How to use Instagram to secure your next Chef Job (5 Proven Tips That Work in 2025)

Think LinkedIn is your only tool for job hunting as a chef? Think again.
With the rise of visual-first platforms, Instagram has become one of the most powerful spaces to showcase your culinary talent, connect with recruiters, and land your next opportunity in the kitchen.
Whether you’re a sous chef looking for your next step, or a student breaking into the industry, knowing how to use Instagram to get a chef job can set you apart from the crowd.
Let’s explore five essential tips you can implement today—plus one bonus tip for 2025 visibility.
Why Instagram for Job Hunting?
Instagram isn’t just for foodies—it’s where chefs build personal brands, share their artistry, and network with restaurants and recruiters. According to HospitalityNet, social media plays a crucial role in how hospitality professionals get discovered today.
At Goldstar Recruitment, we regularly scout chefs via Instagram and help them move into fantastic roles across the UK. If you’re not optimising your profile, you could be missing out.
Here’s how to use Instagram to get a chef job in 2025—and get spotted by employers who are actively hiring.
1. 🎯 Optimise Your Profile to Get Noticed
Your profile is your portfolio.
Start by selecting a clear, professional profile picture—preferably one that matches your LinkedIn photo, but with a more personal, creative edge (smile, you’re a chef!). Then, pay attention to your:
🔑 Bio
Use your job title and keywords: “Sous Chef | Modern British Cuisine | Based in London”
Mention your specialty, experience level, or niche (vegan food, pastry, open kitchen service)
Add relevant chef hashtags:
#chefjobs #souschef #kitchenlife
Instagram’s Name Field is searchable, so include key terms here too. Emojis and job roles (like “🍽️ Chef – Italian Cuisine”) help you stand out in search results.
🔗 Link in Bio
Use your one bio link wisely. Link to your:
LinkedIn profile
Online CV or portfolio
Linktree or Beacons page for multiple links
📌 Pro Tip: Add Instagram Highlights like “Plating”, “Events”, or “Kitchen Life” to pin your best Stories for employers to see instantly.
2. 📸 Audit Your Grid: Make a Visual First Impression
If you’re wondering how to use Instagram to get a chef job, this step is crucial. Your grid should function like a visual CV.
Ask yourself:
Would a recruiter be impressed by the top 9 images?
Does my feed show a consistent style and skill level?
Is my face visible, or is it all food? (Employers like to see the person behind the plating.)
Tips for a stronger grid:
Use natural lighting and clean composition
Include photos of you in action (prepping, plating, managing a kitchen)
Avoid blurry shots, overly filtered images, or irrelevant personal content
Delete or archive any photos that may damage your professional image.
3. 🧩 Use the Right Hashtags to Get Found
Hashtags are the secret sauce of Instagram discovery. They help people—including employers and recruiters—find your content in search and suggested posts.
When researching how to use Instagram to get a chef job, look for hashtags based on:
Job role:
#chefjobs
,#hiringchefs
,#pastrychef
Location:
#cheflondon
,#chefbirmingham
,#chefsofoxford
Style:
#finecuisine
,#plantbasedchef
,#bbqchef
You can also follow hashtags to stay on top of trends, competitions, or recruiter posts.
📌 Bonus: Use up to 30 hashtags per post, but make them relevant, not spammy.
4. 🤝 Build a Community (Not Just a Following)
The power of Instagram lies in its community, not just numbers. If you want to know how to use Instagram to get a chef job, remember this: networking beats numbers.
How to build your chef network:
Follow restaurants, chefs, and recruiters in your region
Engage with posts (comment genuinely, not just emojis)
Respond to Stories or DM chefs you admire with thoughtful questions
At Goldstar Recruitment, we regularly post chef vacancies, behind-the-scenes content, and success stories on our Instagram page. Follow us and engage—your next job might come from a simple comment or reply.
5. 🗨️ Engage Consistently (and Authentically)
Don’t just post and ghost. Engagement increases visibility in Instagram’s algorithm and shows recruiters that you’re active, professional, and invested.
Do:
Share Reels of you prepping, plating, or talking through your creations
Post Stories with polls (“Which looks better: A or B?”)
Comment on industry events, competitions, or chef trends
Don’t:
Spam DMs or comment sections with “hire me!”
Ignore genuine followers or questions
Post irregularly—consistency shows professionalism
📌 Want more content ideas? Check out our blog on top skills for hospitality professionals to build your CV and post content around your strengths.
🔥 Bonus Tip: Use Instagram Highlights Strategically
Instagram Highlights are a top way to showcase your best work. Think of them like a menu section of your visual CV.
Suggested Highlight categories:
“Starters” – your plated small dishes
“In the Kitchen” – you in action
“Reviews” – screenshots of client/guest feedback
“Experience” – restaurants you’ve worked at
This lets hiring managers scan your story quickly—without scrolling endlessly.
🎯 Final Thoughts: Use Instagram to Get a Chef Job
Still wondering how to use Instagram to get a chef job? Treat it like your portfolio, your CV, and your networking tool—all rolled into one.
Instagram is a unique opportunity to:
Build your brand
Tell your culinary story
Get discovered by the right people
All it takes is a few intentional updates, a smart posting strategy, and consistency.
🚀 Ready to Land Your Next Chef Job?
At Goldstar Recruitment, we help chefs just like you secure fantastic roles in top restaurants, hotels, and private dining settings across London, Birmingham, Oxfordshire, and The Cotswolds.
📩 Send us your CV, or
📲 Follow us on Instagram @GoldstarRecruitment and tag us in your next chef-worthy creation.
Let’s find your next role—one perfectly plated opportunity at a time.
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