If you love to cook and you’re looking for a new job, or you want to start your own business and don’t have enough capital to do it, then you might want to consider becoming a cook in Toronto! With so many restaurants in the city and high-end food stores everywhere, there are plenty of opportunities to apply your cooking skills and gain valuable experience that can help you land the job of your dreams. Here are some of the best places to find cook jobs in Toronto.
Does your career plan include being a cook?
While many people think of cooking as a glorified hobby, it’s actually a legitimate career choice. Cooks are no longer found only in restaurants; they can also be found working for caterers, private chefs, airlines and more. While finding cook jobs might not be quite as easy as running an ad on Craigslist, there are certainly options. Here’s what you need to know about finding cook jobs in Toronto and elsewhere.
Get Started as a Commis Chef
For those of you who aren’t familiar with that word, a commis chef is a junior level position in professional kitchens. In culinary school or at high-end restaurants, you’ll start off working as a commis chef before advancing to more complex roles. Even if your eventual goal is becoming an executive chef or owning your own restaurant, you’ll want to get some experience under your belt as a helper before taking on those responsibilities. With that being said, here are five tips for getting started as a commis chef
Up Your Game to Sous Chef
Most chefs won’t tell you that getting a sous chef job is easy. It isn’t. If they tell you otherwise, they aren’t looking for talent; they’re looking for cheap labor. But there are a few things you can do to up your game when applying for sous chef jobs at restaurants and hotels: First, focus on quality over quantity. Just because a restaurant has seven openings doesn’t mean it’s an opportunity worth pursuing or that your skills are up to snuff if you’re willing to take any one of them. Don’t just put your name out there; look for opportunities with leaders who appreciate top-notch culinary talent and are willing pay more than minimum wage to get it.
Give Cooking School A Try
Being a cook is one of those professions that’s easy to fall into, but difficult to master. You can learn a lot from observing others and from books or online resources, but there’s nothing like hands-on training. That’s why it pays to enroll in cooking school if you’re passionate about becoming a great chef. Of course, there are lots of other career paths out there if you don’t have enough cash for tuition. But if you really love cooking, consider putting your personal finances on hold until you become established as a professional; it will be worth it later when you’re finally doing what you love full-time!
Consider Cooking on Cruise Ships
If you’re looking for cook jobs toronto that offer a unique work experience and a chance to see parts of world, cruise ships are a great option. Cruise ship jobs are available at every level—and these days there’s even more reason than ever to get on board with them. For example, as a culinary professional who takes on cruise ship jobs you might spend weeks at sea (or back-to-back months) before returning home; however, you can also choose short runs with lots of time off in between. During your off hours, if offered by your contract, it’s likely you’ll have access to one or more private islands which offer visitors pristine beaches, high-end amenities and water sports galore!
Become An Executive Chef
If you love food and want a career that allows you creative freedom, look into becoming an executive chef. It’s a demanding job that requires long hours, but if you love it, there’s no better career path for your culinary passion. Executive chefs can pull down high salaries—averaging over $85,000 per year—and enjoy a work-life balance that leaves plenty of time for family and friends. Becoming an executive chef requires extensive education (an associate degree plus four years at a culinary school), so start looking for schools near you as soon as possible. Also find out what certifications are required in your city and state; these will be important steps on your way to securing an interview with potential employers.
How much do cooks make in Toronto?
Cooks usually start out at minimum wage, but over time they can make more than $20 an hour with tips. Chefs can make even more than that, so if you’re interested in working as a cook or chef, you’ll have many opportunities. If you’re looking for a restaurant job that won’t get you bored and frustrated—and will let you use your cooking skills—then kitchen work is for you. You’ll have opportunities to move up from line cook to head cook (or even chef!) if you do well and work hard. And don’t forget about barista jobs! Baristas are essential for any coffee shop or cafe, so keep your eyes open for openings there too.
Are cooks in demand in Canada?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of chefs and cooks will grow by 19 percent through 2022. While employment is expected to grow rapidly, there are a limited number of job openings. The BLS estimates that 53,700 jobs will open up over a ten-year period, with only 1,200 new positions added per year. Those numbers mean fierce competition for available positions. To increase your chances of finding work as a cook or chef, look for positions outside metropolitan areas and consider cities with smaller populations. Additionally, look into taking training courses; employers often hire individuals who are trained and prepared. This can include on-the-job training, culinary school or certification from an industry association such as ACF Accrediting Commission or AIB International Accreditation Board.
How do I get a job as a cook?
One thing that a lot of people don’t realize about cooking is that it actually requires very little training. Now, I’m not saying you don’t need a formal education or certification, because you do. I’m just saying that if you like food and have an instinct for presentation and taste, then there are probably many jobs available at your favourite restaurant as a cook right now. The best way to get a job as a cook is by walking into any high-end restaurants with an interest in finding work, making sure they know what experience you have and asking them if they are hiring at all.
How do I get a cook job in Canada?
First, you should decide if you want to cook professionally or if you’re looking for a casual position. This will help determine where and how you need to look for jobs. If there aren’t any culinary schools near you, consider visiting restaurants close by and seeing if they have any openings. Researching cook positions online is also a good idea. Try using search terms like cook jobs Canada and add your city (if applicable) so that results more relevant to your location come up. As an alternative, read reviews of restaurants in different cities and see if any mention hiring staff—after all, it doesn’t hurt to shoot off an email and ask!