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Prep Cook Interview Questions

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Prep Cook interview questions and answers.

  1. Why do you want to work in this kitchen as a prep cook? See answer
  2. Which cuisines are you most familiar with preparing? See answer
  3. Can you describe how you learned to work in the kitchen? See answer
  4. When preparing for a special event meal, what are your preparation strategies? See answer
  5. How would you approach remedying a dispute between you and another member of kitchen staff? See answer
  6. What are some of the cleaning techniques you use to keep the kitchen sanitary? See answer
  7. Have you tried the food we serve? How do you think it could improve? See answer
  8. How would you teach a new prep cook to prepare a complex sauce? See answer
  9. How do you manage stress during longer shifts in the kitchen? See answer
  10. Are you familiar with industrial cooking equipment, such as mixers and deli slicers?
  11. Do you have any relevant certifications or a food handler’s permit?
  12. Tell me about the responsibilities you’ve managed in your previous positions as a prep cook.
  13. Can you tell me about a time you were called upon to perform outside the parameters of your position?
  14. How would you react if you were asked to help prepare a meal you hadn’t encountered before?
  15. How do you make sure that you don’t run out of food and supplies during a peak hour?
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Hire your next Prep Cook today.

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Hire your next Prep Cook today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Prep Cook Interview Questions and Answers

Why do you want to work in this kitchen as a prep cook?

This question determines the candidate's motivation for applying to your position. This is important because it helps you understand their commitment to the role and why they want to work for you specifically. What to look for in an answer:

  • Passion for quality food service
  • Preference for effective teamwork
  • Admiration for your establishment

Example:

"I love the food here because it reminds me of my grandparents' restaurant from when I was a kid. When I saw that the prep cook position opened up, I knew I had to apply. I love working with other cooks to do prep because I feel like it's the most important component for an efficient and successful kitchen."

Which cuisines are you most familiar with preparing?

This question aims to determine if the prep cook is familiar with the cuisine you prepare and serve. This question helps you understand their range for preparing food from different cuisines. A candidate who is comfortable preparing different cuisines can be useful. What to look for in an answer:

  • Understanding of your primary cuisine
  • Range of exposure to various foods
  • Willingness to learn new food styles

Example:

"I studied traditional Italian cooking extensively, but I also have experience working with Thai, Japanese, and Vietnamese cuisines. I love trying new foods and am passionate about learning to use authentic ingredients and techniques when creating dishes in all cuisines."

Are you familiar with safely using industrial cooking equipment, such as mixers and deli slicers?

This question helps you understand if the candidate has the necessary skills to operate any specialized equipment in your kitchen. You can determine how good they are at learning new skills and if they prioritize safety. What to look for in an answer:

  • Familiarity with specialty equipment
  • Focus on kitchen equipment safety
  • Efficient equipment learning ability

Example:

"In my experience working in a deli, I learned to operate the deli slicer efficiently and safely, adjusting to different sizes of cuts and using the safeguard. I also have experience using industrial mixers and various meat grinding equipment, and I believe those skills can transfer over to learning how to operate other specific kitchen tools."

Do you have any relevant certifications or a food handler's permit?

Listen for evidence of motivation to be properly certified for the role. The goal of this question is to determine if the candidate has the required certifications or permits necessary to work in your establishment. These qualifications can show the candidate's food safety readiness and food handling abilities. What to look for in an answer: 

  • Specific certifications or permits
  • If the qualifications are current
  • Commitment to proper certification

Example:

"I currently hold my food handler's permit, which I renewed last moth according to government guidelines. I'm also certified in kitchen safety and fish and poultry handling, and I'm always excited about gaining new prep cook certifications."

Can you describe how you learned to work in the kitchen?

How the candidate answers this question will help you understand the candidate's culinary education and their process for learning prep work. This can help you determine if their level of education matches your workplace environment and what you need for the role. What to look for in an answer:

  • Formal culinary degrees
  • Studying under mentors
  • Prep cook courses or programs

Example:

"I completed a summer prep cook program at the Culinary Arts School of Ontario that taught kitchen safety and preparation techniques for knife work, sanitation, and organization. I studied French cuisine for one year while working as an apprentice prep cook."

Tell me about the responsibilities you've managed in your previous positions as a prep cook.

This reply will inform you of the candidate's familiarity with prep cook functions. This question will help you determine if their skills will fit well within the daily operations of your organization and can reveal their related prep cook skills. What to look for in an answer:

  • Experience with tasks in your kitchen
  • Skills related to relevant prep duties
  • Knowledge of general kitchen operations

Example:

"In my previous role as a prep cook, I prepared fruits and vegetables before storing them by label. I worked with the kitchen manager and other kitchen staff to manage food supplies and prepare for each meal."

Can you tell me about a time you were called upon to perform outside the parameters of your prep cook duties?

Listen for evidence that the candidate has strong leadership and communication skills. Teamwork within the kitchen is vital to its success, and this question allows you to determine if the candidate will support the rest of the kitchen in challenging situations. What to look for in an answer:

  • Passion for supporting kitchen staff
  • Ability to adapt quickly to difficulties
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving

Example:

"Once I was working at a special event, and near the end we started to fall behind. I did some problem-solving with my team, and then I moved over to helping with pastries. We delivered the desserts on time and kept the clients happy."

When preparing for a special event meal, what are your preparation strategies?

The candidate should show organization and planning abilities when they answer this question. Their answer helps you determine if their methods are compatible with your organization. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to organize kitchen functions
  • Time-management and multitasking
  • Determination and patience for tasks

Example:

"I estimate the time needed for each prep task, identify overlapping tasks and create a schedule for the day to help stay on track. I always start passive tasks as soon as possible, like getting dough ready so that it can rise or getting food in a slow cooker, as those things can develop while I'm taking care of something else."

How would you react if you were asked to help prepare a meal you hadn't encountered before?

To be successful in the kitchen, a prep cook must be a quick learner, especially if your kitchen offers new items frequently. This question can help you determine if the candidate can learn new recipes and techniques and if they're willing to dedicate time and effort to developing their knowledge and skills in your kitchen. What to look for in an answer:

  • Patience and teachability
  • Adaptability in techniques
  • Specific steps for learning

Example:

"In that situation, I would ask to taste the sauce, watch someone make it, and become familiar with the ingredients. I'd want to practice making it to make sure I could get it right."

How would you approach remedying a dispute between you and another member of kitchen staff?

Communication and remedying disputes in the kitchen is important to ensuring timely food service. Your candidate should know how to behave in the kitchen, and how to react when difficult situations occur. What to look for in an answer:

  • Kindness towards other kitchen staff
  • Teamwork and effective collaboration
  • Priority for professional relationships

Example:

"If I'm disagreeing with another member of the kitchen staff, I stay calm and try to understand their needs. I really care about my team members and staying friendly with them is important to be because it helps us do a better job, make better food, and deliver service on time to our patrons."

What are some of the cleaning techniques you use to keep the kitchen sanitary?

Prep cooks must know how to handle and store foods and other kitchen materials properly. Avoiding health issues like cross contamination or unclean workspaces is important to serve customers quality food. The candidate must communicate that they understand the importance of sanitation. What to look for in an answer:

  • Food handling and health safety training
  • Experience using cleaning materials and tools
  • Proper personal appearance and hygiene

Example:

"I always wear my hair back and in a hair net while working, and I wear gloves and change them often to avoid cross contamination. With my work station, I use the proper sanitation methods."

Have you tried the food we serve? How do you think it could improve?

Listen to see if the candidate has tried the food at your establishment before. Prep cooks are entry-level employees in the kitchen, but showing interest in the food and suggesting how to improve it shows dedication to quality. What to look for in an answer:

  • Interest in the food at your restaurant
  • Constructive suggestions to enhance food
  • Motivation for constant improvement

Example:

"Yes, I tried the tropical fruit tart. I thought it was very good, but to improve the dish, I would suggest adding more pineapple to balance out the sweetness, and I would add whipped cream to the top."

How would you teach a new prep cook to prepare a complex sauce?

This question determines if the candidate can communicate information and demonstrate important skills to others. The candidate will have to teach others how to prepare various components. What to look for in an answer: 

  • Ability to communicate complex information
  • Passion for teaching others about dishes
  • Focus on teamwork and shared responsibility

Example:

"I always remember when I was starting out how grateful I was to everyone who took the time to teach me new concepts. To teach a new prep cook the sauce, I would first have them taste it, then I would show them the ingredients and how to do it while explaining the process step by step. After that, I'd give them the chance to try it themselves, and I'd monitor their process and provide feedback."

How do you make sure that you don't run out of food and supplies during a peak hour?

Ask this question to better understand the candidate's leadership and problem-solving abilities. Prep cooks are usually responsible for monitoring inventory as they prepare for service. The candidate must be able to develop solutions during difficult situations and support their team. What to look for in an answer:

  • Management and organization skills
  • Resilience during dilemmas
  • Critical thinking abilities

Example:

"I always prepare proactively by reviewing the menu and our inventory. By understanding which items are low, I can communicate with the rest of the kitchen staff about our supplies and establish a reliable replacement option for if we run out."

How do you manage stress during longer shifts in the kitchen?

Working in the kitchen can be stressful, and you want to know that the candidate understands that and is ready to manage that stress. Knowing that the prep cook has methods for reducing stress in the kitchen can help you determine if they're the best choice. What to look for in an answer:

  • Composure under pressure
  • Specific stress-reducing methods
  • Persistence during challenging times

Example:

"When I know I'm going to be working a long shift, I always get a good night's rest beforehand. I also bring a water bottle with me so that I can stay hydrated during my shift. When I'm feeling overwhelmed, I count to 10 and take deep breaths."

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