What essential skills should I include in a Kitchen Porter job description?

Date modified: 22nd September 2025 | This FAQ page has been written by Pilla Founder, Liam Jones, click to email Liam directly, he reads every email.

Kitchen Porter Interview Template

This interview template provides a structured approach to interviewing kitchen porter candidates. Use this guide to conduct consistent, fair interviews and objectively score responses. Use weighted scoring to get an accurate overall assessment - score each area 1-5, then calculate your final weighted score using the formula provided.

Review candidate's CV and application form
Prepare interview room in quiet area
Have scoring sheets and pen ready
Ensure 30 minutes uninterrupted time
Review kitchen safety requirements and physical demands of role
Answer here
5 - Excellent: Relevant experience in kitchens, cleaning, or demanding physical work
4 - Good: Some relevant experience in fast-paced or physical work environments
3 - Average: Limited but some work experience, shows understanding of work demands
2 - Below Average: Very limited work experience, unclear about role demands
1 - Poor: No work experience and unrealistic expectations about the role
Answer here
5 - Excellent: Fully understands and prepared for physical demands, has relevant experience
4 - Good: Understands demands and confident about managing them
3 - Average: Understands demands and willing to try
2 - Below Average: Limited understanding of demands or some concerns
1 - Poor: Unrealistic about physical demands or unable to meet them
Answer here
5 - Excellent: Clear understanding of hygiene importance with good examples
4 - Good: Understands importance of cleanliness with some relevant experience
3 - Average: Basic understanding of hygiene standards
2 - Below Average: Limited understanding of hygiene importance
1 - Poor: No understanding of hygiene requirements or poor attitude
Answer here
5 - Excellent: Strong teamwork example, collaborative attitude, understands role in team
4 - Good: Good teamwork example, willing to help colleagues
3 - Average: Basic teamwork skills, understands importance of helping others
2 - Below Average: Limited teamwork experience or individualistic approach
1 - Poor: Cannot work effectively in teams or poor attitude toward helping others
Answer here
5 - Excellent: Strong work ethic, takes pride in contributing to team success
4 - Good: Positive attitude toward work, understands importance of their role
3 - Average: Willing to work hard, basic understanding of job importance
2 - Below Average: Limited motivation or unclear about role value
1 - Poor: Poor work attitude or unrealistic expectations about the role
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5 - Excellent: Demonstrates proper lifting technique and excellent safety awareness
4 - Good: Good lifting technique with adequate safety considerations
3 - Average: Basic understanding of safe lifting practices
2 - Below Average: Poor technique or limited safety awareness
1 - Poor: Unsafe practices or no understanding of safety requirements
Shows willingness to learn and take direction
Demonstrates reliable and punctual attitude
Shows respect for the importance of their role in kitchen operations
Indicates availability that matches our shift patterns
Expresses genuine interest in working in kitchen environment
Shows positive attitude toward physical work and supporting the team

Weighted scoring: Rate each area 1-5, then multiply by the decimal shown (40% = 0.40). Example: If Work Readiness = 3, then 3 x 0.40 = 1.2. Add all results for your final score. Maximum possible score is 5.0.

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Strong Hire - Offer position immediately
Hire - Good candidate, offer position
Maybe - Conduct second interview or check references
Probably Not - Significant concerns, unlikely to hire
Do Not Hire - Not suitable for this role

When writing a job description for a Kitchen Porter, include essential skills like physical stamina and being a team player. These skills are crucial because they directly impact the ability to perform the job effectively. For example, physical stamina is necessary for handling the physical demands of kitchen work, such as standing for long periods and lifting heavy items.

Common misunderstanding: All kitchen skills are equally important

Whilst many skills are helpful, focus on those essential for daily tasks. Physical stamina and teamwork are critical, whereas skills like advanced cooking knowledge might not be necessary.

Let's say you are hiring a Kitchen Porter and listing required skills. Physical stamina helps them stand for hours and lift heavy pots. Teamwork helps them work with busy chefs. Advanced knife skills or menu knowledge aren't needed for washing dishes and cleaning equipment.

Common misunderstanding: Experience matters more than specific skills

Whilst experience is valuable, specific skills like following instructions and maintaining cleanliness are crucial for a Kitchen Porter. These ensure smooth kitchen operation and compliance with health regulations.

Let's say you are choosing between two Kitchen Porter candidates. One has five years' experience but struggles to follow detailed cleaning procedures. Another is new but listens carefully and maintains high cleanliness standards. The second candidate might perform better in your kitchen.

How can I differentiate between non-negotiable skills and preferred ones?

To differentiate, list must-have skills as 'essential' and nice-to-have skills as 'preferred' or 'desirable'. Essential skills for a Kitchen Porter might include physical stamina and the ability to work as part of a team. In contrast, preferred skills could include basic kitchen safety knowledge or organisational skills, which are beneficial but not critical for job performance.

Common misunderstanding: Preferred skills don't matter

Whilst not mandatory, preferred skills can improve a candidate's performance and adaptability in the job. They shouldn't be overlooked if candidates have them as they can add value to your team.

Let's say you are interviewing a Kitchen Porter candidate who has basic cleaning skills (essential) plus food safety knowledge (preferred). The food safety knowledge means they understand why certain cleaning procedures matter, making them more careful and reliable than someone with just basic skills.

Common misunderstanding: Essential skills are the only hiring criteria

Whilst essential skills are critical, considering a mix of both essential and preferred skills can lead to a more well-rounded hire, especially if the job offers growth and learning opportunities.

Let's say you are filling a Kitchen Porter position with promotion potential. A candidate with just essential skills can do the basic job. One with essential plus preferred skills like organisation and time management might become a team leader or trainer in the future.

Why is it important for Kitchen Porters to have strong organisation and time management skills?

Strong organisation and time management skills are important for Kitchen Porters as they help manage the pace and efficiency of the kitchen. These skills ensure that tasks such as cleaning, dishwashing, and preparing stations are done effectively, which helps the kitchen operate smoothly during busy periods.

Common misunderstanding: Organisation skills just mean keeping tidy

Whilst tidiness is part of organisational skills, they also include the ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively, ensuring all tasks are completed on time.

Let's say you are working as a Kitchen Porter during a busy lunch service. Good organisation means you know to wash glasses first (servers need them immediately), then plates (for the next sitting), then pots (less urgent). It's not just about clean workspace - it's about smart priorities.

Common misunderstanding: Time management is the chef's job, not the Kitchen Porter's

Although chefs manage overall kitchen timing, Kitchen Porters need to manage their own time to support chefs effectively. Good time management by Kitchen Porters helps maintain operational flow, especially during peak hours.

Let's say you are working as a Kitchen Porter when the dinner rush starts. You need to time your dishwashing so clean plates are ready when servers need them, not too early (taking up space) or too late (slowing service). Your time management directly affects the whole team's success.