University City Restaurant Team

As a Chef-in-Training at DIG, your key responsibilities will include prepping, mixing, and cooking a variety of ingredients while following recipes and ensuring taste accuracy. You'll gain experience across different kitchen stations, support team efforts during busy times, and engage with our guests by sharing knowledge about our menu offerings. Additionally, you'll maintain high food safety standards to help uphold our restaurant's 'A' letter grade.

To apply for the Chef-in-Training role at DIG, you should possess a passion for good food, a dedicated work ethic, and strong communication skills. While prior culinary experience can be beneficial, it's not mandatory. More importantly, you'll need the ability to perform the physical requirements of the job and a desire to learn and grow within our kitchen team.

The Chef-in-Training position at DIG comes with a variety of benefits including competitive pay ($16 - $18/hour), potential tips, paid time off, and 401K programming. You’ll enjoy flexible scheduling, receive complimentary DIG lunches, and have holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas off. We prioritize work-life balance and personal growth for our team members.

At DIG, we prioritize education and growth. Our Chef-in-Training program is designed to teach you culinary practices, enhance your skill set, and provide real-life kitchen experience. We create opportunities for mentorship and collaboration that allow you to advance your career while being supported by a team that values your development.

The culture at DIG is vibrant, inclusive, and centered around shared values of food, community, and sustainability. As a Chef-in-Training, you'll be part of a culturally diverse team that respects and embraces all backgrounds. We foster a sense of belonging, encourage teamwork, and strive to create exceptional experiences for both our employees and guests.

When answering this question, highlight your passion for food and your desire to learn within a positive team environment. Discuss how DIG's mission aligns with your values and how you hope to contribute to the culinary experience.

Share a specific example of teamwork in a culinary setting. Emphasize communication, collaboration, and how you successfully supported your teammates to achieve common goals, showcasing that you understand the importance of synergy in kitchen operations.

Explain that excellent customer service involves attentively listening to guests, understanding their needs, and creating memorable experiences. Discuss how you aim to engage with guests, explain menu items, and ensure their meal meets their expectations.

Mention vital skills such as time management, adaptability, strong work ethic, attention to detail, and effective communication. Explain how these skills help ensure smooth kitchen operations and contribute to team success.

Discuss your strategies for managing stress, such as staying organized, maintaining focus, and relying on effective communication with your team. Provide an example of a high-pressure situation you calmly navigated to illustrate your competence.

Share your preferences and any experiences related to your favorite cooking styles or cuisines. Explain how this passion drives your interest in learning more at DIG, focusing on the diversity of culinary skills you can acquire.

Talk about your ability to assess the kitchen's needs and prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. Highlight methods you use to stay organized, maintain productivity, and ensure that food safety standards are met.

Explain that food safety is essential to protect guests' health and maintain a reputable restaurant. Discuss how you would ensure adherence to food safety standards, preventing contamination and ensuring high-quality food preparation.

Share your commitment to continuous learning in the culinary field by mentioning specific skills or areas you wish to enhance. Emphasize your eagerness to take on different responsibilities and contribute to the team while gaining invaluable knowledge.

Prepare insightful questions that show your enthusiasm for the role and interest in the company culture. You might ask about training opportunities, team dynamics, or the restaurant's approach to seasonal menu changes.