How to Prepare for an Interview

Preparing for an interview

My interview will be on the 17th March, 2016 at 4.00 pm. The interview will be located at the Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham Brindleyplace. I am looking about being a chief at their restaurant.

The company is located in the Brindleyplace Development, which is the home of leisure, dining and entertainment venues. The hotel mainly accommodates business workers and people who just want to relax.  The hotel’s location is convenient because it is close to different attractions. They have 238 guest rooms and has a bar, lounge, restaurant and cafe that has a European cuisine.  

The job role involves preparing various meals and dishes for the residence of the hotel. I would be responsible for measuring, mixing, and cooking ingredients according to the recipe. I would have to know how to operate various equipment which includes slicers, ovens, cutlery, blenders and boilers. I would be responsible for overseeing other kitchen staff and what they are doing. Being responsible for ordering food supplies and ensuring the food is of good quality and fresh is also what the job involves. Chefs usually work late night, weekend and holidays. I would have to have stamina to keep up with my tasks and being creative with new dishes.

Firstly I would inform the company that I will be attending the interview and I would take a copy of the CV to refer to. Before the interview I should plan the possible questions that the interviewer might ask, this way I can plan my responses to these questions. I should plan how I am going to get to the interview. I have to keep in mind that punctuality is important to the interviewer and it shows that I can be a reliable person. I would have to think about the questions I might want to ask the interviewer.

I plan to be arriving at my interview by the bus. I would have to make sure I know how to get to my destination and where the hotel is located. To find out the bus schedules I would have to go online and I have to find out how long it will take me to walk when I get off of the bus.

For my interview I am planning to wear a solid black pencil skirt with a white blouse, black blazer and a black high heel shoes. I want to dress in these clothes to have a professional and polished appearance.

When I arrive at the hotel I would report to the reception and let them know who I am and why I am there. Then I would patiently wait for the interviewer to request my presence.

I would speak formally for my interview because this will indicate that I can be professional. To speak informally would be inappropriate because generally people would not understand what I am saying.

For my interview I would sit up straight because this suggests that I am interested in the conversation. I would be sure to make eye contact with the interviewer; this suggests that I am interested in the conversation and shows that I respect the interviewer.  Eye contact shows that I am focusing on what the interviewer is saying. Keeping my arms uncrossed is important as well because it shows that I am an approachable person. Making my voice audible and smiling indicates that I am engaging in the conversation and that I am friendly.

In the interview I might ask the following:

1. Why do you want this job?

A: I want this job because I like to cook and work in a team. I am a hard worker and I believe I am suited for this type of job. I also believe that I can make a contribution to your company through hard work and determination.

1.  Could you describe a situation in which you worked in a team?

A: In English class five students and I were assigned to perform a short play of our choice. Everyone wanted to do something different and this resulted in an argument. I spoke up and calmed everyone down. When everyone was calm we came to an agreement. In the end we performed the short play and co operated together.

1. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

A: My strengths include communication, problem solving, team work and being organised. On the other hand I don’t have very good ICT skills, but I am willing to learn.

1.  Could you describe a situation in which you motivated a person?

A: In my old high school my friend and I were working in a group to answer math questions. My friend was frustrated and was often silent. I stopped what I was doing as soon as I noticed she was frustrated and talked with her. I encouraged her and she felt more confident.

1. Do you have any questions?

A: Yes, I would like to ask about the work environment here at Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham Brindleyplace and how to further my skills.