The catering business is always changing, moving quickly, and very competitive. As we get closer to 2024, the skills that caterers need to have changed to keep up with the needs of both customers and employers. It’s important to know what employers want, whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting. Catering staffing firms that hire people to work in catering often highlight certain skills that make applicants stand out. This blog will talk about the top 10 skills that employers want in caterers in 2024.
Why Skills Matter in the Catering Industry
Consistently providing excellent service is crucial in the catering business. The quality of food, the speed and quality of service, and the overall dining experience significantly influence customer satisfaction. So, companies in the catering industry want to hire people who not only know how to do their job but also have soft skills that make working with others and talking to customers better.
Having a wide range of skills is essential for anyone in the catering industry who wants to move up, whether they apply directly or through a catering recruitment agency. Employers want people who can change with the times, keep up high standards when things get tough, and make the workplace a positive place to be.
Essential Technical Skills for Catering Professionals
1. Culinary expertise:
When you work as a caterer, you need to know how to cook. Employers want to hire people who are not only proficient at cooking but also know a lot about different types of food. As of 2024, fusion cuisine and dietary preferences like veganism and gluten-free diets are becoming more popular. This makes it essential to know a lot about cooking.
2. Food safety and hygiene:
Food safety is still essential to employers. As rules get stricter, people who work in catering need to know a lot about how to keep food safe and clean. This includes knowing how to store food properly, how to handle it suitably, and how to deal with allergens. Employers rely on workers to adhere to these standards, ensuring no health risks or legal issues arise.
Critical Soft Skills for Catering Professionals
3. Time Management:
Catering requires a lot of time management skills. Perfect time management is important whether you’re cooking, planning events, or running a kitchen. When hiring, companies want people who can set priorities, work quickly, and meet deadlines without sacrificing quality.
4. Communication Skills:
Communication that is clear and simple to understand is essential in a busy kitchen or at an event. People who work in catering need to be able to talk to their team, suppliers, and clients. Employers place a high value on good communication skills because poor communication can lead to mistakes, delays, and unhappy customers.
5. Teamwork and Collaboration:
Catering depends on people working together. Coordination is important for everyone involved in a service, from kitchen staff to event planners. People who can work well with others and contribute to a positive and productive team environment are in high demand. Recruitment agencies in the catering industry highly value professionals who can handle diverse roles and situations and collaborate effectively with others.
Emerging Skills for 2024
6. Sustainability Practices:
Sustainability is not just a trendy word anymore; it’s an important thing for modern catering businesses to think about. Employers want to hire people who know how to do things that are beneficial for the environment, like reducing food waste, buying local ingredients, and using eco-friendly kitchen solutions. As people become more concerned about the environment, catering staffing companies say that candidates who care about sustainability are in high demand.
7. Technological Proficiency:
The catering industry is increasingly reliant on technology. Using technology effectively is becoming more and more important, from online booking systems to software for managing kitchens. Companies want to hire people who are comfortable using digital tools to improve productivity, keep track of inventory, and make operations run more smoothly. In a competitive job market, possessing tech-savvy skills can enhance your hiring prospects.
8. Customer Service Excellence:
Even though technical skills are very important, customer service is still the most important thing in catering. Employers want workers who can be polite and quick with customers, as well as solve any problems that arise during service. Focussing on customer satisfaction can lead to repeat business and favourable reviews, which is why this skill is vital in 2024.
Adaptability and Professional Development
9. Adaptability and Flexibility:
Catering professionals know that last-minute changes and unexpected issues can occur. Flexible professionals who can quickly adapt to new situations are in high demand by employers. Employers highly value individuals who can think quickly, be it changing a menu on the spot or handling an unexpected rush.
10. Continuous Learning and Professional Development:
Additionally, it is important to keep learning in a field that is always changing. Employers highly value experts who dedicate themselves to improving their abilities and learning about the newest methods and trends. For example, they could go to workshops, get certifications, or just be willing to learn new things on the job. Recruitment agencies often emphasise career advancement in the catering industry.
Preparing for Success in the Catering Industry
For people with the right skills, the catering business will get even tougher and more rewarding in 2024. Many companies want to hire professionals who are well-rounded and can provide excellent service by combining technical knowledge with “soft skills.” Following these top 10 skills can greatly improve your chances of getting a job in this field, whether you already work in it or want to get into it.
For skilled people looking for work in the catering industry, recruitment agencies are very important. Make yourself stand out from other applicants in this competitive field by ensuring that your skills match what employers are looking for. Don’t forget that being able to cook and serve isn’t the only thing that makes you successful in catering. How you manage time, talk to people, and keep learning is also very important.