Job profile: how to become a cook?

The restaurant industry, and particularly the cook profession, attracts more and more people. Although young people are still as represented in this profession, the job also attracts more and more people in career transition projects.

If you too want a professional career in the restaurant industry, you've come to the right place. Let's discover together why and how to become a cook.

  

Summary:

• Duties
• Required qualities
• Training
• Career prospects
• Salary
• Constraints
• Work attire

  

  

The cook, depending on whether they work alone or in a large kitchen brigade, can perform a wide spectrum of duties. The most common are obviously the preparation and presentation of dishes, from appetizer to dessert, but they may also be required to purchase products, negotiate prices, verify their quality then manage inventory. At the end of service, they must participate in cleaning and organizing the kitchen. Finally, the cook must perform all their tasks in strict compliance with hygiene and safety rules.

  

  

The main qualities sought by an employer for a cook position are:

• Methodical and organized

• Rigor

• Respect for authority

• Creative

• Physical and emotional resilience

• Speed of execution

  

By evolving towards the profession of head chef, the professional will need to demonstrate other qualities:

• Management skills (inventory, budget, scheduling, ...)

• Interpersonal skills: managing a team, showing authority...

  

  

The cook profession is accessible directly after 9th grade. The CAP cuisine is a first step to evolve in the field of food service professions. This training can be obtained after two years of study in a structure or as an independent candidate. Specialization certificates and complementary mentions (light cuisine, desserts or caterer-employee) allow the professional to specialize in a field.

The cook can then move towards a professional restaurant baccalaureate or hospitality then a BTS hospitality-restaurant option culinary arts, table arts and service. Apprenticeship training is valued by employers. Likewise, while it is true that diplomas help to carve a path more easily in the upper echelons, they are not mandatory. Food service professions are sectors that still strongly value experience.

  

 

If you are still undecided about embracing a cook career, know that this profession actually encompasses very varied duties and fields, but it can also be a real springboard. Food service professions and the restaurant sector are in constant demand for motivated professionals.

First of all, the term cook actually encompasses several professions. The classic evolution in the profession begins with kitchen assistant, demi chef de partie, chef de partie, then sous chef and finally head chef, or even restaurant director in establishments sometimes comprising several kitchens. Other people, on the other hand, will prefer to open their own restaurant.

As a cook, you can practice your profession in various sectors. Indeed, the work of a cook in a bistro with 15 tables is totally different from that of a sous chef in a large gastronomic restaurant or even that of a head chef in collective catering.

Just as size and category vary, the cook profession can radically change according to geographical location. Methods, as well as the products worked with, change depending on whether they work in Paris, Provence or Brittany. And we're only talking about France! Indeed, the cook profession is an ideal profession for those who have wanderlust since French expertise is sought after all over the world.

The cook can also decide to specialize in a culinary discipline. The chef de partie is, as the name indicates, responsible for their section, namely they can be a fishmonger, sauce chef, handle the meat section or even be a rotating chef de partie, that is to say a versatile cook who must be able to occupy all positions. A cook can also specialize in a field complementary to cooking such as pastry for example.

  

  

There are great disparities in the profession due notably to geographical location, sector, restaurant size, diplomas, professional specialization or even the reputation and standing of the establishment. Thus, a head chef of a gastronomic restaurant could very well be paid more than €5000 gross per month while a chef of their own establishment might not pay themselves a salary during the first year of practice. The salary of a kitchen assistant upon completion of training generally starts at minimum wage. The average salary of a cook amounts to approximately €1800 gross per month.

  

  

For a first professional project as well as for a career change, it is important not to idealize the profession, however beautiful it may be. By becoming a cook, some people satisfy a passion. However, this passion-profession can quickly turn into a nightmare if one has neglected to research its constraining aspects before getting started.

Firstly, the cook profession is physically demanding. The pace is sustained and it can be very hot in a kitchen. To this physical aspect is added mental pressure as the cook is often required to work under urgency and stress. They must not let themselves be overwhelmed or invaded by emotions. Finally, just like the baker profession, the cook is required to work staggered hours, on weekdays as well as weekends or during holidays.

  

  

The complete outfit of a cook includes:

• a head covering: it keeps hair in place and adds a neat touch.
• a chef's jacket: it protects from stains and burns while respecting freedom of movement.
• the apron: short, long or with a bib, they protect the cook and can sometimes be equipped with storage pockets.
• kitchen pants: they must be well-fitted to remain comfortable during long working hours.
• kitchen shoes: safety shoes must comply with EN ISO 20345 standard to protect the professional's feet.

The cook must feel comfortable in their uniform and be able to move. Kitchen attire is generally designed to be breathable and comfortable. It may even possess antibacterial properties.

Fortunately, on our online store, you can find a wide selection of clothing and equipment for food service professions.