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Head Chef Interview Questions

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated 21 October 2025
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7 min read

Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Head Chef interview questions and answers.

  1. What goals would you have if you were appointed head chef? See answer
  2. How do you stay up to date with the latest culinary trends for our type of business? See answer
  3. How do you promote and ensure a safe working environment? See answer
  4. What is your previous experience with working to a budget, including how you may have overcome any challenges in working within a budget? See answer
  5. When was the last time you changed a menu and what prompted this change? See answer
  6. What strategies have you implemented to increase efficiency and minimise wastage? See answer
  7. Have you had to terminate an employee and how did you manage the process? See answer
  8. If I hire you, what training and development would you like to see our kitchen staff undertake? See answer
  9. How do you handle conflict, such as problems with suppliers or hard-to-please customers? See answer
  10. How do you motivate staff generally as well as in high-pressure situations? See answer
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Hire your next Head Chef today.

Post a job

Hire your next Head Chef today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

10 Head Chef Interview Questions and Answers

What goals would you have if you were appointed head chef?

Asking this question can reveal many insights about the candidate, from their professional values and interest in growing your business to their industry experience and knowledge. You may wish to ask about specific goals, such as goals for the menu, or be more open-ended to let them reveal their unique abilities or passions that they can bring to the role. What to look for in an answer:

  • knowledge of your business and alignment with your goals
  • passion for the profession and understanding of the role of head chef
  • motivation and commitment to the role.
Example:

"My key goal is to make this café the go-to lunch spot for locals in this area. I think because of this café’s location and size, this is a key market that can be built upon. To achieve this, I have many great ideas to implement, such as…"

How do you stay up to date with the latest culinary trends for our type of business?

As a head chef is responsible for the creative aspects of the business as well as managing the kitchen, this question can reveal their inclination to provide new ideas to help your business grow. What to look for in an answer:

  • specific examples that are relevant to your type of business, such as fine dining or casual eating
  • enthusiasm to remain adaptable to meet customer demands
  • willingness to upskill.
Example:

"I love attending food and wine events to see what other organisations and suppliers can offer, as well as observe what customers respond to most. I am also a member of the industry association so that I can stay updated about new products and techniques to try."

How do you promote and ensure a safe working environment?

Occupational health and safety, including emotional as well as physical health, and food safety, are key regulations that hospitality employers must follow, so asking this question can reveal whether a candidate is prepared for the administrative aspects of the role. What to look for in an answer:

  • up-to-date knowledge of safety standards
  • experience in following procedures and tackling problems
  • examples of how they tackle safety challenges.
Example:

"Safety is a high priority for me, not only for my staff and my customers. I took it upon myself to obtain a food safety supervisor certification because I take food hygiene and handling very seriously, as problems can make staff as well as customers very sick. I encourage a respectful and cool-headed work environment, which I think helps prevent accidents from occurring with knives and other kitchen tools."

What is your previous experience with working to a budget, including how you may have overcome any challenges in working within a budget?

By asking a situational question about their experience with budget, you may identify whether the candidate has financial management skills. This will be useful to ensure economic efficiency and avoid business operating expenses from eroding your profits. What to look for in an answer:

  • an outline of work experience
  • another related example, if they don’t have experience
  • a specific example of a challenge they have overcome.
Example:

"I have performed this task while temporarily acting in the role of head chef in my previous role. One situation that comes to mind is when the cost of lettuce increased significantly during a seasonal shortage, so we replaced this ingredient with cabbage, which was a similar but cheaper alternative."

When was the last time you changed a menu and what prompted this change?

This question may reveal their experience in designing new menus as well as their experience in recognising a need for change. It may also reveal insight into their creativity and business nous. What to look for in an answer:

  • ability to design a menu
  • attitude towards change and adaptability
  • business development skills.
Example:

"Last year, I changed a menu based on discussions with the restaurant manager about evolving customer preferences. I was tasked with creating more value for customers, so I decided to create new weekly specials, such as…"

What strategies have you implemented to increase efficiency and minimise wastage?

You may wish to tailor this question to a particular saving that you would like to make, such as increasing staffing efficiency or minimising food wastage. This question will reveal the candidate’s suitability to meet your goals, as well as showcase their problem-solving skills with a business mindset. What to look for in an answer:

  • experience implementing new techniques to improve output
  • ability to implement or adhere to your business strategy
  • problem-solving and adaptability skills.
Example:

"In my last role, I suggested a food composting initiative that provided a use for the food scraps created during the day. The business was able to promote this on their social media accounts and it was well-received by customers, improving our reputation in the area as well as ensuring we did our bit for the environment."

Have you had to terminate an employee and how did you manage the process?

Asking this question can reveal how the candidate tackles challenging workplace situations. It can also allow a candidate to demonstrate they can handle the business and administrative aspects of the career path, which they may have originally chosen because of their passion for working with food rather than people. What to look for in an answer:

  • examples of successfully managing the process, if available
  • communication and problem-solving skills
  • integrity and emotional intelligence.
Example:

"I haven’t previously dismissed an employee, but I have been a member of teams in which employees were let go. I have witnessed situations in which I think the situation was not handled appropriately by the head chef, as well as those in which it was dealt with sensitively. I would first try to resolve the performance issue, such as…"

If I hire you, what training and development would you like to see our kitchen staff undertake?

This question can reveal a candidate’s attitude towards professional development and upskilling, as well as industry knowledge and experience. It may also reveal their areas of personal passion and whether they align with your business’s values. What to look for in an answer:

  • enthusiasm for learning new skills and staying up to date
  • examples of the types of training that may suit your kitchen
  • industry knowledge and understanding of your business.
Example:

"I think teamwork is an important skill that is essential to run a successful restaurant of this size. To achieve this, I see on-the-job mentoring and team-building activities as being good methods to develop this among staff. I always enjoy seeing other chefs learn new skills, so if I’m appointed, I would love to discuss further opportunities, such as whether staff can be supported in formal study or we implement an internal mentoring program."

How do you handle conflict, such as problems with suppliers or hard-to-please customers?

By asking this question, you can identify whether the candidate can handle challenging situations that may affect your business’s reputation and ability to provide the best food experience. What to look for in an answer:

  • conflict management skills
  • problem-solving ability
  • customer service skills.
Example:

"I try to maintain positive relationships with suppliers and understand that problems that can arise, such as the availability of ingredients, may be out of the supplier’s control. I encourage open communication and try to be understanding, instead of being demanding, which I think helps make me a preferred customer to them, so they want to work with me to overcome challenges."

How do you motivate staff generally as well as in high-pressure situations?

This question may identify the leadership style of the candidate and whether they will meet the cultural fit of your organisation. It will also reveal their experience in a leadership role. What to look for in an answer:

  • prior leadership experience
  • appropriate techniques that suit your work culture
  • examples for tackling both situations outlined in the question, showing active listening skills.
Example:

"Generally, I like to create an energetic and fun work environment in which everyone is respected. In high-pressure situations, I regularly remind staff to remain calm and enjoy rising to the challenge, while recognising good work as it happens, to create a positive environment. I believe these kinds of environments encourage employees to put in their best effort at all times."

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