Surviving the C-CAP post-competition interview

It's unbelievable.

They want you up at the crack of dawn, they want you dressed professionally, alert and functioning at maximum performance levels, and they want you to be both meticulous and demonstrably creative in your thinking.

THEN they want you to sit around and answer questions from a panel of people you barely recognize, let alone know well.

Welcome to a big part of the professional world - the interview.

But you're here in this blog and there are these incredibly valuable tips for your own interview, and because of this, you're gonna be great. 

Here's what you do.  It's numbered just so you know how simple this really can be.

1.  When you look good, you feel good. 

      Unless you have drawn luck card one on the interview list (and this is doubly    

      true if you finish your competition plates in good time), take some time after your work 

      to clean up.  See point two.

2.   Appearances matter. Bring an extra t-shirt or top, even a separate pair of jeans or slacks

      to change into.  Ladies, you can wear light make-up to this interview, so if you wash your

      face after cooking you can add a little lip gloss or mascara. Guys, make sure your face is   

      clean and hair is neat.

3.  Non-verbal speaks volumes - so no slouching or sullen pouts.  Stand and sit up straight, and

     hold your head high. You are a C-CAP finalist and that's a great thing.

4.  Smile - people will warm up immediately and you will even feel more enthusiastic. And   

     remember to make eye contact; it helps show your confidence in yourself.

5.  Handshakes send big messages, so you want to be sure yours is firm and assured.  Reach

     your hand out with the palm sideways and be careful not to grip too hard.

6.  Speak with enthusiasm and energy - but please don't shout! 

7.  Practice aloud a few answers to some questions you might anticipate.  These questions

     might include things like, "Do you have a back-up plan or school if one of your choices

     doesn't work out?" or "What makes you think you'd be a good chef?"  or "Where will you be

     five yearss from now?"

PS - if you haven't yet, make sure you go to the national C-CAP web site and learn to identify Susan Robbins and Richard Grausman.  You'll be happy you did.