Your CV is often the first impression any employer will have of you – so it’s key to make it shine and help you stand out.
There are a few basic tips you can apply to your CV writing to ensure yours stays at the top of the pile and attracts potential employers’ attention.
One CV For Each Employer
It’s a well-known fact that it’s a good idea to tailor your CV and cover letter to each individual company or employer you reach out to, but as a chef, this is even more crucial.
Particular cuisines call for particular skills and experiences, as do different types of dining. Fine dining, for example, will require different skills and temperaments to gastro pub cooking.
It’s your chance to really sprinkle a flavour of yourself and what you do into your CV, all whilst making sure this is appropriate for each individual job.
Back Up Your Strengths
There is a huge difference between listing your strengths and showing proof of them. This is one place where your references can prove useful, as you’ll have further evidence to back your skills up.
However, the mantra ‘show don’t tell’ applies with your CV – show your skills off by demonstrating how you’ve been an integral part of the kitchen, or how your participation in an evening of impeccable service earned some great reviews, rather than just saying you know how to cook an egg!
Name Drop (When Appropriate)
With so many big names in the culinary and restaurant industry, chances are your employer will revere or know another famous chef.
Mention, when appropriate, any connections with these people – whether you’ve done a workshop, trained in their premises or worked with them directly.
The association with this highly revered chef will often stand you in good stead when it comes to finding a connection with a potential employer.
Formatting is Key
The most important elements of your CV should take pride of place at the top of the page – name and contact details should be saved for this area.
For the whole CV, make sure your font isn’t too big or small, and that your experience is separated into a different section to clearly distinguish your previous jobs from the rest of your CV.
Consider Professional Help
Sometimes, leaving it up to the professionals really is the best idea.
If you find your CV really isn’t helping when it comes to getting you a job, there may be a few tweaks to make that you might not have noticed yourself.
Meeting with a recruitment consultant can give you the opportunity to have any flaws on your CV pointed out by someone who really knows their stuff – they might also have some additional recruitment advice for you that can give you the edge over the competition.
To browse jobs, visit our job search, or for more recruitment tips, take a look at these blog posts.
