Have you had to make difficult decisions in your previous role as a chef? Can you provide an example?

Sample answer to the question

Yes, I have definitely faced difficult decisions in my previous role as a chef. One example that comes to mind is when we had a big reservation for a private event and one of my key team members called in sick. It was a challenging situation because we had a limited staff and a lot of orders to fulfill. I had to quickly assess the situation and come up with a plan to manage the workload with fewer people. I decided to redistribute tasks among the remaining team members and prioritize the most critical tasks. It required clear communication and coordination to ensure that everything ran smoothly and the event was a success.

A more solid answer

Yes, I have definitely faced difficult decisions in my previous role as a chef. One example that comes to mind is when we had a big reservation for a private event and one of my key team members called in sick. It was a challenging situation because we had a limited staff and a lot of orders to fulfill. I immediately assessed the situation and considered the available options. After analyzing the workload and consulting with the remaining team members, I decided to temporarily adjust the menu and simplify some dishes to ensure that we could meet our commitments without compromising on quality. I also reached out to a trusted colleague from another restaurant and asked for their assistance. With their help and the dedication of my team, we were able to successfully handle the event and deliver a memorable dining experience for our guests.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer builds upon the basic answer by providing additional details about the decision-making process and the outcome of the candidate's actions. It demonstrates their ability to analyze the situation, consider different options, and make informed decisions. Additionally, it highlights their resourcefulness and ability to collaborate with others to overcome challenges. The answer could be further improved by quantifying the success of the event or describing any specific feedback received.

An exceptional answer

Yes, I have definitely faced difficult decisions in my previous role as a chef. One example that comes to mind is when we had a big reservation for a private event and one of my key team members called in sick just a few hours before the event was scheduled to start. This was a high-stakes situation as the event was for an important client and the reputation of our restaurant was on the line. I knew that simply redistributing tasks among the remaining team members wouldn't be enough to ensure a smooth operation and maintain the quality of our food. So, I quickly devised a two-fold strategy. First, I immediately contacted a pool of reliable freelancers I had built relationships with in the past. Thankfully, one of them was available and willing to help us out. Second, I adjusted the menu to prioritize dishes that could be prepared with minimal staff and without compromising on taste or presentation. This involved temporarily swapping out some complex dishes for simpler yet equally delicious options. With the combined efforts of my team, the freelancer, and myself, we were able to successfully cater to the event and exceed the client's expectations. In fact, the client praised our adaptability and the seamless execution despite the last-minute challenges.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer takes the solid answer to the next level by providing even more specific details about the difficult decision the candidate had to make as a chef. It emphasizes the high-stakes nature of the situation and the impact it had on the restaurant's reputation. The candidate demonstrates exceptional problem-solving skills and resourcefulness by immediately reaching out to reliable freelancers and adjusting the menu to ensure a successful event. The outcome of their actions is quantified through the client's positive feedback. This answer effectively showcases the candidate's ability to make difficult decisions under pressure and deliver exceptional results.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on challenging situations you have faced as a chef and think about the decisions you had to make in those situations. Consider the impact of the decisions on the outcome of the situation.
Think about how you can quantify the success of the decisions you have made in the past. Did you receive any positive feedback or achieve specific goals as a result of your decisions?
Practice articulating your decision-making process in a clear and concise manner. Focus on explaining the factors you considered, the options you evaluated, and the rationale behind your final decision.
Highlight any instances where you have proven your ability to think on your feet and come up with creative solutions to unexpected challenges. These stories can help demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in difficult situations.
Consider the specific skills and qualities mentioned in the job description, such as leadership, communication, and innovation. Incorporate examples of how you have utilized these skills in your decision-making process as a chef.

What interviewers are evaluating

Decision-making and problem-solving abilities