Introduction
Usually during culinary school a chef will determine the type of chef jobs that he or she would most enjoy. For those who are thinking about culinary school and only know that they would like to be a chef, it may be surprising to learn just how many types of chef jobs there are.
Step 1
Often a chef will specialize in one or two chef jobs. This allows a chef to excel in these areas. Putting in so much time in an area such as desserts, allows the chef to become more experienced and to master the art of making desserts. If a chef is trying to do everything from soups and salads, to appetizers, main courses and desserts, there is no time to be a master of any of these chef jobs. Of course a chef can do it all and do it well. However, if a chef wants to be recognized for his or her skill, it is usually done because the chef chooses to specialize.
Step 2
How much money you make while working chef jobs will depend on many factors. Your experience is of course a major factor in determining how much you earn. Your talent is another large factor. Even where you live is a determining factor. For example, chefs living and working in cities typically earn more than those who live and work in rural areas. The exception to this is resorts. These resorts and inns in rural areas may pay more. Where you work in another determining factor is the salary for chefs jobs. Some of the high paying chef jobs are in the casino industry. An executive chef in a casino is very well compensated.
Step 3
There are many places where one can search for chef jobs. Of course restaurants are one such place. In addition hotels, casinos, ships, catering companies, hospitals, nursing homes and private residences all hire chefs. When looking for chef jobs, remember that you do not have to look for work in restaurants only. Broaden your search to include any establishments that serve food.
Step 4
Chef jobs are not easy. One may think that it is simply a matter of putting a meal together. However, it is more than that. Depending on the type of chef and where one works, you could start work in the morning and not finish until late at night. A chef may be required to plan out menus, order ingredients, and be in charge of ensuring all food is fresh and up to the high standards of the restaurant. All this before they even turn on the oven.
Step 5
There are several types of chef jobs. An executive chef is the highest. Next comes the sous chef, senior chef and then you may have chefs who concentrate on one aspect of the dinner. For example you could have a grill chef, an appetizer chef. There are also pastry chefs who handle desserts.
Tips
While many chefs decide to go to culinary school for formal training, not all do. Some are hired without a degree as long as they have experience. For example if you have a relative or friend with a restaurant and you cooked there, it may be enough to get you a job as a chef without formal schooling. As long as you have experience and are good at what you do, you may be able to find chef jobs.
