Newly graduated chefs looking for their first industry role still have a lot to learn about the culinary industry and what it’s like to work in the ‘real world’. As is the case with many aspiring chefs, graduates that have secured their first professional roles will not have years of experience behind them and so entering a professional environment can be intimidating and overwhelming.
All professional kitchens are different, whether that be with the style of cooking, the dishes being served or the personalities you will be working with so you will need to be aware of what is going on around you so that you can adapt yourself to suit the environment. Below are several tips to help you understand the general etiquette in a professional kitchen:
Don’t Be Late
You should always be on time for a shift, no matter what. It demonstrates to the rest of the restaurant staff that you are organised and determined and it means that you will always be on hand so that the kitchen can cope with any busy periods.
Follow Orders
If you’re a newly graduated chef, you are most likely going to secure a junior role at first. Ensure that you follow the orders of your superiors without complaints.
Also, if you finish your tasks early, be sure to ask for more. You seniors will both appreciate this and recognise your passion for the role.
Don’t Get Distracted
Having fun at work is not a crime but you should never let music or chatting distract you from the tasks at hand.
Injuries and Illness
If you have injured yourself, you must tend to it immediately. If it’s not serious, use the appropriate protective dressings and get back to work. If it’s more serious, you should follow the kitchen’s procedures.
For illness, you must always go to work unless you are contagious.
Kitchen Equipment
When going to use other chefs’ equipment, always ensure that you ask before you do, and wash it when you’ve finished.
Also, respect the dishwashers. Without them, you would not be able to do your job.
Be Happy!
Kitchens can be stressful places to work so try and keep your mood up whilst at work. Having a bad mood could bring down the whole kitchen and cause friction during service.
We are always posting new chef roles on our jobs page – take a look to see if there are any roles suitable for you available today.
