Line Cook resume example & writing guide

Line Cook Resume Example and Writing Guide

What should your line cook resume include?
How can you create a professional summary?
How should you describe your work experience as a line cook?
Include a fitting line cook resume education and certifications section
Which key skills are relevant to being a line cook?
How to select the most impactful line cook resume template
Line cook resume example
Key takeaways for writing a line cook resume

A line cook prepares and cooks food for customers in a restaurant. When applying for this position, you can prepare a resume to highlight your experience and skills in culinary operations. While writing a resume can be difficult, we’ve provided an example you can use for guidance when applying for line cook jobs.

This resume guide will go over some best practices for writing a line cook resume, including:

What to include in a line cook resume
How to describe your culinary experience and education
Some key skills to include on your resume
Advice for choosing the right resume template

What should your line cook resume include?

Your line cook resume should highlight your culinary skills, knowledge of food safety and preparation, and previous experience in a busy kitchen environment. It should also emphasize your ability to work well with other team members, including head chefs, prep cooks, and front-of-house staff.

When preparing your resume, make sure to include the following elements:

A header with your name and contact information
A resume summary
A work experience section
A skills section
An education section

How can you create a professional summary?

A professional summary, also known as a profile, introduces yourself to the head chef or hiring manager reviewing your resume. In two or three sentences, your summary should describe your top qualifications as a line cook and the value you can bring to a restaurant kitchen.

The professional summary should go at the top of your resume. Since you have limited space in this area, focus on the skills, experience, or achievements that will pique a hiring manager’s interest. For example, if you’re applying for a job at a steakhouse, you might mention your experience managing grill stations in a fast-paced environment.

Line Cook summary example

Dynamic culinary arts professional, skilled at preparing menus and meals as well as providing focused support to optimize kitchen workflow processes. Expert at building and maintaining productive working relationships with front and back of house teams. Proven success excelling in multiple kitchen environments; able to remain calm and resolute in fast-paced, high-pressure cooking environments. Well-versed in proper food handling and storage to comply with food safety and sanitation requirements.

Expert Tip

Use keywords in your summary

Your resume summary is a natural place to add keywords from the job description, which can help you pass an applicant tracking system (ATS). For example, if the job description mentions a knowledge of food handling and proficient knife skills, include those keywords in your summary.

How should you describe your work experience as a line cook?

Your work experience section describes your previous experience working in a kitchen. It should include a summary of your responsibilities and contributions to a restaurant, focusing on food preparation, culinary creativity, and kitchen workflows.

In your work experience section, list your past jobs in reverse-chronological order. Include your job title, employer’s name, and bullet points describing your core responsibilities and primary accomplishments. Your bullet points should show a hiring manager your impact in other positions, demonstrating your value as a line cook. Focus on the outcomes of your work or personal accomplishments that emphasize your skills.

Line Cook employment history example

Line Cook at Mama’s Place Cafe, Newcastle, WA 2021 - 2023

Assisted with all aspects of food preparation and cooking while operating in fast-paced, team-oriented kitchen.
Contributed to product inventory and reorder processes.
Completed daily cleaning of all equipment, counters, fridges, plate warmers, and fryers, ensuring smooth hand over to next Line Cook on duty.

Lead Prep Chef at Hilltop Barbecue Restaurant, Spokane, WA 2019 - 2021

Prepared a range of dishes in accordance with the established menus and recipes, including cutting vegetables, preparing meat, and making dough for all sections.
Controlled fridge inventory to ensure ingredient availability; assisted with supply ordering. Cleaned and sanitized cooking surfaces and equipment.

Highlighting the outcomes of your work can show a prospective employer why they should hire you as a line cook. It gives them an idea of the success you could have at their restaurant.

Include a fitting line cook resume education and certifications section

The educational requirements for a line cook position can vary by employer. Some may require you to have a high school diploma, while others may prefer to hire candidates with an associate degree or some postsecondary education. Include the name of your highest degree or diploma in your education section. If you have an associate degree or higher, you don’t need to mention your high school diploma.

In addition to your education, you can also include any relevant certifications you have. For example, if you have the ServSafe Food Handler certificate, include this credential in your education section. Certifications can show an employer your culinary expertise and commitment to your craft.

Line Cook education example

Associate of Arts in culinary arts at the College of Western Idaho, Nampa, ID

Which key skills are relevant to being a line cook?

Your skills section is an essential part of your line cook resume. It shows employers you have the necessary skills and abilities to prepare food safely and collaborate with other kitchen staff.

When including skills on your resume, review the job description closely to see what skills an employer requires for the role. Make sure you list the same skills or similar abilities on your resume to prove you can handle the position’s responsibilities. Additionally, including the same skills from the job description can help your resume pass an ATS.

Some common skills for a line cook resume include:

Food safety and preparation
Kitchen processes
Cooking techniques and equipment
Inventory control
Menu preparation
Teamwork
Time management

You should also mention these skills in other areas of your resume. For example, in your work experience section, explain how you used your skills, such as food safety, to perform your core tasks.

How to select the most impactful line cook resume template

A head chef or hiring manager will probably only spend a few seconds reviewing your resume. For this reason, keep your resume concise and well-organized, so they can easily find key details about your culinary experience and skills. Bold the section headers of your resume and use white space to make it easy to skim.

You can use a splash of color on your resume to show off your creativity, but keep it simple and professional. Your resume should be no longer than one page to allow hiring managers to review your qualifications quickly.

Not sure what template to use for your line cook resume? Check out our online resume builder for access to various resume templates. You can also get some additional inspiration from the 250+ resume examples we offer.