A Commis Chef is an entry-level position perfect for anyone looking to start their career in a restaurant. The hospitality and catering sector is available across the UK, making finding Commis Chef roles easier within your local area. Here, we will explore what your day-to-day could look like as a Commis Chef, what to put on your CV to land one of these roles, and how to apply for positions near you.
What is a Commis Chef?
A Commis Chef is the lowest-ranking chef in any professional kitchen. This is an entry-level position and the perfect place to start if you’re looking to develop a career as a professional Chef. Although this is an entry-level position, some culinary education or skills are necessary for this role. As part of the Commis Chef position, you will be overseen by the Chef de Partie (or Station Chef), who will help you build your skills in their specific area – this could be meat, fish, vegetables, or other. By learning from experienced chefs, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to develop within a professional kitchen and advance your career.
Due to the demands on hospitality and catering, these roles often include evening and weekend work. This can be perfect for people looking to gain experience and develop a career around other studies or commitments. As part of your day-to-day, you will be maintaining the workspace, cleaning, preparing food, assisting senior chefs, learning recipes, and managing stock levels. As you gain more experience, you can move up into Station Chef and Sous Chef positions.
How to Become a Commis Chef
You don’t need specific qualifications to become a Commis Chef in a lot of restaurants, however, some restaurants might have different culinary education requirements or experience needs. As an entry-level position, you can apply with a passion for the culinary arts and some minimal experience – including volunteer work.
What to Put on a Commis Chef CV
When applying for these roles, you will need a Commis Chef CV to highlight any relevant experience, education, or skills that you can use for this role. Some skills to focus on developing include basic culinary skills, hygiene and cleanliness, teamworking, time management, and organisation.
Similar Jobs to Commis Chef
A Commis Chef is an entry-level role in a professional kitchen. Some other jobs similar to Commis Chef that can help you start your career in hospitality and catering include Kitchen Assistant or Porter, Dishwasher, or even Waiter/ Waitress. These positions will involve handling food and dealing with the kitchen environment at different levels, giving you an insight into the world of a Commis Chef before becoming one.
Other Jobs in Hospitality and Catering
The hospitality and catering sector provide thousands of jobs across the UK every year, with a variety of entry-level and more senior positions available for anyone looking to start a career in this industry. Some other roles in hospitality and catering include Bartender, Barista, Bar Back, Receptionist, and other entry-level positions that give you an insight into the sector. By exploring other entry-level positions within this sector, you can explore what a day-to-day as a Commis Chef will look like, build connections, and develop your kitchen knowledge until you land a Commis Chef job role.
Apply for Commis Chef Jobs Near You
Hospitality and catering jobs are available across the UK, making it easier to find Commis Chef jobs near you. By applying for entry-level positions in this sector, you’ll be able to gain some kitchen experience, alongside any culinary education that you’re doing, to develop the skills needed for this role.
Commis Chef Job Description FAQ
Is a Commis Chef a Good Career Choice?
Yes, a Commis Chef is a good career choice for people looking to develop a career as a Chef. This is an entry-level role with minimal requirements that can provide training and hands-on experience within your chosen culinary field.
What Skills Does a Commis Chef Need?
While you don’t need specific qualifications to become a Commis Chef, some culinary education can be useful as well as some skills that include:
- Basic culinary skills
- Communication
- Teamworking
- Hygiene and cleanliness
What Are the Biggest Challenges of Being a Commis Chef?
As a Commis Chef, some of the biggest challenges you will experience include a fast-paced and high-pressure environment, long working hours, and unconventional shift patterns. Due to the demands on hospitality and catering, work will sometimes be required during late evenings and weekends.
What Personal Qualities Make a Great Commis Chef?
To become a great Commis Chef, you will need more than just culinary skills. Some personal qualities that will help you succeed include:
- Attention to detail
- Excellent communication
- Fast learner
