At a Glance
- Tasks: Create inspiring meals for residents while working in a supportive kitchen team.
- Company: Hartwell Lodge Care Home, a caring environment focused on resident well-being.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, opportunity to make a difference, and training provided.
- Why this job: Join us to bring joy through food and connect with our wonderful residents.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality, Level 2 Food & Hygiene, and a passion for fresh ingredients.
- Other info: A great chance to grow in a rewarding role within a caring community.
The predicted salary is between 981 - 1207 £ per month.
Hartwell Lodge Care Home in Fareham is looking for an experienced Cook or Chef to work on bank. This would suit someone looking to supplement their current working hours or someone looking for flexibility in their role.
Summary of the Role
As the Cook you will be a part of the kitchen team under the instruction of the Kitchen Manager. You will work to create inspiring mealtimes for residents at the home, catering to all preferences and dietary requirements. You will need to enjoy interacting and communicating with the elderly as there will be regular contact with our residents. You will need to have up to date knowledge of food health and hygiene and it would be beneficial to have knowledge on fortified diets and soft diets, but we can train you on this if need be.
About You
- Several years of experience in hospitality/catering is required
- Level 2 Food & Hygiene is required
- A City & Guilds Catering qualification would be ideal but is not a requirement
- Passionate about food, local produce and fresh ingredients
- Good level of English
- A good team player
- Prioritising resident and relative needs and offering personalised menus when required
- Honest and kind person who can work under pressure
- Previous experience in a care home is beneficial
Cook (Hartwell Lodge – Fareham) employer: Buckland Care
Contact Detail:
Buckland Care Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cook (Hartwell Lodge – Fareham)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Chat with friends, family, or even former colleagues about your job search. You never know who might have a lead on a cooking role at a care home or know someone who does.
✨Tip Number 2
Get social! Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with people in the hospitality and care sectors. Share your passion for food and cooking, and let them know you’re on the lookout for opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Show up in person! If you can, pop into local care homes or catering companies and ask if they’re hiring. A friendly face can make a lasting impression, and it shows you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that cook role, plus you’ll be the first to know about new openings tailored to your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Cook (Hartwell Lodge – Fareham)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let us see your love for cooking and fresh ingredients shine through. Share any experiences that highlight your passion for creating delicious meals, especially for those with specific dietary needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to mention your years of experience in hospitality or catering. If you've worked in a care home before, definitely include that! We want to know how your background makes you a great fit for our kitchen team.
Communicate Your People Skills: Since you'll be interacting with our lovely residents, it's important to convey your ability to connect with people. Share examples of how you've engaged with others in previous roles, especially in a caring environment.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep your application professional. Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the job description, and don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance of success!
How to prepare for a job interview at Buckland Care
✨Know Your Ingredients
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of food health and hygiene before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you ensure safety in the kitchen, especially when catering to dietary requirements. This shows you're serious about your role and care for the residents' well-being.
✨Show Your Passion for Food
During the interview, share your enthusiasm for cooking and using local produce. Talk about your favourite dishes to prepare and how you like to create inspiring mealtimes. This will help the interviewers see your passion and commitment to providing great meals for the residents.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Since you'll be interacting with elderly residents, practice how you would communicate with them. Show that you can engage warmly and respectfully. You might even want to prepare a few examples of how you've successfully interacted with residents or customers in the past.
✨Be Ready to Adapt
Flexibility is key in this role, so be prepared to discuss how you handle changes in the kitchen or adapt menus based on residents' needs. Share any experiences where you've had to think on your feet or adjust your cooking style to meet specific dietary requirements.