Complete a Culinary Online Employment Application
In the highly competitive field of food service, knowing how to complete a culinary online employment application correctly can set you apart from other candidates. You may be looking for a position as a chef, pastry chef, baker, sous chef, be a new culinary school graduate, or would like to find a job in front or back of the house in a restaurant, information about all kinds of culinary jobs is available online, and many companies ask for applications to be submitted electronically.
Steps
- Relay to the potential employer exactly what type of food service position you are would like to hold.
- Be specific. "Kitchen job" can mean anything from executive chef to a plate setter. Chances are if the description of the job you desire is too broad, your application may be passed over. Leave no room for doubt about what position - whether it be in the kitchen, dining room or restaurant office - you are seeking.
- Decide whether or not you are willing to relocate before you fill out an application for a food service job that is far away from your current location. Don't waste yours or a potential employer's time by filling out an application for a restaurant job you have no intention of taking should it be offered to you.
- When thinking about job location, you should also have a clear idea of how far you are willing to drive to work if you are offered a food service job.
- Be thorough and specific when listing your food service education, certifications and experience. Those seeking jobs as chefs or cooks are not usually required to have a high school diploma, but if you plan to make a career in the culinary arts it is a plus - many cooks and chefs attend vocational schools or two- to four-year colleges to study. Also consider classes in business or occupational math of business administration. If you have had any on-the-job training in any culinary arts area, include that on your application.
- Before you begin filling out online culinary applications, make a comprehensive list of any relevant schooling, coursework and training you have completed. Include the proper names of all schools and facilities at which you studied, and include dates for any educational courses and work experience. Don't forget workshops or vocational courses you have taken that are food-service related.
- Decide on the salary range you would accept. If the application asks for you to indicate a desired salary, be honest, but realistic.
- Think outside the box -- there are culinary jobs in other places besides restaurants.
- Check out hotels, motels and banquet facilities. These places are often looking for dependable, experienced kitchen and dining room help, and many offer online applications. Find out if there are food service internships available in the area where you are searching for jobs. A successful internship enhances a resume.
Tips
- These days, the competition for jobs is fierce in any field, and that includes culinary arts. Even if you have a degree or hold a certification, it never hurts to continue your education. If you're planning on doing so, be sure to include that information on your application.
- Culinary job listings can also be found on larger job-seeking sites. These sites are updated often, so if you're searching in earnest for the perfect job you may be able to find possibilities in places other than the websites of specific businesses.
- If you can include a cover letter, take the opportunity to do so. Detail what your strengths are and what you want to accomplish in the job for which you are applying. Make sure to spell check your cover letter, and have someone else proof it.
