Chefs are one of the most sought-after positions in the culinary world. Chefs are constantly in search of their next gig, and it’s not easy to find a position. What is important though is that you have a strong resume that will impress your prospective employer and give them no choice but to bring you on board. So here are some tips for optimizing your Chef Resume from a seasoned hospitality headhunter!
What to Include on Your Chef Resume
- Chef’s Name, Chef’s Address (Intro)
This is typically where you would put your Chef’s Name and Chef’s Address. However, this space should be used to provide a brief description of your culinary experience as well. Below is an example of an opening statement.
I am a Chef with ________ years of experience in the foodservice industry. My expertise includes menu engineering, multi-unit coordination, inventory management, purchasing skills, kitchen supervision, and staff training under high production demands.
- Latest Position Held
If you are still working at your last position, then place that information first on your resume before continuing onto more details about work history. This section serves as an introduction to your most recent employment history instead of providing specifics for each job held:
I am currently Chef __________ at _________.
- Chef’s Work History
This is where you would list your work history. What is important to note about this section is that it should always be in reverse chronological order with the most recent position listed first (i.e., Chef de Partie at Gordon Ramsay Group, London). Employees care about your employment history but are most interested in what job you have held most recently.
- Education
Depending on your resume format, you may or may not include your educational background in addition to Chef Certifications and Awards received during your time in culinary school. If you do include them, then list them under Education if they are traditional academic degrees obtained (Bachelor of Arts, Associate of Science) or under Chef Certifications for workshops and other Chef Training programs. It is usually best to list Chef Certifications first followed by Chef Apprenticeships, Culinary School and Chef Internships respectively. Every detail about how you went above and beyond in school will help you stand out. It shows potential employers that you are passionate about your work.
- Chef’s Accomplishments/Achievements
This section serves as the cherry on top of your Chef Resume! As its name suggests, this section is for some of your most notable accomplishments that are worth mentioning in further detail. You can include anything from Awards received throughout your career to any charitable contributions you may have made during your free time. This is one way for employers to determine if you are truly a well-rounded Chef or if they need to look elsewhere for their next hire. While these mentioned items should be limited, it does not hurt to mention something relevant. These types of things show employers that they are hiring a quality person. Someone who using their spare time to do productive things for society.
How to Format Your Chef Resume
When formatting your resume, be sure to use a professional-looking font and make sure the document is easy-to-read. You may also want to use a resume template so that your resume looks consistent and polished. Additionally, be sure to list your contact information at the top of the document so that potential employers can easily reach out to you.
Your resume should be no more than 2 pages long, including the Summary of Qualifications section. This is your opportunity to list your culinary accomplishments and why you are a good candidate for the Chef position. So, make sure to highlight all these skills with strong language that will demonstrate your passion for food and cooking.
How Can You Make Your Resume Stand Out?
One way to make your Chef resume stand out from the rest of the pack is by tailoring it to the specific position you are applying for. This means that you should take the time to research the company and find out what they are looking for in a Chef. Once you have this information, you can then adjust your resume to highlight these specific skills and experiences. For example, if a company is looking for a Chef with experience in pastry, then be sure to list all your previous pastry-related jobs and awards you have received.
Another way to make your resume stand out is to create a custom cover letter that will introduce yourself and speak directly to the employer. This cover should be tailored to each position you are applying for and should highlight why you are the best Chef for the position.
A resume is the perfect opportunity to highlight your culinary skills and experiences. It should be formatted professionally and include all your Chef Certifications, Awards, Work History, and Education. Additionally, you can make your Chef resume stand out by tailoring it to the specific position you are applying for and including a custom cover letter that speaks directly to the employer. If you are doing all these things, you are sure to have success in finding your next culinary position.