Sous chef job description

Thinking of a Culinary Career? Check out the Sous Chef Job Description

If you’ve ever considered a culinary career, you probably already know that sous chefs have some of the most coveted positions in the industry, but before you start filling out applications you need to make sure you understand all that’s included in a sous chef job description. Being a chef isn’t as easy as you might think, but for many people, it truly is the perfect job.

What is a Sous Chef?

The sous chef job is a different profession, most of these professionals are employed by restaurants. However, many chefs do work in other establishments, such as hospital cafeterias, hotel kitchens, or wedding catering companies. Sous chef positions are top-tier, and these professionals are only a step below the head chef. The sous chef is generally charged with the responsibility of managing other kitchen employees, of assisting the head chef, and of filling in for the head chef when needed. As such, strong organizational skills, good communication, and of course, superior cooking abilities are necessary.

How Do You Become a Sous Chef?

You can enter into a chef career in a number of different ways. However, every chef will definitely need to have experience working in restaurants and/or with and around food. Whether you start out as a dishwasher or a server, any job you can get to get your foot in the door is a step in the right direction. Many people also find, especially in today’s competitive job market, that earning a degree in culinary arts is very useful. These degrees are offered at many schools around the country and even through some online schools. You can earn an associate’s degree in the field, which can often be completed in as little as two years, or even opt for a bachelor’s degree, which generally takes around four years to complete. While not every great chef will have an education in culinary arts, a degree or even a training certificate can definitely improve your chances of landing the job you want. In fact, when you look at the sous chef job description and requirements section of job postings, you will likely find that more and more restaurants are requiring or strongly encouraging educational training.

Finding a Mentor

In addition to education and experience, it’s vital that you have a mentor. This might be a head chef that you admire and wish to emulate or another sous chef. In either case, forming relationships with professionals in your industry is important. This will help you to forge connections that could lead to a job and also to gain experience and learn from successful professionals. Many people find their mentors while working in a restaurant. If you are employed in a restaurant, no matter in what capacity, be sure to express your desire to become a sous chef. Then, be willing to learn and to go the extra mile in any way possible. You need to constantly show that you are able to handle responsibility, even if it means going above and beyond your current job description. You can also form positive relationships through internships. Internships, which may be paid, unpaid, or taken for course credit for students, help you to build your resume and to meet people who could be helpful to you later on down the road. Whether you’re making a lot of money or no money at all over the course of your internship, you need to take your position seriously.

Have a Specialty

When you’re just getting started in the industry, you may have to take any job you can get, even if it isn’t in line with the traditional sous chef job description. Over time, however, you’ll want to try and develop a specialty, something you will be known and recognized for. Your specialty, for example, could be Italian food, or it could be finding the perfect wine pairing for any dish. Whatever your specialty is, find it and then make it work for you. It is not a good idea to take widely varied positions at different restaurants in most cases. This can make you seem like just any other sous chef, not like someone who excels at one particular thing. Remember, in this industry, it’s not in your best interest to be a jack of all trades and a master of none.