Full Service
Full Service in catering refers to a comprehensive approach where a catering company handles all aspects of food service for an event. This includes menu planning, food preparation, setup, serving, and cleanup. Unlike basic catering or drop-off services, full service providers take care of everything from start to finish, including providing staff like servers, bartenders, and event coordinators. This term often appears in resumes to show that someone has experience managing or working in complete event service operations rather than just food preparation or delivery.
Examples in Resumes
Managed Full Service catering operations for corporate events serving 50-500 guests
Led Full Service banquet team handling weddings and formal gatherings
Coordinated Full-Service catering staff of 15 for high-end social events
Typical job title: "Full Service Caterers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Full Service Caterers
Professional Associations
Online Resources
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you handle multiple large events occurring simultaneously?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience in resource allocation, staff scheduling, logistics planning, and having backup plans for various scenarios. Should mention specific examples of successfully managing multiple events.
Q: What systems do you have in place for quality control across all aspects of full service catering?
Expected Answer: Should discuss methods for maintaining food quality, service standards, staff training programs, and systems for gathering and implementing client feedback.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you train service staff to maintain high standards?
Expected Answer: Should explain training methods for proper service techniques, customer interaction, food safety, and handling special requests or difficult situations.
Q: What's your process for planning a full service event from start to finish?
Expected Answer: Should outline steps including initial client consultation, menu planning, staffing calculations, timeline creation, and day-of execution plans.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the key differences between full service and drop-off catering?
Expected Answer: Should explain that full service includes staff, equipment, setup, service, and cleanup, while drop-off only includes food delivery.
Q: What are the basic components of a full service catering event?
Expected Answer: Should list elements like staff roles, equipment needs, timing considerations, setup requirements, and service standards.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic event service procedures
- Food safety certifications
- Basic staff coordination
- Understanding timing and flow of service
Mid (2-5 years)
- Event planning and coordination
- Staff training and supervision
- Client communication
- Menu planning and execution
Senior (5+ years)
- Large-scale event management
- Budget planning and control
- Team leadership
- Strategic planning and business development
Red Flags to Watch For
- No food safety certification
- Limited experience with large groups
- Poor understanding of timing and logistics
- Lack of customer service experience
- No knowledge of proper service standards
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
From Passive to Active: Nurturing Candidates Over the Long Haul
Workforce Solutions Aggregators: The Next Big Thing You Didn't Know You Needed
How Internal Gig Marketplaces Revolutionize Employee Development
