The human need for nourishment— and the pleasure of a good meal— cannot be overstated. The cooks who prepare those meals– from elegant restaurant dining to fast food production- have fast-paced careers with more facets than you might expect. Under the direction of chefs or food service managers, cooks follow recipes to prepare restaurant-sized portions. They measure and mix ingredients to create their assigned menu items, and may garnish them to be served. Items may range from breakfast omelets to salads, steaks and desserts. They keep their work areas and equipment clean, following safe food handling procedures. Cooks use a variety of equipment, including blenders, stoves, grills, many different pans, and sharp knives. Some kitchens employ many cooks, each assigned a particular area such as fry cook, vegetable cook, or others. Some cooks order supplies and plan the daily menu. In a fast-food setting, cooks prepare a limited menu to be kept warm until sold. Cafeteria cooks usually prepare a large quantity of a limited number of items, with a menu that changes regularly. Short-order cooks emphasize fast service and quick preparation, with items such as eggs, sandwiches and French fries on the menu. Private household cooks, also known as personal chefs, prepare meals according to a client’s preferences. They order groceries and supplies, clean the kitchen, and may cater social events. Most cooks work full time in shifts that may include early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays. Cooks in schools and institutional cafeterias usually work more regular hours. Cooks stand much of the time, and —at rush times— experience high intensity in close quarters to produce meals quickly. Falls, burns, and cuts are hazards of this field. Most cooks learn their skills on the job. Although no formal education is required, some cooks attend culinary training programs of between 2 months and 2 years, while others learn through a 1-year apprenticeship.
What they do:
Prepare meals in private homes. Includes personal chefs.
On the job, you would:
Plan menus according to employers' needs and diet restrictions.
Stock, organize, and clean kitchens and cooking utensils.
Cool, package, label, and freeze foods for later consumption and provide instructions for reheating.
Knowledge
Business
customer service
sales and marketing
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
food production
Arts and Humanities
English language
Skills
Basic Skills
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
figuring out how to use new ideas or things
Resource Management
managing equipment and materials
managing your time and the time of other people
Abilities
Hand and Finger Use
hold or move items with your hands
keep your arm or hand steady
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
order or arrange things
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
read and understand what is written
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include creating, designing, and making your own rules.
They do well at jobs that need:
Dependability
Integrity
Attention to Detail
Independence
Cooperation
Concern for Others
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Accounting software
Cost tracking software
Intuit QuickBooks
Video creation and editing software
YouTube
Data base user interface and query software
APPCA Personal Chef Office
Cooking e-books
Education
certificate after high school or high school diploma/GED usually needed
Job Outlook
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.