Finding a Job
 Finding a job can be a challenge. It takes patience. It takes preparation. And it takes perseverance—sticking with it! But people find jobs in the culinary field every day. You can too. There are five steps to finding and getting the right job:
1. Learn About Jobs That Are Available
2. Send a Cover Letter and Résumé
3. Get Ready for the Interview
4. Go on the Interview
5. Accept an Offer
1. Learn About Jobs That Are Available
Here are the best ways to learn about jobs:
TIP: The newspaper is not the best place to find a foodservice and hospitality job. You’ll learn about more jobs by networking.
2. Send a Cover Letter and Résumé
A résumé gives a snapshot of your education and experience. A cover letter goes with the résumé. It lets you address the specific person and place where you are applying for a job. You need a good résumé and a good cover letter to get a job. Both “speak” for you before you meet a possible employer. You want your résumé and cover letter to give the best impression of you. Click below to get step-by-step help for creating a great résumé, a great cover letter, and a great thank-you letter to send after an interview.
Creating a Great Culinary Résumé and Job Letters [PDF]
TIP: Be sure that your phone number and e-mail address on your résumé are both correct, professional and up to date! The outgoing messsage on your voicemail as well as your email address tells your employer something about you. Your outgoing message should be clear and simple and your email address should include your first or last name. Remember that first impressions count. That’s how an employer will contact you to set up an interview.
3. Get Ready for the Interview
When you interview, you meet with a possible employer. Most likely it will be the chef or manager you’d work under. An interview helps the person decide if you are right for the job. Follow these points to get ready for a successful interview.
Mark your calendar
Get the following information about the interview and write it down:
• The date and time.
• The name of the person you will meet with and that person’s phone number.
• Where to go for the interview.
• Other important details you don’t want to forget!
Prepare and practice
It’s natural to be nervous about an interview. You will feel more confident if you prepare carefully. Click for a checklist of things to do to get ready for an interview. You will find typical questions and help in answering. You’ll also get tips on what not to do.
Secrets of a Great Interview: Prepare and Practice Checklist [PDF]
Put on your best appearance
How you look matters! You want to show you’re serious about the job. You may have to give up your usual style for the interview. But getting the job will be worth it.
- Come clean. Shower and wash your hair. Cut long fingernails and clean under the nails. Wear clear or no polish. Make sure your clothes and shoes are spotless.
- Dress carefully. For men: pants, shirt and a tie. For women: blouse, pants or a skirt to the knee, and shoes with low heels. No short skirts, too-tight clothing, super-high heels, baggy pants or T-shirts with big logos. Keep tattoos covered.
- Style your hair neatly. Be sure the interviewer can see your eyes. Get a hair cut if you need it. Pull long hair away from your face.
- Go easy on the makeup. Don’t overdo eye shadow, blush, or lipstick.
- Tone down the jewelry. Keep it to a watch, one or two rings, small earrings and a necklace. No noisy chains or bangles. Take out studs or hoops from piercings.
- Prepare to smile. It makes a great first impression! Be sure your teeth are clean and your breath is fresh.
Things to bring to the interview
- Your résumé. It’s standard practice to give the interviewer a copy of your résumé.
- Small notebook and pen/pencil. These are for taking notes during the interview.
- References. It’s also standard to give the names and phone numbers of three references. (Make sure you have the correct phone number for each!) These are people who can tell an employer about your past experience and performance.
TIP: Tell your references ahead of time that an employer may call. You want them to be ready to give a good picture of you.
4. Go on the Interview
Here are points to help you come across as capable and confident:
- Be on time! If you’re late, the employer may worry you are not reliable and will be late to work too. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview.
- Do not eat, smoke, or chew gum during the interview. Try not to eat or smoke just before the interview.
- Give a firm handshake. It signals confidence.
- Be aware of your body language. Sit up straight. Hold your hands in your lap.
- Look the person in the eyes. It communicates honesty when you speak. It also shows you are listening when the other person speaks.
- Keep your answers positive and honest. Remember to practice for the interview. It will help you give better answers and ask good questions.
- When the interview ends, thank the person. It’s not OK to ask, “Do I have the job?” It is OK to ask when the person plans to make a decision.
- Write a thank-you letter after the interview. Send it the same day or no later than the next day. (See “Creating a Great résumé and Job Letters” for help.)
TIP: Don’t bring up money. It can be awkward. And it may look like money is the main reason you want the job. Wait to discuss pay and benefits if you’re offered a position.
5. Accept an Offer
Before you take a job, ask about the terms of your employment. For example:
• When is your start date?
• Is your salary hourly or weekly?
• How many hours and days will you work each week?
• Will you have regular days/shifts or will your schedule change?
• Are meals before or after your shift taken out of your pay?
• Are uniforms taken out of your pay?
• Will you get health or dental benefits? If so, are you expected to contribute to them?
• Will you get paid vacation and sick days? If so, how many days?
• Will you receive retirement benefits? If so, what are they?
• Will you have to join a union? If so, what are the dues?
TIP: Check the Career FAQs for things to think about before you accept a culinary job.
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