Looking for a private chef? Here’s how to choose the right person

At Bersion, we have the unique perspective of having been both chefs and chef recruiters. We understand that, as clients, especially if you’re new to hiring staff, the process can feel like a real headache. There’s a lot to consider when hiring someone for the first time, and without prior experience, it can easily become overwhelming.

 

That’s why, whether you’re looking for the perfect chef for your clients, a family vacation, or a one-off event, we’ve put together a list of key points to help you find the ideal match for your needs.

 

1. Honesty

 

It seems obvious, right? The truth is, no one wants to invite someone into their home, trust them with their credit card, or rely on them for dietary needs unless they feel they can trust that person completely. The challenge, of course, is figuring out if the person you’re speaking with actually meets this requirement.
One of the most effective (and time-tested) ways to assess honesty—besides checking references—is to have a conversation that goes beyond the job itself. Talking about their life, dreams, and experiences in previous roles can give you a better sense of their character. Intuition often plays a big role here, helping you gauge their honesty (while keeping in mind that it’s natural for someone to want to make a good impression during an interview).

 

2. A strong résumé

 

It’s common to focus on big-name restaurants when reviewing a chef’s CV, but this can be a mistake. A chef who has worked at many prestigious establishments hasn’t necessarily spent enough time in any of them to take on meaningful responsibilities or gain the independence needed to learn from mistakes.
That’s why we recommend taking a closer look at the CVs you’ve shortlisted. Try to imagine what challenges they might have faced in each role and whether they had the opportunities necessary to grow. Of course, asking for references is always a good idea—but be mindful that negative feedback can sometimes be influenced by personal bias rather than a true reflection of the candidate’s abilities.

 

3. Hygiene

 

This might seem like a given, but it’s crucial. Here, we’re not talking about personal style (long hair, tattoos, or piercings), but about overall cleanliness. A candidate’s hygiene during an interview can reveal a lot about their habits.
From experience, we know it’s hard to maintain opposing attitudes in and out of work. Someone who doesn’t show a high level of hygiene during an interview is unlikely to maintain it in your kitchen, even if you request it.

 

4. A positive attitude

 

Good humor is essential for building strong relationships, though we also understand that too much of it in a high-pressure environment can create issues. That said, a candidate with a solid CV and a sense of humor—particularly the ability to laugh at themselves—can be a valuable asset.

This quality suggests that, when faced with unforeseen challenges, they’ll approach the situation with a smile, openly discuss the problem, and propose solutions with humility rather than shifting blame onto others. This not only prevents potential conflicts but also fosters a healthier work environment.

 

5. Sports or hobbies

 

While this isn’t a must-have, it’s widely recognized that people who engage in sports or hobbies outside of work often bring a more positive attitude to their professional lives. This balance helps them manage stress better and approach their job with a lighter mindset. While not a deal-breaker, it’s a point worth considering when making your decision.

 

A helpful guide, not a rulebook

 

Of course, a chef who doesn’t meet all these criteria isn’t necessarily the wrong choice for you. In some cases, the ideal candidate might even be someone who doesn’t initially seem to tick these boxes or who simply doesn’t know how to demonstrate their strengths during an interview.

 

This list is meant to serve as a guide to help you identify key qualities and better evaluate your future chef, ensuring you make the best possible decision for your event or experience.

 

And as always, if you want to be completely confident that your service will be handled by a professional trained for this type of work, you can leave it in our hands. We’ll ensure that your chef exceeds your expectations.