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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, known for quality and service.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals on workdays and flexible working hours with no late shifts.
- Why this job: Experience a vibrant work culture where you can thrive and make a difference every day.
- Qualifications: Passion for food, attention to detail, and a willingness to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Other info: Some roles may require pre-employment vetting; apply early as vacancies 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.
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.
Catering Assistant employer: John Lewis & Partners
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 conversations with hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience in catering or food service, even if it's informal. Sharing specific examples of how you've contributed to a team or improved customer experiences 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 casual conversations or during the interview, showing enthusiasm can make a lasting impression on the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss how you handle fast-paced environments and teamwork. Think of examples where you've successfully worked under pressure or collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, as this is crucial for the role.
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 kitchen or catering environment, make sure to emphasise this in your CV and cover letter. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to work in a fast-paced environment and your passion for food.
Showcase Customer Service Skills: Since the role involves providing excellent customer service, include examples of how you've successfully interacted with customers in past roles. Highlight your friendly attitude and ability to work as part of a team.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your CV and cover letter. Check for any spelling or 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 discuss your previous experiences in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you've contributed to a team's success and how you handle challenges together.
✨Highlight Attention to Detail
Given the importance of food preparation and hygiene standards, be ready to talk about how you ensure high standards in your work. Mention any specific practices you follow to maintain cleanliness and prevent food wastage.
✨Prepare for Customer Interaction Scenarios
As customer service is key in this role, think of examples where you've provided excellent service. Be ready to role-play potential scenarios during the interview, showcasing your friendly and welcoming attitude.
