4 answers
Sam
Student
Gresham, Oregon
1
Question
Asked
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How to get into entry level prep cooking from former fast food restaurant service?
I have previous years of mainstream fast food cooking and independent backline skills, I’d like to get more in depth on culinary knife skills, food preparation, storage and over all cooking.
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4 answers
Robert Schaefer
Lawyer/Executive Chef
7
Answers
Omaha, Nebraska
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Sam,
Peter has about the same advice I would offer. I would add that you should go out and meet chefs and talk to them in their environment. Do you have a place that you have thought about working at? Eat there, know every dish on the menu. Know everything you can about the chef. Go there after lunch, about 2pm and ask to speak with the chef. Have a copy of your resume with all of your contact information on it. It doesn't matter if you have only worked fast food and only had 1 job. Speak with the chef and tell them about you desire to learn more. Tell them you want to work in a professional kitchen. Try to strike an emotional cord with the chef. Show your passion. Advocate for yourself. Tell the chef you would be willing to do a shift or 2 as an intern to show your skills. Be prepared with what you are going to say. Go in with confidence in your skill but be humble with all you have to learn.
Good luck!
Rob
Peter has about the same advice I would offer. I would add that you should go out and meet chefs and talk to them in their environment. Do you have a place that you have thought about working at? Eat there, know every dish on the menu. Know everything you can about the chef. Go there after lunch, about 2pm and ask to speak with the chef. Have a copy of your resume with all of your contact information on it. It doesn't matter if you have only worked fast food and only had 1 job. Speak with the chef and tell them about you desire to learn more. Tell them you want to work in a professional kitchen. Try to strike an emotional cord with the chef. Show your passion. Advocate for yourself. Tell the chef you would be willing to do a shift or 2 as an intern to show your skills. Be prepared with what you are going to say. Go in with confidence in your skill but be humble with all you have to learn.
Good luck!
Rob
Thank you for the kind words and encouragement! I will definitely be taking all the tips and advice along with me, and look into expanding my kitchen knowledge with local chefs/diners. Hearing specific suggestions for approaching a new position in the kitchen and how to bring my prior skill set to the table is very helpful, I appreciate that :)
Sam
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
523
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Transitioning from fast food restaurant service to an entry-level prep cooking position in a culinary environment is a great way to expand your culinary skills and experience. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make this transition:
1. **Assess Your Skills:** Take stock of the skills you've gained from your fast food experience. Skills like multitasking, working efficiently, and maintaining cleanliness are valuable in any kitchen.
2. **Culinary Education:** Consider enrolling in a culinary program or taking cooking classes. While not mandatory, formal culinary education can provide a strong foundation in culinary techniques and knife skills.
3. **Research Entry-Level Positions:** Look for prep cook or kitchen assistant positions in local restaurants, catering companies, or culinary schools. These roles often require minimal prior experience and can serve as a stepping stone.
4. **Update Your Resume:** Revise your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experience, even if it's from fast food. Emphasize your ability to work in a fast-paced environment, follow recipes, and handle food safely.
5. **Networking:** Reach out to your professional network, including colleagues and acquaintances in the culinary field. They may be aware of job openings or offer valuable advice.
6. **Apply and Follow Up:** Start applying to entry-level prep cook positions. Tailor your cover letter and resume to each application. Follow up with potential employers to express your interest.
7. **Practice Knife Skills:** Invest in a good chef's knife and practice your knife skills at home. There are also online tutorials and courses that can help you improve your cutting techniques.
8. **Learn Food Safety:** Familiarize yourself with food safety guidelines and certifications like ServSafe. Knowledge of proper food handling and sanitation is essential in the culinary industry.
9. **Volunteer or Intern:** Consider volunteering or interning at a local restaurant or catering company. This hands-on experience can help you build your resume and gain exposure to professional kitchens.
10. **Demonstrate Enthusiasm:** During interviews, express your passion for cooking and your eagerness to learn and grow in the culinary field.
11. **Be Prepared to Start at the Bottom:** Entry-level positions may involve repetitive tasks like chopping vegetables or preparing ingredients. Be patient and show your dedication to the craft.
12. **Continue Learning:** Even after landing a prep cook job, continue to expand your culinary knowledge. Experiment with new recipes at home and seek guidance from experienced chefs or coworkers.
13. **Build Relationships:** Foster positive relationships with coworkers and superiors. The culinary industry often relies on teamwork and connections.
Remember that transitioning into the culinary field can take time, but your prior experience in fast food service can be an asset. With determination, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to improving your culinary skills, you can successfully start a career in prep cooking and work your way up in the culinary world.
1. **Assess Your Skills:** Take stock of the skills you've gained from your fast food experience. Skills like multitasking, working efficiently, and maintaining cleanliness are valuable in any kitchen.
2. **Culinary Education:** Consider enrolling in a culinary program or taking cooking classes. While not mandatory, formal culinary education can provide a strong foundation in culinary techniques and knife skills.
3. **Research Entry-Level Positions:** Look for prep cook or kitchen assistant positions in local restaurants, catering companies, or culinary schools. These roles often require minimal prior experience and can serve as a stepping stone.
4. **Update Your Resume:** Revise your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experience, even if it's from fast food. Emphasize your ability to work in a fast-paced environment, follow recipes, and handle food safely.
5. **Networking:** Reach out to your professional network, including colleagues and acquaintances in the culinary field. They may be aware of job openings or offer valuable advice.
6. **Apply and Follow Up:** Start applying to entry-level prep cook positions. Tailor your cover letter and resume to each application. Follow up with potential employers to express your interest.
7. **Practice Knife Skills:** Invest in a good chef's knife and practice your knife skills at home. There are also online tutorials and courses that can help you improve your cutting techniques.
8. **Learn Food Safety:** Familiarize yourself with food safety guidelines and certifications like ServSafe. Knowledge of proper food handling and sanitation is essential in the culinary industry.
9. **Volunteer or Intern:** Consider volunteering or interning at a local restaurant or catering company. This hands-on experience can help you build your resume and gain exposure to professional kitchens.
10. **Demonstrate Enthusiasm:** During interviews, express your passion for cooking and your eagerness to learn and grow in the culinary field.
11. **Be Prepared to Start at the Bottom:** Entry-level positions may involve repetitive tasks like chopping vegetables or preparing ingredients. Be patient and show your dedication to the craft.
12. **Continue Learning:** Even after landing a prep cook job, continue to expand your culinary knowledge. Experiment with new recipes at home and seek guidance from experienced chefs or coworkers.
13. **Build Relationships:** Foster positive relationships with coworkers and superiors. The culinary industry often relies on teamwork and connections.
Remember that transitioning into the culinary field can take time, but your prior experience in fast food service can be an asset. With determination, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to improving your culinary skills, you can successfully start a career in prep cooking and work your way up in the culinary world.
Thank you for such a detailed response! These are all great tips and I will continue looking into local & online options, including getting those basic and entry skills solid. Much appreciation for the effort in this list, will definitely help as I progress into a new kitchen role :)
Sam
Jacob, great answer!
Sylvia Barnes
Devlin Cathey
Executive Chef
1
Answer
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Updated
Devlin’s Answer
Hi Sam, I agree wholeheartedly with Peter, as long as you make your intentions clear about wanting to learn as much as you can, and then (more importantly) prove it by hard work and attention to detail, you’ll be fine.
And to echo Peters advice again, always try to get work in the best, classical Italian/French restaurants in your area, they will show you the necessary fundamentals that you will use your whole career. And once you’re in, work as hard as you can, it gets noticed very quickly.
And to echo Peters advice again, always try to get work in the best, classical Italian/French restaurants in your area, they will show you the necessary fundamentals that you will use your whole career. And once you’re in, work as hard as you can, it gets noticed very quickly.
Peter McCaffrey
Chef/GM
15
Answers
Napa, California
Updated
Peter’s Answer
Hello Sam,
Don't hesitate to reach out to some top-notch restaurants around you. Let them know about your burning desire to expand your knowledge and skills in the culinary arts. Make it clear that you're open to stepping into the kitchen for a hands-on interview. Remember, the skills you've acquired as a fast food cook, especially your hand-eye coordination, will be invaluable in any kitchen environment. Chefs are always on the lookout for individuals eager to learn and progress in the culinary field.
Make it a habit to arrive early and leave late. Strive to master your role and also familiarize yourself with other positions in the kitchen. Never shy away from putting in some extra hours on your own to learn more. If a chef notices your dedication, they'll be more than willing to invest additional time in nurturing your skills.
Wishing you all the best in your culinary journey!
Chef Peter
PS-go find a caterer in your town to pick up some part time shifts in the kitchen. That will get you some great experience!
Don't hesitate to reach out to some top-notch restaurants around you. Let them know about your burning desire to expand your knowledge and skills in the culinary arts. Make it clear that you're open to stepping into the kitchen for a hands-on interview. Remember, the skills you've acquired as a fast food cook, especially your hand-eye coordination, will be invaluable in any kitchen environment. Chefs are always on the lookout for individuals eager to learn and progress in the culinary field.
Make it a habit to arrive early and leave late. Strive to master your role and also familiarize yourself with other positions in the kitchen. Never shy away from putting in some extra hours on your own to learn more. If a chef notices your dedication, they'll be more than willing to invest additional time in nurturing your skills.
Wishing you all the best in your culinary journey!
Chef Peter
PS-go find a caterer in your town to pick up some part time shifts in the kitchen. That will get you some great experience!
Thank you for the advice! After being in the kitchen environment for almost 3 years and being an Assistant GM through that on top has given me much time to get speed and accuracy down, and using your suggestions, I believe will help me progress. I always gravitated towards the BOH work / food line prep and eventually had the ability to go full shifts solo on station(s) that typically required multiple people, cutting, folding, wrapping and weighing product to serve out and even enjoyed the intensity that came with. I wasn’t sure if “fast food” work gets considered much when looking to advance into more standardized kitchens, especially with needing precision skills in different forms, it’s refreshing to hear some examples of how to show that to chefs and restaurants I’d like to work in.
Sam