12 Catering Assistant Skills: Definition and Examples

By ResumeCat Editorial Team
Updated June 7, 2023

Catering assistants play an important role in the foodservice industry. They help with food preparation, serving, and cleanup. Catering assistants must have strong customer service skills and be able to work well under pressure.

Catering

A catering assistant is someone who helps with the preparation, serving, and clean-up of food at a catering event. They need to be able to follow instructions from the head chef, as well as be able to work quickly and efficiently.

Food Preparation

Food preparation is the process of selecting, measuring, and combining ingredients to create a dish. It is an important skill for catering assistants, as they need to be able to create dishes that are both appealing and safe to eat.

Customer Service

Customer service is the ability to provide excellent customer service to guests. This includes being polite and friendly, as well as being able to deal with any complaints or problems that may arise. It is important to have good customer service skills as a catering assistant as you will be dealing with a lot of different people on a daily basis.

Event Planning

Event planning is a skill that catering assistants need in order to be successful in their jobs. This skill involves being able to organize and coordinate various aspects of an event, such as the food menu, the decor, and the activities. It is important for catering assistants to be able to event plan because it allows them to ensure that all of the elements of an event come together smoothly and that the guests have a good time.

Food and Beverage Knowledge

Food and beverage knowledge is important for catering assistants because they need to be able to understand and communicate with customers about menu items. They also need to be able to properly handle and prepare food and beverages.

Menu development is the process of creating a list of dishes that will be offered by a food establishment. It involves considering factors such as the type of food that will be served, the target audience, and the overall theme or concept of the restaurant. A well-developed menu can help to attract customers and boost sales.

Cost Control

Cost control is a skill that every catering assistant needs in order to be successful in their role. Catering assistants are responsible for ensuring that the food and drink they serve is of good quality and that it is served at the correct temperature. They also need to be able to control portion sizes and ensure that wastage is kept to a minimum.

Inventory Management

Inventory management is the process of tracking and managing inventory. It is important for catering assistants to be able to track and manage inventory because it helps them to ensure that they have enough supplies on hand to meet customer demand. It also helps them to avoid overstocking, which can lead to wasted food and money.

Kitchen Operations

A catering assistant needs to have knowledge of basic kitchen operations in order to perform their job properly. This includes understanding how to use different kitchen equipment, preparing food items, and keeping the kitchen clean and organized. Without this skill, a catering assistant would not be able to properly do their job and could potentially cause harm to themselves or others.

Sanitation and Safety Procedures

Sanitation and safety procedures are necessary in the catering industry to ensure that food is prepared and served safely. These procedures help to prevent the spread of foodborne illness and protect both customers and employees from potential health hazards.

Staff Supervision

The ability to supervise staff is an important skill for catering assistants. They need to be able to ensure that all staff members are carrying out their tasks correctly and efficiently. They also need to be able to deal with any problems that may arise.

Time Management

Time management is a skill that is necessary for catering assistants in order to keep the kitchen running smoothly and efficiently. Catering assistants need to be able to keep track of time in order to know when food needs to be prepared and served. This skill is important in order to avoid delays in service and to ensure that food is fresh and of high quality.

How to improve catering assistant skills

Catering assistants play a vital role in the smooth running of any catering operation, whether it is in a restaurant, hotel, café, canteen or other food service environment. They are responsible for providing support to the chef and other kitchen staff, and ensuring that the dining area is clean and tidy.

There are a number of ways in which catering assistants can improve their skills and become more efficient and effective at their jobs. One of the most important things for catering assistants to do is to develop good communication skills. This means being able to understand and follow instructions from the chef, as well as being able to communicate effectively with customers. It is also important for catering assistants to be able to work well as part of a team. This means being able to work harmoniously with other kitchen staff, and being willing to lend a helping hand when needed.

Another key skill for catering assistants is time management. This is essential in any fast-paced kitchen environment, where there is often a lot of pressure to get food prepared and served quickly. Catering assistants need to be able to work quickly and efficiently, without compromising on quality.

Organisation is another important skill for catering assistants. This means keeping the kitchen and dining area clean and tidy at all times, as well as being organised when it comes to preparing food. It is also important for catering assistants to have good customer service skills. This means being polite and friendly at all times, and being able to deal with customer queries or complaints in a professional manner.

Catering assistants can also improve their skills by undertaking further training. There are many different courses available which can help catering assistants learn new techniques or brush up on existing ones. These courses can be taken online or offline, depending on what suits the individual best. Many employers also offer in-house training for their catering staff, so this is something else that catering assistants should look into if they want to improve their skillset.

How to highlight catering assistant skills

You can highlight your skills as a Catering Assistant by providing excellent customer service, being able to work in a fast-paced environment, and having good organizational skills. You can also emphasize your ability to work well under pressure, your attention to detail, and your teamwork skills.

On a resume

As a catering assistant, you will be responsible for providing support to the head chef in food preparation and cooking. Your skills should include: -The ability to follow recipes and cooking instructions -Good knife skills -The ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure -Good communication and team working skills To highlight your skills as a catering assistant on your resume, you should focus on your experience in food preparation and cooking. If you have worked in a professional kitchen before, be sure to list this experience. You should also highlight any relevant skills that you have, such as knife skills or the ability to work quickly under pressure. Good communication and team working skills are also important for this role, so be sure to mention these if you have them.

In a cover letter

In your cover letter, be sure to highlight your catering experience and skills. Mention any relevant coursework or training you have completed. If you have worked in a catering role before, describe your duties and highlight any positive feedback you received from customers or your supervisor. Be sure to emphasize your customer service skills and your ability to work well under pressure.

During an interview

When interviewing for a catering assistant position, it is important to highlight your skills and experience in the industry. Be sure to discuss your experience working with different types of food, as well as your ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Additionally, mention any customer service experience you have, as this will be beneficial in a catering role. Finally, emphasize your willingness to learn new things and take on new challenges – this will show that you are adaptable and eager to grow in the role.