Chef's Blade

It's been said a million times, but it's still true: network! You probably know somebody who knows somebody who's hiring.

 I think FoodandWIne and nom have some great pointers. I get a lot of my jobs through word of mouth and through personal connections. Also, being able to say you took such and such course can be really helpful in qualifying you over other cantidates. 

Also, you can view a lot of these course as another way to network...after all, these are people in the culinary industry! They might know of something!

stay humble! ive really felt the pinch of the current economy. Im fortunate too have a job it may not be the perfect job for me. Iv always lived and been taught that this industry is not for the one who goes too work simply for a paycheck, it feels good for me to ba a part of something. This is very much a pride driven industry. be very careful what you ask for. most of the time its really not about the money.

 One thing I always remind myself of, in this economy, is people still have to eat! I've noticed a lot of fancy restaurants doing more "accessible" eating establishments that still keep up the qualify of the food...

My brother is a professional cook he found new job recently using network facilities

well i have to say, along with the networking thing, staging is a great way to meet people and other chefs.  Im talking about this because it has just happened to me.  I just got home from a stage at Tru in Chicago, and got go sit down and talk with their Executive Chef.  He has many more people to interview, but he told me that he has a friend with another restaurant, and he would pass my resume onto him because he thinks i would be a great fit there.  not that i wouldnt be one at Tru, but it helps to get your name out there. 

that shows the whole networking part.  the more people you meet the better.  even if it is for a stage.  you can meet anyone that is working there that might know of somewhere that is hiring. 

so get out there people, even if it means working for free for 1 night or several.

I'd been trying to get my old job back since I'd left 1 year ago.  I've worked there 3 yrs. and not one call-back.

 I know it seems awkward to do cold calls, but they really work! I recently hired someone who came into my store and directly asked if we were hiring. It used to be that you would hear about a job through the grape vine or that you would see a job posting and apply. That's not going to work anymore...you need to know about a job before it even opens or simply call right when a prospective employer is thinking about hiring someone. 

 That's a great way to think about it Frenchie!

One thing I would also look at is the article posted a few days ago on networking: http://chefsblade.monster.com/training/articles/1135-how-to-hold-a-knife Networking can be super helpful to finding a job...

I agree that networking is a great way to find work. I am by no means a social person but I do know the value of friends, be they personal or professional. Most of my jobs were found through professional friends..."The place I work has a kitchen, and they're hiring. Speak to..." "You know, my husband is executive chef at..." "My father owns a catering business..." "We're members of a club and you'd be great. Call..."

I also value cold calling, though I've found it's important to be able to handle rejection unless you have some knowledge that they are hiring. It shows that you're out pounding the pavement as well as checking the classifieds and the job boards.

As for staying humble: Oh my yes. (Thanks for offering up the article, Jacky!) If I may add a personal observation...if you show up to interview and the interviewer is younger than you, less experienced than you, or less secure than you, they may get overwhelmed and turned off by a blatant show of confidence. You may be seen as a threat to their job. In this economy, I find it best to approach every job as a team member rather than a rock star. But that's just my humble opinion....