Zen CV
CV Template · Chef
Chef CV template.
A strong chef CV should show exactly where you can step into service: the stations you know, the volume you have handled, and the standards you cook to. Employers want evidence of consistency under pressure, not just a list of dishes.
Writing a strong Chef CV
Hiring managers for chef roles look for a CV that makes your kitchen experience easy to judge quickly. Include the types of venues you have worked in, such as hotels, fine dining, gastropubs, catering, or high-volume casual dining, along with brigade level, covers per service, and cuisine style. Mention food hygiene certifications, HACCP knowledge, allergen procedures, stock control, supplier ordering, prep lists, menu development, and costing if relevant. If you have experience with combi ovens, sous vide, pastry, butchery, banqueting, or breakfast service, place those skills where they are easy to spot.
Three things that matter most
- Show your station experience clearly, such as grill, larder, pastry, sauce, breakfast, or banqueting, so a head chef can see where you fit into the brigade.
- Include service volume and kitchen type, for example 180-cover à la carte service, hotel breakfast for 250 guests, or off-site catering for weddings and corporate events.
- List food safety, allergen, and HACCP training with dates or levels, especially if you are applying to hotels, schools, care homes, airlines, or contract catering.
Skills hiring managers look for
Frequently asked
How do I write a chef CV with no professional kitchen experience?
Use any catering, hospitality, culinary school, pop-up, volunteering, or home business experience that involved prep, service, food safety, or working to timings. Include completed modules, knife skills, cuisine techniques, and food hygiene training. If you have a portfolio or photos of plated dishes, mention it briefly and keep the CV focused on kitchen readiness.
Should a chef CV include a food portfolio or menu examples?
Yes, if you are applying for sous chef, head chef, pastry chef, private chef, or development chef roles. Add a link to a simple portfolio with menus, plated dishes, events, or seasonal specials, but do not overload the CV with images. The CV should still explain your role in costing, testing, prep, and service.
What certifications should I include on a chef CV?
Include food hygiene or food safety certificates, allergen awareness, HACCP training, first aid, and any formal culinary qualifications. For institutional or contract catering, these can be as important as your station experience. Add the awarding body and date if the certificate needs renewal.
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