Food Preparation Worker Interview Questions & Answers

Food preparation workers perform many routine tasks under the direction of cooks, chefs, or food service managers.

Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Listening skills
• Physical stamina
• Dexterity
• Physical strength

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for food preparation worker positions. We also discuss the qualities that interviewers look for in successful candidates. In other words, we’re here to help you out!

Also, read more about frequently asked job interview questions here and check our job interview preparation checklist.

Skills Interviewers Look For In Successful Candidates

Below we discuss the skills you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.

Dexterity

Why interviewers are interested in your dexterity:

Food preparation workers chop vegetables, cut meat, and perform many other tasks with sharp knives. They must have the ability to work quickly and safely with sharp objects.

Listening skills

Why interviewers are interested in your listening skills:

Food preparation workers must understand customers’ orders and follow directions from cooks, chefs, or food service managers.

Physical stamina

Why interviewers are interested in your physical stamina:

Food preparation workers stand on their feet for long periods while they prepare food, clean work areas, or lift heavy pots from the stove.

Physical strength

Why interviewers are interested in your physical strength:

Food preparation workers should be strong enough to lift and carry heavy food supply boxes, which often can weigh up to 50 pounds.

(source: bls.gov)

Food Preparation Worker Job Interview Questions & Answers

During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:

• Employment history
• Skills and abilities
• Accomplishments
• Job qualifications
• Educational background
• Career goals
• Personality

Below you find a list of commonly asked interview questions.

Examples Of General Food Preparation Worker Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. How would you describe yourself?
3. Why do you want to work here?
4. What interests you about this position?
5. Walk me through your resume.
6. What motivates you?
7. Why are you leaving your current job?
8. Describe your work ethic.
9. What is your greatest strength?
10. How does your experience qualify you for this job?
11. What is your greatest weakness?
12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
13. Tell me about a challenging work situation and how you overcame it.
14. What are your expectations for this position?
15. What are your career goals?
16. Why should we hire you?
17. What did you like most about your last position?
18. What did you like least about your last position?
19. How do you handle stress?
20. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Learn how to answer these common job interview questions!

Examples Of Specific Food Preparation Worker Behavioral Interview Questions

Learn more about answering behavioral interview questions by using the STAR interview technique.

1. Are you a team player? Can you give me an example of a rewarding teamwork experience?
2. Give me an example of a situation in which you had to make a decision quickly.
3. Do you have a routine or system to minimize errors in your work?
4. What do you consider the most important responsibilities of a food preparation worker?
5. How would you rate your physical stamina and strength? Are you experienced in working on your feet for a full shift?
6. What area of food preparation is your expertise?
7. How do you ensure that you do not run out of food and supplies during peak hours?
8. Tell me about your cleaning techniques that you use to keep the kitchen sanitary?
9. What order do you follow when you store food in the refrigerator?
10. How would you handle a situation in which you are overloaded with work and members of your team don’t offer any assistance?
11. What do you do to stay punctual during work?

Learn more about questions to ask the interviewer during your job interview.