Cook | Part-Time | Durham Convention Center

As a Cook at the Durham Convention Center, your responsibilities will include preparing and cooking menu items using large-volume cooking equipment. You'll be expected to maintain high-quality standards for food, manage portion control, ensure proper food storage, and maintain cleanliness in your work area. Additionally, you’ll take food orders from staff, package food for service, and uphold sanitation, health, and safety standards throughout your shift.

To work as a Cook with Oak View Group, candidates should possess good communication skills in English, the ability to thrive in a fast-paced team environment, and ideally a valid food handling certificate as required by state regulations. A strong emphasis is placed on maintaining a positive work atmosphere while delivering delicious meals to guests.

The hourly pay for the Cook position at the Durham Convention Center ranges between $18.00 and $23.00, depending on experience and qualifications. In addition to competitive pay, part-time employees can take advantage of benefits such as a 401(k) Savings Plan and 401(k) matching.

Oak View Group is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. They believe that diversity drives innovation and improves service quality. The company is committed to creating an environment that reflects the diverse communities they serve, which is why they actively recruit individuals from various backgrounds to strengthen their teams.

The working environment for a Cook at the Durham Convention Center is dynamic and fast-paced, particularly during events. You'll collaborate with other kitchen staff and front counter employees in a bustling setting, ensuring that all food is prepared and served to high standards. The role requires teamwork and the ability to stay calm under pressure while delivering great food to guests.

When answering this question, focus on specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully handled large quantities of food, whether in a restaurant kitchen, catering service, or similar environment. Highlight your ability to manage time effectively and maintain quality under pressure.

Discuss your knowledge of food safety guidelines, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness, proper food storage, and equipment sanitation. You might also share any certifications you hold, as well as specific practices you follow to ensure a safe kitchen environment.

Share strategies that you use when faced with busy service periods. Discuss how you prioritize tasks, communicate effectively with team members, and maintain composure to ensure that service remains seamless and enjoyable for guests.

Talk about your collaborative skills and experiences working with a diverse team. Highlight how you contribute to a positive team dynamic, support your coworkers, and facilitate communication to achieve shared goals in a busy kitchen.

When responding, describe a specific incident where you identified a challenge, analyzed the situation, and implemented a solution effectively. Make sure to explain the outcome, focusing on how your actions benefitted the team and dining experience.

Express your passion for cooking and the joy of creating delicious dishes. Discuss how you enjoy the satisfaction of serving guests and how you thrive on the creative aspects of menu preparation.

Explain your methods of organization, such as creating prep lists, decluttering workstations, and timing your tasks effectively. Show that you understand how these practices help in ensuring efficiency and smooth service during busy times.

Make sure to highlight the types of cuisine you are most familiar with and any specific dishes you excel at preparing. Discuss your willingness to learn new techniques and cuisines that may be relevant to the menu at the Durham Convention Center.

Discuss your methods of checking food quality, such as tasting dishes, ensuring proper plating, and adhering to recipes and standards. Emphasize your commitment to guest satisfaction and how quality assurance is a vital part of your cooking process.

Share your enthusiasm for the role, aligning your values with those of Oak View Group. Discuss your admiration for the company’s mission in live event hospitality and how you see yourself contributing to the team's success in creating memorable guest experiences.