32 Baker Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Baker interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 15 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. How long do you foresee yourself working at this bakery, if hired?
How to Answer
Talk to the hiring manager about your work history, and tenure, in your previous positions. Assure the hiring manager that you plan to stay in this position for the long term.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"As you can see in my resume, I have a strong history of remaining loyal to my employers. The last position I left was simply because the bakery closed down. If I am successful in securing this position, I plan to stay here for the long term."
Written by Rachelle Enns
2. Tell me about the largest or most complicated wedding cake you have ever created.
How to Answer
If you have a photo portfolio of your work, be sure to bring that with you to the interview. Talk to the hiring manager about the level of projects that you have completed, and highlight the one project that you feel best showcases your work.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"The most complicated wedding cake that I have ever created was a 4 tier, delicately decorated, wedding cake for a very large Italian wedding. I have photo's available if you would to see my portfolio."
Written by Rachelle Enns
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3. How do you stay up to date on the latest trends in cakes?
How to Answer
This question should be fun and easy to answer! How do you stay on top of the latest trends in cakes, and bakery goods?
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I watch a lot of great baking shows, and also subscribe to various magazines such as Martha Stewart and Bake Mag. I subscribe to a variety of blogs, and am often on Pinterest, searching for fresh and creative ideas."
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4. Do you have a professional mentor? Who do you look up to in this industry?
How to Answer
Talk to the hiring manager about anyone who has acted as a mentor to you in this industry. What have they provided to you, to help you in your career? If you do not have a personal mentor - perhaps there is a famous baker that inspires you.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"My mentor, in baking and cake decorating, is my first employer from the bakery I worked at in 2008. The owner of the bakery, Jane Doe, is very passionate about what she does and I learned such a great deal from her. We still meet a few times per year to discuss new trends in baking."
Written by Rachelle Enns
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5. Tell me about your education, if any, in the culinary arts.
How to Answer
Where did you attend culinary school? What was your focus during your post-secondary experience? Talk to the hiring manager about your experience and focus.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I attended culinary school at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York. My primary focus was on developing my skills in pâtisserie. My courses range from advanced pastry techniques to boutique style desserts, world delicacies and precise techniques."
Written by Rachelle Enns
6. What steps do you take to ensure little ingredients are wasted, or go bad, in your current bakery?
How to Answer
Tell the hiring manager about your ability to stay organized with your bakery ingredients. What steps do you take, or what processes have you put in place, to ensure that very little waste happens?
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"Last year, in our bakery, we implemented a new program that would help with inventory and also track close to expiring ingredients. This new system has decreased our waste by 22%, which is incredible!"
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7. Are you able to quickly calculate and convert volume measurements between Metric, Imperial, and US Customary?
How to Answer
Talk to the hiring manager a bit about your math and conversion skills. You can answer this briefly, and to the point.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I have been a baker for many years, and this particular skill has been well-honed through those years. Yes, I am able to quickly convert and calculate measurements in Metric, Imperial and US Customary."
Written by Rachelle Enns
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8. What would your last meal be on Earth if you had to choose?
How to Answer
The hiring manager would like to know something about you that would not be on your resume. This question is also intended to show the interviewer your level of passion when it comes to food.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"If I could choose my last meal on earth it would be ravioli with lobster, langoustine, salmon and wood sorrel. I love the creamy decadence of this pasta dish. Yet, its deliciously simple."
Written by Rachelle Enns
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9. What different frosting methods do you know how to use?
How to Answer
Tell the hiring manager about your frosting techniques and the level of expertise you have. You can keep your answer brief.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I know a variety of frosting techniques and would say the the ones I am an expert level in would be Rosette, Petal, Ribbon and Textured frosting."
Written by Rachelle Enns
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10. Do you enjoy decorating cakes and cupcakes?
How to Answer
Do you fully enjoy decorating cakes and cupcakes? What do you enjoy about it, and what do you find most challenging? Tell the hiring manager if decorating cupcakes and cakes is something that you enjoy.
If you do enjoy decorating: 'I really do enjoy decorating cakes and cupcakes and most people that I have worked with consider it my forte. The detail and attention that needs to go into a properly decorated cake is quite surprising to some. It's a highly technical skill.'
Written by Rachelle Enns on November 28th, 2018
Answer Example
"I have strong experience in decorating cakes and cupcakes; however; I consider myself stronger in the baking department."
Written by Rachelle Enns on November 28th, 2018
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11. Have you ever done any marketing for your former or current bakery?
How to Answer
Do you understand how to market on social media platforms, locally, and within your current database? Talk to the hiring manager about the types of initiatives you have taken on within marketing.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"For my current bakery, I have started an initiative with our current customers similar to a loyalty based rewards program. We also do e-flyers every Monday to drive business through the week. I have also set us up on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and we do pay for Facebook ads as well. We have seen an increase of 27% over the last 3 months because of these marketing initiatives."
Written by Rachelle Enns
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12. Sometimes our bakery gets crowded. Will you get stressed out if a line starts forming?
How to Answer
Give the hiring manager an example of a time when you were able to flawlessly manage a large crowd or line in your bakery.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"The bakery I currently work for is a very busy location and we have lines out the door every weekend. I am very used to managing high volumes of customers."
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13. Have you ever had a rude customer? How did you deal with them?
How to Answer
In customer service, you will sometimes come across customers who are rude, complain, or cannot be pleased. Talk to the hiring manger about your customer service philosophy, and how you go about handling rude customers.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I realize that not everyone can be pleased, however; I always do my best to keep my composure and treat everyone the same. If a customer is rude, I will ask them how I can make them happy. That will usually calm them down a bit. In some situations, I have suggested to very rude customers that they find another bakery who perhaps could meet their needs better. I am accommodating but also will not tolerate anyone abusing my staff."
Written by Rachelle Enns
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14. Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a customer. What did they request?
How to Answer
How do you go over and above, to help out a customer or to meet a unique request? Give a specific example to the hiring manager.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I had a customer come to me with 1 days' notice that she needed a wedding cake. Her original baker did not provide her with the cake that she wanted and she was very panicked about it. We worked overtime and went far beyond the call of duty to ensure that her cake was perfect, and ready for her big day."
Written by Rachelle Enns
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15. What other skills, besides baking, would you bring to our bakery?
How to Answer
If you are successful in gaining this position, what other types of skills will you bring to the job? Talk about anything you can do re: marketing, customer service, management, etc.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"Asides from baking, I bring many skills such as social media marketing, scheduling, inventory management and customer dispute resolution. Are there any specific skills that you are looking to bring on in this role?"
Written by Rachelle Enns
16. Do you wish to own your own bakery one day?
How to Answer
The hiring manager is looking for an idea re: your longevity in this position, should you be the successful candidate.
If you are wishing to own your own bakery one day: "I have always had a dream to own my own bakery, however; that would be many years down the road for me. If given this opportunity with your bakery, I plan to stay long term.
If you are not wishing to own your own bakery one day: "I do not have plans to open my own bakery one day. I am quite content with having a strong employer and remaining in a position as an employee."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I have always had a dream to own my own bakery, however; that would be many years down the road for me. If given this opportunity with your bakery, I plan to stay long term.
If you are not wishing to own your own bakery one day: "
Written by Rachelle Enns
17. What are your favorite things to bake?
Answer Example
"My favorites will change from time to time, because I have always been passionate about change and trying new things. Currently, my favorite things to bake are ornately decorated sugar cookies. They are a timeless treat."
Written by Rachelle Enns
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18. Have you ever had an odd baking request? What did you do?
How to Answer
Assure the hiring manger that you are flexible and able to meet the needs of the customers, no matter how odd the request may be.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I have had a few odd baking requests. The one I recall the most was a customer who wanted a 3-tier birthday cake, in just 4 hours' time. I explained to the customer that these types of cakes take a bit of time and simply could not be baked, cooled, and decorated in such a short time. The customer agreed after some convincing and chose a different design."
Written by Rachelle Enns
19. When did you first start baking?
How to Answer
Talk to the hiring manager about how you initially started baking. This will tell the hiring manager something about you that they may not know from reading your resume.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I have been baking since I was just 6 years old! My professional start came when I joined the Institute of Culinary Education in New York to complete my education in patisserie. It's been a passion of mine since I was young."
Written by Rachelle Enns
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20. Are you always on time for work?
How to Answer
Do you make a habit of being on time, or even early, for work? Tell the hiring manager about your reliability.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"As a baker, I am aware that early mornings are required. I am always very punctual and take pride in being on time for work. You can most certainly rely on me."
Written by Rachelle Enns
21. Have you ever called off work at your last position? What was your reason?
How to Answer
Assure the hiring manager that you are reliable and that you come to work when expected.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"In my last position, I took just 2 days off in one year. Both absences were excused as I had a long weekend planned. I do not take many holidays and do not get sick very often. You can be assured that I will show up for work on time, and when expected."
Written by Rachelle Enns
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22. If I were to give you a recipe to follow but you felt your own method was better, how would you handle that?
How to Answer
Often times, as the expert, we will feel that our way is better. Talk to the hiring manager about your ability to overcome that thinking, and follow instructions that you've been given, despite your desire to do your own thing.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"If I were given a recipe to follow, but felt that my method was better, I would still follow the recipe that I was given. It is important to be flexible. If I felt comfortable enough, I would probably make the recipe using my own method and ask my boss for feedback on the end result. Perhaps they would like my way in the end, as well!"
Written by Rachelle Enns
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23. Which baking skills do you consider yourself an expert in?
How to Answer
Tell the hiring manager about your strongest skill when it comes to baking.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I am strong in multiple areas of baking, however; my primary focus this past year has been on developing my skills in pâtisserie. I am also an expert in frosting techniques."
Written by Rachelle Enns
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24. How important is it for you to get this job at our bakery?
How to Answer
Do you want this job? Tell the hiring manager about your desire to be the successful candidate. Talk a bit about why you want to work for them, specifically, and how securing this role will benefit your life.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I would really love to secure this job. It would make my life so much simpler as this bakery is just down the street from my home. I am passionate about the type of products and quality that comes out of your facility and that would make me very proud to work for you."
Written by Rachelle Enns
25. How do you think we stand out from our competitors?
How to Answer
Your answer will help the hiring manager to see that you understand their business, you have researched the competitive landscape in the area, and that you have taken interest in what they do.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I believe you stand out from your competitors in a multitude of ways. Looking at your reputation in the community - I see that you are very well known for being accommodating and for using high quality ingredients. In comparison to your competitors, I see that you stand out because you engage with your customers on social media, and you are very active in giving back to the community through donations of food."
Written by Rachelle Enns
26. What do you know about our bakery?
How to Answer
Display to the hiring manager that you researched the company prior to your interview. This shows the interviewer that you truly are interested in securing this role, and that you find it important enough that you would take the time to conduct research.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I took a lot of time getting to know your company through it's online presence. I am aware that you are a long-time family run business which is admirable. I understand, also, that you have very strong customer reviews online. What I enjoy most is that you give back so much to the community."
Written by Rachelle Enns
27. What makes you the best candidate for this job?
How to Answer
Talk to the hiring manager about what you feel makes you the best option for them. Bring up your strong baking skills, but also be sure to include skills that will make you a stand-out candidate.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I feel that I am the best candidate for the job because aside from my very strong advanced pastry techniques, I am also able to manage the social media marketing side of your business. I would come with very fresh ideas on how to increase your customer base."
Written by Rachelle Enns
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28. What do you find most challenging about being a baker?
How to Answer
Do you struggle in a particular area of baking? What do you find the biggest challenge in your career? Talk to the hiring manager about your biggest challenge in baking.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"In my career, my biggest challenge has been working on my precision techniques with delicacies. I would like to take an additional course in these techniques to really master them."
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29. How do you keep organized while baking? How do you keep a schedule for what needs to be done?
How to Answer
Talk to the hiring manager about your organizational skills and how you remain on schedule.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"After being a baker for 7 years, I can attribute most of my success, in remaining on schedule, to early mornings. I never take on more than I think that I can handle, and I document everything very clearly so that everyone in the bakery understands the flow of work, and what is coming up next. Clear communication has been key for me to remain organized and on schedule."
Written by Rachelle Enns
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30. Baking can be stressful. When have you worked in a stressful environment with deadlines to meet?
How to Answer
As a baker, you will face endless deadlines. Discuss with the hiring manager how you are able to cope with that type of stress.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I am accustomed to stressful timelines and am able to handle it quite well. I have worked in this type of environment since becoming a baker 7 years ago. I remember to breathe deep, keep focused, and stay organized."
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31. Tell me about a baking disaster you have had. How did you redo the recipe and make a good product?
How to Answer
Everyone has a disaster in the kitchen, and that's totally okay. Discuss with the hiring manager how you were able to recover from a disaster while baking.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"One disaster that comes to mind would be when I was asked to make a grain free/gluten free cake as a special order. I make the cake with almond meal, thinking it would work but it was much too dry. Instead, I turned the batter in small cookies and re-made the cake batter using coconut flour. I gave the cookies to the customer as an add-on for free, which they were really happy about."
Written by Rachelle Enns
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32. How well do you follow recipes?
How to Answer
Do you follow recipes to a tee, or do you like to wing it a bit? Tell the hiring manager about your preference when it comes to recipes.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I am absolutely able to follow recipes, and especially love to follow the recipes that are the classics. When it comes to more modern baking, I like to be creative and deviate from the recipe."
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