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If you’ve Googled “commis chef job description”, you’ve probably seen dozens of articles. The problem? Most of them look exactly the same—bullet points, generic wording, and zero insight into how to actually attract a great commis chef, not just any applicant.
Here’s the truth: a job description is more than a checklist. It’s your first chance to sell the role, your kitchen culture, and your mission to candidates who care about food, teamwork, and growth. But if your post feels like a legal document? The best candidates will scroll right past it.
That’s why in this article, we’re not just giving you another templated job description—we’re showing you how to write one that’s clear, human, and effective. You’ll get two ready-to-use templates (experienced hire + entry-level hire), a breakdown of why they work, and even a copy-paste version you can tailor in minutes.
👉 If you haven’t already, I recommend checking out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ . It covers the psychology of why most job posts fail—and what you should do instead. This commis chef article builds directly on that foundation.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
What a Commis Chef Actually Does - Their Duties Explained
A commis chef is an entry-level position in the kitchen, but don’t underestimate how important the role is. Think of them as the foundation of your culinary team.
A commis chef works under the supervision of senior chefs—helping with food preparation, basic cooking, plating, and keeping the kitchen organized. They’re often rotating through different stations to build skills: chopping, sauces, baking, or garnishing.
But here’s the key: being a commis chef isn’t just about following instructions. The best commis chefs bring reliability, attention to detail, and a genuine willingness to learn. In a busy kitchen, they keep things moving, support the senior chefs, and make sure standards are met consistently.
In other words, a commis chef is not just a “helper”—they’re the backbone that keeps service running smoothly while learning the craft that will shape their culinary career.
Two Great Commis Chef Job Description Templates
✅ Job Description Template 1: Experienced Commis Chef
Job Title: Commis Chef – Bistro Lumière (Downtown Chicago)
Type: Full-Time | On-site
Salary: $16–$19/hour (based on experience)
Schedule: 5 days per week, evenings and weekends included
📹 A Quick Word From Our Head Chef
(Insert Loom/YouTube link here)
“Hi, I’m Marco, Head Chef here at Bistro Lumière. We’re a small but ambitious French-inspired bistro in downtown Chicago. We take pride in creating memorable dishes, and we’re looking for someone who shares our passion for precision, creativity, and teamwork. In this video, I’ll walk you through our kitchen culture and why this could be the right place for you.”
About Bistro Lumière
At Bistro Lumière, we blend French tradition with modern dining. Our team is known for collaboration, fresh ingredients, and a kitchen where everyone—from commis to sous chef—contributes to the final plate. We’re not just serving food—we’re building experiences for our guests.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Supporting senior chefs with food preparation and plating
- Rotating through different stations to build your skillset
- Maintaining kitchen cleanliness and food safety standards
- Assisting with stock checks and deliveries
- Upholding consistency in presentation and taste
What We’re Looking For
- 1–2 years’ experience in a professional kitchen
- Basic knife skills and food preparation knowledge
- Strong work ethic and ability to thrive in fast-paced service
- Positive attitude and respect for teamwork
- Culinary diploma or certificate (preferred, not required)
Why Join Us
- Transparent pay and consistent scheduling
- Growth opportunities—we promote from within
- Free staff meals every shift
- Health insurance after 90 days
- Be part of a supportive team that values creativity and learning
📥 How to Apply
We care about candidate experience. That’s why we use WorkScreen to evaluate applicants fairly and transparently. To apply, click here: [WorkScreen link]. You’ll go through a straightforward evaluation that helps us understand your skills and strengths.
🌱 Job Description Template 2: Entry-Level Commis Chef (Willing to Train)
Job Title: Junior Commis Chef – Bistro Lumière (Downtown Chicago)
Type: Full-Time | On-site
Salary: $15–$17/hour (based on experience)
Schedule: 5 days per week, flexible shifts
📹 A Quick Word From Our Sous Chef
(Insert Loom/YouTube link here)
“Hey, I’m Clara, Sous Chef at Bistro Lumière. We know not everyone has professional kitchen experience, but what matters to us is passion, curiosity, and the willingness to learn. If you love food, work hard, and want to build a career in hospitality, this could be your start.”
About Bistro Lumière
We’re a French-inspired bistro in downtown Chicago that values people as much as plates. Our team believes in mentorship, training, and giving ambitious beginners the chance to learn real kitchen skills. Here, you’ll start with the basics—but quickly grow into more responsibility as you prove yourself.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Assisting chefs with prep work (washing, chopping, and organizing ingredients)
- Learning plating techniques under guidance
- Maintaining hygiene and cleanliness standards
- Supporting with kitchen setup and closing
- Observing and learning from senior chefs across stations
What We’re Looking For
- No prior kitchen experience required—we’ll train you
- Passion for food and curiosity to learn
- Reliability and strong time management
- Team-first attitude—you’re here to help and grow
- High school diploma or equivalent
Why Join Us
- Hands-on training with senior chefs
- Clear path for career progression (commis → demi chef → chef de partie)
- Free staff meals and uniform provided
- Positive, inclusive kitchen environment
- Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance
📥 How to Apply
We want this to be a respectful and straightforward process. Apply via WorkScreen here: [WorkScreen link]. You’ll complete a short evaluation that helps us understand your strengths and potential—because we value effort and attitude just as much as experience.
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Breakdown of Why These Commis Chef Job Posts Work
Both versions of the commis chef job description are built to attract the right candidates, not just any applicant. Here’s why they stand out:
1. Clear, Specific Titles
Instead of just “Commis Chef,” the titles specify context:
- “Commis Chef – Bistro Lumière (Downtown Chicago)”
- “Junior Commis Chef – Bistro Lumière (Downtown Chicago)”
These instantly tell the candidate the role, the company, and the location—reducing ambiguity and boosting relevance.
2. Personal Video Message
Including a Loom/YouTube video from the Head Chef (for experienced roles) or Sous Chef (for entry-level roles) adds a human element. Candidates see real leaders, not faceless HR. This builds trust and shows culture upfront.
3. Warm, Authentic Company Overview
Generic job descriptions usually start with corporate fluff. Here, the “About Bistro Lumière” sections actually highlight:
- What the restaurant stands for (French tradition + modern dining)
- Why the role matters (collaboration, mentorship, guest experiences)
- What kind of environment candidates are walking into
This helps applicants self-select—those who connect with your values are more likely to apply.
4. Responsibilities With Impact
Instead of just listing tasks, the responsibilities explain why they matter:
- “Keep our office and projects running smoothly” (from master guide) → adapted to
- “Upholding consistency in presentation and taste” or “Supporting chefs with prep and plating to keep service flowing.”
This framing gives purpose to everyday duties, showing candidates how their work contributes to the bigger picture.
5. Flexible Requirements
For the experienced role: it sets expectations clearly (1–2 years’ experience, knife skills).
For the entry-level role: it removes barriers (“No prior kitchen experience required—we’ll train you”).
This dual-approach lets you target both seasoned chefs and passionate beginners.
6. Transparent Pay & Perks
Both templates include a salary range and perks upfront. Candidates appreciate honesty, and transparency builds trust before they even apply. This also saves time—people who aren’t comfortable with the range won’t apply.
7. Respectful Application Process
Most job ads end with “send your CV, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.”
Here, the CTA is different:
- Emphasizes fairness (“we care about candidate experience”).
- Uses WorkScreen to evaluate on skills and effort—not just résumés.
- Sets clear expectations that every applicant is taken seriously.
This alone sets the post apart in a crowded market.
8. Human Tone Throughout
Notice the difference between cold, checklist-style posts and these ones:
- Conversational, human-first language (“we blend French tradition with modern dining”, “we know not everyone has professional kitchen experience”).
- Encouraging tone for entry-level applicants (“effort and attitude matter as much as experience”).
- Respectful, motivating language instead of corporate jargon.
Bad Commis Chef Job Description Example (And Why It Falls Short)
Job Title: Commis Chef
Company: Confidential
Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
We are looking for a commis chef to assist in the kitchen. Duties will include food preparation, assisting senior chefs, and cleaning.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with basic food prep
- Follow instructions from senior chefs
- Keep the kitchen clean
- Help with stock and deliveries
Requirements
- Some kitchen experience preferred
- Ability to work under pressure
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to work flexible hours
How to Apply
Send CV to hr@confidential.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Fails to Attract Great Candidates
- Generic Job Title
Just “Commis Chef” — no location, no company name, no context. It doesn’t signal who the role is for or why it matters. - Cold, Boring Summary
The introduction says nothing about the restaurant, its culture, or why someone should want to work there. It reads like a legal formality. - No Salary or Perks
Leaving out compensation details is outdated and signals a lack of transparency. Top candidates expect clarity and won’t waste time applying blindly. - Vague Responsibilities
Tasks like “assist with food prep” and “follow instructions” could apply to any role, anywhere. There’s no sense of contribution or impact. - No Insight Into Culture
Nothing about the team, values, or kitchen environment. It gives candidates zero idea of what it feels like to work there. - Dismissive Application Process
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is cold and discouraging. It communicates: we don’t value your effort unless you’re picked. - No Personality, No Story
The ad is lifeless. It doesn’t connect emotionally or show any unique character of the restaurant. For passionate chefs, this feels like just another dead-end job.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Commis Chef Job Post Stand Out
Writing a strong job description is the foundation—but if you want to attract high-quality commis chef candidates and make your post memorable, here are some proven add-ons:
🔒 1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice
Build trust from the start by assuring applicants their data is safe.
👉 Example:
“We take the privacy of every candidate seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or sensitive personal information during the hiring process.”
This small line reassures candidates and makes your post feel professional and transparent.
🏖️ 2. Mention Leave Days or Flexibility
Many restaurant jobs overlook this, but time off matters to candidates. Even if benefits are modest, being upfront helps.
👉 Example:
“Enjoy up to 14 days of paid leave per year to rest, recharge, and come back refreshed.”
📈 3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
For entry-level commis chef roles, this is critical. Show candidates how they can grow within your kitchen.
👉 Example:
“We offer hands-on training with senior chefs and a clear path from commis → demi chef → chef de partie.”
This positions your restaurant as a place to build a career, not just take a job.
🎥 4. Add a Loom or YouTube Video From the Team
A short 1–2 minute video from your Head Chef or Sous Chef does wonders. Candidates can see who they’ll be working with, hear your culture, and feel more confident applying.
👉 Example:
“Here’s a quick video from our Head Chef Marco on what it’s like to work in our kitchen.”
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
👩🍳 5. Show Employee Voices
If possible, include a real quote or link to a review from a current team member.
👉 Example:
“Working at Bistro Lumière has been a career-defining experience. The team really values creativity and respect in the kitchen.” — Clara, Sous Chef
AI Caution: Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone for Job Posts
These days, it feels like every HR blog and hiring tool is offering a one-click “AI job description generator.” On the surface, it sounds great—type in “commis chef job description” and you instantly get something you can publish.
But here’s the problem:
❌ Why AI Alone Hurts Your Hiring
- It produces generic content. Most AI-generated posts look the same—buzzwords, vague tasks, and cold wording.
- It attracts the wrong candidates. Generic posts get generic applicants—people mass-applying rather than those aligned with your team.
- It reflects poorly on your brand. Your job post is often a candidate’s first impression of your restaurant. If it feels robotic, candidates assume your culture is too.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI for Job Descriptions
AI can be a powerful tool—if you feed it the right context. Instead of asking “Write me a commis chef job description” (which gives you lifeless copy), use prompts that include:
- What your restaurant does (e.g., French-inspired bistro in Chicago)
- What the role really entails (rotating stations, supporting senior chefs, ensuring consistency)
- Your culture and values (collaboration, mentorship, guest experience)
- Your perks and benefits (salary range, meals, growth opportunities)
- Your hiring process (respectful, transparent, WorkScreen evaluation)
👉 Example Prompt to Get It Right:
“Help me write a commis chef job description for Bistro Lumière, a French-inspired bistro in Chicago. We’re hiring someone to support senior chefs with prep, plating, and rotation through stations. Our culture is collaborative and mentorship-driven, and we want to attract candidates who value teamwork, learning, and consistency. We offer $16–$19/hour, staff meals, health insurance, and career growth from commis → demi chef → chef de partie. Please make the post warm, human, and inviting.”
💡 The Takeaway
AI should polish your words, not replace your input.
Use it as an assistant to refine tone and structure—but always add your company’s story, voice, and culture. That’s what turns a job description from bland filler into something that inspires great candidates to apply.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Commis Chef Job Description?
✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Style
Job Title: Commis Chef – [Company Name] ([Company Location])
Type: Full-Time | On-site | $XX–$XX/hour
👋 A Quick Word From Our Team
(Insert Loom/YouTube link here)
“Hi, I’m Marco, Head Chef here at Bistro Lumière. Our kitchen thrives on teamwork, mentorship, and respect. We’re looking for a commis chef who’s not just reliable, but passionate about learning and growing with us.”
About Us
[Company Name] is a French-inspired bistro in downtown [Company Location]. We blend classic French tradition with modern dining. Our team culture is collaborative, supportive, and built on mentorship. We believe great kitchens are made by people who love to learn, respect the craft, and enjoy working together.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Supporting senior chefs with prep, plating, and rotation through stations
- Helping maintain consistency and quality in every dish
- Learning from experienced chefs while building your own skills
- Keeping the kitchen clean, organized, and ready for service
What We’re Looking For
- Some kitchen experience is helpful, but not required—we value passion and willingness to learn
- Reliability, attention to detail, and respect for teamwork
- Curiosity to grow and ambition to move up in the kitchen brigade
Perks & Benefits
- Transparent pay: $X–$X/hour (based on experience)
- Free staff meals every shift
- Health insurance after X days
- Growth opportunities: commis → demi chef → chef de partie
- A supportive kitchen where your effort is noticed and valued
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to make our hiring process fair, modern, and respectful. Click here to apply: [WorkScreen link]. You’ll go through a short evaluation that helps us see your skills and potential—not just your résumé.
📑 Option 2: Structured Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements
Job Title: Commis Chef – [Company Name] ([Company Location])
Location: [Company Location]
Type: Full-Time | $X–$X/hour
Job Brief
[Company Name] is looking for a dedicated commis chef to join our team. This role involves supporting senior chefs across multiple stations, ensuring food preparation standards, and maintaining a clean and organized kitchen. Ideal candidates are reliable, hardworking, and eager to grow in a fast-paced culinary environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist senior chefs with food preparation and plating
- Rotate across kitchen stations to gain broad experience
- Maintain food hygiene, safety, and cleanliness standards
- Support stock management and deliveries
- Ensure consistency in quality and presentation
Requirements
- Prior kitchen experience preferred (but not mandatory)
- Basic knife skills and knowledge of food safety
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- Culinary diploma or certificate is a plus
What We Offer
- $X–$X/hour + staff meals
- Health insurance after X days
- Career progression opportunities
- A respectful and collaborative team culture
📥 How to Apply
Apply through WorkScreen here: [WorkScreen link]. You’ll complete a straightforward evaluation that helps us understand your skills fairly and efficiently.
After You’ve Written a Great Job Description, What’s Next?
A strong job post will help you attract better applicants—but the real challenge starts once the applications begin to pour in. How do you quickly spot the genuine, skilled candidates without spending hours sifting through résumés and cover letters?
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
🚀 How WorkScreen Helps You Hire Smarter
✅ Quickly identify your most promising candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
✅ Easily run one-click skill tests
Instead of relying only on résumés, assess candidates based on real-world ability. For a commis chef role, this could mean problem-solving in a kitchen scenario, following instructions under time pressure, or demonstrating attention to detail. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
✅ Eliminate low-effort applicants
WorkScreen filters out low-effort applicants—including those who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
✅ Hire holistically
By combining skills, attitude, and attention to detail, WorkScreen helps you avoid costly hiring mistakes and make confident, data-driven decisions.
💡 The Takeaway:
You’ve already done the work to create a compelling job description. Now let WorkScreen handle the heavy lifting by filtering, testing, and surfacing the candidates who are most likely to succeed in your kitchen.
Sign up for WorkScreen.io and make your next commis chef hire faster, smarter, and more confidently.
FAQ
A chef is a broad term that usually refers to someone with higher responsibility in the kitchen—such as a head chef, sous chef, or chef de partie. They manage menus, oversee teams, and make key culinary decisions.
A commis chef, on the other hand, is typically an entry-level or junior role. They support the senior chefs by handling prep work, assisting across stations, and learning professional standards. It’s the first step in the kitchen hierarchy, where aspiring chefs build skills before moving up the ladder.
The salary for a commis chef varies depending on location, experience, and type of restaurant.
- In the US, commis chefs typically earn between $28,000–$36,000 per year (around $14–$18 per hour).
- In the UK, the average salary ranges from £18,000–£24,000 per year.
- In Australia, commis chefs often earn between AUD $45,000–$55,000 annually.
Restaurants offering training, staff meals, and benefits may pay slightly less in base salary but add value through perks and career progression.
Beyond basic kitchen skills like knife handling and food safety, a commis chef should have:
- Reliability (showing up on time, every time).
- Attention to detail (precision in prep and plating).
- Teamwork (working smoothly with senior chefs).
Willingness to learn (absorbing techniques, recipes, and kitchen culture).
Soft skills like communication and adaptability are just as important as technical ability.
A commis chef typically starts at the most junior level but has a clear path to grow. Common progression:
- Commis Chef → Demi Chef (more responsibility over a specific station).
- Demi Chef → Chef de Partie (running a station independently).
- Chef de Partie → Sous Chef (second-in-command of the kitchen).
- Sous Chef → Head Chef / Executive Chef (leading the entire kitchen).
For ambitious commis chefs, this role is the stepping stone to a full culinary career.
Not always. Many restaurants are open to hiring commis chefs with no formal culinary education, as long as they show passion, discipline, and the willingness to learn. That said, culinary school or certification can give candidates a head start and may lead to quicker progression.
