Resources/Resume-Guide/Chef
Chef Resume Guidance
A chef’s CV is a document that highlights the qualifications and skills you have that fit the requirements of open positions for which you apply. Including a CV with your job application is important because it can give potential employers a better understanding of how you can be an asset to their organizations.
1. Header: Personal Information
- Full Name: At the top in a large, bold font.
- Contact Information: Phone number, email address, and professional LinkedIn profile (if available).
- Location: City and country (no need for full address).
- Portfolio or Website (if any): Link to any online profiles showcasing your dishes or professional achievements.
2. Professional Summary
A concise paragraph (3–4 lines) summarizing your expertise, culinary style, and career goals. Example:
“Passionate and innovative chef with over 7 years of experience in fine dining and high-volume kitchens. Specialized in Italian and French cuisine with a focus on farm-to-table ingredients. Dedicated to delivering exceptional dining experiences and leading dynamic kitchen teams.”
3. Key Skills
Bullet point your top skills relevant to the job:
- Expertise in specific cuisines (e.g., Mediterranean, Asian Fusion)
- Menu planning and recipe development
- Food cost management and budgeting
- Leadership and team training
- Inventory management
- Knowledge of food safety and hygiene (e.g., HACCP certified)
4. Work Experience
List your jobs in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Include:
- Job Title: e.g., Sous Chef, Executive Chef, Pastry Chef
- Company/Restaurant Name and Location
- Dates of Employment
- Key Achievements and Responsibilities: Use action verbs and quantify where possible:
- “Increased kitchen efficiency by 15% by implementing new prep systems.”
- “Designed a seasonal menu that boosted customer satisfaction scores by 20%.”
5. Education and Certifications
- Culinary school diploma or degree (include institution name and graduation year).
- Certifications (e.g., HACCP, ServSafe, Wine & Spirit Education Trust – WSET).
- Additional training (e.g., specialized pastry or molecular gastronomy courses).
6. Awards and Achievements (Optional)
Highlight notable achievements:
- Competitions won or participated in (e.g., “Winner of Iron Chef Local Edition 2023”).
- Industry recognition or Michelin stars associated with your work.
7. Additional Sections (Optional)
- Languages: Mention if you speak multiple languages relevant to your job.
- Volunteer Work: For example, cooking at community events.
- Hobbies: If they are food-related, like foraging or food blogging.
Tips for Crafting a Chef CV
Proofread thoroughly: Ensure there are no typos or errors.
Keep it concise: Aim for one to two pages.
Tailor your CV: Adjust your CV for each job application by focusing on relevant skills and experience.
Use a professional design: Choose a clean and simple layout to highlight your information.
Include a professional photo (optional): In some regions, it’s standard for chef CVs.
