What makes a great chef recruiter

23.01.23 10:10 PM By Barak Hirschowitz

As a chef recruiter, one of the most important aspects of your job is to find the best culinary talent to fill open positions at top restaurants, hotels, and other food service establishments. But, with so many chefs and cooks looking for jobs, how do you know who the best candidates are?

One key aspect to consider when recruiting chefs is their level of experience. A chef with several years of experience in a high-end restaurant will likely be better prepared to handle the demands of a similar position than a chef who has only worked in a small, casual eatery. Additionally, it's important to consider a chef's education and training, as a culinary degree or apprenticeship can indicate a strong foundation in the culinary arts.  The chef industry has a lot of turnover compared to other industries.  You want to balance the normal movement of chefs due to things like restaurant closings, seasonal work etc, with a chef that just moves a little too often.  Executive Chefs should ideally have a some stability of 2 or 3 years in recent employers unless they had to leave for things outside their control. 


Another important factor to consider when recruiting chefs is their skillset.  A chef who excels in French cuisine may not be the best fit for a restaurant that specializes in Italian dishes. Additionally, it's important to assess a chef's ability to work well under pressure, as kitchen environments can be fast-paced and hectic.


As a chef recruiter, it's also important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the culinary industry. This can include attending food and wine festivals, networking with other recruiters, and following food-related news and social media accounts. By staying informed, you'll be better equipped to match chefs with the right job opportunities.


Finally, it's important to build and maintain a strong network of contacts in the culinary industry.  This can include other recruiters, chefs, restaurant owners, and culinary school instructors. By cultivating these relationships, you'll have access to a wider pool of candidates and be able to more effectively match chefs with job opportunities.


If you are looking for a great chef recruiter, then you have come to the right place!