Top 30 Commis Chef Interview Questions and Answers
A Commis Chef is an entry-level position in a professional kitchen, assisting Senior Chefs with food preparation, maintaining hygiene standards and learning essential culinary techniques.
This role serves as a stepping stone for aspiring Chefs, providing hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment. Candidates for this position should demonstrate enthusiasm for cooking, a willingness to learn and strong attention to detail.
Popular Interview Questions for a Commis Chef
Preparing for a Commis Chef interview? Here are some of the most popular questions you can expect.
The Best Commis Chef Interview Questions
1. Experience and Skills-Based Questions
Answer: “I have completed a culinary arts program at [Name of Institution] and have gained hands-on experience through internships and entry-level positions in restaurant kitchens. My training has provided me with essential knife skills, food safety knowledge and familiarity with various cooking techniques.”
Answer: “I am proficient in using knives, ovens, stovetops, mixers, blenders and various other kitchen tools. I always ensure their proper use by following manufacturer instructions, keeping them clean and well-maintained and using them safely to prevent accidents.”
Answer: “I follow strict hygiene practices such as washing hands frequently, using separate cutting boards for different types of food, storing ingredients at the correct temperatures and adhering to HACCP guidelines to prevent contamination.”
Answer: “During a busy dinner rush, I was responsible for prepping multiple ingredients while assisting with plating dishes. I stayed focused by prioritizing tasks, maintaining communication with my team and ensuring that quality standards were met despite the pressure.”
Answer: “Every Commis Chef should master skills like dicing, julienning, chiffonade and brunoise. Proper knife handling, sharpening techniques and maintaining a firm grip while cutting are also crucial for safety and efficiency.”
2. Problem-Solving Interview Questions
Answer: “I would respectfully ask for clarification to ensure I complete the task correctly. If needed, I would seek guidance from a more experienced colleague or refer to a reference guide before proceeding.”
Answer: “Although I primarily work in the kitchen, I would communicate the issue to my Senior Chef and ensure that any necessary corrections are made to meet customer satisfaction.
Answer: “Yes, I once worked with a colleague who was frequently uncooperative. I maintained professionalism, focused on teamwork and calmly addressed any issues through clear communication and compromise.”
Answer: “If I noticed this, I would politely remind them of the correct hygiene practices. If necessary, I would inform a Senior Chef or supervisor to ensure food safety standards are maintained.”
Answer: “I focus on urgency, break them down into manageable steps and ensure my workstation is clean while coordinating efficiently with my team.”
3. Situational and Technical Interview Questions
Answer: “Firstly, I follow standardized recipes. Next, I measure ingredients carefully and lastly, I double-check the plating and presentation before serving. This process helps maintain high-quality standards.”
Answer: “I would read the recipe carefully, research techniques involved and seek guidance from Senior Chefs if necessary to ensure I execute it correctly.”
Answer: “I appreciate constructive feedback as it helps me improve. I listen attentively, ask for clarification if needed and apply the advice in my future tasks.”
Answer: “I would inform my supervisor immediately and look for suitable substitutions that align with the dish’s flavor profile while maintaining quality.”
Answer: “I use FIFO (First In, First Out) methods, label and date items correctly, store perishable ingredients at proper temperatures and ensure proper sealing to prevent spoilage.”
Types of Commis Chef Interview Questions
Commis Chef interviews typically include:
- Experience and skills-based questions to assess culinary knowledge and practical skills
- Problem-solving questions to evaluate decision-making and adaptability
- Situational and technical questions to gauge the candidate’s understanding of kitchen operations and their ability to work in a fast-paced environment
What Are the Top Commis Chef Interview Questions and Answers?
To further prepare for your Commis Chef interview, here are some additional questions that may come up.
15 More Questions for a Commis Chef Interview
- Why do you want to become a Commis Chef?
- What cuisines do you enjoy working with the most?
- Can you describe a time you worked in a team to complete a large order?
- How do you handle long working hours and physically demanding tasks?
- What do you know about our restaurant’s menu and style of cuisine?
- How do you prioritize tasks when given multiple instructions?
- What methods do you use to minimize food waste in a kitchen?
- Have you ever had to prepare a dish for a customer with dietary restrictions? How did you handle it?
- What is the most important quality of a successful Commis Chef?
- How do you stay updated on the latest culinary trends and techniques?
- Can you give an example of a creative dish or ingredient combination you’ve experimented with?
- What steps do you take to ensure accurate portioning in food preparation?
- How do you handle constructive feedback from more experienced Chefs?
- What are some of the most common sauces you’ve prepared, and how do you make them?
- How do you handle the stress of a high-volume service?
How To Prepare for a Commis Chef Interview
Whether you’re the interviewer or the candidate, proper preparation is key to ensuring a successful Commis Chef interview.
For Candidates:
- Research the restaurant: Understand the cuisine and menu to show genuine interest.
- Practice basic culinary techniques: Be ready to discuss and possibly demonstrate skills like knife work, sauce making, and plating.
- Review food safety regulations: Familiarize yourself with proper hygiene, storage, and handling procedures.
- Prepare for hands-on tests: Given that some interviews may involve practical tasks, it’s crucial to be prepared to cook a simple dish, as this allows you to demonstrate your cooking abilities effectively.
- Be enthusiastic and eager to learn: Employers value candidates who show passion and a willingness to grow.
For Interviewers:
- Assess practical skills: Consider a short cooking test to evaluate the candidate’s abilities.
- Gauge adaptability and teamwork: Use situational questions to determine how well the candidate handles challenges.
- Check knowledge of food safety: Ensure candidates understand hygiene protocols and best practices.
- Look for passion and commitment: A strong work ethic and eagerness to improve are essential in a Commis Chef.
A well-prepared candidate can demonstrate both technical skills and a positive attitude. As a result, this combination makes them a valuable addition to any kitchen team.