How to crack an interview as an aspiring chef?

It’s only a matter of time before you face a chef job interview. The best way to crack the interview is of course through the use of special steps to improve odds of success. Usually, chef job interviews are quite formal than the other types. Yet, you are supposed to be serious in your preparation. That’s why you need special tips when you are preparing for these interviews.

Brush up on Kitchen Culture

The first step is of course is to get your interview. Once you are done with that, you need to focus on how to impress the interviewer. Mostly, it is about making the person feel assured that you can be a sociable companion in their kitchen. Competition can be big, of course. But the job is half done once the interviewer likes you and develops some respect for your skills. It is okay to avoid the interview if you are not happy with the salary offered. There are times when catering staffing firms raise unreasonable expectations. So, be wary.

Asking for promotion

Apply for promotion only if you have adequate experience that matches the type of Chef Positon you are applying for. In simple words, your experience in Type A Chef Positon is not going to get a promotion in Type B. This also applies to asking for a raise.

Research on the hiring firm

It is wrong to attend an interview without knowing much about the hiring firm, especially if it is a recruitment agent. It helps to do some research on the agency’s website, menus, galleries, timings etc. to get a clear picture. This helps in improving your confidence ahead of reaching the interview venue. You can also refer to people in the business, like merchants for example, to get some inside information. Also research on the type of travel that would be required every day to get to your work place. The means of travel and traffic could vary from city to city. For example, travelling for Chef jobs in one city could be a lot different from doing so for Chef jobs in another city. 

Get a suit

It is never wrong to wear a suit to the interview, even if it is a Chef Position. Doing so tells the interviewer that you are serious about the job you are applying for. Again, it is good to match the dressing style of people in the city. For Chef jobs in New York, for example, you will do well by dressing like a New Yorker. 

Get there

After having done your research on the employer and getting dressed up, it is time to actually pay a visit to the interview venue. It is good to reach the place early to avoid last minute hiccups. Check if the recruiter has put the menu on show and note it down. If the interviewer expresses warmth through, say, a cup of coffee, do accept it. This helps in breaking the ice. Try to sit at a slight angle with the client to avoid having to constantly glare at the interviewer, although maintaining eye contact is advisable. Always wait till questions are completed rather than rushing in with your answer. Strike up a good conversation. Explain how you can meet standards of the firm and be part of its ongoing accomplishments.

Salary and closure of interview

It’s better not to talk about salary right away. But be ready in case they bring it up. You’re advised to not ask for more than what has been quoted for the position. And before you leave, make sure you enquire on what’s about to follow and how they will contact you. If you went to the interview through an agency, give them a call and inform how the interview went.