How to look for a job...

[tomvsgodzilla]

Hi all,

I am new here, although I've used the site before, this is my first posting. Right now I am a Junior college student majoring in Business. I want to finish school first since I have a full scholarship. However, I now know I want to work in food. I've loved cooking since I was 8, and I find myself reading, browsing, buying, cooking related products more and more. Its something I enjoy and can see myself doing. But my problem is that I am not sure how to get started in the industry (my goal is to work for some good cooks and make my bones. At some point i would like to open my own restaurant, but i realize that will take many years to get to that point).

I have researched the possibility of going to cooking school. I find this an attractive option, but I also think I should experience a kitchen first. Additionally, I would like to make sure 100% that kitchen life is the life for me (if not, maybe i will try other facets of the food industry). 

My question is... how does one find a job as a commis or prep cook? I have only looked online but most of the jobs i see are all for professional cooks. I want to work at a decent restaurant; I don't see this as being snobby, i just don't see how working at Applebee's or making sandwiches is going to give me any "real" experience. I am not against starting as a dishwasher, but I also don't want to waste too much time doing that. I am from the east bay, about 45 min- 1 hour from San Francisco, so there are some good restaurants. Do I just walk into a place and ask if they need a prep cook? Does this question make sense?

Thanks,

thomas

 

[culinuthiast]

Research where you want to work. Don't just get a job, unlearning horrible habits (which are rampant in this industry) can mean a lifetime of suck. Have a cheap lunch there, see where the standards are at, think about if this is really where you want to learn - because that's what you're looking for (not a wage or a discount or whatever). 

Show up in Marlborough Country (the back door where all the cooks smoke) at 2pm in your coat with your knives/kit in the car. Be humble. Be keen. Ask for Chef, offer to work for free for two weeks to prove you're up to the challenge.

If it doesn't work out, then it wasn't meant to be - either cause you need work or because you don't want to work for that person anyway.

Just sayin...