In the culinary world, a chef CV is more than a document – it’s your story. Whether you’re starting out, stepping up, or sharpening your professional edge, a well-crafted chef CV can open doors.
This guide shows you how to write a chef CV that gets noticed, gets interviews, and gets results.
Start with your professional experience
This is the heart of your chef CV. Use it to tell your culinary journey – where you’ve worked, what you did, and how you grew.
For each role:
- Include your job title, venue and dates.
- Highlight cuisines, menus, or techniques you used.
- Note the size of kitchen or brigade.
- Mention standout achievements (e.g. “designed seasonal tasting menu” or “reduced prep wastage by 20%”).
Employers want to see progression, passion and purpose.
Culinary education and certifications
Even in kitchens where experience matters more than paper, your training still counts. List:
- Culinary school or course (e.g. NVQ, Cert III, Diplomas).
- Food safety qualifications.
- Specialty training (butchery, pastry, dietary/allergen training).
Tip: If you’re entry-level or making a career change, this section matters even more. A clear chef CV with food safety certificates can often get you through the door faster than experience alone.
Chef CV: Highlight your skills and strengths
This section answers the question: what can you bring to my kitchen?
Split your skills into clear, skimmable areas like:
- Cooking styles: grill, pastry, pasta, sauces.
- Service types: à la carte, banquets, buffet, tasting menu.
- Leadership: team training, section management, rota planning.
- Tech and systems: ordering platforms, digital kitchen systems.
Be specific. “Fast, clean, and consistent” beats “hardworking and passionate.”
Add awards, reviews or recognition
If you’ve received awards or positive reviews – include them. For example:
- Chef of the Month/Year awards.
- Menu mentions in reviews (TripAdvisor, Google, industry publications).
- Competition results.
It’s not about bragging – it’s about backing yourself. Employers want proof of credibility.
Include your culinary philosophy
This isn’t essential – but it helps. Just 2–3 lines explaining:
- What motivates you in the kitchen.
- Your food style or influences.
- The kind of kitchen culture you thrive in.
You can weave this into a personal statement at the top of your chef CV or add it near the end.