Tell us about a time when you had to make a quick decision in the kitchen. How did you ensure that it was the right one?

Sample answer to the question

One time, during a busy dinner service, a customer with a gluten allergy ordered a dish that contained flour. The waitress realized the mistake just as I was about to start cooking. I quickly assessed the situation and decided to substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative without compromising the dish's taste and texture. I ensured that the ingredients and utensils were separate from the rest of the kitchen to avoid cross-contamination. The dish turned out delicious, and the customer was satisfied with the outcome.

A more solid answer

During a busy dinner service, a customer with a gluten allergy ordered a dish that contained flour. The waitress immediately informed me of the mistake, and I quickly assessed the situation. Recognizing the importance of catering to dietary restrictions, I decided to substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative. I efficiently communicated the change to the kitchen staff, ensuring they understood the instructions and maintained food safety protocols by keeping the ingredients separate. The dish turned out perfectly and met the customer's dietary needs without compromising taste or quality.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides more details and showcases the candidate's skills in handling a quick decision in the kitchen. However, it can still be improved by highlighting specific examples of how the candidate utilized their cooking skills, time management, and communication skills in the situation.

An exceptional answer

During a busy dinner service, a customer with a gluten allergy ordered a dish that contained flour. The waitress immediately informed me of the mistake, and I quickly assessed the situation, considering the customer's needs and the restaurant's reputation for accommodating dietary restrictions. Drawing on my exceptional cooking skills, I decided to create a gluten-free version of the dish by modifying the recipe while ensuring it maintained the same flavors and textures. I efficiently communicated the change to the kitchen staff, delegating tasks to expedite the process. Simultaneously, I organized the other stations in the kitchen to prevent cross-contamination, emphasizing strict adherence to food safety regulations. The dish was flawlessly executed, exceeding the customer's expectations and showcasing our commitment to providing exceptional dining experiences.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer demonstrates the candidate's ability to make quick decisions while highlighting their exceptional cooking skills, time management, communication and interpersonal skills, creative thinking, and problem-solving abilities. It also emphasizes their flexibility in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, as well as their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on past experiences in the kitchen where you had to make quick decisions and ensure their success.
Consider situations where you had to accommodate dietary restrictions or unexpected changes in orders.
Think about how you utilized your cooking skills and creativity to maintain the quality of dishes.
Focus on examples that showcase your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with kitchen staff and other team members.
Highlight instances where you demonstrated excellent time management and organization skills to handle quick decisions in a fast-paced environment.

What interviewers are evaluating

Exceptional cooking skills
Excellent time management and organization skills
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Creative thinking and problem-solving skills
Flexibility to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment