So I've worked at 4 different restaurants in the last 5 years and I like to think each one has been a step up.

I recently relocated to south flordia (Ft. Lauderdale specifically) and am having some trouble landing another job.
Typically I just look on craigslist or go door-to-door, but I keep getting stumped. I'm going to keep at it, but are there any other suggestions people can give?

I'm not looking to flip burgers at olive garden, I'm seeking a quality kitchen that has something to teach me.


Thanks

(ps I wasn't classically trained and don't see myself ever attending culinary school. Waste of time imo.)

well having 4 different jobs in 5 years and putting that on a resume does not look good to an employer. makes it look like you just drift from job to job. you say culinary school is a waste of time but those are the guys you will be working under and learning from so it cant be that big of a waste lol. what are your strengths? what kind of cooking do you like to do specifically?there are many people looking for work. if you dont got red seal or past experience in culinary field your are last choice on the list. some may even ask you to do some stage shifts maybe 1 or i heard of people doing stage shifts for a few weeks. maybe your resume is prepared properly aswell. just keep applying hope for best. also check out hotels believe it or not alot of them do have good restaurants and chefs working there might be easier to land a job.

I dont know bout america but here in Montreal, 4 restaurants in 5 years is kinda standard. Some people change more often then that. Def not optimal, but its ok..
Yeah make sure your resume is nice, not too simple but also not too complicated the dont need to know your life. Also sometimes you might want to skip some places youve worked that are not that valid, and also it could fix the problem that you worked too much restaurants in 5 years.
Anyway just keep going...

offer to work for free to get your foot in the door.

Well, someone called back. Pretty nice place down by the beach, they got seafood and steaks.

http://www.biminiboatyard.com/



Interviews coming up, any tips?

I know I should bring a pen and look them in the eye when we're talking.

They didn't say anything about a practical, so I think I'll dress casual and leave my knives at home?

bringing your knifes could actually be a good move on your part but that all depends on the place and interviewer.

Lol dont bring your knives if a restaurant ask for an interview. If they wanted to a trial day right off the bat, they would have said so. Its like if a plumber gets called for an interview, hes not gonna bring his tool in the office lol..

The first place I ever worked was a traditional japanese sushi bar, I guess I have a bit more respect for knives then most

A few of the chefs there kinda encouraged bringing them along, at most sushi interviews you're asked to demonstrate your skillz


still don't think I should bring them here tho

most kitchens still have their own supply of knives nn to bring your own. they might ask you about your own recipes, have you ever created a menu,what your favorite food is to cook, do you know much about what ever it is they specialize in? if steak and seafood i guess would be "surf and turf". have you taken any food handling courses other than red seal? would you be willing to. do you know your food temps etc. those are the questions you will most likely be asked. Im sure your well versed in the basics of food so i doubt you need to worry about that stuff. Gl on your interview.they may ask you to do a few stage shifts just to prove your skills so be prepared for that, you also dont get paid for them.

Only course ive taken regarding food safety was the ServSafe manager certification course, i'd be open to taking another.


and yes most kitchens keep their own supply of shity knives with dull blades and plastic handles

And that kinda seems like bullshit, unpaid shifts sounds like slavery

e/ thanks for the luck, Place is still under renovations its expected to reopen in october and the staff is expected to come in and get comfortable with the new menu next month, hopefully I'm part of that staff.

This post was edited by known954 on Aug 26 2015 04:27pm