Chefs and Head Cooks

Prepare, season, and prepare a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, meats, veggies, and desserts. Assumes some responsibility for menu and cost planning, stock ordering, and financial reporting.

Career Snapshot

ABOUT CHEF OR HEAD COOK CAREERS

Though some people confuse the terms "chef" and "cook," there is a significant difference in the restaurant industry. Chefs are more talented and well-trained than ordinary chefs, and they are more responsible for creating the meals that define a restaurant's reputation. 

But it's not just about the food; this job necessitates strong organisational and administrative abilities. The chef, also known as the chief cook, manages the entire kitchen crew and keeps track of supplies and timetables. Chefs must have an exceptionally sophisticated and innovative sense of taste. He or she creates the menu items and often prices them, too. 

Getting far in this profession may be as much about cutting food prices and controlling less-skilled workers as it is about producing a memorable menu. Chefs must be great multitaskers in order to keep things moving smoothly in a hot, noisy kitchen. The labour is fast-paced, and a forgotten detail can result in lost time and food, not to mention an upset customer. Chefs are always on the move, typically working evenings, weekends, and holidays. 

While many cooks learn on the job, chefs and head cooks typically have degrees in culinary arts from a reputable cooking school. Many employers also search for safe food handling certificates. Chefs develop by changing jobs and learning new skills, and some even create their own restaurants. While just a few get their own cooking show, they are always happy to accept compliments.

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Wages


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Characteristics

Critical decision making
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines
Competition for this position
Dealing and handling conflicts
Exposure to job hazards
Communication with others
Work closely with team members, clients etc.
Comfort of the work setting
Physical demands
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions
Leadership
Level of responsibilities

Activities

Coaching and Developing Others Know More
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Know More
Developing and Building Teams Know More
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates Know More
Making Decisions and Solving Problems Know More
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work Know More
Thinking Creatively Know More
Training and Teaching Others Know More

Areas of Study

Administration and Management Know More
Customer and Personal Service Know More
Education and Training Know More
English Language Know More
Food Production Know More
Mathematics Know More
Personnel and Human Resources Know More
Production and Processing Know More

Degrees

Colleges

Top Skills

Coordination Know More
Critical Thinking Know More
Judgment and Decision Making Know More
Management of Personnel Resources Know More
Monitoring Know More
Social Perceptiveness Know More
Speaking Know More
Time Management Know More