Sample interview questions: Can you give an example of a challenging situation you faced in the kitchen and how you resolved it?
Sample answer:
One challenging situation I faced in the kitchen as a Sous Chef was when we had a sudden increase in the number of orders during a busy dinner service. The kitchen was understaffed, and the line cooks were struggling to keep up with the influx of tickets.
To resolve this situation, I quickly assessed the situation and identified the bottleneck areas in the kitchen. I immediately stepped in and started delegating tasks to the available staff members, ensuring that everyone had a clear understanding of their responsibilities. By efficiently organizing the workflow, I was able to streamline the production process and maintain order in the kitchen.
Additionally, I communicated with the front of house staff to inform them about the situation and manage customer expectations. I provided accurate wait times and assured them that we were working diligently to serve their meals as soon as possible. This helped alleviate any potential frustrations from the customers.
To further expedite the service, I reorganized the mise en place stations and optimized the kitchen layout to enhance efficiency. I also implemented a system of prioriti… Read full answer