Catering Jobs in the United Kingdom

Catering Jobs Overview

The hospitality industry offers countless opportunities in a variety of professions and is a significant contributor to the nation's economy. A job in hospitality provides the public with an invaluable service and can lead to a thoroughly rewarding career path. With so many job prospects in this sector, it can be hard to know where to start. If you are passionate about food, enjoy working with people, and excel in fast-paced environments, then a job in catering could be the perfect fit. Catering jobs provide a variety of flexible work hours and diverse working spaces with plenty of room for career growth.

The catering industry offers a wide selection of job positions, including:

• event coordinator
• catering manager
• catering assistant
• waiting/bar staff
• chef
• kitchen porter
• catering delivery driver

You may wish to progress into areas of management, such as sales, marketing, human resources, or training. You might even consider running your own catering business. The paths to these roles are highly attainable with hard work and commitment.

You could work in-house for various organisations, including hospitals, schools, corporate offices, cruise ships, hotels, or universities. You may also decide to work for a contract catering company, temp agency, or recruitment agency. Whichever you choose, your working environment will change from day to day and be anything but boring. For most catering jobs, you will be required to work shifts, including nights and weekends and possibly bank holidays.

To explore more roles related to hospitality jobs, you can expand your search to include:

• pub jobs
• restaurant jobs
• event planner jobs

Education and Skills for Catering Jobs

Although some employers may ask for GCSEs in maths and English, entry-level catering positions will not require formal education. If you are looking to obtain an advanced or technical role such as chef, event planner, or catering manager, you may need to take professional courses.

Whatever direction you are going in, there are plenty of official qualifications to earn in hospitality to increase your chances of being hired. You could study for aLevel 1 NVQ Certificate in Hospitality and Cateringto get you started, or if you are looking to hone your skills as a pastry chef, you could earn aLevel 3 Diploma in Professional Patisserie.

You can also apply for a catering apprenticeship where you can choose from a wide variety of participating businesses, including restaurants, hotels, schools, and banqueting centres. You'll work alongside experienced staff and earn a salary while studying towards qualifications.

If you're aiming for a career in catering, it's essential to recognise what core skills you will need to succeed. In an ever-changing and demanding industry, employers are looking for candidates with these critical hospitality skills:

• customer service
• teamwork
• problem-solving
• multi-tasking
• attention to detail
• organisation
• flexibility
• food hygiene
• health and safety

Update Your Catering Job CV

To obtain a role with a potential employer, you'll need to make sure that your CV stands out and showcases your skills and experience. Make sure to convey your strong social skills, as a job in catering is a highly people-oriented position. In your CV, you'll want to let the hiring manager know how you have worked well with others in the past and how you have progressed towards your customer service goals. Make sure to list specific examples and use our CV templates for guidance

Remember to include a cover letter in your application to detail past successes and why you will make an excellent fit for the company. This is your chance to explain why you’ve chosen to work in the catering industry, and what makes you such a good fit for the specific role you’re applying for. Read our cover letter tips for further advice on writing a winning letter.

Interviewing for Catering Jobs

It’s always a good idea to research the company you’re interviewing for beforehand and to practice common interview questions in advance. This will give you the confidence you need to keep your cool and prove to the interviewer that you’ve done your homework. You should expect to answer situational and behavioural questions, as the hiring manager will want to know how you can thrive under certain types of pressure. Remember to think of specific examples of how you have excelled in previous work experiences or overcome challenges. It's crucial to come with an optimistic attitude and show that you can provide excellent customer service to your customers.

How Much Can You Earn from a Catering Job?

Catering job salaries will vary significantly on the company and the position you are working in. For example, kitchen and catering assistants can make on average £17,680 per year, whereas catering and bar managers can make £21,840 per year. You can use an online salary calculator to research what you can expect to be paid working in catering. You could be paid a higher rate for working overtime or bank holidays, and some companies may offer bonuses or incentives. Those working as waiters and bar staff can also earn tips in addition to their salary.

Begin Your Search for Catering Jobs

Are you hungry for a job in catering? If so, you can apply for catering roles by setting up a free profile with Monster today. After you've signed up, you can upload your CV, apply for jobs, receive job notifications, connect with recruiters, and much more.