Private posts are available for Chefs ? our expert gives advice on how to find one...
The issue
I'm a married UK resident who is studying a professional Chef course at NVQ level 2 in London. I'm 48 and I have a lot of Chef experience in Russia where I am originally from. I love cooking and I'm able to cook dishes from almost all nations. I also have one year's experience working in a pub in London.
Unfortunately, it's too late for me to start a career as a Chef in restaurants, but I'd like to find a job working as a Chef for a family or an individual. I've tried to find an agency that deals with these kinds of opportunities but have failed. How do I find this type of job?
Expert answer
Michael Moor, managing director at Chef Centre, replies:
Some private posts can be as demanding as commercial ones, and the salaries range from the minimum wage to extremely good. Accommodation and travel often come with the package, although presumably you would rather have other benefits.
Take action
- Look for agencies (especially around the Knightsbridge area of London) that deal with private households looking for cooks, butlers and nannies. A Russian-trained Chef with formal UK qualifications could be of great interest, so these would make a sensible first port of call.
- You're starting to sell yourself in your letter, but if you find it difficult to get an interview, find a reputable agency that will use its client relationships to get you a couple of trials ? then it's down to you.
...and remember
Age is not a problem in the London restaurant scene, nor is inexperience if the right attitude is shown, so I wouldn't dismiss the idea of working in a restaurant if you feel it's what you really want to do.