Explore Your Passion of Cooking for Others

Sophia Belnap

Many of us have career goals. We might see someone on tv who appears to love their job, or we often meet someone whose job sounds like a dream. An important part of choosing the right job for you is to research growing industries that allow for job security. One industry that has many opportunities for growth is the culinary industry. 

Discover Your Gift

There many people who are talented when it comes to preparing food. They may be the ones who are always cooking for family and friends or hosting dinner parties. They may have the ability to make a recipe their own and find a way to please those who eat it. Usually, the best cooks enjoy feeding other people. Many beginning cooks begin by preparing food for themselves or friends and family. It is important that you enjoy going to work every day, so if you love feeding others, this may be the career path for you. 

Research the Industry

When you decide that you want to pursue a professional culinary career, you may find that there are several differences between a commercial kitchen and a home kitchen. Included in that, could be larger cooktops. Many restaurants will also use large cooling units,  like the ones you can buy from True Refrigeration. You will want to familiarize yourself with all the commercial tools that are used in the profession, and how to clean and maintain them. Be sure that you are open to ongoing education to keep up with popular trends. A good chef knows that his education never stops. 

Educate Yourself

When you cook for the public there are certifications you must obtain by law. Foodborne illness and food allergies are very important elements that you must become educated on. Research the local laws in your city and state to find out what policies are required in the workplace. You do not have to go to culinary school to start cooking, but if you want to pursue advanced careers such as sous chef or personal chef positions, the more credentials you have, the more qualified you will be.  

Find the Job

When you are ready to start applying for restaurant jobs, there are several online resources out there for you to use. You can even walk into a restaurant that you would love to work for and ask if they are hiring. Make sure that you do not ask for a job application during a really busy time such as lunch or dinner hour. Dress nicely in case you are offered an interview that day, and bring your industry certifications and resume with you. Be aware of the fact that your first job may not be Head Chef or owning your own restaurant. This is fine because, in order to be successful in those types of positions, you need as much experience as you can get. Read job postings carefully to make sure that you are qualified before you apply. 

Ace the Interview

A culinary interview may look different from others. Remember to smile and make eye contact. Make sure that you are prepared to answer questions such as; what is your favorite dish to make? Or how long have you been cooking? Also, be prepared to explain why you are pursuing this type of career. They may even ask why you chose to apply at their restaurant. For this last question, remember that it is wise to research a restaurant before applying or walking in. Find out what type of food they serve, what their menu prices are, and what type of clientele they serve. Do they have a mission statement? The more knowledgeable you are about the establishment, the better impression you will leave on the interviewer. If you are applying for jobs that you qualify for and are informed on the topic at hand, you should have your first job in no time.