Food Service Assistant - PRN
Posted Sep 17, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026
Likely interview questions for this role
Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.
Behavioral
Tell me about a time you worked in a fast-paced food service or kitchen environment. What was that like for you?
whether the candidate has any relevant exposure to pace and pressure similar to a hospital tray line
Tell me about a time a customer or patient was upset with their food or service. How did you handle it?
customer service composure and de-escalation skills
Describe a time you had to move quickly to finish a task before a deadline, like getting meals out on time.
ability to work under productivity standards without cutting corners
Tell me about a time you had to clean up a mess or reset a work area quickly so the next task could start.
work ethic and follow-through on sanitation duties without supervision
Tell me about a time you had to follow a recipe or set of instructions exactly, even when you thought you knew a better way.
reliability in following standardized recipes and diet guidelines instead of improvising
What does good customer service look like to you when you're serving someone in a hospital cafeteria versus delivering a tray to a patient's room?
understanding that patients and cafeteria customers need different tones of interaction
Technical
What steps would you take to make sure food stays at a safe temperature between the kitchen and a patient's room?
basic food safety knowledge and awareness of foodborne illness risk
How comfortable are you operating a cash register and balancing a drawer at the end of a shift?
basic math and accountability with money handling
Situational
Walk me through how you would check a patient's diet order against the tray before it goes out.
attention to detail and understanding that wrong food to the wrong patient can be a safety issue
If you were told to deliver a tray to a patient in an isolation room, what would you do differently?
willingness to follow infection control procedures without being asked twice
If you noticed a coworker not following proper handwashing or sanitation procedure, what would you do?
integrity and willingness to speak up about safety even with peers
This job involves a lot of standing, lifting up to 40 pounds, and repetitive bending and reaching. How do you feel about that kind of physical work over a full shift?
realistic understanding and acceptance of the physical demands
How would you handle a day where you're asked to help with cafeteria service, catering setup, and patient tray delivery all in the same shift?
flexibility and ability to shift between different tasks calmly
Are you available to work a rotating schedule that includes weekends and holidays, and various shifts as a PRN employee?
scheduling flexibility and honest commitment to the PRN nature of the role
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As published by Advocate Health.
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