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7 Chef Resume Examples to Get You Hired in 2024

Best for senior and mid-level candidates

There’s plenty of room in our elegant resume template to add your professional experience while impressing recruiters with a sleek design.

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Like this template? Customize this resume and make it your own with the help of our Al-powered suggestions, accent colors, and modern fonts.

Chef Resume

• Chef Resume by Experiences
• Chef Resumes by Role

You can memorize any recipe, cook any dish, and work with diverse kitchen teams. You’re an amazing chef, and you can’t wait for your next employer to experience your skills!

The  US Bureau of Labor Statistics  estimates that the demand for chefs will rise by at least 6% between 2019 and 2029, which is faster than average. So, while more places are in need of a great chef, chances are there are hundreds of other interested candidates.

To increase your chance of landing your dream job as a chef, you’ll need to write a cover letter and resume. We have created seven of the best chef resume samples to guide you as you  write your own chef resume .

We’ve reviewed thousands of resumes and identified common mistakes many chefs make when writing their resumes.  Thankfully, this chef resume writing guide will help you come up with the kind of resume that will increase your chances of getting hired in 2024 .

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• Always customize your summary by including the employer’s name and position you’re seeking.
• This means you have to clearly demonstrate your relevant experience. If you have certifications or additional training, make sure to include it on your chef resume.
• If you can show how and why you’ve used certain certificates or training on the job, be sure to include that in your chef cover letter .

Entry-Level Chef Resume

• When writing a career objective, you need to mention keywords that will grab the interviewer’s attention, such as “assist kitchen staff,” “maintain a clean working area,” and “customer service experience.”
• Always make sure to include the name of the employer and the position you’re seeking.

Sous Chef Resume

• As a sous chef, you’ve probably written a resume before, but it can help to review  common resume tips  to ensure your resume is easy to read, comprehensive, and aesthetically pleasing.
• If you have any skills listed in the job description, make sure to include them in your skills section or work experience bullets. And don’t forge to list specific achievements in your sous chef resume.
• For example, did your restaurant win any awards? Did you save your employer money? 

Executive Chef Resume

• If you’ve had the chance to help hire or manage other kitchen or service staff, be sure to include that. Employers always like to see leadership skills!
• Always double-check the executive chef job description for relevant keywords you can include, like “budgeting,” “food preparation,” and “recipe creation.”

Private Chef Resume

• Besides this, feel free to express your personal skills such as food presentation to pack your private chef resume with your key strengths.

Sushi Chef Resume

• Adding your creative past experiences and soft skills can take your sushi chef resume up a notch.

Pastry Chef Resume

• Start by only listing your most relevant experience. No employer needs to know every job you’ve held since you were 16.
• Once you’ve included the experience you want, mark down only your most notable accomplishments. And some responsibilities can be joined together, like monitoring ingredient consumption, labor costs, and customer preferences to manage the kitchen budget.
• Even the best writers make mistakes, so always run your resume through a  resume checker  to ensure there aren’t any misspelled words, punctuation errors, or grammar issues.  

Related resume guides

• Food Service Worker
• Restaurant.

• • Led a team of 20 chefs and kitchen staff in a high-volume, upscale dining environment, consistently delivering top-quality dishes.
• • Developed and launched a new fusion menu that increased customer satisfaction by 25% within the first six months.
• • Implemented a waste reduction program that cut food costs by 15%, significantly improving the restaurant's profitability.
• • Organized monthly culinary workshops for staff, enhancing team skills and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• • Collaborated with local suppliers to source high-quality, sustainable ingredients, strengthening community ties and supporting local businesses.
• • Spearheaded a kitchen renovation project, upgrading equipment and optimizing layout for efficiency, resulting in a 20% increase in kitchen output.
• • Assisted in managing kitchen operations, contributing to a 10% increase in diner satisfaction through improved service speed and quality.
• • Played a key role in menu development, introducing 15 new dishes that became customer favorites and boosted sales.
• • Managed inventory and procurement, reducing food waste by 12%.
• • Conducted staff training on new cooking techniques and safety protocols, enhancing kitchen efficiency.
• • Oversaw the catering division, successfully executing over 200 events with high client satisfaction.
• • Prepared high-quality dishes under tight deadlines, contributing to the bistro's reputation for excellence.
• • Collaborated in a team of 10 cooks, supporting a smooth kitchen operation during peak hours.
• • Contributed ideas for menu updates and specials, several of which were adopted and became popular with patrons.
• • Maintained stringent hygiene and cleanliness standards, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

8 Chef Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your chef resume must highlight your experience with diverse cuisines. Showcase the range of kitchen environments you have mastered, from high-volume cafeterias to fine dining restaurants. Include any culinary awards or recognition you've earned. Employers are looking for chefs who not only cook well but also inspire their teams and innovate menus.

All resume examples in this guide

Entry Level Chef

Kitchen Manager

Executive Chef

Pastry Chef

Resume guide.

Chef resume example

A chef’s resume format that gets results

Effectively highlighting your cooking experience

How to list your hard skills and soft skills on your resume

Including your education and certifications on your chef’s resume, how to write your chef resume summary or objective, key takeaways.

By Experience

Being a chef is one of the most demanding jobs on the market - not only physically but psychologically. The list of challenges facing a chef seems daunting but is well-known in the industry.

Anthony Bourdain said, “To be a good chef, first and foremost, you have to be a good technician. You have to know how to cook. It's like being a musician. You can be a great musician technically and not have much to say. You can also be a technically mediocre musician and still have a lot of soul."

It’s imperative to demonstrate that you’re prepared to meet these demands with pinpoint abilities and talents. You need to prove that you have the technical tools and chef experience  to effectively overcome any challenge.

You have to show them that you are the whole package and that you can deliver regardless of the back-of-house situation.

Here’s how we’re going to get you in that kitchen:

• We’ll provide you with a plethora of chef resume examples  that you can study and reference
• We’ll advise you on all of the key elements of a resume including how to properly write a chef resume summary and objectives. Also, the best way to showcase your experience or perhaps lack of it.
• You can count on us to show you how to effectively highlight your culinary strengths to stand out from other candidates.
• Full guidance on how to include your chef's hard and soft skills  to accurately tackle any challenges in the kitchen.

Want a more specific resume? Here are some other culinary-related resumes to check out:

• Prep cook resume
• Cook resume
• Line cook resume
• Food service manager resume
• Kitchen manager resume
• Food service resume
• Food and beverage manager resume
• Baker resume
• Restaurant operations manager resume
• Hospitality resume
• Restaurant general manager resume
• Restaurant manager resume

Are you wondering what an ideal chef’s resume looks like? Have a look below.

C hef  resume example

Here’s what this applicant did well in their resume:

• Highlighting Achievements : They effectively showcased specific achievements, such as developing a fusion menu resulting in an increase of customer satisfaction by 25% as well as implementing a waste reduction program that reduced food costs by 15%. These are quantifiable and directly linked to the key responsibilities of the particular position.
• Leadership and Team Development : They demonstrated strong leadership skills by highlighting their experience leading culinary teams, organizing monthly culinary workshops, and spearheading a kitchen renovation project. This indicates a proactive approach to team management and operational efficiency.
• Specialized Education and Certification : The resume includes several valuable degrees and certificates that emphasize a commitment to continuous learning and specialization. Essential elements for anyone seeking a role in high-end culinary management.

Just  like with a dish coming out of the kitchen, the format, structure, and design of your resume all play a crucial role in making a strong first impression. In essence, they aren’t just about aesthetics; they are integral to effectively communicating your professional story.

As with every position, there are different levels of employees with varying degrees of experience and education. It’s the same in the culinary world whether you’re applying for a head chef position or as a line cook. That means it's essential to follow a particular format according to the job and experience you possess.

If you’ve just recently decided to take your passion for cooking to a professional level, the best sort of resume for you is the functional one . This type uses a skills-based layout that lets you highlight skills and leaves your lack of experience in the background.

However, if you’re an established chef with years of experience, then the reverse-chronological resume would suit you better. It really puts your life as a chef into focus, listing all your previous positions in a reverse-chronological format, thus showing how you’ve grown to become the kitchen ninja you are.

It’s often the case that you belong in the grey area between these two extremes - neither a pro nor a noob. Which brings us to the hybrid resume .  Through its innovative and fresh format, it allows you to underline your relevant cooking skills without diminishing your valuable experience.

What’s more, the hybrid format lets you display your achievements so that you stand out from the competition, even if they have a more impressive history than you.

Here are some common concepts that you need to know about when writing your resume:

• Reverse Chronological Format : a reverse chronological format is when you list the most recent experience first on your resume. The reason why this format is the most widely used one is that you can highlight your career trajectory - the evolution of your cooking career.
• Header : Your header is the first thing that jumps off the page of your resume. In your header, you can include contact information on how to reach you, as well as a photo of yourself.
• Length of a resume : Although there’s no cut-and-dry rule for how long a resume should be, it’s best to stick to between 1-2 pages, since most recruiters lose interest after the second page.
• What file format to use : Unless otherwise specified, the PDF file format beats out a simple Word document  because PDFs are easy to share and don’t have the same issues with images shifting around.
• Choose the right font : A standard 12p font should be used. The most used font types are Rubik, Lato, Montserrat, Raleway, Exo 2, and Volkhov as well as all the overly used serif and sans-serif fonts.

A quick note on ATS optimization

ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System. This is the digital gatekeeper that some applications have to pass through before a recruiter will even look at it - so your resume must be compatible. It would be useful for you to take a look at how the system works and some myths  that surround it.

Although there are some companies out there that use ATS, most systems  don't as of 2024 - that’s not to say someday soon these AI features will become commonplace. However, it’s worth noting that larger restaurant chains do use the system so it would be a good idea to make the changes needed to comply with possible ATS encounters - better safe than sorry!

The top sections on a chef resume:

• Professional Summary: It succinctly communicates your culinary experience and specialties, making you stand out.
• Skills and Competencies: This presents your culinary abilities, food knowledge, and any specific cuisines you are proficient in.
• Work Experience: It provides detailed information about your role, achievements, and impact in previous chef positions.
• Education and Certifications: It showcases any formal culinary training or relevant certifications, assuring quality and professionalism.
• References: These can confirm your skills, performance, and work ethic, imparting a strong impression.

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

• Culinary Skills: Recruiters look for specific skills such as food preparation, recipe customization, and knowledge of various cooking techniques which are crucial in a kitchen environment.
• Work Experience: Previous experience as a chef or in a related culinary position is important as it demonstrates reliability and understanding of the role.
• Certifications and Training: Formal culinary education or certifications assert a candidate's credibility and expertise in the field not to mention dedication.
• Kitchen Management Abilities: Skills in inventory control, meal planning, and kitchen equipment maintenance are valued as they directly impact the restaurant's operation efficiency and costs.
• Creativity and Presentation: As chefs often need to create and present new dishes, being creative and having an eye for food presentation are attributes that recruiters prioritize.

Effectively highlighting your cooking  experience

The experience section  outlines your work history, detailing past positions, employers, and employment dates. It highlights your responsibilities and achievements in each role, showcasing your skills and how you've applied them. This section is vital for employers to assess your suitability and experience for the position you're applying for.

As a chef, it is imperative that you highlight experience more than formal education. Unlike many other professions, chefs often learn more "on the job" than through formal education. Portraying this experience in a professional and compelling way on a resume can be difficult. What you focus on really depends on the particular job and its requirements - so pay close attention and tailor the information !

There’s nothing worse than listing experience that has no relevance  to the position you’re applying for! Your summer job at the second-hand clothes shop has zero significance in this resume.

Let’s take a look at a couple of example  experience sections that you may see on a chef’s resume. The first demonstrates an ineffectual attempt, while the second shows a much better one.

• • Required to show up on time
• • Managed to keep things clean
• • Participated in recipes
• • Responsible for developing and executing seasonal dessert options alongside a team of three other pastry chefs, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction
• • Managed inventory and procurement of high-quality ingredients, reducing waste by 15%
• • Specialized in French patisserie techniques, creating award-winning croissants and macarons
• • Conducted pastry workshops and cooking classes, increasing restaurant's community engagement
• • Streamlined bakery operations, improving production efficiency by 20%

In the first example, it’s painfully obvious that the applicant probably doesn’t care too much and is sending out their resume en masse. The description is vague and we can’t discern anything about the company besides that it’s in Idaho. Besides that they misspelled the word ‘diner’ as ‘dinner’ - make sure that you proofread your resume several times before sending it out!

In the second example, the description is spot on accurately describing the workplace and type of cuisine. This is followed by a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities that utilize action verbs , avoid overused buzzwords  and, we would like to assume, keywords  taken from the job advertisement and reused here.

The line cook lists too few responsibilities and completely forgets to list any achievements or successes - quantifying nothing. The latter candidate really makes an effort to highlight their achievements as well as properly quantifying a couple of them, e.g. Managed inventory and procurement of high-quality ingredients, reducing waste by 15% - it’s clear they took responsibility and achieved a successful result of reducing waste by 15%.

Be clear, concise, and quantify!

Let’s dive into quantifying a bit more as it can often be a hurdle for many candidates.

How to quantify impact on your resume

The numbers  and statistics that you list actually help to show that you know what you’re doing and that you’ve achieved success. As a food industry employee, there are many opportunities to quantify, and the more the better. Employers want results and they want them to be easily conveyed - prove to them that you can do this!

Here are some useful things you can include in your experience section that can easily be quantified:

• Include the number of menu items you created or improved upon at your previous employment to demonstrate innovation and responsibility.
• Indicate how many special diets or food allergies you've accommodated to highlight flexibility and customer care.
• Mention the number of staff you've trained or mentored, showing leadership and cooperative skills.
• Show the percentage by which you reduced food costs without compromising quality, reflecting cost efficiency and resourcefulness.
• Include the number of repeat customers tied to your culinary creations which demonstrates your ability to attract and maintain clientele.
• Mention the increase in customer satisfaction ratings during your tenure to emphasize your impact on service quality.
• Reference the volume of meals served during special events or rush hours to reflect your stamina and ability to work under pressure.
• State the percentage decrease in kitchen waste achieved under your supervision as it signals your commitment towards sustainability and efficient use of resources.

How do I write a chef resume with no experience?

The first piece of advice to anyone in any industry who is just entering is to focus on creating an outstanding education section. Highlight coursework, activities, and projects, and your GPA (if it's 3.5 or higher!). In addition to education, include internship experience, extracurricular activities, volunteering, side projects, hobbies, passions, and, most importantly for a chef, a skills section.

If you have a minute read our detailed article  on writing resumes with no experience. Otherwise, here are some steps to follow:

• Write a resume objective : Crafting a resume objective or summary varies with your experience level. Veterans in the field can highlight their extensive experience through real-world successes. However, if you're newer to the industry, focus on outlining your ambitions and what you aim to achieve in the role you're seeking. Emphasize your enthusiasm for specific cuisines or culinary techniques to show your passion.
• Use applicable experience to show competency : Even if you haven't been employed in a restaurant setting, it's likely that you possess relevant experience that could make you a great fit for the job. For instance, your involvement in preparing meals at a shelter or coordinating a potluck event for your nephew's school are opportunities where you can demonstrate your culinary skills.
• Highlight your education section : If you've recently graduated, you can illustrate your suitability for the position by highlighting projects you undertook during your studies. For example, if you designed a lunch menu for your high school cafeteria as part of a class project, mention this experience on your resume and briefly describe the research you conducted for it.
• Consider the functional resume format : This type uses a skills-based layout that lets you highlight skills and leaves your lack of experience in the background. Under the skills section, be sure to list all skills and practical examples from your life and career.

Other  aspects that you could include are:

• Internships

Similar to the coursework, a relevant internship can set you apart from the majority of job applicants. The goal here is to emphasize on duties and achievements accomplished during your internship.

• Extracurricular Activities

Many students choose to make room in their schedules for extracurricular activities. Most schools offer a variety of clubs, sports, and organizations that students can participate in.

• Volunteering experience

H iring managers prefer applicants with volunteer experience. This is because they believe unpaid work builds leadership and communication skills, shaping a strong character.

Another way to enrich your resume without work experience is by adding activities and projects that correlate with the position you are applying for.

• Hobbies and interests

What’s the difference? Hobbies are passions in the form of regular activities that you enjoy doing, while interests are something you’re curious about and want to learn more.

Interests lead to hobbies.

Passions can be used to enhance the effect of the hobbies and interests section.

Let’s move on to the most critical section for a chef - the skill section .

For a chef's resume, hard and soft skills play distinct roles, each highlighting different aspects of their capabilities and suitability for a role. Here's a breakdown of the differences:

Hard  Skills

Hard skills  refer to the technical abilities and knowledge necessary for specific tasks related to cooking and kitchen management. These skills are often acquired through formal education, training, and hands-on experience.

Soft Skills

Soft skills , on the other hand, are the personal attributes and interpersonal skills that determine how well someone can work or interact with others. These skills are crucial in a kitchen environment, which often requires teamwork, communication, and stress management.

When crafting a resume, a chef should aim to balance hard and soft skills to present themselves as well-rounded candidates. Hard skills demonstrate technical competence , while soft skills show how they'll fit into the kitchen's culture and work with the team. Including examples of how these skills have been applied in past roles can further strengthen a chef's resume.

Here  are some steps to help you showcase your skills in the best way possible

• Identify Relevant Skills

Review Job Descriptions : Start by examining job postings that interest you. Note the skills frequently mentioned as requirements or preferences.

Match Your Skills : Compare your own skills with those listed in the job descriptions. Identify both hard and soft skills that match.

Consider Your Achievements : Think about your professional achievements and how your skills contributed to these successes.

• Categorize Your Skills

Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills : Separate your skills into hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (interpersonal and personal qualities).

Specialized Sections : For certain professions, you might also categorize skills into more specific sections (e.g., "Culinary Skills" and "Management Skills" for a chef).

• Prioritize Your Skills

Relevance : Prioritize skills based on their relevance to the job you're applying for. The most relevant skills should be listed first.

Strength : Also consider your level of proficiency and experience with each skill. Highlight your strongest skills that match the job requirements.

• Use Keywords from Job Descriptions

Match the Language : Use the same wording as the job description when listing your skills. This can help your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and catch the eye of hiring managers.

• Provide Evidence

Contextualize Skills : Whenever possible, provide context for how you've used your skills. This can be through bullet points under each job in your experience section.

Quantify Achievements : Use numbers and data to quantify your achievements. For example, "Increased kitchen efficiency by 20% through improved inventory management techniques."

• Format for Readability

Clear Section : Create a distinct section for your skills, usually near the top of your resume after your contact information and summary.

Bullet Points : Use bullet points to list your skills, making them easy to read at a glance.

Consistent Formatting:  Ensure your resume has consistent formatting throughout. This includes font size, bullet style, and spacing.

• Review and Update Regularly

Tailor for Each Job : Customize the skills section for each job application based on the job description and requirements.

Keep Current : Regularly update your resume as you acquire new skills and experiences.

Here are some more examples of culinary skills:

Best hard skills for your chef resume

• Recipe Development
• Inventory Management
• Culinary Techniques
• Menu Development
• Specialized Cuisine Knowledge
• Budgeting and Cost Control
• Baking and Pastry Skills
• Knowledge of Nutrition
• Food Plating and Presentation
• Quality Control
• Food Safety and Hygiene
• Kitchen Equipment Use
• Knowledge of Food Allergies and Dietary Restrictions
• Butchery Skills (Knife Skills)
• Sauteing and Grilling
• Seafood Preparation
• Wine & Other Alcohol Pairing
• Use of Commercial-grade Kitchen Appliances
• Experience with Sous-vide Method
• Mastery of Gastronomy Software

Best soft skills for your chef resume

• Detail Orientation
• Multitasking
• Stress Management
• Decision Making
• Time Management
• Adaptability
• Communicative
• Flexibility
• Problem Solving
• Customer Service
• Cultural Awareness
• Physical Stamina

Yes, providing an education section  on a chef's resume is important, even though the culinary field often places a strong emphasis on practical skills and experience. The education section can offer valuable insights into a candidate's foundational knowledge, commitment to the profession, and potential for growth. Here's why it matters:

• Demonstrates Formal Training
• Highlights Relevant Coursework
• Shows Commitment to Professional Development
• Provides Context for Career Path
• Fulfills Employer Expectations

Presenting your professional development as a chef

Describing your professional development on a chef's resume is key because it can showcase your commitment to staying up-to-date and enhancing your culinary skills, which, as you know, is absolutely crucial in the ever-evolving food industry.

By illustrating your career progression and the proactive steps you've taken towards personal and professional development, you effectively communicate your value as a dynamic and competent culinary professional, making you more attractive for the position.

How to format your education

• Name of the Institution: Start with the name of the culinary school or university.
• Location: Include the city and state.
• Degree or Diploma: Specify the degree or diploma earned.
• Major or Focus: Mention your major or area of focus, if applicable.
• Graduation Date: Include your graduation date or expected graduation date.
• Relevant Courses  or Achievements: Optionally, list relevant courses, projects, or academic achievements.

Here’s an example:

• • Specialized in French Cuisine & pastry arts
• • Completed a capstone project on sustainable sourcing practices
• • Graduated with Honors

In conclusion, while the culinary field values experience and skill highly, the education section of a chef's resume remains a crucial component. It provides a comprehensive view of the chef's background, formal training, and commitment to their craft.

Best certifications for your chef resume

• Certified  Executive Chef (CEC) by the American Culinary Federation (ACF)
• Certified Sous Chef (CSC) by the American Culinary Federation (ACF)
• Certified Master Chef (CMC) by the American Culinary Federation (ACF)
• ProChef Certification by the Culinary Institute of America (CIA)
• ServSafe Food Safety Certification by the National Restaurant Association

A resume summary  is a concise introduction at the top of your resume that outlines your key qualifications, skills, and achievements relevant to the job you're applying for. It aims to quickly convince employers of your suitability, showcasing your unique value and professional background in just a few sentences.

A resume objective  is a brief statement at the beginning of your resume that goes over your career goals and how you aim to contribute to the prospective employer. It highlights your aspirations, relevant skills, and why you're interested in the position, aiming to show how your objectives align with the company's goals.

So, a resume objective is forward-looking , focusing on your future aspirations  and what you hope to achieve, while a resume summary is backward-looking , emphasizing what you have already accomplished  and how that makes you a great fit for the job.

How to make a good resume summary or objective statement

A good resume summary  for a chef succinctly highlights extensive culinary experience, specialized skills in cuisine or technique, proven achievements in kitchen management or menu innovation, and a passion for culinary excellence. An effective objective statement  focuses on career goals, relevant skills, and how they align with the restaurant's mission.

Here are some examples to illustrate:

Why It's Bad : This summary lacks specificity, quantifiable achievements, and clear skills or specialties. It fails to convey the candidate's unique value or how they can contribute to a potential employer, making it less compelling and informative.

Why It's Good :  This summary is effective because it clearly outlines the chef's experience, areas of specialization, key achievements with quantifiable results, and commitment to important industry trends , making the candidate stand out.

As you can see producing an effective resume that gets you the chef’s job you’ve been dreaming about is going to take some effort and commitment… but it’s worth it! Put the time in and your resume will get you that result!

So, here’s what we takeaway:

• To be successful in your job hunt, you need to dedicate yourself to creating the best possible resume.
• It’s imperative that you follow a format and include accurate and impactful information.
• Proofread your resume several times! Simple errors could really put a potential employer off.
• If something is not relevant to your cooking career, it shouldn’t be on your resume.
• The main focus of a chef’s resume is on the skills sections. Match your skills to the ones in the job description.
• The summary or objective is your first line of offense so make it great!

Chef resume examples

Explore additional chef resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Looking to build your own Chef resume?

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Chef Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

• Resume Examples
• Resume Text Examples

How To Write a Chef Resume

• Entry-Level
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Chef Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Sybil Boyd (486) 428-7381 [email protected] 5 Linda Lane, Vienna, VA 22180

Diligent, professional, and creative line cook with three years of expertise in baking and pastry techniques. Preparation of menu items as well as innovative special orders and creation of innovative dessert items. Proven ability to work collaboratively with kitchen staff, communicate, multi-task, and follow instructions.

• Excellent food preparation and cooking techniques
• Baking and pastry techniques
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to work cooperatively with other team members

Culinary Arts and Food Services Program Lincoln Culinary Institute, Columbia, MD – May to December, 2017

Professional Experience

Pastry Line Cook, BlueFin Seafood Shack, Alexandria, VA August 2017 — Present

• Set up and stock food items and other supplies needed to adhere to established recipes and presentation for bakery items including breads and pastries
• Prepare food items, including mixing, kneading, and baking
• Cook breads, dessert items, and sauces
• Comply with food sanitation requirements and maintain cleanliness of workstation and cooking surfaces through proper handling of food, practicing appropriate food storage, and adhering to personal sanitation and hygiene rules
• Perform inventory checks to ensure that bakery is fully stocked with needed items

Cook, Chick-fil-A, Vienna, VA March 2017 — June 2017

• Manage operations of a variety of stations, including bread, grill, lemonade and fry cook in keeping with recipes, portioning, and waste control guidelines
• Collaborate with team members
• Food preparation including cutting fruit, making brownies, and cookies
• Labeled and stored raw food ingredients

Mike Kruse (425) 824-1038 [email protected] 423 Festival Road, Indianapolis, IN 46218

Professional, reliable, team-oriented chef with seven years of high-volume kitchen and custom menu food preparation experience. Ability to work under pressure and work directly with clients to create and deliver high-quality, nutritious, and attractive selection of meals. Entrepreneurial, innovative, and creative.

Private Chef, Jameson’s Elite, Indianapolis, IN February 2016 — Present

• Travel to clients’ homes throughout Indianapolis area
• Prepare meals for clients
• Design creative meal plans
• Shop for groceries and products as needed for meal preparation
• Uphold highest sanitary and cleanliness standards
• Provide clients with instructions for reheating and preparation required for provided meals

Line Cook, Elite Health Services, Indianapolis, IN February 2013 — January 2016

• Prepare and cook resident-specific meals as directed by staff dietician
• Handled and stored raw materials, cooked food, and non-food supplies
• Ordered, restocked, and maintained inventories for kitchen
• Clean, sanitized, and organized kitchen, as well as tools and other equipment
• Adhered to health department guidelines

Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts and Food Service Management Johnson & Wales University Online – 2017

Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Administration: Culinary Arts Specialty Ivy Tech Community College, Fort Wayne, IN August 2014 — May 2016

• Creative cooking skills that extend to a wide range of meals and dishes
• Meal planning
• Menu design
• Mentoring and training junior chefs
• Supplier negotiation
• Inventory management
• Kitchen staff management
• Budget management
• Communication and collaboration
• Knowledge of safety and sanitation standards
• Excellent organization

Certifications

• CSC – Certified Sous Chef, American Culinary Federation (ACF) | 2016

Caryn Feist (439) 499-3338 [email protected] 3 Hutchinson Ct., Bell, CA 90202

Executive Chef with experience overseeing multiple upscale, full-service restaurants. Eleven years of progressive responsibility in food preparation, menu development, and management of back-of-the-house operations. People oriented manager who is passionate about food, quality, and customer service, as well as motivating and mentoring team members.

Executive Chef, Lamberti’s Cucina, San Diego, CA March 2015 — Present

• Create menus and standards leading to exemplary dining experiences across four local dining establishments
• Lead and train culinary teams and ensure training material and processes enable delivery of exceptional dining experiences in all locations
• Collaborate with chef partners across the enterprise
• Liaise with supply chain management to identify potential supplier relationships
• Address quality and/or service gaps
• Develop food service equipment plans to meet budgetary goals

Sous Chef, Jenny’s House, N. Hollywood, CA January 2009 — February 2015

• Supervised food preparation and presentation to ensure quality and restaurant standards
• Worked with executive chef to maintain kitchen organization and staff ability
• Led kitchen staff when chef was unavailable
• Oversaw and organized kitchen stock and ingredients
• Kept cooking stations stocked prior to prime operation hours
• Managed food and product ordering
• Hired and trained new kitchen employees
• Minimized waste and managed budgetary concerns

Master Chef Certificate Program Chef Eric’s Culinary Classroom, Los Angeles, CA 90064 October 2009 — February 2009

Associate of Science in Culinary Arts Art Institute Of California, N. Hollywood, CA September 2016 — March 2018

• Highly developed culinary expertise
• Seasonal menu development
• Knowledge of a variety of ethnic/regional cuisines
• Development of special event menus
• Standardizing recipes to ensure consistent quality in preparation and presentation
• Strong personal work ethic
• Guest driven focus on quality, service, and overall dining experience
• Administer budget for costs of food, beverage, and labor
• Sound knowledge of FDA and major U.S. metropolitan city health code adherence
• Leadership in full-service restaurant environments
• Ability to anticipate problems and create innovative solutions
• Excellent communication skills and computer proficiency
• Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines
• CCC Certified Chef de Cuisine, American Culinary Federation (ACF) | 2018

Think of your resume as a new recipe. You have to use different ingredients in just the right amounts to create something enticing people want to be a part of. To write a chef resume that gets you noticed for your skills in cooking, managing people, creating menus, and more, use the suggestions and examples below.

1. Summarize your chef qualifications in a dynamic profile

The profile summary section of your resume should be a brief synopsis of your experience as a chef. Include what kind of restaurants you’ve worked in and menus you’ve created. Make sure to list any specialties you have, such as baking or a specific type of cuisine. Those applying for executive chef roles can highlight their management experience, and entry-level applicants can focus on their ability to work as a team with the rest of the kitchen staff.

Senior-Level Profile Example

Executive chef with experience overseeing multiple upscale, full-service restaurants. Eleven years of progressive responsibility in food preparation, menu development, and management of back-of-the-house operations. People-oriented manager who is passionate about food, quality, and customer service, as well as motivating and mentoring team members.

Entry-Level Profile Example

Diligent, professional, and creative line cook with three years of expertise in baking and pastry techniques. Preparation of menu items as well as innovative special orders and creation of innovative dessert items. Proven ability to work collaboratively with kitchen staff, communicate, multitask, and follow instructions.

2. Add a compelling section featuring your chef experience

As you create the bullets in your professional experience section, focus on your cooking qualifications and the other skills it takes to run a commercial kitchen successfully. Mention how you created new menu items that drove sales. Or how you implemented a different way to track inventory that reduced food waste. This shows a hiring manager your value goes beyond creating delicious dishes. If you’re applying to a larger establishment and will potentially be in charge of a kitchen team, add a bullet or two about your management experience.

Senior-Level Professional Experience Example

Executive Chef Lamberti’s Cucina, San Diego, CA | March 2015 – present

Entry-Level Professional Experience Example

Pastry Line Cook BlueFin Seafood Shack, Alexandria, VA | August 2017 – present

• Set up and stock food items and other supplies needed to adhere to established recipes and presentation for bakery items, including breads and pastries

3. Outline your education and chef resume-related certifications

For those moving beyond an entry-level position, the hiring manager is likely looking for a candidate with formal culinary training. It’s important to include an education section on your resume. If you studied under any well-known chefs, you could include this, even if it wasn’t through a formal degree program. It’s also a good idea to list any certifications you have, including ServSafe, especially if you are applying for a position at a large establishment, such as a hotel.

• [Degree Name]
• [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] – [Graduation Month and Year]
• Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts and Food Service Management
• Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI – May 2017
• [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
• Certified Sous Chef, American Culinary Federation (ACF), 2016

4. List chef-related skills and proficiencies

Every chef position is slightly different. But there are also large overlaps, and including some of the key skills and proficiencies it takes to be a great chef in your resume can help you be a standout candidate more quickly. Below, we’ve created a list of some of the most common key skills a hiring manager may be looking for in a chef. Include as many of these as are relevant to your experience.

How To Pick the Best Chef Resume Template

Applying for jobs can feel like full-time employment in and of itself. However, using a chef resume template can help you streamline the process, making it easier to apply for more jobs quickly. But it’s important to pick the right template. It’s generally best to stick to clean and simple designs that are easy to read. But because being a chef is a creative job, you can have a little bit more personality. Consider a template with extra small details, such as fancier dividing lines or one signature color.

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for chef resumes -.

If it seems like every bullet in the professional experience section of your resume starts with “cooked,” you’re not alone. It can be difficult to come up with a new, engaging verb for every line. But the words you use matter, and using strong action verbs for your job duties bullets can mean the difference between getting a call for an interview or a rejection email. If you’re struggling, use some of these options.

How do you align your resume with a job description? -

Due to the rapid growth of this industry, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that chef positions will grow by 15% through 2031, which is significantly faster than average. You may have an easier time finding your next position, but that’s not a reason to slack on creating targeted resumes. Every time you send out a resume, swap out or reorder key skills. Also change the action verbs in your bullets, or highlight specific qualifications to tailor your resume to the job posting as much as possible.

What is the best chef resume format? -

While the traditional reverse chronological resume format is fine for a chef position, you may consider using a combination or functional resume. These resumes often work well for more creative positions because they let you put more emphasis on your skills, proficiencies, and education. Those with more robust work histories may want to use a combination format because there is often more room for the professional experience section.

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If your resume is the cake, the cover letter is the icing and decorations. A strong cover letter complements your resume and tells a hiring manager exactly what you can offer the company and how you will help them achieve their goals. Get more tips and examples in our guide to writing a cover letter .

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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• Career Blog

Chef Resume Example & Writing Guide for 2024

As a chef seeking employment, your resume is your best shot at making a great first impression on prospective employers. Crafting a comprehensive resume that showcases your skills and experience is essential to securing your dream job in the culinary industry.

This Chef Resume Example & Writing Guide is designed to help you do just that. In this guide, you’ll learn how to create a chef resume that is tailored to your skills and experience, helping you to stand out from other applicants.

The purpose of this guide is to help you understand what makes a great chef resume, and provide you with tools and insights to craft your own. We’ll show you what you need to include, what to leave out, and how to showcase your skills and experience in the best possible light.

Importance of Crafting a Comprehensive Chef Resume

Crafting a comprehensive chef resume is incredibly important in today’s highly competitive job market. Your resume is often the first point of contact you have with potential employers and plays a significant role in determining whether or not you get an interview.

Having a well-written resume that accurately reflects your skills and experience can make all the difference in getting your foot in the door and landing your dream job in the culinary industry.

Overview of What the Guide Will Cover

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about creating a chef resume that stands out. From formatting to content to tips and tricks for tailoring your resume to specific job postings, we’ve got you covered.

Topics we’ll cover include:

• Resume formatting and layout
• What to include in your resume
• Skills and experience to highlight
• How to tailor your resume to specific job postings
• Tips for writing an effective cover letter
• Common mistakes to avoid when creating a chef resume

By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the tools you need to create a comprehensive chef resume that shows off your skills and experience in the best possible light.

Understanding the Role and Responsibilities of a Chef

When it comes to understanding the role and responsibilities of a chef, there are a few things to consider. This section will cover an overview of chef job descriptions, key skills and required qualifications for a chef, and common challenges faced by chefs.

A. Overview of Chef Job Descriptions

Chef job descriptions can vary depending on the type of establishment they work in. For example, a chef working in a fine-dining restaurant will have different duties than a chef working in a fast-food chain. However, some common duties and responsibilities of chefs include:

• Creating and modifying menus
• Overseeing kitchen operations
• Ensuring food safety and sanitation
• Managing inventory and ordering supplies
• Training and supervising kitchen staff

B. Key Skills and Required Qualifications for a Chef

To become a successful chef, there are some key skills and qualifications that are necessary. These include:

• Culinary degree or certification
• Attention to detail
• Time management
• Communication skills
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
• Ability to work in a high-stress environment

C. Common Challenges Faced by Chefs

Chefs face a variety of challenges in their day-to-day work. Some common challenges include:

• Long and irregular hours
• High-pressure and fast-paced work environment
• Physical demands (standing for long periods of time, lifting heavy equipment)
• Meeting the demands and expectations of customers
• Keeping up with new food trends and techniques

By understanding the role and responsibilities of a chef, as well as the necessary skills and qualifications and common challenges, aspiring chefs can better position themselves for success in their careers.

Formatting and Structuring an Effective Chef Resume

A well-written chef resume can make all the difference in getting the job you want. The formatting and structure of your resume are equally important as its content. Here are some tips on how to format and structure an effective chef resume.

A. Basics of Crafting a Professional Resume

The basic structure of any professional resume includes the following sections:

• Header: This section should include your name, contact information such as your phone number and email address, and your address.
• Professional Summary: This section should provide a brief overview of your skills, experiences and goals.
• Work Experience: This section should detail your past and current work experiences related to the job you’re applying for.
• Education: This section should list your academic achievements, degrees, certifications or any other relevant education you have obtained.
• Skills: This section should list your culinary and technical skills.
• References: This section should include the name and contact information of references who can vouch for your capabilities and work ethics.

B. Tailoring Your Chef Resume to the Job Listing

Crafting a customized chef resume is necessary to increase your chances of getting hired. You need to tailor your resume based on the job you’re applying for by highlighting relevant experiences and skills.

Review the job listing and look for the required qualifications, and then highlight those in your chef resume. You might also want to reflect on what the job entails and tailor your resume to indicate how you can excel in that particular job.

C. Importance of Keywords and Action Verbs in Chef Resumes

Using the right keywords and action verbs throughout your chef resume can increase your resume’s visibility to hiring managers and recruiters. Keywords and action verbs highlight your skills, experiences, and achievements throughout your resume.

Identify important keywords related to the job and include them in your chef resume wherever relevant. Action verbs such as “managed,” “created,” “implemented,” and “increased” demonstrate your skills and proficiency in the culinary industry.

Formatting and structuring are key elements to ensure your chef resume catches the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. Tailoring your resume to the job listing and emphasizing vital keywords and action verbs will make it stand out from the rest. Follow these tips to craft an effective chef resume and increase your chances of getting hired.

Essential Components of a Chef Resume

Your chef resume is your chance to showcase your experience and expertise in the culinary arts, so it’s important to create a resume that highlights your skills and sets you apart from the competition. Here are the essential components of a chef resume:

A. Contact Information and Personal Summary

The first thing that should be included on your chef resume are your contact information and personal summary. Make sure to include your full name, phone number, and email address so potential employers can easily contact you. Your personal summary should be a brief paragraph that highlights your experience and expertise in the culinary industry.

B. Professional Experience

Your professional experience should be the most detailed section of your chef resume. Include the names of the restaurants or establishments where you worked, the dates you were employed, and your job titles. Also, be sure to highlight your specific responsibilities and achievements at each job, including any promotions or awards you received. If you have experience working in Michelin-starred restaurants, be sure to mention it here.

C. Education and Certifications

While formal education is not always necessary for a career in the culinary arts, it can be helpful to mention any diplomas, degrees or certifications you’ve earned. Include the name of the institution where you earned your degree or certification, and the dates you attended. Also, mention any specialized training or culinary courses you’ve taken.

D. Skills and Abilities

As a chef, you undoubtedly have a wide range of skills and abilities in the kitchen. Create a section dedicated to showcasing these skills, such as knife skills, plating techniques, and flavor profiles. Be sure to mention any specialty cuisines you have experience in, such as French, Italian or Asian.

E. Awards and Accomplishments

Lastly, make sure to include any awards or accomplishments you’ve received throughout your career. This could include culinary competitions you’ve won, industry awards you’ve received, or any articles or publications that have featured your work.

Your chef resume should be a comprehensive representation of your experience and expertise in the culinary arts. By following these essential components and tailoring your resume to the position you are applying for, you’ll improve your chances of landing your dream chef job.

Writing the Chef Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide

As a chef, your resume plays a crucial role in your job search process. The interviewers will rely on your resume to assess your skills, experience, and suitability for the job. Therefore, it’s crucial to craft an eye-catching chef resume that can help you stand out from the competition. Here are some tips to help you achieve that:

A. Tips for Writing an Eye-Catching Chef Resume

• Start with a compelling summary – Your summary should highlight your experience, skills, and achievements in a concise, easy-to-read manner. It should be the first thing that catches the interviewer’s attention.
• Use action verbs to describe your achievements – Use strong and clear action verbs to describe your previous work experience. Choose action verbs that highlight your accomplishments, like “developed,” “led,” “managed,” and “increased.”
• Highlight your skills – Make sure to list your top culinary skills, including cooking techniques, food safety knowledge, and creative plating. Use keywords that employers are looking for in the job posting.
• Quantify your achievements – Use specific numbers and statistics to showcase your achievements. For example, instead of saying “improved kitchen efficiency,” say “increased kitchen efficiency by 35%.”
• Tailor your resume to the job – Customize your resume according to the job posting. Make sure to highlight the skills and experiences that the employer is looking for.

B. How to Showcase Your Achievements and Skills on a Chef Resume

Here are some tips on how to highlight your achievements and skills on your chef resume:

• Use the right format – Choose a format that works best for you. For example, a chronological resume format can work well if you have a solid work history. On the other hand, a functional resume format can work well if you have limited work experience but are highly skilled.
• Include a section on notable achievements – Consider including a section on your resume that showcases your most notable achievements. This could be a dish you created that received rave reviews, or an award you received in a cooking competition.
• Spotlight your specialties – If you have specialized knowledge, like wine pairing or gluten-free cooking, make sure to highlight it on your resume.
• Showcase your creativity – If you’re known for your creative plating or unique flavor combinations, consider including a section that showcases your creativity.
• Share your passion – Employers want to see that you’re passionate about cooking. Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for cooking and your commitment to providing excellent culinary experiences.

Chef Resume Examples and Templates

When it comes to finding a job in the culinary industry, a well-crafted resume is crucial. It not only showcases your skills and experience but also demonstrates your passion for the art of cooking. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a beginner in the field, here are some tips and resources to help you create a winning chef resume.

A. Sample Chef Resumes for Different Experience Levels

As a chef, your experience is the most critical aspect of your resume. You need to highlight your skills and achievements in a way that convinces potential employers that you are the right fit for the job. To help you get started, here are some sample chef resumes for different experience levels:

1. Entry-Level Chef Resume

This sample resume is perfect for beginners, graduates of culinary schools or apprenticeships, and those with minimal experience in the industry.

123 Main Street, City, State, ZIP Phone: (123) 456-7890 Email:  [email protected]

Passionate culinary school graduate with a strong foundation in culinary techniques and a desire to learn and grow in the industry. Committed to delivering high-quality dishes and providing excellent customer service. Eager to contribute to a dynamic culinary team.

• Coursework: Culinary Fundamentals, Food Safety and Sanitation, Baking and Pastry Arts
• Knife skills and food preparation techniques
• Basic cooking methods and techniques
• Ingredient knowledge and flavor combinations
• Ability to follow recipes and instructions accurately
• Strong work ethic and ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Assisted with food preparation and plating under the guidance of experienced chefs
• Maintained cleanliness and sanitation of workstations
• Collaborated with the kitchen team to ensure timely and accurate service

2. Sous Chef Resume

This resume is tailored for chefs who have several years of experience working as a sous chef and are now looking to move up the career ladder.

456 Oak Street, City, State, ZIP Phone: (123) 456-7890 Email:  [email protected]

Experienced sous chef with a proven track record of assisting executive chefs in managing kitchen operations and leading culinary teams. Strong culinary skills, creativity, and attention to detail. Adept at maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency.

• Collaborated with executive chef in menu planning, recipe development, and food cost management
• Oversaw food preparation, ensuring consistent quality and presentation
• Trained and mentored junior kitchen staff
• Managed inventory and controlled food costs
• Ensured compliance with food safety and sanitation regulations
• Culinary Arts Certificate, ABC Culinary Institute, Year
• Associate Degree in Culinary Arts, DEF Community College, Year
• Menu planning and recipe development
• Food preparation and cooking techniques
• Team leadership and staff training
• Inventory management and cost control
• Strong communication and organizational skills

3. Executive Chef Resume

This sample is suitable for experienced chefs who have held senior positions in reputable restaurants or kitchens.

Michael Johnson

789 Elm Street, City, State, ZIP Phone: (123) 456-7890 Email:  [email protected]

Highly accomplished executive chef with a successful career in leading upscale culinary establishments. Proven expertise in creating innovative menus, managing kitchen operations, and delivering exceptional dining experiences. Skilled in team leadership, food cost management, and culinary creativity.

• Developed and implemented creative menus showcasing seasonal and locally sourced ingredients
• Oversaw kitchen operations, ensuring high standards of quality, consistency, and efficiency
• Managed a team of chefs and kitchen staff, providing guidance and training
• Maintained cost control measures and optimized food and labor costs
• Collaborated with front-of-house staff to deliver exceptional customer service
• Bachelor of Culinary Arts, GHI Culinary School, Year
• Certified Executive Chef (CEC), American Culinary Federation
• Menu development and culinary creativity
• Kitchen management and team leadership
• Food cost analysis and budgeting
• Supplier management and ingredient sourcing
• Excellent communication and organizational skills

4. Pastry Chef Resume

A pastry chef requires a particular set of skills and experience. This pastry chef resume showcases their expertise in creating and producing delicious desserts and pastries.

Sarah Thompson

321 Maple Avenue, City, State, ZIP Phone: (123) 456-7890 Email:  [email protected]

Talented and creative pastry chef with a passion for crafting exquisite desserts and pastries. Skilled in various baking techniques and experienced in managing pastry operations. Committed to delivering visually stunning and delicious creations that delight customers.

• Created and executed a wide range of pastries, cakes, and desserts with exceptional taste and presentation
• Developed new recipes and adapted existing ones to meet customer preferences and dietary restrictions
• Managed pastry production, including inventory control, ordering ingredients, and ensuring timely delivery of products
• Trained and supervised pastry team members, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment
• Maintained high standards of cleanliness and food safety in the pastry department
• Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts, ABC Culinary Institute, Year
• Advanced Pastry Techniques Certification, DEF Pastry Academy, Year
• Proficient in various baking techniques, including dough preparation, cake decorating, and chocolate work
• Knowledgeable in flavor combinations and dessert presentation
• Strong attention to detail and ability to execute intricate designs
• Familiarity with pastry equipment and tools

Certifications

• Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC), American Culinary Federation
• Food Safety Manager Certification, Year

Additional Information

• Portfolio: [Link to portfolio website or attached portfolio samples]
• References: Available upon request

B. Templates for Creating Chef Resumes

Creating a professional chef resume can seem daunting, and that’s where templates come in. A template can provide a structure for your resume and ensure that it is well-organized and easy to read. Here are some templates to consider:

Classic Chef Resume Template: This template is perfect for chefs looking for a traditional, elegant design.

Modern Chef Resume Template: This template has a contemporary look and feel with bright colors and modern fonts.

Creative Chef Resume Template: For those who want to stand out, a creative resume template is a great option. This template allows you to showcase your personality and individuality through design.

C. Best Practices for Customizing a Template to Your Specific Needs

While templates can be a great starting point for creating your chef resume, it is essential to customize them to your specific needs. Here are some best practices to follow when customizing a template:

Tailor the resume to the job description: read the job description carefully and include relevant skills and experiences.

Use keywords: Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes for relevant keywords, so be sure to include them.

Highlight your accomplishments: Use quantitative data to show your achievements, such as how many people you cooked for or how much revenue you generated for a previous employer.

Keep it concise and easy to read: Employers don’t have time to read long resumes, so keep it concise and easy to scan.

A well-crafted chef resume can set you apart from the competition and help you land your dream culinary job.

How to Make Your Chef Resume Stand Out

As a chef, your resume should highlight your skills and experiences in the culinary world. However, to make your resume stand out, here are three tips you should consider:

A. Optimize Your Chef Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

With a growing number of recruiters and hiring managers relying on technology to screen resumes, it’s crucial to ensure your resume is optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS). To do this, make sure your resume uses relevant keywords and phrases specific to the chef industry. Also, avoid using images or fancy formatting that may not be detected by the ATS software.

B. Showcasing Your Personality and Passion for Cooking

Beyond your skills and experiences, it’s important to showcase your personality and passion for cooking in your resume. Consider including a memorable headline or summary that captures your love for cooking or highlighting any awards and recognition you’ve received for your culinary creations. Also, list any hobbies or interests related to cooking, such as volunteering at a local soup kitchen or hosting cooking classes, to showcase your dedication to the culinary arts.

C. Importance of a Strong Professional Network

In the culinary industry, networking is everything. A strong professional network not only provides access to job opportunities but also valuable insights and mentorship from seasoned chefs. To highlight your network, include any relevant professional memberships, industry events you attended, or any collaboration with other chefs in your resume. Additionally, having great references will reassure potential employers of your abilities and help you stand out from the competition.

Optimizing your chef resume for applicant tracking systems, showcasing your passion, and highlighting your professional network are three key ways to make your resume stand out as a chef. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to landing your dream job in the culinary world.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Writing Your Chef Resume

As a professional chef, your resume is one of the most important parts of your job search. It’s your chance to showcase your skills, experience, and accomplishments to potential employers. However, even the most talented chefs can make mistakes when it comes to writing their resumes. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

A. Grammatical and Spelling Errors

Nothing undermines your credibility as a chef more than grammatical and spelling errors in your resume. To avoid this mistake, make sure you proofread your resume carefully before submitting it. Use a spell-checker, but don’t rely on it entirely. Always ask someone else to read your resume to catch any typos or errors you might have missed.

B. Including Irrelevant Information

Another common mistake that chefs make is including irrelevant information in their resumes. For example, you might be tempted to include your hobbies or personal interests, but this information is not relevant to your job as a chef. Instead, focus on highlighting your professional experience, skills, and accomplishments.

C. Lack of Specificity

One of the biggest mistakes that chefs make when writing their resumes is not being specific enough about their experience and accomplishments. For example, instead of saying you “managed a kitchen,” be specific about what you did to manage the kitchen, such as “developed and executed menus, managed inventory and ordering, and trained kitchen staff.” This specificity helps you stand out as a unique candidate and demonstrates your professional capabilities.

Your chef resume is your opportunity to showcase your skills, experience, and accomplishments to potential employers. By avoiding common mistakes like grammatical and spelling errors, including irrelevant information, and lack of specificity, you can improve your chances of landing your dream job in the culinary world.

Preparing for a Chef Job Interview

As a chef, your culinary skills and experience are the main focus of your job interview. However, it’s important to also present a professional appearance and demeanor. This section will cover the do’s and don’ts of chef interview attire, tips for preparing for a chef job interview, and common chef interview questions and how to answer them.

A. Do’s and Don’ts of Chef Interview Attire

• Wear clean and pressed chef whites or black attire with a chef’s hat or hair neatly tied back.
• Choose appropriate and comfortable footwear such as non-slip shoes or clogs.
• Keep jewelry, perfume/cologne, and makeup minimal and avoid dangling earrings or long necklaces that may pose a safety hazard in the kitchen.

DON’T:

• Wear wrinkled or stained clothing or shoes.
• Show up in casual attire such as shorts or jeans.
• Overdo it with bold patterns, bright colors, or excessive jewelry and accessories.

Remember that your attire should reflect your professionalism, passion for cooking, and commitment to hygiene and safety.

B. Tips for Preparing for a Chef Job Interview

• Research the restaurant or establishment beforehand to show your interest and knowledge of their cuisine, ethos, and values.
• Practice your cooking techniques and prepare a few signature dishes to showcase your skills and creativity.
• Bring a physical or digital portfolio with photos of your past culinary projects, menus, and references.
• Be ready to discuss your strengths and weaknesses, leadership and teamwork skills, and willingness to learn and adapt.
• Show enthusiasm and confidence but also humility and respect towards the interviewer(s) and their standards.

C. Common Chef Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

• What influenced your decision to become a chef?

Answer: Share your passion for food, creativity, cultural exposure, and lifelong learning. Mention any mentors, travels, or personal experiences that shaped your culinary journey.

• What are the key ingredients of a successful kitchen team?

Answer: Emphasize communication, collaboration, respect, and a shared vision and goal. Use examples from your previous teamwork experiences to illustrate your leadership and problem-solving skills.

• Can you walk us through a difficult situation you faced in the kitchen and how you handled it?

Answer: Be honest and transparent about the situation and your response. Showcase your ability to remain calm under pressure, communicate effectively, and find solutions that prioritize quality and safety.

A chef job interview is an opportunity to showcase not only your culinary skills but also your professionalism, passion, and potential as a team player and leader. By following the guidelines and tips outlined above, you’ll increase your chances of impressing the interviewer(s) and landing your dream chef job.

Salary Expectations and Career Prospects for Chefs

As a chef, you may be wondering what your salary expectations could be and what career prospects are available. This section will cover the average salary of chefs in the United States, factors that affect chef salaries, and different career paths chefs can pursue.

A. Average Salary of Chefs in the United States

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for chefs and head cooks in the United States was $51,530 as of May 2020. The lowest 10 percent of chefs earned less than $28,370 annually, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $86,990 annually.

B. Factors That Affect Chef Salaries

Several factors can affect a chef’s salary, including their experience, education, and the type of restaurant they work in. For example, a chef working in a high-end restaurant is likely to earn more than a chef working in a fast-food establishment.

Moreover, chefs who have completed culinary school or have years of work experience can expect higher salaries. Additionally, chefs who work in metropolitan areas tend to earn higher salaries than their counterparts in rural areas due to the higher cost of living.

C. Different Career Paths for Chefs

Chefs can pursue various career paths beyond working in a restaurant kitchen. Some of these career paths include:

Personal Chef: A personal chef works for individuals or families and prepares customized meals according to their specific dietary needs or preferences.

Catering Chef: A catering chef plans and prepares meals for large events such as weddings, corporate conferences, and other gatherings.

Research and Development Chef: A research and development chef creates and tests new recipes and food products for food manufacturing companies.

Food Critic: A food critic writes reviews of restaurants and culinary experiences for publications such as magazines, newspapers, and websites.

Food Writer: A food writer creates and writes about recipes, trends, and culinary experiences for various publications and outlets.

The salary expectations and career prospects for chefs can vary depending on several factors. While the average salary for chefs in the United States is modest, chefs can earn higher incomes through experience, education, and working in high-end restaurants. Moreover, chefs can pursue various career paths beyond restaurant kitchens, ranging from personal chefs to food writers to research and development chefs.

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Chef Resume & Writing Guide

Seeking a new chef position? With hundreds of other chefs looking for a new position daily, you need to make sure your resume will stand out by being both informative and intriguing. It is therefore important to first look at other chef resume sample(s), to see what kind of resumes you need to level.

We have a few impressive resume samples and a step-by-step how-to guide too to help you out. So, let's get you started!

What you can read in this article

12 Chef Resume Sample(s)

Or download these examples in PDF at the bottom of this page for free

What to Highlight

Depending on how far along you are in your career, you are going to want to highlight different things. For both beginners and seasoned veterans, it is important to clearly identify the type of restaurants you have worked in. This includes the type of cuisine, for example, American, French, or Italian, as well as the type of service, for example, casual dining or fine dining. This information should be included in both your summary/objective, as well as in each position description. If you aren’t sure what type of service you have worked in, you can review the breakdown below:

Fast Food: Emphasis on the speed of service. This could range from a food cart to a corporate chain. Food is not ordered from a table, but rather from a counter. Examples of fast-food restaurants include McDonald's, Wendy’s, and Burger King. We would call someone preparing food in McDonald's not a chef, but a crew member.

Fast Casual: Slightly higher quality of food than that of a fast-food restaurant. Orders are still taken at a counter, not at a table. The food is prepared fresh in-house daily. Examples of fast-casual restaurants include chains like Chipotle, Moe’s, and Panera Bread.

Casual Dining: Serves mid-range priced foods in a casual setting. Orders are taken at a table by a server. Casual dining restaurants typically have a full-bar. Examples include TGI Friday’s, Cracker Barrel, and Olive Garden.

Fine Fining: Full-service restaurants with dedicated meal courses. Higher-end décor and prices. Often have dress code rules, in addition to strict guidelines restaurant staff to follow.

The other important thing to highlight is any areas of specialty that you possess. Most kitchens are divided into types of food (grill, cold bar, desserts, etc.) so be sure to specify what part of the kitchen you feel most comfortable in.

Chef Position Titles

Remember to use the correct position title when describing your past employment. It is also essential to be clear with employers about the types of positions you are interested in moving forward. Below are the most common chef position titles, including a brief overview of their responsibilities.

Executive Chef: Responsible for directing and overseeing the entire operations of the kitchen. Typically, creates the menu. Manages all kitchen staff, including hiring, training, and scheduling. Controls inventory and relationships with suppliers. Similar titles for this position include Head Chef, Master Chef, and Chef Manager.

Sous-Chef: Second in command, working directly with the Executive Chef. Takes over the main responsibilities when the Executive Chef is off-duty. Supervises the work of the kitchen staff.

Line Cook: In charge of one particular area of the kitchen. Line cooks can be broken down into additional titles, including sauce chef (saucier), break cook (Boulanger), deep fry cook (fruitier), cold food cook (pantry chef), and soup chef (potager). Similar titles for this position include Chef de Partie and Station Chef.

Range Chef: One of the most basic chefs ( cook ) in the kitchen. Often a recent graduate or someone who is still undergoing training. Typically, works directly under a Line Cook in one specific area of the kitchen.

The Complete Chef Resume Writing Guide

Resume sections.

Contact Information:

• Phone Number

Profile: 1 – 3 sentences giving a broad overview of your profession, years of experience in the industry, and specific areas of specialty (ex. Fresh Pasta, Baking, Grill)

Skills Summary/Key Skills: List of key skills that you possess that are also found in the job posting

Employment History: Showcase your past places of employment and include a list of your daily responsibilities. If you are new to the restaurant industry, you can add other employment (ex. Sales Executive, Customer Service Agent, etc.) to show you have work experience. If you have been in the industry for a while, only include your cooking experience.

Education/Licenses/Certifications/Relevant Coursework/Training: List any training classes, food service certifications, and relevant workshops that you have received. It is not necessary to have any kind of diploma or education to work in the food service industry. The exception to this is that some fine dining establishments might require you to have formal training.

Chef Skill Sets & Responsibilities

Whether you are just starting your career, or are a seasoned veteran, employers are expecting you to be familiar with the basics. To make sure your resume is what employers are looking for, try incorporating these things:

• Cutting and weighing ingredients to prepare for the shift
• Cooking meals for customers, paying special attention to requests and food allergies
• Staying in constant communication with FOH team
• Investigating customer complaints and remaking meals, when necessary
• Constantly monitoring inventory and ordering or prepping additional products
• Consistently keeping a clean and sanitized workspace
• Complying with all food safety and sanitation guidelines

As you become more advanced in your career, employers are also looking for you to do the following things. Advanced chefs, try incorporating these into your resume:

• Directing the preparation and cooking of salads, appetizers, meats, and desserts by allocating tasks to the appropriate kitchen team members
• Creating special menu items for the day
• Scheduling the kitchen staff to make sure all shifts are covered
• Training new chefs and facilitating shadow days
• Utilizing product and labor costs to price items on the menu
• Checking all produce and supplies for quality
• Managing relationships with suppliers and vendors

Quantifying Your Resume

Employers love numbers because it makes your experience feel more tangible. When writing your resume, if you can answer the questions, “How much?” or “How many? ”, you should try to include that number.

For instance:

• How many plates did you prepare per day?
• How much homemade pasta did you make per shift?
• How many special cuts of meat did you prepare each shift?
• How many chefs work in the kitchen with you?

The Importance of Soft Skills

As a chef, technical skills are the most important, but it is also important to possess some soft skills as well. To show employers that you have the soft skills they are looking for, try to incorporate these into your profile, key skills, and cover letter sections:

• Hardworking

Action Verbs

Never make your professional experience sound like a passive list of daily tasks. Instead, help potential employers envision you performing the job by using these chef-specific action verbs:

Related Cover Letters

Click to download a chef cover letter example .

Chef Resume Downloads in PDF, JPEG

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Chef Resume Example (Free Guide)

Create an chef resume that lands you the interview with our free examples and writing tips. use and customize our template and land an interview today..

Welcome to our Chef Resume Example article! Here, you will find a comprehensive guide to crafting a resume that will help you stand out from the competition and land your dream job as a chef. We will explain the basics of creating a strong resume, and provide tips from industry experts on how to make yours stand out. We will also provide a downloadable resume sample for you to refer to as you create your own. Read on to get started!

We will cover:

• How to write a resume , no matter your industry or job title.
• What to put on a resume to stand out.
• The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
• How to build a resume fast with our professional Resume Builder .
• What a resume template is, and why you should use it.

What does a Chef do?

A chef is responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting food in a professional and appealing manner. This includes menu planning, food preparation, garnishing, and food presentation. Additionally, a chef may also be responsible for managing the kitchen staff, ordering supplies, and maintaining the kitchen’s cleanliness and sanitation standards.

• Experienced Bartender Resume Sample
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• Chef Resume Sample
• Experienced Cook Resume Sample
• Food Production Worker Resume Sample
• Pastry Chef Resume Sample
• Pastry Cook Resume Sample

What are some responsibilities of a Chef?

• Planning and executing menus
• Preparing and cooking meals
• Managing kitchen staff
• Ordering ingredients and supplies
• Monitoring and controlling food costs
• Ensuring food safety and hygiene regulations are met
• Creating special dishes and menu items
• Training kitchen staff
• Managing stock levels
• Developing new recipes

Sample Chef Resume for Inspiration

Name: Chef John Doe

Personal Details: Male, 32 years old, married, 2 children

Summary: Chef John Doe is a highly talented and experienced chef with more than 10 years of experience in the culinary field. He is passionate about creating dishes that tantalize the taste buds of his clients and is constantly looking for new and innovative ways to prepare meals. He is also experienced in managing a kitchen and supervising other kitchen staff.

Work Experience:

• Executive Chef - Fine Dining Restaurant, 2018 - Present
• Sous Chef - Upscale Restaurant, 2015 - 2018
• Line Cook - Casual Dining Restaurant, 2011 - 2015

Education: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts, University of California, 2009

Skills: Menu development, food safety and sanitation, kitchen management, team leadership, recipe creation, plating and presentation, cost management

Certifications: ServSafe Certified, Certified Food and Beverage Executive

Languages: English, Spanish

Resume tips for Chef

Creating a perfect, career-launching resume is no easy task. Following general writing rules can help, but it is also smart to get advice tailored to your specific job search. When you’re new to the employment world, you need Chef resume tips. We collected the best tips from seasoned Chef - Check out their advice to not only make your writing process easier but also increase your chances of creating a resume that piques the interest of prospective employers.

• Highlight relevant experience and skills
• Include a professional profile section
• Include your certifications or awards
• Mention specialties or unique recipes
• Include a list of references

Chef Resume Summary Examples

A Chef Resume Summary or Resume Objective provides employers with a quick snapshot of your credentials and relevant experience. It can be used to demonstrate your culinary expertise and show employers that you possess the skills necessary for the position. A well-crafted resume summary or objective can also help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of securing an interview. For Example:

• Experienced Chef with 10+ years in the industry. Skilled in creating complex and innovative dishes, managing staff and kitchen operations, and maintaining exceptional standards of hygiene.
• Highly creative Chef with a flair for developing unique and flavourful dishes. Experienced in managing large kitchens and teams of staff.
• Accomplished Chef with 15+ years of experience in culinary arts. Skilled in creating high-end meals and managing kitchen operations.
• Talented Chef with a proven track record of creating delicious dishes. Knowledgeable in staff management, kitchen operations, and sanitation protocols.
• Seasoned Chef with a strong background in preparing fine-dining cuisine. Skilled in managing staff, ordering supplies, and developing new recipes.

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your Chef Resume

Building a strong experience section for a chef resume is important for any job seeker in the culinary industry. It is the most important part of the resume and will be read carefully by employers. A strong experience section will demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and expertise in the culinary arts. It should include detailed descriptions of your prior work in the kitchen, including any awards or recognition you have received. This section should also showcase your creativity and ability to work with various ingredients and techniques. By providing an accurate and in-depth description of your prior experience, employers will be able to better understand the extent of your culinary abilities. For Example:

• Developed new recipes and menus to meet customer needs and dietary requirements.
• Planned and prepared meals in accordance with established standards and procedures.
• Monitored food production and supervised kitchen staff to ensure high-quality food service.
• Maintained a clean and safe kitchen environment in compliance with local health regulations.
• Ensured accurate and timely ordering of food supplies and kitchen equipment.
• Managed kitchen staff, including hiring, scheduling, and training.
• Developed and implemented cost-saving measures to maximize operational efficiency.
• Provided direction, guidance, and coaching to kitchen staff to ensure quality performance.
• Created and maintained accurate records of inventory, recipes, and production schedules.
• Inspected food supplies, equipment, and work areas to ensure conformance to standards.

Chef resume education example

A Chef should have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as formal training from a culinary school or apprenticeship program. Additionally, a Chef should have a thorough knowledge of food safety and sanitation protocols, as well as the ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure kitchen environment. Additionally, experience in the kitchen is always beneficial for aspiring Chefs. Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a Chef resume:

• Certificate in Professional Cookery, ABC Culinary Institute, 2020
• Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate, DEF Restaurant Association, 2019
• Diploma in Culinary Arts, GHI University, 2018
• Basic Food Preparation and Cooking Certificate, JKL College, 2017

Chef Skills for a Resume

Adding skills to a Chef Resume is important because it allows employers to quickly identify the abilities of a potential candidate. By highlighting specific skills, employers can more easily determine whether the candidate is a good fit for the position. This also helps employers to narrow down the pool of applicants and focus their search on the most qualified individuals. Examples of skills that may be included in a Chef Resume include culinary techniques, food safety knowledge, menu creation and planning, and customer service experience. Soft Skills:

• Organization
• Time Management
• Communication
• Adaptability
• Stress Management
• Problem Solving
• Multi-Tasking
• Food Preparation
• Menu Design
• Cooking Techniques
• Kitchen Management
• Cost Control
• Safety Procedures
• Recipe Development
• Inventory Management
• Food Presentation
• HACCP Compliance

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Chef Resume

In this competitive job market, employers receive an average of 180 applications for each open position. To process these resumes, companies often rely on automated applicant tracking systems, which can sift through resumes and eliminate the least qualified applicants. If your resume is among the few that make it past these bots, it must still impress the recruiter or hiring manager. With so many applications coming in, recruiters typically give each resume only 5 seconds of their attention before deciding whether to discard it. Considering this, it's best to avoid including any distracting information on your application that could cause it to be thrown away. To help make sure your resume stands out, review the list below of what you should not include on your job application.

• Not including a cover letter. A cover letter is a great way to explain why you are the best candidate for the job and why you want the position.
• Using too much jargon. Hiring managers do not want to read a resume full of technical terms that they do not understand.
• Omitting important details. Make sure to include your contact information, educational background, job history, and any relevant skills and experiences.
• Using a generic template. Take the time to customize your resume to the job you are applying for. This will show the employer that you are serious about the position.
• Spelling and grammar errors. Always double-check your resume for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors.
• Focusing too much on duties. Make sure to include accomplishments and successes to show the employer that you are a great candidate.
• Including personal information. Avoid including any personal information such as age, marital status, or religious beliefs.

Key takeaways for a Chef resume

• Highlight experience with Chef automation tools and practices
• Include technical skills and certifications, such as AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate
• Demonstrate knowledge of and experience with scripting languages such as Bash, Python, Ruby
• Detail experience with the Chef ecosystem, including configuration management, orchestration, and deployment
• Showcase communication and collaboration skills
• List roles and responsibilities that demonstrate your ability to manage Chef infrastructure
• Demonstrate an understanding of infrastructure security and compliance best practices

Write a Chef Resume That Sizzles (and Gets You Hired!)

Every hard-working candidate in culinary arts hopes to hear this at least once in their career span: “Give my compliments to the chef”. The eternal bliss of this moment takes time and persistence, and it all starts from making a Chef Resume .

All resume examples in this guide

It takes much more than just mixing a bunch of ingredients on a low flame to become a well-renowned chef, you must stand out. It’s like carefully following a recipe for food preparation.

Similarly, writing a chef resume is not about throwing everything you’ve collected in the past years on a sheet of paper, but smartly allocating every ingredient you have and making the best out of it to land your dream job.

A dish can taste like heaven but if it doesn’t look good, it loses its essence.

Creating an executive chef resume is a marketing tool. It does not contain your menu items, rather it’s a recipe for your signature dish. Everything you write on your resume must prove your ability to work and perform.

Essential Sections for a Chef Resume

A chef resume might seem like any other resume to the normal eye but the employers in hotels and restaurants can easily filter out the standard, no-effort resumes which are just a simple copy-paste of chef resume examples from a plain resume template.

The sections in your executive chef resume recipe are the “spices” of your signature dish. They need to be prepared in a certain order and in the perfect placement to taste the way you want.

A chef resume must include the following sections to get better visibility: -

• Skills (soft skills/technical skills)
• Certifications
• Projects (If any)
• Interests/Hobbies

We arranged the order of the above sections in your resume for candidates with decent work experience. If you’re relatively new to the field and have only done odd jobs, replace the section “experience” with “education”. This way, you’ll emphasize your present qualifications and potential.

Choose Your Chef Resume Template Wisely

A resume template is like a recipe, and the end result is the dish (resume). No matter how experienced you are, a bad template can be a major turnoff for employers and hiring managers, hence reducing your chances of getting hired.

Finding the right template is usually easier said than done. You can find 100s of average resumes online, but many don't make the grade.

To save you from that hassle, the experts in our team have crafted cook resume sample for the perfect chef candidate out there, designed specifically to get you noticed. Looking at our resume templates can inspire you.

Chef Resume Format

Now that you have the template, you’ve put the vessel on the stove. But you always spread the food items evenly, don’t you?

Here comes the formatting! Good formatting is key to decluttering your resume and making a good impression.

Types of Chef Resume Formatting: -

By default, while editing resumes, the text editing software gives large empty spaces to the document.

Thus, to avoid making a 2-3 page resume, always reduce your template margins and fill the large, empty white spaces, leaving room for aesthetics.

The sections of your resume must follow the order mentioned above, moving harmoniously. Also, don’t forget to separate the headings from the general text, i.e. the sections must be of bigger font size and bold so that they’re easily recognizable.

Never use big paragraphs in your chef resume. Considered a rookie mistake, writing large paragraphs can clutter your resume, making it harder to read and consume more time. If you plan on providing details, always use bullets to improve precision.

The division is usually for resumes with over one page. Even though we highly recommend you to not exceed your resume by one page. If you do, divide the text evenly i.e. while writing something, be vigilant before proceeding to the second page, you always finish the text on the first document.

While writing your resume, always stay crystal clear about the font type and size and follow that exact pattern throughout the whole resume. Using multiple fonts of different sizes shows indecisiveness.

Professional Summary for a Chef Resume

Consider your professional summary in your executive chef resume as your sales pitch.

You can explain a little more in-depth in your cover letter.

The summary is like a small resume in itself. It’s a statement. It briefly covers almost all the important parts of your resume and captures your aim for the chef jobs you want to apply for.

A well-written professional summary never exceeds around 5 lines, as brevity plays a major role.

The pattern usually starts with how much experience you have (if any, as an executive chef, head chef, or sous chef), followed by writing about either the job you’re looking for, or further explaining your goals, and finishing it with your most important skills.

Chef Resume Summary Examples

No matter how experienced you are, if you ruin the base ingredient, things can go sideways.

The following are examples of an executive chef resume summary. Have a look at the following examples which will leave the recruiter delighted by their words.

Classically trained Chef and Culinary Professional with 7 years of dedicated service experience. Proven leader skilled in building high-performing teams. Committed to delivering exceptional customer service, supervising operations, and delivering culinary excellence. Dedicated to food safety and quality food service. Ability to drive sales, reduce costs, and increase profits.

Experienced chef. Hard working, team player seeking new position. Self-starter, motivated and dedicated with a proven track record. Salary negotiable.

Enthusiastic and dedicated Chef with expertise in delivering top-quality customer service. Detailed knowledge of international cuisines, and highly skilled at working in high-pressure, quick-changing restaurant environments for customers expecting the highest standards.

Extensive knowledge of sourcing organic ingredients to provide high-quality produce.

Future head chefs and sous chef! We’ll never leave you stranded. Here’s a chef resume example for the people who have very little to no experience but are equally qualified and motivated.

Talented and creative Chef with exceptional skill in grilling, roasting, and broiling meat and vegetables.

Ambitious with expertise in ethnic cuisine. Creative with impressive reputation specializing in international cuisine. Knowledgeable of current systems strategies and safe cooking regulations.

Seeking new position with company wishing to develop new brand recognition

For the fresh graduates out there with minimal work experience, try to emphasize your skills and your utmost willingness in your resume, to be loyal to the restaurant/hotel and grow with them.

The recruiter must feel the sincerity in your words that you’re willing to give your 100% to the job and not only act as an asset but rather an appreciating one.

Describe Your Work Experience As A Chef

Be it for an executive chef position or junior chef, having more experience in the kitchen always pushes your resume up to the top of the resume pile, increasing your chances of getting recognized.

Let’s rewind a little to the spices analogy. If experience is the ‘spices’ of your resume, then including too many can spoil the dish.

Having a lot of experience is great, but adding everything to your resume means the important ingredients are lost. Instead, try being an amazing chef and use the perfect amount of spices to cook the dish just right.

Now the question arises, what kind of experience shall you put on your resume to increase your chances of success? Whether it’s a restaurant job, hotel job or internship.

No matter how big or small, from food preparation to guest relations, always put your latest experience first, whether it’s an internship or a chef job. Don’t forget to follow a timeline.

Always follow a “one-liner” approach while describing your job activities, i.e. the information you want to project should always be written in one line.

Duties and Responsibilities

Explaining your work ex can be a tricky part as you undertake so many activities during your tenure, from kitchen operations to dining services, that it becomes a dilemma which information should you give more importance to. Let us quickly show you the pattern in which you as a candidate should explain your roles and responsibilities, based on our resume examples: -

• Always use bullet points to explain your activities
• Your explanation should usually be less than 2 lines
• Keep it precise like your recipe’s ingredients.
• Try to always add a numerical value in the first line to emphasize your talent
• Follow it up by mentioning an activity where you showed leadership at your job, like mentoring a member of your team, or a tactic you used to handle the kitchen staff or being responsible for the department of health.
• If you had any major achievements, like creating menus, etc write that in the third sentence.
• Usually, the 4th line should be the end where you mention your innovative ideas that were a big hit, as it shows initiation and leadership.

Education Section

Education is one of the most important sections of a head chef resume, but a candidate must never add all the years of their cooking classes just to show how educated or theoretically qualified you are, as that part can be explained a little more in your cover letter

The route to becoming a chef is more about practical experience than education, you realize that there’s a reason people call it “culinary arts”. That’s why you can find hundreds of certifications these days, offered by reputed professional bodies such as The World Association of Chef Societies , American Culinary Federation or The Culinary Institute of America

Just like how having a job experience is your chief ingredient, education is the culmination of all the spices. It’s the sauce of your meal, mixed with that key ingredient, giving you the perfect dish.

It takes skills to present well.

Have a look at these minimalist education examples on a chef resume to learn from: -

Associate of Arts: Culinary Arts 2000-2003

City, State Culinary Academy

Your education section is generally explained during your interview, thus, the recruiter prima facie cares only from where you earned your degree and analyzes during the interview how you justify it, as education plays a big role in employee retention during critical times.

How to Include Skills for a Chef’s Resume

Being a chef is an art in itself and no amount of theory can perfect art but practice.

Always remember, the first 4-5 points you mention in your skills section must be reflected in your job experience above. This shows that the candidate is not just writing big worded skills but has also proven it time and time again.

Sometimes basic facets like developing menus, food safety, food storage, communication skills, helping team members, etc, go a long way.

Always mention the skills you feel define you the best, and add skills that are asked in the job description.

Stand Out! Chef Resume Tips to Land Your Dream Job

(Food for Thought) - Resume tips

• If you are specialized in a specific style of cooking, don’t forget to mention it.
• Mention any additional skills you have learned, like being a pastry chef, etc.
• Professionally brag about any new cooking techniques you have invented.
• Boast a little about an innovation of yours at your job that stood you out from your competition.
• If you have developed food menus, that’s a plus.
• Link a website or an online portfolio (if you have one) displaying your talents in culinary arts.
• If you think you undertook so many tasks that segregating them will only make your resume longer, you can always put it under an umbrella. For example - restaurant management.
• Always mention the skills asked in the job description.
• Use terms like food safety procedures, food costs, labor costs, etc.
• Update your resumes and cover letter as per the job description.
• A guy on the internet once nailed his job interview by bringing cookies to his interview. Lesson? Never hesitate to stand out.
• Customer satisfaction must always be your first priority.
• Include links to your social media profiles

We don’t just help you get started, we help you finish it! - Have a look at our resume templates .

Key Takeaways

• Choosing the right template is very important
• The summary should be precise and informative
• Make sure to format your resume correctly
• Education and job experience are the two major ingredients of a chef resume
• Never shy away from boasting about your achievements and certifications.
• Soft skills and technical skills are highly noticeable.
• Never underestimate the power of a good cover letter.
• Follow the resume format step by step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Duties of a chef include but are not limited to: -

• Planning menus
• Managing the kitchen staff
• Supervising the staff members
• Time Management
• Ensuring food quality and taste is of the highest standard
• Managing inventory of stock and ordering raw materials
• Controlling budgets and minimizing wastage
• Maintaining health and hygiene in the kitchen
• Organizing duty roster of the staff
• Recruiting, training, and developing staff

Until and unless you have a lot of work ex in the field, try to follow a one-page resume format.

To be a chef, technically you do not need a certification but there are hundreds of courses in culinary arts, offered by reputed universities that will shape you better for the position, by at least starting as a sous chef.

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Static and dynamic content editing

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!

How to customize formatting for each rich text

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

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Cook resume examples & templates

If you have a passion for the culinary arts and are ready for your next challenge, a cook resume is an essential tool to land your next job. Perhaps you already have some experience in food service and are looking to get your first job in a professional kitchen or maybe you'd like to switch up restaurants and learn a new specialty. No matter the situation, this cook resume example will show you how to create a resume that conveys your motivation and experience.

Here at Resume.io, we have the recipe for success including resume examples for 350+ professions. This cook resume example along with our adaptable cook resume sample will discuss:

What does a cook do?

• How to write a cook resume (tips and tricks)
• The best format for a cook resume
• Advice on each section of your resume (summary, work history, education, skills)
• Professional resume layout and design hints.

Cooks — or chefs — plan, prepare, and serve delicious meals to guests and customers. These highly-trained professionals are culinary artists, creating unique flavor combinations at every turn. They also run the entire kitchen, ensuring that it is organized, clean, and meets health and safety standards. 

A cook takes on many different tasks in the kitchen and usually answers to a chef. Here are some of the jobs a cook may do:

• Wash, chop and season vegetables, meats, and other ingredients before they are cooked
• Work closely with a chef to develop a menu and practice executing it before the service
• Cook and plate various dishes from a restaurant's menu during a restaurant's opening hours
• Clean and sanitize work stations according to health and safety regulations
• Place supply orders, receive them, and store them properly
• Delegate tasks to other members of staff like servers, busboys, and dishwashers

There are many roles in the kitchen that can fall under the title of "cook." If you are working in a diner or short-order restaurant, you may be a line cook, but in other eating establishments, there is a hierarchy of positions that starts at the top with the executive chef, who is mostly a manager. The chef de cuisine, or head chef, manages the kitchen and creates the menus. Their second-in-command is the sous chef. If you are looking for a cook’s job in a fine dining restaurant you may start as a line cook. Your title (depending on the station you staff) may be:

• Butcher chef (boucher)
• Fry chef (friturier)
• Pantry supervisor (garde manger)
• Grill chef (grillardin)
• Pastry chef (patissier)

How to write a cook resume

To make the most of your job hunt, you have to know where the jobs are and how best to target them.

Of course, when you think of a cook job, you think of a restaurant. But cooks work in many places that you may not initially think of as a restaurant. Many corporate offices have dining areas, as do hospitals, museums, amusement parks and cultural facilities.

In addition, there is a growing market for personal cook jobs. These professionals either work in a private home or deliver precooked meals to busy families. 

Restaurants and other eating establishments account for 49 percent of cook jobs. Eight percent are self-employed, 11 percent work in special food services and 7 percent work in travel accommodations. 

As a job seeker, here are some sample questions to ask yourself before developing your cook resume :

• What are my strengths in the kitchen?
• Do I want to work in a corporate or independent environment?
• Would I consider working as a personal chef?
• Am I good at memorizing how to cook many different menu items, or would I rather work in a kitchen that specializes in a few entrees?

Answering these questions will help you target your search and create a resume that shows hiring managers you are ready to work in their kitchen. That's the type of resume that wins you an interview for a cook job.

If you want to add a little more sugar and spice to your cook resume, we recommend you browse through these related food service resume examples here below:

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Choosing the best resume format for a cook

You want recruiters to know you have some flair, but there's a reason why cook resume formats should follow a recipe: it works. Traditionally, resumes use the reverse chronological order format. You should, too. That's because restaurant owners are most interested in what you are doing now and this format puts that information at the top of your employment history section.

If you are a career-changer or have taken on many different types of jobs in your working life, consider a hybrid style in which your skills are emphasized over your experience.

Use naming conventions and professional terms on your resume section like "Experience" or "Employment History" since it's what managers will be expecting as they scan your application.

Overload your resume with unrelated work experience if you can avoid it. If you have at least three positions in food service, you can remove other odd jobs from your resume to save space and present a focused application.

Summary example: a taste of everything

Personality is important in a kitchen where teamwork is a must. Your summary is the place to highlight your collaborative nature and excellent communication skills. A summary in your cook resume can also contain a bit about your experience, education (if relevant), and top culinary skills.

This is your time to shine. You can also call this section a profile, but it’s more of a super-summary since it also highlights your professional personality as a cook. The goal here is to sell your skills and convince restaurant owners you are the right fit for the job.

You have about 3-5 sentences in this resume section, depending on space, to describe yourself professionally and sum up the best of your work experience. How do you get along with other kitchen staff? Are you cheerful under pressure? Do you help out in a pinch? Do you stay calm when the rush comes? You are a cook, after all, so make those hiring managers’ mouths water with your cook resume profile. 

Describe your specialty if you have one. Use creative, descriptive language. But don’t focus only on the delicious dishes you can prepare. Remember that being a cook takes a lot more than simply cooking. Maintaining food quality, keeping the kitchen clean, and avoiding food waste are big parts of the job.

Check out the summary section from our cook resume sample.

Hardworking Cook with several years of experience working in fast-paced kitchens. Adept in working with other culinary professionals to achieve goals and ensure customer satisfaction. Committed to using safe and sanitary cooking practices and maintaining an organized and clean cooking area. Experienced in operating various pieces of cooking equipment and tools. Bringing forth advanced food preparation techniques and the ability to serve wonderful food in a timely manner. 

Employment history example: the main course

The employment history section of a cook resume is where you illustrate the skills you have learned in your career, but you won’t simply be writing bullet-pointed job descriptions. Instead, show your prospective employer what makes you stand out from other cooks and what you have already achieved.

You can do this by looking at your employment history in the culinary arts as a series of challenges that you have overcome. You may have already moved up the ladder from line cook to something more, or you may want to make that leap now. To move forward, you must prove that you already have the skills and that you are capable of continuous growth and improvement. Use each bullet point to show off a different skill. 

One great way to make sure you are using action verbs to highlight your successes is the STAR method.

STAR stands for situation, task, action, result. Here is an example:

• Created an original pasta dish based on a double delivery of spinach, sold 15 more plates than a typical special on a Thursday dinner rush.

Details and data will help you make your case more strongly, so use them whenever you have the opportunity. Also, never forget those action verbs to make your descriptions convincing.

Brainstorm the tasks that you perform as a cook that are not directly related to food preparation and incorporate some of them into your job descriptions. Do you order food? Are you responsible for maintaining safety standards? Have you ever trained someone in kitchen operations? All these skills contribute to your value as an employee. 

If you have worked in jobs outside food services, consider listing any that are relevant such as other hospitality jobs or ones in which you learned management skills or other people skills.

Applicant Tracking Systems

You should be personalizing your cook resume example for each job. There are three main reasons for this:

• You want restaurant managers to know that you read their job description and are interested in their job.
• You want to show them that you have the cooking skills they require.
• Your first hurdle is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

What is an ATS? It is computer software that scans your resume and uses an algorithm to rank it. You may be the exact cook that the restaurant is looking for, but they won’t know it if you don’t pass this initial screening.

While there’s no set formula for getting into the hands of a person, your cook resume will go further if you examine the job listing and try to use the exact keywords and phrases the employer has used in your resume. Don’t go overboard or it will be obvious, but do make sure you mention their top requirements within your text.

Below is the employment history section of our adaptable cook resume sample.

Cook at Edmund's, New York September 2012 - Present

• Work as a Cook in a busy American-Asian fusion restaurant.
• Follow recipes closely and serve food in accordance with restaurant serving guidelines.
• Safely store food items and kept inventories.
• Prepare food carefully in response to customer requests or allergies.

Cook at Stratatella Ristorante, New York July 2007 - August 2012

• Prepared my station before the start of service each day.
• Ensured that all needed supplies were present before work.
• Worked effectively with all kitchen personnel to promote a happy working environment.
• Observed all food safety regulations.

Back Line Cook at Jimmy Groger's Pub, Poughkeepsie September 2005 - June 2007

• Assisted with food preparations prior to service.
• Made sure food at my station was ready before needed.
• Handled food with cleanliness and care.
• Cleaned kitchen and organized cooking utensils.
• Worked with other restaurant staff to ensure success.

CV skills example: the right techniques

Your skills section is a carefully thought-out sampling of your best talents and attributes. Just as you would serve up a broad variety of foods in a sampler plate, you want to make sure you display a variety of skills in your cook resume. 

You should include 5-10 of your highest level talents, but they should not just be related to cooking. Yes, it is important that you recognize high-quality food, but your time management abilities also make you a more desirable employee. 

Let's talk money. If you work your way up the culinary ranks, you can expect to make a decent salary. The median pay for chefs and head cooks in 2021 was $50,160 per year.

Make a “Master List” of all the requirements for your job. Then categorize them into hard skills or the job-specific abilities you have learned in your years of experience and soft skills, or those that are necessary across many professions and that make you a good employee. For instance, if you work well with team members, are an excellent communicator, or are very organized.

 See the skills section of our cook resume example below.

• Knowledge of Food
• Kitchen Management
• Food Science
• Creativity and Innovation
• Safe Food Handling and Sanitation

It is difficult to predict when the restaurant industry will rebound or how far back it will come, but the U.S. Labor Bureau predicted a 16 percent sector growth between 2021 and 2031.

Education example: a strong start

Since you can become a cook with just a high school diploma, your education section might not take up much space on your cook resume and that's OK. The important part is that a restaurant manager knows if you've done any formal cooking training or other professional development. 

Many schools offer chef’s courses where you can learn the basics of food safety, knife skills, and how to follow a new recipe. If you have taken one of these courses and you are just beginning your career, you should list it here.

On-the-job training counts heavily in your career, but don’t underplay all the courses you have taken to learn specific cuisines. If you have completed any chef’s training, also add that. Consider all cooking courses you may have taken, especially if you learned a specialty cuisine or cooking technique. Many states also require you to earn a food safety certificate, so add that to your education section as well.

Below is an education section from a cook resume sample. 

Culinary Arts program, Culinary Tech Center, White Plains, NY January 2005 - June 2005

Food and Finance High School Diploma, New York, New York September 2001 - May 2005

Resume layout and design: first impressions

Now that you know what ingredients to include in your cook resume, let's add some finishing touches. There's a level of finesse to designing a crisp and clear application. Here are some pointers for creating an eye-catching design.

• Some touches of color are fine as long as it is used sparingly.
• Leave plenty of white space by creating one-inch margins, varying the lengths of your bullet items, and using columns to air out text.
• Avoid getting cute with section headings
• Make sure the important parts stand out: Your contact information and your previous and current job title and employer.

Restaurant owners and managers are busy. If they can’t easily find what they are looking for, it’s on to the next candidate. If you don't have a ton of time to spend on your resume design, try using a resume template at a starting point.

• Make sure your resume fits on one page
• Ensure that there is white space between sections
• Use graphics or imagery on your resume
• Overcook your resume with too much information

Key Takeaways

• You can be a bit more creative than a banker, but keep you resume neat and orderly (like your workstation)
• Create a profile that shows off your biggest achievements and your personality
• Your employment history section should detail what you have learned over the course of your career
• Customize your resume for each job application to increase your chances of beating the ATS
• Use the Resume.io online resume builder and recruiter-approved free resume examples to prevent wasted time and second-guessing.

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates

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Chef searchinf for a job in Moscow

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Hi,my name ....you know it! I am actually in Moscow  searching for a job, experienced of 15 years in many countries,different food,haccp,customer satisfation,cost,solving problem in kitchens......please let me know if you need more informations.  

Welcome, Frederic. We have a job board here; I suggest you check it out: http://www.cheftalk.com/job.php That works much, much better than posting your request in the Welcome Forum (which is for personal introductions). Good luck in your quest! Mezzaluna  

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