Interview Tips from Those Who Hire: Advice for Culinary, Hospitality, and Food & Agriculture Professionals
It’s a new year. Let's start thinking about the opportunities ahead, it’s the perfect time to get interview-ready. Whether you’re applying for an internship, your first job, or a career-changing role in culinary, hospitality, or food and agriculture, interviews can feel intimidating. But here’s the good news — the people sitting on the other side of the table want you to succeed.
At The Trotter Project, we spoke with chefs, restaurant owners, human resources professionals, and food industry recruiters to find out what truly stands out in an interview — and what doesn’t. Their insights might surprise you.
It Starts Before You Walk in the Door
Hiring professionals across all industries agree: your preparation shows before you even say a word.
“Do your homework,” shared one hospitality recruiter. “When someone comes in and can talk specifically about our restaurant group or why they’re interested in our approach to guest experience, that tells me they care.”
Research the company, chef, or brand. Understand their philosophy. In culinary interviews, that might mean knowing the chef’s signature dishes or understanding the restaurant’s seasonal sourcing. In hospitality, it might mean recognizing their guest service values. And in food and agriculture, it could be understanding their sustainability mission or supply chain model.
When you show that you’ve taken the time to learn about them, you’re communicating more than knowledge — you’re showing respect for their craft and culture.
Lead with Confidence, Not Ego
The biggest differentiator isn’t always your resume — it’s your mindset.
“I can teach someone knife skills or how to run a station,” one executive chef told us, “but I can’t teach attitude.”
Across culinary, hospitality, and agricultural roles, hiring professionals emphasized humility, curiosity, and professionalism. Be willing to learn. Show that you can take feedback, stay calm under pressure, and work well with others.
In hospitality, it’s not about being the loudest voice in the room — it’s about showing emotional intelligence. How do you make others feel? Do you listen? Do you treat every role, from dishwasher to director, with the same respect?
Your character often speaks louder than your answers.
Presentation Matters — But Authenticity Wins
Yes, professionalism is important. Clean attire, punctuality, and politeness are non-negotiable. But the best interviews aren’t stiff — they’re genuine conversations.
“Candidates sometimes try to be who they think we want,” said a hiring manager for a luxury resort brand. “But I remember the ones who share why they love this industry in their own words.”
So bring your personality. If you’re passionate about farm-to-table sourcing, talk about what inspired it. If you’ve worked a difficult service that taught you resilience, share that story. Interviews are your chance to connect human to human — not recite a script.
Industry-Specific Tips from Hiring Professionals
For Culinary Candidates
Chefs and kitchen leaders look for more than skill — they look for mindset.
Mise en place is everything. “If you show up organized and calm, that tells me how you’ll work under pressure,” one sous chef explained.
Ask about the kitchen culture. It shows you understand that teamwork and respect matter just as much as technique.
Bring curiosity. Chefs love when candidates ask thoughtful questions about ingredients, sourcing, or menu evolution.
For Hospitality Professionals
Smile and make eye contact. Your warmth and confidence should reflect how you’ll engage guests.
Share examples of service recovery. Talk about a time you turned a guest’s experience around — hiring managers love to see empathy in action.
Think long-term. “We’re not just hiring for one shift,” said a hotel GM. “We’re hiring for future leaders.” Show you want to grow with the organization.
For Food & Agriculture Candidates
Demonstrate curiosity about innovation. Employers love when candidates are excited about technology, sustainability, and future food systems.
Talk about problem-solving. Whether it’s reducing waste or improving efficiency, show that you think critically about process improvement.
Connect your passion to purpose. The food world is rapidly evolving, and employers want people motivated by impact, not just a paycheck.
The Red Flags You Don’t Realize You’re Sending
We also asked hiring managers what turns them off in an interview. Their answers were consistent:
Negativity about past jobs or employers. Even if you had a tough experience, frame it as what you learned, not what went wrong.
Lack of curiosity. When you don’t ask questions, it suggests you’re just looking for a job, not this job.
Unreliable communication. Missed emails, late arrivals, or informal messages can quickly end opportunities before they begin.
Overconfidence without experience. Confidence is good; arrogance isn’t. “Be proud of your work,” one chef said, “but remember that in this industry, learning never ends.”
The Final Ingredient: Reflection
Every interview, even the ones that don’t lead to a job offer, helps you grow. Afterward, jot down what went well and what you’d like to improve.
At The Trotter Project, we remind our students that careers in culinary, hospitality, and food & agriculture are journeys, not checklists. Each conversation is a chance to refine your story, practice professionalism, and build the confidence that comes from preparation.
So as you step into interview season, remember: the people sitting across from you were once in your shoes. They’re not looking for perfection — they’re looking for passion, potential, and authenticity.
Closing Thought
When passion meets preparation, opportunities open. And when you walk into an interview knowing your “why,” you stand out — not just as a candidate, but as a future leader in the food world.
At The Trotter Project, we believe in your ability to bring skill, integrity, and creativity to this industry. Keep showing up. Keep learning. And remember — the best interviews aren’t just about getting hired. They’re about beginning your next chapter with confidence and purpose.
