Chicago Stage

[Corned Brief]

I am seeking a stage or internship in a restaurant kitchen in Chicago or with a Chicago area caterer. I am not a culinary student and I don't have any relevant professional experience. Can any eGulleteers help me with some advice?

My specific questions are: how tight is the market for unpaid positions in Chicago? Should I approach chefs or caterers in person, or is it better to call or email to inquire about a position? Are there any particularly good places or people to contact, or, on the other hand, places or people to avoid?

Thanks in advance for any information or advice you can share. And if anyone reading this post is looking for a kitchen slave, don't hesitate to send word.

Regards,

CB

[WHT]

Thanks in advance for any information or advice you can share. And if anyone reading this post is looking for a kitchen slave, don't hesitate to send word.

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I wish I had a bit more happy news but with the number of schoo;s in the area and the number of people escaping poverty in there homeland it will be tough. The first thing that comes to mind is look online at the Chicago Reader, a local free paper that runs want ads. Look at Metromix online and write letters of introduction. Play up what skills you bring to the table. Hard facts and not "I am a quick lerner and people person whth an eye for detail." as this does nothing to further your cause.

You may luck out and find something. Especialy if you are willing to take anything to get in the door. There are no hard and fast rules but percisitance.

[MattJohnson]

I have not done this, so take the advice with a grain of grey sea salt. I've heard that volunteer soup kitchens are good places for people looking to get into the industry but lack the experience. Don't know if this helps or not. Just an idea of ways to fill out the resume with relevant experience.

[SundaySous]

Wow we might just be the same person, I'm trying to do the same. I'll keep you posted.

In the mean time have a look at these guys:

http://www.ksmstaffing.com/contactus.html

Temp service with new office in Chicago. There are supposed to be others and when I get off my butt and find them I'll let you know.

These guys may be worth a shot: http://www.leye.com/employment/employment_index.htm They want culinary school grads but they will talk to you. Ask them for advice. They are professionals and will take you seriously.

Join this forum and ask the same question here: http://lthforum.com/bb/viewforum.php?f=17

This will cost you $305 The Illinois Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification certificate. If you serve food in Illinois you are not suppose to be open unless someone has one of these and is on the premises. It won't get you hired but it will show you are serious and will be one more thing in your favor.

http://www.nraef.org/servsafe/

almost forgot: http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/fbh/

edited because I almost forgot

Edited October 2, 2007 by SundaySous (log)

[Corned Brief]

Wow we might just be the same person, I'm trying to do the same. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks for sharing the leads, SundaySous. I'll keep you posted about any progress I make and I'll pass along any useful information I can find. I saw your post on LTH Forum and thought I'd try eG as well. There's got to be a way to break into the kitchen . . . .

Good luck and thanks again,

CB

[SundaySous]

Wow we might just be the same person, I'm trying to do the same. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks for sharing the leads, SundaySous. I'll keep you posted about any progress I make and I'll pass along any useful information I can find. I saw your post on LTH Forum and thought I'd try eG as well. There's got to be a way to break into the kitchen . . . .

Good luck and thanks again,

CB

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Learn Spanish too.

And you may be interested in this: http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/fbh/438269619.html

no it's not cooking but what the Hell, look good on the resume.

[Darren72]

You might want to post this on the "Professional Forum" at www.lthforum.com, a site devoted to Chicago area food and restaurants. I seem to recall a thread about staging there at some point, but I couldn't find it in my quick search.