Chef CV Example & Writing Guide

To secure your next chef job, you’ll need to convince employers of your culinary vision and your ability to craft memorable dining experiences. 

This comprehensive chef CV guide is your secret ingredient for career success, offering expert guidance, professional CV templates, and a professional CV builder to craft a truly standout chef CV.

We'll give you the tools to showcase your culinary artistry, highlight your signature dishes, and tailor your CV to capture the attention of hiring managers. 

How to write a chef CV:

To create a CV that truly tantalises and attracts the attention of top restaurants, consider these essential elements:

• The CV header
• The CV professional summary
• The employment history section
• The skills section
• The education section

Transform your CV from overlooked to irresistible and capture the attention of hiring chefs with these proven culinary strategies:

• Outline the skills most craved by restaurants seeking your specific culinary expertise
• Use action verbs and numbers to help highlight the positive impact you had on diners and the restaurant's success
• Select a professional and visually appealing CV design that is easy to read
• Tailor your CV to each specific restaurant and role you apply for, highlighting the skills and experience most relevant to their culinary vision

Choose the best CV format for chefs

While a chronological format is standard fare, it’s important to explore alternative CV formats if they better highlight your particular strengths or culinary specialities.

Consider a functional or combination CV to showcase a diverse range of skills. These CV formats can be a better option if you possess diverse culinary talents or a portfolio of signature dishes you would like to highlight. 

Include essential contact details

To help capture the attention of employers, include the following elements: 

• Full Name and Professional Title: Your full name and the specific culinary role you're applying for.
• Professional Email: Use a clear and professional email address.
• Phone Number: Provide a reliable phone number where you can be easily reached. Ensure your voicemail greeting is professional and concise.
• Location: Specify your city and region. If you're willing to relocate, explicitly state this, e.g. "Cork, Open to Relocation.”
• LinkedIn Profile URL: Include a link to your up-to-date LinkedIn profile, especially if it features relevant culinary experience, skills, and connections.

Include an engaging professional profile

Your professional profile is your opportunity to make a compelling first impression and demonstrate your value as a culinary professional.

In a few concise and impactful sentences, highlight your dedication to culinary excellence, your areas of expertise, and your track record of success. Focus on illustrating how your contributions have positively impacted previous establishments or culinary endeavours.

For example: "Ambitious and reliable chef with a proven ability to develop innovative menus, manage efficient kitchen operations, and consistently exceed diner expectations."

You can also take a look at our chef CV examples below: 

Highlight your professional experience

When describing your culinary experience, don't just list your kitchen duties. Paint a vivid picture of your culinary creations and demonstrate the positive impact you've had on diners and establishments.

Each bullet point in your work experience section should be a mini culinary masterpiece, highlighting your key contributions and quantifiable achievements. Use descriptive verbs and focus on the tangible results you delivered.

For example, instead of:

• "Prepared food."
• "Worked in a kitchen."
• "Followed recipes."

Try the following:

• "Crafted innovative dishes using locally sourced ingredients, resulting in a 20% increase in positive customer reviews.”
• "Honed advanced techniques to create unique and memorable dining experiences, earning the restaurant a Michelin star recommendation."
• "Streamlined kitchen operations during peak service periods, leading to a 10% improvement in table turnover rate.”

Highlighting your culinary accomplishments with quantifiable results effectively showcases your value and potential to prospective employers.

Discuss relevant chef skills 

Your chef CV's skills section is a prime opportunity to showcase the breadth of your culinary talents. 

It's essential to highlight a blend of technical hard skills, specialised culinary expertise, and crucial soft skills that contribute to success in professional kitchens.

Examples of these skills include:

Detail your education & relevant certifications

The education and training section of your chef CV showcases your culinary foundation and dedication to professional development within the culinary arts. 

List your culinary qualifications and certifications in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.

This section is also an ideal place to highlight the following:

• Culinary specialisations: Detail any specific areas of expertise you've developed, such as pastry, garde manger, or any specific cuisines. This demonstrates your focused culinary skills.
• Professional affiliations: List any memberships in professional culinary organisations, such as the Restaurant Association of Ireland (RAI) or the Chefs of Ireland. This shows your engagement in the broader culinary community.
• Professional developments: Include any relevant workshops, conferences, or online courses you've completed to stay up-to-date with the latest culinary trends and techniques, like a course on sustainable cooking practices or a conference on menu design. This reinforces your commitment to lifelong learning.

Select an appropriate CV layout 

Think of your chef CV as the opening course, presenting your culinary skills and professional experience to potential employers.

Opt for a clean, professional CV design that effectively highlights your professional strengths and accomplishments. 

While a subtle use of colour can enhance visual appeal, avoid anything too flashy or distracting. 

Structure your chef CV logically and clearly. Use distinct headings, concise bullet points, and ample white space to create a visually appealing CV.

Chef text-only CV example

Ready to ignite your culinary career and showcase your unique talents? Our expert CV builder can help you craft a chef CV that truly captures your culinary artistry and achievements. 

Take your culinary journey to the next level and get noticed by top restaurants today.