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Food Preparation and Serving

Food Preparation and Serving Occupations

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The most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021) states the following about food preparation and serving occupations:

Overall employment in food preparation and serving occupations is projected to grow 11 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations; this increase is expected to result in about 1.3 million new jobs over the decade. In addition to new jobs from growth, opportunities arise from the need to replace workers who leave their occupations permanently. About 2.4 million openings each year, on average, are projected to come from growth and replacement needs.

The median annual wage for this group was $28,400 in May 2021, which was lower than the median annual wage for all occupations of $45,760.

(Source: bls.gov)

Food Preparation and Serving Jobs

Below you will find a list of positions with a job summary, entry-level education, and median pay level. Each link brings you to a specific job page where you can find more information about the position and commonly asked interview questions and answers for that job.

OccupationJob SummaryEntry-Level Education2021 Median Pay
BartendersBartenders mix drinks and serve them directly to customers or through wait staff.No formal educational credential$26,350
Chefs and Head CooksChefs and head cooks oversee the daily food preparation at restaurants and other places where food is served.High school diploma or equivalent$50,160
CooksCooks prepare, season, and cook a wide range of foods.High school diploma or equivalent$29,120
Food and Beverage Serving and Related WorkersFood and beverage serving and related workers perform a variety of customer service, food preparation, and cleaning duties in eating and drinking establishments.No formal educational credential$25,980
Food Preparation WorkersFood preparation workers perform many routine tasks under the direction of cooks, chefs, or food service managers.No formal educational credential$28,780
Waiters and WaitressesWaiters and waitresses take orders and serve food and beverages to customers in dining establishments.No formal educational credential$26,000

(Source: bls.gov)

Job Interview Topics – Common Job Interview Questions & Answers

Below you can find a list of common job interview topics. Each link will direct you to an article regarding the specific topics that discuss commonly asked interview questions. Furthermore, each article discusses why the interviewer asks these questions and how you answer them!

  1. Accomplishments
  2. Adaptability
  3. Admission
  4. Behavioral
  5. Career Change
  6. Career Goals
  7. Communication
  8. Competency
  9. Conflict Resolution
  10. Creative Thinking
  11. Cultural Fit
  12. Customer Service
  13. Direct
  14. Experience
  15. Government
  16. Graduate
  17. Growth Potential
  18. Honesty & Integrity
  19. Illegal
  20. Inappropriate
  21. Job Satisfaction
  22. Leadership
  23. Management
  24. Entry-Level & No experience
  25. Performance-Based
  26. Personal
  27. Prioritization & Time Management
  28. Problem-solving
  29. Salary
  30. Situational & Scenario-based
  31. Stress Management
  32. Teamwork
  33. Telephone Interview
  34. Tough
  35. Uncomfortable
  36. Work Ethic

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