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- Tasks: Join our team as a Catering Assistant, serving customers and ensuring top-notch food presentation.
- Company: Be part of John Lewis, the UK's largest employee-owned business, dedicated to quality and service.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals on workdays, flexible hours, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Why this job: Experience a vibrant work culture where your passion for food and customer service shines.
- Qualifications: No specific experience needed, just a love for food and a keen eye for detail.
- Other info: Some roles may require pre-employment vetting; apply early as positions may close quickly.
Our Catering Assistants in our John Lewis shops work in either our customer restaurants or behind-the-scenes in our Partner (employee) dining rooms. Wherever you work, you'll offer the great customer service we're known for. It can be fast-paced but by taking great pride in your food preparation and presentation standards, you'll ensure the best possible catering experience. You'll also support with other catering related tasks, including stock replenishment and storage of deliveries. Our Catering Partners enjoy free food in our dining rooms on their working days and being based in our shops, there is no split shifts or late evening work.
Key Responsibilities
- Work as a team to ensure a smooth catering service.
- Provide positive customer and Partner interactions with a friendly and welcoming attitude, being an ambassador for the John Lewis brand at all times.
- Follow procedures and instructions using the 'Health and Safety at Work Act' and 'Food Safety Act' when completing all relevant tasks.
- Ensure stock is replenished and available for our customers.
- Reduce food wastage by ensuring care and due diligence when rotating food stock.
- Act promptly and use your initiative to resolve any issues that arise in the operation.
- Maintain personal hygiene standards.
Essential skills/experience you'll need
- Ability to be flexible to work across the whole Catering team and use your initiative to ensure the smooth running of the operation.
- Passion for food.
- Keen eye for detail and high standards in food preparation, hygiene and cleanliness.
Desirable skills/experience you may have
- Ability to work in a fast paced physically demanding environment.
- Team Work.
- Great customer service.
- Experience of working in a kitchen or a catering environment.
It's important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you'll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third-party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles. We also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early if we see a high number of applicants. We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.
Contact Detail:
John Lewis & Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the John Lewis brand and its values. Understanding their commitment to customer service and quality will help you align your responses during any interviews or discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience in catering or food service, even if it's informal. Sharing specific examples of how you've maintained high standards in food preparation or customer service can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your passion for food and customer service during any interactions. Whether it's through your enthusiasm in conversations or by asking insightful questions about the role, showing genuine interest can make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss how you handle fast-paced environments. Think of examples where you've successfully worked under pressure, as this is crucial for a Catering Assistant role. Your ability to stay calm and efficient will be key.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and essential skills required for the Catering Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have previous experience in a catering or kitchen environment, make sure to emphasise this in your CV and cover letter. Mention specific tasks you've performed that relate to food preparation, customer service, and teamwork.
Show Your Passion for Food: Express your enthusiasm for food and catering in your application. Share any personal experiences or interests related to food that demonstrate your passion and commitment to high standards in food preparation and hygiene.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your CV and cover letter. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are well-structured and easy to read.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis & Partners
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for food during the interview. Talk about your favourite dishes, any cooking experiences you have, or how you enjoy trying new cuisines. This will demonstrate that you align with the role's requirements and the company's values.
✨Emphasise Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working as part of a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous jobs. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and support your colleagues to ensure a smooth catering service.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
The job requires a keen eye for detail, especially in food preparation and hygiene. Be ready to discuss how you maintain high standards in your work and provide specific examples of how you've ensured cleanliness and safety in past roles.
✨Prepare for Fast-Paced Scenarios
Given that the catering environment can be fast-paced, think of situations where you've thrived under pressure. Share stories that showcase your ability to stay calm, act promptly, and use your initiative to resolve issues quickly.
