Learn how to impress the hiring manager with your skills, experience, and personality in a sous chef interview. Follow these tips on researching, reviewing, practicing, asking, dressing, and being yourself.

If you show up to an interview and pretend to be what the interviewer is looking for and get the job, then the person you were pretending to be may be happy, but probably not you. Be yourself and stay true to what you like to and do not like to do.

How can you prepare for a sous chef interview?

If you are a culinary professional who wants to advance your career, you might be interested in applying for a sous chef position. A sous chef is the second-in-command in a kitchen, responsible for overseeing the daily operations, managing the staff, and assisting the executive chef. To land a sous chef job, you need to impress the hiring manager with your skills, experience, and personality. Here are some tips on how to prepare for a sous chef interview.

1 Research the restaurant

Before you go to the interview, do some research on the restaurant where you are applying. Find out about their menu, style, concept, and reputation. This will help you tailor your answers to their specific needs and expectations. You can also use this information to show your enthusiasm and interest in working for them. For example, you can mention a dish that you like or a review that you read.

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Kanokwan (Nislin)

Senior Lead-HR-Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding (Regional)
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First thing, you need to understand about the business requirement. Put yourself in the situation what if this is your own business? What will you do to make this profitable and famous?

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Benjamin Willis

Supporting South Australian Hospitality
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Turn the interview on its head. If you are keen - and you should be keen - understand why and what is it about the venue that inspires you for this role. Then; interview the venue to make sure they can offer what you want and need for a long term and inspired career. They will sense this. They will realise you have approached this differently and are not just job hopping… The venue will want you.

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Edward Gutierrez

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Ask about the person that you are replacing. Why was some one not prompted from with in. Look at there hiring job boards how often are they looking to fill this spot.

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Brian Willets

Talent Acquisition Manager
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Top 3 things to prepare for a Sous Chef interview. 1. Be prepared - understand what the owners are looking for. A Sous Chef is someone who needs to support and follow the guidelines of the Executive Chef. Have at least 3 stories ready that demonstrate how you can lead the team, control costs and get great health scores. 2. Show up on time and dress like a professional chef. just like guests eat with their eyes first, so do hiring managers. 3. Be yourself. Be prepared to share who you are as well as what you are still learning. The restaurant journey can be a lifelong adventure.

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2 Review your resume

Your resume is the first impression that the hiring manager will have of you, so make sure it is updated, accurate, and relevant. Highlight your achievements, qualifications, and responsibilities as a culinary professional. Use specific examples and numbers to demonstrate your impact and results. For instance, you can mention how you reduced food waste, increased customer satisfaction, or improved kitchen efficiency. Also, be prepared to explain any gaps, changes, or challenges in your career.

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3 Practice your skills

As a sous chef, you will be expected to perform various tasks in the kitchen, such as preparing ingredients, cooking dishes, plating food, and supervising staff. Therefore, you should practice your skills and techniques before the interview. You might be asked to do a cooking test or a trial shift as part of the hiring process, so you need to be ready to show your competence and creativity. You can also review some common recipes, methods, and terms that you might encounter.

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4 Prepare your questions

An interview is not only a chance for the hiring manager to evaluate you, but also for you to learn more about the job and the restaurant. You should prepare some questions to ask at the end of the interview, as this will show your interest, curiosity, and professionalism. You can ask about the work environment, the expectations, the challenges, the opportunities, or the culture. Avoid asking about salary, benefits, or vacation time at this stage, as these topics are better discussed after you receive an offer.

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Brian Willets

Talent Acquisition Manager
(edited)
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Always be prepared to ask some great questions about the team and overall cultural fit. Do not be shy about what you want to learn from this new position. This is your opportunity to find out if this will be the right fit for you. Stay focused and you might just land your dream job.

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5 Dress appropriately

The way you dress for the interview can affect the impression that you make on the hiring manager. You want to look neat, clean, and professional, but also comfortable and confident. You don't have to wear a suit or a dress, but you should avoid wearing jeans, sneakers, or casual clothes. You can opt for a simple and smart outfit, such as a shirt, pants, and shoes. You should also pay attention to your hygiene and grooming, such as washing your hands, brushing your teeth, and trimming your nails.

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6 Be yourself

Finally, the most important tip on how to prepare for a sous chef interview is to be yourself. You want to showcase your personality, passion, and values, as well as your skills and experience. You don't have to pretend to be someone you are not, or say what you think the hiring manager wants to hear. Be honest, respectful, and positive, and try to establish a rapport with the interviewer. Remember that you are not only applying for a job, but also for a team and a culture.

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Brian Willets

Talent Acquisition Manager
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If you show up to an interview and pretend to be what the interviewer is looking for and get the job, then the person you were pretending to be may be happy, but probably not you. Be yourself and stay true to what you like to and do not like to do.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you prepare for a sous chef interview?

1

2

3

4

5

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7

1 Research the restaurant

2 Review your resume

3 Practice your skills

4 Prepare your questions

5 Dress appropriately

6 Be yourself

7 Here’s what else to consider

Culinary Management

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How can you prepare for a sous chef interview?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Research the restaurant

2 Review your resume

3 Practice your skills

4 Prepare your questions

5 Dress appropriately

6 Be yourself

7 Here’s what else to consider

Culinary Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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