The position of a head chef is more than just plating and cooking a good meal. It also involves employee management, purchasing, scheduling and mathematics for coming up with new recipes and menu, and following all the requirements of health code. Head chefs are responsible for implementing and creating new items for the menu. This usually includes using and finding all the seasonal produce or adapting to the trends of new customers.
All the menu items will have standard recipes for every cooks to use, so that every dish will be made in the same manner does not matter who is working in the line. Menus will also have budget restraints, and the prices will be reflecting any amount of profit for the individuals. Some of the individual menu items will also have regional specialties and the complete theme of the restaurant. Sometimes the chefs will also have to visit the neighboring restaurants to keep up with the upcoming trends, prices and menu-presentation styles.
Head chefs also have the responsibility of training, hiring and disciplining the employees. A good head chef will make sure that all the staffers are attaining their individual goals while monitoring them working on their day-to-day routines. Analyze the performance of the staff with the output of every quality of product and make any adjustments if required. Also, they have to take care of all the food that comes in daily and ensuring that all of it is in top quality. Maintaining staple food inventory and storeroom products is also a part of their job.
Taking care of the cleanliness and set some rules and routines for prevent any kind of food spoilage is also a part of their job. If you have the required educational background and the ability to handle so many tasks, then you can start applying for jobs. Here is a sample of a head chef cover letter that you can refer to.
Employer Contact Information
Ms. Melissa Parks
Grand Hyatt Hotels
1774 Cambridge Place
Cockeysville, MD21230
Date: March 18, 2011
Dear Ms. Parks,
I am the exact applicant that you advertised in your latest advertisement for the opening of a Head Chef with your organization. You can find my resume attached with this letter for further review. I am sure that I would prove to be a welcome addition to your staff in the kitchen because of my excellent culinary and motivational skills.
I have been working with various restaurants since the time I graduated from culinary school more than eight years ago with six years of hands on experience in the capacity of head chef. Your hug clientele will appreciate my art of mixing new foods, and my unique culinary skills. Some of my other strong skills are excellent communication ability and dealing with vendors as well as keeping up with every staff member for all the ongoing tasks.
I am aware of the fact that a successful kitchen will need everything to run smoothly. For the same reason, I am confident that I would prove to be an asset for your organization and would be able to increase your clientele base with my healthy menu and good point of view. I would like to fix a time for a further discussion on my skills and background, and what I would be bringing to Grand Hyatt Hotels. You can easily reach me at 317-359-6423 or you can e-mail me at e.olga@example.com for scheduling a meeting. Thank you for giving your time.
Yours Sincerely,
Olga Elliot
Your Signature
Enclosure: Resume and Work Portfolio
Add a dash of spice to your head chef cover letter and impress the recruiter in every possible way.