Editor’s note: Chef Working Overseas – Ten Benefits was most recently updated in May 2022.
Chef skills are in high demand globally which means it’s a candidate driven jobs markets and a great time to explore your options around moving jobs – not just locally, but further afield.
Australia, Europe, even the USA are all places where you could take your chef career to the next level. And not only could an international move become a working trip of a lifetime, it could also significantly benefit your longer term career prospects. Here’s how.
1. Chef working overseas – increase your chef career choices
If you’re open to working abroad, then a greater number of chef job opportunities will be available to you as you search for suitable chef roles in more than one job market.
2. Increase your prospects
If you’ve hit a ceiling in your current role or niche a plan to work abroad can really help you shake up things up and put your career back on track. Landing a role in a kitchen overseas could mean you’re able to climb the career ladder quicker and fulfil your potential more easily than you would have done at home.
3. Increase your chef earning potential
Dependant on where you’d consider working abroad as a chef, you could earn a higher salary. You’re paid tax free in the UAE, for example. In turn, this could also mean you enjoy a higher standard of living when working abroad.
4. Chef working overseas – increase your technical skillset
Your technical skills will likely increase as you learn new cooking techniques and new cuisines. Time spent working in kitchens overseas will equip you with the knowledge required to cater to different audiences, clients and employer expectations.
5. Increase your general skillset
Soft skills such as adaptability, flexibility, showing initiative and problem-solving are other areas likely to receive a boost by working abroad.
6. Increase your cultural awareness
Working and collaborating with people from different backgrounds can only enhance your communication and teamwork skills, and grow respect for cultural differences. It will also equip you with a broader understanding of how culture affects both food and business – a real plus for future employers.
7. Increase your opportunity to travel
Even with a job, living and working abroad can still feel like the greatest adventure as spare time can be spent discovering new places in your host nation and beyond.
8. Chef working overseas – increase your professional network
Working abroad is a great opportunity to boost your chef career as you’re bound to meet a large number of people. Professional contacts are a powerful tool and you never know what these working relationships may lead to. Especially as many job openings are not advertised publicly, but filled through referrals and professional networking.
9. Increase your value as a candidate in the chef jobs market
One sure fire way you will boost your chef career by working overseas is the appeal of international work experience on your chef CV. It shows adaptability, motivation and determination – three skills that employers and recruiters greatly value. International exposure can accelerate your promotion prospects and lead to enhanced reward packages.
10. Chef working overseas – not forgetting…
Working for a credible company overseas could be ten times more valuable than if you stayed at home working your way up in a local kitchen!
And finally…
Do you want to work as a chef in Australia?
We’re thrilled to announce a new and exciting partnership between Only Chefs and Visa Jobs, which aims to help talented chefs like you, work in Australia.
Our exclusive partnership means the team at Visa Jobs are on hand to help you through the entire migration visa process – including finding you a job. But that’s not all, (for a limited time) they are offering a free suitability review for jobs in Australia.
Whether you aspire to join a top-notch restaurant, a renowned hotel or iconic Sydney harbour landmark, it’s time to take the first step towards your Australian culinary journey.