First Impressions Matter: Make Your CV Shine
In a kitchen, the smallest details make the biggest difference — and the same goes for your CV. For chefs, a CV isn’t just a list of jobs; it’s your professional menu. It tells agencies and employers what you bring to the table, before they even meet you.
Think about a hiring manager scanning dozens of applications. You have just seconds to grab their attention. A strong, well-crafted CV doesn’t just get noticed — it gets interviews.
Here’s how to create a chef CV that captures your experience, showcases your skills, and puts you at the top of the list.
Tell Your Story Through Your Experience
Your career history is the heart of your CV. It’s not enough to simply list where you worked — you need to show how you made an impact.
- Start with your most recent role and work backward.
- For each role, include:
- ➔ Job title
- ➔ Name of the restaurant or establishment
- ➔ Location
- ➔ Dates of employment
Under each job, use bullet points to highlight your achievements, not just your duties. Focus on results and responsibilities that show leadership, creativity, and skill.
Example:
Instead of saying "Managed kitchen staff", write "Led a 12-person kitchen team, improving service speed by 20% during peak hours through menu re-engineering."
Also highlight promotions, awards, notable collaborations, or media mentions — anything that sets you apart.
Tip: Tailor the language you use to mirror the kind of roles you're applying for. If you’re aiming for a high-end restaurant, use professional, elegant phrasing. For a trendy street food brand, a little more personality and flair could work.
Highlight Your Signature Skills
Every chef brings something different to the pass. Your CV should make it clear what your special ingredients are.
Create a dedicated Skills section that showcases both your core techniques and broader kitchen abilities. Think beyond knife skills and plating:
- Culinary techniques (e.g., butchery, pastry, fermentation, sous vide cooking)
- Cuisine specialities (e.g., French fine dining, modern Asian fusion, vegan or gluten-free)
- Leadership skills (e.g., menu development, kitchen training programs, supplier management)
- Other technical skills (e.g., inventory control, HACCP compliance, cost control)
If you have standout skills — like designing seasonal tasting menus or managing a Michelin inspection — call them out clearly.
Remember: Agencies love chefs who can hit the ground running. The clearer you are about what you do best, the easier it is for them to place you.
Show Your Commitment to the Craft: Education & Certifications
In the culinary world, qualifications can sometimes give you the edge — especially when moving into more senior or specialist roles.
Include your formal education and certifications, starting with the most recent. For each, list:
- Institution name
- Course title
- Dates attended
Relevant certifications like Level 2 Food Safety, Health & Safety courses, or diplomas from respected culinary schools should be front and center. If you've attended specialist workshops (e.g., artisan breadmaking, advanced pastry techniques, leadership training), mention those too.
Pro tip: A short list of ongoing professional development shows you're serious about growing in your career — something chef employment agencies notice.
Always Tailor Your CV to the Job
A generic CV is a wasted opportunity.
Before sending your CV, tweak it to match the role you're applying for. If a position asks for Italian fine dining experience, bring your relevant skills and experience to the top. If it’s a fast-paced, high-volume restaurant, highlight your speed, efficiency, and ability to lead large brigades.
Even a few small adjustments can make a huge difference.
Pair your CV with a short, punchy cover letter that explains why you’re a perfect fit for the role. It doesn’t need to be long — just a few lines that link your experience directly to what the employer is looking for.
Final Touches: Keep It Fresh
Your CV should evolve just like your skills do.
Review and update it regularly — every time you complete a significant project, take on new responsibilities, or achieve something worth bragging about.
Keeping your CV fresh means you’ll always be ready when the next opportunity comes along.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Create a job seeker profile on Only Chefs here, to be found my top employers.
Whether you’re hunting for your next kitchen challenge or aiming for a leadership position, a strong CV is your first step.
You can also explore our latest chef jobs here— and make your next career move the right one.