Succeeding in your interview for admission to a hospitality and culinary school
Published on 11 March 2026
Faire défiler la pageEnrolling in a first-year bachelor’s degree programme at a hospitality, culinary arts or pastry school is often the first step towards a successful career. Before that, however, there is an important hurdle to overcome: the admission interview and entrance exams.
In higher education institutions, particularly at Institut Lyfe, this discussion allows us to look beyond your academic record. It helps us to better understand your motivation, personality and career plans. More than just an interview, it is an opportunity to talk with the jury and determine whether the bachelor’s degree programme you have applied for is right for you. To help you approach this stage with confidence, here are five key tips for succeeding in your admission interview at the Institut Lyfe after your A-levels or after your first degree.
Smile and be in good spirits
An admission interview is above all a personal encounter with the jury, and your attitude is just as important as your answers. Arriving with a smile, showing enthusiasm and adopting a positive attitude will help to create a pleasant atmosphere from the outset.
In the hospitality, restaurant and tourism sectors, a welcoming manner and positive energy are essential. Your attitude during the interview is therefore the first way to demonstrate that you have the right mindset for these professions.
Take care of your appearance
In the hospitality and tourism industries, image and professional demeanour are important. You don’t need to dress very formally, but you should look neat and appropriate for a professional environment: on campus, uniforms are mandatory until the third year.
Simple but elegant attire is often the best choice. Also consider your body language: stand up straight, avoid crossing your arms or looking at your phone, look at the camera, and don’t be distracted by your surroundings. These details show your respect for the professional setting and the seriousness of your application.
Prepare yourself for the essential questions
As with any motivational interview, certain questions come up regularly during the admissions process for hospitality or culinary arts schools:
- Why do you want to join Institut Lyfe?
- Why did you choose this field?
- What are your career plans?
- How did you find out about Institut Lyfe?
- Did you visit us during an Open Day or at a student fair?
There is no need to learn the answers by heart, but taking the time to think about these questions beforehand will help you structure your answers and gain confidence.
Tell us about yourself and your passions
The admission interview is not limited to your academic background: it is also an opportunity to get to know you better as a person. For example, you can talk about your passions, whether they be cooking, baking, travelling, sports or art. An experience that has had a significant impact on you and that will support your application, an internship, a student job or even a personal project can also be good starting points to illustrate your background and motivations.
These elements will help the selection jury to better understand your application, what really drives you and what attracts you to the hospitality, culinary arts or pastry sector. At Institut Lyfe, we value students who are curious, open-minded and committed to their projects.
Be authentic
Finally, the most important tip: be yourself. There is no such thing as a perfect profile or ideal answer.
We are not looking for a standardised profile, but for sincere and passionate students. Be true to yourself, express your desires and your vision for the future without trying to give the expected answers. Authenticity makes all the difference in a motivational interview.
By following these tips, you will give yourself the best chance of success in your interview at Institut Lyfe. The motivational interview is a crucial step: talk about your skills, discuss your experiences, show your personality and your interest in these exciting professions. By preparing in advance, remaining natural and sharing your enthusiasm, you will put all the odds in your favour.