How to ace your CCAP interview - part two

Everybody's got a question for you

C-CAP Arizona’s final competition interviews give judges a chance to talk directly with students.  Judges can learn more about each student’s expectations for both their education and their career.

This means they will talk with you throughout the competition - and then ask you more during your interview.

But you need to prepare a few questions, too.

It’s all about matching the scholarship dollars with the students’ dreams, says C-CAP Arizona director Jill Smith.

“We need to know that the students have given serious thought about how they’ll reach their career goals,” she says.

So you’ve been sitting in your interview, answering questions and chatting for maybe half a year. 

You’ve met and talked with all these people before, and clearly, they haven't really read your application.  

And now they want to know if you have questions for them.  Fine.  When can I find out which scholarship I get?

Okay.  That is definitely NOT THE QUESTION you want to ask. 

So here are a few to get you started.

How would you assess the differences among the culinary programs at A, B, and X schools?

What can I expect during my first year of culinary studies?

What do you see as the most important qualities in a professional chef?

A degree or certificate is only one step toward becoming a professional.  What other things are important?

How important is travel to my culinary education?

What do you look for in your students?

Is there anything you would change about your career and why?

You’ve seen my work.  What three things could I do to improve my performance?

What do you see changing in the profession that I should consider as I start my studies?

Do you have any other questions for me?

(Feel free to use these questions throughout the competition and interview! You'd be surprised at what the judges might tell you.)