What should I include in the service responsibilities section of 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 the service responsibilities for a Kitchen Porter, include essential tasks such as maintaining cleanliness, dishwashing, and basic food preparation support. It's important to clearly outline these duties to set clear expectations and help in finding candidates who are prepared for the role. Not being specific can lead to confusion and inefficiency.

Common misunderstanding: All Kitchen Porters do identical tasks

Each kitchen works differently, so it's important to match the job description to your specific needs and duties. This helps attract candidates who fit your particular environment better.

Let's say you are working in a sushi restaurant versus a pub kitchen. The sushi place needs you to handle delicate rice equipment and maintain strict hygiene for raw fish prep. The pub needs you to manage heavy pots and deal with fryer cleaning. Same job title, different skills needed.

Common misunderstanding: Don't need to mention waste and cleaning details

Listing tasks like waste management and specific cleaning duties (floors, surfaces, equipment) ensures candidates understand all parts of the job. This clarity improves job satisfaction and efficiency as new staff know exactly what's expected.

Let's say you are starting as a Kitchen Porter and the job just says 'general cleaning'. You might not realise you'll need to empty grease traps, scrub floor drains, or handle food waste properly. Knowing these details upfront helps you prepare mentally and physically for the real work.

How can I ensure that service tasks are managed efficiently by Kitchen Porters?

To ensure efficient task management, provide clear, structured guidelines and checklists for daily duties. Regular training and feedback sessions also help maintain high standards. Efficient management often starts with clear communication and proper training.

Common misunderstanding: Once trained, Kitchen Porters work independently

Continuous support and regular re-training are crucial as procedures and menus change. This ongoing guidance helps maintain standards and efficiency.

Let's say you are a Kitchen Porter who learned the job six months ago. The restaurant now serves gluten-free options requiring separate washing procedures. Without retraining, you might accidentally contaminate dishes. Regular updates keep everyone working safely and correctly.

Common misunderstanding: Kitchen Porter efficiency is their responsibility alone

Efficiency requires teamwork. Ensuring Kitchen Porters have proper tools and support, like adequate supplies and equipment, is essential for them to work effectively.

Let's say you are trying to wash dishes quickly but the soap dispenser is empty, the drying rack is broken, and dirty pans are piled everywhere. Even the hardest-working Kitchen Porter can't be efficient without proper equipment and team support.

Do I need to specify tasks that involve assisting chefs or focus purely on cleaning?

It's beneficial to specify all tasks, including assisting chefs, in the Kitchen Porter job description. This can involve preparation tasks such as peeling vegetables or setting up stations. Specifying these responsibilities helps in recruiting porters who are willing and able to support your kitchen's broader needs.

Common misunderstanding: Kitchen Porters only clean

Whilst cleaning is a big part of the job, Kitchen Porters often play a crucial role in supporting chefs, especially during busy periods. Making this clear in the job description attracts candidates ready for varied tasks.

Let's say you are working during the Saturday night dinner rush. You're not just washing dishes - you're also restocking chef stations with clean equipment, helping carry heavy stock from storage, and maybe even doing basic food prep like peeling vegetables. It's much more than just cleaning.

Common misunderstanding: Detailed task lists make descriptions too long

A clear and complete job description helps potential candidates understand their role and responsibilities better, leading to better job fit and satisfaction. It's better to be detailed than have confusion about what the job requires.

Let's say you are comparing two job adverts. One says 'Kitchen Porter - cleaning duties'. Another lists 'wash dishes, sanitise surfaces, stock clean equipment, assist with food prep, manage waste disposal, maintain cleaning standards'. The second one helps you understand exactly what you'll be doing and decide if it's right for you.