Are you ready to cook up a quality chef resume? When you're putting together a tasty dish, you go through the process of selecting the finest ingredients. But the process of resume writing isn't all that much different. 

To make things easier for you, we've prepared this tried-and-tested recipe for crafting an outstanding resume. In this guide, you'll discover the best writing tips, elegant templates you can adjust to your liking, and plenty of detailed examples that will take you through the process step by step.

Line Cook Supervisor Resume Sample

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Hired by: Locust Cider

Sous Chef Resume Template

Chef Resume Example

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Keep reading to discover our tips:

• Review essential chef resume samples
• Choose the best format for your chef resume 
• Craft an attention-grabbing resume summary or objective
• Select the best hard and soft skills to complement your chef resume
• Customize your chef work experience section to a specific role
• Enrich your resume with strong action verbs 
• Make an impact with your chef resume education section
• Pick the right additional sections for your chef resume
• Avoid common mistakes in your chef resume
• Accompany your resume with a compelling cover letter
• Learn about the average salary and job outlook for chefs
• Access top resources for job-seeking chefs

Pizza maker resume example

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Hired by Genuine Pizza

Why does this resume example work?

• Effective resume profile: This resume profile manages to accomplish two important things — it highlights the job candidate’s impressive work experience in the food industry, and their genuine passion for their craft. They also infused the short text with a bit of personality, making their resume more memorable. 
• Use of quantifiable data and action verbs: What really needs to be highlighted is the inclusion of numbers in the job description. Information such as baking 700+ pizzas weekly and managing a crew of 3-5 people gives the employer a specific idea of the candidate’s abilities. Similarly, starting bullet points with action verbs makes the candidate sound more proactive and dynamic. 

What could be improved?

• Work experience section: Although the job description is well-executed, a few changes could be made. For example, adding more significant accomplishments or results would better underline the candidate’s value. Also, expanding on their previous job positions could provide more context to the candidate’s professional background and expertise.

Chef resume example

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Why does this resume example work?

• Strong educational background: The candidate’s educational section bears testimony to their life-long dedication to the culinary industry. Accomplishments, such as achieving top 3% ranking and receiving recognition for their exceptional results in practical training, further adds to the value this candidate can bring to their employer. 
• Attention-grabbing resume profile: Once again, the resume profile is the definitive highlight of this example. It manages to capture the reader's attention by mentioning the 2018 Meilleur Ouvrier de France Award, which shows that the candidate's skills warrant professional recognition. 

What could be improved?

• Lack of quantifiable data: This work experience section would significantly benefit from inclusion of quantifiable data to support the candidate’s value. For example, quantifying the increase in customer satisfaction, improved speed of order preparation, or indicating how many events the candidate managed to cater, would surely impress any employer. 

Sous chef resume example

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Why does this resume example work?

• Detailed work achievements: The execution of job descriptions is more than commendable, with every bullet point dedicated to specific results or work duties. Additionally, the inclusion of quantifiable data, such as 40% improvement in kitchen performance, 90% increase in sales, or 30% reduction in food waste, communicates the candidate’s skills and potential clearly and effectively. 
• Relevant extra section: The addition of an extra section detailing the candidate’s many certificates further enhances the resume’s impact. Moreover, all entries are formatted appropriately, stating both the name of the institution that facilitated the completion of each certificate and the year in which it was issued. 

What could be improved?

• Addition of skills section: This resume would benefit from a skills section which would showcase the candidate’s relevant hard skills. For instance: specific cooking techniques, knife skills, baking and pastry skills, or culinary software proficiency. 
• Reduced education section: Although including an education section on a resume is expected, the amount of detail it provides may vary. Candidates with such extensive work history — 15+ years of professional experience — and this many achievements don't have to expand on their education entries. And so, in this case, reducing the education section to the name of the degree, the institution, and years of study would be enough.

1. How to choose the best format for your chef resume 

Choosing the right resume format plays a crucial part in presenting your skills, experience, and achievements effectively. Therefore, the layout you opt for greatly influences how potential employers perceive your qualifications. Based on your career stage, we recommend picking one of the following formats: chronological, functional, and combination. 

Here's a quick breakdown of what each of these can do for you:

1. Chronological resume: The chronological resume format lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position and working backward. This format is straightforward and commonly used. Its key features are: 

• Emphasizes career progression: This format puts your career development and promotions in the forefront.
• Easy readability: Employers can quickly scan your work history and see your most recent experience.
• Universal preference: This format is familiar to most hiring managers, making it a safe choice.
• Reveals gaps in employment: Any gaps in your employment history become more noticeable.

If you already have an extensive work history as a chef, this format is perfect for highlighting your steady career path. 

2. Functional resume: On the other hand, the functional resume format focuses on what you can do rather than chronological work history. By putting emphasis on the skills section, your employment history becomes secondary. Its key features are: 

• Skills-based: This format is ideal for showcasing specific skills and accomplishments relevant to the job.
• Hides career gaps: Because of its emphasis on skills, employment gaps become less noticeable. 
• Provides less context: However, without a clear work history, it may be more difficult for employers to understand the context of your professional experience.
• Non-standard: Since this format isn't nearly as popular as its chronological counterpart, some recruiters might find it confusing to follow. 

This resume format might be beneficial to you in case you had to take a break from your career or if you've switched to the culinary industry from another field. Fresh graduates, interns, apprentices, or entry-level job-seekers may also appreciate this format's attributes. 

3. Combination (hybrid) resume: As the name suggests, the combination resume merges elements of both chronological and functional formats. It typically starts with a skills summary followed by a chronological work history. Its key features are: 

• Balanced focus: Combines the strengths of both chronological and functional formats.
• Emphasizes both skills and work history: Provides a rundown of relevant skills while also providing a detailed work history.
• Requires careful editing: Since this format details both skills and employment history, you're running the risk of making your resume too long.
• Potential repetitions: Similarly, there's a risk of unnecessary repetitions.

Consider opting for this format if you wish to draw the employer’s attention towards your skills and accomplishments, while also presenting your steady career progression in a linear way. 

All in all, in the culinary industry, where practical experience and specific skills are paramount, aligning your resume format with your career history and goals is essential. Whether you choose to organize your resume according to the chronological, functional, or hybrid format, make sure you've carefully considered all three options. 

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2. How to craft an attention-grabbing resume summary or objective

An engaging resume summary or objective is essential for capturing a hiring manager's attention within the first few seconds of reviewing your resume. This section serves as your elevator pitch, providing a snapshot of your most impressive qualifications, skills, and career accomplishments. 

Although their general purpose is the same, resume summary and resume objective differ in their focus and application. 

A resume summary is a short text (3-5 sentences in length) sitting at the very top of a resume. It's ideal for chefs with 2 or more years of professional experience who want to highlight:

• Their key achievements
• Their years of experience
• Any awards or recognitions
• And a specific skill set

What makes this example so bad? For once, this text is far too vague to actually communicate anything of substance. It lacks any mentions of specific accomplishments supported by quantifiable data that would demonstrate the candidate’s impact on their previous roles. This summary example is generic and easily forgettable. 

Why is this example so much better? This text is short, yet it manages to communicate so much! Because of its broad scope, this example manages to present the candidate’s key accomplishments, years of professional experience, accolades, and their leadership qualities. Moreover, the use of quantifiable data paired with specific results nicely demonstrates the value this candidate would bring to their future employer. 

On the other hand, a resume objective is more suitable for entry-level chefs, career changers, or those with gaps in their employment history. Instead of past accomplishments, a resume objective focuses on your career goals. You can also spotlight your: 

• Academic background
• Transferable skills 
• Internships/apprenticeships/training
• Volunteering jobs
• Certificates 

Why would the hiring manager ignore this? Having an intense desire to learn is all well and good, but by itself, it doesn't do much to help your case. Since it doesn't outline any specific qualifications or goals, this objective is weak and unpersuasive.

What makes this work? Apart from expressing desire to learn and grow, this objective showcases specific career goals (applying skills in menu development, food preparation, …). Highlighting quantifiable accomplishments achieved during an internship, as well as earning an award, suggest the kind of value this candidate would bring to their employer.

3. How to select the best hard and soft skills to complement your chef resume

After the work experience section, the skills section is what recruiters are most interested in seeing. This section is particularly significant because it encapsulates your practical abilities and competencies, providing a clear representation of what you can accomplish in a professional setting.

However, the skills you choose to include on your resume need to be relevant to the job position you're trying to secure. If you aren't sure which skills to include, check your job posting for clues.

Based on their nature, skills can be further divided into hard and soft skills: 

• Hard skills: Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities or knowledge that can be measured and evaluated. They are often acquired through formal education, training programs, and hands-on experience. For chefs, these skills confirm their expertise in areas such as precise knife skills, diverse cooking methods, menu creation, and following food safety protocols.
• Soft skills: Soft skills are interpersonal skills that influence how chefs interact with others and manage their work. These skills are more subjective and harder to measure, but they are crucial for effective communication, teamwork, and leadership in the culinary field.

Remember that displaying soft skills on a resume is far more impactful if you put them in a professional context within the work experience section.

For instance, instead of simply listing "leadership" as a skill, illustrate it by describing how you led a kitchen team to achieve high standards: "Led a team of 15 kitchen staff, improving workflow efficiency by 20%."

4. How to customize your chef work experience section to a specific role

The work experience section is the heart and soul of any resume. For chefs, this section illustrates your culinary journey, highlighting the diverse kitchens you’ve worked in, the skills you’ve honed, and the contributions you’ve made to previous employers. In short, it provides potential employers with tangible evidence of your capabilities, work ethic, and suitability for the role.

However, every culinary job is unique and deals with its own set of varied duties and challenges. That's why generic resumes often fail to persuade the employers that a candidate is capable of withstanding the pressures of a particular role.

On the contrary, a customized resume demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and your understanding of the employer’s expectations. This approach increases your chances of getting noticed and securing a job interview invitation. 

If you want your resume to fit the job requirements like a glove, you need to dedicate some time to research:

• The job description
• Current industry trends
• The employer’s website
• Their LinkedIn profile
• Their social media posts 

During your research, try to identify the employer's needs, values, challenges, and goals. 

Then, you need to consider how your skills, experience, and other qualifications would contribute to their success and future development. In other words, you need to show them that you're the person they've been looking for. 

Why is this ineffective? This example is ineffective because it lacks specific details and quantifiable accomplishments. It uses vague and generic descriptions that fail to highlight the candidate's unique contributions or skills. Additionally, the bullet points focus on routine tasks rather than showcasing any notable achievements or improvements made in the kitchen. 

What makes this so much better? In comparison, this example provides specific, quantifiable data that highlight all the accomplishments and their impact. It uses action verbs to create a dynamic narrative, emphasizing key achievements such as improving efficiency, increasing customer satisfaction, and reducing food waste. These details make the entry compelling and demonstrate the value the candidate can bring to a potential employer.

If you're new to the culinary world and lack professional experience, you can capitalize on your internships, training programs, or apprenticeships. If you decide to go with the chronological or the combination format, you can treat these as your work experience entries. 

Keep in mind that tailoring your work experience section to align as closely with the specific needs of the employer as possible is crucial for standing out in a competitive job market.

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5. How to enrich your resume with strong action verbs 

Getting your resume noticed depends not only on your skills and accomplishments but also on how they are presented on your resume. If you want your job descriptions to be impactful and engaging, you shouldn't forget to sprinkle your resume with strong action verbs.

How can action verbs enhance your resume?

• Improved readability: Action verbs contribute to a more engaging and readable resume, keeping the reader’s attention. Unlike full sentences, starting your bullet points with action verbs makes the text flow quicker and helps keeping your job descriptions well-organized.
• Showcase achievements: Action verbs can underline the importance of the achievements and impact you've made in your previous roles by presenting them in a compelling way.
• Demonstrate proactivity: By using dynamic verbs, you convey a sense of initiative and drive, illustrating that you don't just perform tasks passively but actively engage and take charge of your responsibilities.
• Create impact: Employers highly value candidates who demonstrate proactivity because it suggests that you're likely to identify problems and opportunities, come up with solutions, and act on them without needing constant supervision.

By incorporating these dynamic words, your resume will more effectively illustrate your culinary talents and achievements, making a strong impression on potential employers. Just remember to always support your accomplishments and skills with quantifiable data and specific examples to give more weight to your words.

6. How to make an impact with your chef resume education section

A well-crafted education section vouches for your formal qualifications, knowledge of culinary techniques, and understanding of industry standards, which are all essential for excelling in a professional kitchen.

Moreover, your academic credentials not only provide evidence of standardized culinary training but also showcase your commitment to learning and professional development. And since the food business is ever-changing and evolving, demonstrating your willingness to keep gaining new skills becomes indispensable. 

However, the education section doesn't have to be limited to presenting a high school diploma and your Bachelor’s or Master's degree. Other notable credentials you can list as a part of your education include: 

• Internships
• Apprenticeships
• Certifications
• Workshops
• Conferences 

If you're still a student or a recent graduate with little to no professional experience, don't be afraid to flash out your education in greater detail. In your case, this resume section will probably exceed your work experience section in both length and importance. 

Here’re some of the information you can expand on: 

• Relevant coursework (Nutrition, Advanced Culinary Techniques, etc.)
• Any significant projects (designing a restaurant menu, conducting a food safety audit, etc.)
• Internships/apprenticeships
• Academic awards
• Receiving a scholarship for excellent results 
• Extracurricular activities related to the culinary field 

Remember, the further you progress in your professional career, the less room you'll have to dedicate to your education section. For students, detailed education can be crucial for proving their skills to handle the workload. Conversely, candidates with 10+ years of experience don't have to explain their academic background too much.

7. How to pick the right additional sections for your chef resume

Adding extra sections to your chef resume can help provide a comprehensive view of your qualifications.These sections should highlight your additional skills, achievements, and experiences that aren't covered in the main sections of your resume, giving you the perfect opportunity to set yourself apart from other candidates.

If you eventually decide to season your resume with extra sections, make sure all the information they present is relevant and adds value to your resume, upgrading your potential in the eyes of the employers. 

Examples of extra section which would elevate your resume include: 

• Certifications
• Awards (gained in competitions, granted by critics or reputable magazines)
• Volunteering activities
• Projects you've taken part in 

In short, incorporating additional sections into your chef resume is a surefire way to make yourself memorable. Distinctive skills, noteworthy projects, or volunteer work can provide hiring managers with extra reasons to select you. Highlighting what makes you unique is essential — it could be just the thing that ends up securing you the job.

8. How to avoid common mistakes in your chef resume

So far, we've been through the essential elements that make up the perfect chef resume. However, there are many common pitfalls that applicants often fall into, which can seriously jeopardize your success on the job market. 

Before you submit your job application, make sure you read your resume carefully to avoid any of the following: 

• Overlooking spelling and grammar errors: Typos and grammatical mistakes can make a resume look unprofessional and careless. Unnecessary mistakes like these can also reflect badly on your attention to detail. Use spell-check tools and have someone else review your resume to ensure it’s error-free
• Underestimate the power of formatting: A well-selected resume layout can do wonders for its readability and overall impact on recruiters. Opt for professional and clean designs with clearly defined sections. Don't be afraid to use bullet points, bold fonts, or italics to make the text easy to navigate. 
• Failing to customize your resume for each job application: Sending out the same resume for every job you're applying for can be ineffective. Instead, customize your resume to match the requirements of each position, emphasizing the skills and experiences most relevant to the job at hand. 
• Neglecting soft skills: While chefs mostly rely on their technical skills when carrying out their duties, without teamwork, leadership, and time management they wouldn’t accomplish much. To present a well-rounded profile, always give your soft skills room to shine. 
• Lack of quantifiable achievements: Instead of writing “reduced food waste” make your accomplishments more specific by adding quantifiable data to support them. For example: “reducing food waste by 20%.” Generic job responsibilities don’t convey your impact well enough. 
• Providing outdated contact information: Make sure your resume includes all necessary contact information: a professional email address, phone number, and LinkedIn profile. Writing down an outdated email address or phone number could easily rob you of the opportunity. 
• Favoring duties over achievements: List your daily responsibilities and tasks is certainly a must. However, overemphasizing these without showing your professional accomplishments can make your resume look generic and dull. 
• Ignoring keywords: Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before they even reach a human recruiter. Include keywords from the job posting such as "menu development," "food safety," or "kitchen management."
• Weak resume summary/objective: A weak or generic resume summary or objective can fail to capture an employer’s attention. When crafting yours, make sure you mention your most illustrious accomplishments, key skills, certificates, awards, and other impressive qualifications.

Mistakes like these are easy to make and difficult to correct once the resume has been submitted. That’s why it's prudent to check your resume multiple times before deciding on its final version.

9. How to accompany your resume with a compelling cover letter

A cover letter is a document that, together with a resume, makes up the core of any good job application. Unlike a resume, which is more focused on presenting the facts and figures, a cover letter allows you to introduce yourself, explain your interest in the position, and elaborate on your qualifications in a more personal style. 

Although the content of both of these documents will inevitably overlap, avoid having your cover letter simply repeating the information already written in your resume. Instead, have your cover letter provide more narrative context for your skills, experience, and achievements. 

A truly well-executed cover letter should provide employers with answers to the following questions: 

• Who are you?
• Why are you interested in this position?
• Why do you want to work for us specifically? 
• How can you contribute to our success? 

Another way in which a cover letter differs from a resume is in the way it presents its content. Resumes are structured in distinct sections, each focusing on different aspects of your professional background. In contrast, cover letters are organized into interconnected paragraphs that flow logically from one to the next.

To ensure that both your resume and cover letter adhere to the same visual standards, keep follow these basic principles: 

• Use a matching header: Both your resume and cover letter should have the same header, including your name, contact information, and date. This immediately establishes a visual link between the two documents.
• Choose the same font size and style: Use the same font family for both your resume and cover letter. For example, common professional fonts include Arial, Times New Roman, Calibri, and Helvetica.
• Keep an eye on spacing: Another element that creates visual harmony is consistent line spacing. Use 1.15 or 1.5 spacing to ensure readability and a uniform appearance.
• Maintain the same margin size: Similarly, be careful to use the same margin sizes for both documents. Standard margins are 1 inch on all sides, but you can adjust them slightly if necessary.
• Keep your color scheme consistent: However, the colors you use should be limited to only three shades. Anything more extravagant could detract from the overall professionalism of your job application. 
• Use templates to achieve a unified look: For example, each of Kickresume’s professionally designed resume templates is paired with a matching cover letter template. The only problem you'll face is the dilemma of choosing which design you like the most! 

In conclusion, ensuring that your resume and cover letter have a consistent design is essential for presenting a cohesive and professional personal brand. This consistency not only makes your application visually appealing but also underlines your attention to detail and commitment to excellence — key qualities for a successful chef.

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10. Average salary and job outlook for chefs

According to the most recent data gathered by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), updated in May 2023, the average annual salary for chefs and head cooks has reached $58,920. Of course, your real salary may vary depending on your skills, accomplishments, qualifications, and years of experience. 

Other factors that can influence your salary include: 

• Geographic location 
• Type and size of the establishment
• Union membership
• The reputation and brand of the establishment

The employment outlook for chefs also remains positive. The BLS projects that employment of chefs and head cooks will grow by 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is slightly above the average for all professions. 

Accordingly, the BLS expects to see about 22,000 new job openings for chefs and head cooks each year over the decade. This rising demand highlights the importance of culinary professionals in the hospitality industry, where they play a critical role in maintaining food quality, managing kitchen staff, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

In conclusion, the field of culinary arts offers a promising career path with stable job prospects. For those equipped with the right skills and qualifications, becoming a chef or head cook presents an attractive option with numerous opportunities for professional growth and development.

11. How to access valuable resources for job-seeking chefs

Now that you know how to craft a job-winning chef resume, it's time to put your newly acquired skills into practice. As we've seen, the culinary job market is booming and is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future. However, this doesn't necessarily make finding compelling job opportunities any easier! 

To make your job hunt run smoothly, consider leveraging any (or all) of the following resources: 

• Industry-specific websites: The first places you want to explore are websites that cater especially to the culinary field. For example, you can take advantage of Culinary Agents, Chef Jobs, or Poached Jobs.
• General job search platforms: Next, consider visiting platforms like Glassdoor, Indeed, Monster, or ZipRecruiter. Although these gather job postings from all industries, they too can yield interesting results. 
• Professional networking: Having connections with the right people can often lead to job opportunities that aren't even advertised. Platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, or online forums for chefs can be valuable for networking and finding job postings. Follow renowned chefs and restaurants to stay updated.
• Professional associations: Additionally, keeping an eye on organizations like the American Culinary Federation (ACF) or the World Association of Chefs' Societies (Worldchefs) can give you access to job boards, certification programs, and networking events.
• Internships and apprenticeships: If you're a student eager to get your first taste of the professional culinary world, your search for internships and apprenticeship programs starts with websites like: Indeed Internships, globalexperiences.com, World Endeavors, or USA Hospitality Internships.
• Specialized publications: Keeping up with all the latest trends in dining, recipes, and other news can be challenging. But by following these publications, you make sure that your horizons remain wide: “Food & Wine,” “Saveur,” “Plate Magazine,” or “Nation’s Restaurant News.” 

Remember, in the culinary world, your professional growth and learning never stops. Therefore, keep challenging yourself and always be on the lookout for new opportunities to sharpen your skills. For instance, you should consider enrolling in courses and certifications programs, such as those provided by Coursera, Leiths Online, or Rouxbe.

Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.