Ensuring your catering CV stands out in a saturated market remains a daunting challenge. Referencing our guide will provide tailored strategies to enhance your CV's impact, catching the eye of potential employers in the culinary industry.
- Answer job requirements with your catering CV and experience;
- Curate your academic background and certificates, following industry-leading CV examples;
- Select from +10 niche skills to match the ideal candidate profile
- Write a more succinct experience section that consists of all the right details.
Do you need more specific insights into writing your catering CV? Our guides focus on unique insights for each individual role:
How complex should the format of your catering CV be?
Perhaps, you decided to use a fancy font and plenty of colours to ensure your catering CV stands out amongst the pile of other candidate profiles. Alas - this may confuse recruiters. By keeping your format simple and organising your information coherently, you'll ultimately make a better impression. What matters most is your experience, while your CV format should act as complementary thing by:- Presenting the information in a reverse chronological order with the most recent of your jobs first. This is done so that your career history stays organised and is aligned to the role;
- Making it easy for recruiters to get in touch with you by including your contact details in the CV header. Regarding the design of your CV header, include plenty of white space and icons to draw attention to your information. If you're applying for roles in the UK, don't include a photo, as this is considered a bad practice;
- Organising your most important CV sections with consistent colours, plenty of white space, and appropriate margins (2.54 cm). Remember that your CV design should always aim at legibility and to spotlight your key information;
- Writing no more than two pages of your relevant experience. For candidates who are just starting out in the field, we recommend to have an one-page CV.
One more thing about your CV format - you may be worried if your double column CV is Applicant Tracker System (ATS) complaint. In our recent study, we discovered that both single and double-column CVs are ATS-friendly . Most ATSes out there can also read all serif and sans serif fonts. We suggest you go with modern, yet simple, fonts (e.g. Rubik, Lato, Raleway) instead of the classic Times New Roman. You'll want your application to stand out, and many candidates still go for the classics. Finally, you'll have to export your CV. If you're wondering if you should select Doc or PDF, we always advise going with PDF. Your CV in PDF will stay intact and opens easily on every OS, including Mac OS.
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Be mindful of white space; too much can make the CV look sparse, too little can make it look cluttered. Strive for a balance that makes the document easy on the eyes.
The top sections on a catering CV
- Professional Summary provides a snapshot of your expertise.
- Employment History showcases your relevant work experience.
- Culinary Skills section highlights specific catering abilities.
- Food Safety Certifications prove your adherence to health standards.
- Education and Training detail your relevant formal qualifications.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Detail your experience with various types of catering events, such as weddings, corporate functions, and private parties, to showcase your versatility and expertise in handling different scales and styles of catering.
- Highlight specific culinary skills and knowledge of cuisines that are pertinent to catering, such as proficiency in menu planning, food preparation techniques, and presentation, to demonstrate your capability to craft diverse and appealing menus.
- Emphasise your organisational skills by mentioning any experience with event coordination, inventory management, and working with suppliers, as these are crucial for ensuring a seamless catering operation.
- Illustrate your exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills by including any experience in managing staff, client liaising, and customising services to meet individual client needs, reflecting your dedication to providing high-quality service.
- Include any relevant certifications or qualifications, such as food hygiene certificates or formal culinary training, to affirm your commitment to safety standards and professional development in the catering industry.
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Our checklist for the must-have information in your catering CV header
Right at the very top of your catering CV is where you'd find the header section or the space for your contact details, headline, and professional photo. Wondering how to present your the name of the city you live in and the country abbreviation as your address;
- are tailored to the role you're applying for by integrating key job skills and requirements;
- showcase what your unique value is, most often in the form of your most noteworthy accomplishment;
- select your relevant qualifications, skills, or current role to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Still not sure how to write your CV headline? Our examples below showcase best practices on creating effective headlines:
Examples of good CV headlines for catering:
- Executive Chef | Menu Development & Staff Management | Culinary Arts Degree | 12+ Years of Experience
- Catering Manager | Event Coordination & Customer Satisfaction | HACCP Certified | 7 Years of Expertise
- Sous Chef | Specialising in French Cuisine | Team Leadership | 5+ Years Culinary Experience
- Pastry Chef | Artisanal Dessert Creation | NVQ Level 3 Patisserie | Expertise 8 Years
- Head Waiter | VIP Guest Relations | Wine Knowledge | Professional Service | 10 Years On-Site
- Catering Coordinator | Logistics & Supply Management | Food Safety Certified | 3 Years Progressive Experience
Choosing your opening statement: a catering CV summary or objective
At the top one third of your CV, you have the chance to make a more personable impression on recruiters by selecting between:
- Summary - or those three to five sentences that you use to show your greatest achievements. Use the CV summary if you happen to have plenty of relevant experience and wish to highlight your greatest successes;
- Objective - provides you with up to five sentences to state your professional aims and mission in the company you're applying for
CV summaries for a catering job:
- With 10 years of culinary expertise at high-end restaurants and a plethora of international events, I have honed a unique blend of menu planning, food preparation, and kitchen management skills, leading to a 30% repeat business rate for my last employer through exceptional service delivery.
- Specialising in patisserie and confectionery arts, my 15 years as Head Pastry Chef enabled the growth of a boutique pastry shop's branding through award-winning dessert creations, culminating in receiving the 'Excellence in Pastry' award at the National Culinary Fare.
- Adept in managing complex projects in the tech sector, I am excited to bring my 7 years of team management and stakeholder coordination to the catering industry, planning to deliver highly memorable culinary experiences and effectively streamline kitchen operations.
- As a former logistics coordinator with robust organisational skills and expert-level knowledge of supply chain logistics, I aim to apply my 5 years of experience towards crafting efficient catering services renowned for precision, reliability, and superior quality control.
- Eager to embark on a culinary career, my objective is to apply an enthusiastic approach to learning and a deep appreciation for gastronomic excellence, whilst leveraging strong interpersonal and communication skills to contribute to a team's success and growth.
- With a great passion for culinary arts and hospitality, yet with no previous experience in the field, I am committed to bringing exceptional work ethic and dedication to grasp new skills swiftly and contribute to creating memorable catering experiences for clients.
The best formula for your catering CV experience section
The CV experience section is the space where many candidates go wrong by merely listing their work history and duties. Don't do that. Instead, use the job description to better understand what matters most for the role and integrate these keywords across your CV. Thus, you should focus on:
- showcasing your accomplishments to hint that you're results-oriented;
- highlighting your skill set by integrating job keywords, technologies, and transferrable skills in your experience bullets;
- listing your roles in reverse chronological order, starting with the latest and most senior, to hint at how you have grown your career;
- featuring metrics, in the form of percentage, numbers, etc. to make your success more tangible.
When writing each experience bullet, start with a strong, actionable verb, then follow it up with a skill, accomplishment, or metric. Use these professional examples to perfect your CV experience section:
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Managed a team of 12 catering staff, ensuring all events were staffed appropriately and that team members were fully trained to provide exceptional service.
- Led the planning and execution of catering services for events of up to 500 guests, maintaining high standards for food quality and presentation.
- Designed over 30 customised menu options for various events, working closely with clients to meet their dietary preferences and allergy requirements.
- Implemented cost-control measures that resulted in a 15% reduction in food wastage, maximising profitability without compromising on quality.
- Collaborated with chefs to develop seasonal menu items, incorporating fresh and local ingredients that enhanced the client's dining experience.
- Utilised advanced booking and scheduling software to manage event calendars, ensuring seamless operations and client satisfaction.
- Maintained strict adherence to health and safety regulations, conducting regular kitchen audits and staff training sessions to promote a safe working environment.
- Orchestrated the logistics of off-site catering services, effectively managing equipment transport and setup, often in challenging venues.
- Nurtured long-term relationships with key vendors and suppliers to secure the best quality ingredients at competitive prices.
- Managed a team of 10 staff members to provide high-quality catering services at over 30 corporate events, leading to a 15% increase in repeat business.
- Oversaw the successful execution of a prestigious wedding with 200 guests, ensuring all dietary restrictions were accommodated without compromising on the culinary experience.
- Implemented cost-control measures that reduced food waste by 20% while maintaining excellent quality and variety in menu offerings.
- Spearheaded a new themed event catering initiative, collaborating with clients to develop custom menus, leading to an increase in sales by 25% within the first year.
- Streamlined kitchen operations by incorporating new cooking technology, which improved service efficiency by 30% and consistently received positive customer feedback.
- Developed strong vendor relationships, negotiating contracts that led to a 10% reduction in ingredient costs while ensuring high-quality products.
- Orchestrated the catering for international conferences with over 500 attendees, achieving a 95% satisfaction rate from post-event surveys.
- Initiated a partnership with local farms to source organic and sustainable ingredients, enhancing menu options and boosting client interest.
- Created comprehensive staff training programs, resulting in a more knowledgeable service team and contributing to a 10% increase in upselling of premium catering packages.
- Revitalised a struggling catering department by redesigning the menu offerings and improving service standards, which culminated in a 40% growth in profits over three years.
- Coordinated with event planners to deliver seamless catering services for high-profile events, including government functions and celebrity galas.
- Introduced a customer feedback system that allowed for rapid response to client preferences, significantly enhancing the overall customer experience.
- Led a cross-functional team to launch a new outdoor catering service line, increasing overall business revenue by 20% within two years.
- Implemented a dynamic pricing model for events based on seasonality and demand, optimising profit margins while maintaining competitive pricing.
- Pioneered the use of specialised catering software to track inventory and client preferences, which increased operational efficiency by 35%.
- Masterminded the revamp of the catering menu selection, incorporating international cuisines, which led to a broadened customer base and a 30% uptick in event bookings.
- Trained and mentored a team of 15 new caterers, fostering a culture of excellence in customer service and culinary skill that was reflected in client commendations.
- Conducted regular competitive analysis to stay ahead of industry trends and adjust offerings accordingly, ensuring a top-tier standing in the local market.
- Managed logistical elements for off-site catering events, coordinating transportation and setup for up to 25 events per month with unparalleled punctuality and professionalism.
- Launched a sustainable catering initiative, incorporating eco-friendly packaging and waste reduction strategies, which resonated positively with clients and resulted in a 15% increase in customer retention.
- Cultivated an atmosphere of innovation within the catering team, encouraging the creation of signature dishes that became bestsellers and set new standards for creative presentation.
- Executed large-scale corporate catering events with up to 1000 guests, meticulously planning menu items to meet diverse tastes and managing staff to ensure a smooth operation.
- Introduced a unique fusion cuisine catering line, attracting a new segment of clientele and contributing to a 20% increase in annual revenue for the company.
- Collaborated with the marketing team to create compelling promotional materials for catering services, resulting in a 50% boost in seasonal event inquiries.
What to add in your catering CV experience section with no professional experience
If you don't have the standard nine-to-five professional experience, yet are still keen on applying for the job, here's what you can do:
- List any internships, part-time roles, volunteer experience, or basically any work you've done that meets the job requirements and is in the same industry;
- Showcase any project you've done in your free time (even if you completed them with family and friends) that will hint at your experience and skill set;
- Replace the standard, CV experience section with a strengths or achievements one. This will help you spotlight your transferrable skills that apply to the role.
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If you have experience in diverse fields, highlight how this has broadened your perspective and skill set, making you a more versatile candidate.
Describing your unique skill set using both hard skills and soft skills
Your catering CV provides you with the perfect opportunity to spotlight your talents, and at the same time - to pass any form of assessment. Focusing on your skill set across different CV sections is the way to go, as this would provide you with an opportunity to quantify your achievements and successes. There's one common, very simple mistake, which candidates tend to make at this stage. Short on time, they tend to hurry and mess up the spelling of some of the key technologies, skills, and keywords. Copy and paste the particular skill directly from the job requirement to your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Now, your CV skills are divided into:
- Technical or hard skills, describing your comfort level with technologies (software and hardware). List your aptitude by curating your certifications, on the work success in the experience section, and technical projects. Use the dedicated skills section to provide recruiters with up to twelve technologies, that match the job requirements, and you're capable of using.
- People or soft skills provide you with an excellent background to communicate, work within a team, solve problems. Don't just copy-paste that you're a "leader" or excel at "analysis". Instead, provide tangible metrics that define your success inusing the particular skill within the strengths, achievements, summary/ objective sections.
Top skills for your catering CV:
Food Preparation
Menu Planning
Kitchen Management
Health and Safety Compliance
Inventory Management
Cooking Techniques
Culinary Knowledge
Food Presentation
Cost Control
Equipment Maintenance
Attention to Detail
Teamwork
Time Management
Communication
Stress Tolerance
Customer Service Orientation
Flexibility
Problem Solving
Leadership
Organisational Skills
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If there's a noticeable gap in your skillset for the role you're applying for, mention any steps you're taking to acquire these skills, such as online courses or self-study.
Education and more professional qualifications to include in your catering CV
If you want to showcase to recruiters that you're further qualified for the role, ensure you've included your relevant university diplomas. Within your education section:
- Describe your degree with your university name(-s) and start-graduation dates;
- List any awards you've received, if you deem they would be impressive or are relevant to the industry;
- Include your projects and publications, if you need to further showcase how you've used your technical know-how;
- Avoid listing your A-level marks, as your potential employers care to learn more about your university background.
Apart from your higher education, ensure that you've curated your relevant certificates or courses by listing the:
- name of the certificate or course;
- name of the institution within which you received your training;
- the date(-s) when you obtained your accreditation.
In the next section, discover some of the most relevant certificates for your catering CV:
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Use mini case studies or success stories in your CV to demonstrate how your skills have positively impacted previous roles or projects.
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Key takeaways
Here are five things you need to remember about writing your catering CV for success:
- Sort your experience based on the reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent career items, to showcase how you've grown your career;
- Include within your CV header your relevant contact details, a headline that could spotlight your unique value, and a photo - if you're applying for roles outside the UK or US;
- Decide to use the CV summary, if you happen to have more professional experience, and an objective, if you want to showcase your career goals;
- Within the experience section, write your bullets using action verbs, skills, and success, instead of just merely listing your on-the-job responsibilities;
- Prove your technical skills, using your education and certificates, and your soft skills, with your achievements and strengths sections.
