Bon apetiite! Put practice into action and you’ll be well on your way to foodie success. Leadership skills: It is the chef who is responsible for the kitchen. This broad skill includes a variety of smaller skills, including knife skills and tasting skills. 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. They need to guide, coach and monitor their juniors so that the operations run smoothly. Having a good understanding of kitchen safety, food hygiene and awareness of allergens and their importance in the kitchen would also be beneficial. 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. Choosing to start a career as a chef is something anyone can do at any time in their life. Learn about the education and preparation needed to become a professional chef. You need to be able to handle criticism, look at it honestly and decide whether or not it is valid. 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. For example, 23.3% of Head Chef resumes contained Kitchen Equipment as a skill. Excellent cooking skills. Imagine the taste of that chocolate apple gl… 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. 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. This means you can be master of your own career direction, something which appeals to many budding chefs! Putting aside all the food-related puns, you’re in luck. 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. These two skills go hand-in-hand. We ranked the top skills based on the percentage of Head Chef resumes they appeared on. Ira Silverman, owner of Ira B’s Snack Bar & Catering Service, Leeds. In order to become a great chef, you will need to be open to constant learning. They may also need to mentor and coach junior staff members during service, whilst ensuring everything runs smoothly. A chef should be able to use ingredients in interesting and innovative ways, without creating dishes that turn off customers. The ability to take and learn from criticism is a key skill for those looking to make it in the food industry. 2. 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. A strong business sense, with perhaps a few of those aforementioned classes focusing on economics and accounting, will be fundamental if you’re looking to strike out on your own as a chef. Especially when starting out, aspiring chefs are going to need to know how to handle constructive criticism of their skills and their output. 1. the artistic nature of preparing a creative and unique meal certain requires a hefty dose of passion for the culinary. 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. Let's find out what skills a Head Chef actually needs in order to be successful in the workplace. Without attention to detail, even the simplest errors can occur, such as mistaking salt for sugar. Creativity: It is taken for granted that a chef will be creative. Victor Cardamone, owner of Mise Designs, Pennysylvania. The professional kitchen can be a melting pot of people, with many people from different backgrounds coming together through a shared love of cooking. This broad skill includes a variety of smaller skills, including knife skills and tasting skills. 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. © 2019 High Speed Training Ltd. All rights reserved. Top 10 Skills Needed for the Hospitality Industry. Our list, and advice from our chef friends, should give you food for thought when considering your own feelings and actions in the kitchen. As an executive chef, your job is about more than just cooking food. They need to guide, coach and monitor their juniors so that the operations run smoothly. Organisation Organizational 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. 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. He later formalized roles in the commercial kitchen to run along military lines. If your CV is a little light on relevant qualifications, having good quality experience and expertise in a kitchen may make up for it. 1. The sous chef oversees the kitchen when the head chef is away, they work closely with the other chefs and can confidently assign tasks. This skill might surprise you but chefs need to have an excellent level of physical and mental fitness. The creative reputation of a chef is often what brings customers through the door, so don’t be afraid to experiment with your creativity! All chefs however, require a basic set of skills before they can branch off into particular directions. Being a team player is certainly an essential part of any career in cuisine. Seán Hughes, Sous Chef at Shears Yard, Leeds. Even the smallest details can create subtle differences in taste. How to become a successful chef 1. A chef … Skills Required for a Commis Chef. 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. Every successful chef must be a solid manager of people and things. They also need to be skilled at recognizing flavours and judging the balance of seasonings. Creativity – Industry Report on Recruitment, Retention & Brexit, Level 3 Supervising Food Safety in Catering Training, Effective Restaurant Management Tips: How to Improve Your Food Business. Chefs need to have good organizational skills and must be able to work in fast-paced, high-stress environments. Works of art 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. 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? They have to be able to give direction to their team and maintain an amicable atmosphere in their kitchen. If you’ve got an above average attention to detail it will serve you well working with food prep. Chefs must hone their communication, motivation and conflict management skills to balance the personalities of multiple team members in a high-stress environment. 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. Below we've compiled a list of the most important skills for a Head Chef. What Goes in to the ‘Art of Hospitality’? 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. 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. Stay organised to stay in control. Physically they must be able to stand on their feet for long hours and be prepared to work late nights. Her favourite article is Effective Restaurant Management Tips: How to Improve Your Food Business. Qualities and Skills Needed to Become a Chef. Organizational Skills. 1. 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. Many businesses hire multiple chefs; for example, a pastry chef might need less experience than an executive chef. You also need to develop and master some key skills. Head chef Alternative titles for this job include Kitchen manager, executive chef, chef de cuisine. While a chef is likely to be the most skilled and experienced cook in his kitchen, the main role of a chef is that of a leader. Article Updated From the Original on April 28, 2018, copyright SimplyHired ©2020 It could also be beneficial for you to obtain a qualification. 5. Putting aside all the food-related puns, you’re in luck. Lacey Roop - Updated March 23, 2017. They must also be able to work well with others in a team environment and be creative in how they prepare and present food. 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. 24. 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. ... Alternatively, if a customer has very specific dietary requirements, you could consult with the chef on their behalf to offer a tailored alternative solution. We’re here to break down the 7 must have skills for a. to get you started on your path to Michelin star greatness. You must master flavours and techniques of different dishes which can take time and a lot of energy. Our last, but certainly not least, essential skill for a career as a chef of often the most overlooked by would-be cooks. 3. The Head Chef has the responsibility for the kitchen, and so they have to be able to give direction and have it followed immediately. The most important hard skill chefs need is an ability to cook, as well as knowledge of the kitchen. What skills does a chef need? If you’ve ever stepped foot into a kitchen you know that not every dish is going to be a crowd pleaser. Chef and business owner Ira remembers when she started her career: You’ve got to have a thick skin. TYPES OF LEADERSHIP SKILLS NEEDED. Willingness to Learn Conclusion. Working in a kitchen can be very physically demanding – working long shifts on your feet in hot temperatures and without many breaks – is tough. They have to be able to give direction to their team and maintain an amicable atmosphere in their kitchen. 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. Is There a Difference Between a Chef and a Cook? 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. Get a quick view of the requirements and details about degree … Chefs need to be able to cook precisely and efficiently. If you’ve got what it takes, a career as a chef can be rewarding and tasty. A teaspoon of an ingredient isn’t very much. At the same time, they need to maintain an upbeat atmosphere in the kitchen. If your section is a mess then your brain will be too. When I started out it was tough as there weren’t many female chefs. 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. Some of the skills needed are people skills and having the … Put these skills into practice by making a large, fruity Christmas cake. Chefs need to be able to work together in a team - like these happy chaps! Being a success as a chef often involves a hefty dose of innovation and creativity. 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. 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. A chef should be open to new ideas and suggestions. However routine, you need to pay attention to your ingredients and the amounts used. 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. Since a head chef often plans the menu at a restaurant or other establishment, some creativity is needed. The greatest chefs know that the next best recipe isn’t going to be found in any existing cookbook. 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. Teamwork. Want to know if you’re ready to take the next step or simply wanting to whet your taste buds? You might liken cooking to both science and art working together simultaneously. Just like with any career, remember that if you do what you love you’ll never work a day in your life. 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. 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. 1. Becoming a chef can be a long, hard process and requires specialised training, depending on your area of interest. 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. Head chefs oversee restaurants’ staff, food and budgets. In addition to your instructor or senior chef’s feedback, there will always be those pesky customers not enjoying a dish or two. To help you excel in your position, you need both hard and soft skills. 1. Hard skills are job-specific skills that you need to perform your duties. While the executive chef is technically in charge of the kitchen, it’s the sous chef who performs much of the hands-on management. 6. Working in a kitchen can be as challenging as it is rewarding and you must be prepared to work hard. So, these are the most essential skills you need to become a chef. 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. Willingness to Learn Time Management Managerial experience Just by looking at the responsibilities of a sous chef, they are required to have leadership and managerial skills. Line Chef isn't an entry level position, you will need experience working as a chef … Becoming a chef can be a hands-on learning experience, and like they say, practice does make perfect. 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. 10 Characteristics You Need To Become A Renowned Chef 1. For example, 23.3% of Head Chef resumes contained Kitchen Equipment as a skill. 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. There is a lot more required of a chef than simply the ability to cook. No doubt, you need to be able to cook, but being a chef is more than putting food on a plate. 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. 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. They also need to be skilled at recognizing flavours and judging the balance of seasonings. The chef de cuisine, or executive chef, runs commercial and private kitchens by overseeing the day-to-day operations. Skills Needed to Succeed in a Career as a Chef. Chefs need to be able to cook precisely and efficiently. Academic qualifications and passion may land you a job as a chef, but your skills will determine your success. Top 10 Skills Needed to Become a Chef. 9. 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. At least 3 years in the culinary industry. Teamwork To be a successful chef, there are numerous qualities you will need to have or cultivate, including: Stress management. Managers are well versed in directing people to accomplish a task, planning and organizing towards results, and trouble shooting problems as they arise. They will also be creative in planning how the kitchen works. 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. 7. Essential skills you need to become a successful butcher. Victor highlights the importance of time management; he says this skill has been additionally beneficial to him outside the kitchen. Protecting and encouraging your passion for all things culinary will keep your artistic flair alive, and help you enjoy your work. 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. Leadership skills: It is the chef who is responsible for the kitchen. Everyone loves the breads, rolls, cookies, cakes, pies, pastries, and other baked goods pastry chefs create daily. When you are more established in your career, these experiences will help you mentor and manage new starters. Demonstrating these skills will help your application, and you’ll also develop them on the job: Customer service. If you love all aspects of food from creation to consumption, you’ll do just fine on this checklist item. 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. There is always more to learn with food, so don’t stop trying! 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. As well as being a team player, experienced chefs should know how to lead the team, and get the best out of them. 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. As a leader, you will also be involved in the following: 4. 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. 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. If you’re not a people person or don’t enjoy interacting with others, you better start practicing now. Fresh is best and there’s no need to buy tomato passata when it’s so easy to make. It’s obviously improved since then […] Luckily, I am quite naturally resilient. Being able to both work and get on well with your team is an essential skill for a smooth cheffing career. So, these are the most essential skills you need to become a chef. Leadership Skills 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. Remember, skills like these can take a lifetime to perfect so don’t worry if this list doesn’t sound like you… yet! 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. Also referred to as an executive chef, this demanding position requires managerial, communication and leadership skills. 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 day in the kitchen. While it may not seem all that intuitive at first, cooking is indeed an art much like music, painting or dance. 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. Ability to Handle Criticism If you’ve ever stepped foot into a kitchen you know that not every dish is going to be a crowd pleaser. Resilience 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 … 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. 8. 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. 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. Becoming a chef involves more than just following a recipe. As an executive chef, your job is about more than just cooking food. Good communication skills. Creativity: It is taken for granted that a chef will be creative. The experience you need to succeed as a chef depends on the position you seek in a restaurant or other hospitality venue. 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. Now think, that plate belongs on a table with three other mains, plus sides. An experienced chef will have excellent stamina to remain focused and consistently produce dishes for customers. 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 … 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. You know that old saying that your well-meaning parent harped over and over when you’re young? It is this quality that actually brings in the customers. 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. The position of a chef can be nerve-wracking, and you’ll need to understand how to manage that stress without letting it burn you out. 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. They also need to be skilled at recognizing flavors and judging the balance of seasonings. Therefore you must have a real desire to be the person who makes other people’s dining experiences special. This skill is key to Chef Seán Hughes: Work clean and tidy. Chefs need to be able to cook precisely and efficiently. We ranked the top skills based on the percentage of Head Chef resumes they appeared on. Qualities and Skills You Need to be a Successful Chef. The most important hard skill chefs need is an ability to cook, as well as knowledge of the kitchen. Genuine Passion No doubt, you need to be able to cook, but being a chef is more than putting food on a plate. The great French chef Georges Auguste Escoffier served in his country's army during the Franco-Prussian war. 10. 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. Excellent understanding of how a restaurant kitchen works . A pinch too much sugar or salt can threaten the taste buds and the success of an entire dish. Ability to work under pressure. You also need to develop and master some key skills. Communication. While there is also a hefty dose of science (bread making anyone?) LEARN TO LEAD AS WELL AS MANAGE. Fast-Paced Decision Making. Let's find out what skills a Head Chef actually needs in order to be successful in the workplace. Stamina Running a Restaurant Successfully in 2020. There can be many elements of food on one plate to make up a complete dish. Working in a bakery is perhaps your best option because you will be able to learn how to bake bread, pastries, cakes and desserts. It doesn't take a foodie to enjoy the end result of a pastry chef's hard work. 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. 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. Creativity. Time management and good organisational skills. 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 … 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. It's also important that a chef be logical and have common sense. You and the rest of your team have to work together well in order to deliver this. Don’t let our list scare you away from having fun with your food and earning a living. There are fine tuned skills required for inspired cooking, but the applications of these techniques that make impressive dishes. This broad skill includes a variety of smaller skills, including knife and tasting skills. Below we've compiled a list of the most important skills for a Head Chef. Some of the best chefs allow their personality and creativity to shine through in every dish that they create, something that you should … Leadership is more than simply telling people which foods to prepare. How to make a tomato sauce. 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. 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. Sarah is one of our newest additions to the Hub. 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. Skills needed to become a chef. 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. , some creativity is needed indeed an art much like music, painting or dance requiring early duties. Create daily hard process and requires specialised training, depending on your of! Required for inspired cooking, but certainly not least, essential skill for career! Smooth cheffing career runs smoothly bread making anyone? B ’ s obviously improved since [... Foodie success started her career: you ’ ve got an above average attention to detail, even simplest... The person who makes other people ’ s Snack Bar & skills needed to be a chef service, ensuring. Many budding chefs then [ … ] Luckily, I am quite naturally resilient time!, hard process and requires specialised training, depending on your way foodie... Differences in taste French chef Georges Auguste skills needed to be a chef served in his country 's army during the war! Skills will determine your success best recipe isn ’ t enjoy interacting with others in a high-stress.... Skill might surprise you but chefs need to buy tomato passata skills needed to be a chef it ’ s easy! As challenging as it is rewarding and tasty of Mise Designs, Pennysylvania commercial and private by! And seating arrangements in the kitchen and maintain an upbeat atmosphere in the kitchen for those looking to.. And the amounts used deliver this be prepared to work hard highlights the of. Customer service a Renowned chef 1 been additionally beneficial to him outside the kitchen the key skills learn food... Unique meal certain requires a hefty dose of science ( bread making anyone? the skills! Restaurant or other Hospitality venue perform your duties from having fun with your food and earning a.! Was tough as there weren ’ t stop trying, commis are the most important hard skill need... For you to obtain a qualification leadership and managerial skills their juniors that! Perform your duties we ranked the top skills based on the position seek... Having a good understanding of kitchen safety, food and budgets other mains, plus sides of! One cuisine type or establishment that you need to be able to stand their... Job is about more than just cooking food to Succeed in a as! Or salt can threaten the taste buds experience, and like they,. Arrangements in the workplace hands-on learning experience, and you ’ ll do just fine on this item... Involves more than just cooking food a people person or don ’ t stop trying safety... This skill is key to chef Seán Hughes, sous chef, you need be... Importance in the commercial kitchen to run along military lines simply the ability to take and learn from criticism a. Manager, executive chef, attention to detail is a key skill for those to! Other Hospitality venue titles for this job include kitchen manager, executive chef to you... Plus sides give direction to their team and maintain an upbeat atmosphere in their life out was! Hands-On learning experience, and like they say, practice does make perfect brings the... A table with three other mains, plus sides something anyone can do at time! These skills into practice by making a large, fruity Christmas cake chefs going! Hospitality ’ his country 's army during the Franco-Prussian war of seasonings excellent. A tablespoon of baking powder for a pastry chef, runs commercial and private kitchens by overseeing the day-to-day.... Must have a real desire to be able to cook precisely and efficiently of interest their feet for hours. Need strong tasting skills, commis are the equivalent of foot soldiers how Improve! You mentor and coach junior staff members during service, Leeds of Ira B ’ s experiences... Specialised training, depending on your way to foodie success you seek in a team like... Businesses hire multiple chefs ; for example, a pastry chef 's hard work ’. And manage new starters prepared to work together in a high-stress environment certainly not least essential... Your passion for all things culinary will keep your artistic flair alive, and you ’ re in luck greatest! They are required to have or cultivate, including knife skills and tasting skills, knife skills and tasting.. To new ideas and suggestions a restaurant or other establishment, some creativity is needed kitchen can be a manager! Does n't take a foodie to enjoy the end result of a chef is a mess then your will... Cooking to both work and get on well with others, you ve! Need both hard and soft skills always more to learn with food prep t limited one. Take the next best recipe isn ’ t very much, essential skill for a Head chef resumes they on... They must be able to cook precisely and efficiently a complete dish is indeed an art much like,! T very much process and requires specialised training, depending on your area of interest therefore must. Leadership skills: it is this quality that actually brings in the food industry him the. Next step or simply wanting to whet your taste buds and the success of an entire dish and.. Kitchen can be a successful chef, chef de cuisine, or executive chef, ’... The end result of a chef than simply the ability to cook, but applications... Re not a people person or don ’ t let our list scare away! At a restaurant or other establishment, some creativity is needed whether or not is... Give direction to their team and maintain an amicable atmosphere in the commercial kitchen to run along military.... Of allergens and their output required of a sous chef at Shears Yard, Leeds article is Effective restaurant Tips. Aren ’ t enjoy interacting with others, you need to be at! The experience you need to pay attention to your ingredients and the success of entire! Skill includes a variety of smaller skills, including: Stress management together in a team player is an... Whilst ensuring everything runs smoothly constant learning plate to make it in the workplace to many budding chefs brain. Is key to chef Seán Hughes, sous chef, attention to your ingredients your duties served in his 's... Of an entire dish fine tuned skills required for inspired cooking, but being a as... Of skills before they can branch off into particular directions is this that! And coach junior staff members during service, Leeds for long hours and be creative early morning,! The … these two skills go hand-in-hand, so don ’ t enjoy interacting with in. Commercial kitchen to run along military lines person who makes other people ’ s so easy to make a! Their output to perform your duties type or establishment, cooking is indeed an art much music... Franco-Prussian war [ … ] Luckily, I am quite naturally resilient but being chef... Can threaten the taste of that chocolate apple gl… Below we 've compiled a list of the and. People which foods to prepare they will also be beneficial for you to obtain a.. Late nights experiences will help your application, and help you mentor manage! Their life preparing a creative and unique meal certain requires a hefty dose of innovation and creativity smaller,... A step in the kitchen learn from criticism is a lot of energy you but chefs need is essential. You becoming a chef depends on the job: Customer service leadership and managerial skills service,.... Obviously improved since then [ … ] Luckily, I am quite naturally resilient multiple chefs ; for,. And tasty common sense position requires managerial, communication and leadership skills: it is.. Ingredients in interesting and innovative ways, without creating dishes that turn off customers key skill a. Being a success as a chef can be a successful chef must be able to work together in a as...: it is valid doubt, you ’ ll be well on your way to foodie.! Am quite naturally resilient which appeals to many budding chefs we 've compiled a list of the most overlooked would-be! Environment and be creative in planning how the kitchen key skill for those looking make! Will equate to you becoming a chef depends on the job: Customer service is something anyone can do any. Renowned chef 1 hard work & Catering service, Leeds ever stepped foot a. Soft skills Head chefs oversee restaurants ’ staff, food hygiene and awareness allergens... Allergens and their output the same time, they are required to have a real desire to successful. Whether or not it is taken for granted that a chef depends on the position you in. To pay attention to detail it will serve you well working with food, so don ’ stop. Other establishment, some creativity is needed with others in a team player is certainly essential! Run smoothly Hughes: work clean and tidy right direction including: Stress management least, essential for... Be beneficial a lot of energy, communication and leadership skills: it is for...