Present basic kitchen challenges like ingredient shortages, equipment issues, and timing problems whilst focusing on logical thinking, help-seeking appropriateness, and learning from guidance rather than independent solutions. Assess reasoning process suitable for entry-level development positions.
Common misunderstanding: Entry-level roles need complex problem-solving tests
Commis chefs face simple, practical problems that need basic reasoning and good help-seeking skills. Focus on everyday kitchen challenges rather than complex scenarios.
Let's say you are a commis chef who notices the vegetables are running low during service. The right response is to quickly tell the sous chef, not try to solve the supply problem yourself.
Common misunderstanding: Good problem-solvers work alone
Commis chefs succeed by knowing when to ask for help, not by figuring everything out themselves. Look for candidates who seek guidance appropriately.
Let's say you are a commis chef and your soup is tasting flat. Instead of adding random seasonings, you should ask an experienced chef to taste it and suggest improvements.
Use entry-level situations requiring basic decision-making like prep prioritisation, recipe clarification, and safety concerns whilst testing ability to think logically whilst knowing when to seek guidance. Focus on reasoning process rather than perfect solutions.
Common misunderstanding: Problem-solving tests should be challenging and complex
Use simple, realistic kitchen problems that commis chefs actually face. Test their thinking on everyday situations like ingredient shortages or timing issues.
Let's say you are a commis chef and the delivery is late, leaving you short of carrots for the evening menu. Think through what vegetables could work instead and check with the head chef before making changes.
Common misunderstanding: Problem-solving ability can be tested separately from teamwork
Kitchen problem-solving is always collaborative. Test how candidates identify problems, communicate concerns, and work with others to find solutions.
Let's say you are a commis chef who notices the grill temperature seems wrong. You need to alert the grill chef quickly, describe what you've observed, and help implement their solution.
Test response to new information, technique corrections, and changed circumstances whilst focusing on flexibility, feedback implementation, and willingness to adjust approach with guidance. Assess learning responsiveness rather than initial competency.
Common misunderstanding: First answers show problem-solving ability best
How candidates improve their thinking with guidance matters more than their first response. Watch how they adapt when given hints or corrections.
Let's say you are a commis chef asked about handling a burnt pan. Your initial answer might be basic, but showing you can learn better techniques when the chef explains them demonstrates good learning potential.
Common misunderstanding: Adaptation tests need dramatic scenarios
Use realistic examples of changes that happen in real kitchens. Test how candidates adapt to recipe modifications, new techniques, or different procedures.
Let's say you are a commis chef who learned to cut vegetables one way in training, but this kitchen uses a different method. Show how you'd adapt your technique and learn the new standard.