Employment within private and public catering establishments can be very different so understanding the best ways to land the right chef role is important. We’ve put together the best recruitment tips to create a recipe for success.
In terms of private job roles, this refers to chefs that work closely to the clients. This could be a personal at-home chef that cooks for someone as well as shopping for ingredients.
Public chef jobs involve working in establishments open to the public like cafes, restaurants and schools. The chefs who work in these sectors are provided with the food and equipment to make certain recipes on the menu.
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Private Establishments
When considering a role in a private catering business, salaries can be extremely competitive. This is due to the employees usually having both experience in a catering establishment along with a relatively high qualification in this field.
When considering applying for these vacancies, research other competitors that offer similar roles to see what you’re up against and what this job could bring for you as opposed to public roles. This will help you to write your CV and present the exceptional information that employers will take a shine to. You can also prepare what to discuss in an interview based on other vacancies you’ve seen so you can excel above the entry requirements for the role.
Public Establishments
Job roles in public sectors are less competitive than those offering a higher pay and entry requirements and therefore could bring easier acceptance for the right candidate.
A key quality that employers will look for when working in a public sector is the ability to work under pressure in a kitchen environment. The best way to prove this to an employer is through previous experience along with a good reference.
Training & Courses
There are many catering courses available that can be taken both online and in a practical environment. Whilst these aren’t always compulsory for both private and public chef vacancies, this is always favourable to an employer.
Having catering qualifications not only shows your ability to prepare and cook meals but also shows you understand the important theory-based skills that are required. This can include food hygiene, safety and dietary requirements.
Proving you can provide exceptional food quality suited to individual customers along with the other necessary skills will undoubtably set you at the top of the ladder for recruitment.
Opportunities
Generally, there are more opportunities for public chef jobs due to the wide range of establishments that operate in this sector.
From school dinner staff to cafes and restaurants, there is a wide variety to help you find the correct role. Each of these types of vacancies will require slightly different personal qualities, such as school catering staff needing to be extremely friendly and have great communication skills due to their interaction with children.
Private vacancies will require exceptional customer service as customers generally pay more for their meals and overall experience. Many private establishments will look for quality cooking skills as well as an art for food presentation, so creativity is a key skill when considering this area of catering.
Overall, there are many skills required to be a chef and many establishments will favour certain personal qualities more than others. It is important to research chef roles in order to achieve what an employer is looking for.
If you’re looking for a chef vacancy and need help finding the best role for you, contact us at Personnel Solutions and we’ll help you land your dream role!
