How to Become a Sous Chef
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Sous Chef
What does a Sous Chef do?
A Sous Chef assists the Executive Chef in the daily kitchen operations including menu development, purchasing, inventory, cost control, and sanitation. Oversees the activities of the kitchen staff and monitors food production and presentation. Being a Sous Chef resolves operational issues. Performs quality checks on ingredients and prepared dishes. Additionally, Sous Chef complies with all safety and food sanitation laws and regulations. Supervises, trains, and mentors staff. May require an associate degree in culinary arts or equivalent. Typically reports to an executive chef. Working team member that may validate or coordinate the work of others on a support team. Suggests improvements to process, is a knowledge resource for other team members. Has no authority for staff actions. Generally has a minimum of 2 years experience as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of the team processes.
A Sous Chef is second in command after the Executive Chef in a professional kitchen.
Sous is French for under, so you can see how the sous chef would work directly under the leader of the kitchen.
Often times, a Sous Chef will work in the role for several years with the goal to move on to become an Executive Chef.
It’s important that a sous chef be intimately familiar with all the activities of the kitchen and be prepared to do them in a pinch.
The Sous Chef is also responsible for overseeing the kitchen staff, which may involve scheduling or dealing with personnel conflict.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Sous Chef
Best tips for those who want to become a Sous Chef
Here are some tips to become a Sous Chef.
Interview questions and answers- Page 1Top 7 Sous chef interview questions answers.
Jamie Oliver’s Recipes (Free)The official app of popular chef, Jamie Oliver, this app provides 15 new seasonal recipes every week, covering everything from quick meals to dinner party style occasions.
SideChef (Free)With a focus on classy meal ideas, SideChef aims to help newbies as much as more experienced chefs.
Sous chefs work a flexible hours.
Sous-Chefs make sure that day to day kitchen operations go well.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Sous Chef
Best colleges and universities for Sous Chef
- Calvin University
- Colby-Sawyer College
- Augustana University
- University of South Carolina--Upstate
- New York University
- CUNY--Queens College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Sous Chef
Is being a Sous Chef Worth it?
According to the Royal Household, the Queen is hiring a sous chef who will be based at Buckingham Palace but will be expected to travel to the Queen's other residences, Balmoral Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The post Queen Elizabeth Is Now Hiring a Sous Chef to Work at Buckingham Palace appeared first on Reader's Digest.
While the culinary role is primarily based in London, the sous chef will also travel to “other royal residences” while reporting to the head chef and working with the general kitchen team.
You will assist the Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef in providing exceptional food quality and presentation.
Minimum three (3+) years of experience in a supervisory role in a restaurant kitchen; Sous Chef preferred.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Sous Chef
What skills do you need to be a Sous Chef?
In order to drive yourself and your team to success, in a management position you need to have a broad base of skills. For success in this position, you effeciency with these skills is key: Food Inventory Maintenance, Food Inventory Recordkeeping, Food Prep Tools and Equipment, Food Preparation, Food Quality Inspection, Food Safety Procedures, Operations Management, Kitchen Operations, Menu Development, Staff Training. Although every company varies in their requirements, these competencies will help you in this role.
Junior sous chefs take on a lot of responsibility; therefore, they need kitchen and management experience.
A candidate doesn’t need sous chef experience, but experience working in a kitchen, specifically one with a brigade system, is required.
These programs are preferred by most employers because they give students hands-on training and cover all areas required for sous chef and supervisory work.
Your Sous Chef resume must be able to beat the heat in the kitchen in order to make the cut.
Don’t delay your dream and start writing one now! To clearly demonstrate how to toss your skills, experience, and accomplishments into the mix, we prepared a sample resume for a sous chef for your reference.
Step 6: View average salary for Sous Chef
How much does a Sous Chef make?
The average salary range for a Sous Chef is from $51,001 to $67,190. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
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Step 7: Find relevant Sous Chef jobs, and apply.
Looking for Sous Chef jobs?
Here are some Sous Chef jobs in the United States.