Sous Chefs are employed in a variety of settings, including restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and educational institutions.
The outlook for sous chefs is good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the number of jobs for chefs and head cooks will grow by 10 percent from 2016 to 2026. This is faster than the average for all occupations. As more people eat out and demand higher-quality food, the need for chefs and head cooks will continue to grow.
The median annual salary for chefs and head cooks was $43,640 in 2016. The highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $80,410, while the lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $25,390.
What to Include in a Sous Chef Cover Letter?
Roles And Responsibilities
- Reports to the head chef and works alongside them to manage the kitchen.
- Manages the kitchen in the head chef’s absence.
- Helps with menu development.
- Ensures that food quality and presentation are up to standards.
- Leads, trains, supervises, and inspires staff members.
- Maintains stock levels, orders supplies as needed, and creates an inventory of all food items.
- Tracks revenue, prepares budgets, and reduces costs to stay within budget limitations.
- Manages staff schedules and duty rosters.
- Ensures compliance with health, safety, and hygiene standards at all times.
Education & Skills
Sous Chef Skills:
The following are some skills and qualities that are beneficial for a sous chef:
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Proven culinary skills.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Passion for food and cooking.
Sous Chef Education Requirements:
- A formal education is not required to become a sous chef, but many chefs do pursue formal culinary training. There are many culinary schools throughout the United States that offer associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in culinary arts.
Sous Chef Cover Letter Example (Text Version)
Dear Mr. or Ms. [Last Name],
I am excited to be applying for the position of Sous Chef at [restaurant name]. My previous experience working as a Sous Chef for a diverse range of restaurants, including high-end Italian and French bistros, boutique cafes, and upscale Americana eateries, means that I am well-suited to your requirements.
In my current role as Sous Chef I prepare and cook meals for up to 100 guests. I also train and manage a team of cooks and help to develop new recipes and ideas for our ever-changing menu. I am confident that I can bring this same level of excellence to your team at The Farmhouse Restaurant.
Some of the key achievements that I have made in my career so far include:
- Inculcating a culture of team spirit: While working as a Sous Chef at [previous restaurant], I helped foster a team spirit among the junior staff by carefully delegating tasks and responsibilities. This resulted in us receiving an award for Best Restaurant Culture from the [local magazine] for two years running.
- Hitting targets: When working as a Sous Chef at [previous restaurant], I managed to reduce wastage by 30% and minimize customer complaints regarding quality by 8%. This resulted in an increase in profits by 15% over one fiscal year.
- I have a proven record of creating dishes that increase customer engagement and boost revenue. For example, when we added a new side dish to the menu, revenue increased by nearly 40 percent because customers ordered it more than any other side dish on our menu.
I look forward to discussing this opportunity with you further. Thank you very much for your time. I can be reached on my cellphone at [phone number].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips
When writing your cover letter as a sous chef, be sure to highlight your culinary skills and experience. Additionally, be sure to emphasize your ability to work as part of a team, and your dedication to providing excellent customer service.
If you have any awards or accolades that you have received, be sure to mention them in your letter. Additionally, if you have any relevant certifications or training, be sure to mention that as well.
Refer to our Sous Chef Resume Sample for more tips on how to write your resume and accompany it with a strong cover letter.
