Chef Interview Tips

Understand your CV

Your CV is the first impression an employer has of you so make sure you remember exactly what is written on it as it is common for an interviewer to work through your employment history asking you to describe various aspects of your previous and current positions. Also be prepared to expand on information already stated on your CV and be able to illustrate your competencies in more detail by demonstrating past situations through behavioural examples.

Know your strengths

Listing your main strengths can be very helpful. Aim for ten key strengths that make you an ideal candidate for the position. Then if asked to list your strengths; you can do so with confidence. It is always a good idea to be able to give expanded examples of how you have applied your main strengths in previous positions.

Do your research

Prior to an interview it is vital that you do your research, this is extremely important. If you have applied to multiple jobs with a range of different companies it can be all too easy to give this a miss. Don’t! Go on the internet and find out as much information as possible about who the company is and what they do and remember to write down and practice any relevant questions that you may want to ask. You must demonstrate a strong interest in the position and the company so you create the right impression.

Know the position you’ve applied for

This is as important, if not more important than the last example. Before attending an interview please review any information you have been sent regarding the position and if you have a job description, know this inside out. You should highlight the essential qualities required for the position and match them to your own skills and experience. This will enable you to have the best chance of being the perfect candidate!

Dress to impress

Always select your interview clothing carefully. Even if you are aware that a position does not require you to wear a shirt and tie for example, it is advisable to always dress smartly to create the best possible first impression!

Work Trials

Most Chef Interviews will include a practical element for example creating a dish from ingredients available in the kitchen and/or working a service.

You will usually be required to take:

• A set of clean whites
• Knives – usually Sous level and above
• Appropriate footwear

Other useful items can include:

• Qualifications, paper references, testimonials, press clippings, photographs of work

Remember the kitchen hygiene rules:

• Wear minimal jewellery
• No nail varnish
• Avoid wearing fragrances
• Tie back long hair
• Cover any abrasions appropriately
• Ensure good standard of personal hygiene

Know where you are going

It is advisable to plan how you are going to get to the interview in advance. Check out train times, bus schedules and traffic reports. It is a good idea to use Google maps to obtain directions as you don’t want to be rushing around at the last minute looking for a map or driving in the wrong direction and arriving 15 minutes late!

Don’t be late

When attending an interview it is always better to be very early than very late. In the event of arriving early you can always go for a coffee or read a book, however if you are late there is nothing you can do as the damage will have already been done. If you must be late, always call to explain the situation.