Prep Cook interview questions and answers
These Prep Cook interview questions give you an idea on what prep cook skills to look for.
10 good prep cook interview questions
- If you suddenly had a lot of work to do and other prep cooks weren’t helping, how would you handle it?
- What would you do if you were asked to prepare a sauce you had never prepared before?
- Imagine you have a question about something but the chef isn’t around. What do you do?
- In what order would you place different ingredients (vegetables, meat, fish etc.) in the refrigerator?
- What’s your experience in food handling?
- Do you prefer working alone or as a team?
- What do you do to stay punctual?
- What did you like most in our menu?
- What entrees/sauces/etc. can you prepare?
- How do you ensure cooks have always adequate supplies during a rush?
Here are 10 essential interview questions and sample answers to help identify the best candidates for this role.
1. If you suddenly had a lot of work to do and other prep cooks weren’t helping, how would you handle it?
This question assesses the candidate’s problem-solving skills and ability to handle stressful situations.
Sample answer:
“I would prioritize tasks based on urgency and try to complete the most critical ones first. If time permits, I’d approach my colleagues for assistance or inform the head chef about the situation.”
2. What would you do if you were asked to prepare a sauce you had never prepared before?
This question evaluates adaptability and the willingness to learn.
Sample answer:
“I would ask a colleague or consult a reliable recipe. If neither is available, I’d rely on my culinary knowledge to attempt the sauce, ensuring it aligns with the dish’s flavor profile.”
3. Imagine you have a question about something but the chef isn’t around. What do you do?
This question gauges initiative and problem-solving.
Sample answer:
“I’d first try to find the answer myself or ask a senior colleague. If it’s a critical decision, I’d wait for the chef’s guidance.”
4. In what order would you place different ingredients (vegetables, meat, fish etc.) in the refrigerator?
This question tests knowledge of food safety and storage.
Sample answer:
“I’d place raw meats at the bottom to prevent cross-contamination, followed by fish, then dairy, and vegetables on top.”
5. What’s your experience in food handling?
Understanding the candidate’s background in food safety and handling is crucial.
Sample answer:
“I’ve worked in various kitchens for over five years and have always adhered to strict food safety guidelines. I also have a food handler’s permit.”
6. Do you prefer working alone or as a team?
This assesses the candidate’s teamwork skills and individual work preference.
Sample answer:
“While I’m comfortable working alone, I believe teamwork in a kitchen setting ensures efficiency and a smoother workflow.”
7. What do you do to stay punctual?
Punctuality is vital in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
Sample answer:
“I always set multiple alarms and ensure I prepare everything I need for work the night before.”
8. What did you like most in our menu?
This question gauges the candidate’s familiarity with the restaurant’s offerings.
Sample answer:
“I appreciate the diverse range of dishes, especially the emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.”
9. What entrees/sauces/etc. can you prepare?
Understanding the candidate’s culinary skills is essential.
Sample answer:
“I’m proficient in preparing various entrees, from grilled dishes to pastas. I can also make a range of sauces, including béchamel, marinara, and hollandaise.”
10. How do you ensure cooks have always adequate supplies during a rush?
This question tests organizational and foresight skills.
Sample answer:
“I always keep an inventory checklist and ensure all ingredients are prepped and stocked before peak hours.”
Why is it important to ask Prep Cook interview questions
A prep cook is an entry-level member of the kitchen. They’re the ones who set up workstations, chop, peel, cut and prepare ingredients so the chefs can cook and finish dishes.
This position doesn’t usually require any education. Some experience in cooking and customer service is desirable although you can easily train the most promising candidates. A food handler’s permit is typically required so make sure to bring it up during the interview.
Related: How to attract and hire entry-level employees
Every kitchen or restaurant is different so ask questions depending on your specific requirements. A great general practice is to ask them to demonstrate their skill and manual dexterity by preparing some ingredients.
Any questions you want to ask should be geared towards their reliability, teamwork and ability to follow instructions. You should also be looking for motivation and enthusiasm for the specific position. Asking about their knowledge of safety and sanitation is a great way to choose the best among candidates.
Let’s summarize some of the questions and add a few more divided into specific types.
Operational and Situational questions
- If you suddenly had a lot of work to do and other prep cooks weren’t helping, how would you handle it?
- What would you do if you were asked to prepare a sauce you had never prepared before?
- Imagine you have a question about something but the chef isn’t around. What do you do?
- In what order would you place different ingredients (vegetables, meat, fish etc.) in the refrigerator?
Role-specific questions
- What’s your experience in food handling?
- Do you prefer working alone or as a team?
- What do you do to stay punctual?
- What did you like most in our menu?
- What entrees/sauces/etc. can you prepare?
- How do you ensure cooks have always adequate supplies during a rush?
- What cleaning activities do you think are necessary in the kitchen?
Behavioral questions
- Tell me about a time you made a mistake while preparing ingredients. How did you correct it and what did you learn?
- Recall a time you showed excellent customer service
- What’s the most difficult situation you’ve encountered in previous jobs?