20 Cook Resume Examples and Templates for 2026
To write a great resume for cook jobs, highlight your culinary skills, relevant certifications, and experience in busy kitchens. Use clear, concise bullet points to showcase your ability to prepare dishes, maintain food safety standards, and work well under pressure. With the guide below, you can write a resume that helps you get interviews for your next cook job.
Key Takeaways
- Brainstorm your career highlights in a separate document or blank sheet of paper. This free-form thinking will help you remember details that speak to the role of a cook.
- In the experience section, describe positive work outcomes (with numbers when possible) to illustrate your impact in each food service position.
- Include relevant skills and keywords from the job posting to ensure your resume passes through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and reaches hiring managers.
Cook Resume Examples and Templates [Download in App]
Line Cook Resume Example
Why this line cook resume example is strong:
This resume balances technical kitchen skills with quantified achievements. Chris highlights real contributions to the kitchen, such as reducing waste and improving prep speed.
Key Tip:
Structure matters: This resume uses reverse-chronological order effectively, with current experience listed first. Learn more at: Best Resume Formats
Grill Cook Resume Example
Why this grill cook resume example is strong:
This resume shows specialization and impact with numbers. Shawn clearly demonstrates he can manage the grill station and help drive food quality and safety improvements.
Key Tip:
Tailor for the job: Shawn’s focus on grill techniques aligns with this specific role. Get more tips at: How To Build a Resume
Prep Cook Resume Example
Why this prep cook resume example is strong:
This resume clearly defines Avery’s behind-the-scenes role in ensuring kitchen readiness. It emphasizes accuracy, sanitation, and prep volume, which are key for prep cooks.
Key Tip:
Show how your role supports the team: Prep cooks are the backbone of service, and Avery’s resume demonstrates this well. For more advice on resume structure, visit: How Long Should A Resume Be
Breakfast Cook Resume Example
Why this breakfast cook resume example is strong:
This resume shows Jesse’s ability to work under tight timelines during high-volume breakfast service. It’s clear, well-organized, and highlights waste reduction and multitasking.
Key Tip:
Tailor your objective: Jesse’s summary reflects both his experience and what he brings to the morning kitchen. For guidance on writing strong objectives, visit: Resume Objective Examples
Short Order Cook Resume Example
Why this short order cook resume example is strong:
Skyler’s resume highlights speed, accuracy, and multitasking—top skills for this role. The quantifiable results strengthen their credibility.
Key Tip:
Use numbers to show speed and accuracy: Skyler’s performance stats show impact. Learn how to quantify your work at: AI Resume Builder
Banquet Cook Resume Example
Why this banquet cook resume example is strong:
Logan’s resume shows depth in event-based food service, with emphasis on scale and logistics. It builds credibility with large guest numbers and banquet-specific skills.
Key Tip:
Demonstrate scope: Include guest counts, event types, or volume to show the scale of work. Learn more at: How To List Your Education On a Resume
School Cafeteria Cook Resume Example
Why this school cafeteria cook resume example is strong:
Devon’s resume emphasizes safety, dietary responsibility, and experience with children—key aspects of cafeteria work. The timeline supports long-term commitment.
Key Tip:
Include relevant policies or standards: Devon’s mention of USDA and allergy compliance shows role-specific expertise. Find more resume writing tips at: How To Write A Resume With No Experience
Sous Chef Resume Example
Why this sous chef resume example is strong:
Blake’s resume shows leadership, kitchen efficiency, and staff development—key traits for sous chefs. It includes impact metrics and career progression.
Key Tip:
List promotions and growth: Blake’s upward movement shows value. Learn how to list promotions correctly at: How To List Promotions On Resume
Dietary Cook Resume Example
Why this dietary cook resume example is strong:
Reese’s resume demonstrates a clear focus on specialized cooking for health care environments. It highlights collaboration with dietitians and compliance with patient care standards.
Key Tip:
Emphasize industry-specific skills: Reese shows familiarity with patient diets, a key requirement for the role. Learn how to tailor your resume here: How To Build A Resume
Pizza Cook Resume Example
Why this pizza cook resume example is strong:
Sam’s resume highlights both speed and consistency—two major strengths in pizza kitchens. The mention of system improvements adds an extra edge.
Key Tip:
Don’t overlook small wins: Sam’s prep system shows initiative and efficiency. Explore how to showcase your ideas at: AI Resume Builder
Hospital Cook Resume Example
Why this hospital cook resume example is strong:
Chris emphasizes compliance and collaboration in a health care environment. The resume makes clear connections between his skills and patient well-being.
Key Tip:
Relate your work to patient outcomes: Chris highlights safety and consistency, which are crucial in hospitals. Find tips for building your resume here: How To Write A Resume With No Experience
Camp Cook Resume Example
Why this camp cook resume example is strong:
Shawn’s resume is focused on environment-specific cooking. It clearly communicates how he operates with limited resources and ensures safety in outdoor conditions.
Key Tip:
Match your resume to the setting: Shawn tailors his skills to outdoor needs. Learn more about aligning resumes with job settings here: How To Build A Resume
Corporate Cafeteria Cook Resume Example
Why this corporate cafeteria cook resume example is strong:
Avery’s resume demonstrates accountability and efficiency in structured, high-volume settings. Their ability to serve consistent meals at scale stands out.
Key Tip:
Highlight efficiency: In environments like cafeterias, speed and reliability matter. For resume layout tips, check: Best Resume Formats
Food Truck Cook Resume Example
Why this food truck cook resume example is strong:
Jesse’s resume focuses on the flexibility and creativity needed in mobile kitchens. It emphasizes multitasking and adaptability, key traits in food truck roles.
Key Tip:
Customize for context: Jesse includes food truck-specific details that make the resume stand out. Learn how to tailor your resume at: How To Build A Resume
Fry Cook Resume Example
Why this fry cook resume example is strong:
Skyler’s resume is simple and focused, emphasizing efficiency and kitchen speed. The numbers demonstrate control over a high-output station.
Key Tip:
Keep it focused: Skyler centers the resume around fry station mastery. To learn how to build concise resumes, visit: How Long Should A Resume Be
Personal Cook Resume Example
Why this personal cook resume example is strong:
Logan’s resume highlights independence and versatility. The household context, special diets, and client service are clearly woven into the summary and experience.
Key Tip:
Highlight responsibility: As a solo cook, Logan shows initiative and organization. Learn to write about independent roles here: How To List Promotions On Resume
Seafood Cook Resume Example
Why this seafood cook resume example is strong:
Devon’s experience aligns closely with the unique demands of seafood kitchens. The resume uses terms that reflect industry knowledge and safety awareness.
Key Tip:
Use niche terminology: Devon’s use of seafood-specific skills builds credibility. Learn how to showcase specialized knowledge at: How To List Your Education On A Resume
Cook Supervisor Resume Example
Why this cook supervisor resume example is strong:
Blake’s resume emphasizes team leadership and operational oversight. It clearly illustrates scale and management impact in high-output kitchens.
Key Tip:
Demonstrate leadership results: Blake uses percentages to show impact. Learn more about quantifying your experience here: Resume Objective Examples
Retirement Home Cook Resume Example
Why this retirement home cook resume example is strong:
Reese’s resume reflects compassion and professionalism. It includes resident-focused details that show care and competence.
Key Tip:
Show you understand your audience: Reese highlights skills tailored to older adults. Learn how to frame soft skills in your resume at: How To Write A Resume With No Experience
Fast Food Cook Resume Example
Why this fast food cook resume example is strong:
Sam’s resume emphasizes reliability, speed, and consistency—vital traits in quick-service environments. It also shows measurable improvements.
Key Tip:
Even entry-level roles benefit from metrics: Sam uses numbers to show growth. Learn how to enhance your early-career resume here: How To Write A Resume With No Experience
Cook Text-Only Resume Examples
How To Write a Cook Resume
1. Opt for a resume format that suits your cook application
Like most vocations, cooks should use the combination (or hybrid) resume format. (All resume examples on this page follow this format.) A combination resume has two main parts:
- An introduction highlighting your top skills and qualifications for your target job. The resume intro usually consists of a brief summary paragraph and a skills list.
- Recent career overview with examples of your success. This part of your resume often centers on work experience, but may also cover areas like education, awards, or apprenticeships.
The following are tips and examples to help you create each standard section of your cook resume.
2. Develop a powerful summary of your cooking qualifications
Start your resume with a summary paragraph highlighting the top reasons you’ll excel in your target cook job. For example, you might mention your proficiency in a particular cuisine, your commitment to food safety standards, or your ability to train new kitchen staff. Use this space to mention how long you’ve been working in kitchens and how you’ve contributed to team performance or customer satisfaction.
(Note: Most job seekers find it easier to write this section last.)
Strong summary example for a cook
Line Cook with eight years of experience in high-volume restaurant kitchens. Skilled in prep work, station management, and quality control. Recognized for reducing food waste by 8% through efficient inventory practices and consistently meeting tight service windows.
Weak summary example for a cook
I have worked in several restaurants as a cook. I can do fast-paced prep and help with various tasks in the kitchen. I like working with food and being part of a team.
3. Highlight your essential abilities for the role
Include a skills list under your summary to show the different ways you can contribute as a cook. With this section, you can give your document the right keywords to perform well on ATS screenings or AI assessments.
| Common key skills for cook resumes | |
|---|---|
| Baking and roasting | Broiling and grilling |
| Budgeting ingredients | Cold food preparation |
| Commercial kitchen equipment | Deep frying |
| Dietary accommodations | FIFO inventory methods |
| Food allergy awareness | Food presentation |
| Food safety compliance | Knife handling |
| Menu planning | Portion control |
| Prep station management | Quality assurance |
| Recipe adaptation | Sanitation and cleaning |
| Stock rotation | Team collaboration |
| Temperature control | Time management |
| Volume cooking | |
4. Create an experience section that underscores your successes as a cook
Now that you’ve listed your culinary skills, use the experience section to show them in action.
For each recent job you’ve held, take some time to brainstorm and jot down your duties and achievements separately. As job search expert Richard N. Bolles pointed out, “the act of simply writing things down is a powerful tool, whether you’re scribbling them on paper or typing in a notes app or a blank document. If you can, consider writing with pen and paper, retro as that may seem.”
When you’re done brainstorming, review each detail through the lens of your target cook job. Choose the most relevant duties or highlights to present as bullet points in your experience section. Try to spell out your impact on each dining establishment, and quantify in terms of a percentage or other hard data. This approach helps give your resume the right focus and detail.
Strong experience example for a cook
Line Cook, The Fireside Grill, Austin, TX | March 2022 to October 2025
- Prepared and plated meals for over 200 customers daily in a fast-paced kitchen environment
- Reduced average ticket time by 10% by streamlining prep procedures and maintaining organized workstations
- Trained three new kitchen staff on safety protocols and station setup, improving overall kitchen efficiency
- Ensured food quality met company standards, contributing to a 4.7-star customer rating on review platforms
Weak experience example for a cook
Line Cook, The Fireside Grill, Austin, TX | March 2022 to present
- Cooked food and helped with prep
- Worked at different stations during shifts
- Trained three new hires
- Upheld food quality standards
5. Include any formal education or cook-related certifications
When adding education, include the degree you earned, the school you attended, and, optionally, the year you graduated. Follow a similar format for any certifications, listing your title, the organization, and optionally the completion date.
Example:
Education
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts, Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI
Certification
ServSafe Food Handler Certification, National Restaurant Association | 2023
How To Select the Ideal Cook Resume Template
The resume templates above can all help you organize and display your cooking qualifications. When choosing from these or other approved templates, trust your instinct. Often, the design you’re naturally most drawn to will best reflect your professional style and be the one you’re most confident sending to employers.
Resume.org offers free, HR-approved resume templates to help you create a professional resume in minutes.
Build Your ResumeFrequently Asked Questions: Cook Resume Examples and Advice
Common action verbs for cook resumes include:
| Action verbs | |
|---|---|
| Arranged | Assembled |
| Baked | Boiled |
| Braised | Broiled |
| Chopped | Cleaned |
| Cooked | Created |
| Delivered | Developed |
| Ensured | Followed |
| Fried | Garnished |
| Grilled | Improved |
| Maintained | Managed |
| Measured | Mixed |
| Monitored | Organized |
| Plated | Prepared |
| Ranked | Reduced |
| Rinsed | Roasted |
| Sanitized | Seasoned |
| Served | Steamed |
| Stored | Streamlined |
| Trained | Updated |
| Washed | Weighed |
| Won | |
A great way to tailor your cook resume is by revising the skills section.
First, delete any terms from your skills list that don’t appear in the job post text.
Then, take another look at the job requirements. Do they cover any skills you possess but haven’t added to your list yet? By including those terms, you’ll give a more complete picture of the value you can add to the restaurant or facility.
Briefly, keep that description short so you have more space to focus on your jobs in food service. This approach helps restaurant managers get a clear view of your background in relation to their hiring needs.
New artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT or DeepL Write, can help you get started on your resume by quickly creating a first draft. AI can also offer new ideas and suggest better ways to describe your experience and skills.
But while AI is a great tool for getting started, it can’t do everything. You still need to think about your key achievements, pick the most relevant information for each section, and make sure all the details on your final resume are accurate.
With resume design, less is more. The less visual information you add, the more attention you’ll call to your relevant skills and achievements. Keep your format simple and polished, and let your experience speak for itself. Avoid visual flourishes like elaborate borders, colorful logos, or unusual fonts and bullet symbols, which usually just distract the hiring manager.
Head of Career Advising
Kara Dennison, SPHR, CPRW, EC is an Executive Career and Leadership Coach, Organizational Strategy Consultant, and CEO of Optimized Career Solutions. With certifications as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), and Encouragement Consultant (EC), Kara brings a unique blend of strategic insight, behavioral science, and personal development to her work. Her career began in corporate recruiting and HR leadership, where she partnered with C-suite executives to hire top performers and reviewed more than 500,000 resumes. That experience ignited her passion for helping high-achieving professionals clarify their path, tell their story with impact, and advance into roles they love.
Today, Kara coaches executives and consults with organizations on culture, communication, and leadership development. She’s been named a Top 101 Global Employee Engagement Influencer by Inspiring Workplaces for 2023, 2024, and 2025, and contributes regularly to Forbes on topics like career growth, leadership trends, and the evolving workplace. Her work has appeared in Fast Company, LifeHacker, Thrive Global, and other leading outlets. Through one-on-one coaching, brand strategy, and organizational consulting, Kara’s mission is simple: empower professionals and leaders to live impactful lives, showing up with clarity and confidence so they and their teams can thrive.
Resume.org offers free, HR approved resume templates to help you create a professional resume in minutes. Choose from several template options and even pre-populate a resume from your profile.