Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Sanitation Standards • Cross-Contact • Portion Control

Product Specification

Term from Professional Cooking industry explained for recruiters

A Product Specification is a detailed document that describes exactly how a food item should be prepared, what ingredients to use, and how it should look and taste when finished. In professional kitchens, chefs use these documents to ensure that dishes are made the same way every time, no matter who's cooking. It's like a super-detailed recipe that includes not just ingredients and steps, but also information about portion sizes, plating instructions, and quality standards. You might also hear it called a "Recipe Specification," "Standard Recipe," or "Production Sheet."

Examples in Resumes

Created and maintained Product Specification sheets for 50+ menu items

Developed Product Specifications for new seasonal menu items

Trained staff on following Product Specification guidelines for consistency

Updated Recipe Specifications to meet new dietary guidelines

Typical job title: "Professional Chefs"

Also try searching for:

Chef Executive Chef Sous Chef Kitchen Manager Research and Development Chef Menu Development Specialist Corporate Chef

Where to Find Professional Chefs

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Online Communities

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you develop and implement product specifications across multiple kitchen locations?

Expected Answer: A senior chef should explain their process for creating standardized specifications, testing them across different locations, training staff, and maintaining quality control systems. They should mention cost considerations and how they handle regional ingredient variations.

Q: How do you ensure product specifications meet both quality standards and food cost targets?

Expected Answer: Should discuss balancing quality with cost efficiency, ingredient sourcing strategies, portion control, and how they analyze and adjust specifications to maintain profitability while meeting quality standards.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you train kitchen staff to follow product specifications consistently?

Expected Answer: Should explain their training methods, how they demonstrate proper techniques, implement quality checks, and ensure staff understands the importance of following specifications exactly.

Q: What information do you include in a product specification document?

Expected Answer: Should list key elements like ingredients, quantities, preparation methods, cooking times and temperatures, plating instructions, photos, and quality indicators.

Junior Level Questions

Q: Why are product specifications important in a professional kitchen?

Expected Answer: Should explain that specifications ensure consistency, help with inventory control, maintain quality standards, and make training easier.

Q: How do you read and follow a product specification sheet?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of following detailed instructions, measuring ingredients accurately, and maintaining consistent quality standards.