Interview Preparation

Interview Check List

Please find below some useful tips on how to prepare for your Interview

Research and find out about the employer and their business
Interview Day -- where, when, who
Prepare yourself -- to make the right impression
The Interview - how you are going to approach it?
What not to do during the Interview

Research before the Interview

You should research and find out as much as possible about the employer and his business

The details of the role applied for, e.g. job description
The type and style of catering service provided to / required by the host client, e.g. restaurant / bistro /
What is likely to be required of you and how you would fit into the role
Prepare to talk about what you have done in the past that is appropriate
Think about possible new ideas you could offer
If possible find out about the host client's business

Catering Professionals can help you with the above, please ask. You may also find more information by searching the Internet and looking at website for the Companies involved.

Interview Day

You should prepare the following to plan your journey to the Interview

Confirm the correct date and time
Confirm the location of the Interview and how to get there
(we will send you details and a map of the area or you can use www.multimap.co.uk)
Note: You may not be interviewed at the host client site in the first instance.
Check times of trains/buses
If going by road allow plenty of time to find the Interview location
Car parking - most locations have car parking or nearby public parking
Aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time
Take any portfolio materials with you, e.g. achievements, menus, photographs, etc

Catering Professionals will provide the relevant interview details in writing, including a client contact number.

Prepare Yourself

You should spend some time on preparing 'yourself' for the Interview;

Wear smart clothing appropriate for the position applied for
Pay special attention to personal dress and grooming, hair, hands & nails, shoes, tights for women
For women, keep make-up neat and simple and wear a minimum of jewellery
Prepare a list of questions that you want answers to. An interview is a 2 way communication
Think about the interview and consider your answers to a range of possible questions you may be asked
Be prepared to outline you understanding of the role
Consider the people you will be interviewed by, their role; e.g. manager, area manager, host-client
Take along with you, interview details, a copy of your CV, your portfolio materials, notebook and pen

Catering Professionals will provide you more advice if necessary.

The Interview

You should;

Arrive early at the correct place and ask for the relevant contact
Smile and be confident, upon initial contact and at the end of the interview
Be polite and friendly
Show interest in the interviewer and listen to their comments and their questions
Think before answering and be honest
Give clear concise answers, give examples of achievements where possible
Also ask if they would like you to expand on any point
Ask questions if you are not sure or want to clarify points
Be enthusiastic and demonstrate confidence in what you can do
At the end of the interview re-affirm your interest in the position

You Should NOT

Try to avoid the following where possible;

Smoking; chewing gum / sweets
Fidgeting, sloughing, cross / uncross arms and legs
Interrupt questions
Use too many jargon words
Re-act too emotionally to some questions
Be negative about current/past employer and colleagues

Finally after you interview, call Catering Professionals to let us know what you thought about the interview, so that we can confirm you interest in the position.