Lily van Dijk

Dear Sir/Madam,

My name is Lily van Dijk, I have recently returned to South Africa after working in the Netherlands as a Pastry Chef for the past two years.

I am a qualified Pastry Chef with 6 years experience which includes the European experience that I have gained whilst working there. I have mastered sugar craft, chocolate art, cake decorating, quality maintenance. The work experience that I have gained whilst working in the Netherlands is incomparable, for this reason I feel that I am the ideal candidate for this position.

I am passionate about my career as a pastry chef and passionate about making pastry products.

I also thrive in creativity.

I am extremely excited about this opportunity, because I have dreamed of living in the Seychelles since I was about 11 years old.

I am a hard worker and I would be honored to join your team.

Kind regards,

Lily van Dijk

Pastry Chef, Chef Lecturer, Admin 

Professional experience: 

Zuidam Patisserie in the Netherlands 

09/04/2021- 03/12/2022 (moved back to South Africa)

Pastry chef in the production sector of the patisserie

• Baking, decoration and recipe development 

01/01/2020- 10/10/2020 (retrenched due to Covid-19)

Lecturer at Capsicum Culinary studio

• Stocktaking and stock control 
• Marking assignments and tests 
• Practical and theory cooking classes 
• Weekend Rookie Chef classes 

02/01/2019-13/12/2019:

Lecturer assistant at Capsicum Culinary studio Boksburg

I have been working at Capsicum Culinary Studio (one of South Africa’s leading Chef schools) for free for almost 2 months and then I was offered the position.

At Capsicum Culinary Studio I gained a lot of experience in the following:

• Stocktaking and stock control 
• Marking assignments and tests 
• Practical and theory cooking classes 
• Weekend Rookie Chef classes 
• Ordering stock and managing storerooms, fridges and freezers 

03/01/2018 – 10/09/2018:

CDP Pastry Chef at African Pride Irene Country Lodge (5*)

At Irene Country Lodge I have gained a lot of experience in the following:

• Stocktaking and stock control 
• Minimising food wastage 
• Q-pro and temperature log sheets 
• Stock request sheets/filing 
• Customer liaison 
• Buffet management 
• Wrapping, dating and labelling food 
• Costing and price value 

31/07/2017 - 02/01/2018:

Pastry Chef at Grassrootz Coffeeshop and Deli

I worked at Grassrootz to get more kitchen managing experience and floor managing experience. At Grassrootz I gained experience in the following:

• Stock control 
• Menu developing 
• Floor management 

01/03/2017 - 30/07/2017:

CDP Pastry Chef at 54 on Bath

I gained a lot of fine dining cooking experience at 54 on Bath and skills in organisation and hygiene. I have also learned great food presentation and plating skills and I gained experience in:

• Food preparation 
• Safe food temperature 
• Fast food preparation 
• Fine dining plating 

30/02/2016 - 15/01/2017:

Student for 5 months (during practical studies) and Pastry Chef at The Victorian Secret for 6 months

At The Victorian Secret I gained the following experience:

• Decorating
• Baking 
• Cake decorating

Summary about myself 

My strengths include enthusiasm, reliability, trustworthiness and high energy. I get along very well with co-workers and am known as a hard worker. I always try my best at everything and try to improve constantly.

Ambition is on top of my list, when I want something I always do my best to achieve it. I have a passion for food and coffee, and I keep pushing myself to do better.

Education: 

10/01/2015 – 28/07/2016: Capsicum Culinary Studio

• Pastry Diploma 
• Sugar craft Certificate 
• Chocolate craft Certificate 

2014 : National Senior Certificate at Hoërskool Kempton Park