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The kitchen is a world of controlled chaos, where precision, speed, and teamwork create unforgettable dining experiences. One moment you're calmly chopping onions, the next you're dodging hot pans and racing against the clock. At Time2Staff, we know that hard work pays off, and we’re here to help you grow, earn well, and build a real career in hospitality. This guide is packed with tips on how to work smarter, handle pressure like a pro, and become the kind of kitchen legend everyone wants on their team. Ready? Let’s get cooking! 🔥🍽️
The backbone of the kitchen: every role is important
Before we dive into the secrets of success, let’s break down some key roles in the kitchen:
👨🍳 Dishwasher (Steward) – The silent hero of every kitchen. Keeping dishes, pots, and pans clean is essential for a smooth service. A great dishwasher helps the entire team stay efficient.
🥒 Kitchen Assistant (Prep Cook) – You support the chefs by chopping, prepping, and ensuring everything is ready for cooking. Your speed and precision keep the kitchen running smoothly.
🔥 Sous Chef – The right hand of the head chef, managing the kitchen team, ensuring food quality, and keeping service on track. A sous chef is a mix of leader, problem-solver, and motivator.
🥂 Banquet & A La Carte Service – Some kitchens focus on plated service (a la carte), while others handle large events (banquet). À la carte service means guests order individually from a menu, and each dish is cooked fresh on demand. Banquet service focuses on speed and efficiency, sending out large numbers of meals at once for big events. Both require teamwork to keep the kitchen running smoothly and guests happy!
How to succeed in a fast-paced kitchen
A great kitchen worker isn’t just someone who can cook or clean fast—it’s about attitude, preparation, and teamwork. Here’s how to stand out:
1. Be on time & stay ready
Being late means throwing off the whole kitchen’s rhythm. Arrive a little early, check what needs to be done, and get in the right mindset for a smooth shift. A well-prepared kitchen is a stress-free kitchen!
2. Stay organized
In professional kitchens, "Mise en Place" means "everything in its place." Set up your station properly before service starts.
This means:
✔️ Prepping ingredients
✔️ Keeping tools within reach
✔️ Cleaning as you go
When your station is organized, you’ll work faster, stress less, and impress the chefs.
3. Communicate clearly & often
A kitchen runs on fast, clear communication:
🔹 Call out orders and confirm them ("Yes, Chef!")
🔹 Let the team know if you’re running behind
🔹 Use kitchen phrases like “Behind!” when passing through tight spaces
The more you talk to your team, the smoother service will be.
4. Take initiative – always find ways to help
A great kitchen worker doesn’t wait for instructions—they see what needs to be done and do it.
✔️ If a chef needs a refill of ingredients, get it before they ask
✔️ If plates need to be wiped before service, jump in
✔️ If someone is struggling, help them
Chefs love proactive workers, and stepping up will get you noticed.
5. Handle pressure like a pro
Kitchens get hot—both literally and figuratively! 🔥 The best way to handle pressure is to:
✅ Stay calm – Take deep breaths, focus on one task at a time
✅ Listen carefully – Don’t let stress make you rush mistakes
✅ Trust your training – Good habits will keep you on track
Over time, working under pressure will feel natural, and you’ll thrive in the fast-paced environment.
Becoming a Leader in the Kitchen
If you want to move up to sous chef or even head chef, you need more than just cooking skills. Leadership in the kitchen means:
👥 Supporting your team – Good leaders make others better. Help new team members, keep morale up, and be the example.
📣 Staying in control – When things get chaotic, a good leader stays calm, focused, and in command.
💡 Improving every day – The best chefs never stop learning. Stay curious, improve your techniques, and listen to feedback.
Becoming a leader doesn’t happen overnight, but those who take responsibility, show initiative, and keep learning will rise quickly.
Why work with Time2Staff?
At Time2Staff, we know that hard work deserves good pay. That’s why we offer great wages and plenty of jobs for dishwashers, kitchen assistants, chefs, and event staff.
🔹 Flexible shifts – Work when it suits you
🔹 Good pay – Your effort is valued
🔹 Career growth – Gain experience, build skills, and move up in the industry
If you’re looking for hospitality jobs with fair pay, flexible work, and real opportunities, Time2Staff is the place to be.
👉 Join us today! Apply via the Time2Staff app and start working in some of the best kitchens in Norway!
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