Test question-asking quality, instruction comprehension, and professional interaction with different experience levels whilst focusing on learning communication rather than presentation or leadership skills. Assess communication competencies essential for training programme success.
Common misunderstanding: Commis chefs need advanced presentation skills
Commis chefs don't need to give presentations or lead meetings. Focus on their ability to listen well, ask good questions, and understand instructions clearly.
Let's say you are a commis chef learning to make pastry. You need to understand the chef's instructions about timing and temperature, not explain complex cooking theory to customers.
Common misunderstanding: Confident speakers make better kitchen workers
Quiet, careful listeners often make excellent commis chefs. Look for people who pay attention, process information well, and aren't afraid to ask for help.
Let's say you are a commis chef who listens carefully during briefings, takes notes about special dietary requirements, and asks clarifying questions when unsure about preparation methods.
Prioritise clear question-asking, active listening, instruction following, and respectful hierarchy interaction whilst assessing ability to seek help appropriately and communicate learning needs effectively. Focus on development-supportive communication rather than independent communication skills.
Common misunderstanding: Speaking ability matters more than listening skills
Listening is the most important communication skill for commis chefs. They spend more time receiving instructions than giving them, especially during training.
Let's say you are a commis chef during busy service. You need to hear the head chef's orders clearly over kitchen noise and remember multiple tasks whilst working quickly.
Common misunderstanding: Interview communication shows kitchen communication ability
Kitchen communication is different from interview chat. Test how candidates communicate whilst doing practical tasks, under pressure, and when learning new skills.
Let's say you are a commis chef learning to fillet fish whilst the chef gives instructions. You need to ask questions, confirm understanding, and update on progress without stopping your work.
Observe how they ask for clarification, respond to instruction, and express confusion or uncertainty whilst testing ability to communicate progress and request guidance during practical assessment. Focus on learning partnership communication rather than independent problem-solving communication.
Common misunderstanding: Good learners understand everything immediately
The best learners admit when they're confused and ask for help. Look for candidates who are comfortable saying they don't understand and asking for clarification.
Let's say you are a commis chef learning a new sauce recipe. Asking 'Can you show me that whisking technique again?' shows better learning communication than pretending you understood.
Common misunderstanding: Asking questions during interviews shows weakness
Questions during practical tests actually show good learning habits. Candidates who ask appropriate questions demonstrate the communication skills needed for training success.
Let's say you are a commis chef doing a knife skills test. Asking about the preferred cutting size or technique shows you want to meet standards, not that you lack basic knowledge.