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Prep Cook/Server

Northwestern Mutual · Milwaukee, WI · Full time

Posted Oct 2, 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 your experience preparing food in a cafeteria, restaurant or catering setting.

What they are checking: Whether they have real kitchen experience and can handle volume prep for cafeteria and catering service.

When you're serving on the line, how do you keep things moving during a rush without being short with people?

What they are checking: Whether they can stay friendly and accurate with employees during busy cafeteria periods.

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

What they are checking: Whether they own mistakes honestly, which matters when food safety is involved.

What makes someone a good teammate in a busy kitchen?

What they are checking: Whether they help others and communicate clearly in a shared, fast-moving space.

What would you do

You notice a coworker handling ready-to-eat food without gloves after touching raw chicken. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they will speak up about cross-contamination even when it feels awkward.

A catering order for a big meeting comes in at the last minute while lunch prep is still underway. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they stay organized and calm when two services compete for the same time.

A guest asks if a dish contains nuts and you're not sure. What do you say?

What they are checking: Whether they will check instead of guessing, since allergy mistakes can seriously hurt someone.

About the work

How do you safely thaw frozen meat, and what methods would you never use?

What they are checking: Whether they know basic food safety rules that keep employees from getting sick.

Walk me through how you'd wash and prep produce for a large salad bar.

What they are checking: Whether they follow careful hygiene steps for ready-to-eat foods that won't be cooked.

How do you keep your station clean and sanitized throughout a shift?

What they are checking: Whether cleaning is a steady habit for them and not just something done at closing.

How do you label and rotate food in a walk-in cooler?

What they are checking: Whether they understand first-in, first-out and dating so old food doesn't get served.

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The full job description

As published by Northwestern Mutual.

At Northwestern Mutual, we believe relationships are built on trust. That our lives and our work matter. These beliefs launched our company over 160 years ago. Today, they're just a few of the reasons why people choose to build careers at Northwestern Mutual. We're strong and growing. In a company with such a long and storied history, this may be the most exciting and important time to be a part of Northwestern Mutual. We're strong, innovative and growing. We invest in our people. We provide opportunities for employees to grow themselves, their career and in turn, our business. We care. We make a positive difference in our communities. Nationally, thousands have benefitted from our support of research and programs to fight childhood cancer. Each year, our Foundation, employees and financial representatives donate time, talent and financial support to causes they're passionate about. What you will do: As a Prep Cook, you will work as part of a team preparing a variety of salads, hot vegetables, condiments, and related menu items, assisting with food prep needs for cafeteria and catering services. You will: observe the safest possible food handling practices by thoroughly washing all produce, properly thawing meats, sanitizing work surfaces, thorough hand washing, and adherence to all other hygiene requirements when handling ready-to-eat foods; support the menu management process, including assistance with ordering and inventory processes. You are an effective communicator, comfortable responding to customer questions or concerns in an expedient and appropriate manner. Flexibility is important in this role, as work location, tasks, and/or assignments vary routinely in response to changes in business need, customer demand, staffing changes, etc. At all times, quality, efficiency, and customer service are your highest priorities. How you will do it: • Responsible for preparing a variety of salads, condiments or other related menu items for cafeteria and catering services which will include, but not limited to, salads, condiments, fruit plates, vegetables plates, sliced meats and sandwiches, and preparation of raw ingredients used for cooking. • Reviews recipes, anticipates proper organization of work to assure efficiency and food safety, makes recommendations to adjust recipes as needed to improve product. • Translates weights, measures and volume as the need arises in execution of recipes to assure consistency based on volume and other variables. • Assists chefs in food preparation as needed, which may include some hot food preparation. • Weighs, measures, cuts, slices and safely uses variety of equipment. • Assures the safest possible food handling practices by thoroughly washing all produce, properly thawing meats, sanitizing work surfaces, thorough hand washing and adheres to all other requirements when handling ready-to-eat foods. Responsible for maintaining accurate and complete labeling and date marking of products to assure freshness. • Maintains time and temperature records to minimize exposure of food to unsafe temperatures and minimize the risk of bacteria growth. • Operates and cleans equipment following safety guidelines including use of PPE's. • Supports the menu management process that includes: following recipes, provides feedback for recipe improvements, follows the ordering process as defined, assures accurate portions, monitors adequate records including HACCP logs and usage reports, inventories food storage areas, and assesses leftovers. • Projects the ordering needs and quantities of all foods on the menu to provide timely preparation and efficient menu management for upcoming meals and events. • Coordinates product to be distributed for use at various points of service including other kitchen areas, salad bar, serving stations and catered events. • Routinely delivers on Restaurant Hospitality standards. • Communicates with customers and servers through routine greeting and providing information verbally regarding the menu, preparation methods and services. • Responds to any questions or concerns with the approach of immediate resolution of concerns or corrective action on matters that may be impacting the customer experience. • In compliance with Restaurant Division Professional Conduct Expectations and maintains professional communication with all. • May adjust work location tasks or assignments routinely throughout the day to adjust to changes in business need, customer demands, staffing changes or any other reasons that the incumbent may observe and take action for or directed by manager or team leader. • As part of everyday duties, assist with serving lunch. Bring your best! What this role needs: • High school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of three years of food production experience is required. • Proven knowledge of and regular compliance with safe food handling standards is required. • A proven knowledge of weights and measures and the ability to read, interpret, and translate recipes are required. • Requires a high degree of personal initiative and motivation, combined with a willingness to work as part of a team and the ability to maintain a high level of organization while working quickly and productively. • Must have the ability to perform the essential physical requirements of the job. Benefits: Great pay package, 401K, Company sponsored retirement plan, Medical, dental and vision insurance, Parental leave, Caregiver time off….and more. #LI-POST Candidates must successfully complete and pass any required testing. Compensation Range: Pay Range - Start: $15.06 Pay Range - End: $22.60 Geographic Specific Pay Structure: Structure 110: Structure 115: We believe in fairness and transparency. It’s why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you’re living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click here to learn more. Grow your career with a best-in-class company that puts our clients' interests at the center of all we do. Get started now! Northwestern Mutual is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes talented individuals of all backgrounds. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which each employee can contribute creative ideas, seek challenges, assume leadership and continue to focus on meeting and exceeding business and personal objectives.

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