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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

I want to apply for a job that I know I would be good at but have no formal training for. Am I mad?

334 replies

MarmaladeTwatkins · 28/07/2013 18:50

It's a catering job at a residential home, just cooking proper home-cooked meals for 22 residents and baking cakes/pastries.

Not blowing my own trumpet, but I am a good cook and can make naice cakes. I would love to work in a job with food and this one would be perfect for me... at the bottom of my street, nice hours that fit in with school runs... but I have no formal experience. The job description says previous experience preferred and baking experience essential. Well, I have baked all sorts of cakes but not in a professional capacity.

I haven't applied for a job in over ten years and feel a bit out of my depth, pathetic as it sounds. Do you think it's even worth me applying?!

OP posts:
Original poster
MarmaladeTwatkins · 28/07/2013 22:37

"FFs don't fib about already having the food safety thingy, and you nuts?"

I'm not going to fib. Where have I said that I am?

OP posts:
apostropheuse · 28/07/2013 22:41

It won't do any harm to apply for the job. The absolute worst that can happen is that you won't get it. As my granny used to say, "Ask - they won't slap you in the face for asking!"

I would think, though, that it won't just be about the actual cooking. I imagine that you would need to order the food, stocktake, know about stock rotation and the like. You will need to work to a strict budget.

You will need to know about dietary requirements for different medical conditions - and how to adapt your recipes when necessary.

I'm really not trying to put you off applying, but just remember it won't be as simple as cooking some delicious meals.

While you need to be confident and self-assured, just don't get too excited in case of disappointment in the event that you don't get the job.

Good luck though!

TerraNotSoFirma · 28/07/2013 22:45

Go for it.
Now, will you take crispie cakes or lemon drizzle, that is the question.

Original poster
MarmaladeTwatkins · 28/07/2013 22:47

Lemon drizzle?!

OP posts:
Beastofburden · 28/07/2013 22:50

Don't know how to cut and paste... Yu say it at 19.53.29. But if u are joking, no worries!

Original poster
MarmaladeTwatkins · 28/07/2013 22:58

Yes, I was replying to a pp who said that I might be able to say that I already had a fhc then just complete it after I'd handed my CV in. I said "won't I get caught out doing that?" I am planning on doing it now but will say on my covering letter that I am currently doing it.

OP posts:
Beastofburden · 28/07/2013 23:01

Yes, understand, I was just emphatically agreeing with the advice not to fib about the timing as it would be soooo frustrating if you got caught and that prevented you from doing what you would obviously be so good at.

Good luck with it all, let us know what happens!

Original poster
MarmaladeTwatkins · 28/07/2013 23:10

God no, I wouldn't. I was just clarifying that the certificate would be date-marked. If it wasn't date-marked then it wouldn't matter either way but if it was (it is) I'd trip myself up.

OP posts:
Beastofburden · 28/07/2013 23:12

Sorry to have misunderstood you, M. My fault for not reading the whole conversation carefully enough. Best of luck with the job!

Juniperdewdropofbrandy · 28/07/2013 23:18

Good luck. If you even just get to the interview stage it's something nowadays.

You certainly sound very enthusiastic and that'll shine through Smile

Original poster
MarmaladeTwatkins · 28/07/2013 23:23

It's fine! I was probably a bit ham-fisted in my posting.

I am very enthusiastic, Brandy. Like an over-excited 4 year old. :( Wink

OP posts:
Juniperdewdropofbrandy · 28/07/2013 23:29

I was like that over the job I just got. I hadn't worked for 16 years after having ds1. I was shocked to get an interview, then to 2nd stage then offered the job. I'd done an introduction to care course and it helped so much.

Original poster
MarmaladeTwatkins · 28/07/2013 23:43

Awww, well done Juniper! Flowers That's great, isn't it?! :)

OP posts:
Juniperdewdropofbrandy · 28/07/2013 23:46

Thanks yes it is great has made a big difference to us. It's very challenging but never a dull moment Wink

poocatcherchampion · 29/07/2013 07:16

ooh I really want you to get this job. keep us updated!!!

CommanderShepard · 29/07/2013 07:56

Someone has to get this job. Why shouldn't it be you?

Embellish as much as you can without actually lying (as someone said, talk about being commissioned to make cakes) and go for it.

pigletmania · 29/07/2013 07:58

Go for it, you never know

Highlander · 29/07/2013 08:10

As others have said, you'll need to demonstrate that you are aware of the quals you. Need to get in Food Hygene, H&S and first aid.

I would take along a few recipes for scaled up versions of your food, with costings attached. You'll be working to a VERY tight budget.

You may even want to take along some samples if you can afford it!

You'll also need to be aware of the health issues realting to food for the residents. If elderly, they may need low-sugar (diabetes) and low-salt (high blood pressure) meals. Elderly people probably won't be that adventurous with their food, so are you willing to cook the same old staples day after day? (Broths, cottage pie etc). Will you be aware that residents may need their food very soft if they have chewing and swallowing problems (dementia, strokes).

Good Luck!

conorsrockers · 29/07/2013 08:14

Speaking from an employers point of view - unless it's a job that really requires qualifications, I am always very open to seeing people that have the life experience/talent, and really want the job, rather than just being able to produce the certificate. In my experience, they often make for better, harder working employees - qualifications are only a small part of the job, passion is everything. A portfolio is a great idea (as is a cake). Do your research, not just on the job, but on the company - read their website! Sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised at the number of people that don't bother because they expect to be told it all at the interview. Good Luck.

hobnobsaremyfavourite · 29/07/2013 08:20

I got a job not disimilar to what you are considering marmalade with zero experience , learnt on the job ( I did have my food hygiene cert though).
Marmalade go for it. I applied for a job a year ago that I had no direct experience of just life skills and experiences that I could use. I had my first formal interview in 16 years and got the job :) It is honestly the best move I have made.
Go for it.

Justforlaughs · 29/07/2013 08:35

I used to work in a residential home and would agree with the posters who are saying that budgeting will be a large part of the challenge. But you cater for a family and most of us are working to a fairly tight budget at the moment, so make the point that you do this on a regular basis. I'm sure that you already buy from Costco and cook large batches of curry/ bolognese/ cottage pie etc and freeze them, don't you OP? Wink
I've also applied for jobs where I have had no experience in the field except domestic, (eg, working with children) and I've got every job I've ever gone for. It's all about selling yourself and being honest but positive about how your experience ties in with what you will be doing. I'd put into motion, an application for a food hygiene course, but (and I know that you don't intend to) don't lie about whether you have actually passed it yet. Emphasise the fact that in the past you have worked in a kitchen (pub). You may find that they would be happy to, or even prefer, to send you on a specific course. Good Luck OP, I really hope you get it. Let us know

BoundandRebound · 29/07/2013 08:57

You absolutely have to go for it

If you don't have this book it's written by a school dinner lady and gives nutritious recipes for a family and for 96 so shows you the scaling up . Perhaps library or borrow for some examples

Hope you get it,

BoundandRebound · 29/07/2013 08:57

Perhaps the book link would help www.amazon.co.uk/Dinner-Lady-Change-Children-Forever/dp/0593054296

Jeanette Orrey The Dinner Lady

Edendance · 29/07/2013 11:36

People should never question if they should apply for jobs or not- the worst thing that could happen is that you might not get it, it is always worth applying!

Go for it!!

ComposHat · 29/07/2013 11:47

Did you get a person specification with the job op?

There really is no harm in applying, as it will get you used to the application process etc. but don't set your heart on getting the job.

If it is a large-ish organisation or a local authority who is offering the post, the odds are those who don't met the essential criteria on the person spec will be disregarded straight away. In this economic climate, they will be more than likely to get applicants who meet and exceed the person spec. These organisations need to show that they are being transparent and non-discriminatory in their hiring practices and are abiding to a strict criteria for job hiring.

Please don't be disheartened, it could be the start of a new career, but you really need to build up the skills and experience first.