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Cook - Food & Nutrition, Full-time, Days

Northwestern Medicine · McHenry, IL · Full time · Health Care Provider

Posted Oct 5, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you made a mistake in the kitchen and fixed it.

What they are checking: Whether they own mistakes and correct them quickly.

Tell me about a time you helped a coworker when the kitchen was busy.

What they are checking: Whether they act as a team player in a fast-paced kitchen.

What would you do

You're preparing cafe, patient and catering items at the same time. How do you stay organized?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage several menus and deadlines without mistakes.

How do you make sure food looks appealing to patients who may not feel like eating?

What they are checking: Whether they care about presentation, which helps patients eat and recover.

About the work

Walk me through how you follow a recipe to make sure every batch tastes and looks the same.

What they are checking: Whether they measure carefully and follow approved recipes, which the posting requires.

Patients have special diets. How do you make sure the food you prepare meets those needs?

What they are checking: Whether they understand dietary guidelines and why accuracy matters for patients.

How do you check that hot food stays at a safe temperature during service?

What they are checking: Whether they know safe holding temperatures and record them, as the posting describes.

How do you cook meat and poultry safely, and how do you know it's done?

What they are checking: Whether they use a thermometer and know safe internal temperatures.

How do you use a slicer or grinder safely?

What they are checking: Whether they know equipment safety, which the posting lists directly.

How do you prevent cross-contamination when handling raw meat and ready-to-eat foods?

What they are checking: Whether they follow food safety rules that protect patients and staff.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Northwestern Medicine.

The Cook II reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards. • Supports the Food and Nutrition Team by preparing food and meal items in a safe and sanitary manner. Responsibilities: • Measures, mixes, and prepares ingredients according to approved recipes. • Demonstrates understanding and proper use of kitchen equipment including, but not limited to: blenders, mixers, grinders, slicers, ovens, steamers, etc. • Demonstrates consistent use of knife skills (chopping, slicing, dicing, paring) • Prepares and presents café, patient, and catering menu items according to recipes and standards. • Prepares and presents sauces, soups, stews, casseroles, and desserts meeting established dietary guidelines. • Cooks meats, fish, and fowl safely in a variety of ways such as baking, roasting, broiling and steaming. Carves meats into individual servings according to recipe and/or diet order. • Monitors and records temperature of steam table and hot held items throughout service period. • Tests foods being cooked to ensure doneness. Adjusts heat controls as needed. Insures foods are prepared, held or served at proper temperatures. • Produces food that is flavorful and attractively presented. • Only changes ingredients or seasonings when directed by chef or culinary leader. • Maintains product levels and appearance of service stations. • Consults with manager regarding handling of any leftovers. • Observes infection control and HACCP practices at all times. • Proper completion of all daily temperature logs and daily production sheets. Assists supervisor with corrections as needed. • Maintains kitchen/station in a safe and organized manner. • Manages work schedule efficiently completing tasks at assigned times. • Monitors cooking equipment as needed. Communicates with a manager to initiate any repairs. • Other duties may be assigned by managers or supervisors due to operational needs. Required: • High School diploma or equivalent; or in lieu of high school diploma/GED, must have a minimum of 1 year relevant experience in any of the following: cooking, production, or food service. • Successful completion of Safe Food Handler certification within 1 year of hire. Preferred: • Previous healthcare cooking experience. • Completion of some culinary schooling • Basic knowledge of special diets. Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status. Background Check Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act. Artificial Intelligence Disclosure Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. Benefits We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Click on or copy and paste URL to your browser to view detailed benefits information NorthwesternMedicine Career Page https://jobs.nm.org/benefits Please refer to the Benefits Eligibility by Employment Classification to determine benefits eligibility for job postings. If sign-on bonus is included in a job posting eligibility is as followed: Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign-on bonus. Exception : New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position as a Registered Nurse at NM may be eligible.

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