Trial run as a kitchen assistant - any tips

[ChunkySloth]

Hi, I have a trial shift as a kitchen assistant, doing prep and washing up etc, tonight. It's a bar/restaurant.

I haven't done anything like this in over 20 years (I've been office based since I finished 6th form) so does anyone have any tips or pointers?

I'm going to keep busy and clean things on my own initiative in between my tasks, I've removed my nail varnish and filed my nails very short. I'll wear dri-fit 3/4 trousers and t-shirt. But I don't know what else to do to maximise the chance of them offering me a job.

I’m a catering manager, I would like to see hair tied back, hat or hair net. Good hand washing both at the start of the shift and when going from different tasks or if you accidentally touch your face or similar.

Use initiative but also ask if unsure.

Good luck 🤞

@BerryPieandCustard

I’m a catering manager, I would like to see hair tied back, hat or hair net. Good hand washing both at the start of the shift and when going from different tasks or if you accidentally touch your face or similar.

Use initiative but also ask if unsure.

Good luck 🤞

Thank you.

I'll put my hair in a bun 👍🏼

I don't know why there is a star there 🙄 There shouldn't be.

Don't panic if it gets busy!

@SpacePotato

Don't panic if it gets busy!

I will really try not to, I do t tend to, and hopefully the point of my job is to have ingredients ready before it gets busy. Hopefully they are organised like that 😂🤞🏼

*don't

If you're asked to do something, do it.

Don't say "yeah, in a minute" like mine did

Dont blow the place up and you will get it. Dont be fussed if they dont take you on, places do this for free labour all the time

You're probably there for washing up at first. First thing you do learn the machine and system, you dont need to worry about much else

Oh and some places want you to wear black leather shoes

Don't be taken advantage of, in terms of them asking you to do another trial shift, as I am presuming this is unpaid.
I've known places doin these things out.
I echo others though, clean hands and neat clean nails, hair tied back, can do attitude and try and be upbeat and positive in your attitude.
Wear comfy shoes and take a bottle of water and snack maybe if you are given a break, not sure how long your shift is for, but it's awkward working in a kitchen with a raging thirst not knowing what you are allowed to have / use for a drink.

@BrozTito

Dont blow the place up and you will get it. Dont be fussed if they dont take you on, places do this for free labour all the time

That's what I was worried about.

@Pleasepuddinghot

Don't be taken advantage of, in terms of them asking you to do another trial shift, as I am presuming this is unpaid. I've known places doin these things out. I echo others though, clean hands and neat clean nails, hair tied back, can do attitude and try and be upbeat and positive in your attitude. Wear comfy shoes and take a bottle of water and snack maybe if you are given a break, not sure how long your shift is for, but it's awkward working in a kitchen with a raging thirst not knowing what you are allowed to have / use for a drink.

They've given me water and I can take a break when quiet. This shift is unpaid but I won't be doing another for free.

As long as you show up and are pleasant and do as they ask I don’t think you can do much more! If there is a quiet moment and it seems like there’s nothing to do make sure you find something to do/ask what to do.

Good luck, hope you get it!

The free labour thing does happen but i also got my favourite job in a Michelin starred place this way. Avoid bitchy workplaces at all costs. Good kitchen environment is everything

Good thing i learnt at that place-we laid down cardboard when it got wet and busy to stop accidents

Good luck OP, I've been a kitchen assistant and it's bloody hard work. Don't let anyone bully you!

Do exactly as the chef tells you. My husbands a chef and in order for him to have the kitchen run the way he needs it everyone has to do exactly as he asks and when he asks or it al goes to shit!

It was just dishwashing today, and they showed me how to make up the bread plates, with dips and olives etc, but I didn't need to do that today. They were exceptionally quiet tonight so let me go early, but asked if I'll go back tomorrow so he can see me work. He said he'll pay me because this is not normal. Tomorrow morning will involve prep.

Just standing up in one place was hard enough tonight 😂 and the hours are long for shit money but I'm excited to be doing something and getting out and about again.

They gave me the job. It's hard work but I'm looking at it like gym I get paid for 😂

One of my favourite jobs was kitchen assistant at a hotel when I was 17. Loved it. We had a right laugh. I'd do the same if I wasn't trying to advance my career in education. I've just worked 2 years in learning support in an FE college. Increasingly stressful with added pressure of Covid, online working etc. And that was for NMW. 😏 So, if you have a job you enjoy and you feel like you've achieved something at the end of your shift - priceless 🙂 Congratulations on your new job x

@ChunkySloth Just read this whole thread - it was uplifting! Brilliant news, well done on getting the job I hope you enjoy it and good luck!

Congratulations!!

Well done!

Well done OP!

I did this as a teen and one thing I’d say is moisturise the fuck out of your hands! Mine got so unbelievably dry and sore from the constant washing up (even with gloves, when they finally gave me some!)

I found it pretty tiring, on my feet for hours and hunched over sink etc, so make sure you get some decent rest and relaxation