Resumes for Chefs

This is another example in our series of "resumes for" publications.  Here we're going to discuss resumes for chefs or cooks. And while chefs, cooks, and food preparation workers arrange and cook a wide range of foods in a variety of restaurants and other establishments; there are some basic rules they can all follow to create a successful resume.

In this article, we're going to first discuss the three most common resume formats in use today, and how they apply to chefs and cooks.  Then, we're going to discuss some of the unique aspects of the skills and knowledge that individuals in the culinary arts might want to include on their resume.  Finally, we're going to discuss what we believe is the perfect resume for a chef, how it should be structured, and even a link to a sample that you can download for free.

Resume Styles for Chefs and Cooks

One of the nice things about working as a cook or chef is that nearly everyone can claim some level of expertise.  We all need food to survive, so anyone looking for a job as a cook or chef can claim that experience on their resume.

The word chef has its origins from the French phrase "chef de cuisine" or head of the kitchen.  This means that even short order cooks could be considered chefs.  And while some chefs might attend a school of culinary arts to learn their trade, many chefs have worked through more of an apprentice program; improving their cooking skills through the years.

These are important points to consider when selecting the right resume format to use.  As a reminder, there are three generally-accepted approaches or resume styles:

• Chronological resume - provides a historical account of where you've worked in the past and roles you've played in each kitchen.  The emphasis of this style is on work experience or history.
• Functional resume - a good choice for cooks with less experience, since the functional resume emphasizes what you know more than where you've worked.
• Combination resume - the most marketable of all resume styles, this resume starts with a functional format and follows through with a chronological style.

The example we're going to use in this publication will be the combination resume style, since it contains all of the important elements of a great resume.  But first, we're going to look at some of the unique features common to resumes for chefs or cooks.

Working as a Chef or Line Cook

Overall, the job market for chefs, cooks, and food preparation workers is quite good.  In general, chefs, cooks, as well as line cooks will measure, mix, and cook ingredients according to established recipes.  They will use a variety of cookware including pots, pans, cutlery, and other equipment, including ovens, broilers, grills, slicers, grinders, and blenders.

This is an important point when putting together a resume, because as individuals become more skilled in the culinary arts, they will be exposed to a larger range of cooking responsibilities.  It's important that readers of the resume understand the qualifications of the chef or cook.

Culinary Skills / Knowledge

The functional and combination style resumes each contain a section dedicated to highlighting the skills and knowledge that a chef or cook possesses.  This is the one place on a resume where a potential employer can quickly see if the job applicant is qualified to work in their restaurant.

The following is an example of some of the skills and experience that might appear in a bulleted list in this section:

• Certified Master Chef (an indicator of status)
• Hiring and Training of Staff (management experience)
• Planning and Organizing a Restaurant (organization skills)
• Wines and Spirits Management (knowledge)
• Nutritional Cooking (expertise)

While this section will obviously appeal to chefs with more experience, even inexperienced line cooks can benefit from using this format.  It is better that a potential employer clearly understands the level of kitchen experience and skill you possess.  By showing this information towards the beginning of the resume, the employer can quickly determine if you're qualified for the opening in their restaurant.

Sample Resume for Cooks and Chefs

The resume sample we have for cooks and chefs is written in the combination style.  It's a good example of a resume that would be put together by someone that is looking for a more experienced position in the culinary profession.

You can download the sample here:  Sample Chef Resume.  Please remember that the idea behind providing resume examples is that they are useful in helping to generate ideas.  Nothing compares to the individual work experiences that make us all such exciting prospects to potential employers.

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