Culinary Arts is the art of cooking plus food preparation and presentation. This kind of skill and talent can go a long way because the demand for food would never diminish (everybody’s got to eat sometime, right?). Also, with the evolution of taste and food presentation designs, coupled with never-ending demand for new concoctions, jobs in this business will just continue to thrive no matter how bad the economy gets. So if this is the career you wish to pursue, keep your resume and cover letter focused on key areas.

Culinary Education Like it or not, where you went to school bears a lot of weight because this shows the level of culinary standards you have been exposed to. They will be looking for employees with good technical knowledge, specifically different cooking and food preparation techniques that meet quality standards in the food and catering business.

Culinary Training Including every bit of training you’ve had can be very helpful to show your flexibility for different types of dishes that can be expected from you. If you have worked an apprentice with a popular chef, a seasoned culinary artist, a renowned institution or have traveled around the world to learn international culinary delights, emphasize those experiences your resume to show the extent of your knowledge and skills in this field, locally as well as abroad.

Culinary Experience Describe the menus or signature dishes you have created or helped develop, or how you have generated in a lot of customers with every new dish you’ve created. Include skills in people management and time management which allowed you to ensure the success of occasions and events that you or your previous employer hosted.

Culinary Specialty Although having a really diverse list of dishes you can create may be impressive, it is often better to emphasize on your specialty. Do you specialize in international cuisine, pastry and baking, desserts and appetizers or are you more of an artist who can create visual delights, new textures and flavors (using unusual or fresh ingredients) that can tickle the senses of customers always looking for something new? Go ahead and show off expertise you have acquired throughout your career!

References and Portfolio For most resumes, references are only needed when asked. When you are, prepare a list of compelling references to further add to the appeal of your application. The more prominent the people you’ve worked for the better. If you have reviews from renowned food critics include them as well. Compiling an image portfolio of dishes you have created can be enticing too. So before you hand over your resume, include a link to pictures of mouthwatering savory dishes you have concocted to your application.

Working in this industry can be really lucrative and you can become very successful in it also, however we need to get your foot through the door. Not to mention the demand for culinary professionals spans the world over; so if you choose this career path, you’ll never go hungry…and neither will the people you serve!

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