How to Be Commis Chef - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 11, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The role of a Commis Chef is a critical one in the hospitality industry. It is an entry-level position that plays an important role in the daily functioning of the kitchen. The Commis Chef is responsible for assisting the chefs in the preparation of food items, maintaining the kitchen cleanliness, and ensuring that all health and safety regulations are met.

As a result of the Commis Chef's efforts, the kitchen is able to run smoothly and efficiently. In addition, the quality of food served to customers is improved, leading to higher customer satisfaction and increased revenue for the restaurant. Furthermore, having a well-trained Commis Chef in the kitchen leads to better team dynamics, which helps create a more organized and efficient workplace.

Steps How to Become

Get a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers require commis chefs to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Get Trained in Culinary Arts. Commis chefs should have a formal culinary education. While some employers may be willing to hire someone with just a high school diploma, they may require the chef to complete basic culinary courses before they can begin working in the kitchen.
Find an Apprenticeship or Internship. Many restaurants and hotels offer apprenticeships and internships for aspiring chefs. This is a great way to gain experience working in a professional kitchen and build relationships with experienced chefs.
Get Certified. Obtaining a professional certification from the American Culinary Federation is an excellent way to demonstrate your commitment and knowledge of the culinary industry.
Build a Portfolio. As a commis chef, you'll want to show potential employers your best work. Developing a portfolio of food photos and recipes is a great way to do this.
Continue Your Education. The culinary industry is always evolving, so it's important to stay up to date on new cooking techniques, ingredients, and trends. Taking classes or attending culinary conferences can help you stay ahead of the curve.

In order to keep updated and qualified as a Commis Chef, it is important to stay abreast of the latest trends in food preparation, nutrition, and cooking techniques. This can be achieved by regularly attending professional trainings, such as online courses and seminars, that provide valuable knowledge of the latest techniques and practices in the industry. it is essential to build relationships with other chefs and culinary professionals in order to gain insight into the ever-changing field of food preparation.

Finally, staying organized and familiarizing oneself with the necessary kitchen tools and equipment is an important factor in ensuring ones continued qualification as a Commis Chef. By taking these steps, Commis Chefs can ensure they remain knowledgeable and up-to-date in their field.

You may want to check Development Pastry Chef, Kebab Chef, and Specialty Pastry Chef for alternative.

Job Description

Prepare food items according to recipes and quality standards.
Set up and stock stations with all necessary supplies.
Ensure cleanliness of kitchen and work areas, including the washing of dishes, pots, pans, utensils, and other equipment.
Assist with the preparation and presentation of meals.
Monitor food stock levels, rotating products as needed to ensure freshness.
Maintain inventory of supplies, ensuring items are ordered as needed.
Adhere to all health and safety regulations.
Assist with the cleaning and sanitizing of cooking equipment and work areas.
Receive and store food and other related items, ensuring proper rotation and inventory control.
Assist in training of new staff members as required.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Understanding of food safety and sanitation
Knowledge of kitchen equipment and utensils
Ability to follow recipes and instructions
Understanding of basic food preparation techniques
Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
Good communication and organizational skills
Ability to work as part of a team
Ability to take direction and take initiative
Attention to detail
Ability to multitask

Having the correct skills and knowledge is essential for any successful Commis Chef. A great Commis Chef must have strong culinary skills, be highly organized, and have the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced kitchen environment. The ability to multitask is also important, as they have to manage many tasks at once.

They must also have excellent communication skills in order to work effectively with their colleagues and provide clear instructions. Furthermore, they must have a good understanding of food safety and hygiene regulations, as well as be able to maintain cleanliness in the kitchen. With the right skills and knowledge, a Commis Chef will be able to thrive in their role, help the Head Chef run the kitchen efficiently and provide customers with an enjoyable dining experience.

Executive Pastry Chef, Line Chef, and Development Chef are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in a professional kitchen?
Describe your approach to food preparation and presentation.
How do you manage tight deadlines?
How do you handle customer complaints?
How do you keep up with new recipes and techniques?
What do you think makes a successful Commis Chef?
How do you stay organized in a busy kitchen?
What is your experience with food safety and sanitation?
Are you comfortable working with a team of cooks?
How do you handle difficult situations in the kitchen?

Common Tools in Industry

Kitchen Knife. Used for cutting and chopping ingredients (eg: slicing vegetables).
Cutting Board. Used to prepare ingredients (eg: chopping onions).
Fryer. Used to cook food quickly in hot oil (eg: French fries).
Blender. Used to mix, puree and emulsify ingredients (eg: making smoothies).
Pot and Pan Set. Used to cook food in a variety of ways (eg: boiling pasta).
Oven. Used to bake food at a specific temperature (eg: baking a cake).
Stovetop. Used to cook food on the stovetop (eg: frying eggs).
Spatula. Used to flip food while cooking (eg: flipping pancakes).
Peeler. Used to remove the skin from fruits and vegetables (eg: peeling potatoes).
Grater. Used to grate food into small pieces (eg: grating cheese).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Culinary Federation (ACF)
National Restaurant Association
International Council of Culinary Professionals
National Association of Chefs de Cuisine
American Academy of Chefs
Research Chefs Association
Women Chefs & Restaurateurs
United States Personal Chef Association
International Association of Culinary Professionals
Craft Guild of Chefs

We also have First Cook Chef, Pasta Chef, and Rotisserie Chef jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Line Cook. A line cook is a professional cook responsible for preparing individual dishes in a restaurant kitchen.
Sous Chef. A sous chef is a chef who is the second in command in a kitchen, typically ranking just below the executive or head chef.
Pantry Chef. A pantry chef is a chef who specializes in preparing cold dishes, such as salads, appetizers, and desserts.
Pastry Chef. A pastry chef is a professional cook who specializes in the preparation of pastries, desserts, and other baked goods.
Sauce Chef. A sauce chef is a professional cook responsible for creating and preparing various sauces to accompany dishes.
Garde Manger Chef. A garde manger chef is a professional cook who specializes in preparing cold foods, such as salads and appetizers.
Baker. A baker is a professional cook who specializes in the production of baked goods such as bread, cakes, and pastries.
Prep Cook. A prep cook is a professional cook who prepares ingredients and dishes ahead of time for the line cooks to use during service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary responsibilities of a Commis Chef?

The primary responsibilities of a Commis Chef include preparing ingredients, cooking dishes, adhering to health and safety standards, and plating food for service.

How many years of experience does a Commis Chef need?

A Commis Chef typically needs 0-2 years of experience in the culinary field.

What other skills does a Commis Chef need?

A Commis Chef needs to have excellent knife skills, a good understanding of food safety, knowledge of food trends and recipes, good organizational skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.