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Cook Resume FAQ

What experiences do I put for a cook on my resume?

Whether this is your first cooking gig or you are an experienced chef, you should highlight your recipe knowledge, prep speed and attention to detail. It would help if you also prioritized the exclusive needs of the hiring restaurant or commissary kitchen on your cook's resume.

To accurately do this, double-check the open job description for specialized skills such as knowledge of specific cuisines or tasks. For example, you wouldn’t describe your experience at a steakhouse when applying to a vegan restaurant — you would highlight knowledge of spices, food science and recipe experimentation.

What skills would you list from being a cook on your resume?

Soft skills for a cook resume

  • Teamwork
  • Verbal communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Improvisation
  • Decision making
  • Attention to detail
  • Organization
  • Cleanliness

Hard skills for a cook resume

  • Food safety and handling
  • Restaurant inventory management
  • Team management
  • Food preparation
  • Food presentation
  • Knife skills
  • Culinary tool maintenance

What are a cook’s duties and responsibilities?

Your cook duties and responsibilities will vary depending on your level of seniority, experience, staff number and kitchen size. However, most cooks will be responsible for the following back-of-house tasks:

  • Cleaning and organizing ingredients.
  • Maintaining food storage areas such as walk-ins, pantries and lowboys.
  • Ensuring freshness and food grade of ingredients.
  • Maintaining a sanitary workstation.
  • Manning cooking stations.
  • Preparing, plating and garnishing food.
  • Preparing weekly specials based on excess ingredients.