What are the main pre-service tasks I should include for 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
Answer here
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 include specific pre-service tasks such as setting up washing stations, ensuring all cleaning materials are stocked, and preparing the kitchen for the day’s operations. These tasks are crucial as they set the stage for a smooth service period.

Common misunderstanding: Pre-service is just cleaning

Whilst cleaning is a big part of a Kitchen Porter's job, pre-service tasks also include setting up workstations and preparing equipment. This ensures everything is ready when kitchen staff need it.

Let's say you are preparing for the lunch rush as a Kitchen Porter. You don't just clean - you also set up clean plates near the pass, fill sauce bottles, and make sure clean pans are ready for chefs. This setup work helps service run smoothly.

Common misunderstanding: All Kitchen Porters do identical pre-service tasks

The specific pre-service tasks vary greatly depending on the type of kitchen and expected workload. It's important to match these tasks in the job description to your particular kitchen environment.

Let's say you are working as a Kitchen Porter in a busy pizza place versus a fine dining restaurant. The pizza place needs you to prep lots of dough containers and cheese stations. The fine dining place needs perfectly polished silverware and spotless glassware. Different kitchens need different preparation.

How do I determine which setup responsibilities are most relevant?

To determine the most relevant setup responsibilities for a Kitchen Porter, consider the specific needs of your kitchen’s daily operations. Focus on tasks that directly support the efficiency and cleanliness of the service. For example, if your kitchen handles a high volume of dishes, emphasize the importance of preparing and maintaining the dishwashing station.

Common misunderstanding: All kitchens need identical setup

Each kitchen works differently. A busy restaurant might need focus on speed and efficiency in setup, whilst a smaller café might focus on detailed cleaning tasks. Check your kitchen's specific needs to decide the most important jobs.

Let's say you are setting up for service in a fast-food kitchen versus a hotel restaurant. The fast-food place needs you to work quickly to stock fryer baskets and prep containers. The hotel needs careful attention to presentation and cleanliness standards. Speed versus detail - both matter but in different amounts.

Common misunderstanding: Only big kitchens need setup tasks

Even smaller kitchens need proper setup to work efficiently. Every kitchen needs a well-organised start to ensure operations run smoothly during service.

Let's say you are working in a small café kitchen with just two chefs. You still need to set up clean equipment, stock washing areas, and prepare workstations. Without good setup, even a small kitchen becomes chaotic during busy periods.

Why is it important to be specific about pre-service duties in the job description?

Being specific about pre-service duties in a job description helps set clear expectations for the role. It ensures that candidates understand what will be expected of them and can self-assess their suitability for the position. This clarity helps in attracting the right candidates who are capable of meeting the demands of the job.

Common misunderstanding: Simple jobs don't need detailed descriptions

Even for entry-level positions like Kitchen Porter, unclear job descriptions create confusion and inefficiency. Specific duties help candidates know what the job involves and reduce learning time once they start.

Let's say you are starting your first Kitchen Porter job. A description saying 'general kitchen duties' leaves you guessing. A clear list like 'set up washing stations, stock clean plates, fill soap dispensers' helps you understand exactly what's expected from day one.

Common misunderstanding: Only senior jobs need detailed descriptions

Detailed job descriptions are crucial for all jobs, including those that seem simple. They help manage expectations and make training easier, ensuring everyone understands from day one.

Let's say you are managing a kitchen team. Your head chef gets a detailed job description, but your Kitchen Porter just gets 'wash dishes and clean'. The Kitchen Porter ends up confused about priorities, timing, and standards. Clear descriptions help everyone succeed, regardless of their position.