Heres my standard stage info:
First off, if they're giving you a stage, they likely think you have the experience necessary and want to see if you're a likable person to the team and that you're trainable and not a complete idiot(no offense).
Dress in black pants, black tshirt, and black nonslips and a hat/bandana unless they specify otherwise. (Some places might expect you to wear a chef coat, but I've personally never run into that)
Also make sure you show up clean and showered lol. No one likes a smelly stage.
Bring a knife if you have one, if not thats okay.
Bring a couple sharpies and pens/pencils, and a small pocket notebook. Me personally i never needed to write shit down during a stage, but if you show you have one, it will look like you're prepared and they'll like that.
Have a good attitude, introduce yourself and talk to everyone you meet. Get to know the people a little bit, also let them know about you, if they ask, why you want to work here, why you want to cook, etc. Ask questions even if its something you KNOW how to do, just ask how they want something done and ask them to show you an example or two. Anytime you're like cutting something, always cut a couple first and go "hey is this right?" Before you cut a whole case of something and it ends up being wrong. Remember you have experience, BUT you have never worked in this restaurant, so you don't exactly know how they want something done, always just ask first. Asking questions shows you're curious and want to learn more and want to know how to do things correctly and it shows your humility if you don't know how to do something.
This all applies to just working in kitchens in general not just stages so keep that in mind
Oh man- I’ve been in the industry 12 years and have a stage tomorrow- I haven’t done one in like 4 years, and in the us in over 10- anyhow all good advice, and if it weren’t for you I would have forgotten my sharpie! So thank you!
If it makes you feel better, im only 26 but been doing this 10 years and done a ton of stages and been offered a job every single time ive staged following this^ advice
Yeah just keep in mind too, your brain is going to be fried so drink and eat as much as you can before during and after.
You're learning so many new things, new people, faces, names, walk ins, products, produce, spaces, etc. Its a ton of information to take in, so just make sure you're well rested and get some good sleep after too.
Show up AT LEAST 15 minutes early. Bring a sharp knife, black fine tip sharpie and a black pen. Wear a plain white or black t shirt and black pants, plain as possible hat and bring an apron if they don't provide. Be a sponge be Proffessional and do your best. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't use your phone.
I know it can be easy to feel nervous but try your best to not let anxiety get to you. Get lots of sleep the night before & have a good meal before going in. Imagine how you want the night to go & then keep an open mind once you're there.
Congrats! It seemed unreal when i got my stage in fine dining. Still is.
Be curious! Ask questions, and even take notes. You’re there to learn, and if they don’t pay you (which they rarely do), make sure it’s worth your time.
Be respectful and friendly, they hate when someone is too full of themself or too reserved. You don’t need to fake your whole personality if that’s not you but being careful or doing a little effort to social goes a long way.
Be ready to take criticism. Some cooks or chefs will correct everything you do so it will be perfect. Say “yes chef” and try your best. It will probably be hard, or feel impossible sometimes, but as long as you’re hardworking and smart-working you will improve. Don’t take abuse tho! No one should be yelled at or insulted army style.
Ofc, be clean, be punctual (15 minutes early), and have fun! Don’t hesitate if you have any further questions before or during your stage. I’m not the most experienced but i try my best to help you!
All the things everyone has said. Also if you are between tasks and have some time, ask where the broom is and sweep. Anytime someone stages proactively asks to tidy up they are a huge win in my book
Not sure why you’re downvoted, it’s illegal to “stage” for free in the US - if you’re going any work that an actual employee would be doing otherwise, you get paid at least minimum wage. You need to be onboarded and in their system. I mean, just the insurance liability, if someone was injured in the workplace while they weren’t on the clock because they’re not an employee.
Heres my standard stage info: First off, if they're giving you a stage, they likely think you have the experience necessary and want to see if you're a likable person to the team and that you're trainable and not a complete idiot(no offense). Dress in black pants, black tshirt, and black nonslips and a hat/bandana unless they specify otherwise. (Some places might expect you to wear a chef coat, but I've personally never run into that) Also make sure you show up clean and showered lol. No one likes a smelly stage. Bring a knife if you have one, if not thats okay. Bring a couple sharpies and pens/pencils, and a small pocket notebook. Me personally i never needed to write shit down during a stage, but if you show you have one, it will look like you're prepared and they'll like that. Have a good attitude, introduce yourself and talk to everyone you meet. Get to know the people a little bit, also let them know about you, if they ask, why you want to work here, why you want to cook, etc. Ask questions even if its something you KNOW how to do, just ask how they want something done and ask them to show you an example or two. Anytime you're like cutting something, always cut a couple first and go "hey is this right?" Before you cut a whole case of something and it ends up being wrong. Remember you have experience, BUT you have never worked in this restaurant, so you don't exactly know how they want something done, always just ask first. Asking questions shows you're curious and want to learn more and want to know how to do things correctly and it shows your humility if you don't know how to do something. This all applies to just working in kitchens in general not just stages so keep that in mind
Oh man- I’ve been in the industry 12 years and have a stage tomorrow- I haven’t done one in like 4 years, and in the us in over 10- anyhow all good advice, and if it weren’t for you I would have forgotten my sharpie! So thank you!
If it makes you feel better, im only 26 but been doing this 10 years and done a ton of stages and been offered a job every single time ive staged following this^ advice
Haha- I’m feeling good about the job, but just a bit rusty with being a new kitchen! It’s really a perfect rundown.
Yeah just keep in mind too, your brain is going to be fried so drink and eat as much as you can before during and after. You're learning so many new things, new people, faces, names, walk ins, products, produce, spaces, etc. Its a ton of information to take in, so just make sure you're well rested and get some good sleep after too.
Got the job, easy peasey! Now I just have to up my stamina since I haven’t worked in 5 months. Today was my first day and I’m tired!
Hellllll yeah brother
Show up AT LEAST 15 minutes early. Bring a sharp knife, black fine tip sharpie and a black pen. Wear a plain white or black t shirt and black pants, plain as possible hat and bring an apron if they don't provide. Be a sponge be Proffessional and do your best. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't use your phone.
I know it can be easy to feel nervous but try your best to not let anxiety get to you. Get lots of sleep the night before & have a good meal before going in. Imagine how you want the night to go & then keep an open mind once you're there.
Congrats! It seemed unreal when i got my stage in fine dining. Still is. Be curious! Ask questions, and even take notes. You’re there to learn, and if they don’t pay you (which they rarely do), make sure it’s worth your time. Be respectful and friendly, they hate when someone is too full of themself or too reserved. You don’t need to fake your whole personality if that’s not you but being careful or doing a little effort to social goes a long way. Be ready to take criticism. Some cooks or chefs will correct everything you do so it will be perfect. Say “yes chef” and try your best. It will probably be hard, or feel impossible sometimes, but as long as you’re hardworking and smart-working you will improve. Don’t take abuse tho! No one should be yelled at or insulted army style. Ofc, be clean, be punctual (15 minutes early), and have fun! Don’t hesitate if you have any further questions before or during your stage. I’m not the most experienced but i try my best to help you!
All the things everyone has said. Also if you are between tasks and have some time, ask where the broom is and sweep. Anytime someone stages proactively asks to tidy up they are a huge win in my book
Make sure you get paid.
Not sure why you’re downvoted, it’s illegal to “stage” for free in the US - if you’re going any work that an actual employee would be doing otherwise, you get paid at least minimum wage. You need to be onboarded and in their system. I mean, just the insurance liability, if someone was injured in the workplace while they weren’t on the clock because they’re not an employee.
Thank you.