Are you passionate about cooking and want to become a professional chef? Are you interested in making a career out of it? If so, then becoming a professional chef is the perfect job for you. It’s not an easy path, but with the right knowledge and dedication, you can become a successful professional in the kitchen.
There is always something new to learn, so no two days will ever be the same. Becoming a chef can be immensely rewarding; there is nothing better than watching someone enjoy the meal that you cooked up with your own two hands. From creating signature dishes to eventually mentoring those just starting out, there are so many roles within the culinary industry that could make each day interesting and enjoyable.
In this post, we share some top tips for chefs looking for their first role in this vibrant industry.
How to become a chef: Understand your skillset
Knowing your skillset is one of the most important steps in finding your first role as a professional chef. You need to have an understanding of what types of dishes you can cook well and how to prepare them properly. This will help you when applying for jobs and impress potential employers with your knowledge of cuisine. Additionally, taking classes or getting certifications on specific cuisines or techniques can help set yourself apart from other applicants.
Make sure you lay out this experience clearly in your CV and cover letter. This will make it easy for potential employers to understand your level of experience and correctly assess what role is right for you.
How to become a chef: Network with other chefs
Networking is essential when it comes to finding work in any industry, including the culinary world. Attending trade shows or joining online groups dedicated to food professionals are great ways to meet people in the field and stay up-to-date on trends and news within the industry.
As a junior candidate, you may also want to look out for any apprenticeship opportunities or junior kitchen team schemes that you can join. Whilst these may not give you the paycheck that you’re dreaming of, they’re a great way to meet people and learn from seasoned professionals.
How to become a chef: Research potential employers
Researching potential employers before applying is key if you want to land your dream job as a professional chef. Look into what type of cuisine they specialise in, what kind of menu they offer, and if they have any certifications or awards that they have won in the past. Doing this research ahead of time will give you an edge over other applicants by showing that you have taken an extra step in preparing yourself for success.
You should also be prepared to be flexible when it comes to role opportunities – whilst you might dream of becoming a chef de partie, you’ll need to start as a commis chef first. Any role you are offered within a professional kitchen should be carefully considered – some of the world’s most renowned chefs started out as dishwashers. Getting a foot in the door at a good restaurant is a great starting point, even if it’s not the role you’re ultimately hoping for.
In Summary
Becoming a professional chef takes dedication and hard work but can be incredibly rewarding. Do some research on potential employers, understand your skillset, and don’t forget to network – all these things will help make sure that your culinary dreams come true.