Chef preparing a meal

How to answer common chef interview questions

How to answer common chef interview questions

Amandeep Chahal our consultant managing the role
Date posted: 14/06/2024

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

  1. What inspired you to become a chef?
  2. 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

  1. Give us an example of a time when faced a rush of orders in the kitchen. What did you do?
  2. 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

  1. Having taken a look around, what have you noticed about the business, team and kitchen environment? 
  2. 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

  1. Can you share an achievement from a previous job that you're particularly proud of?
  2. 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.

List #1

Some articles you might like

rising star - general managers at M&B
Essential skills for becoming a successful General Manager at M&B

Teaser

Management

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

12/04/2024

Summary

Thinking about becoming a General Manager? Here’s what you’ll need to succeed The path to becoming a General Manager is as rewarding as it is challenging, but success doesn’t happen by chance.  I

Teaser

Find out more
Laura Kelly

by

Laura Kelly

Laura Kelly

by

Laura Kelly

General Manager of the year awards - three people smiling on stage
Celebrating M&B’s General Managers of the Year: Inspiring Stories of Growth and Success

Teaser

Culture

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

12/04/2024

Summary

At Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), our General Managers are the heartbeat of our business, driving excellence in hospitality and creating unforgettable guest experiences.  We believe in celebrating su

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

image of kayleigh
How a temporary Christmas job at M&B kickstarted Kayleigh’s career in hospitality

Teaser

Management

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/28/2024

Summary

Temporary Christmas jobs are a great way to earn extra cash for the holidays while gaining valuable work experience. They offer the chance to build new skills and try out roles like bar, waiting

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

two men and one woman working in a kitchen in their chef whites and smiling
Everything you need to know about being a Kitchen Manager at the different M&B brands

Teaser

Kitchen

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/28/2024

Summary

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to lead a buzzing kitchen team, create memorable dining experiences, and make your mark in hospitality, you’re in the right place.  To give you a better ide

Teaser

Find out more
Laura Kelly

by

Laura Kelly

Laura Kelly

by

Laura Kelly

Image of scottish hills and lake
Celebrating St Andrew’s Day: Job opportunities in Scotland

Teaser

Culture

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/27/2024

Summary

As we approach St Andrew’s Day, it’s the perfect time to celebrate not only the rich culture and history of Scotland but also the opportunities available within Mitchells and Butlers.  What is St

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

image of hala
Home and away, the job that's here to stay: M&B’s university transfer scheme

Teaser

Bar and Waiting

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/27/2024

Summary

It’s that time of year again, university students are going back, freshers is in full swing, and so many students are moving across the country!  We know that having a pub job at uni is the best

Teaser

Find out more
Rachel Weaver

by

Rachel Weaver

Rachel Weaver

by

Rachel Weaver

waiting staff greeting guests at M&B - customer service in hospitality
Crafting memorable moments: The importance of customer service at M&B

Teaser

General

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/22/2024

Summary

In today's busy world of pubs and bars, it's not just about the drinks. What really sets a place apart is how well they treat their guests. At M&B, we believe that every interaction is an opportu

Teaser

Find out more
Katie Handy

by

Katie Handy

Katie Handy

by

Katie Handy

image of bar staff serving drinks with a smile
From serving to socialising: Why Bar jobs in London are a great choice

Teaser

Bar and Waiting

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/22/2024

Summary

So, you're thinking about a bar job in London? Let me tell you, it's not just a job – it's a lifestyle upgrade!  Picture this: every shift is a chance to meet new people, learn new skills, and ex

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

image of part-time staff holding drinks tray
Looking for a part-time job? Here’s everything you need to know to get started!

Teaser

Bar and Waiting

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/06/2024

Summary

What is a part-time job?A part-time job is pretty much what it sounds like—a role where you work fewer hours than a full-time position.  For anyone looking to earn some extra income, balance work

Teaser

Find out more
Sophie Dawson

by

Sophie Dawson

Sophie Dawson

by

Sophie Dawson

Christian from Stonehouse
Can you go from Chef to General Manager? Yes, you can!

Teaser

Management

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

11/06/2024

Summary

At Mitchells & Butlers, we pride ourselves on the growth and development opportunities we provide to our employees.  We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Christian, General Manager of th

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

Jobs

Jobs you might like...

Bar Staff

Salary

Competitive Salary

Location

Toby Carvery - Eden Park, Beckenham, BR3 3HQ

Departments

Bar Staff

Hours

Full Time

Vacancy Type

Other role

Brand

Toby Carvery

Location

Beckenham

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 Bar Staff at T

Reference

2350705

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Apply Add to shortlist
Part Time Christmas Team Member

Salary

Competitive Salary

Location

Toby Carvery - Eden Park, Beckenham, BR3 3HQ

Departments

Waiting Staff

Hours

Part Time

Vacancy Type

Other role

Brand

Toby Carvery

Location

Beckenham

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 T

Reference

2350704

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Apply Add to shortlist
Chef

Salary

Competitive Salary

Location

Spirit Of Endeavour, Boston, PE21 7QS

Departments

Chef

Hours

Full Time

Vacancy Type

Other role

Brand

Sizzling Pub & Grill

Location

Boston

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 S

Reference

2350656

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Apply Add to shortlist
 

job search