StandOut CV

Chef CV example

Andrew Fennell photo

If you’re looking to land a top chef job, a strong CV is the key to standing out from the competition and securing interviews.

A well structured CV which highlights your in-demand culinary skills and knowledge, will get you noticed by employers and ensure you land interviews with the best restaurants.

This guide has been created to walk you through the process of creating a CV that will get you noticed by recruiters and help you land your dream chef job.

Guide contents

  • Structuring and formatting your CV
  • Writing your CV profile
  • Detailing work experience
  • Your education
  • Vital skills for a chef CV

CV templates 

Chef CV-1

The CV example above showcases the experience, skills and qualifications you should incorporate in your CV , demonstrating how to structure the information to hold recruiters’ attention.

As this guide continues, I’ll take you through how to produce each section, allowing you to build your own stand out chef CV.

Chef CV structure & format

The structure and format of your CV is an area you need to pay close attention to.

Ensure easy navigation, enabling the reader to naturally work through your experience, displaying your suitability for the role with minimum friction.

The infographic below documents exactly how you should format your CV and what sections to include to engage recruiters and prove your suitability quickly.

CV structure

Formatting Tips

  • Use bold headers to accentuate sections and bullet points to highlight key information. Avoid large blocks of text that can become tedious to read
  • Keep your CV clear and concise, images can distract attention away from critical information, so leave them out
  • Pick a clear font that is easy to read and stick to a muted colour pallet, engaging recruiters without overwhelming them
  • An ideal CV length is 2 sides of A4, enough to document your pertinent experience without boring the reader

CV builder

Structuring your CV

Breaking your CV into clearly defined sections will facilitate ease of reading and make it easy for employers to find information they are looking for.

Stick to the basic   structure  outlined here for best results:

  • Contact details – Keep your contact details to the top of the page
  • Profile – Summarise your relevant skills , experience and qualifications in an introductory paragraph, highlighting exactly why you’re the perfect candidate at the beginning of your CV
  • Work experience / Career history – Working in chronological order listing your previous employments
  • Education – Document any qualifications completed, emphasising applicable chef courses
  • Interest and hobbies – Unlike other sections this is optional and should only be used if your hobbies/interests add value to your CV

This guide will explain each section in more depth and what you need to include to impress.

CV Contact Details

The top of your CV should be reserved for the most important information which includes your contact details.

Contact details

When producing your contact details section stick to what is significant:

  • Telephone number (ideally a mobile number)
  • Email address (keep this professional )
  • Location (a full address isn’t required, the city you reside is sufficient)

Be concise, avoid adding unnecessary information such as a profile pictures, marital status or your date of birth – these details aren’t needed at this stage of an application.

Quick tip:  It’s a mistake to add references to your CV – employers should not ask for them until they have made you a conditional offer .

Chef CV Profile

Your CV profile (or personal statement  for students ) is a short paragraph that summarises your skills, experience and qualifications –  which at first glance, engages recruiters and entice them to delve deeper into the CV.

CV profile

Sell yourself in the first 5-10 lines of your CV, detailing exactly what makes you the right candidate for the position.

These tips will aid you in producing a CV profile that stands out from the crowd:

  • Prior to putting together your CV profile; research job adverts in the sector, pinpointing key requirements and adding these requirements to your profile.
  • Your profile is a quick snapshot of your experience so keep it concise, the work experience of your CV is where you can elaborate.

Quick tip:  If you worry that your spelling and grammar might not be correct, try using our quick-and-easy CV Builder  to eliminate the risk of making mistakes.

What to include in your CV profile?

  • Companies or sectors you’ve worked within – Whether you have worked in commercial kitchens for large chain restaurants , independent eateries or catering organisations.
  • Level of your experience – Are you a sous chef, head chef or are you looking to enter the industry? Consider adding details about mentors you have worked under whilst gaining experience.
  • Chef Qualifications – NVQ’s in Food Preparation, Advanced pastry courses or any Diplomas in the culinary arts.
  • Cuisines – Are you an expert in Italian or Indian cuisine? Or have your worked predominantly in gastro-pubs?

Core skills section

Directly underneath your CV profile, add a section for your core skills to provide a snapshot of your in-demand attributes that jump off the page.

CV core skills

This section should be made up of two to three columns of bullet points where you display your most noteworthy skills and strengths.

This is where your prior research of the industry will come in useful, but if you’re struggling with skills to add we have put together a list of essential chef skills later in this guide.

Quick tip: Don’t forget to introduce yourself with a tailored cover letter on every application you make, to ensure your CV gets opened.

Work experience/Career history

Begin with your most recent or current position, then work backwards through your experience.

Consider adding any voluntary experience if your work experience is limited.

Work experience

Add more depth to your most recent roles, shorten the role descriptions as you work backwards, because most employers will be interested in your recent work.

Structuring your roles

Role descriptions need to be broken down into clear sections ensuring key information isn’t lost, featuring crucial aspects applicable to the sector.

Use this structure for your recent roles:

Role descriptions

Make your previous jobs easy to understand, by using the below three sections when completing your role descriptions.

A brief summary of the role, company or department you previously worked within giving context to recruiters.

As Sous Chef, I was responsible for the overall kitchen operation for a 250 seater restaurant, as well as managing the companies catering facilitates.

Key responsibilities

A bullet pointed section that shows the key responsibilities you had within each of your roles.

  • Planned and designed menus for the restaurant, keeping the menu in line with market trends
  • Conducted daily food ordering, maintaining stock whilst looking to minimising waste

Key achievements

Display the impact and value you added to previous employers by adding any accomplishments. Consider adding facts and figures to validate your achievements .

  • Improved the restaurants food hygiene rating from 4 to 5 stars in 2018

In your education section make any chef qualifications a focal point.

Adding qualifications such as degrees in the culinary arts, professional chef diploma courses or NVQ’s in Food Preparation or Food Services.

Add a short description of any additional qualifications you’ve obtained whether GCSE’s, A Levels or vocational courses.

Chef cover letter

Interests and Hobbies

This is an optional section of your CV and should only be added if your hobbies or interests will add value, supporting in the decision making process.

Consider hobbies that exhibit skills that are required for roles as a Chef.

For example, include interests that validate your ability to organise, lead or remain calm under pressure.

Essential skills for your Chef CV

All Chef positions will require a slightly different skill set but all roles in this sector will require the fundamentals:

  • Culinary Expertise – having the skill to recognise flavours and the ability to judge the balance of seasonings and creating menus
  • Budgeting – being able to manage the cost of resources and products whilst maintaining quality
  • Health and Safety – being aware of all food and hygiene regulations
  • Kitchen Management – demonstrating your ability to lead and run the kitchen ensuring all orders go out on time, coordinating with waiters .
  • Knife Control – recognising the art of knife skills and which techniques work best
  • Nutrition – with such an emphasis currently on health, an understanding of nutritional value is essential for any chef role

Writing your Chef CV

When putting together your chef CV, remember that the structure and format of your CV is as vital as the content within it.

Create a CV that is not only visually pleasing but highlights your marketable skills, enticing recruiters to find out more about your experience.

Your CV acts as a first impression and if you follow the above guide and sample CV you’ll be able to produce a CV that will land you an interview, getting you one step closer to landing your next chef role.

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How to Write a Chef CV or Resume (With Chef CV Example)

Posted by Phillip Jewell on Nov 05, 2019

A helpful, illustrated guide to writing the perfect chef CV/resume, with a powerful chef CV template.

Do you need help writing a CV or resume for chef jobs? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re seeking your first job as a cook or you’re pursuing head chef positions, this guide will tell you everything you need to know to prepare an effective CV or resume that generates job interviews.

With such strong competition for chef positions, it’s vital that you are equipped with a professional CV or resume that effectively articulates your expertise.

According to the United States Department of Labor, there were 139,000 chef and cook jobs in the United States alone as of 2018. This is projected to increase by 15,400 by 2028.

Nevertheless, restaurants and organisations who employ chefs are always on the lookout for the best talent. If your CV or resume isn’t making a powerful impact on hiring managers, you’re going to struggle to secure the roles you want.

This CV and resume writing guide is designed to help chefs in all roles.

This includes head chefs, sous chefs, pastry chefs, banquet chefs, commis chefs, chef de cuisines, executive chefs, kitchen chefs, chef de parties, saute chefs, second chefs and group chefs.

This guide also includes a chef resume example to help you format your own resume.

In this guide, we’ll cover all aspects of the CV writing process. This extends to:

- What to include in your resume for roles as a chef

- The key skills for chef CVs and which ones you need to draw attention to in your CV or resume

- How to format your CV or resume for roles as a cook or chef

- The most effective CV or resume design/layout for chefs and cooks to use

- How to convince hiring managers that you’re the best chef for the job

- Guidance on writing a heavy-hitting summary/personal statement for chefs

- A chef CV/resume sample

Chef CV Example

Chef CV Example

This guide to writing a good chef resume or cook resume consists of 5 steps. Let’s start with step 1.

Introduce yourself

All good resumes contain a powerful introduction. These introductions are usually called personal statements, summaries or professional profiles. To avoid confusion, we will refer to them as personal statements.

The aim of a personal statement or summary in your CV or resume is to convince hiring managers that you’re the best chef for the job. It’s your chance to stand out from the competition.

The best way to think of your personal statement is as a pitch to the key decision-makers of the companies you want to work for. If you were given 30 seconds to articulate why you’re the best chef to work in your dream restaurant, what points would you convey?

Your answer to this question is what you should be articulating in your personal statement.

Identify your key selling points and bring them across in your personal statement. Key selling points for chefs and cooks might include years of experience, experience working in prestigious restaurants and culinary expertise.

Keep your personal statement under 100 words in length. Anything over 100 words will be too wordy and the hiring manager or recruiter may not even read it. Be concise. Use short, crisp sentences.

Your personal statement should also mention the cuisine you specialise in. If you’re writing a CV for jobs as a pizza chef, make sure to highlight your Italian cooking expertise. If you’re a pastry chef, write about the types of pastry you have specialised in.

The best personal statements are tailored to individual positions.

To make your personal statement for impactful, tailor it to the position you are applying for. This will ensure it has the best chance of impressing. It will also ensure the hiring manager doesn’t suspect that you’re applying for jobs as a chef en masse.

How do you tailor your personal statement to individual positions?

To tailor your personal statement to the role you are applying for, study the job description and person specification. Find out what the company is looking for in candidates and ensure this comes across in your CV or resume.

Every time you apply for a new job, write a new personal statement in line with the requirements outlined in the job description and person specification.

Additionally, research the restaurants and companies that you are applying to. Learn about their cultures and values. This will help you to write a strong personal statement that is optimised for applications to each company you apply to.

What does a chef’s personal statement look like?

Here is an example of a sous chef’s personal statement:

Creative, enthusiastic Sous Chef, with over 12 years’ experience managing kitchen operations within five-star hotels while liaising with Senior Management to develop strategies. Benefits from a breadth of international exposure, having acquired academic and professional experience in Italy, Spain and the UK.

Passionate about the culinary arts and the creation of novel recipes, such as a new Italian chicken recipe, which became the most popular menu item and generated a 4% increase in revenue. Instrumental in driving improvements in productivity by overhauling processes and implementing positive kitchen cultures.

Why is this sous chef’s personal statement effective?

This personal statement works very well because it makes the sous chef stand out from the crowd. This is achieved by drawing attention to her accomplishments and experiences.

For example, the first sentence states that she is experienced at managing kitchen operations within five-star hotels. This shows that she has significant expertise in high-end establishments.

This is the sous chef’s biggest selling point and it is highlighted in the first sentence .

In this example, the sous chef also touches on her innovative approach to cooking.

B y focusing on her record of creating her own recipes, which have been highly popular with guests, she shows that she is able to improve customer satisfaction and revenue.

Of course, you don’t have to possess these experiences and skills to be a good chef. This is just an example that shows what this sous chef used in her resume to demonstrate her proficiency.

When writing your own personal statement, identify what makes you a great chef. Then bring this across and sell yourself to the reader.

Should you include an objective alongside your personal statement?

We don’t recommend including an objective in your CV or resume. Objectives are redundant on CVs and resumes because it is usually obvious what your objective is.

For example, if you’ve written a CV that is tailored to chef positions and the content demonstrates your expertise as a chef, it is completely obvious what your objective is.

After reading the example personal statement above, does the chef need an objective? Or is it obvious what the sous chef’s objective is?

Of course, there may be times when you may want to convey your objectives within your role as a chef. For example, you may want to state that you’re pursuing a move away from savoury cooking and secure roles as a pastry chef.

However, we don’t recommend discussing these issues in your CV or resume. Use your cover letter to explain your desire for a change. Your CV can highlight your transferable skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for career changes, but don’t make any explanations.

To see how a personal statement should be presented on your resume, take a look at our chef resume examples in this guide.

Articulate your culinary skills and areas of expertise

The next step is to include a key skills section. This is the section where you have the chance to highlight a number of your culinary skills and the cuisines you specialise in.

The key skills section works best when it is concise. Don’t feel the need to include an exhaustive list of your skills. Focus on your key areas of expertise. This what hiring managers and recruiters are looking for.

personal statement cv examples chef

Here is how the key skills section was presented in our sous chef resume example:

Chef CV key skills section

Notice how only nine skills/areas of expertise have been mentioned in this example key skills section. By including only a small number of skills, the chef has ensured the reader’s focus is entirely on those skills.

If the chef had included a long list of skills, it would take hiring managers longer to skim through the,, resulting in the key information being difficult to locate.

The key skills and areas of expertise section should also show the reader which cuisines you specialise in. If you have wide-ranging experience as a chef, don’t hesitate to touch on several of your culinary specialisms.

Cooking techniques

If you have mastered any cooking techniques that play a key role in effectively performing your job, list these in your key skills section.

As previously mentioned, don’t include a comprehensive list of every cooking technique you are familiar with. Additionally, don’t include cooking techniques that are fully expected of chefs. These would be redundant and may make you appear as an unprofessional candidate.

For example, do hiring managers need to know about your filleting techniques?

As a chef, it is expected that you should understand how to fillet a fish. But if you’re an expert in escagraph – writing on food – then you could showcase this in your skills section, as it isn’t a standard aspect of chefs’ skill sets.

Which skills don’t you need to include in your CV or resume?

Depending on your career level, the skills you include will vary significantly. If you’re an executive chef, you should highlight your managerial and leadership qualities.

If you’re a commis chef, you should highlight skills you have acquired during your training.

Chefs at senior level don’t need to include skills they obtained at junior level. As a senior chef, it’s completely obvious that you’ve mastered the basics of cooking. So focus on skills that are essential for you to perform your role as a senior chef.

Don’t forget to focus on the business side of cooking

If you’re a senior chef – operating in roles such as executive chef, head chef or sous chef – don’t neglect skilled related to the business side of cooking.

While great chefs possess excellent culinary skills, they’re also adept at managing the business aspects of the role. The ultimate goal of restaurants and hotels is to make a profit. Chefs play a big role in achieving this.

As such, good chefs have business skills. These include P&L management, budget management, forecasting, cost control, supplier management, inventory management and product selection.

Should you describe your skills in your skills section?

Some people prefer to describe their skills in their CV or resume. Those who choose to do this usually provide two or three sentences per skill.

The advantages to this are that you can go into more detail and provide examples of times you have utilised the skills.

However, we don’t usually recommend describing your skills in this section of your CV. This is because you will have the opportunity to provide examples of times you have utilised your skills in the career summary section of your CV.

In the career summary, you will be able to tie your skills, achievements and duties together.

The key skills section is simply in place to show hiring managers and recruiters what you can do . This provides them with the key information they need to know. Later in your CV, you can actually demonstrate these skills.

What are the most important skills for chefs?

Kitchen management, leadership, team leading, business acumen, budget management, health & safety, menu design, cooking techniques, regulatory compliance.

Soft skills for chefs

A number of soft skills are as important as hard skills for chefs. Some culinary professionals would argue that the key soft skills that great chefs possess are more important than their hard skills.

When it comes to conveying your soft skills in your CV or resume, we recommend drawing attention to them in the career summary , rather than a dedicated skills section. As the skills in your key skills section aren’t backed up with examples, soft skills hold less weight here.

The reason for this is that many candidates include the same soft skills on their CV or resume. As such, the soft skills become generic. Without backing them up or showing that you possess the skills, they don’t make much of an impact.

For example, hiring managers and recruiters will see the skill ‘organisation’ on hundreds of CVs and resumes every week.

But they won’t see many CVs and resumes that actually show times the candidate has utilised their organisation skills.

This is why it is always more beneficial to show, rather than tell . Unless you're backing up your soft skills with tangible evidence and examples, they won’t add much value to your CV or resume.

So use your career summary - or what some people refer to as a work experience section - to convey your soft skills.

What are the most important soft skills should chefs and cooks show on their CV or resume?

The best soft skills for chefs depend largely on the chef's level of seniority. Senior chefs require excellent decision-making skills. Junior chefs need great active listening skills.

Here, we detail what we believe are the most important soft skills for chefs. We also explain how to demonstrate these skills in your CV or resume.

1. Leadership

For chefs in senior roles – including head chefs, executive chefs, group chefs and sous chefs – leadership is one of the most important skills. Without great leadership, kitchens won’t operate efficiently. Deadlines will be missed, customers will be unhappy and profits will slump.

Kitchens without strong leadership are like a restaurant’s daily special without the key ingredient.

As such, chef CVs and resumes for those at senior level should articulate the candidate’s leadership qualities.

Note that leadership is not one of the most important skills for junior chefs, such as commis chefs and trainee chefs. Of course, if you’re a junior chef with great leadership qualities, it certainly won’t harm your CV or resume if you showcase these skills.

How do you demonstrate your leadership skills on your CV or resume?

The most effective way to show that you’re an effective leader in the kitchen is to show results you have delivered . The best leaders are the ones who deliver, so if you can show that you’ve added value as a chef, your leadership skills will shine in your CV or resume.

Here is an example:

Reduced waiting times for dinner meals from 18 minutes to 14 minutes by establishing clearly defined tasks for chefs and asking kitchen porters to conduct food preparation.

In the example above, the chef shows that she was able to improve performance by organising staff members and altering processes. By showing this achievement, her leadership skills are clearly evident.

Follow the same format in your CV or resume to highlight your leadership qualities. Show your results and your leadership qualities will make a strong impact on hiring managers.

2. An ability to excel under pressure

Most chefs operate in very fast-paced kitchens, where food must be prepared in a timely manner. They need to juggle a multitude of tasks and complete them all within time parameters.

Skills that tie in with excelling under pressure include physical and mental stamina. Managing hundreds of tasks at the same time can be exhausting.

Chefs need the physical and mental stamina to cope with heavy workloads during service without throwing their hat on the floor and walking out of the kitchen.

The best chefs are the ones who thrive in these environments.

If you can show that you’re able to excel under pressure in your CV or resume, you’ll impress hiring managers.

But how can you show your ability to excel under pressure on your CV or resume?

One of the most effective ways of showing this is to highlight successes that you achieved while working under pressure. This might include meeting tight deadlines or preparing large numbers of meals for customers, while operating in highly pressurised kitchens.

If you can use numbers while describing these achievements, you will stand out even more as an individual who works well under pressure.

Managed the successful preparation of 100 meals for VIP customers within a three-hour timeframe, following a short notice booking.

In this example, the chef describes the number of meals that she prepared in line with timescales, while working under pressure. This adds more weight to the achievement. It also enables the hiring manager or recruiter to envision the chef thriving in fast-paced kitchens.

3. Enthusiasm and Passion

Great chefs love cooking. They are passionate about the culinary arts and they show it through their cooking. Their love for their profession comes through in their dishes.

Chefs who aren’t enthusiastic and passionate about cooking may struggle to cope. The hard work and long hours that comes with being a chef will weigh heavy on those who don’t have a genuine enthusiasm for cooking.

If you’re a chef, or you're pursuing entry roles as a chef, you probably love cooking too. It’s important that this comes across on your CV or resume.

But how can you show your passion and enthusiasm on your CV or resume?

Your personal statement or summary is a great place to write about your passion and enthusiasm. Take a look at the personal statement example in this guide. The chef touches on her passion for the culinary arts, as well as her keen interest in creating her own recipes.

This really articulates her enthusiasm for cooking.

Another way of showcasing your passion for cooking is to write about your interests and hobbies, which will most likely involve cooking, baking or similar activities. On most occasions, interests and hobbies are redundant on CVs and resumes, but they can be a great way of showing your enthusiasm for cooking.

Additionally, achievements can be an effective way to showcase your passion and enthusiasm. By describing times that you have gone the extra mile to accomplish objectives, hiring managers will be convinced that you’re a passionate chef.

Contributed to the successful preparation of 150 dinners for a function, which was booked on the night before service, by working a 16-hour shift.

In the chef’s achievement above, she proves that she is willing to dedicate her own personal time to her profession. This proves that she is clearly passionate about her job.

4. Time Management

As chefs usually juggle multiple tasks, they need to be able to manage their time effectively. Without good time management, chefs will struggle to complete their work within timeframes and quality will slump.

It is especially important for junior chefs to showcase their time management skills in their CV or resume.

Senior chefs have more experience and hiring managers may expect them to be able to manage their time effectively. But chefs with less experience need to convince hiring managers of their ability to manage their time effectively.

For junior chefs, many recruiters believe that time management is the most important skill. This is because time is usually at a minimum in kitchens. Those who can manage their time well have a stronger chance of achieving objectives and meeting deadlines.

So how do show time management skills on your CV or resume?

Good time management consists of organisation, prioritisation, planning and decision-making. As such, the best way to articulate your time management skills on your CV or resume is to show achievements that have resulted from your use of these skills.

If you’ve worked in fast-paced kitchens, you have probably used your time management skills to achieve success on many occasions. Identify these occasions and write about them in your CV or resume.

This is how this chef demonstrated her time management skills on her resume:

Led the preparation of room service orders for an average of 100 guests per night, alongside preparation of service for guests in the Function room. Consistently delivered service in a timely manner by delegating tasks to chefs in line with workloads and organising kitchen activities.

In this example achievement, the chef shows that she prioritised tasks, organised complex workloads and made beneficial decisions to achieve objectives. This is a clear demonstration of her time management skills.

To showcase your own time management skills, write about your accomplishments that have come about as a result of your organisation, prioritisation, planning and decision-making skills.

5. An ability to take criticism

This skill is especially important for new chefs and junior chefs, including commis chefs, demi chefs and apprentice chefs.

People are going to criticise your cooking. Some criticism will be constructive. Some criticism may be more uncouth. Either way, it’s important that chefs learn from criticism and don’t take it personally.

If you’re considering becoming a trainee chef, or you’re already a trainee chef, you’ll need to develop thick skin. It’s also vital to approach criticism in the right way. Instead of responding to your senior’s criticism in a negative manner, try to learn from it.

This will make you a better chef.

How do you show your ability to take criticism on your CV or resume?

One of the best ways to show that you can handle criticism is to highlight successes that resulted from your response to criticism.

These don’t necessarily need to be major successes. By simply stating that you took criticism on board and made improvements, your ability to take criticism will come through on your CV or resume.

Responded to the chef de cuisine’s feedback to improve the quality of dishes, resulting in high numbers of positive comments from customers.

Include your professional experience

Now it's time to add your work experience to your CV or resume. Start with your most recent employment and work backwards. Include your job title, the company name, the location and the dates of employment.

For each job you add to this section, it's usually beneficial to initially provide some context.

Tell the reader about the restaurant or hotel you worked in. How many dishes did you prepare per day? How many customers did the restaurant service per day?

By providing some context, you enable the hiring manager to understand the type of environment you operated in.

Then write about your duties as a chef. Don’t include an exhaustive list of your responsibilities. This is not necessary and will have a negative impact on your CV as the key information will be difficult to locate.

Identify your achievements

Achievements are one of the most important aspects of your CV or resume. They enable you to stand out from the crowd by showing hiring managers how you can add value. Sometimes achievements alone can be enough to get recruiters and hiring managers to arrange a job interview with you.

Many chefs struggle to identify their achievements. But think about your jobs as a chef and try to identify activities that you could showcase on your CV as achievements.

For example, have you created menus? Have you developed your own recipes? Have you altered recipes to improve customer satisfaction?

These are all achievements that impress hiring managers in the hospitality industry.

When writing your CV or resume, it’s worth spending some time to evaluate your career as a chef and identify your key achievements.

Supercharge your CV or resume with numbers and statistics

Using numbers and statistics while writing about your achievements and duties is a great way of grabbing the attention of hiring managers. They offer tangible evidence of your successes.

Reduced negative feedback by 18% within 2 years of assuming the role by decreasing waiting times and introducing customer service workshops for waitresses.

In this example, notice how the numbers make the achievement feel much more realistic. They back up the statement and enable the reader to see precisely how the chef has improved operations during her employment.

Here is an example of how using numbers while describing duties can improve your CV or resume:

Managed the preparation of breakfast for 200 guests per day while leading a team of 24 kitchen staff.

In this example, the chef describes the number of guests she cooked for and the number of team members she managed. These numbers provide insight into the chef’s leadership experience in fast-paced kitchens.

Try to identify numbers and statistics that you can use in your own CV or resume to make a powerful impact on recruiters or hiring managers.

Include your education and training

After you’ve included your personal statement, key skills and professional experience, it’s time to add your qualifications.

If you have little to no experience as a chef and have completed relevant training or education, it would be wise to include this section at the start of your CV or resume.

This is because education and training should be the focal point of the CVs and resumes for those with little experience.

However, if you have experience as a chef, position your education and training section below your professional experience section.

To see how this section should be presented, take a look at our chef CV example in this guide.

Don’t include irrelevant training and education

Include your highest form of education first. If you’ve obtained a degree, you can feel free to leave your high school qualifications off your CV or resume. Of course, if you achieved high-class grades, ensure to include them.

Only include training that is relevant to your job as a chef. For example, if you’ve completed food hygiene training, add this to your CV or resume. But if you’ve undertaken graphic design training, don’t include it.

How should you format your education and training section?

Start by adding the qualification, followed by the grade. Then insert the dates, the university or school name and the location.

Additional Information

The final step is to include any additional information. These might include languages, IT skills, voluntary activities, memberships and licences.

If you don’t feel that you have any additional information to add to your CV or resume, skip this step.

Further CV and resume writing tips for chefs and cooks

Cv and resume design for chefs.

We highly recommend using the design presented in the chef CV example in this guide. This CV template is optimised for chefs and cooks. It’s also had great success in the job market with chefs at all levels, from head chef to chef de partie.

For more CV ideas, check out our guide on CV layouts , which includes 10 CV samples.

How long should chef's CVs and resumes be?

CVs and resumes for chefs should usually be two pages long. Chefs with less experience may opt for a one-page CV. Those at more senior level may feel the need to extend their CV or resume to three pages. But we don’t recommend exceeding three pages in length.

In our experience, recruiters and hiring managers prefer CVs that are concise and to-the-point. Lengthy CVs take too long to make an impact, so try to trim your document down for optimal reading experience.

What are the best fonts to use on CVs and resumes for chefs?

The best fonts to use on your CV or resume are ones that are easy to read. These classic fonts – such as Arial, Times New Roman and Calibri – have become standard on professional documents. Using more creative fonts may come across as juvenile.

Of course, you may want to use different fonts for the section headings in your CV or resume. This would make your sections stand out and ensure the headings and body text are clearly separated.

Other fonts that you may want to consider using in your CV or resume are Helvetica, Georgia or Cambria.

The ideal font size ranges from 9.5 to 12. The best font size for your CV or resume will depend on the font you are using, as some fonts are larger than others.

For example, if you’re using the Arial font, you can reduce the font size to as low as 9.5. But if you’re using Calibri, you should keep the font size at 10.5 or above.

Optimise your CV or resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Many companies and HR departments use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter and rank applicant’s CV and resumes based on specific keywords. To ensure your CV or resume passes through ATS and ranks highly, it’s important to include the necessary keywords.

What are the most important keywords for chef’s CVs and resumes?

Some of the important keywords to include are those related to the type of cuisine you specialise in. For example, if you’re a chef who cooks Italian food, relevant keywords would include Italian cuisine, pasta dishes, Italian menu design and so on.

Other keywords for chef and cook CVs and resumes include:

Cooking techniques, baking techniques, health & safety, regulatory compliance, hygiene practices, kitchen safety, heat control, food quality, recipe creation, menu design.

For senior chefs – including executive chefs, chef de cuisines, head chefs and sous chefs – include keywords related to leadership and management. These include team leading, leadership, budgeting, cost control, financial processes, kitchen management, staff training and regulatory compliance.

To help you write the perfect chef CV or resume, we've prepared a 14-step infographic. Follow the steps in this infographic to improve your CV or resume.

How to Write a Chef Resume

Hopefully you have found this guide beneficial while preparing your professional CV or resume. If you need further help, you may be interested in our Premium CV package .

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  • • Oversaw a team of 10 kitchen staff, ensuring efficient operation and top-quality food service for a busy gourmet restaurant.
  • • Developed a rotating seasonal menu that increased customer satisfaction scores by 20% within the first year.
  • • Managed kitchen budget effectively, reducing food wastage by 15% while maintaining the highest quality standards.
  • • Implemented a comprehensive staff training system that improved team skills and knowledge, significantly reducing turnover rates.
  • • Generated a 25% increase in revenue through menu optimisation and kitchen process improvements.
  • • Established a local supplier network to ensure the freshest ingredients, enhancing meal quality and contributing to a 10% cost savings.
  • • Assisted in the curation and execution of a Michelin-starred menu, aiding the restaurant in achieving high critic reviews.
  • • Led a successful initiative to introduce more sustainable seafood options, which grew the customer base by 30%.
  • • Coordinated with the Head Chef to manage inventory, reducing food costs by 10% without compromising quality.
  • • Trained new chefs and kitchen staff, contributing to a smoother kitchen workflow and increased productivity by 15%.
  • • Collaborated on a food waste reduction program resulting in a more sustainable kitchen operation.
  • • Managed a specific section of the kitchen, ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality dishes.
  • • Introduced a novel dish that became a bestseller, enhancing the menu's appeal and driving an increase in repeat customers.
  • • Worked in close collaboration with other sections to improve overall efficiency, cutting down service times by 20%.
  • • Maintained strict adherence to food hygiene and safety standards, passing all inspections with no infractions.

Chef CV Examples & Guide for 2024

Your chef CV must highlight your extensive experience in the kitchen. Include the variety of cuisines you're proficient in preparing. Demonstrate your creativity with a listing of unique dishes you've developed. Ensure your ability to manage kitchen staff is evident.

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  • CV Format Tips
  • Summary or Objective?
  • Experience on Your CV
  • No Experience?
  • Top CV Skills
  • Education & Certifications
  • Key Takeaways

Crafting a CV that accurately reflects your diverse culinary skills and creative flair can often feel as daunting as preparing a Michelin-starred dish. Fortunately, our guide is designed to walk you through each step, ensuring your CV is as compelling and well-presented as your signature courses.

  • Create an attention-grabbing header that integrates keywords and includes all vital information;
  • Add strong action verbs and skills in your experience section, and get inspired by real-world professionals;
  • List your education and relevant certification to fill in the gaps in your career history;
  • Integrate both hard and soft skills all through your CV.

Discover more industry-specific guides to help you apply for any role in the links below:

  • Baker CV Example
  • Hostess CV Example
  • Assistant Restaurant Manager CV Example
  • Hospitality Manager CV Example
  • Waitress CV Example
  • McDonalds CV Example
  • Catering CV Example
  • Coffee Shop CV Example
  • Restaurant General Manager CV Example
  • Waiter CV Example

How to ensure your profile stands out with your chef CV format

  • list your experience in the reverse chronological order - starting with your latest roles;
  • include a header with your professional contact information and - optionally - your photograph;
  • organise vital and relevant CV sections - e.g. your experience, skills, summary/ objective, education - closer to the top;
  • use no more than two pages to illustrate your professional expertise;
  • format your information using plenty of white space and standard (2.54 cm) margins , with colours to accent key information.

Once you've completed your information, export your chef CV in PDF, as this format is more likely to stay intact when read by the Applicant Tracker System or the ATS . A few words of advice about the ATS - or the software used to assess your profile:

  • Generic fonts, e.g. Arial and Times New Roman, are ATS-compliant, yet many candidates stick with these safe choices. Ensure your CV stands out by using a more modern, and simple, fonts like Lato, Exo 2, Volkhov;
  • All serif and sans-serif fonts are ATS-friendly. Avoid the likes of fancy decorative or script typography, as this may render your information to be illegible;
  • Both single- and double-column formatted CVs could be assessed by the ATS ;
  • Integrating simple infographics, icons, and charts across your CV won't hurt your chances during the ATS assessment.

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Incorporate a touch of colour in headers or section breaks, but keep it professional and ensure it doesn’t detract from readability, especially in more conservative industries.

The top sections on a chef CV

  • Personal summary showcases a chef's passion and philosophy in cooking to establish a personal connection.
  • Professional experience highlights the chef's practical knowledge and expertise in various kitchens.
  • Culinary education details formal training and relevant qualifications that shape culinary skills.
  • Specialised skills list specific culinary techniques and cuisines the chef excels in for targeted roles.
  • Awards and accolades confirm recognition in the culinary field, signalling excellence to employers.

What recruiters value on your CV:

  • Highlight your culinary expertise by detailing the range of cuisines you excel in, and any special techniques or dietary specialities you are proficient with, such as molecular gastronomy or vegan cooking.
  • Emphasise leadership and management experience by mentioning the size of teams you've managed, kitchen operations you've overseen, and any mentoring of junior staff you've undertaken.
  • Include notable achievements such as successful menu developments, contributions to increases in restaurant ratings or awards, and any unique culinary events or pop-ups you have orchestrated.
  • Provide a detailed professional history that showcases career progression, specific roles and responsibilities at each establishment, and the duration of your tenure in each position.
  • Mention any culinary education and qualifications, including apprenticeships, certifications, or degrees, and highlight continuous professional development through workshops or courses attended.

Recommended reads:

  • How to Write a CV Heading: Templates, Examples & Guide
  • CV Structure: Most Common Formats and Attention-Keeping Sections

Making a good first impression with your chef CV header

Your typical CV header consists of Your typical CV header consists of contact details and a headline. Make sure to list your professional phone number, email address, and a link to your professional portfolio (or, alternatively, your LinkedIn profile). When writing your CV headline , ensure it's:

  • tailored to the job you're applying for;
  • highlights your unique value as a professional;
  • concise, yet matches relevant job ad keywords.

You can, for examples, list your current job title or a particular skill as part of your headline. Now, if you decide on including your photo in your CV header, ensure it's a professional one, rather than one from your graduation or night out. You may happen to have plenty more questions on how to make best the use of your CV headline. We'll help you with some real-world examples, below.

Examples of good CV headlines for chef:

  • Head Chef | Contemporary Italian Cuisine Specialist | Creativity in Gastronomy | 12 Years' Experience
  • Executive Sous Chef | Menu Development Expert | Certified Cordon Bleu | Leadership in High-Volume Kitchens
  • Pastry Chef | Artisan Baking & Confectionery | Innovative Dessert Creation | 8+ Years Culinary Expertise
  • Senior Chef de Partie | Classical French Training | Efficient Team Management | 10 Years Professional Cooking
  • Junior Sous Chef | Modern European Dishes | Passion for Sustainable Ingredients | Rising Culinary Talent
  • Commis Chef | Culinary Arts Graduate | Eager and Swift Learner | 2 Years Dynamic Kitchen Experience

Catching recruiters' attention with your chef CV summary or objective

Located closer to the top of your CV, both the summary and objective are no more than five sentences long and serve as an introduction to your experience. What is more, you could use either to entice recruiters to read on. Select the:

  • Summary, if you happen to have plenty of relevant experience . Feature your most impressive accomplishments and up to three skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for;
  • Objective, if you're just starting your career off . Provide your career goals and answer how you see the role you are applying for will match your professional growth.

Judging which one you need to add to your chef CV may at times seem difficult. That’s why you need to check out how professionals, with similar to your experience, have written their summary or objective, in the examples below:

CV summaries for a chef job:

  • With over a decade of experience in bustling metropolitan dining establishments, this seasoned chef brings a profound expertise in French and Italian cuisine, a history of streamlining kitchen operations to increase efficiency, and the proud achievement of leading a team to earn a coveted Michelin star.
  • Passionate culinary professional with 15 years of dedicated experience in high-volume, prestigious hotel kitchens, excels in creating innovative fusion dishes, prioritises sustainable sourcing, and boasts the significant accomplishment of authoring a best-selling cookbook on modern Asian cuisine.
  • Award-winning sommelier and mixologist eager to transition into the culinary arts, comes with 7 years of experience in curating world-class beverage experiences, a deep understanding of flavour pairings, and the creativity to craft memorable dining encounters complemented by exceptional drinks.
  • Former military logistician making a career pivot to the culinary industry, carrying 8 years of disciplined supply chain management, proven abilities in team leadership under high-pressure environments, and a zealous commitment to mastering global culinary techniques and kitchen management.
  • Aspiring chef with no previous kitchen experience but armed with a Professional Cookery Level 3 Diploma, aims to harness intense passion for regional Italian cooking and a commitment to learning from seasoned chefs in order to contribute fresh perspectives and deliver exceptional dining experiences.
  • Enthusiastic newcomer with a recent Culinary Arts degree aims to apply theoretical knowledge, an innate flair for patisserie, and a strong dedication to pursuing excellence in culinary craftsmanship while absorbing every facet of kitchen operations within a dynamic and forward-thinking team.

How to meet job requirements with your chef CV experience

We've now reached the essence of your actual CV - your experience section. This is the space where you can list your career roles and on-the-job successes. Many candidates tend to underestimate just how much time and effort they should put into writing this CV section. Your experience shouldn't be a random list of your responsibilities, but instead:

  • Match the job description with your skills, values, and accomplishments;
  • Start each bullet with a strong action verb, followed up with one key skill and your outcome of applying this skill;
  • Spotlight parts of your career history that are relevant to the job you're applying for .

Before we move on, make sure to check out some professional CV experience sections.

Best practices for your CV's work experience section

  • Demonstrated expertise in menu development and planning, consistently updating and introducing innovative dishes that reflect seasonal availability and current gastronomic trends.
  • Managed kitchen operations for a Michelin-starred restaurant, leading a team of 15 chefs and ensuring the highest quality of food presentation and hygiene standards.
  • Excelled in a high-pressure environment, maintaining composure and delivering exceptional cuisine during busy services, with the ability to serve up to 250 covers per night.
  • Skilfully managed food inventory and supply chain, reducing waste by 20% through strategic menu planning and fostering strong relationships with local suppliers for the freshest ingredients.
  • Instrumental in achieving a 5-star food hygiene rating, by rigorously implementing and monitoring HACCP procedures and staff training initiatives.
  • Developed and executed catering menus for high-end events, accommodating up to 500 guests, with bespoke options for diverse dietary requirements including vegan, gluten-free, and halal.
  • Efficiently managed the budget, reducing kitchen costs by 10% through careful ingredient selection and negotiating favourable contracts with vendors.
  • Actively participated in food festivals and culinary competitions, earning recognition for culinary excellence which enhanced the restaurant's reputation and customer base.
  • Mentored junior chefs and apprentices, cultivating a supportive learning environment that led to two staff members achieving their own professional cooking qualifications.
  • Pioneered a seasonal menu that leveraged local produce, reducing food costs by 15% while boosting customer satisfaction.
  • Managed a kitchen staff of 12, fostering a collaborative environment that decreased employee turnover by 20%.
  • Implemented rigorous health and safety protocols that ensured a 100% pass rate on all health inspections.
  • Oversaw the successful launch of a fine dining restaurant, consistently exceeding revenue targets by at least 30% each quarter.
  • Cultivated relationships with premium food suppliers, ensuring the regular delivery of high-quality ingredients.
  • Initiated a series of cooking workshops which increased brand visibility and added a 10% revenue stream to the business.
  • Directed culinary operations in a high-volume environment, serving up to 500 covers per night with exceptional quality control.
  • Collaborated with the marketing team to create immersive dining experiences, resulting in a 25% increase in repeat customers.
  • Integrated farm-to-table concepts that led to a partnership with local farmers, aligning with green initiatives and enhancing menu freshness.
  • Redesigned the kitchen layout to optimize workflow, thereby increasing kitchen output by 35% while maintaining high-quality standards.
  • Mentored junior chefs, leading to two sous chefs winning regional cooking competitions which elevated the restaurant's reputation.
  • Initiated a cost-saving strategy by revamping the inventory system, leading to a 20% reduction in food waste.
  • Developed and executed a successful concept menu that increased customer traffic during off-peak hours by 40%.
  • Negotiated with vendors for better pricing on high-volume items, saving the restaurant an average of $6,000 monthly on food costs.
  • Contributed to a 50% increase in catering event business through innovative menu design and exceptional execution.
  • Orchestrated the logistical planning and management of kitchen operations for events averaging 300 guests, maintaining a customer satisfaction rate of 95%.
  • Developed a comprehensive training manual for new kitchen hires that reduced onboarding time by 30%.
  • Created a waste reduction program that successfully cut down food waste by 25%, positively impacting profitability.
  • Led a team of chefs in a boutique hotel setting, enhancing the dining experience which resulted in a 20% year-over-year increase in restaurant sales.
  • Implemented a locally-inspired seasonal menu that contributed to a 15% increase in average check size.
  • Coordinated with the hospitality team to develop signature dishes for VIP guests, leading to high-profile coverage in regional food magazines.
  • Played a key role in a popular downtown food truck business, serving over 200 transactions daily with consistent positive customer feedback.
  • Managed supply chain logistics to accommodate mobile operation, which enhanced operational efficiency by 20%.
  • Fostered a dynamic and fast-paced service environment that became a benchmark for other food trucks in the area.
  • Curated special menu items for holiday events that augmented restaurant bookings by 50% during festive periods.
  • Successfully managed kitchen budgets to maintain profitability margins despite a 10% increase in ingredient prices.
  • Championed a kitchen garden initiative that supplied 20% of the herbs used in dishes, enhancing flavors and reducing cost.
  • Contributed to a 30% growth in the restaurant's social media engagement through the designing of photogenic, 'Instagrammable' dishes.
  • Optimized kitchen operations by incorporating advanced cooking technologies, which reduced cooking times by an average of 15%.
  • Developed a partnership with a local culinary school to provide internships, fostering community relations and providing a pipeline of trained staff.

What to add in your chef CV experience section with no professional experience

If you don't have the standard nine-to-five professional experience , yet are still keen on applying for the job, here's what you can do:

  • List any internships, part-time roles , volunteer experience, or basically any work you've done that meets the job requirements and is in the same industry;
  • Showcase any project you've done in your free time (even if you completed them with family and friends) that will hint at your experience and skill set;
  • Replace the standard, CV experience section with a strengths or achievements one. This will help you spotlight your transferrable skills that apply to the role.

CV Work Experience Section: Organizing, Tailoring, Examples To Use

  • How to Address Employment Gaps on Your CV (With Templates for 2023)

Talk about any positive changes you helped bring about in your previous jobs, like improving a process or helping increase efficiency.

Hard skills and soft skills to showcase your unique skill set on your chef CV

Did you know that your CV will mostly likely be assessed by recruiters based on skill alignment? And that means that the way you feature your key skills across different CV sections will play a crucial role in landing you that first interview. We recommend you add your:

  • technical capabilities or hard skills in your CV experience, certificates, projects, etc. Use your past accomplishments to prove your technical capabilities. List up to a dozen different software or hardware in your dedicated skills section to match the job keywords;
  • personal and communication skills or soft skills in your CV strengths, achievements, summary/ objective, etc. Soft skills are a bit more difficult to prove. How do you define your aptitude in active listening? So, instead of just listing the skill name, include a tangible metric to show your success.

On a final note, when you're in a hurry to create your profile, you may misspell a particular technology or soft skill. That's why we suggest you copy and paste the particular skill name (or keyword), directly from the job advert. This would also help you to pass any initial Applicant Tracker System (ATS) tests.

Top skills for your chef CV:

Culinary Expertise

Food Preparation

Menu Development

Inventory Management

Food Safety Knowledge

Pastry and Baking Skills

Knowledge of Different Cuisines

Plate Presentation

Cost Control

Time Management

Attention to Detail

Stress Management

Adaptability

Problem-Solving

Effective Communication

Customer Service Orientation

Use mini case studies or success stories in your CV to demonstrate how your skills have positively impacted previous roles or projects.

Education and more professional qualifications to include in your chef CV

If you want to showcase to recruiters that you're further qualified for the role , ensure you've included your relevant university diplomas. Within your education section :

  • Describe your degree with your university name(-s) and start-graduation dates;
  • List any awards you've received, if you deem they would be impressive or are relevant to the industry;
  • Include your projects and publications, if you need to further showcase how you've used your technical know-how;
  • Avoid listing your A-level marks, as your potential employers care to learn more about your university background.

Apart from your higher education, ensure that you've curated your relevant certificates or courses by listing the:

  • name of the certificate or course;
  • name of the institution within which you received your training;
  • the date(-s) when you obtained your accreditation.

In the next section, discover some of the most relevant certificates for your chef CV:

If there's a noticeable gap in your skillset for the role you're applying for, mention any steps you're taking to acquire these skills, such as online courses or self-study.

  • How to Showcase Your Educational Achievements on CV: Examples, Templates, & Guide for 2024
  • CV Certifications - Tips, Examples & Template to Use in 2024

Key takeaways

Write your professional chef CV by studying and understanding what the role expectations are. You should next:

  • Focus on tailoring your content to answer specific requirements by integrating advert keywords through various CV sections;
  • Balance your technical know-how with your personal skills to showcase what the unique value would be of working with you;
  • Ensure your CV grammar and spelling (especially of your key information and contact details) is correct;
  • Write a CV summary, if your experience is relevant, and an objective, if your career ambitions are more impressive;
  • Use active language by including strong, action verbs across your experience, summary/objective, achievements sections.

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How to write a CV for a chef job (with example)

5 min read · Updated on February 13, 2023

Laura Slingo

Learn how to structure and write a winning chef CV

Being a Chef is technical in every way, from skills to lingo. You might know your crème anglaise from your bavarois, but do you know how to write a CV for a Chef job and show off your impeccable skill set in the right way?

Whether you're looking for a Head Chef, Sous Chef, Chef de Partie or Commis Chef position, this CV writing guide will help you write a CV for all culinary roles, along with an example Chef CV to show you the tips in action too.

How to structure a Chef CV

While all CVs can be flexible in structure and format to complement your unique skill set and career path, there are some fundamentals that recruiters expect to see, which include:

Name, professional title, and contact details

Personal profile

Employment history

Education and qualifications 

If you are starting out in your career and are applying for a Commis Chef position, you could add a hobbies section at the end of your CV to highlight any personal interests or achievements related to the field, such as your food blog.

It's not commonplace to add "references available on request" at the end of a CV any more, as the reference process is a given with any job application.

How to format a Chef CV

Formatting and spacing on your Chef CV are as important as the content.

The length of your CV is important. Typically, a CV is no longer than two pages, but it can span three pages if you're at a Head Chef or Executive Chef level. If you are starting your career, a one-page CV is also acceptable.

Headings are crucial, and this is because recruiters tend to scan CVs. Using big, bold headings for each section will signpost them easily.

Font size and type is also a consideration. Font size should be approximately 10 to 12 points for paragraphs and 14 to 18 for headings and you can adjust the margins of the document to help you to fit the contents of your CV neatly on to two pages. Font type should be clean, contemporary and easy on the eye to aid readability.

How to write a personal profile for a Chef CV

A personal profile is a short paragraph of three or four sentences that offers an overview of:

Who you are

What you can offer the company or organisation

What you specialise in or your area of expertise

Despite its brevity, this paragraph is a powerful component of your Chef CV as it's the only place you have an opportunity to offer a flavour of you as a person and persuade the recruiter to keep reading. It's your elevator pitch and the first impression you'll make on the reader.

Your personal profile must be tailored to the Chef position you are applying for. As a result, in the "what you can offer the company or the organisation" part, consider what is most relevant to the role. For example, it could be the company or sectors you've worked within, such as commercial kitchens, it could be your level of experience, your qualifications, or even the cuisines or sections you're well versed in.

How to write work experience for a Chef CV

When detailing your work experience, start with your most recent position and work backwards. This is because your latest role is likely to be the pinnacle of your career to date and the most accurate representation of you as a professional. 

Each position of employment should be structured with your job title, the employer, the dates you worked, and a summary of the role. Then bullet point your key achievements, supported with impactful verbs and tangible evidence that proves your value. 

The more recent the role, the more depth you should add to it. Reduce the detail as you work backwards through your career history as a Chef, and if you have roles older than 10 years, delete or summarise them.

And remember, cherry-pick the skills that are most relevant to the vacancy, and tailor your CV to each application.

How to write education and qualifications for a Chef CV

Education and qualifications should also be listed in reverse chronological order for the same reasons. List the name of the institution, the date the qualification was awarded, plus the name and level of the qualification.

As a Chef, it's likely you'll have particular awards and certificates too, such as food hygiene. Don't forget to add these, as they are often vital for a Chef job.

Example of a Chef CV

TopCV example of Chef CV preview

Writing a CV for a Chef job is simple once you have an understanding of CV structure and formatting principles. However, if you're uncertain whether you've highlighted your skills in the best way possible, a free CV review will help you to land your next Chef role. 

Recommended reading:

Tips to help you write a CV for a hospitality job

Signs you need professional CV writing help

  • How to write a winning personal statement for your CV

Related Articles:

How to write a marketing CV

How to write a journalist CV (with example)

How to leverage ChatGPT for your job search in 2024

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personal statement cv examples chef

Head Chef CV Example + 2024 Guide

author

As a head chef, you will be responsible for running the kitchen, including managing catering staff, setting menus, preparing food, ordering stock and budgeting.

There is high competition for this job so it is essential that you have a great CV that stands out and is effective at portraying you as a strong candidate.

This guide has been created to give you all the necessary tools to help you write your perfect CV and secure more job interviews. Let’s get started!

  • Head chef CV example
  • Download CV template (Word format)

How to structure and format your CV

  • How to write a perfect CV (a step-by-step guide)
  • Personal profile statement example

Duties to add to your CV

  • Useful skills to add to your CV
  • Tips on making your CV more effective

225 Edward Street Merseyside MP8 4BX Mob: 079 4563 7682       Email: [email protected]

I am a highly resourceful, flexible and motivated head chef with an enduring passion for cooking. I understand that a successful business is one that is efficient in using its resources to make a profit. In my current job, I successfully ran my kitchen to a strict budget ensuring that everyone involved kept to the guidelines around portion control and used stock effectively. I also firmly believe that customer satisfaction is the most important aspect of running a successful restaurant; hence, I like to ensure that the food that comes out of my kitchen is prepared and presented to the highest standard. My practical experience working in busy kitchens and my ever-growing passion towards food have made me flawless in executing culinary arts, management and customer relations.

  • The Pavilion achieved a 5-star Food and Hygiene rating under my management; the first time the restaurant had ever achieved it.
  • Co-founder of the Food Society at the University of Bath

Relevant Modules:

  • Human Resource Management
  • Professional Kitchen Skills
  • Managing and Delivering the Customer Experience
  • Food Safety and Hygiene
  • Nutrition and Diet

Main duties performed:

  • Responsible for the day-to-day running of the kitchen
  • Planning, cooking and presenting delicious dishes to the highest standard
  • Designing attractive menus appropriate to the hotel style and guest preferences
  • Managing kitchen staff, comprising of four chefs and seven kitchen porters
  • Managing the budget and keeping track of costs and spending
  • Ordering, organising and managing stock
  • Liaising and negotiating with suppliers for the best products at the lowest prices
  • Estimating amounts and costs of supplies, e.g. food and ingredients
  • Dealing with customer needs, feedback, complaints and suggestions
  • Catering for different events including weddings, birthdays and corporate events
  • Discussing dietary requirements and preferences with guests
  • Opening the kitchen in the morning and closing it at night
  • Ensuring that the kitchen is kept in a clean and hygienic condition and meets the relevant food safety regulations
  • Performing waste management and reduction duties
  • Performing marketing tasks to promote the hotel to the wider community
  • Preparing and cooking fresh food for the hotel of 40 guests
  • Reporting to and assisting the Head Chef on a daily basis
  • Maintaining a high standard of Food Hygiene and Health & Safety records
  • Liaising with customers and staff and promoting the business to the public
  • Supervising and training junior kitchen staff
  • Working as part of a small kitchen team
  • Completing food orders to the highest quality and within a short time frame
  • Responsible for setting up the kitchen and cleaning it before closing
  • Learning basic knife skills and vegetable preparation
  • Level 3 Certificate in Food Safety and Hygiene – City & Guilds
  • Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery – Highfield College
  • Working under pressure: I am superb at working under pressure in fast-paced working environments. I have previously worked in a number of restaurants, including during peak times, and have always maintained professional conduct at all times.
  • Communication Skills: I am able to effectively communicate and liaise with kitchen staff, customers and suppliers.
  • Food management: Due to my previous work experience, I have developed the ability to create new menus and amend existing menus, formulate recipes, calculate costs, set pricing and perform budgeting and complex accounts.
  • Leadership and management: I am a natural leader, and I lead by example to demonstrate the commitment and drive that I expect from my team. I have led my team in successfully meeting deadlines in every shift where a large number of customers must be served in a tight time frame. I always strive to ensure that all team members are supported, clear about their roles and that we all work together to provide unforgettable customer service.

In my spare time, I like to explore foreign cuisines and new cultures. This hobby of mine often inspires me to create new dishes which I can then introduce in the restaurant. My other hobbies include reading, playing tennis and keeping up with current affairs.

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How to save your CV as a PDF document:

  • Click on File > Save As > Select “PDF” from the drop-down menu.
  • Prioritise what to include: To get to this stage in your career, you must have had many jobs to work your way up the career ladder. You need to prioritise which of these jobs you will write on your CV as its length should not exceed 2 A4 pages. Is the part-time job you did in the summer of 2005 as a catering assistant still relevant today? Probably not.
  • Things not to include: date of birth, age, gender, marital status, photograph, and political, sporting or religious affiliations. These things are unnecessary and some of them could harm your chances of selection.
  • Optimise your CV for scanning, not reading: Studies have shown that employers tend to scan CVs rather than read them in detail. Improve the scannability (and readability) of your CV by using subheadings, short sentences, bullet points , spacing and a clear, readable font.
  • Place your strongest selling points at the top: You can structure and format the sections of your CV in several different ways. Some applicants put the education section before the employment section, others vice versa. Which section should you give priority to? Look at your education and work experience and ask yourself which of these the employer will value more for the role and put that section on top.
  • Use a conventional, traditional CV format: As you are applying for a senior position in the hospitality and catering industry, you should minimise the use of colours and design on your CV.

How to write a head chef CV (step-by-step guide)

Personal details.

The personal details section is located at the top of your CV .

It contains the following details about you:

  • Full name (as the heading of your CV )
  • Address/location
  • Mobile phone number
  • Email address
  • LinkedIn profile (optional)
  • James Williams
  • 299 March Street Ext, Liverpool, LE3 4WB
  • Mob: 07872293915       Email: [email protected]

Personal profile

The next part of your CV is the personal profile section.

Your personal profile is a short statement, around 3-4 lines, that gives an overall summary of your personal characteristics and why the employer should consider you for the position.

It’s an important introduction to your CV and it’s vital that you write a powerful personal profile that will impress the employer and result in a job interview invitation.

Head chef CV personal profile statement:

I am a highly professional, creative and multi-skilled Head Chef with over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry. I am passionate about food, cooking and working with colleagues to produce the best menus, dishes and specials. I am passionate about customer service and exceeding the high expectations of clients and customers. Under my leadership, chefs and other kitchen staff thrive in the busy kitchen environment and sales have increased for the past three consecutive years.

Click here to find out how to write a perfect personal profile.

Achievements

To make your CV more effective, list down your main achievements or accomplishments in this prominent location after the personal profile statement. Your achievements will grab the attention of the employer as they scan through your CV from the top to bottom, and encourage them to continue reading.

  • Effectively managed a team of twenty kitchen staff
  • Introduced new menus and increased sales by 15%
  • Received excellent feedback from customers

Employment and work experience

The employment section should contain the details of your employment and work experience to date. Old or irrelevant jobs should be omitted. For each job, you should write down your job title, start and end dates, employer name and your main duties, responsibilities and achievements.

Main duties and responsibilities performed:

  • Ensured the smooth running of the kitchen
  • Recruited, trained and supervised kitchen staff
  • Ordered goods and managed the budget
  • Sourced ingredients and created menus
  • Planned, prepared and cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Ensured health and safety and hygiene standards were adhered to and that the kitchen was clean and tidy at all times
  • Maintained the hotel’s 5-star hygiene rating
  • Prepared food at very short notice for large groups of customers
  • Managing the day-to-day activities of the kitchen
  • Oversee food ordering and food preparation
  • Train, motivate and inspire a team of kitchen/catering staff
  • Maintain a high standards in all areas of the kitchen
  • Plan, create and update menus
  • Source ingredients, order supplies and maintain stock levels
  • Conform to health and hygiene regulations at all times
  • Provide excellent customer service at all times

List here all your education and training, including degrees and college-level courses.

Each entry should contain the following information; the name of the course, institution, start and end dates and relevant modules/units (if applicable). Information should be presented in reverse chronological order (i.e. start with the most recent).

  • Supervisory skills in the hospitality industry
  • The principles of food safety supervision for catering
  • Advanced skills and techniques in producing vegetable, meat and poultry dishes

Qualifications

The qualifications section of your CV should contain a list of additional qualifications that you have gained on top of the education that you have listed in the previous section. Mostly, these are professional training qualifications.

  • Level 2 Certificate in Culinary Skills – CTH Awards
  • Level 2 Professional Chef (Technical) – Northampton College

Next, write down a list of your key skills and competencies that will help you in the job that you are applying for. Look through the job specifications/advert to find out which skills are required for the job and incorporate them in your CV if appropriate.

  • Outstanding management skills, demonstrated by successfully managing a team of twenty kitchen staff
  • Extensive knowledge of a variety of foods and dishes
  • Ability to work in a busy environment and cope under pressure at all times
  • Excellent knife-handling skills, including meat butchery and fish preparation

Useful skills to add to your head chef CV

  • Recruiting, training and supervising kitchen staff
  • Planning, preparing and presenting healthy, nutritious and tasty food
  • Excellent knowledge of food safety and hygiene
  • Delivering high-quality meals at short notice
  • Controlling stock rotation and budgeting
  • Reducing waste in the kitchen
  • Dealing with stressful situations in a busy working environment
  • Planning and supervising large-scale catering events.
  • Providing excellent customer service
  • Having attention to detail at all times

Hobbies and interests (optional)

The hobbies and interests section of your CV is an excellent opportunity to add some personal touch to your CV and demonstrate that you are an all-rounded person who is also engaged in extracurricular activities.

Only include interests that are relevant to the job and add value to your CV.

If in doubt, leave it out!

The references section should contain details of two referees, people who know you, have worked with you and can vouch for you to the employer.

Each entry in the references section should have the following information:

  • Referee name
  • Position/job title
  • Organisation name
  • Organisation address
  • Telephone number

If you don’t have space or do not wish to disclose your references at this early stage in the recruitment process, you can simply write, “References are available upon request.”

Tips to make your CV more effective

  • Focus more on your organisational and management skills: While cooking may be your biggest passion, the role of a head chef is more of a managerial position which requires its own skillset. Try to highlight your managerial, interpersonal and organisational skills to make your CV more effective.
  • Highlight your achievements: Studies have shown that applicants with achievement-focused CVs are three times more likely to be shortlisted for job interviews compared to those with duties-focused CVs.
  • Double-check your CV for spelling and grammar mistakes.
  • Write an effective personal profile statement: The first thing that an employer will glance over is your personal profile at the top of your CV. To make your profile more effective, keep it concise (no more than 3-4 sentences) and highlight your achievements with real-world examples (e.g. promotions, work experience, meeting targets, managing staff, etc.).
  • Include a cover letter: Always write a tailored cover letter to accompany your CV when applying for jobs. The letter should outline the reasons for applying for the role, what value you can add to the organisation and why they should invite you for a job interview.

You may also like

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Personal Chef Resume Examples

If you are looking to add “personal chef” to your list of professional accomplishments, you need a resume that accurately represents your experience and skills. Writing a personal chef resume can be a challenge, but with the right guidance and a few resume writing tips, you can be assured that your resume will stand out from the competition. In this blog post, we will provide an in-depth guide to writing a personal chef resume, with examples of what to include and what to avoid. Whether you are an experienced personal chef or just starting out, you’ll find all the information you need to create a resume that will get you noticed.

If you didn’t find what you were looking for, be sure to check out our complete library of resume examples .

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Personal Chef

123 Main Street | Anytown, USA 99999 | Phone: (123) 456-7890 | Email: [email protected]

Dynamic and experienced Personal Chef with over 10 years’ experience cooking for individuals and families. Skilled in menu planning, preparation, and presentation. Able to quickly assess client needs and select dishes to best meet their requirements. Possess a high degree of creativity and versatility in all types of cooking. Experienced in creating nutritious and delicious meals for clients of all ages and dietary preferences.

Core Skills :

  • Experienced in menu planning, preparation, and presentation
  • Able to quickly assess client needs
  • Excellent knowledge of nutritious and delicious meals
  • Proficient in different types of cooking
  • Creative and versatile

Professional Experience : Personal Chef, 2010- present

  • Prepare meals and snacks for clients, based on their needs and preferences
  • Plan menus, shop for groceries and organize food storage
  • Design and prepare meals for special events and dinner parties
  • Ensure that all meals are prepared in a safe and sanitary manner
  • Maintain strong working relationships with clients

Education : Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts, University of Texas, 2007

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Personal Chef Resume with No Experience

  • Recent college graduate with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.- Enthusiastic and organized problem- solver with a passion for food and nutrition.- Strong culinary knowledge and demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast- paced environment.
  • Culinary Skills: Cooking, menu planning, food preparation and presentation, pricing and costing.
  • Organizational Skills: Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks and responsibilities.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Excellent listening and communication skills to interact with customers and staff.
  • Creative Thinking: Ability to think outside the box and suggest creative solutions.

Responsibilities

  • Prepare meals according to customer specifications and dietary requirements.
  • Check food quality and presentation to ensure customer satisfaction.
  • Create new and innovative recipes to enhance menu offerings.
  • Maintain cleanliness in the kitchen and adhere to food safety standards.
  • Train and supervise kitchen staff to ensure timely and accurate food preparation.
  • Monitor and order food and beverage inventory to maintain adequate stock levels.

Experience 0 Years

Level Junior

Education Bachelor’s

Personal Chef Resume with 2 Years of Experience

Experienced and motivated Personal Chef with two years of experience working with a variety of clients. Proficient in preparing a wide range of dishes, including vegan and vegetarian options, as well as baking pastries, cakes and other desserts. Able to work well with clients to create nutritious and delicious meals that meet dietary requirements. Excellent meal planning, presentation and customer service skills.

  • Menu Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Food Presentation
  • Meal Preparation
  • Recipe Development
  • Nutrition Knowledge
  • Customer Service
  • Time Management

Responsibilities :

  • Developed menus for clients that met the nutritional needs of their individual dietary requirements
  • Prepared food for special dietary needs, such as vegan and vegetarian dishes
  • Cooked meals for clients in their homes, taking into consideration food allergies and other dietary restrictions
  • Ensured food safety and sanitation standards were followed in the kitchen
  • Collaborated with clients to create a menu for special occasions
  • Baked pastries, cakes and other desserts for clients
  • Planned meals for large groups of people
  • Ensured that all ingredients were fresh and of the highest quality
  • Followed all food safety procedures when preparing and serving meals

Experience 2+ Years

Personal Chef Resume with 5 Years of Experience

Experienced and passionate personal chef with 5 years of experience in the art of cooking. Having creative vision and expertise in creating innovative dishes, I possess a proven track record of delivering high- quality meals to clients. Possesses a strong work ethic and excellent customer service skills, able to work independently and as part of a team.

  • Menu planning
  • Food preparation
  • Kitchen organization
  • Meal presentation
  • Recipe development
  • Food safety
  • Develop and execute menu plans, catering to the individual needs of each customer
  • Prepare and cook meals according to menu plans, ensuring that food is of the highest quality
  • Follow strict food safety standards and regulations, including proper food handling and storage
  • Maintain cleanliness in the kitchen and workspace, including cleaning and sanitizing surfaces
  • Manage inventory of ingredients and supplies, ordering as necessary
  • Establish a professional rapport with clients, offering assistance and feedback
  • Monitor food costs and develop strategies to minimize waste and maximize profit
  • Create and test new recipes, adjusting ingredients, measurements, and techniques as needed
  • Provide assistance and guidance to other kitchen staff members as needed.

Experience 5+ Years

Level Senior

Personal Chef Resume with 7 Years of Experience

Experienced personal chef with 7 years of experience in creating delicious, healthy meals for private clients. My cooking expertise includes Italian, Spanish, and French cuisine as well as expertise in specialty diets such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten- free, and dairy- free. I am highly creative, organized and able to quickly adapt to changing client needs. My focus is on working with clients to create meals that are healthy and delicious that meet their individual needs. I have experience in setting up and managing a kitchen, preparing meals, catering events, and providing nutrition coaching.

  • Creative Menu Planning
  • Kitchen Management
  • Food Preparation
  • Catering Events
  • Nutrition Coaching
  • Food Shopping
  • Develop creative, nutritious and delicious menus for clients
  • Set up and manage a kitchen space to prepare meals
  • Purchase food items according to the menu and budget
  • Assist clients in understanding nutrition labels and food ingredients
  • Adhere to health and safety standards for food preparation and storage
  • Cater events for private functions
  • Provide nutrition coaching to clients on healthy eating habits
  • Develop and test recipes for new meals
  • Create meal plans for special dietary needs
  • Maintain an inventory of kitchen supplies and equipment
  • Provide customers with exemplary service in a timely manner

Experience 7+ Years

Personal Chef Resume with 10 Years of Experience

Highly skilled professional Chef with 10+ years of experience in the food services industry. Proven track record of consistently creating exceptional, memorable cuisine across a range of fine- dining establishments. Experienced in producing high- quality dishes, managing staff, and providing outstanding customer service. Possesses strong leadership, organizational, and mentoring skills. Committed to culinary excellence and creating delicious, attractive meals.

  • Excellent cooking techniques
  • Creative and innovative recipe development
  • Menu planning and design
  • Exceptional taste and presentation
  • Food safety knowledge
  • Team management and leadership
  • Cost and inventory control
  • Strong communication and customer service skills
  • Prepare and present outstanding dishes for customers
  • Train, manage and motivate staff to reach their full potential
  • Monitor and manage stock levels, ingredients, and kitchen equipment
  • Develop and implement new recipes and menus
  • Ensure compliance with food regulations and safety standards
  • Maintain food preparation and presentation to the highest standards
  • Ensure efficient and hygienic kitchen operation
  • Negotiate and purchase kitchen supplies and produce
  • Maintain cost- effective kitchen operations through effective budgeting and profitability analysis
  • Provide excellent customer service to guests and staff.

Experience 10+ Years

Level Senior Manager

Education Master’s

Personal Chef Resume with 15 Years of Experience

A highly experienced Personal Chef with 15 years of experience in tailoring menus to individual tastes and preferences. Possesses excellent culinary skills and a commitment to creating custom- made meals for clients. Experienced in creating menus for special dietary needs and able to manage a variety of food budgets. Also adept at ordering necessary ingredients, managing food preparation and maintaining up- to- date food safety certifications.

  • Menu Creation
  • Food Shopping and Inventory
  • Special Dietary Needs
  • Food Budgeting
  • Food Safety Standards
  • Develop creative and interesting menus for clients, according to their tastes and dietary needs
  • Shop for quality ingredients and purchase necessary items
  • Prepare meals according to menu and recipes, while adhering to food safety standards
  • Ensure all kitchen equipment is clean and properly maintained
  • Manage budget for food costs, while staying within budget
  • Create meals for special occasions and events
  • Maintain food safety certifications

Experience 15+ Years

Level Director

In addition to this, be sure to check out our resume templates , resume formats ,  cover letter examples ,  job description , and  career advice  pages for more helpful tips and advice.

What should be included in a Personal Chef resume?

When applying for a job as a Personal Chef, it is important to have an up-to-date resume that is concise, informative and highlights your top qualifications and relevant experience. Here are some of the items that should be included in your resume:

  • Professional Summary: A brief overview of your professional qualifications and experience as a Personal Chef.
  • Education: A listing of any relevant education you have that is related to cooking, such as degrees, certifications, etc.
  • Experience: A list of previous positions as a Personal Chef, including job duties, accomplishments, and any specific skills you used in each position.
  • Areas of Expertise: A list of the specific types of cooking you specialize in, such as Italian, French, Asian, etc.
  • Kitchen Equipment Knowledge: A list of any kitchen equipment you are familiar with, such as mixers, ovens, food processors, and so on.
  • Management Skills: A list of any management skills you have, such as food costing, budgeting, inventory control, scheduling, etc.
  • Client References: A list of any former clients who can provide references or testimonials.
  • Additional Skills: A list of any additional skills you possess that are related to being a Personal Chef, such as catering, food presentation, food safety, and so on.

What is a good summary for a Personal Chef resume?

A personal chef is a professional cook who is hired to prepare meals for private individuals or families. A good summary for a personal chef resume should include key skills such as knowledge of a wide variety of culinary techniques, the ability to manage multiple tasks, and excellent customer service. Additionally, the summary should highlight your experience in menu planning, food preparation, and kitchen organization. Finally, the summary should demonstrate your commitment to food safety and sanitation standards, as well as your passion for creating unique and delicious dishes. By including these elements in your summary, you can demonstrate your qualifications and ability as a personal chef.

What is a good objective for a Personal Chef resume?

A Personal Chef is someone who is responsible for all aspects of food preparation and presentation, both in private and commercial settings. They are expected to be creative, organized, and efficient, with a strong knowledge of food safety and kitchen management. To stand out as a Personal Chef, it is important to have a strong resume that shows off your qualifications and experience.

Here are some good objectives for a Personal Chef resume:

  • To use my culinary expertise and passion for food to provide clients with delicious, healthy, and unique dishes.
  • To bring a combination of creativity, organization, and efficiency to a professional cooking environment.
  • To use my culinary skills to create memorable and enjoyable experiences for clients and their families.
  • To utilize my knowledge of food safety and kitchen management to ensure a safe and clean working environment.
  • To demonstrate my strong organizational and creative skills to develop memorable dishes for clients.
  • To employ my passion for cooking to create dishes that clients enjoy and remember.

How do you list Personal Chef skills on a resume?

When listing personal chef skills on a resume, you should emphasize any specialized skills you possess as a personal chef, such as knowledge of food preparation, food safety and sanitation, menu planning and understanding of kitchen equipment and appliances.

More specifically, here is a list of personal chef skills you can include on your resume:

  • Knowledge of food preparation: Knowledge of various methods of food preparation, including grilling, baking, roasting, sautéing, etc.
  • Food safety and sanitation: Ability to adhere to food safety and sanitation guidelines to prevent foodborne illnesses.
  • Menu planning: Ability to plan menus that are tailored to the needs and preferences of clients.
  • Kitchen equipment and appliances: Knowledge of proper use and maintenance of kitchen equipment and appliances.
  • Nutrition: Understanding of nutrition principles and dietary restrictions.
  • Creativity: Ability to create dishes with unique flavor combinations.
  • Time management: Ability to efficiently manage time to ensure that meals are prepared on time.
  • Organization: Ability to organize ingredients, tools and equipment in an efficient manner.

By emphasizing your specialized personal chef skills on your resume, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful personal chef.

What skills should I put on my resume for Personal Chef?

If you are looking to market yourself as a personal chef, then showcasing the right skills on your resume will be crucial to getting employers’ attention. Below is a list of useful skills that any personal chef should consider including on their resume:

  • Culinary Skills: A personal chef must possess a high level of culinary skills in order to create delicious and visually appealing dishes. Be sure to highlight any courses, certifications, or apprenticeships that demonstrate your culinary expertise.
  • Food Safety Knowledge: As a personal chef, you must be knowledgeable about food safety and hygiene guidelines. Emphasize any food safety courses you’ve taken, or any experience you have working in food service.
  • Menu Planning: Include your ability to plan menus on your resume to demonstrate that you understand how to create balanced, nutritionally sound meals. This skill will be particularly attractive to employers looking to feed their family healthy, satisfying dishes.
  • Kitchen Management: The ability to manage a kitchen is an important skill for personal chefs. Showcase your experience and training in kitchen management to prove that you can effectively manage a kitchen, including ordering and stocking ingredients, equipment, and supplies.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Working as a personal chef often involves interacting with clients to discuss menu choices, dietary restrictions, and other preferences. Make sure to highlight your ability to provide excellent customer service and effectively communicate with clients.
  • Time Management: As a personal chef, you need to be able to manage your time effectively in order to plan and prepare meals efficiently. Demonstrate your ability to work quickly and efficiently in the kitchen without compromising quality.

Key takeaways for a Personal Chef resume

Writing a resume for a personal chef job can be a daunting task. You want to make sure you are showcasing your best culinary skills and experiences to prospective employers. Here are some key takeaways to consider when writing your personal chef resume:

  • Highlight Your Culinary Experience: Be sure to include your qualifications, certifications, and any professional experience you have. Make sure that you highlight any culinary experience that you have. Employers are looking for a chef who can adequately handle the position.
  • Showcase Your Creativity: Employers want to know that you have the ability to create unique recipes and menus. Showcase your creativity by listing any unique meals that you have cooked and any unique ingredients that you have used.
  • Demonstrate Your Management Skills: Personal chefs must be comfortable in both a kitchen and office setting. It is important to demonstrate that you have the skills to manage the kitchen staff, manage budgets and create menus.
  • Detail Your Presentation Skills: Presentation is important for a personal chef. Be sure to showcase any presentation skills that you have. This includes demonstration of plating and custom garnishes.
  • Use the Right Keywords: Keywords are essential for any resume. Use the right keywords to help employers find your resume. When writing your resume, include key words that relate to the position you are applying for.

By considering these five key takeaways when writing your personal chef resume, you can ensure that your resume stands out to employers. Showcase your culinary experience and demonstrate your creativity, management skills, and presentation skills to give employers the assurance that you are the perfect fit for their needs.

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IMAGES

  1. Chef CV Example & Writing Guide

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  2. Chef Cv Example Amp Writing Guide Template Amp 20 Tips

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  3. Full Guide: Chef Resume [ + 12 Samples ]

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  4. Chef de Partie CV example + guide [Get hired]

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  5. Best Chef CV Examples To Use in 2024

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  6. Chef CV Examples & Templates

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VIDEO

  1. A Step-by-Step Guide to Personal Statement Structure by @mattgreen.jgm

  2. Personal Statement and CV Review

  3. My Life As A Personal Chef

  4. CV writing with personal statement and without personal statement

  5. You Want To Be A Personal Chef

  6. Chef Chris Siomadis

COMMENTS

  1. Chef CV example + CV writing guide [Land the best chef jobs]

    Vital skills for a chef CV . CV templates Chef CV example. ... Your CV profile (or personal statement for students) is a short paragraph that summarises your skills, experience and qualifications - which at first glance, engages recruiters and entice them to delve deeper into the CV.

  2. Chef CV Example & Writing Guide: Template & 20+ Tips

    Read more: How to Layout a Professional CV [5+ Examples] 2. Write a Chef CV Personal Statement. A CV personal statement or personal profile acts as an introduction to your CV. It needs to convince the hiring manager that the rest of your CV is worth reading. And it has to do it in just 3-4 lines.

  3. How to Write a Chef CV or Resume (With Chef CV Example)

    Here is an example of a sous chef's personal statement: Creative, enthusiastic Sous Chef, with over 12 years' experience managing kitchen operations within five-star hotels while liaising with Senior Management to develop strategies. ... Here is how the key skills section was presented in our sous chef resume example: Notice how only nine ...

  4. Chef CV Example & Writing Guide for 2024

    Here's an example of a well-written chef CV personal statement that highlights the applicant's key chef skills and years of experience: List your years of experience and top skills in your chef CV personal statement. 2. Choose proper CV formatting. The correct CV layout will make your chef CV look organised and easy to read.

  5. Chef Resume Examples, Skills + Template for 2024

    Chef Resume Objective Examples. right. Diligent sous chef with 5+ years experience in small Greek restaurant and Balkan cuisine. Obtained highest grades in food safety (100%) and blind taste tests (97.3%). Seeking to further career by growing with the Eataly team as the new executive chef.

  6. Chef CV Example & Writing Guide (+ Template)

    Chef CV examples: personal statement. Innovative chef with a creative flair and 6+ years of experience of adapting classic European cuisine for the demanding guests of Saffron. A proven track record of shrewd business operations and promotion — contributed to a consistent 8-15% profit growth per annum through cost reduction and promotion ...

  7. Culinary Chef Resume Examples for 2024: Templates & Tips

    Research first. Use measurable achievements to describe your chef skills and experience. For example, "Reduced food costs by 10% while still delivering high-quality dishes.". Use action words such as "monitor," "prepare" and "create" to make an impact on your chef resume. Tailor your resume to your target chef job.

  8. Chef CV Examples & Writing tips 2024 (Free Guide) · Resume.io

    Creating an appealing chef CV is the first step in a recipe for success. This resume example and writing guide will take you through everything you need to know to cook up a great application. 4.8. Average rating. 58 people've already rated it. Edit This CV. A chef CV should consist of just the right ingredients to pique the interest of ...

  9. Chef CV Examples & Guide for 2024

    Your chef CV must highlight your extensive experience in the kitchen. Include the variety of cuisines you're proficient in preparing. Demonstrate your creativity with a listing of unique dishes you've developed. Ensure your ability to manage kitchen staff is evident. USE THIS EXAMPLE. Read the Guide.

  10. Stand out from the crowd with our 5-star chef CV example

    Industry specific language: Not only will it help you to get through scanning software, but using keywords linked to the job will ensure you stand out for the right reasons. For example, using keywords like 'patisserie', 'food safety', and 'culinary' to show you understand the industry. A high impact statement: Recruiters are ...

  11. How to write a CV for a chef job (with example)

    How to write a personal profile for a Chef CV. A personal profile is a short paragraph of three or four sentences that offers an overview of: Who you are. What you can offer the company or organisation. What you specialise in or your area of expertise. Despite its brevity, this paragraph is a powerful component of your Chef CV as it's the only ...

  12. Culinary Executive Chef Cv Examples for 2024: Templates & Tips

    Executive chef CV example (text version) Melissa Lang. Pasadena, CA 91101. (555) 555-5555. [email protected]. Summary Statement. Attentive executive chef with over 10 years of experience working in culinary environments. Well-versed in managing kitchens that serve up to 70 tables. Credentials include the ability to motivate staff and ensure ...

  13. How To Write a Chef CV (With an Example)

    Chef CV example Use the following example CV to help you when writing your own: Yvonne Healey 07000 112 550 10 Crown Street London WC0 0BD Professional portfolio: www.yhculinary.net Professional summary Recent culinary arts graduate with innovative approaches to cooking, baking and serving meals. Highly skilled in preparation and presentation techniques for appetisers, entrees, desserts and ...

  14. 23 Chef Resume Objective Examples

    Here are some examples of resume objectives for entry-level chef positions: Looking to work as an entry-level chef for Heights Hotel. Bringing sharp, technical skills and a desire to learn more about culinary practices and recipe development. To become an entry-level chef at John's Italian Restaurant.

  15. Chef CV template

    PERSONAL STATEMENT. A proactive, ambitious and creative Executive Chef with a notable career trajectory and achievements list. Experience in catering for up to 450 covers at some of the most prestigious establishments in the world. Passionate about working with fresh produce, creating innovative dishes and improving restaurant ratings.

  16. Assistant Chef CV Example: A Recipe for Success [+ 2024 Guide]

    Read more: How to write effective personal profile statements. Assistant chef personal profile example: As an experienced Assistant Chef, I have honed my culinary skills through years of crafting exquisite dishes in high-end restaurants. I excel in menu creation, food presentation, and maintaining the highest standards of hygiene.

  17. Head Chef CV Example + 2024 Guide

    Head chef CV personal profile statement: I am a highly professional, creative and multi-skilled Head Chef with over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry. I am passionate about food, cooking and working with colleagues to produce the best menus, dishes and specials. ... Assistant Chef CV Example: A Recipe for Success [+ 2024 Guide ...

  18. Professional Personal Chef Resume Examples

    Personal Chef. 4/1/2000 - 5/1/2005. Company Name. City, State. Prepared daily meals for employer at his home. Planned cooked and served meals for events held in the home. Prepared meals following individual family member's dietary requirements. Delegated tasks to kitchen staff. Education.

  19. Head chef CV examples, templates & samples

    Head chef CV personal statement. The personal statement is the first thing after your name and contact details on your CV. But it's also the one that many people struggle with the most. ... Example of personal statement for a head chef CV. Head chef who has been involved in the cooking and food preparation industry for well over a decade ...

  20. 7 Best Personal Chef Resume Examples for 2024

    Personal Chef, 2010- present. Prepare meals and snacks for clients, based on their needs and preferences. Plan menus, shop for groceries and organize food storage. Design and prepare meals for special events and dinner parties. Ensure that all meals are prepared in a safe and sanitary manner.

  21. Restaurant Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

    3. List your education and certifications relevant to restaurant work. Give basic details on any degrees you've earned. Also, specify your college major, minor, or coursework if it was on a relevant topic like hospitality or culinary arts.