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Cook - Part-Time

Mercyhealth · Lake Geneva, WI · $17.23–$24.98 an hour · Part time

Posted Oct 1, 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 had to cook to order during a rush. How did you keep up?

What they are checking: Whether they can stay fast and accurate in a busy kitchen.

This job may need overtime or work on first or second shift. How does that fit for you?

What they are checking: Whether they can be flexible with the schedule the kitchen needs.

What would you do

You notice food in the walk-in that is not labeled or dated. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they follow food storage rules and will throw out food they cannot verify.

A coworker is skipping temperature logs. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they care about food safety records and will speak up.

How do you make sure pureed or soft foods still look appetizing?

What they are checking: Whether they take pride in meals for patients who may already have poor appetites.

About the work

How do you cook for a menu when some patients need low sodium, pureed or diabetic meals?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that diet tickets are medical orders and follow them exactly.

Walk me through how you cool down a large batch of soup safely.

What they are checking: Whether they know quick chill steps and log them, since slow cooling is a main cause of foodborne illness.

How do you check that chicken or other meats are cooked enough?

What they are checking: Whether they use a thermometer and safe temperatures instead of guessing by look.

How do you use par levels to decide how much food to make?

What they are checking: Whether they plan quantities to cut waste while still having enough for patients and customers.

How do you scale a standardized recipe for a larger number of people?

What they are checking: Whether they can follow and adjust recipes so food stays consistent.

How do you keep your knife skills safe and efficient during prep?

What they are checking: Whether they work with knives safely and efficiently, as the posting lists.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Mercyhealth from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Mercyhealth.

OVERVIEW Prepares and cooks high-quality, appealing meals from scratch by following standardized recipes, menus, and dietary requirements while using a variety of cooking techniques. Ensures proper food temperatures, portioning, sanitation, and safety standards while maintaining a clean kitchen and providing excellent customer service. SCHEDULE : 20-hours per week ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Determines food items and prepares them for service • Is able to prepare food from scratch that is appetizing and appealing • Ability to execute culinary knife skills • Reads and follows standardized recipes • Cooks and/or prepares food in quantities according to menu, par level and number of persons to be served • Cooks to order • Observe and test foods to determine if they have been cooked sufficiently. • Dishes meals • Orders supplies • Maintains proper food temperature log sheets • Maintain proper cooking/quick chill log sheets • Portions and dishes food on plate according diet ticket. Weighs items when necessary • Performs dishwashing as necessary • Knowledge of various cooking procedures and methods (grilling, baking, boiling etc.) • Maintains a clean and sanitized work area, tables, counter, cabinets, ovens, and other kitchen equipment utilizing proper sanitation techniques • Adheres to department safety and sanitation regulations • Use protective barriers (gloves, apron, proper hair covering) • Excellent customer service skills needed • Works well on a team and on their own EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE • High school diploma or equivalent preferred. • One year of experience as a cook or two years of experience in food service department preferred. • Graduate of vocational school, or culinary program preferred. CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE State Food Safety Sanitation Certification per department requirements required within 90 days PAY RANGE: $17.23 - $24.98 Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including: • Medical, Dental, Vision • Life & Disability Insurance • FSA/HSA Options • Generous, accruing paid time off • Paid Parental and caregiver leave • Career advancement and educational opportunities • Tuition and certification reimbursement • Certification Reimbursement • Well-being Programs • Employee Discounts • On-Demand Pay • Financial Education • Annual recognition/awards events • Partner appreciation days • Family entertainment/attractions discount • Community service/improvement opportunities Click here for more details regarding Mercyhealth Careers Benefit Information. At Mercyhealth, we don’t simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including: • #1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50 • One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers • A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women

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