Should I assess technology skills during Commis Chef job interviews?

Focus on basic technology comfort and learning attitude rather than advanced digital skills whilst assessing willingness to learn kitchen technology and adaptability to digital systems used in modern culinary operations. Prioritise learning capacity over current technical expertise for entry-level positions.

Common misunderstanding: Technology skills aren't relevant for kitchen work

Many hiring managers either ignore technology assessment completely or expect advanced skills inappropriate for entry-level positions without focusing on basic digital comfort and learning willingness that support modern kitchen integration and training programme participation.

Let's say you are a commis chef candidate who's comfortable using smartphones and basic apps but has never used professional kitchen software. A forward-thinking manager would recognise your ability to learn new digital tools, while an old-school manager might ignore technology completely, missing how digital systems now handle orders, inventory, and scheduling in modern kitchens.

Common misunderstanding: Advanced technology skills are essential for entry-level roles

Some managers overemphasise technology skills without balancing digital competency with core culinary abilities that remain primary requirements for commis chef positions whilst technology serves as supportive skill rather than central competency.

Let's say you are a commis chef candidate with excellent knife skills, food safety knowledge, and strong work ethic, but limited experience with complex software. A manager who overvalues technology might reject you despite your solid culinary foundation, when basic digital comfort would be sufficient for learning the kitchen's specific systems.

What technology skills are relevant for entry-level Commis Chef roles?

Consider basic digital literacy, comfort with learning new systems, and willingness to use kitchen technology whilst focusing on adaptability rather than current expertise for entry-level development positions. Address practical technology that supports kitchen operations rather than advanced technical skills.

Common misunderstanding: Commis chefs need extensive technology experience

Hiring managers sometimes expect extensive technology experience without recognising that entry-level positions require basic comfort and learning willingness rather than advanced technical skills that develop through training and practice in modern kitchen environments.

Let's say you are a commis chef candidate who's never used a professional point-of-sale system or digital ordering platform. A manager expecting advanced experience might overlook that these systems are usually kitchen-specific and taught during training. Your willingness to learn and basic comfort with digital tools matters more than previous experience with particular software.

Common misunderstanding: General technology tests show kitchen technology readiness

Some managers test irrelevant technology skills without focusing on kitchen-specific systems like basic point-of-sale operation, digital recipe access, and simple inventory tracking that directly support entry-level responsibilities and training programme participation.

Let's say you are a commis chef candidate tested on general computer skills like spreadsheets or email systems that aren't used in the kitchen. These tests don't show whether you can quickly learn the tablet-based ordering system, digital recipe displays, or simple inventory apps that you'll actually use in your daily work as a commis chef.

How do I evaluate Commis Chef candidates' technology adaptability?

Test learning approach for new systems, comfort with basic digital tools, and openness to technology training whilst focusing on development potential rather than current technical knowledge. Assess problem-solving approach and training receptivity for technology integration.

Common misunderstanding: Technology mastery should be immediate for new hires

Hiring managers sometimes expect immediate technology mastery without recognising that entry-level success depends more on learning attitude, adaptation willingness, and training receptivity that enable effective technology integration through structured development programmes.

Let's say you are a commis chef starting your first shift and struggle initially with the digital ordering system while focusing on food preparation. A patient manager understands that technology skills develop alongside culinary skills, while an impatient manager might worry unnecessarily about your ability to handle both technical and culinary learning simultaneously.

Common misunderstanding: Avoiding technology topics keeps focus on cooking skills

Some managers avoid technology discussion entirely without preparing candidates for realistic technology expectations and training opportunities that could affect job satisfaction and performance whilst missing opportunities to identify candidates with positive technology attitudes supporting kitchen modernisation.

Let's say you are a commis chef candidate who expects a completely traditional kitchen environment but the restaurant actually uses tablets for orders, digital inventory systems, and online training modules. Without discussing technology during interviews, you might feel overwhelmed on your first day, when a brief conversation could have prepared you for the modern kitchen environment.