A Compelling Cook Resume Example

What kind of cook are you? Are you looking to work your way up the ladder in a restaurant, starting as a line cook? Maybe your goal is to set up a gourmet catering company of your own. In any case, you need to get real-world experience in a working kitchen to attain your goals.

To get started on that career path, you need a compelling resume. We can help you with that! First, take a look at our resume writing tips. Next, review our working cook resume sample.

Focus on Achievements When Presenting Your Job History

Think about every other resume your potential boss is going to receive. Presumably, almost every other applicant is going to have a similar skill set. Most will know how to prepare delicious food. If you are applying for a position with some leadership, you can be certain that other applicants have trained as cooks and led kitchens as well.

Your goal is to show that you can do all of these things, but that you can do them better than the average chef. Rather than listing your duties, share all your accomplishments in the kitchen, and find ways to quantify your merits. Here’s a brief example:

Alphonso’s Pizza
Sous Chef
2016 — Present

Responsible for leading back of house operations at a Michelin 2-star dining establishment. Achievements include:

• Creating and implementing a successful vegetarian and vegan menu.
• Establishing a successful cocktail and appetizer service on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Implemented kitchen changes to reduce food waste by more than 30%.
• Partnered with local food charities to ensure that unused food products are distributed to local food pantries and distribution centers.
• Featured in Stir magazine as an up-and-coming chef of the year 2018.
• Improved customer service scores by 20%.
• Increased dinner service reservations by 10%.
• Successfully trained multiple line cooks, prep cooks, and dishwashers with a 75% retention rate.

List Your Certifications and Expertise

In many places, kitchen staff must be certified. Some restaurants are willing to provide you with paid training so that you can obtain these certifications, but that can be expensive for them.

If you can walk through the door with your own credentials, that is even better. In many places, these certifications are offered through the local department of health, and can often be obtained by taking a course online along with a test. Add certifications like this to your list of skills and qualifications.

Spruce Up Your Education Section

Now it’s time to think about the education section of your resume. This is where you’ll put any degrees or certificates in culinary arts or related fields.

But, don’t stop there! Any education you’ve received that has improved your ability to work in a kitchen is relevant. Include any of the following:

• Culinary apprenticeships
• Summer learning programs
• Time spent staging in other restaurants
• Completion of specialized training programs (e.g.: barbecue or wine pairing)

Don’t Discount Experience Outside The Kitchen

Entry-level cooks have to start somewhere. The key to getting an interview is showing that you have the experience that will allow you to adapt to a kitchen more easily than other applicants.

For example, you’ll do well in a kitchen if you have experience working jobs that require you to be on your feet for long stretches. You’ll also impress hiring managers if you’ve done a lot of work that is fast-paced and detail-oriented.

Cook Resume Sample (Word version)

Download resume (Word version)

Cook Resume Example (text version)

Final Tip: Use Power Words

Incorporate relevant power words in your resume. By doing so, you’ll create a better picture of yourself in action in the kitchen. Add words such as grill, sauté, bake, chop, and steam. Then be sure to include words that also speak to your expertise. These include manage, train, create, improvise, organize, and deliver.

Lastly, mine the job description itself for any other relevant keywords that denote the employers’ requirements for the job candidates!