School Chef

How to Apply: Send your testimonials to info@mtlongonotschools.sc.ke on or before Friday 28th August.

Master the School Kitchen: From Menu to Plate

School kitchens are a different beast: tight budgets, picky eaters, and strict health checks. Your CV should show you've handled volume cooking and can keep a cool head during lunch rush.

1. Highlight your volume cooking experience: Schools serve hundreds of meals daily. On your CV, quantify how many meals you've prepared per day and the size of your team. Mention any experience with bulk cooking equipment like steam kettles or industrial ovens.

2. Show food safety knowledge: Kenya's public health inspectors are strict. List any food handling certificates (like HACCP) and describe how you maintain hygiene in your kitchen. Give an example of a time you passed an inspection.

3. Prove your menu planning skills: Schools need balanced, affordable menus. Prepare a sample weekly menu for a school setting, showing variety and nutrition. Be ready to discuss how you handle food allergies and special diets.

4. Demonstrate budget management: School kitchens run on tight budgets. Talk about how you've reduced food waste or negotiated with suppliers. Show you can cook tasty meals without breaking the bank.

5. Emphasize teamwork and leadership: You'll likely supervise kitchen staff. Give examples of how you've trained or led a team. Mention your ability to work harmoniously with teachers and school administrators.

6. Prepare for the practical test: Many schools ask you to cook a meal during the interview. Practice a few kid-friendly dishes that are simple, nutritious, and cost-effective. Bring your own knives if allowed.

7. Understand child nutrition: Brush up on Kenya's school feeding guidelines. Know the basics of carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins for growing kids. Be ready to discuss how you'd handle a child with a peanut allergy.

8. Show passion for the role: Schools want someone who genuinely cares about kids' wellbeing. Share why you love cooking for children and how you'd make mealtime enjoyable. Mention any experience with school events or special diets.