Interview Preparation

Pre-Interview Preparation:

• Ensure you know the time and location of where you will be interviewing. Whether you are driving or commuting using public transport, give yourself enough time to be at least 15minutes early.
• Make sure you look smart and sharp. Take pride in your presentation and this reflects on your attitude.
• Have your recruitment consultants’ number to hand in case of emergency.
• Do your homework – research the company and find out as much as you can, including its history, its current situation, and its future direction
• Do your homework – on the position. Have a thorough understanding of the position, the duties, and responsibilities of the role, and what's expected
• Do your homework – on yourself. Review your career history thoroughly. Review dates, positions, duties, responsibilities, and achievements. Know your strengths and weaknesses.

During the interview:

• Communication is an important part of any interview. Maintain eye contact, while speaking clearly and confidently.
• Take a moment to understand the question and answer with relevance.
• If you are financially accountable for your business, know your numbers. If you are not sure, do not make them up.
• You will likely be asked some of the below questions.
• What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What will your experience bring to our business?
• Why are you leaving your present position?
• What did you enjoy most about your last position?
• What was your biggest achievement and why?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
• You should take along some well-prepared questions to ask the interviewer. This shows that you are methodical, organised, have given thought and reason to why you are going to that company – it does impress a client to go in with questions prepared.

Ask Intelligent questions:

• What are the company's short, medium and long-term goals?
• What is the company culture?
• Who do you see as the main competitors? What makes you different?
• What is the usual structure of the day/week?
• What are the expected productivity levels/targets?
• How will I be measured? What Key Performance Indicators do you use?
• What are the opportunities for progression?

Trade Tests:

A large proportion of companies in the hospitality industry will conduct a trade test as part of the interview process, especially when recruiting chefs and junior management staff. This is completely understandable given the specialist and practical nature of these professions. This is your opportunity to show off your practical skills and preparation should be taken with the greatest care. Make sure you read up on your techniques and if possible, practice the night before so that you are confident and prepared. Make sure you go well presented with full kit.

Know the answers to these questions:

• What will the trade test consist of? Cooking, supporting service or managing an event?
• How long will the trade test take? Will there be a follow up meeting?
• Find out what you need to take with you. Will they provide product and equipment? Chefs – please take all relevant equipment with you including your knives.
• Who will be conducting the trade test?

After the interview:

This is also a very important part of the process.

• It is important to summarise your skills and relevance to the role you are interviewing for.
• This is the last opportunity for you to address any gaps that you feel have affected the interview.
• Be confident but not overconfident.
• Ask the interviewer about what the next steps would be and try and get a timeline for this to happen.
• Thank them for their time and let them know you enjoyed the interview.
• End with a firm handshake and show yourself out.