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How do I ask a local bakery if I could "Job Shadow" them?

post #1 of 2
9/15/08 at 2:14pm
Thread Starter 
I've been thinking about going to school to become a pastry chef and I thought maybe I could get around that by maybe job shadowing a local bakery and possibly getting hired by them. I'm not sure how to ask them or what to say. Will a local bakery actually let me come in and observe their baker and cake decorator? Who do I ask this to? The Baker, Cake Decorator, Owner or manager? Should I ask in person or on the phone? I would think in person so they can see what I look like. Thanks for you help.
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post #2 of 2
9/15/08 at 5:57pm
Well, I'm NOT a chef, but I do run a business... I would ask one of the pros in this shop directly, during a slower time (not during the 7AM rush), exactly this question. That is, the one you just posted here. People LOVE to be told they're pros and their opinion matters- I'd ask Joe/Jane the cake person, "hey, I wanna do what you do. Could you lend me 60 seconds and help me out?"

Further, this person will know who the Grand Poobah is that can offer you the spot, and will probably introduce you, or tell you EXACTLY when to catch him/her in the office.

And yes on the in-person thing. First, you let them interview you with their eyes, and second, it shows you give a d**n. I hire interns every year, and the ones who have the moxie to walk in my office automatically go to the top of the list. I wouldn't bother calling on the phone- then, you're just another telemarketer.

I now back away to let the chefs cut me up... :beer:
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