What type of experience should I specify 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, it's important to clearly state the type of experience you're looking for. Consider if the role requires specific skills like handling fast-paced environments or if it's more about general cleaning and maintenance tasks. For most kitchens, highlighting experience in similar environments can help attract candidates who are prepared for the job's demands.

Common misunderstanding: All Kitchen Porter jobs need lots of kitchen experience

Not all Kitchen Porter positions need previous kitchen experience. Many jobs suit people with general work experience who want to learn and adapt. It's important to say if you're happy to train new staff without specific kitchen experience.

Let's say you are looking for your first kitchen job but only have retail experience. Many Kitchen Porter positions value reliability, teamwork, and willingness to learn over specific kitchen knowledge. Your customer service skills and ability to work under pressure transfer well to kitchen work.

Common misunderstanding: Experience requirements should be very strict

Whilst it's important to be clear about needed experience, being too restrictive can put off potentially good candidates who might lack one or two specified experiences but are otherwise perfect for the job. Consider listing essential skills and being flexible with others.

Let's say you are applying for a Kitchen Porter job that lists 'must have restaurant experience, food safety certificate, and heavy lifting experience'. You have the lifting experience and work ethic but lack restaurant experience. Flexible employers might train you in restaurant specifics if you show the right attitude.

How do I decide between requiring entry-level versus experienced candidates?

Deciding between entry-level and experienced candidates depends on your kitchen's needs and the complexity of the tasks involved. If the role involves basic tasks and you have the capacity to train, entry-level candidates can be ideal. However, for high-volume or specialised kitchens, experienced candidates might be necessary to handle the pace and specific skills required.

Common misunderstanding: New candidates can't handle high-pressure kitchens

Entry-level candidates, with the right traits and training, can thrive in high-pressure environments. It's about the person's adaptability and willingness to learn, rather than just their past experience.

Let's say you are working in a busy kitchen during Saturday night service. A new Kitchen Porter with no experience but good attitude and quick learning might handle the pressure better than someone with experience but poor teamwork skills. Personality often matters more than experience.

Common misunderstanding: Experienced candidates don't need training

Even experienced candidates need some training to adapt to your kitchen's specific processes and culture. It's important to plan for an orientation period to help even the most experienced staff integrate smoothly.

Let's say you are an experienced Kitchen Porter starting at a new restaurant. Each kitchen has different equipment, cleaning procedures, and ways of working. You might know how to wash dishes efficiently, but you still need to learn where everything goes and how your new team operates.

Is it beneficial to mention if training will be provided for new hires?

Yes, it is beneficial to mention if training will be provided. This can attract a wider pool of candidates, including those who are eager to enter the hospitality industry but may lack specific kitchen experience. Highlighting training opportunities also demonstrates your commitment to staff development, which can enhance your reputation as an employer.

Common misunderstanding: Mentioning training only attracts inexperienced people

Whilst mentioning training can attract those looking to gain experience, it also appeals to experienced candidates who value professional development. It shows your kitchen invests in its staff.

Let's say you are an experienced Kitchen Porter looking for a new job. You see two adverts - one mentions ongoing training and development, another doesn't. The first one suggests a progressive workplace where you can continue learning and improving, making it more attractive even with your experience.

Common misunderstanding: Training only covers basic skills

Training programmes can be comprehensive, covering everything from basic skills to advanced techniques and teamwork. They're not just for beginners but also a way to ensure all staff meet your specific operational standards.

Let's say you are working as a Kitchen Porter in a high-end restaurant. Your training might include basic dishwashing, but also advanced food safety, equipment maintenance, and how to support different chef stations. Good training programmes help everyone work to the same high standards.