Hiring

The five most popular Head Chef interview questions.

by XPRESS, 20 February 2013

Interviews for Head Chef vacancies can be extremely variable, due to the numerous styles of kitchens, restaurants, hotels, catering firms etc. Also, being a practical job there is a very good chance of a trial or cook-off taking place as part of the process.

Below are the Five most popular interview questions:

1.Why do you want this job?

One of the most predictable questions and very important! You need to demonstrate that you have researched the employer and tie your knowledge of them into the skills and interests that led you to apply. 

2. Describe a situation in which you have led a team?

This is an example of a competency-based question. Head Chef positions involve people management, where you will be expected to plan, organise and guide the work of others as well as motivating them to complete tasks. The interviewer needs to assess how well you relate to other people, what role you take in a group and whether you are able to focus on goals and targets.

3.Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Try to avoid vague or general answers.This question allows you to demonstrate that you have done your research on the career routes open to you within the organisation and so you should try to be more specific - not necessarily tying yourself down to a particular route, but showing that you have at least a general idea of where you want to go.4.Have you got any questions?At the end of the interview, it is likely that you will be given the chance to put your own questions to the interviewer. Keep them brief: there may be other interviewees waiting.Ask about the work itself, training and career development: not about holidays, pensions, etcPrepare some questions in advance: it is OK to write these down and to refer to your notes to remind yourself of what you wanted to ask.

5.What are your weaknesses?

The classic answer here is to state a strength which is disguised as a weakness, such as "I''''m too much of a perfectionist" or "I push myself too hard". This approach has been used so often that, even if these answers really are true they sound clichéd. Also, interviewers will know this trick. If you feel they really apply to you, give examples: you could say that your attention to detail and perfectionism make you very single-minded when at work, often blotting out others in your need to get the task done. 

Should you require any further information on Chef roles please contact Xpress Recruitment at [email protected] or check out our website at www.xpressrecruitment.com