Undoubtedly, working as a school chef is among the best culinary jobs. You have an opportunity to spend time with children around the clock. The task is flexible and allows you to achieve work-life balance. In particular, chefs who work in a day school will always spend their evenings with their families. You will have a bunch of breaks when students go on holiday.
However, many chefs do not succeed in these opportunities. Like other jobs, you need to go through an interview to secure this job. This aspect calls for adequate preparation.
Remember, you can be a professional chef, but you must prove the same in an interview. So, if you have received an interview invitation for a chef position in a particular school, here are some preparation tips to consider:
Research about the school
Having some background information about an organization is critical in any interview. The school chef position is no different. You need background research about the school you intend to work for. Familiarizing yourself with the organization will help you gain confidence during the interview D-day.
You need to know when the school was established, its management, location, and other essential information that can be the secret weapon to your success. Sharing such information during the interview shows great passion and desire to work for the school. So, consider taking time to research the intended learning institution.
Have a look for possible interview questions
You can be a professional and qualified chef but fail to secure the position. Like other jobs, how you answer the interview questions determines your suitability for the advertised position. The secret to succeeding in an interview for the school’s chef position is knowing the potential questions and the right answers.
For instance, the interviewer would like to know your experience in the culinary and hospitality industry. They will also inquire whether you have worked in a learning institution before. Again, they would like to understand what makes you a good candidate for the position.
Having clear and concise answers to these questions can be the magic pill to securing the job. You should take time to familiarize yourself with possible school chef interview questions. Importantly, you can find a friend or colleague holding a similar position for some hints. This way, you will be ready to tackle any question that comes your way.
Be punctual for the school chef interview
The chef’s job is demanding and time conscious. This aspect remains constant whether you are working in a restaurant or school. You must manage your time efficiently. The school management will assess your time management during the interview.
Here is where punctuality comes into play. Being punctual during the interview will signal that you are a time-conscious individual. If the interview schedule indicates that you should be there by 8:00 am, you must ensure you keep time.
You can consider being at the venue 5 or 10 minutes before the interview begins. This way, you will make a first positive impression and might be the only aspect separating you and other candidates,
Have an insight into the school’s menu
As a chef, your work will be preparing what is on the menu. The role is the same in a school setting. For this reason, your interviewer will gauge your understanding and familiarity with the school’s menu. They would like to know whether you can prepare every meal listed in it.
When preparing for the interview, you should consider having some insights into the school’s menu. Know what they eat regularly. Also, if you have zero ideas on some dishes on the menu, you can consider researching them before D-day. Doing this will position you as the best match for the position.
In a word, an interview for the school chef position is a good opportunity to create a lasting impression on the management. The interview allows you to showcase your suitability and passion for the job. So, you must prepare effectively to stand out. Following the above tips can be the game changer in securing the position.