Top 45 Sous Chef Interview Questions & How To Answer Them
Here are some of the most common questions asked in Sous Chef interviews. They’re a great way to help hiring managers find the right person for the job.
Popular Interview Questions for a Sous Chef
We want to set culinary professionals up for success. So, we prepared a list of the seven most common questions. We’ve also collaborated with hiring managers to give further insights that will help you stand out from the crowd. Continue reading if you want to land that Sous Chef role.
The Best Sous Chef Interview Questions
1. Technical Sous Chef Interview Questions
Example answer: “I conduct regular inventory and supply checks. Additionally, I make it a point to create an atmosphere where every team member can approach me without hesitation and inform me of any supplies they might need.
When it comes to suppliers, I maintain a professional and friendly relationship with them to ensure good supply flow. I also try to negotiate pricing with suppliers for cost control while monitoring supply quality.”
Example answer: “During my education in culinary arts, I have experienced various cuisines and cooking styles. I have worked in establishments that were focused on Mexican and Asian cuisine. However, due to my personal background I love fusion cuisine that combines Mediterranean and Arabic cuisines.”
2. Problem-Solving Sous Chef Questions
Example answer: “I observe every feedback as an opportunity to grow. If the feedback is coming from a customer, my first line of response would be: ‘What can I do to fix this?’ I would then proceed with steps for service recovery. If the feedback is coming from the Executive Chef I would thank them for the feedback and try to improve.”
Example answer: “Regardless of the peak hours, we need to resolve the disagreement on the spot. This will result in the continuation of smooth kitchen operations.
I would approach it in a way that gives both sides an opportunity to make their case. I would then give them a couple of minutes to figure out the solution. If they manage, we will continue. If the solution is not provided by the team members I would provide the best solution. In the second case, I would also provide feedback to both team members, so the situation doesn’t recur.”
Example answer: “When creating new recipes and menus I lead the process with passion and factor in customer needs. I would research the market and the most common customer comments. Then, I would check with the suppliers about any new ingredients we might need. Upon completion, I would introduce the new dish to the Executive Chef and improve it according to their feedback.”
3. Sous Chef Interview Questions About Leadership
Example answer: “I would review the health and safety regulations on the daily meeting to prevent this from happening. However, if this happened, I would take the team members aside and give them feedback immediately. I would offer my help on the spot, but I would also offer coaching later on. Then, I would monitor their progress in the upcoming period.
In case another mistake would happen, I would take further disciplinary actions depending on the establishment’s processes.”
Example answer: “I would try to motivate my team after the heavy shift and give credit to all team members. Depending on the current process I would try to suggest a reward system based on the employee’s performance.
I would lead the team by my example. I wouldn’t show any sign of frustration and I would step in whenever they needed me. If none of the techniques mentioned would help, I would give them additional time off during the less busy days.”
Types of Interview Questions for Sous Chef
- Technical Sous Chef Interview Questions: We know that kitchen inventory and supply management are two important factors for the success of a Sous Chef. Make sure to practice answering questions from this list and test not only your current knowledge, but also your confidence.
- Problem-Solving Sous Chef Questions: In the role of Sous Chef, problem-solving is expected on the go. As a candidate, you need to show that ad hoc challenges and problems don’t stress you out. On the other hand, if you’re a recruiter, you should provide real-life examples of things that might happen in your establishment or have happened in the past.
- Sous Chef Interview Questions About Leadership: In this position, leadership plays a huge role. Employers need someone they can rely on and trust to run things when the Executive Chef is out. As a candidate, you will be expected to show dedication and the willingness to lead by example.
What Are the Top Interview Questions for Sous Chef?
In this list, you’ll find more general questions for Sous Chef interviews that you can expect.
38 More Sous Chef Interview Questions
- What is it that you are looking for in an employer?
- What are your career goals and how does this role support your goals?
- Are you willing to work long shifts?
- Do you have experience working in a multicultural team?
- Is there anything on our menu that you would like to change?
- What prepared you for the role of a Sous Chef?
- What is your leadership style and how do you see it aligns with the values of our establishment?
- Which stations in a kitchen are your forte?
- How do you handle stress?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses as a Sous Chef?
- How do you stay updated with the latest culinary trends and techniques?
- How would you handle a situation where a dish is sent back by a customer?
- How do you define success in this role?
- What steps do you take to minimize food waste?
- How do you handle a team member who is not performing up to standard?
- What is your approach to teaching less experienced staff?
- How do you prepare for special events or high-volume reservations?
- Can you work within specific dietary themes or restaurant concepts?
- How do you manage work-life balance in a high-stress environment?
- What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in a kitchen?
- How do you handle feedback or criticism from your team?
- How do you resolve communication breakdowns during service?
- Where did you receive your culinary training, and what kind of experience do you have?
- In your experience, what role does the Sous Chef play in a kitchen?
- Tell me about a time when you had to adapt a recipe due to ingredient limitations.
- What kind of kitchen equipment are you most familiar with?
- What certifications do you hold for food safety or culinary arts?
- How many years have you been in a leadership role in the kitchen?
- What specific culinary techniques are you most skilled at?
- Can you share an example of a kitchen innovation you introduced?
- What has been your proudest achievement as a Sous Chef?
- How do you handle kitchen operations during staff shortages?
- What kind of food trends do you predict will dominate the next few years?
- If the stove suddenly stops working mid-shift, what’s your plan of action?
- If a fire occurs in the kitchen, what are your immediate steps?
- How would you react to a new menu item not meeting sales expectations?
- How would you react to a health inspector arriving during peak hours?
- How do you deal with a supplier sending poor-quality ingredients?
More Interview Tips for Sous Chef Applicants
Regardless of the position you are interviewing for, don’t forget that the first impression is very important. What can you do to stand out?
- Dress professionally.
- Ensure your hair and nails are neat.
- Prepare questions for the hiring manager. You can ask anything relating to your career, how your typical day will look like, what the busiest times are, what the leadership style is and such.
- Don’t forget that a smile opens many doors.
- Pay attention to your body language.
Interviewing Tips From Executive Chef Mark Dowling
Check out this interview from Executive Chef and Chef Mentor Mark Dowling where he gives out great interview tips to help you make a great impression in your interview.
[Source: Escoffier Home Gourmet]
Expert-Backed Interview Tip for Employers
While creating these Sous Chef interview questions, we didn’t only rely on our expertise; we also asked an actual professional what to look for when hiring for a Sous Chef role.
Hanalei Souza is a Sous Chef who runs the show at Pine Cone Kitchen down in California. She is currently the right hand to the Executive Chef and might need another Sous Chef soon. So, we asked her what to look for in a Sous Chef candidate. Besides obvious skills such as cooking, hard work and dedication she emphasized leadership qualities.
“You need your Sous Chef to know all the stations. They need to be able to fill in at any station. A Sous Chef can’t lead the team if they don’t know exactly what is going on at each station. A Sous Chef needs to know everything about the pit station, sauté station, pizza station, and more. Otherwise, the team won’t respect their authority, which is critical for success in this role.”
Hanalei Souza, Sous Chef at Pine Cone Kitchen
So, a pro tip for those interviewing a Sous Chef candidate: Ask more leadership and situational questions than technical. As Chef Hanalei says, every skill is teachable.
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