Chef CV Example
A chef CV is built on clearly showing which kitchen you worked in (British, international, pastry), what type of establishment and at what level of responsibility. Food hygiene certifications and menu development experience stand out. Keep it one page and ATS-friendly.
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Marcus Bailey
Head Chef (Hot Kitchen)
Brighton, UK
Summary
12 years of hotel and restaurant kitchen experience, the last 4 as head of the hot kitchen. Skilled in British and international cuisine, with experience in menu development and team management. Meticulous about hygiene and food safety.
Experience
Head Chef (Hot Kitchen) · 5-Star Hotel
May 2021 – Present- ›Led an 8-strong kitchen team; kept service times up while reducing the complaint rate.
- ›Refreshed the seasonal menu, improving guest satisfaction.
- ›Cut food costs by 12% through standardised portioning.
Chef de Partie · Restaurant
Sep 2016 – Apr 2021- ›Ran the hot kitchen section during busy service.
- ›Applied HACCP food-safety standards.
Skills
Education
Professional Cookery (NVQ) · Catering College (2008 – 2012)
What to Highlight in a Chef CV
- ✓State your area of specialism clearly (hot/cold kitchen, pastry, international cuisine).
- ✓Write the type of establishment you worked in (hotel, restaurant, catering) and its capacity.
- ✓Highlight your food hygiene certifications (HACCP, Level 2/3 Food Safety) separately.
- ✓Add menu development and cost/portion management experience.
Technical Skills
- •Hot/cold kitchen
- •Menu development
- •Portion & cost control
- •HACCP/food hygiene
- •Pastry (if any)
- •Team management
Soft Skills
- •Working under pressure
- •Speed
- •Teamwork
- •Discipline
Common Mistakes
- ✕Not stating which kitchen/section you specialise in.
- ✕Skipping food hygiene certifications.
- ✕Not writing the type of establishment and its capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do certifications matter on a chef CV?
Yes — HACCP, food hygiene and a good reference letter build trust. List them in a separate section.
Which kitchen experience should I write?
List all of it, but bring forward whichever is closest to the concept of the place you are applying to.
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