How to record a catering assistant video job description

Step 1: Describe Your Catering Environment

Start your video by painting a clear picture of your catering operation's identity and culture. Your catering assistant needs to understand the business they're supporting and the environment they're working in.

This section sets the foundation for everything that follows. When your catering assistant understands your service style, values, and way of operating, they can make better decisions and represent your business authentically.

Your goal is to help your catering assistant understand:

• Your catering service type and what makes it unique
• The culture and values that drive how you operate
• The operational environment and what a typical event looks like
• How their role fits into the bigger picture of the business

Use this 3-part approach:

1. Explain Your Catering Service and Identity

Be specific about what your catering business is: "We're a corporate catering firm / a wedding service provider / a school lunch supplier / a contract catering company..."

Share the details that bring your service to life:

• What type of catering do you specialise in?
• What do you want to be known for in your market?
• Are you independent or part of a larger organisation?
• What makes you different from other catering companies?

2. Share Your Culture and Values

Explain what it's like to work in your catering operation and the values that guide how you operate:

• "We focus on efficiency and presentation — every event needs to run seamlessly."

• "We pride ourselves on using fresh, locally sourced produce for all our meals."

• "We're a tight-knit team that thrives on helping each other through busy events."

• "We focus on sustainability, reducing waste, and optimising every part of our service."

Help your catering assistant understand the working environment:

• How does your team work together on event days?
• What pace do you operate at — fast-paced events or more relaxed service?
• What do you value most in how your team delivers service?
• How do you handle challenges during busy events?

3. Explain Their Place in the Business

Help your catering assistant understand where they fit and who they work with:

• "As our catering assistant, you're essential to making every event run smoothly — from prep to service to clean-up."

• "You'll work closely with chefs, servers, and event coordinators to deliver seamless experiences."

• "You're the support that keeps everything moving — without you, events would fall apart."

Tips if you're unsure what to say

Ask yourself these questions:

• If someone asked your team what it's like to work here, what would they say?
• What do you want your catering company to be famous for?
• How would you describe a typical busy event day?
• What makes a great event for your team?
• What's unique about how you do things compared to other caterers?

Example 1: Corporate Catering Service

We're a bustling corporate catering firm based in the city, managing everything from daily office luncheons to large-scale corporate events. As our catering assistant, you're at the heart of our operation — helping chefs with prep, setting up stations, and ensuring service runs smoothly. Our team is skilled in fast-paced service, and we pride ourselves on presentation and attention to detail. You'll be part of a crew that works hard together and takes pride in delivering exceptional events.

Example 2: Wedding Catering Company

We're a boutique wedding catering service offering personalised, sit-down meal experiences. As our catering assistant, you help create beautiful dining moments — from elegant table setups to behind-the-scenes support during service. Our close-knit team works meticulously together, favouring quality over speed and taking pride in making every couple's special day memorable.

Step 2: Outline Your Key Responsibilities

This is the core of your video job description — telling your catering assistant exactly what they're responsible for in their role. Be specific about what you expect them to own and deliver.

Avoid vague statements like "assist with events." Instead, be clear about the actual tasks and areas they're accountable for. This helps them understand their role and gives them clarity on what success looks like.

Your goal is to clearly communicate: "These are YOUR responsibilities in this role."

Cover 6–10 specific responsibilities, organised into clear areas:

1. Preparation Responsibilities

These are the responsibilities before service or at the start of an event:

• What prep work do you own?
• What needs to be ready before guests arrive?

Example responsibilities:

• "You're responsible for setting up stations with necessary equipment before events"
• "You assist chefs with food preparation and plating"
• "You gather and check all equipment needed for each event"
• "You help load and unload vehicles for off-site catering"

2. Service Responsibilities

These are the core responsibilities during events:

• How do you support service during events?
• What do you own while events are running?

Example responsibilities:

• "You set up and maintain food and beverage tables during service"
• "You ensure timely refilling of buffet stations and trays"
• "You maintain cleanliness and orderliness during events"
• "You coordinate with kitchen team to manage food releases"
• "You assist with serving guests when required"

3. Clean-Up and End-of-Event Responsibilities

These are the responsibilities once an event concludes:

• What do you own during breakdown?
• What cleaning tasks are part of your role?

Example responsibilities:

• "You clean up and break down tables, chairs, and serving areas post-service"
• "You ensure waste disposal follows our policies and environmental guidelines"
• "You sanitise all workspaces and equipment used during service"
• "You pack and secure equipment for transport back to base"

Tips if you're unsure what to include

If you're not sure what responsibilities to cover, ask yourself:

• What does your catering assistant spend most of their time on?
• What would cause problems if it didn't get done?
• What do chefs and event coordinators rely on them for most?
• What tasks are critical to smooth events?

You can also ask your current catering assistant:

• What do you see as your core responsibilities?
• What takes up most of your time during events?
• What do you wish was clearer about your role?

Example 1: Corporate Event Catering

As our catering assistant, here's what you're responsible for:

• You assist head chefs in food preparation and plating before service
• You manage the setup and takedown of food stations during events
• You coordinate with serving staff to ensure quick service during peak times
• You maintain excellent hygiene standards at all times
• You clean and reset areas post-event to ensure readiness for the next setup
• You help with loading and unloading equipment for each event

Example 2: Wedding Catering

As our catering assistant, these are your responsibilities:

• You set up elegant dining stations and support chefs in bespoke menu preparations
• You assist the team during service, ensuring presentation meets expectations
• You help restock supplies and troubleshoot any service issues
• You sanitise equipment and maintain cleanliness throughout the kitchen area
• You conduct thorough clean-ups post-service and aid in wrap-up procedures
• You help create the atmosphere that makes each wedding special

Step 3: Explain the Skills They Need

This section tells your catering assistant what skills are essential for their role — and importantly, how you'll help them develop those skills over time.

The goal isn't to list every possible skill, but to be clear about what matters most for success in your catering operation. Be honest about what they need now and what they can grow into.

Your goal is to communicate: "These are the skills that will help you succeed, and here's how we'll support your development."

1. Think about what skills matter most

Look at the responsibilities you outlined and ask what skills enable someone to do them well:

• Setting up stations efficiently → organisational skills and time management
• Assisting chefs with prep → basic kitchen skills and attention to detail
• Supporting service → teamwork and communication
• Working events → stamina and ability to work under pressure
• Handling guest questions → customer service skills

2. Separate core skills from development areas

• Core skills: What they need to have now to do the job
• Development areas: Skills they can build over time with your support

Key skill areas for catering assistants:

• Basic food preparation and equipment handling
• Time management in high-pressure situations
• Clear communication with team members
• Focus on hygiene and safe food handling
• Physical stamina for long event days
• Adaptability when things don't go to plan

Focus on what's genuinely important for your specific operation.

Example 1: Corporate Event Catering

Core skills you need:

• Basic food preparation and equipment handling
• Strong ability to work under pressure during high-stress events
• Clear, friendly communication with team members
• Focus on hygiene standards and safe food handling
• Physical stamina for long event days
• Punctual and reliable

Skills we'll help you develop:

• Advanced food prep techniques and presentation
• Event coordination and planning skills
• Leadership skills for supervising setup teams
• Understanding of dietary requirements and special menus
• Career progression to senior catering roles

Example 2: Wedding Catering

Core skills you need:

• Attention to detail and care in presentation
• Ability to work as part of a close team
• Good communication and a calm demeanour
• Basic food handling and hygiene knowledge
• Flexibility to adapt when plans change
• Genuine care for creating special moments

Skills we'll help you develop:

• Advanced presentation and styling skills
• Knowledge of fine dining service standards
• Event planning and coordination
• Building client relationships
• Opportunities to grow into senior roles

Step 4: Describe the Personality Fit

Beyond skills and responsibilities, this section helps your catering assistant understand the personal characteristics that will help them thrive in your environment.

This isn't about telling them who to be — it's about helping them understand what kind of behaviours and attitudes lead to success in your catering operation. It's also a chance to show them how you'll support their personal development.

Your goal is to communicate: "These are the personal characteristics that will help you succeed, and here's how we'll help you develop them."

1. Think about what makes people successful here

Consider:

• What do your best team members have in common?
• What kind of attitude thrives in your environment?
• How does your team handle pressure during events?
• What communication style works best with clients and guests?

2. Be specific, not generic

Instead of vague phrases like "team player" or "hard worker," describe what these actually look like:

• "You jump in to help with setup or breakdown when everyone's busy"
• "You stay calm and focused when an event is in full swing"
• "You notice when something needs attention and handle it without being asked"
• "You communicate clearly with chefs and servers during service"
• "You take pride in how your stations look, even when no one's watching"

3. Consider how personality fits your environment

• In high-volume corporate catering: organised, efficient, calm under pressure
• In boutique wedding catering: detail-oriented, caring, focused on creating special moments

Example 1: High-Volume Corporate Catering

The personality traits that will help you succeed here:

• You stay collected when things get hectic and focus on getting the job done
• You act decisively and don't wait to be told what needs doing
• You communicate clearly with the team during fast-paced events
• You're reliable — the team knows you'll be there and ready
• You take pride in your work, even in the behind-the-scenes tasks
• You're flexible and adapt quickly when plans change

We'll support you by giving you feedback after events, involving you in team training, and creating opportunities to take on more responsibility.

Example 2: Boutique Wedding Catering

The personality traits that will help you succeed here:

• You're personable, patient, and attentive to details
• You take pride in creating beautiful moments for couples
• You work collaboratively and support your colleagues
• You stay calm and positive even when things don't go to plan
• You have genuine enthusiasm for hospitality and making people happy
• You notice the small things that make events special

We'll support your development through regular feedback, training on fine dining service, and opportunities to grow into more senior roles.

Step 5: Define What Success Looks Like

This final section is crucial — it helps your catering assistant understand how they'll know they're doing a great job. It's not about setting rigid KPIs, but about painting a clear picture of what success looks like in their role.

When people understand what good looks like, they can aim for it. This section gives them clarity on expectations and helps them self-assess their performance.

Your goal is to communicate: "This is how you'll know you're succeeding in this role."

1. Think about what success actually looks like

Consider both the measurable and the less tangible:

• What does a great event look like from your catering assistant's perspective?
• How do you know when things are going well?
• What feedback would you give them when they're excelling?
• What do chefs and event coordinators say when things go smoothly?

2. Include a mix of indicators

Some things you can measure:

• Events run smoothly with stations properly set up and maintained
• Hygiene and cleanliness standards consistently met
• Equipment packed and transported without issues
• Service completed on time and to standard

Some things you observe:

• Chefs and servers can focus on their roles because they trust the assistant has everything covered
• Problems get solved before they become issues
• They anticipate what's needed and act without being asked
• They communicate well and flag issues early
• They're constantly improving and asking how to do things better

3. Be honest about what matters most

Every catering operation is different. Be clear about what you actually care about:

• "For us, the most important thing is that events run seamlessly from start to finish"
• "Success here means the team can rely on you to have everything ready"
• "What matters most is that our clients and guests have an exceptional experience"

Example 1: Corporate Event Catering

You'll know you're succeeding when:

• Events run smoothly because your setup and prep work is always done right
• Chefs and servers can focus on their roles because they trust you've got everything else covered
• Stations stay stocked and presentable throughout service
• Clean-up is thorough and efficient, leaving everything ready for the next event
• The team actively wants to work with you because you're reliable and supportive
• Clients comment on how well organised and professional the event was
• You're learning and growing, taking on more responsibility with each event

Example 2: Wedding Catering

You'll know you're succeeding when:

• Every couple's special day feels seamless because of your behind-the-scenes support
• The presentation of stations and dining areas is beautiful and well-maintained
• You anticipate what the team needs and act before being asked
• Chefs and servers thank you for making their jobs easier
• You feel proud of the role you played in creating memorable moments
• You're growing in confidence and taking on more responsibility
• The team values your contribution and you feel like an essential part of what we do