Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Commis Chef Roles - 2025

Are you preparing for an interview for a commis chef role? Look no further! This comprehensive list of top interview questions and answers will help you showcase your culinary skills, experience, and passion for cooking. Whether you're applying for a fine dining restaurant, hotel, or catering company, these questions cover all essential areas of a commis chef's job.

General Questions

• 1. What inspired you to become a chef?
  Answer: Working in the kitchen with my mother and grandmother, and seeing the joy on people's faces when they taste my dishes, motivated me to pursue a career in cooking.
• 2. What do you know about our restaurant/hotel/catering company?
  Answer: I have researched your establishment and am impressed by the variety of dishes on your menu and the positive reviews from customers. I am also aware of your commitment to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
• 3. How do you handle stress and pressure in a fast-paced kitchen?
  Answer: I thrive in high-pressure situations and use effective time management and organization skills to stay on top of tasks. I also prioritize communication and teamwork to ensure a smooth flow in the kitchen.
• 4. How do you keep up with industry trends and new techniques?
  Answer: I am passionate about constantly learning and improving my skills. I attend workshops and participate in online courses, and follow industry leaders and publications to stay updated on the latest trends and techniques.
• 5. What are your long-term career goals in the culinary industry?
  Answer: My ultimate goal is to become an executive chef. I aspire to gain as much experience and knowledge as possible, develop my leadership skills, and continue to create innovative and delicious dishes.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. What training or certification do you have in the culinary arts?
  Answer: I have completed a culinary arts program at XYZ School of Culinary Arts and am ServSafe certified.
• 7. Can you handle multiple dishes and orders simultaneously?
  Answer: Yes, I am proficient in multitasking and have experience working in fast-paced environments, such as banquets or busy restaurant services.
• 8. How do you ensure proper food handling and sanitation?
  Answer: I follow strict hygiene and sanitation guidelines set in place by the restaurant and industry standards. I also maintain a clean and organized workspace and regularly check and record temperatures of food and storage areas.
• 9. Describe a difficult customer you have had to deal with. How did you handle the situation?
  Answer: I had a customer with dietary restrictions who was not satisfied with the options on the menu. I calmly listened to their concerns and offered to create a custom dish that met their needs. The customer was pleased, and the restaurant received positive feedback.
• 10. Have you ever had a conflict with a team member in the kitchen? How did you manage it?
  Answer: Yes, I had a disagreement with a colleague about the preparation of a dish. I took a step back, actively listened to their perspective, and found a compromise that resulted in a successfully cooked and delicious dish.

Cultural Fit & Values

• 11. How do you handle constructive criticism from your superiors?
  Answer: I welcome feedback as an opportunity for growth. I take constructive criticism seriously, implement the suggested changes, and continuously improve my skills.
• 12. How do you prioritize customer satisfaction?
  Answer: Customer satisfaction is my top priority. I ensure that dishes are prepared with the freshest ingredients, cooked to perfection, and visually appealing. I also maintain a positive attitude and address any customer concerns promptly.
• 13. How do you handle a demanding and busy work schedule?
  Answer: I maintain a healthy work-life balance and prioritize self-care to stay physically and mentally fit. I also have strong time-management skills and am flexible to work extra hours when needed.
• 14. Are you comfortable working in a team environment?
  Answer: Absolutely. I thrive in team settings and enjoy collaborating with colleagues to create delicious meals. I also communicate effectively, listen actively, and respect the contributions of others.
• 15. Why do you think honesty and integrity are essential qualities in a chef?
  Answer: As a chef, I understand the importance of being transparent about the ingredients and methods used in cooking. Integrity is critical because it builds trust with customers and ensures their safety and satisfaction.

Past Experience

• 16. What was the most challenging dish you have had to prepare? How did you overcome it?
  Answer: I had a request for a traditional French dish, "coq au vin", which I had never prepared before. I researched recipes and techniques, practiced before the service, and received positive feedback from the customers.
• 17. Can you tell us about a time when you had to handle a kitchen crisis?
  Answer: During a busy dinner service, one of our refrigerators stopped working, potentially spoiling ingredients. I quickly found alternative storage solutions, reordered fresh supplies, and coordinated with the team to ensure minimal impact on the service.
• 18. How do you stay organized and prioritize tasks during a busy service?
  Answer: I have a system in place where I create a prep list for each shift, set up my workspace, and prioritize tasks. In a fast-paced kitchen, I also use communication and teamwork to ensure a smooth flow and timely preparation of dishes.
• 19. Have you handled inventory and supplies in a previous role?
  Answer: Yes, I have experience managing inventory and placing orders for supplies. I am also familiar with tracking and recording food and kitchen equipment costs.
• 20. Can you give an example of a time when you successfully executed a new menu item?
  Answer: In my previous role, I introduced a seasonal dish using a unique ingredient that customers were not familiar with. I provided detailed descriptions and paired it with the right wine, and it became a popular choice on the menu.