kitchen helper Interview Questions

"It started as a hobby when I was young. I always enjoyed assisting in the kitchen. I would help my friends, and they would compliment how I made cooking easier for them. After some months, I started getting calls from cooks. They would say a friend recommended me. I enjoy working in the kitchen and performing various cleaning, maintenance and preparation duties. I dream of becoming a chef someday."

"I have a high school diploma. While in school, I participated in several cooking competitions and helped the chef make meals. I also joined the cooking club at my high school. In my previous roles, my employers organised various training sessions. I am a fast learner."

"I spent six months as a kitchen helper at Wiler Restaurants, where I was placed on the morning shift. As a kitchen helper, I prepared and labelled food containers. I worked with other kitchen assistants to arrange and keep the refrigerators stocked with food items. I understand that you are looking for a kitchen helper that can serve customers and run the cash register. I am eager to use my experience to improve customer service in your restaurant."

"I understand the importance of having good time management skills as a kitchen helper. I manage my time by separating time-sensitive tasks from duties I can complete quickly. While time-sensitive tasks include sorting food items, routine tasks include cleaning surfaces and equipment. Unlike time-sensitive tasks, routine tasks are easier to handle, so I complete them first. This working style helps me to prioritise my work and meet deadlines."

"I am a team player. I feel motivated when I work with other kitchen staff to achieve a shared goal. Working with other people also provides an opportunity to learn and try out new ideas. However, when my working style is different from the other kitchen assistants, I prefer to work independently."

"I would first ask the coworker if they know the correct way of using the kitchen equipment. If they don't know how to use the equipment, I will teach them how to handle it. However, if they are familiar with the equipment, I would advise that they use it properly and mention the conversation to my supervisor."

"I would look for the cook and inform them that the food item is not in the fridge. However, if the cook is not close by, I would check whether the food item is fresh, following safe food-storage guidelines. If it is fresh, I will put it back in the fridge. Otherwise, I would put it in the garbage container."

"I am always careful when working in the kitchen. In my previous role, I learned the importance of being proactive and preventing accidents in the kitchen. I make sure I handle tools and equipment carefully and put wet-floor signs after mopping. I also make sure I use the right personal protective equipment when working in the kitchen."

"Learning new things excites me, and staying current with the latest technologies makes the kitchen a fun place to work. I know how to use a coffee maker, smart trash cans and other kitchen equipment. In my previous role, I learned how to use a toaster oven and smoothie blender."

"As a kitchen helper, I plan my duties and responsibilities daily. When a coworker returns from the store, I check that they have the required supplies while unpacking the bags. If they miss out on a food item, I would notify them before the busy day begins."

"I work well in fast-paced environments, and I feel this type of workplace helps me grow. At my previous job, completing several tasks motivated me to keep working, and I became the employee of the month several times. Sometimes, I don't realise how much work I complete until the day ends."

"In my previous role, I mistakenly kept a food supply in the cupboard instead of the fridge. Immediately I realised my mistake, I informed the cook, who instructed me to put it in the garbage container. I created strategies to prevent such errors from occurring in the future and shared them with my supervisor."

"I understand that the duties and responsibilities of kitchen staff can vary. If a cook asks me to carry out tasks that are not part of my job description when I am free, I will perform the task. However, I would talk to the cook whenever I feel overworked to determine whether I would continue performing the task."

"I understand that I have to keep the kitchen area clean. I would sweep and mop the floors after the cook and kitchen staff. I would also clean the garbage containers and remove trash from the kitchen. Finally, I would wash work tables, appliances and cupboards. I am familiar with the food and kitchen hygiene standards by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)."

"In my previous role, I worked in a fast-paced environment with a cook who had a busy schedule. To help my employer out, I performed all my cleaning, mopping and sweeping duties before they arrived. Then, I sourced ingredients from the store and made sure they had everything they needed. Finally, I cleaned, mopped and swept the kitchen before I closed for the day."