We all have a bit more time on our hands at the moment during this enforced downtime, but that doesn’t mean you have to get lost scrolling through Netflix. You can be using this time to do some of the jobs that get pushed to the bottom of the list in day-to-day life, like your CV.
You may not enjoy working on your CV, but it will help you in the long-run and being able to spend a good few hours updating and improving it could be the difference in getting your dream job!
We have a few tips and tricks to get you started on your CV journey…
Update the Information
This is the first step and it’s also the easiest part. You’ve probably achieved a fair amount since you last updated your CV and you may have even changed roles or employers.
Look at all of the basic information to begin with, for example, your job history, contact information and skills should be easy to update.
Keeping your CV up to date will mean you’re ready to go if the perfect job pops up or whenever you need it.
Highlight Key Skills
As a chef, you’ll be constantly picking up on new skills but also honing your existing skillset. It’s important to highlight any areas where you really excel or the skills that you use on a daily basis in your current job.
Remember, you’re simply highlighting your skills here, not explaining each and every one of them. Use bullet points or a template to highlight the words or phrases for each skill.
You don’t just need to focus on your culinary skills, although this is an important part, think about environments you excel in, where you sit in a team and the tools you use on a daily basis to succeed.
Add Professional Social Media
Social media is a fantastic platform and can be useful in every industry, especially when it comes to sharing recipes and food ideas.
If you have social media channels that you use to share recipes, or cooking related content, make sure to include the handles on your CV. Instagram, in particular, will be a useful window for employers to see your technical skill and also presentation.
Chances are that employers will look you up on social media anyway, so make sure it’s your professional accounts they see.
Add Other Useful Information
Your CV should be a highlight reel of you and what you can bring to the table. It doesn’t have to be directly related to your cooking skills for it to be useful to potential employers, for example, speaking 3 different languages could make you invaluable in a kitchen with talent from around the world.
Similarly, listing some of your hobbies or volunteering can help to give future employers an insight into your personality and who you are as a person. Don’t go overboard with this section, although it’s a nice bonus, it shouldn’t replace your culinary and job-related skills.
If you’re part of any chef memberships or online groups, this could also be a nice addition to your CV.
If you’re looking for a new job in the culinary industry, contact our team for expert advice and guidance.
