview' can bring up some nervous feelings for people. They feel like a test and maybe take you back to your school years.
The best way to shake this feeling off is to reframe the interview. Think of it as a get-to-know-you chat. Sure, the hiring manager wants to know that you're a dab hand at prepping veg and check that you're hot on food hygiene but they've probably got a good idea of this from your previous kitchen jobs. What they don't know is how you might work alongside the team and if you'd live the company's values.
Say goodbye to those interview jitters, and remember to be yourself. Let that personality shine through!
Find your place in an M&B kitchen
Do you feel ready to step up to an interview with confidence? Well, don't let us hold you any longer.
Head to our chef job page or check out all available kitchen roles to find your local job. With pubs, bars and restaurants around the UK, you're never too far from an M&B chef job.
Receive articles like this
See what we're all about
We're shaping a workplace where everyone thrives. Explore the heart and soul of Mitchells & Butlers by checking out our guiding principles.
Some articles you might like
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
10/14/2024
Summary
Curious about what it’s like to work as a chef? We’ve got all the answers you need. Chef jobs truly are creative, rewarding, and never the same two days in a row—but it’s common for folks to have
by
Sophie Dawson
Teaser
Bar and WaitingContent Type
BlogPublish date
10/14/2024
Summary
Are you a natural leader, problem-solver, and passionate about working with people? Then a Shift Supervisor job could be a brilliant choice for you. A Shift Supervisor—sometimes called a Shift Ma
by
Rebecca Skeet
Teaser
GraduateContent Type
BlogPublish date
10/10/2024
Summary
Are you passionate about marketing and looking for an opportunity to kickstart your career in a dynamic and supportive environment? Mitchells & Butlers' Undergraduate and Graduate Marketing Sche
by
Rebecca Skeet
Teaser
Bar and WaitingContent Type
BlogPublish date
10/07/2024
Summary
So, the job search is on. Many people dread the process and see it as a race to the finish line where they’ll receive the prize of a job. While that should be your ultimate goal, there’s no sens
by
Sue Bayley
Teaser
CultureContent Type
BlogPublish date
10/02/2024
Summary
Mulled wine and pigs in blankets season is upon us, and we're ramping up for a busy time of year. Our hospitality teams work hard all year round, but in December they make experiences extra special
by
Amandeep Chahal
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
At Mitchells & Butlers, we understand that life is full of exciting changes, especially for our team members heading off to university. Balancing an academic journey with part-time work can be ch
by
Rebecca Houseago
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
In a world where career longevity is becoming a rare feat, Susan and Chris celebrate a remarkable milestone: 25 years as General Managers at Bassetts Pole, Harvester. Susan and Chris first joine
by
Katie Handy
Teaser
GraduateContent Type
BlogPublish date
09/24/2024
Summary
What is an Operations Graduate Scheme? Looking to jumpstart your career in hospitality management? Our Operations Graduate Scheme, also known as our Area Management Grad Scheme, is the perfect l
by
Laura Kelly
Teaser
ApprenticeshipContent Type
BlogPublish date
09/24/2024
Summary
What are Chef Apprenticeships? Chef apprenticeships at M&B are a fantastic opportunity if you’re passionate about food and eager to learn on the job! With our award-winning programme, you’ll di
by
Sophie Dawson
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
09/24/2024
Summary
What are transferable skills? So first things first, transferable skills are the abilities you pick up along the way. Whether that be in a previous job, industry, at school or university, these s
by
Rebecca Skeet
Jobs you might like...
Salary
Competitive Salary
Location
Wagon & Horses, Gloucester, GL3 3TP
Departments
Chef
Hours
Part Time
Vacancy Type
Other role
Brand
Sizzling Pub & Grill
Location
Gloucester
Description
No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you! As a part time Che
Reference
2311470
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Competitive Salary
Location
Wagon & Horses, Gloucester, GL3 3TP
Departments
Chef
Hours
Full Time
Vacancy Type
Other role
Brand
Sizzling Pub & Grill
Location
Gloucester
Description
No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you! As a Chef at the W
Reference
2311469
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Competitive Salary
Location
Packe Arms, Hoton, LE12 5SJ
Departments
Assistant Manager
Hours
Full Time
Vacancy Type
Other role
Brand
Vintage
Location
Hoton
Description
No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you! As Assistant Manag
Reference
2311468
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Fancy an
award winning apprenticeship
Ever thought about an apprenticeship? Fire up your career with one of our multi-award winning apprenticeship programmes which are designed to give you the skills to become a hospitality pro.
Perks of the job...
Love dining out? You'll love it even more with a massive 33% discount across all our brands when you join us. Whether it's date night at Miller & Carter or family roast at Toby Carvery, we’ve got you covered. See what other tasty benefits we offer…