Chef recruiters do more than just match chefs with kitchens — they’re gatekeepers of the industry, deciding who lands the best roles in top restaurants, hotels, and private gigs. If you want to level up, understanding how recruiters evaluate candidates is essential.
Here’s exactly what they’re looking for — and how you can stand out.
What Chef Recruiters Value Most
🔪 Skills & Experience
Your technical abilities are the first thing recruiters assess. Can you execute perfect sauces, work multiple stations during a busy service, or develop creative specials? Experience in reputable kitchens — especially high-volume or high-pressure ones — shows you can handle the heat.
Pro tip: Highlight well-known establishments on your CV; they instantly signal you’ve been tested at a high standard.
🎓 Education & Training
Formal training from a respected cooking school can help, but recruiters also know some of the best chefs learn on the job. Certifications in food safety or specialties like pastry, butchery, or plant-based cooking can set you apart.
Remember: Hands-on skills carry just as much weight as classroom education.
🤝 Personality & Soft Skills
Recruiters pay close attention to:
- Communication — can you follow directions and give clear instructions?
- Adaptability — do you stay calm when orders pile up or menus change?
- Teamwork — do you work well with kitchen and front-of-house staff?
A chef who can keep cool under pressure while supporting their team is always in demand.
How Recruiters Interview Chef Candidates
After shortlisting your CV and portfolio, recruiters typically use a multi-step process:
1️⃣ Screening Call: A quick chat about your availability, goals, and salary expectations.
2️⃣ Formal Interview (in person or virtual): Discuss your background, what motivates you, and how you approach challenges.
3️⃣ Practical Test or Cooking Demo (sometimes): Prepare a dish on the spot to show your skills, creativity, and ability to think fast.
💡 Example: You might hear, “You have 30 minutes to create a vegetarian starter from these surprise ingredients — go!” Recruiters use this to evaluate not just your technique, but your composure.
Building an Impressive Chef Portfolio
Your portfolio should go beyond a simple CV and include:
- 📸 High-quality photos of your best dishes.
- 🏆 Awards, certifications, or notable achievements.
- 📖 Sample menus or unique recipes.
- ✍️ A brief personal story about your cooking philosophy or journey.
Craft a narrative with your portfolio — it makes you memorable and shows your passion.
Recruiters Do More Than Place Candidates
Great chef recruiters aren’t just there for your next job — they’re long-term partners who:
- Offer career advice and constructive feedback.
- Share exclusive job opportunities.
- Connect you with industry events or mentors.
- Keep you updated on salary benchmarks and hiring trends.
Maintaining a good relationship with your recruiter can give you a competitive advantage for years to come.
How to Impress Chef Recruiters
- 🔎 Tailor Your CV: Emphasise experience relevant to your target role.
- 🗣️ Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to talk about how you handle stress, communicate with teams, and solve problems creatively.
- 🌟 Show Your Personality: Passion, professionalism, and humility can make you stand out when recruiters are choosing between skilled candidates.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Understanding what chef recruiters look for helps you present yourself as the chef every top kitchen wants to hire. Sharpen your skills, build a standout portfolio, and develop the professional qualities that make you irresistible to employers.
At Only Chefs, we connect talented chefs with leading restaurants and private clients across the UK. Whether you’re seeking your next opportunity or need advice on perfecting your application, we’re here to help.
👉 Connect with Only Chefs today and take your career to the next level.