🚀 Looking for Your Next Chef Role? Read This First.

I was asked over the weekend by a junior chef looking for work, how do I find the right place on paper? Whether you're a Commis, CDP, or Sous Chef thinking about your next move, here are 5 things I always tell chefs to consider before saying yes to a new job 👇

🍽️ Details Matter on Your CV

It sounds simple… but you’d be surprised.

Is your email address accurate and professional?

Are your recent roles up to date?

Have you included volunteer work or stagiaires?

Is it tailored to the type of roles you're actually looking for?

Keep it current, concise, and relevant. A strong CV shows you care about the small things - and in hospitality, small things matter.

🥩 Substance Over Salary

Chasing an extra 50p per hour might feel like a win… but will it grow you?

Ask yourself: Where will I learn the most? Who will mentor me? Will I gain solid culinary foundations?

I’ve seen Career CDPs jump for small pay bumps repeatedly — and years later, they’re still in the same position, and put themselves there.

Sometimes short-term sacrifice builds long-term progression. Choose development over quick cash.

🍳 Ask About Leadership Culture

This is huge and often overlooked.

During interviews, ask: What happens if I make a mistake? How is good work recognised? What does teamwork look like during a tough service? What support is there if I’m struggling?

The kitchen culture will shape you more than the menu ever will.

🥖 Are There Clear Career Paths?

Great chefs aren’t automatically great leaders. Leadership is a skill - and it needs training, and not always coached for them in a default postition.

Is there a proper CDP development plan? Are there leadership programmes? Is there training outside the kitchen?

If progression is vague, chances are it won’t magically appear.

🌶️ Be Honest About Why You’re Leaving

If your only reason is “I want more money,” an employer may question your long-term commitment, consider I want to learn new cuisines. I want exposure to higher standards. I’m looking for growth opportunities. I want to travel and broaden my experience.

The grass isn’t always greener - it’s greener where you grow 🌱

Your career is a long game. Make decisions that future-you will thank you for.

Dont take a role without a real review process, interview, trial and how its measured - to give you feedback is vital!

📊 The Reality in Hospitality Right Now - Recent industry reports show hospitality still experiences high staff turnover compared to many other sectors, with a significant percentage of chefs leaving roles within the first year. One of the top reasons cited isn’t pay - it’s lack of progression, poor leadership, and unclear development pathways. Kitchens that invest in structured training and positive leadership culture consistently see stronger retention and better performance. The data backs it up: growth and support matter more than a small pay rise.

Your career is a long game. Make decisions that future-you will thank you for.

For vacancies, training recourses, useful development structures and even a FREE CV template its here on The Chef Hub