line cook without a summer job

curiousbob · #1 03-13-2006, 09:25 PM

I am a student in college. For the last 3 summers I have worked at the same resteraunt. I started as a dishwasher and when I left last summer, I could cook almost any item on the menu.

Unfortunately, that resteraunt has recently closed and that means that I am out of a summer job.

I have found that it is pretty hard to find jobs only for the summer. I want cooking to be my career in the future and so I would like as much experience now, however I doubt that I will find a job unless I lie about (not tell) about only needing a job for the summer.

Advice?

CrazyTATT · #2 03-13-2006, 09:28 PM

where are you at? Summer jobs should never be a problem to attain, its keeping them thru the off season.

Chef M · #3 03-13-2006, 09:31 PM

alot of resteraunts look for help in the summer, that is there peak.

curiousbob · #4 03-13-2006, 10:04 PM

I live in Port Orchard, WA over the summer. It is located almost directly across pugent sound from Seattle.

In my experience, it is difficult to find work for only the summer. Maybe it will different now that I am more experienced. but I don't know.

chef_oz · #5 03-13-2006, 10:47 PM

get your resume up to date. Print out a few and take a drive.

Can you work nights?... Get those experience points as soon as you can!
And you'll most likey have to work weekends(fri-sun). But thats ok.. Right cause weekends are any days off your have in a row :wink:. Maybe apply for a fryguy or pantry. If you like front of the house, then buss or serve. Chefs don't always work in the back!
gl
:ciao:

Al_Dente · #6 03-14-2006, 06:29 PM

As chef_oz says

Get your info out there. Take whatever comes and do it well...then tack it onto your record. (I liked the weekend bit chef_oz!) If you were in Toronto I would offer you a job.

By the way...I am looking for a 3rd cook from May through October near downtown Toronto...private message me here if interested.

Al

kuan · #7 03-14-2006, 08:35 PM

Country clubs. You can cook but you probably can do better as a caddy.

curiousbob · #8 03-15-2006, 11:49 PM

I have my spring break coming up soon. My dad said that I should go around applying for summer jobs now, but I think that it is too early.

Any thoughts?

chefalexander · #9 03-26-2006, 09:06 PM

There is no time like the present to start lining up contingencies for the summer. Start now, get the resume out along with the date you will be available--this is a major plus to an employer: shows comitment and ambition.Summer is peak season for many eating establishments, from hotel and country clubs, to the mom and pops. We all need GOOD dedicated (reliable) summer help.

Andrew563 · #10 03-26-2006, 10:27 PM

Have you thought of moving to Seattle for the summer? There are a ton of rest. there.

AprilB · #11 03-26-2006, 11:09 PM

That and you might try the National Park Service. There are a couple of companies, Xanterra or ...heck, I don't remember but they ran all of the old Hamilton stores in Yellowstone...starts with a "D". They're all desperate for Summer Help.

I don't know what you're looking at as far as payscale, but I'd try the resort route first.

Use the search engines and look for "Seasonal". I've hooked up with a variety of online jobseekers and now is the time to put in your application. They need to make their decisions and you start anytime from May to June.

April

Plongeur · #12 04-02-2006, 12:07 PM

Hey, if you're still looking there are 89 positions currently vacant in the Vaucluse, the French Department where I live, for the equivalent of line cooks. Check http://www.anpe.fr

curiousbob · #13 04-03-2006, 10:59 AM

Thanks for the link, but I am only looking for a summer job and then plan on going back to school. I don't really have the funds to go to France for the summer.

nowIamone · #14 04-03-2006, 03:13 PM

Check out the tour/resort companies operating in Alaska, most have offices in Seattle and hire a lot of summer hires for the season and fly them in to their properties. Princess Tours & Westours come to mind.