Assess genuine interest in hospitality work, enthusiasm for team-based events, and understanding of catering demands whilst looking for specific reasons for choosing catering and realistic career expectations. Focus on authentic motivation rather than rehearsed responses.
Common misunderstanding: Generic hospitality motivation shows genuine interest
Many hiring managers accept generic hospitality motivation without probing for specific interest in catering assistant work. Team-based events and physical demands require genuine enthusiasm and realistic understanding for long-term success and job satisfaction.
Let's say you are accepting answers like "I love working with people" without exploring deeper. You'll miss identifying candidates who are specifically drawn to catering's collaborative nature, event atmosphere, and hands-on service that makes this role unique from other hospitality positions.
Common misunderstanding: Career ambition equals better performance
Some managers focus too much on career ambition without recognising that effective catering assistants often find satisfaction in consistent quality work. Team contribution and service excellence matter more than rapid advancement or management aspirations for many successful candidates.
Let's say you are prioritising candidates who express strong management ambitions. You might overlook someone who genuinely enjoys the craft of service, values team cooperation, and takes pride in creating excellent guest experiences without necessarily wanting to move into leadership roles.
Ask about attraction to event work, enjoyment of team collaboration, and understanding of physical demands whilst exploring specific aspects of catering that appeal and career development interests. Focus on authentic responses rather than expected answers.
Common misunderstanding: Leading questions reveal true motivation
Hiring managers sometimes ask leading questions that encourage standard responses without exploring genuine attraction to catering work. Team dynamics and event environments require authentic interest for sustained motivation and performance quality.
Let's say you are asking "Do you enjoy working in fast-paced environments?" instead of "Tell me about a time you worked under pressure." Leading questions prompt rehearsed answers rather than revealing genuine experiences and authentic reactions to catering challenges.
Common misunderstanding: Discussing challenges discourages good candidates
Some managers avoid discussing challenging aspects of catering work whilst missing opportunities to assess realistic understanding. Genuine commitment to demanding physical work, varied schedules, and team-dependent success characterises successful catering assistant candidates.
Let's say you are avoiding mention of long hours, physical demands, or weekend work to keep candidates interested. Those truly suited to catering will appreciate honesty, whilst unsuitable candidates will self-select out, saving time for everyone involved.
Evaluate realistic expectations about advancement, willingness to develop skills, and alignment with hospitality career paths whilst considering stability indicators and professional growth interests. Focus on sustainable career motivation rather than immediate advancement goals.
Common misunderstanding: Ambitious goals predict better longevity
Hiring managers sometimes prioritise ambitious career goals without recognising what actually predicts catering assistant longevity. Appreciation for consistent service work, team contribution, and skill development matter more than rapid promotion or management track positioning.
Let's say you are impressed by candidates who want to become managers within two years. They might quickly become frustrated with the essential day-to-day tasks of catering assistance, whilst someone who enjoys perfecting service skills will be more satisfied and reliable.
Common misunderstanding: Formal career plans show commitment
Some managers dismiss candidates without formal career plans whilst missing dedicated workers who find genuine satisfaction in quality service delivery. Team collaboration and hospitality excellence provide a stable foundation for catering operations and guest satisfaction.
Let's say you are rejecting a candidate who says they "just want to do good work and help create great events." This person might be exactly what you need – someone who finds meaning in the role itself rather than viewing it as a stepping stone.