Head Chef Resume Samples and Job Description

Food is an art and the head chef is a kitchen artist and the leader of the staff preparing delicious dishes. This role implies being a cooking expert, but also a good organizer and having some experience as a manager. Following strict hygiene regulations to ensure food safety and freshness is next on the list and makes the difference between a professional and an amateur.

Those aiming to become head chefs should start as kitchen apprentices and pursue a culinary degree in the meantime. Excellence in this line of work belongs to those with a lot of experience, open to experiments and not afraid of trying innovative combinations. The role of head chef is earned starting from a cook position and takes years of perfecting techniques, polishing the expertise and becoming known for certain dishes or cuisines, much like an artist is known for his or her style.

When applying and interviewing for a head chef, one should highlight their interest in promoting a certain type of gastronomy, give examples of distinctions or awards they received for their work and give evidence of managerial skills.

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Tips for Head Chefs Resumes

Fine cuisine

To earn the head chef title you are required to have a flawless execution of dishes, following the highest standards and satisfying the most pretentious customers. A great chef is able to select the best ingredients, adapt seasoning and cooking time, include a personal twist in a general recipe and create stunning plating. Although not necessarily, they can be qualified as sommeliers and recommend a wine that enhances and compliments the dish.

Managerial Skills

A head chef is also the manager of the kitchen team. The duties include training new employees, explaining techniques, making them use equipments correctly and follow safety standards. The head chef is also the liaison between the kitchen and the financial department, since the menu proposals and the ingredients selection is supposed to be financially sustainable and generate revenue. They should meet with the purchasing responsible or place the orders themselves to ensure there is enough of each ingredient in the inventory.

Team leader and inspiration

The head chef is the conductor of the kitchen staff. The apprenticeship period has taught them to perform correctly each and every task, so that they can explain to people under their command what is expected and how each action should be performed for excellent results. The best head chefs are an inspiration to their staff, in the way they have risen to their status and are regarded as mentors and worth following. Communication is sometimes done through body language.

Head Chefs Resume Samples

The following resume samples and templates for head chef can help you get a better idea of what your resume can look like.

Head chefs are encouraged to show their interest in fulfilling customer requirements and delivering enchanting culinary experiences.

Additional Head Chefs Resume Tips

• Hygiene regulations – Working with food implies following strict storage, preparation and handling regulations to avoid spoiling, contagion and illness. It’s the head chef’s duty to ensure every kitchen worker follows these and there is no slacking, every mistake potentially harming the restaurant’s reputation.
• Networking and connections – The best chefs have a wide network of trusted vendors and ingredient providers. Although the norm is to buy from mass production units, some head chefs take the luxury of selecting small independent producers and have locally produced ingredients, always delivered fresh in season.

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