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

[MarmaladeTwatkins]

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?!

It's Friday at 10am, Mushroom!

Well actually, she didn't say interview now I think of it. She said "can you come in to look around/have a chat" Same thing though innit?!

I don't know what to wear. It's been so long since I have done this. People don't expect you to go mega smart unless you are planning on being a city banker, do they? A naice dress, will that do do you think?

I'd go nice dress, but hair up/out my face and no dangly jewellery :)

Good luck with you interview!

My mum applied for a job which sounds exactly the same, she would be in charge of budget, suppliers, the kitchen and all cooking, for up to 22 residents, and the staff get whatever is left as they are meant to take their own! The previous cook used cake mix to make cakes and basically used cheats to make meals. They didn't even have proper scales in the kitchen to weigh things out. On the day of my mums trial, the manager went out to sainsburys and bought her some proper digital scales she got the job.

Mum still works there, and bakes all the residents birthday cakes, has to deal with all menus, any off menu choice (I.e for dietary), but the best thing I love is Christmas at the home. She does a buffet type thing, for all staff, residents and family and its great.

Oh and she does themed days! She does Wimbledon day every year, so for their afternoon tea they have scones, strawberrys and fresh cream among other things. It's a great job, I used to be the evening meal cook

Oh lawks your mum sounds brilliant, Fudgey.

I have already planned some theme days out in my head. I am a loon, aren't I?

I am so pleased for you!

Wear a nice dress & a big smile!

And don't forget to update us!!

Good idea, hesterton. I was trying to think of a way I could do some costings without looking too much like a keeno. But that's a good idea, thanks! :)

Good luck on Friday.

Maybe it is worth reading up a bit on food in carehomes. There are probably nutritional guidelines and you may have to cook for people with specialrequirements, eg diabetes etc. Maybe worth reading up a little on that as well?

I'm flying on Friday pm - you must dash home and update me quickly!!

Marmalade - I think taking in something on costings would be a really good idea.

I have done some work with clients in catering supplies to care homes. As an idea, ingredient budget per person (ie patient) per day £2.15 ish for just lunch, £4.75 ish for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks. This would include all drinks, extra baking etc.

As with running family catering on a tight budget, you can do a lot with careful menu planning (using up full packs of stuff by having related recipes several times over the course of a week) and selecting the right ingredients.

Also - you need to include quite a lot of calorie-packed and easy-to-eat/chew options. Full fat milk, custard, angel delight etc...

See those costs I put - those are for naice care homes. Just so you are prepared!

I really, really don't think you should go for this job, even if they offer it to you. We'll miss you too much here.

Ooooo I was thinking about this thread just the other day - I'm SO pleased: good luck!

Plainly, you must take Marmalade Cake.

Enthusiasm & great attitude go a long way. Although you think that you have no relevant experience is there other skills you can relate - planning/working to time/budgeting/cooking for 22 people/nutrition/working in a team/problem solving/hygiene

Fabulous news...good luck!!!!

By the sound of things, you couldn't be more perfect for this job :) All the best for Friday!

Not sure if this has been said already, but would it be worth taking in a week's menu plan, with various dietary options for each meal? Perhaps with a 'theme' for each day (eg plain British, Italian, Stew, etc) so the residents know what sort of thing to expect each day. Or is that OTT?

Very many congratulations for getting the interview!!!!! You'll ace it, I'm sure!

Excellent news, the job's yours I can feel it

I wore a nice summer dress for my interview with low heel. Dress was only £12 from Asda.

Oh I think you're going to get this job!!! Keep us updated!

Oh and top tip for kitchen industry interview - look clean clean clean! Short neat nails with no polish, hair not all over the place! I'm sure you do know this!

I agree with those that say do a sample week's menu with costings, plus some dietary alternatives to show you're aware of different requirements. Doesn't matter if it's OTT or makes you look too keen - why not, you want the job. I honestly think that could clinch it for you as they will know you could hit the ground running. Do the same for the desserts. Old people love dessert. Wishing you the best of luck. I think you're enthusiasm could get you this plus you live close by.

Maybe stick a xmas dinner on your menu too plus costings.