Tips for nailing your job interview

So you have decided to change your role and are looking to begin a career in the catering sector of the healthcare industry, or perhaps you are already placed in a role and looking to progress your career. We have combined our expert knowledge and come up with our top tips for nailing your job interview.

Questions to consider – our top tips for nailing your job interview questions

Tell us about yourself.

This a really common question that we always get asked in an interview but how do you answer without chatting endlessly about random topics and not relating it to the role you are applying for? The point here is to not lose focus of the position.

Prove that you love the industry and talk about what excites you about the world of food, drinks and events. You want to present to your interviewer succinctly why you are the best candidate for the position. Use examples from your personal life, background and experience.

Tell us about an experience you have.

Similarly to the “about you” question, you want to bring relevant and appropriate experience to the forefront. Discuss roles and experiences you have that will be beneficial to you, and mention specific tasks or projects that demonstrate the skills they are looking for in the new role. Demonstrate your ability to manage your learning and development, and talk about your career goals and ambitions and how you expect to get there.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

A firm favourite in interviews, this will be a key point to highlight your valuable strengths, make sure to keep them work-related. Read the job description well before arriving at the interview so that you can be sure to cite and give examples of particular skills.

How do you work as part of a team?

Any catering role, particularly in a healthcare setting will be placed as part of a team. You want to emphasise your ability to communicate well with co-workers and higher levels of management. You may also get, “How do you work as a leader?” instead. Anecdotes will play a major role in answering this question as well. You want to show that you have strong interpersonal and leadership skills, and can handle a conflict while juggling negotiation. Show how you presented yourself in the past with responsibility.

Why did you leave your last job?

This can be a tricky question to answer. You never want to bad mouth or talk negatively about a previous position or employer as it comes across as bitter and unfavourable. Instead, talk about your learnings and that a new role would provide an opportunity to develop and progress. Show that you identify with the company’s values and vision. That you see yourself as part of the bigger picture within the company.

Do you have any questions?

This is your opportunity to show that you have done some research on the role and the company. If you require clarification on anything, such as the salary or responsibilities of the role. Or development plans now is the time to do so. Ask about menus and topics relevant to the role and catering. Now you have been prepared with our top tips for nailing your job interview, take the next step.

Contact the Cucumber team if you want to advance your current role in catering within the healthcare setting or start a new one.