Cook Resume Example & Writing Guide
- Why use this cook resume example?
- How to write a great cook resume
- Relevant key skills for a cook resume
- Cook resume example
Top-tier cooks are some of the most in-demand professionals in the job market. If you’re on the hunt for a new job as a cook, you might be wondering how to increase your visibility in this crowded space. The first step is to create a fantastic resume that shows managers why you’re the right pick for their open jobs. Keep reading to view an example resume and learn more about writing one.
Why use this cook resume example?
Writing a resume can seem daunting if you’ve never done it. You can use this resume writing guide to help you get over this initial sense of intimidation and create a document that wows recruiters. We’ll offer some time-tested tips to help present your skills and experience effectively. We’ll also provide an example resume that you can reference when writing your own.
How to write a great cook resume
When you’re ready to write your resume, take a look at the example below and think about how you want to format yours. You can start by creating a header at the top of the page. This should include your name, phone number, email address, city, and state. A header will give recruiters easy access to this information if they want to set up an interview with you.
After the header comes a title and paragraph summary, followed by a list of key skills. This section sums up what makes you a great cook, so it’s easy for the hiring manager to see you’re the best person for the job.
In the main body of your resume, list your previous positions, starting with your current or most recent job. Treat each position as a separate subsection and include your job title, your start and end dates, the name of your employers, and job locations. Under these details, you can include a brief summary of your role, followed by a bulleted list of your accomplishments or key contributions.
While most cooking positions don’t require a college degree, you should include an Education section with any related professional training or culinary schooling you’ve completed. If you have any professional cooking, management, or food safety certifications, you can list them in the licenses and certifications section.
Relevant key skills for a cook resume
Cooks have a valuable set of skills that they use in the kitchen every day. When writing a resume, it’s essential to show that you have what it takes to excel in your next role. Here are some skills that you can list on your next resume:
Customer service
Food safety and personal hygiene
Kitchen management
Staff training
Menu development
Collaboration
Inventory management and ordering
Event planning
Cost containment
Cook resume example
Summary example
Innovative cook with more than nine years of experience preparing a wide variety of unique appetizers, soups, entrées, sauces, and desserts. Proficient in diverse cooking techniques and cuisines with talent for working with ingredients from countries around the world, including France, Italy, Japan, Thailand, and Spain. Proven leadership skills with a track record of training, developing, and fostering strong teams focused on quality, presentation, cost containment, and safety.
Employment history example
Cook at Botticelli on the Half Shell, Santa Fe
2018 - 2023
Oversaw daily recipe preparation, food storage, cooking, and presentation. Developed recipes and recommended menu item pricing. Researched and selected ingredients based on seasonal availability and quality. Monitored and controlled food costs. Built and developed 11-member, back-of-house team; provided performance feedback and additional instruction in biannual reviews and one-on-one counseling sessions. Conducted interviewing, hiring, and training functions, ensuring that individual performance met the highest possible culinary standards.
Key Contributions:
Received recognition for contributions in the production of authentic, traditional Italian dishes.
Consistently received enthusiastic compliments and positive feedback from guests, specifically for newly-created entrées.
Cook at A Clean, Well-Lit Cafe, California
2014 - 2018
As member of patisserie team, created French-style pastries including cakes, tarts, dessert sauces, truffles, and petit fours. Assisted with daily food preparation, storage, cooking, and presentation, ensuring exceptional quality of ingredients and final products.
Key Contributions:
Created increasingly complex dishes from breads and cakes to confections and frozen desserts utilizing dry- and moist-heat cooking methods to create unique flavors and textures.
Cook at Heartland Cafe- Madison, Wisconsin
2010 - 2014
Contributed to success in food preparation and service, working under head chef to provide fine-dining experience. Produced diversified menus and high-quality dishes, while supervising kitchen staff in day-to-day operations.
Maintained Zagat food score of 26 or higher throughout entire employment period.
Utilized creativity in preparation of daily specialty appetizers and entrees, selecting fish, meat, and produce for daily integration of menu.
Drove seamless, timely operations in expert preparation and delivery of meals.
Education example
Culinary Arts Diploma at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California
Skills example
Creative Menu Development
Specialty Cuisine and Presentation
Purchasing and Inventory Control
Special Event Planning
Cost Containment and Reduction
Food and Kitchen Safety
Staff Leadership and Training
