Sample interview questions: Can you describe a time when you had to handle a last-minute change in the corporate event agenda during a catering event and how you managed it?
Sample answer:
Certainly, as a Culinary Arts > Catering Manager, I have encountered several instances where I had to handle last-minute changes in the corporate event agenda during a catering event. One such situation occurred during a high-profile corporate conference that I was responsible for catering.
During the event, we received an urgent request from the event coordinator to change the timing of the meal service due to a speaker running behind schedule. This change meant that we had to significantly reduce the preparation time for the main course, while ensuring that the quality and presentation were not compromised.
To manage this situation effectively, I quickly gathered my catering team and communicated the changes to them, emphasizing the importance of maintaining our high standards despite the time constraints. I assigned specific tasks to each team member, clearly outlining their responsibilities and the new timeline we had to adhere to.
To expedite the preparation process, we reorganized our workstations to optimize efficiency. I personally took charge of overseeing the main course preparation to ensure it met the original vision and met the guests’ expectations. I communicated with the kitchen staff to ensure that they were aware of the changes and adjusted their cooking times accordingly.