What is Your “French Omelet”?
Recruiting quality talent is a challenge. Over the years, I’ve had to hire (and, unfortunately, fire) more than I’d like. Resumes? They only tell me where someone worked, not how they did their job. And references? Let’s be honest, they’re often hand-picked to ensure only positive feedback.
So how do you really know if someone’s up for the job? Ask them to make a French omelet.
If you’ve been in the culinary industry, you know what I mean. In kitchens, hiring is all about skill and grit. When I started out, most chefs barely glanced at my resume. They’d ask where I worked, sure, but only as context before handing me an apron and pointing me to the burners. Want the job? Show what you can do.
In culinary school, we heard the “omelet test” was used by Chef Daniel Boulud. Why? Because it’s deceptively simple yet packed with skill—choosing the right pan, adjusting heat, managing timing, seasoning just right, and executing presentation. It’s a test of everything it takes to be an exceptional cook, and it can’t be faked.
In kitchens, hiring isn’t about long interviews or polished answers. It’s: “Grab an apron, let’s see what you can do.”, no BS. That directness is something I respect and try to carry over to other hiring processes. Today, when I’m interviewing, I create a task specific to our company that reflects the precision, skill, and creativity I’m looking for—our version of the “French omelet.”
There’s a lot to learn from an industry that thrives on thin margins and high-pressure teamwork. In kitchens, there’s no faking it. Just like a French omelet, every task is a test of skill, precision, and dedication.
#Hiring #Recruiting #Hospitality #SkillAssessment #Leadership #CulinaryLessons #TeamBuilding #FrenchOmeletTest
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