Interview Tips for Culinary Arts Jobs
Interview Tips
- Be prepared for some position specific questions-Basic Cooking and Sanitation questions are common.
- Research the Potential Employer/Company - Cuisine style, other properties, awards etc.
- List your accomplishments, awards, skills, Certifications and experience that are relevant to the position you are seeking.
- Determine if you are a match for the position. Do your skills and experience match all the requirements?
- Does the company and position fit your requirements, your goal. Show how you are a fit.
- Prepare some smart questions to ask the recruiter/interviewer. If you've done your research, this will be easy.
- List three reasons why you want work for this employer.
- Be ready to illustrate your past successes. Prepare your goodbye -- your exit line.
Practice with a friend.
- If possible videotape your trial run so you can refine your presentation. Look for movement problems, touching hair or fidgeting in the chair and try to eliminate them.
Common Courtesies
- Arrive at least ten minutes before your interview time.
- Smile.
- Firm handshake
- Be pleasant to everyone you encounter. (often those you meet before the interview have input on hiring)
- Do not eat, chew gum or smoke.
- Say thank you.
- Use proper grammar.
Practice Active Listening
- Acknowledge with nods and affirmative comments.
- Take notes selectively.
- Maintain eye contact.
- Ask smart questions when appropriate.
Dress and Appearance
- Most of the interviewer's initial impression is visual.
- Wear clean, pressed professional attire.
- Make sure you are well groomed, and wear no cologne.
- Leave you body piercing jewelry at home!
Body Language
- Lean forward slightly to express your interest.
- Shoulders back and head up shows confidence.
- Avoid fidgeting, as it will make you seen nervous or insecure.
Content
- Focus on your benefit to the prospective employer.
- Be positive and upbeat.
- Avoid any negative comments about former employers, associates or positions -- even if true.
- Be honest about your experience.
- Be clear and concise.
- Underplay difficulties, disappointment and challenges. Instead emphasize the experience, lessons and solutions.
- Ask smart questions.- Schedule, Benefits, Uniform, Training.
Salary
If asked to say what salary you desire, answer with a question like, "What range do you have in mind?" If the interviewer persists or requires an answer on the form, give a range. Use a realistic range based on the current market but don't put down something you cannot live with.
What is the Process?
Make sure you know the next step in the process before you leave the interview.
Conclusion
End the interview with a smile, firm handshake and your prepared goodbye. Be sure to thank the interviewer for their time, and offer any additional information they may need to make a decision.
Culinary Art Schools
California Culinary Academy San Francisco, California
California School of Culinary Arts Pasadena, California
Scottsdale Culinary Institute Scottsdale, AZ
Texas Culinary Academy Austin, TX
Orlando Culinary Academy Orlando, FL
Pennsylvania Culinary Institute Pittsburgh, PA
Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Program at Brown College Mendota Heights, MN
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV
Western Culinary Institute Portland, OR
Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago Chicago, IL
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Atlanta Atlanta, GA
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"I entered the culinary art program as a hobby and possibly a career change from nursing... We were able to learn from instructors... while developing our own style and palate...the small class size also fostered the development of long lasting friendships with the other students."
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Angela Sovini
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