MockQuestions

Sous Chef Mock Interview

39 Questions Created By

To help you prepare for your Sous Chef interview, here are 39 interview questions and answer examples.

First Question

39 Sous Chef Interview Questions

15 Interview Questions With Sample Answers

1.   When have you made a suggestion to the executive chef before? How was your suggestion received?

How to Answer

Are you able to be open and give honest feedback to your executive chef? When you have a great idea, are you confident enough to bring that idea forward to your superiors? Talk to the hiring manager about a time when you have done this.



Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"Just recently I made a suggested menu change to our executive chef. I was sure to gather data and feedback from our customers, and also created a solution before coming to the chef. Because I was able to come to him with meaning, research, and passion behind my suggestion - he took it really well and we implemented the change."

Written by Rachelle Enns

2.   What is the most difficult part of being a Sous Chef?

How to Answer

Talk to the interviewer about what you feel is the biggest struggle in your career as a sous chef. It's great to speak openly and honestly but be careful to not use an example that may cause a red flag for the hiring manager or cause you to appear incompetent for the job.



Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"I feel that the most difficult part of being a sous chef is also the part that makes me most excited to come to work every day. The pressure of deadlines and thinking on my feet is the most difficult but it's nothing that I cannot handle."

Written by Rachelle Enns

3.   What is your favorite food to eat?

How to Answer

What is your favorite type of cuisine, and why? This answer will tell the hiring manager a lot about your particular taste and flare for food.



Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"My favorite types of food to eat include the classic dishes, but with a twist. For example, a traditional American burger, but with fois gras and duck confit."

Written by Rachelle Enns

4.   What do you do to stay educated about new food trends?

How to Answer

Briefly tell the hiring manager about your favorite sources for food trends and inspiration.



Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"I stay educated on new culinary trends through Culinary Trends Magazine, and multiple blogs of my favorite chefs including Jamie Oliver and Paula Deen. I also love to read travel magazines for inspiration on global fare."

Written by Rachelle Enns

5.   Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

How to Answer

When answering this question, you will want to show the hiring manager that you are interested in staying in this role for the long term. Display your interest in growth and opportunity.



Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"In 5 years, I plan to be working my way into an executive chef role with your restaurant group. I am happy to work my way through the ranks during that time, and earn each and every promotion."

Written by Rachelle Enns

6.   What do you do to ensure the quality of the food going out is always up to par?

How to Answer

Putting out a great product is very important as a sous chef. What do you do on a daily basis to ensure that your kitchen is always serving the best possible product? Show the hiring manager that you are passionate about food quality.



Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"Quality ingredients make quality food, and that is where I believe every kitchen should start. In addition to this, my staff are always empowered, well trained, and feel like an important part of our team. All of these things together make for quality results."

Written by Rachelle Enns

7.   Tell me something you would like to learn or improve upon.

How to Answer

Have you come across a skill or technique that you would like to improve upon? Talk to the hiring manager about your interest in a specific skill and what you would like to do to improve it.



Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"I have had a small amount of training in French patisserie and would love to master this skill even further. I have looked at attending The French Pastry School for a weekend course."

Written by Rachelle Enns

8.   What are your qualifications as a sous chef?

How to Answer

Briefly take the interviewer through your experience and education as a sous chef. Treat this questions like a snapshot of your resume.



Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"I completed my formal education at The Culinary Institute of America; one of the top schools in the country. In addition to this experience, I have also worked as a sous chef at a couple of very well known restaurants in the city. I have led teams of up to 9 kitchen staff and also have a proven record of assisting with food cost savings."

Written by Rachelle Enns

9.   When have you led employees before? Why was it necessary for you to lead in that situation and how do you believe your leadership skills were?

How to Answer

Talk to the hiring manager about your leadership skills and why you feel that you are a great leader. What sets you apart?



Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"I have led employees in the last 3 roles that I have held. I was tasked with being a leader in these roles because I am a natural mentor and teacher. My leadership skills are strong and I feel that because of my gentle, yet thorough, approach; employees do listen to what I have to say."

Written by Rachelle Enns

10.   When have you resolved a conflict with a kitchen helper?

How to Answer

Conflict resolution skills are very important as a sous chef because you will be working in a high-stress/high-pressure environment. Talk to the hiring manager about a time when you have specifically resolved a conflict.



Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"I resolved a conflict, just last week, between two of my kitchen helpers. They had a disagreement about the schedule and booked time off. I resolved this through sitting down with each of them individually, and then together. We came down to the basis of the issue and resolved it quickly through strong communication."

Written by Rachelle Enns

11.   What do you like most about being a Sous Chef?

How to Answer

What makes you happy to come to work every day? Talk to the interviewer about your favorite part of your job as a sous chef.



Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"As a sous chef, what I enjoy most is the fact that I am able to be creative on a daily basis. The fast pace of a kitchen is exhilarating and each day goes by so incredibly fast."

Written by Rachelle Enns

12.   Are you experienced in giving feedback to junior staff such as kitchen helpers?

How to Answer

Talk about any experience that you have in mentoring and assisting junior staff. This can be in a formal or informal function.



Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"I have always been a natural leader and possess an ability to mentor junior staff in a way that makes an impact on them right away. In a formal role, I have approximately 1 years' experience guiding junior kitchen staff. I am trained in how to provide proper feedback that creates change."

Written by Rachelle Enns

13.   What steps do you take to ensure safety in the kitchen?

How to Answer

How do you go over and above when it comes to the safety of your employees? Talk to the hiring manager about how important safety is to you and what you do to ensure your kitchen remains accident free.



Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"I understand that restaurants and industrial kitchens are major potential for accidents. In order to keep my employees safe, I consider all of the possible hazards including knife safety, preventing slips and falls, heavy lifting, and burn prevention. Each employee is thoroughly trained and we all take accountability for everyone's safety."

Written by Rachelle Enns

14.   How closely do you adhere to food safety guidelines and regulation?

How to Answer

Food safety guidelines and regulations are incredibly important in the restaurant business. Display to the hiring manager that you understand the importance of these guidelines.



Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"Food safety guidelines and regulations are of utmost importance to me. In addition to having all of my food safe training and tickets up to date, I am also experienced with training other staff members on food safety regulations."

Written by Rachelle Enns

15.   Have you ever been part of a food and safety health audit?

How to Answer

Food and safety health audits are a regular and important part of being in the food industry.



If you have been a part of a food and safety health audit before, talk to the hiring manager about that experience.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"Yes, I have been part of approximately 5 food and safety health audits in my career as a sous chef. Every one of these audits, we have passed with flying colors. I do fully understand what needs to be done in order to pass an audit."

Written by Rachelle Enns

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