Top 33 Prep Cook Interview Questions & Expert Answers
Are you an employer looking to hire a Prep Cook or a job seeker preparing for an upcoming interview for this role? Either way, we’ve prepared a list of some of the most common Prep Cook interview questions and answers you can expect.
Popular Prep Cook Interview Questions and Answers
As a candidate, your goal should be to confidently present your skills and experience. This will ensure you leave a good first impression. As an employer, focus on finding the best applicant who will contribute to the success of your establishment.
The Best Prep Cook Interview Questions
1. Prep Cook Interview Questions About Skills and Experience
Example answer: “I have three years of experience working as a Prep Cook. During my tenure, I worked in a high-volume kitchen that served more than 700 guests on a daily basis. I was in charge of preparing ingredients, managing inventory and plating dishes.”
For employers: Assess whether the candidate has experience working in a kitchen environment similar to yours. You want to see how well they do in a fast-paced environment and if they are proactive in assisting other staff members.
For employees: You want to mention specific responsibilities you had in your previous role. Make sure to emphasize your multitasking and teamwork skills.
Example answer: “My method is to go through the tasks based on how important and urgent they are. The first thing I do when I come to work is prepare ingredients that are outlined by the Chef. I make sure everything is washed, chopped and properly labeled. That way, I’m able to keep the kitchen well-organized from the start. Once that’s done, I focus on other tasks that help keep the kitchen clean and sanitized.”
For employers: It’s important that Prep Cooks have good time management skills as their work directly impacts the work of the Head Chef. Ideally, they should be able to demonstrate effective prioritization and communication skills.
For employees: You should highlight your ability to prioritize tasks effectively. Talk your employer through the process you’re using to make sure the kitchen operations are running smoothly.
Example answer: “One day at my previous workplace, the orders suddenly started piling up. We noticed we were struggling to finish things on time. It occurred to me that we should set up a simple prioritization system so we tackle the most important tasks first. Eventually, we managed to get through the day, ensuring the customers were satisfied with the service provided.”
For employers: The ideal candidate should demonstrate the ability to remain calm under pressure. In addition, they should also have good problem-solving skills.
For employees: Provide an example of a stressful situation that happened at work. Emphasize how you solved the problem to everyone’s satisfaction.
Example answer: “I remember my Head Chef coming up with a new dish while I was away. To make sure I understood how it was done, I observed the Chef every day. I would ask them questions when things were unclear. I also practiced in my free time, and I asked for their feedback afterward.
I was determined to repeat the process as many times as needed to master this new dish. Within a week, I was able to replicate what the Chef was doing. A few days later, I proactively assisted the Chef and prepared the dish independently following the food and safety regulations as well as high service standards we had at my previous job.”
For employers: You’re looking for a Prep Cook who’s adaptable and willing to learn new skills at work. Assess the techniques they use to master new recipes or new habits that would make their work easier and more effective.
For employees: Provide a specific example of a new skill you learned on the job. Make sure to highlight how you successfully implement this into your everyday work routine.
2. Prep Cook Questions About Food Safety Practices
Example answer: “I like to keep the kitchen clutter-free. I make sure to put away all the ingredients I don’t need at the moment, so I can keep my working surface clean and tidy. That way, I can sanitize the kitchen without worrying about food lying around. I also actively store and label all products and keep them in their designated areas.”
For employers: Look for an employee who strictly follows cleaning practices in the kitchen. This is crucial because the quality of the preparation process will determine the quality of the dish you’re serving to the customer.
For employees: Elaborate on your cleaning practices. Also, mention the necessary precautions you take in order to prevent cross-contamination of food.
Example answer: “Being a Prep Cook for a few years now, I understand the importance of following food safety guidelines. That’s why I always use the food check thermometer to ensure the food is properly cooked. I also ensure that everything is stored immediately after use. I follow the FIFO principle, so no food goes to waste.
Also, to be absolutely sure I’m following the best practices and staying updated, I regularly attend food safety courses provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as well as food safety programs from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”
For employers: One of the most important traits of a good Prep Cook is their unwavering commitment to following food safety procedures. You want someone who takes food storage and safety guidelines seriously at every step.
For employees: Mention the importance of following strict guidelines to demonstrate what you do on a daily basis to avoid food spoilage and cross-contamination.
Example answer: “I think it’s important to follow the Chef’s recipes so that every dish meets the restaurant’s standards. To ensure consistency, I like to use measuring tools to portion ingredients. I also regularly double-check my work. My workstation is always clean, which helps both me and my colleagues focus on the tasks at hand.”
For employers: Assess the applicant’s adherence to guidelines. Make sure they’re detail-oriented and willing to follow strict guidelines to stay well-organized at work.
For employees: Emphasize following the recipes consistently. Also, mention using measuring tools and keeping a consistent system in place that keeps your workstation clean at all times.
3. Prep Cook Interview Questions on Excelling in the Role
Example answer: “I found myself in a challenging situation when one of our ovens stopped working in the middle of my shift. I noticed that the orders were coming out slowly, so I went to the Head Chef to coordinate the service.
First, we informed the team that the oven wasn’t working. Then, we made sure to prioritize other dishes that didn’t require being baked. In the meantime, we transferred the food to a different part of the restaurant where the backup oven was placed. Thanks to our teamwork and good organization, all customers got their meals on time.”
For employers: Ideally, you’re looking for someone quick on their feet. You want a Prep Cook who can handle any unexpected situation calmly and come up with an effective solution to prevent the issue from escalating and negatively impacting the restaurant’s operations.
For employees: Provide a specific example of an unexpected situation that you were able to handle successfully. Make sure to mention steps you’ve used to de-escalate the situation and emphasize how your action contributed to a favorable outcome.
Example answer: “I’m committed to learning and excelling in my role. I remember once getting feedback from the Head Chef who said I could do a better job when it comes to how fast I work. We then sat together and identified the specific areas where I could improve. This has positively impacted the overall operations and I learned valuable lessons that I’m now continuously practicing wherever I go.”
For employers: With this question, you’re looking to assess the applicant’s responsiveness to feedback. You want them to demonstrate a willingness to learn on the job how to improve and advance in their career.
For employees: Mention how you value both positive and negative feedback and provide an example where you used the critique to improve your performance.
Example answer: “I take great pleasure in being a part of a hard-working team. I also enjoy the feeling of contributing to their success. I’m passionate about advancing in my career, and I’m always looking for ways to take on more responsibilities.
Having said that, I was wondering if you could tell me more about the team culture, as well as career growth opportunities for Prep Cooks in your establishment.”
For employers: You want to know if the applicant’s motivation and aspiration align with the responsibilities of a Prep Cook in the kitchen in your establishment.
For employees: While answering this question, make sure your aspirations align with the establishment you’re applying for. Tell the employer you’re excited to advance in your role and ask them questions about opportunities for growth.
Types of Prep Cook Interview Questions
- Prep Cook Interview Questions About Skills and Experience: As an employer, you can use these questions to get to know the candidates better. As a rule of thumb, the more skills and experience a candidate has, the better. However, make sure to also go through other questions that involve food safety knowledge and their willingness to advance in the role.
- Prep Cook Questions About Food Safety Practices: According to the U.S. government, it is estimated that one in six Americans gets food poisoning at some point in life. This is just one of many reasons why it’s crucial for a great Prep Cook to adhere to strict guidelines when it comes to food safety procedures.
- Prep Cook Interview Questions on Excelling in the Role: Even though Prep Cook is considered an entry-level position, most employers will encourage you to advance in your career. For example, if you’re a good Prep Cook, you will have no issues acquiring more responsibilities and becoming a Sous Chef. After a couple of years in the role, you’ll be able to manage the entire kitchen. To prepare for the promotion, check out the most popular Head Chef interview questions and answers.
FIFO method for proper food storage
Check out this video to learn the number one way that experienced Prep Cooks use in the kitchen to make sure their ingredients are always well-stored and fresh.
What Are the Top Interview Questions for a Prep Cook?
Check out these additional 23 questions if you’d like to go the extra mile in preparation for your upcoming job interview.
23 More Prep Cook Interview Questions
- Which cuisines are you most familiar with?
- If you had an important question but the Chef wasn’t around to answer, what would you do?
- What sauces are you most comfortable with preparing?
- How familiar are you with allergen-free or special diet preparations?
- How would you react if you had to prepare a meal you hadn’t encountered before?
- How would you teach a new Prep Cook to prepare a complex sauce?
- How do you ensure your sauces retain their consistency?
- Do you have any experience preparing vegetarian dishes?
- Describe a time when you had to work as a part of a larger team.
- What do you think is the most important quality in a Prep Cook?
- What knife techniques do you regularly use at work?
- What are the sanitation protocols that you always follow?
- How do you ensure proper storage of different ingredients in the kitchen?
- What role do you think a Prep Cook plays in a restaurant’s operations?
- How do you stay focused while handling repetitive tasks?
- What approach do you use to minimize the waste while preparing a dish?
- Tell me about the last time you’ve made a mistake. What was the outcome?
- Describe a process you use to make a vegetable stock from scratch.
- How would you confront a colleague who’s not following hygiene guidelines?
- What would you do if a customer complained your dish was too salty?
- What was the most challenging dish you prepared and why?
- What would you do if you ran out of key ingredients during peak hours?
- What is the best thing about being a Prep Cook?
How To Prepare for a Prep Cook Job Interview
If you were wondering, “How do I prepare for a Cook interview,” this section will outline the interview process for both candidates and interviewers.
As a candidate:
You should prepare for the interview beforehand for a number of reasons.
- You want to appear confident and knowledgeable about your role.
- Researching the company helps you understand exactly what they are looking for.
- Having good answers to their questions shows the employer you’re committed and determined to succeed in your role, should they hire you.
- Preparing for difficult questions will ensure you’re not taken aback by anything, as you will be proactively anticipating potentially challenging queries.
For more information on what not to wear for a professional business interview or how to write your CV to attract more job offers, make sure to check out our Career Advice section, which we crafted specifically for candidates like you who are looking for a reliable and profitable career in the hospitality industry.
As an interviewer:
The hospitality industry is notorious for high instances of employee turnover. While the international average sits at 47%, the turnover in the United State’s hospitality industry in 2021 was 84%.
Although poor training is named as the main contributing factor to high rates, besides providing proper training at work, as an employer, you also want to focus on hiring someone motivated and driven to succeed in your establishment.
To reduce the turnover rate, focus on being transparent during the interview and answer questions regarding Prep Cook salary expectations and the overall workplace culture. By practicing how to answer these interview questions for Cook, you can increase your chances of getting hired.
What To Wear to a Prep Cook Interview
As long as you wear something appropriate that’s not too casual but isn’t completely formal either, you’ll be fine. We have a list of what not to wear during your first interview in case you want to check that out.
Additionally, you can read about what Chefs wear since their professional attire is closely tied to what Prep Cooks wear in a kitchen environment.
Written by Lidija Misic
Content Specialist
Lidija holds a BA in English Language and has lived in five different countries, where she has worked in various roles, including as a flight attendant, teacher, writer and recruiter. Her biggest passion is crafting great content and reading. She is particularly passionate about creating punchy copy that inspires people to make positive changes in their lives.
Reviewed by Stefan Petrov
With over 10 years of experience as a writer and editor, Stefan has worked in the automotive, IT, health and hospitality industries. Familiar with Google Search Console and other SEO tools like Ahrefs and Semrush, Stefan uses his experience to create content that’s visually appealing to the user but also ranks in the SERPs.