At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and serve delicious meals while ensuring food safety and hygiene standards.
- Company: Join the friendly team at YHA York, a vibrant hostel environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 10 free hostel nights yearly, staff discounts, and professional support.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for growth in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a difference in guests' experiences while developing your hospitality skills.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience is a plus; food safety knowledge is desirable.
The predicted salary is between 12.71 - 12.71 £ per hour.
As Catering Assistant you will dive into our busy kitchen, preparing meals for families, individuals, and groups, large and small. You will work between the kitchen, buffet service and front of house, communicating with the rest of our team and our guests to ensure a great experience for all. A keen eye for food safety, hygiene and presentation is key for success in this position.
Why work for YHA? Join our team and enjoy a range of exclusive staff benefits that support your well-being and career growth:
- 10 nights free hostel stays per year for you and up to 3 friends or family
- Access to YHA’s staff discount and cash back portal
- Free YHA Membership each year
- Access to support via our Employee Assistance Program
What will you be doing? While this role primarily focuses on the catering aspects of our hostel, you may also be called upon to assist in other hostel departments. We are a friendly team and will provide the training required for you to undertake the role. However, there is plenty for you to get stuck into from day one:
- Ensuring adherence to food hygiene standards in food storage, preparation, and delivery.
- Upholding health and safety regulations, ensuring timely and accurate completion of kitchen checks.
- Taking pride in the preparation, presentation, and service of high-quality food.
- Recording food wastage in accordance with our hostel's procedures, focusing on minimizing waste to maximize profit.
- Assisting in the preparation of food and serving food and drinks with genuine warmth, hospitality, and pride that will influence in more sales.
Skills and Experience required:
- Experience of working face to face with customers
- Experience of working in hospitality or customer service (desirable)
- Food Safety Level 2 Certificate (desirable) – otherwise will be required to complete within hostel
- Experience of working in a team – can help others to achieve a common goal
- Excellent timekeeping, with flexibility to cover different shifts – punctual, can work to deadlines
- Ability to manage varying pressures, including peaks in workload demands – can prioritise, able to deal with conflicting duties
- Basic IT skills (ideally Microsoft Office) – able to use Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel
- Knowledge and understanding of the core purpose of YHA – what YHA does and how we do it
- Demonstration of our HEART values – they’re part of everything we do, and we look for team members who bring them to life in their everyday work
All relevant checks are in place to ensure safeguarding and legal requirements of safer recruitment are adhered to. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Kitchen Team Member employer: Youth Hostels Association (England & Wales)
The Youth Hostels Association (England & Wales) is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusivity and adventure. As a Trustee, you will not only play a crucial role in shaping the future of the charity but also benefit from opportunities for personal growth and development while working alongside passionate individuals committed to making a difference in the lives of young people. Join us in a vibrant environment that values diverse perspectives and empowers you to contribute meaningfully to our mission.
Contact Details:
Youth Hostels Association (England & Wales) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Team Member
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Youth Hostels Association (England & Wales). It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Youth Hostels Association (England & Wales)
Don't be shy about reaching out to Youth Hostels Association (England & Wales) directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Team Member
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Youth Hostels Association (England & Wales) and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Youth Hostels Association (England & Wales)
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
