Before the Interview
Quick Poll! Raise your hand if you've ever Googled a job before applying.
Why is this helpful before an interview? (3 Reasons)
1. It's important to be PREPARED!
2. This will help you answer questions based on what you know about the company.
3. Shows you know the company and their mission/goal.
Give me 2 outfits ideas that are appropriate and 2 outfits ideas that are not for an interview.
Yes outfits may include: button ups, khakis, dress pants, skirts, conservative dresses, dress shoes, reasonable heels, polo, etc.
No outfits may include: torn up/stained clothing, hoodie, jeans, shorts, t-shirts, inappropriate skirt/dress, etc.
Handshake Challenge Part 1:
Role Play the proper handshake highlighting the "DO's" of a professional handshake.
firm, polite handshake, maintaining eye contact
After the interview, you should write this to show appreciation. Bonus if you say what it should include!
Thank you Email/note
thanking them for their time, enjoyment of interview, something you learned about the company, excited to hear back from them
You walk into the interview, don’t say hello, and immediately check your phone while the manager is speaking. What impression are you giving?
rude, distracted, don't care, unprofessional, aren't taking this seriously
Name 2 essentials to bring on an interview. Bonus points for giving 3!
Possible Answers:
resume, cover letter, positive attitude, passion, work samples, portfolio
True or False:
You should wear your apron and kitchen shoes to a job interview. Why or why not?
False!
While kitchen shoes and aprons are essential on the job, they’re not appropriate for an interview—even for a culinary position. The interview is your chance to show professionalism, respect, and that you understand how to present yourself in a formal setting.
Handshake Challenge Part 2:
Role Play the improper handshake highlighting the "DONT's" of a professional handshake.
Weak (the limp fish) or overly aggressive (bone crusher), two handed (Politicians handshake), no eye contact, no smile, fingers only.
True or False:
You never need to contact the employer after you've sent a thank you email.
FALSE!
It is good to wait a few days/a week before reaching out to follow up on the interview or whether a decision has been made or position was filled
Scenario:
You’re in an interview for a prep cook position. The manager asks, “Why did you leave your last job?” You roll your eyes and say:
“Ugh, my old boss was a nightmare. She was totally disorganized, yelled at everyone, and didn’t know what she was doing. I couldn’t wait to get out of there.”
Red Flag? Why or why not?
Bad:
Even if your experience was negative, employers are looking for professionalism and emotional maturity. A better answer would be:
“I appreciated what I learned there, but I’m looking for a more organized kitchen where I can continue growing.”
List 5 possible questions/prompts to prepare answers for, knowing that these are commonly asked in an interview.
Answers vary.
Draw a diagram of the perfect outfit to wear, and label what condition each article of clothing is in.
Answers vary.
Example: Button-up (ironed and wrinkle-free)
Role Play!
Bad and good non-verbal communication. HINT: think body language
Bad: slouch, yawn, cross arms, check phone or watch
Good: nod head, sit up straight, smile
In how many days should you follow up? Everyone write their guess on paper and reveal!
1-2 days
Scenario:
The interviewer says, “So, tell me why you want to work at [insert company name here]?"
What would be a red flag answer?
"I dunno."
"I just need a job."
"I’ll take anything."
"Thought I'd give it a try."
"Why Not?"
Part 1:
You should arrive this many minutes early—but not too early! How many minutes early?
Part 2:
What happens if you're late?
1. 10-15 minutes early
2. Interviewer might mention it. This looks bad on your time management skills-- key for every job!
Explain hair and hygiene on the day of the interview and why it's important.
You should make sure this part of your appearance is clean, neat, and doesn’t distract the interviewer.
This is a reflection of how neat and clean (safety and sanitation) you can be in the kitchen.
Fill-in-the-Blank:
“My biggest weakness is ________, but I’m working on it by ________.”
answers vary.
Scenario:
It’s been a week—no reply. What do you do? Give an example.
What are four DONT's of waiting in the lobby before your interview?
scrolling, talking or texting on your phone, anything to do with your phone
Slouching, falling asleep on the chair
headphones
ignoring or being rude to others (receptionist)
looking bored or frustrated for waiting, checking watch, rolling eyes, "when will they be ready"
Role Play!
Introducing yourself to the panel of interviewers is something you should most certainly practice.
Show us what that should look like!
Up to game host :)
Keep or Ditch!
Categorize the following 12 items into two sections: keep or ditch on the day of the interview.
Chewing gum, watch, strong cologne or perfume, a snacks, résumé folder, a flashy chain necklace, breath mints, AirPods in your ears, a dirty apron, notebook and pen, sunglasses worn indoors, and closed-toe black shoes, cellphone
Keep:
Watch, résumé folder, breath mints, notebook and pen, and closed-toe black shoes,
Ditch:
Chewing gum, strong cologne or perfume, a backpack full of snacks, a flashy chain necklace, AirPods in your ears, a dirty apron, and sunglasses worn indoors, cellphone (it may be in your pocket/purse on silent, but it never sees light until you've left the building)
Possible answers:
age, race/ethnicity, criminal record, religion, family status, disability, country of origin
Scenario:
You get a call from one of the managers at your interview who lets you know that they "went with someone else".
What question should you always ask and why?
Ask why you were not chosen for the position. This will help you for the next interview at another company or inform you on what interviewers are looking for in terms of skills/knowledge.
Handshake Challenge Part 3:
Try a weak, limp handshake. What impression does it give?
disinterest, lack of confidence