Nando's interview Flashcards
Tell me about yourself and why you want to work for Nando’s?
I’m Jack, and I have experience working in support work, customer service and a bit of IT and admin. In my role as a support worker for adults with disabilities I gained skills in empathy, teamwork, and working well under pressure—which I feel would be essential for a kitchen environment. I want to work at Nando’s because I appreciate the culture here: it’s looks like a fun, fast-paced place to work, and focused on teamwork, which I feel like I’d thrive in. I also love that one of your values is having a family culture, as in my role in L’Arche, family culture was also something they value and I feel like I get the most of out of a career in the kind of environment.
How do you handle working under pressure, especially during busy shifts?
In my previous roles, such as IT analyst and support worker, I frequently faced high-pressure situations. For instance, when handling multiple support tickets or when assisting clients with urgent needs, I learned to stay organised, keep my focus on priorities, and communicate effectively. Similarly, in a kitchen during my time as a support worker, i would regularly be cooking for 10 people by myself whilst administering medication and other duties at the same time, so take delegation was really effective.
What experience do you have in food preparation or working in a kitchen?
My time as a support worker involved meal planning and preparing food for the individuals I cared for, adhering to dietary requirements and ensuring everything was safe and hygienic. This experience has given me a foundation in food safety and working efficiently under time constraints.
How do you ensure good hygiene practices in a kitchen environment?
This meant washing my hands frequently, sanitising surfaces, and ensuring that ingredients were stored correctly. I would take these practices into a Nando’s kitchen by following all safety protocols, wearing the correct protective gear, and always being mindful of cross-contamination risks.
Describe a time when you worked in a team to achieve a common goal.
During my time as a support worker, especially during the COVID pandemic, ensuring a clean and safe home environment became a crucial team effort. We were all committed to protecting the vulnerable individuals we cared for from the virus, which meant strict hygiene practices were essential.
Our team developed a cleaning rota to make sure that all areas of the home were sanitised regularly. We all had specific tasks—like disinfecting high-touch surfaces, maintaining personal protective equipment, and ensuring communal areas were clean. We communicated constantly to ensure nothing was missed and supported each other if someone was struggling to complete their tasks due to fatigue or the increased workload.
This experience showed me how, during a challenging time, we could come together as a team to achieve a common goal—keeping everyone in our care as safe as possible. It was about being adaptable, showing empathy for one another, and working cohesively to maintain a high standard of care and cleanliness.
How would you handle a situation where you are falling behind in your tasks during a busy service?
If I found myself falling behind, I’d quickly assess what could be prioritised or simplified without compromising quality. I would also communicate openly with my team, letting them know where I need support. From my experience in customer service and IT, I know the value of asking for help early to avoid creating bigger problems later. In a kitchen, being proactive and supporting each other helps everyone stay on track.
How do you stay motivated during repetitive tasks, such as food prep?
I stay motivated by focusing on the bigger picture. In every role I’ve held, I found that repetitive tasks are often part of the process that leads to great results. In my support worker role, repetition was key in maintaining a routine for the people I supported, and I saw how that positively impacted their well-being. In food prep, I’d remind myself that every task, no matter how small, is essential for delivering the high standard that customers expect at Nando’s. I also enjoy seeing the outcome—well-prepared food that people enjoy.
What skills do you bring to this role that make you an ideal candidate?
My experience in customer service, IT support, and as a support worker has helped me develop a broad range of skills that are highly relevant to this role. I really appreciate honest communication, which I feel is important in a fast-paced kitchen. I am detail-oriented and always ensure my work is done to a high standard, whether it’s solving a technical issue or preparing a meal for someone with specific dietary needs. I’m also a team player—working effectively with others is something I’ve always enjoyed, and it’s crucial in a busy kitchen environment like Nando’s.
