How To Write a Line Cook Resume
Your line cook resume is a chance to show your culinary expertise in the fast-paced world of restaurants. It should reflect your skill in handling busy kitchen environments and preparing various dishes precisely. In this guide, we’ll offer expert advice to help you craft a resume that focuses on your achievements and highlights the key aspects of your food service experience.
1. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your qualifications
To write a strong profile, give a snapshot of your culinary journey and emphasize the value you can bring to employers. In a few sentences, present yourself as a culinary professional with a strong background in kitchen operations.
Include highlights, specialties, or certifications particularly relevant to the job you’re applying for. You don’t need to go into great detail – just give readers a glimpse of your achievements. For example, you could mention if you’ve led any initiatives to streamline kitchen operations and improve food quality. Or, if you’ve helped create innovative menu items or have a knack for managing busy grill stations, share that here.
Senior-Level Profile Example:
Line cook with over 11 years of experience in fast-paced kitchen environments. A ready collaborator who promotes team safety, efficiency, and creativity. Skilled at developing and adjusting recipes to meet and exceed customer expectations.
Entry-Level Profile Example:
Collaborative restaurant worker with experience in fast-paced kitchen operations. Skilled at preparing high-quality appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Passionate about cooking and eager to learn new techniques and cuisines.
2. Add a detailed professional experience section
Create a compelling professional experience section by focusing on your culinary duties and achievements. Restaurant managers and owners want to see your contributions and what you can bring to their team. Write bullet points demonstrating how you helped improve kitchen efficiency or food quality and how you supported the overall success of the establishment.
Also, highlight your dedication to culinary excellence through teamwork. It takes a whole crew to deliver a great dining experience, and hiring managers must be confident you can work well with colleagues.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example:
Line Cook, Francesca’s, Watkins Glen, NY | January 2019 to present
[Popular local restaurant offering both traditional and modern American cuisine]
- Help prepare various menu items for over 75 customers per night
- Oversee pre-open food preparations
- Check deliveries for accuracy, and put away daily food orders
- Ensure strict adherence to cleanliness and sanitation standards
Highlight:
- Introduced processes that expedited average dessert preparation time by 20%
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example:
Cook’s Assistant, The Thai Place, Orchard Park, NY | January 2019 to present
- Help prepare and cook around 250 entrees per night
- Prepare salads and soups, and finish desserts
- Replenish garnishes, raw foods, and other ingredients for serving lines
- Put away daily deliveries of food ingredients
- Maintain high standards of sanitization and cleanliness
3. Include relevant education and certifications
While your professional experience typically takes center stage, additional credentials can enhance your resume and boost your chances of an interview. Alongside your general or culinary education, feature any relevant certifications you’ve earned in the industry.
For example, a ServSafe Food handler or manager certification can be helpful for those entering food service. This certification reflects your commitment to food safety – a fundamental aspect of any culinary role. At the very least, these credentials signal your dedication to honing your craft and maintaining high kitchen standards.
Education
Template:
[Degree Name]
[School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
Example:
Associate of Specialized Technology in Culinary Arts
Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts, Pittsburgh, PA | 2011
Certifications
Template:
[Certification Name], [Awarding Organization] | [Completion Year]
Example:
Food Safety Certification, Watkins Glen County Health Inspector | 2021
4. List pertinent key skills
Many employers now use an applicant tracking system (ATS), which scans submitted resumes for keywords relevant to each job opening. When the ATS finds a resume with plenty of keywords, it flags the document for the hiring manager. You can improve your line cook resume by adding keywords that match your abilities – focusing on the profile, skills list, and professional experience section. See the list below to get familiar with common keywords you may consider:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Back-of-house restaurant operations | Basic food preparation |
| Common cooking procedures | Cooking equipment maintenance |
| Customer service and relations | Dinner service |
| Efficiency improvement | Food preparation |
| Food safety and sanitation | High-volume restaurant operations |
| Inventory monitoring | Kitchen equipment operation |
| Large-scale event catering | Menu development |
| Mise en place | New hire training |
| Plating design and aesthetics | Task timing and sequencing |
| Team collaboration | Time management |
Advice From a Recruiter: Chris Shatto
1. What are the most in-demand skills for a line cook that should be featured on a candidate’s resume?+
Hard Skills
- Culinary skills: Proficiency in cooking techniques and food preparation.
- Sanitation standards: Ability to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen.
- Food handling: Expertise in handling different types of food safely and effectively.
- Knowledge of food safety: Understanding of food safety regulations and practices.
- Kitchen equipment knowledge: Familiarity with various kitchen appliances and tools.
- Fine dining skills: Experience in preparing high-quality, gourmet meals.
- Experience in high-volume settings: Ability to work effectively in a busy, high-demand environment.
- Back-of-house experience: Experience in roles that support the kitchen, such as dishwashing or prep cooking.
- Advanced knife skills: Mastery of various knife techniques for precise food preparation.
- Cleaning/sanitation: Ability to maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen environment.
- Cooking experience: Proven experience as a Line Chef, Restaurant Cook, or Prep Cook.
- Understanding of cooking methods: Comprehensive knowledge of various cooking methods (grilling, baking, boiling, etc.)
- Recipe execution: Ability to follow and execute recipes accurately.
- Food presentation: Skills in presenting dishes in an appealing manner.
- Ingredient knowledge: Understanding of a wide range of ingredients and their uses.
- Menu planning: Ability to contribute to menu development and planning.
- Inventory management: Skills in managing and tracking kitchen inventory.
- Food costing: Understanding of food cost control techniques.
Soft Skills
- Time management: Ability to manage time efficiently to meet service deadlines.
- Communication skills: Proficiency in conveying information clearly and effectively.
- Interpersonal skills: Ability to work well with others in a team environment.
- Stress resistance: Capability to maintain composure and productivity under pressure.
- Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with others to achieve common goals.
- Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to changing situations and demands.
- Problem solving: Ability to identify and resolve issues efficiently.
- Attention to detail: Focus on precision and accuracy in all tasks.
- Customer service: Commitment to providing excellent service to customers.
- Leadership: Ability to guide and motivate other team members.
- Patience: Ability to handle stressful situations calmly.
- Decision making: Skills in making quick, effective decisions.
- Organizational skills: Ability to keep the workspace tidy and organized.
- Resilience: Ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain performance.
- Initiative: Willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
- Multitasking: Ability to handle multiple tasks at once without compromising quality.
- Physical stamina: Ability to handle the physical demands of the job like standing for long hours.
- Professionalism: Maintaining a professional demeanor and respect for coworkers.
- Passion for food: A genuine love for food and cooking drives quality and creativity.
2. What work experience and other accomplishments are hiring managers seeking in a line cook?+
Highlighting the following qualifications and accomplishments will help you stand out to hiring managers:
Qualifications
- Culinary degree or certificate: A degree or certificate from a recognized culinary institute is highly desirable.
- Food safety certification: Possession of a valid food safety certification that meets local health department standards.
- Technology savvy: Familiarity with kitchen-related technology, such as automated cooking appliances and restaurant management software.
Work Experience
- Professional cooking experience: At least two to three years of experience in a professional kitchen environment.
- High-volume kitchen experience: Proven ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
- Fine dining experience: Prior experience in a fine dining setting is a plus.
Additionally, include any accolades such as culinary competitions or recognitions from previous employers. Remember to highlight your familiarity with trends and technology such as sustainable cooking, plant-based cuisine, and food innovation.
Restaurants are collaborative workplaces. Showcase your teamwork, resilience, passion for culinary arts, creativity, and customer commitment.
3. What else should a line cook candidate be prepared to provide hiring managers besides a resume?+
- Culinary portfolio: A collection of high-quality photos or videos showcasing dishes you have prepared. This should highlight your versatility, creativity, and presentation skills.
- Culinary school certificate: If applicable, please provide a copy of your culinary school certificate. This document would support your technical knowledge and training in the field.
- Letters of recommendation: We appreciate one or two letters of recommendation from your previous employers, particularly from those in the hospitality or restaurant industry. These testimonials are invaluable in assessing your work ethic, performance, and team collaboration.
- References: Please provide contact information for at least two professional references who can vouch for your abilities, reliability, and professionalism in a kitchen setting.
- Certifications: Any additional certifications related to food safety, sanitation, specialized cooking techniques, or dietary restrictions would strengthen your application.
4. What advice would you give a line cook candidate about their job search? +
Make sure you are networking. Attend industry events, join professional associates such as the American Culinary Federation (ACF) or the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP). Connect with your peers and potential employers on social media.
Before applying, research the company culture, menu, style, and online reviews of potential employers. Use this information to tailor your application. Make sure you’re quantifying your achievements and presenting an error-free application.
When you go for an interview, practice the answers to common questions, dress professionally, a chef’s jacket may be suitable if you will be doing a cooking test, and be ready for any demonstrations they have requested.
Remember, the job hunt process is also about finding the right fit for you. Consider the work environment, team dynamics, and growth opportunities when evaluating job offers.
How To Pick the Best Line Cook Resume Template
A well-chosen template helps you organize and present your skills and experiences. Your primary concern should be readability, so choose a clean and professional design template. Hiring managers should be able to quickly scan your resume and find all the critical information without difficulty or distraction.
Line Cook Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
Years of Experience
- Example #1
- Example #2
- Example #3
Richard Sanders
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Front Street, Orchard Park, NY 14127
Profile
Collaborative restaurant worker with experience in fast-paced kitchen operations. Skilled at preparing various appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Passionate about cooking and eager to learn new techniques and cuisines.
Key Skills
- Back-of-House Restaurant Operations
- Basic Food Preparation
- Common Cooking Procedures
- Efficiency Improvement
- Task Timing & Sequencing
- Team Collaboration
Professional Experience
Cook’s Assistant, The Thai Place, Orchard Park, NY | January 2019 to Present
- Help prepare and cook ~250 entrees per night
- Prepare salads and soups, and finish desserts
- Replenish garnishes, raw foods, and other ingredients for serving lines
- Put away daily deliveries of food ingredients
- Maintain high standards of sanitization and cleanliness
Dishwasher, Bob’s Diner, East Arora, NY | June 2018 to December 2018
- Cleaned dishware and smallware for up to 150 meals per night
- Communicated with front-of-house staff to ensure a steady supply of clean dishes
Education
Graduate, Nichols High School, Buffalo, NY | 2018
Courses completed:
- Culinary Arts Vocational Training
- Food Safety Certification
- Spanish
Lavonne Burns
(717) 000-1234
[email protected]
3785 Dunn Street, Unit #408, Pittsburgh, PA 12345
Profile
Line Cook with 11+ years of experience in fast-paced kitchen environments. Ready collaborator who promotes team safety, efficiency, and creativity. Skilled at developing and adjusting recipes to meet and exceed customer expectations.
Professional Experience
Assistant Caterer, Sally’s Events, Pittsburgh, PA | June 2015 to Present
- Organize food preparation and distribution to 300+ dinner guests
- Prepare pastries, candies, cakes, and cupcakes for custom orders
- Set up themed dessert and appetizer tables at weddings, showers, and corporate events
Line Cook, Deltante’s Ristorante, Pittsburgh, PA | March 2014 to October 2015
- Helped prepare 150+ traditional Italian and American entrees per night
- Incorporated customers’ dietary restrictions with menu options as needed
- Coordinated with kitchen managers to ensure utmost food prep efficiency and safety
Le Fleur de Lys, Pittsburgh, PA | June 2011 to October 2015
Assistant Saucier Chef (March 2014 to October 2015)
- Prepared sauces, gravies, soups, and stews to order
- Alerted sous chef of any food inventory needs
- Kept station clean and sanitized at all points
Line Cook (June 2011 to March 2014)
- Organized daily prep stations
- Cleaned, chopped, and prepared vegetables and garnishes
- Monitored inventory and condition of cooking equipment and utensils
Education
Associate of Specialized Technology in Culinary Arts, Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts, Pittsburgh, PA | 2011
Key Skills
- Cooking Equipment Maintenance
- Customer Service & Relations
- Food Safety & Sanitation
- Inventory Monitoring
- Task Timing & Sequencing
- Team Collaboration
Loren Hopkins
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Front Street, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
Profile
Line Cook with 10+ years of restaurant kitchen experience. Skilled at preparing appetizers, entrees, sides, and desserts while following all local food safety regulations.
Professional Experience
Line Cook, Francesca’s, Watkins Glen, NY | January 2019 to Present
[Popular local restaurant offering both traditional and modern American cuisine]
- Help prepare various menu items for 75+ customers per night
- Oversee pre-open food preparations
- Check deliveries for accuracy, and put away daily food orders
- Ensure strict adherence to cleanliness and sanitation standards
Highlight:
- Introduced processes that expedited average dessert preparation time by 20%
Line Cook, Overlook Banquet Hall, Watkins Glen, NY | July 2013 to December 2018
- Prepared entrees, sides, and desserts for up to 250 meals per event
- Put away daily deliveries, following strict health safety standards
- Completed daily temperature logs of refrigerators and cleaners
Cook’s Assistant, Waffle Frolic, Corning, NY | June 2010 to June 2012
- Finished waffles with customers’ chosen toppings
- Prepared various desserts and beverages
- Replenished food ingredients for the serving line
- Maintained high cleanliness and sanitization standards
- Relayed front-of-house requests to kitchen staff
Education & Professional Development
Associate of Culinary Studies, Corning Community College, Corning, NY | 2012
Food Safety Certification, Watkins Glen County Health Inspector | 2021
Key Skills
- Basic Knife Work
- Food Safety Procedures
- Large-Scale Event Catering
- Plating Design & Aesthetics
- Team Collaboration
- Time Management
Frequently Asked Questions: Line Cook Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for line cook resumes?+
Action verbs help you express your accomplishments in past roles, but we know it can be hard to develop words as you write your professional experience section. Start each bullet point with an action verb to enhance your writing and highlight your achievements. See our list below to get some fresh ideas for your line cook resume:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Baked | Chopped |
| Collaborated | Cooked |
| Diced | Garnished |
| Grilled | Maintained |
| Minced | Mixed |
| Monitored | Organized |
| Oversaw | Plated |
| Prepared | Roasted |
| Seasoned | Trained |
How do you align your resume with a line cook job posting?+
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for cooks will grow by 16% between 2021 and 2031. But these projections vary by occupation. For example, line cook jobs in the fast food industry will likely decline 9% as the industry automates and streamlines kitchen operations. On the other hand, traditional restaurants expect an increase of 37% over the decade as people become comfortable dining out again post-pandemic.
As you look for a line cook position, you must align your resume with each job posting, especially if you're interested in working for a specific restaurant. No matter which type of establishment you want to work for, your resume must speak to the employer's needs.
For example, suppose you're applying for a line cook job at a farm-to-table restaurant. To have the biggest impact on hiring managers, highlight your commitment to sustainability and knowledge of sourcing fresh, local ingredients.
What is the best line cook resume format?+
Most line cooks should use the combination (or hybrid) format. True to its name, this format combines two important features of other resume formats: the chronological format’s experience section and the functional format’s profile section. (The resume examples on this page all use combination format, as do most other resumes on Resume Builder.)
A combination resume offers the best of both worlds by fusing these two features. The experience section lets you overview your recent work history – essential information for most employers. At the same time, the profile section lets you showcase your career highlights at the top, regardless if they’re from that work history or another part of your background. The resulting resume is straightforward yet strategic. It gives hiring managers the clearest possible view of your experience and relevant strengths, so they can decide to call you for an interview.
Expert advice: include a cover letter with your resume
Submitting a persuasive cover letter is a great way to increase your chances of an interview. When it comes to writing a strong cover letter, customization is key. Read our comprehensive cover letter guide to learn how to tailor your document to each restaurant. For related examples, see our food service and bartender cover letter guides.
