Recruitment Experience for Head Chefs
OUR RECRUITMENT EXPERIENCE
Applying for a new job is an exciting time, but we know it also comes with nerves... which is why we want to set you up for success and prepare you for what to expect.
If you have already applied or are thinking about applying to a Head Chef or Head Chef Designate in Training role with us, have a look at what the recruitment process might look like for you.
Our recruitment process includes the following:
APPLICATION
A simple application process, designed to be quick & easy, even when applying from a mobile phone.
PHONE CALL
A friendly chat to get to know you better, talk through the role and answer any questions you might have.
INTERVIEW EXPERIENCE
A sneak peak into what the job looks like and gives us an opportunity to get to know you better.
FEEDBACK
We want to make sure you have feedback, to learn from and apply to any future applications.
Online Application
Application
We want to make our application process simple, especially when applying via your mobile phone.
All we ask is for you to upload your CV (no cover letter needed!) and fill out a quick application form where you can share your details, experience, availability, and any reasonable adjustments you may need
Next Steps
Your application will be reviewed by one of our in-house Recruitment Partners, who should contact you within 3 days to let you know if you have been successful at this stage.
If you are successful, you will receive a call or email inviting you to have an initial telephone call.
TOP TIPS
Ensure your CV is up to date with your most recent experience and skills added, so the Recruitment Team can assess your suitability for the role.
Let your personality shine: Hospitality is a people-first industry, so let your energy and personality shine. Greet confidently and keep your tone friendly and positive. We notice genuine enthusiasm, be yourself and show your passion.
TELEPHONE CALL
ON THE CALL
Your call will typically last around 15–20 minutes. It’s a friendly conversation where our Recruitment Team will get to know you a little better — your experience, your strengths, and the behaviours that make you a great fit for the role.
It’s your chance to share what excites you about the opportunity and what makes you shine.
What Happens Next
If you’re successful at the telephone screening stage, we’ll pass your details to the General Manager of the business, who will review your application and may invite you to a face‑to‑face business plan interview.
Throughout your journey, a dedicated member of our Recruitment Team will be your main point of contact, making sure you feel supported every step of the way.
TOP TIPS
Hospitality is all about people — warmth, connection, and genuine enthusiasm.
Be yourself, greet confidently, and keep your tone friendly and positive. We love seeing the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion and energy.
INTERVIEW
If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to a face‑to‑face interview with the manager at the business.
The interview will last around an hour and gives us the opportunity to learn more about your experience and leadership in the kitchen, your passion for great food and what you could bring to a team.
It’s also your chance to understand our business and what the Kitchen Manager/Head Chef role could look like for you.
INTERVIEW EXPERIENCE
The interview experience will involve:
Your Experience - an opportunity for you to talk through your CV in more detail.
Job Preview - business tour and a skills-based activity to gain understanding of our brand offer and your interaction with our guests and team.
Behavioural based interview questions - an opportunity for you to share real-life examples that demonstrate your experience and the qualities and skills we’re looking for.
M&B LEADERSHIP QUESTIONS
During your interview, you will be asked behavioural-based questions such as:
- Can you tell me about a time when you set clear performance expectations for your kitchen team while creating a supportive and respectful environment?
- Tell me about a time you spotted someone in your team who had potential. How did you help them develop?
- Can you give an example of a time when you made a decision in the kitchen that improved efficiency, reduced waste, or boosted sales?
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- Describe a time when something didn’t go to plan. What happened and how did you deal with it?
TOP TIPS
Prepare great examples for your interview: Be ready with five to six stories that highlight how you've led and developed teams, managed change and implemented sales driving initiatives. Use clear examples to show patience, teamwork, and initiative, even from non-hospitality roles.
Show how you support and influence others:
Share examples of how you’ve worked with others, built strong relationships or had a positive impact on a team.
Show your personality and passion for hospitality: Hospitality is a people-first industry, so let your energy and personality shine. We notice genuine enthusiasm, be yourself and show your passion.
FEEDBACK
We understand the time and effort required to apply for Head Chef and Kitchen Manager roles and aim to offer meaningful feedback to support learning and growth, regardless of outcome.
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We truly believe that feedback is a gift, and we want to thank you for taking the time to meet with us. Your effort matters, and we want you to feel valued throughout every part of your experience with us.
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Our aim is that every candidate hears back from the manager at the business they applied to, within 7 days of their interview, with an update on the outcome and the option to receive feedback. If you haven’t heard from us by then, please feel free to get in touch with the site directly — we want to make sure you get the information you need.
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Top tip: Let feedback support your journey
If you’re not successful this time, we hope the feedback you receive helps you grow and feel even more confident for future opportunities, whether with M&B or elsewhere.
And if you do join us, your feedback can be a great starting point for conversations with your new line manager as you settle in.
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