The Village Inn owner narrows the field to three likely candidates for

QUESTION

The Village Inn owner narrows the field to three likely candidates for the head chef position and calls them in for a face-to-face interview.

Which of the following topics, if raised by the employer in an interview, is the least helpful in identifying the best applicant?
A) what they most dislike about preparing food in a family restaurant
B) how they would go about preparing two or more complicated dishes simultaneously
C) what kinds of group activities they were involved in during college
D) what seasonings they would use in a meatloaf and gravy special
E) how well they did in writing or public speaking courses

ANSWER

Answer: E
Explanation: E) In an entrepreneurial setting, it is best to focus quickly on factors that relate directly to the requirements of the job. So Choice E is correct: since the position does not require writing or public speaking, then the applicants’ responses to this topic are less helpful than ones more directly related to their suitability for the job. The other choices would elicit answers that relate to the factors that an entrepreneur should consider when hiring an employee. Choice A identifies important aspects of food preparation that the worker is (or is not) motivated to carry out, while Choice C allows the employer to gauge the applicant’s ability to work with other people. Choices B and D focus on specific work-related tasks and help determine if the applicant has the experience needed and the culinary approach needed to prepare common dishes that the restaurant’s patrons expect.