Call Times
Call times refers to the specific time when kitchen staff must report to work to begin their shift preparation. It's a crucial part of professional kitchen operations where chefs and cooks arrive before the actual service time to prepare ingredients, set up their stations, and ensure everything is ready for meal service. For example, if a restaurant opens for dinner at 5:00 PM, the call time might be 2:00 PM to allow adequate preparation time. This term is commonly seen in kitchen schedules and job postings, and understanding call times is essential for maintaining smooth kitchen operations.
Examples in Resumes
Consistently met Call Times and prep deadlines in high-volume restaurant environment
Managed kitchen staff Call Time scheduling for team of 15 cooks
Reorganized Call Times to improve kitchen efficiency and reduce labor costs
Typical job title: "Professional Cooks"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Professional Cooks
Professional Networks
Job Boards
Education Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you determine appropriate call times for different positions in the kitchen?
Expected Answer: A senior chef should explain how they consider prep work volume, menu complexity, staff experience levels, and service times to set appropriate call times that ensure smooth operations while managing labor costs.
Q: How do you handle call time adjustments during peak seasons or special events?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate ability to plan ahead for increased volume, adjust staffing levels, and modify call times based on historical data and event requirements while maintaining kitchen efficiency.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What do you do if you're running behind during prep time?
Expected Answer: Should explain prioritization of tasks, communication with team members and management, and strategies to catch up while maintaining quality standards.
Q: How do you organize your prep work to meet call time requirements?
Expected Answer: Should discuss creating prep lists, time management techniques, and coordinating with other staff to ensure all tasks are completed before service.
Junior Level Questions
Q: Why are call times important in a professional kitchen?
Expected Answer: Should understand that call times ensure proper preparation, maintain organization, and allow the kitchen to be ready for service on time.
Q: What do you do to ensure you're ready to work at your call time?
Expected Answer: Should mention arriving early, having proper uniform ready, checking schedule in advance, and being mentally prepared for their shift.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Understanding of basic call time requirements
- Ability to arrive on time and ready to work
- Basic prep work completion
- Following prep lists and schedules
Mid (2-5 years)
- Managing personal prep time efficiently
- Coordinating with team members
- Adjusting prep schedule as needed
- Training others on time management
Senior (5+ years)
- Setting appropriate call times for staff
- Managing kitchen scheduling
- Optimizing prep workflows
- Balancing labor costs with operational needs
Red Flags to Watch For
- Frequent tardiness or missing call times
- Poor understanding of prep time requirements
- Inability to manage time effectively
- Lack of respect for kitchen scheduling
Related Terms
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