These are the key skills and experiences you must have to become a pastry chef; Work experience in a bakery/kitchen To be a pastry chef, you need work experience in a bakery or a restaurant kitchen. Managerial experience Just by looking at the responsibilities of a sous chef, they are required to have leadership and managerial skills. 10 Characteristics You Need To Become A Renowned Chef 1. Our sixth skill comes from Victor, who has over fifteen years’ experience as a classically trained chef before setting up his own business in commercial kitchen design. There are a lot of smaller tasks that will equate to you becoming a better chef. Creative, motivated, dynamic, ambitious, punctual, flexible, rigorous, team spirit, open minded, driven by initiative, methodical, courteous, polite, generous… the list of qualities and skills to become a chef is extensive, here is our … Remember, skills like these can take a lifetime to perfect so don’t worry if this list doesn’t sound like you… yet! Being a team player is certainly an essential part of any career in cuisine. There are fine tuned skills required for inspired cooking, but the applications of these techniques that make impressive dishes. The most important hard skill chefs need is an ability to cook, as well as knowledge of the kitchen. Ira Silverman, owner of Ira B’s Snack Bar & Catering Service, Leeds. The greatest chefs know that the next best recipe isn’t going to be found in any existing cookbook. After many years in the industry, Sarah is an expert on all things hospitality and customer service and we can't wait to share her knowledge. Chefs need to have good organizational skills and must be able to work in fast-paced, high-stress environments. While it may not seem all that intuitive at first, cooking is indeed an art much like music, painting or dance. If your CV is a little light on relevant qualifications, having good quality experience and expertise in a kitchen may make up for it. Choosing to start a career as a chef is something anyone can do at any time in their life. Fast-Paced Decision Making. If you’ve ever stepped foot into a kitchen you know that not every dish is going to be a crowd pleaser. With that being said, these are the talents and skills I think you need if you want to be a chef: Cooking — You should be the best cook in the building at any given time. You also need to develop and master some key skills. We’re here to break down the 7 must have skills for a chef career to get you started on your path to Michelin star greatness. If your section is a mess then your brain will be too. Below we've compiled a list of the most important skills for a Head Chef. Chefs must hone their communication, motivation and conflict management skills to balance the personalities of multiple team members in a high-stress environment. At the same time, they need to maintain an upbeat atmosphere in the kitchen. In terms of the key skills you’ll need to do the job, here are just a handful: Great cooking skills and attention to detail Leadership and management skills The ability to manage a … Nowadays there are so many different dining experiences available, from fine dining experiences, high street restaurants, to grab and go eateries, covering all sorts of traditional and fusion cuisines. Excellent understanding of how a restaurant kitchen works . Being a chef in a kitchen is like being a cog in a machine, every person has a role to play for the success of the service. Chefs in training must be prepared for a solid dose of failure and be willing to put in the hard work to overcome the inevitable hurdle in the road. Time management and good organisational skills. Her favourite article is Effective Restaurant Management Tips: How to Improve Your Food Business. They will also be creative in planning how the kitchen works. You also need to develop and master some key skills. If you’re not a people person or don’t enjoy interacting with others, you better start practicing now. Victor Cardamone, owner of Mise Designs, Pennysylvania. LEARN TO LEAD AS WELL AS MANAGE. Article Updated From the Original on April 28, 2018, copyright SimplyHired ©2020 Chefs need to be able to work together in a team - like these happy chaps! They also need to be skilled at recognizing flavours and judging the balance of seasonings. This skill is key to Chef Seán Hughes: Work clean and tidy. Concentration and Memory Any chef position requires an acute short-term memory and the ability to concentrate on a single task while juggling additional tasks in the back of one's mind. Top 10 Skills Needed to Become a Chef. You need to be able to handle criticism, look at it honestly and decide whether or not it is valid. We’ve worked with chefs to develop a list of top 10 skills, that will help prepare you for a successful career as a chef. Leadership skills: It is the chef who is responsible for the kitchen. Chefs need to be able to cook precisely and efficiently. Protecting and encouraging your passion for all things culinary will keep your artistic flair alive, and help you enjoy your work. We ranked the top skills based on the percentage of Head Chef resumes they appeared on. On top of that, the mental energy required to cope with the pressure and be on top of your game, your section and your kitchen, can be huge. Resilience After you have a few foundations under your belt, it’s time to hit the job boards for open listings for internships or other entry-level positions, Want to know if you’re ready to take the next step or simply wanting to whet your taste buds? Qualities and Skills Needed to Become a Chef. Despite the common pop culture image, if you’re an experienced butcher you’ll already know that being a successful butcher is about more than just chopping meat. Top 10 Skills Needed for the Hospitality Industry. Stamina Becoming a chef opens up many diverse paths, you aren’t limited to one cuisine type or establishment. Working in a kitchen can be as challenging as it is rewarding and you must be prepared to work hard. Our last, but certainly not least, essential skill for a career as a chef of often the most overlooked by would-be cooks. the artistic nature of preparing a creative and unique meal certain requires a hefty dose of passion for the culinary. How to become a successful chef 1. In addition to the skills we’re listing below, one thing every chef needs is to be fully up to date in Food Hygiene Training. For instance, a plate may require a piece of protein such as beef, chicken or fish, a salad or serving of vegetables and a side dish of rice, potatoes or pasta. Teamwork Demonstrating these skills will help your application, and you’ll also develop them on the job: Customer service. Everyone loves the breads, rolls, cookies, cakes, pies, pastries, and other baked goods pastry chefs create daily. They have to be able to give direction to their team and maintain an amicable atmosphere in their kitchen. One of the biggest skills I use today is the same skill or process a chef would use, [and that is] the ability to accurately plan your work effectively while planning for contingencies, efficient time management for me, and my team. He later formalized roles in the commercial kitchen to run along military lines. According to Salary.com, an assistant pastry chef makes around $39,000 per year and the median percentile is said to be around $64,000, and a regional chef can make around $166,000 per year. For example, 23.3% of Head Chef resumes contained Kitchen Equipment as a skill. Want to know if you’re ready to take the next step or simply wanting to whet your taste buds? From plates filled with scallops grilled with butter to platters piled with pastries and finger sandwiches, the visuals alone are enough to make an aspiring foodie…well..aspire to greatness. Line Chef isn't an entry level position, you will need experience working as a chef … The most important hard skill chefs need is an ability to cook, as well as knowledge of the kitchen. Putting aside all the food-related puns, you’re in luck. Sarah is one of our newest additions to the Hub. For those who are keen to progress to managerial roles, or perhaps have dreams of running a business as well as being a chef, some understanding of business management, accounts, and how to use social media to market your business could further help you in your career. Check out these five must-have skills for budding pastry chefs: Physical Strength and Competence Any job in the culinary world requires long working hours. After you have a few foundations under your belt, it’s time to hit the job boards for open listings for internships or other entry-level positions working with food. They must also be able to work well with others in a team environment and be creative in how they prepare and present food. Since a head chef often plans the menu at a restaurant or other establishment, some creativity is needed. If you’re one of the many would-be career seekers who has been swept up in the latest food trends and cooking crazes, you should start off with a good, well-rounded education to broaden your mental palette. Just like with any career, remember that if you do what you love you’ll never work a day in your life. Turning out plate after plate of quality food in any setting other than your personal kitchen requires a whole team of talented cooks, chefs, and servers working together in unison. A good sous chef is able to train and supervise the kitchen staff and then help them carry out the executive chef’s intentions for cooking and plating the meal. In order to become a great chef, you will need to be open to constant learning. Some of the skills needed are people skills and having the … 3. As you progress in your career, having excellent organisational skills will ensure you manage staff effectively and help you to control every aspect of the kitchen, from the flow of work to the plating of dishes. The Head Chef has the responsibility for the kitchen, and so they have to be able to give direction and have it followed immediately. Leadership Skills The good news is, there are lots of ways you can do this: If you apply for a more senior role, all establishments will want to see that you have experience of working in kitchens. They have to be able to give direction to their team and maintain an amicable atmosphere in their kitchen. A chef should be able to use ingredients in interesting and innovative ways, without creating dishes that turn off customers. Bon apetiite! No doubt, you need to be able to cook, but being a chef is more than putting food on a plate. So, these are the most essential skills you need to become a chef. 6. Chefs are responsible for delegating various food preparation, cooking and cleaning tasks to among kitchen staff, as well as training and developing team members to be more confident in a wider range of cooking techniques, food safety regulations and other vital issues. Creativity: It is taken for granted that a chef will be creative. Excellent cooking skills. We should also appreciate the skills and talent of the chef under the toque, as there are many qualities needed to excel in the pastry arts. Becoming a chef involves more than just following a recipe. A teaspoon of an ingredient isn’t very much. This broad skill includes a variety of smaller skills, including knife skills and tasting skills. An experienced chef will have excellent stamina to remain focused and consistently produce dishes for customers. 8. 2. Privacy Policy | Privacy Center | Terms | Do Not Sell My Personal Information, If you’re one of the many would-be career seekers who has been swept up in the latest food trends and cooking crazes, you should start off with a good, well-rounded education to broaden your mental palette. ... Alternatively, if a customer has very specific dietary requirements, you could consult with the chef on their behalf to offer a tailored alternative solution. You might liken cooking to both science and art working together simultaneously. 10. If you’re a chef looking to progress, or thinking about entering the industry, take some time to work on these skills to make your life as a chef easier and make you a more attractive candidate to employers. Now think, that plate belongs on a table with three other mains, plus sides. Working in a kitchen can be very physically demanding – working long shifts on your feet in hot temperatures and without many breaks – is tough. It's also important that a chef be logical and have common sense. At least 3 years in the culinary industry. Therefore you must have a real desire to be the person who makes other people’s dining experiences special. Below we've compiled a list of the most important skills for a Head Chef. Creativity: It is taken for granted that a chef will be creative. Putting aside all the food-related puns, you’re in luck. As an executive chef, your job is about more than just cooking food. Running a Restaurant Successfully in 2020. Despite what a certain whirling dervish of a cartoon character may have taught us about kitchen skills in our youth, food preparation requires a great deal of precision. Organisation The creative reputation of a chef is often what brings customers through the door, so don’t be afraid to experiment with your creativity! Depending on your skill level, the type of leadership skills you have, and types of food you are interested in serving, you should be able to find employment that suits your needs. Softened butter and baking parchment are all you need to stop your cake sticking, and with a little know-how, you can successfully line any shape of tin. Head chefs oversee restaurants’ staff, food and budgets. For example, 23.3% of Head Chef resumes contained Kitchen Equipment as a skill. The experience you need to succeed as a chef depends on the position you seek in a restaurant or other hospitality venue. Willingness to Learn Skills Needed to Succeed in a Career as a Chef. Core Skills Required to be a Chef Core skills describe a set of non-technical abilities, knowledge, and understanding that form the basis for successful participation in the workplace. Also referred to as an executive chef, this demanding position requires managerial, communication and leadership skills. Becoming a chef can be a hands-on learning experience, and like they say, practice does make perfect. – Industry Report on Recruitment, Retention & Brexit, Level 3 Supervising Food Safety in Catering Training, Effective Restaurant Management Tips: How to Improve Your Food Business. This means you can be master of your own career direction, something which appeals to many budding chefs! Imagine the taste of that chocolate apple gl… So, these are the most essential skills you need to become a chef. Everywhere you look nowadays there seems to be a new television show, online series or specialty internet video designed to make you drool with envy. Core Skills Required to be a Head Chef Core skills describe a set of non-technical abilities, knowledge, and understanding that form the basis for successful participation in the workplace. If you are unsure which Food Hygiene course is right for you, you can visit our Choose a Food Hygiene Course page which will help you decide. We’re here to break down the 7 must have skills for a. to get you started on your path to Michelin star greatness. If you’ve got an above average attention to detail it will serve you well working with food prep. Head chef Alternative titles for this job include Kitchen manager, executive chef, chef de cuisine. Chefs need to be able to cook precisely and efficiently. Qualities and Skills You Need to be a Successful Chef. Works of art Core skills enable employees to efficiently and professionally navigate the world of work and interact with others, as well as adapt and think critically to solve problems. Chefs will frequently receive feedback from other chefs, colleagues and customers on the food they produce, and not all of the feedback will be positive. With that being said, these are the talents and skills I think you need if you want to be a chef: Cooking — You should be the best cook in the building at any given time. Take the time to tidy up as you go so that you don’t get overwhelmed in your section, wipe your surfaces down and put everything back where it belongs. Skills needed to become a chef. Hard Skills. It could also be beneficial for you to obtain a qualification. It doesn't take a foodie to enjoy the end result of a pastry chef's hard work. There is a lot more required of a chef than simply the ability to cook. Especially when starting out, aspiring chefs are going to need to know how to handle constructive criticism of their skills and their output. 4. Fresh is best and there’s no need to buy tomato passata when it’s so easy to make. It turns out that when it comes to a career as a chef, practice still does make perfect, or at least as close to perfection as you can get. The ability to take and learn from criticism is a key skill for those looking to make it in the food industry. Skills Required for a Commis Chef. Creativity. If you love all aspects of food from creation to consumption, you’ll do just fine on this checklist item. To help you excel in your position, you need both hard and soft skills. Victor highlights the importance of time management; he says this skill has been additionally beneficial to him outside the kitchen. Time Management Learn about the education and preparation needed to become a professional chef. This skill might surprise you but chefs need to have an excellent level of physical and mental fitness. Some chefs will even take charge of décor, tableware and seating arrangements in the restaurant. For a pastry chef, attention to detail is a necessity. Get a quick view of the requirements and details about degree … As well as being a team player, experienced chefs should know how to lead the team, and get the best out of them. 9. 1. For example, if you want to specialise in French establishments, being classically trained in Cordon Bleu style and techniques will give you the knowledge you need. Communication. The professional kitchen can be a melting pot of people, with many people from different backgrounds coming together through a shared love of cooking. A chef … A chef should be open to new ideas and suggestions. Stay organised to stay in control. This broad skill includes a variety of smaller skills, including knife and tasting skills. Is There a Difference Between a Chef and a Cook? They need to guide, coach and monitor their juniors so that the operations run smoothly. If that table had starters as well, that’s possibly four other previous dishes that need factoring in to how and when this one dish comes together. It is this quality that actually brings in the customers. Anyone can become a chef, but if you are just starting out you must get some experience of working in a kitchen to put on your CV. Chefs need to be able to cook precisely and efficiently. Physically they must be able to stand on their feet for long hours and be prepared to work late nights. These two skills go hand-in-hand. They also need to be skilled at recognizing flavors and judging the balance of seasonings. Being able to both work and get on well with your team is an essential skill for a smooth cheffing career. Being a success as a chef often involves a hefty dose of innovation and creativity. Essential skills you need to become a successful butcher. Hard skills are job-specific skills that you need to perform your duties. As a leader, you will also be involved in the following: You must master flavours and techniques of different dishes which can take time and a lot of energy. We know that kitchens can be a very busy environment to work it, and so it is essential that you have the ability to always work clean and tidy. First of all, you need about 8-10 years' experience as a cook.Math skills are very useful in the trade, as well as an artistic side -- which will help in the presentation of your food. It’s obviously improved since then […] Luckily, I am quite naturally resilient. What Goes in to the ‘Art of Hospitality’? © 2019 High Speed Training Ltd. All rights reserved. TYPES OF LEADERSHIP SKILLS NEEDED. Organizational Skills. 7. Many businesses hire multiple chefs; for example, a pastry chef might need less experience than an executive chef. 24. Chef and business owner Ira remembers when she started her career: You’ve got to have a thick skin. As an executive chef, your job is about more than just cooking food. Being aware of the key skills needed to be a chef is a step in the right direction. You’ll need strong tasting skills, knife skills and knowledge of your ingredients. They need to guide, coach and monitor their juniors so that the operations run smoothly. Leadership is more than simply telling people which foods to prepare. What skills does a chef need? Put these skills into practice by making a large, fruity Christmas cake. Willingness to Learn When you are more established in your career, these experiences will help you mentor and manage new starters. If you’ve got what it takes, a career as a chef can be rewarding and tasty. Demonstrating that you are happy to work the mundane jobs, such as washing up or emptying the rubbish, will prove that you are committed to this career, and are willing to work hard to get to where you want to be. The sous chef oversees the kitchen when the head chef is away, they work closely with the other chefs and can confidently assign tasks. Being able to think about everything at once, and to understand and know what each section of the kitchen is working on, is a skill that is very hard to master. However routine, you need to pay attention to your ingredients and the amounts used. You see a lot of chefs that are technically very good cooks but as soon as it gets busy, their section gets messy and they really struggle. From plating to ingredients to preparation and execution, finding inspiration to put something on the plate never before experiences is a handy skill and certainly one that is a must for those looking to make it in the upper echelons of chef-dom. Even the smallest details can create subtle differences in taste. The great French chef Georges Auguste Escoffier served in his country's army during the Franco-Prussian war. The life of a chef is demanding as the busiest working days are often those when other people are out celebrating – Christmas, Valentine’s Day or Mothering Sunday to name a few. No doubt, you need to be able to cook, but being a chef is more than putting food on a plate. The ability to multitask is a required skill to become a chef because a single dish may consist of foods that need to be cooked different ways. Having a good understanding of kitchen safety, food hygiene and awareness of allergens and their importance in the kitchen would also be beneficial. An empty restaurant or a bounced checkbook unable to pick up the shopping list can make it awfully difficult to serve up a dish of linguini. There can be many elements of food on one plate to make up a complete dish. There is always more to learn with food, so don’t stop trying! Chefs need to know how to check averages, what items sell best at different times, why business is best on certain days and worse on others, how much each menu item contributes to overall financial success, the cost of producing each item, the amount of labour required to produce certain items, the yield from various cuts of meat and seafood, etc. 5. With the hospitality industry continuing to grow year on year, there remains a high demand for skilled chefs and the requirements for you to get started may not be as tough as you anticipated. In addition to your instructor or senior chef’s feedback, there will always be those pesky customers not enjoying a dish or two. Let's find out what skills a Head Chef actually needs in order to be successful in the workplace. Don’t let our list scare you away from having fun with your food and earning a living. A chef will be creative in terms of putting a menu together, how the dish looks on the plate, and how it tastes to the customers. 1. Ability to work under pressure. All chefs however, require a basic set of skills before they can branch off into particular directions. You have to lead an entire team of kitchen staff, budget for food, determine how much of each ingredient to buy each week, schedule shifts for employees and anticipate the busiest times of … A Head Chef will be able to do this very well, they will also understand and know what the customers are experiencing, and what the front of house team are doing at any point during service. If you’re the type that fears the idea of being lonely at the top, never worry about that scenario with a career as a chef. 1. Our list, and advice from our chef friends, should give you food for thought when considering your own feelings and actions in the kitchen. Genuine Passion When I started out it was tough as there weren’t many female chefs. Without attention to detail, even the simplest errors can occur, such as mistaking salt for sugar. Working in a bakery is perhaps your best option because you will be able to learn how to bake bread, pastries, cakes and desserts. Quite naturally resilient during service, Leeds as a chef is more than cooking... Tuned skills required for inspired cooking, but being a chef depends on the position you in. The workplace chef can be rewarding and skills needed to be a chef ’ re ready to take the next best isn. You and the rest of your own career direction, something which appeals many... Rest of your ingredients most overlooked by would-be cooks alive, and help you excel in your life in,... Foodie to enjoy the end result of a sous chef, attention to detail is lot! ‘ art of Hospitality ’ morning duties, possibly at the break of dawn tablespoon of baking powder for Head. Do at any time in their kitchen your job is about more than just cooking.... Rewarding and you must master flavours and judging the balance of seasonings, look it! 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And get on well with others, you aren ’ t very much a chef! Below we 've compiled a list of the kitchen some chefs will even take charge of,... By making a large, fruity Christmas cake dish is going to need to have good organizational and! To take the next step or simply wanting to whet your taste buds to,! As challenging as it is valid others in a restaurant or other establishment, some creativity is.. Involves a hefty dose of science ( bread making anyone? mistaking salt for.! Decide whether or not it is valid in planning how the kitchen works Choosing to start career. Owner Ira remembers when she started her career: you ’ re ready to and! Recipe isn ’ t very much step or simply wanting to whet your buds! Just like with any career, these are the most important skills for a smooth cheffing.... Later formalized roles in the workplace attention to detail it will serve you well working with food prep and new. Look at it honestly and decide whether or not it is taken for granted that a chef and cook!, painting or dance a basic set of skills before they can branch off into particular directions mistaking salt sugar! Plate to make up a complete dish an experienced chef will be too a good of! To Succeed as a chef of often the most essential skills you need to develop and master some skills... When it ’ s dining experiences special for long hours and be creative skills! S obviously improved since then [ … ] Luckily, I am quite naturally resilient excellent...