20 Line Cook Resume Examples and Templates for 2026
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Line Cook Resume Examples and Templates [Download in App]
- Grill Cook
- Sauté Cook
- Breakfast Cook
- Prep Cook
- Fry Cook
- Line Cook Trainer
- Banquet Cook
- Cold Line Cook
- Food Prep Cook
- Catering Cook
- Pasta Cook
- Short Order Cook
- Line Cook (Fine Dining)
- Cook Supervisor
- Breakfast Line Cook
- Garde Manger Cook
- Cook – Food Truck
- Swing Shift Cook
- Cook – Retirement Facility
- Cook – Buffet Service
- Line Cook Text-Only Resume Examples
- How To Write a Line Cook Resume
- How To Pick the Best Line Cook Resume Template
- Frequently Asked Questions: Line Cook Resume Examples and Advice
With the guide below, you can write a resume that helps you get interviews for a job as a line cook.
Key Takeaways
- Brainstorm your work experiences 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 line cook.
- Use bullet points to show how you’ve applied important skills like meal preparation, teamwork, or maintaining cleanliness.
- Include relevant keywords from the job posting to ensure your resume passes through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and reaches hiring managers.
Line Cook Resume Examples and Templates [Download in App]
Grill Cook Resume Example
Why this grill cook resume example is strong:
This resume highlights Chris’s ability to manage high volumes while upholding quality, a critical aspect of grill cook roles. The responsibilities are clearly detailed with specific numbers that reflect performance under pressure.
Key Tips:
Add specific achievements: While Chris includes prep volumes and ticket speeds, a bullet about menu contributions or specials could further elevate the impact.
Structure matters: This resume leads with the most recent job and organizes relevant skills clearly.
Learn more about formatting here
Sauté Cook Resume Example
Why this sauté cook resume example is strong:
Shawn’s resume reflects technical expertise and flexibility under pressure. Bullet points show real impact, like prep time reductions and staff training, which boost his credibility.
Key Tips:
Quantify and specialize: Shawn does a great job tying specific cuisines to his skills. Listing relevant cuisine specialties or volume metrics can help tailor a resume further.
Check out how to build a strong resume from scratch
Breakfast Cook Resume Example
Why this breakfast cook resume example is strong:
This resume shows Avery’s ability to manage fast-paced breakfast service, especially alone. That’s a big plus in smaller kitchens or hotels. The structure also demonstrates growth from prep to cook.
Key Tips:
Make your niche clear: Specializing in breakfast shows Avery’s value to restaurants with specific meal service. Be sure to reflect any niche experience when targeting similar jobs.
Learn how to list your education effectively
Prep Cook Resume Example
Why this prep cook resume example is strong:
Jesse’s resume clearly reflects reliability and strong foundational kitchen skills. Hiring managers can easily see his consistent kitchen experience and growth from prep assistant to full prep cook.
Key Tips:
If you’re in an entry-level role, focus on how you support the team. Jesse makes it clear how his work helps the whole kitchen function.
See more tips for new professionals here
Fry Cook Resume Example
Why this fry cook resume example is strong:
Skyler’s resume reflects consistent experience in fryer-focused roles and proves his reliability with measurable stats. He clearly articulates responsibility and impact in a fast-paced environment.
Key Tips:
Match your resume to your specialty. Fry cook roles require specific timing and safety awareness, and this resume shows both.
Need help choosing a format? Start here
Line Cook Trainer Resume Example
Why this line cook trainer resume example is strong:
Logan’s resume is strong because it clearly demonstrates leadership and measurable results, such as reducing ticket times and improving training effectiveness. These achievements show he’s not just skilled, but also adds value to team performance.
Key Tips:
When listing trainer roles, always include how many people you trained and the results. This makes your leadership skills tangible.
Explore resume objectives to refine your summary
Banquet Cook Resume Example
Why this banquet cook resume example is strong:
Devon’s resume succeeds by showcasing his ability to thrive in high-volume environments. His use of quantifiable achievements—like serving up to 500 guests—demonstrates real-world scale.
Key Tips:
For banquet roles, volume and timing matter. Always include how many guests you’ve served or events you’ve supported.
Want to perfect your resume structure? Read this
Cold Line Cook Resume Example
Why this cold line cook resume example is strong:
Blake’s resume is effective because it uses exact numbers and percentages to show how his work improves efficiency and consistency. It also emphasizes his specialization in cold prep, helping him stand out.
Key Tips:
Tailor your resume to the station you work at. Even if the kitchen is small, specialization counts.
Not sure how long your resume should be? Read this guide
Food Prep Cook Resume Example
Why this food prep cook resume example is strong:
Reese’s resume effectively shows how prep work contributes to smooth kitchen operations. Numbers like 250+ nightly covers and a 15% prep speed improvement help showcase real value.
Key Tips:
Prep roles are about precision and timing. Focus on how your work enables others to succeed.
Use an AI resume builder to save time formatting
Catering Cook Resume Example
Why this catering cook resume example is strong:
Sam’s resume is tailored to the event-focused nature of catering. He uses specific guest counts and satisfaction metrics to prove his ability to perform consistently under pressure.
Key Tips:
If you’ve worked events, always include scale—how many guests, what types of events, and how frequently.
Need help listing promotions or dual roles? This guide can help
Pasta Cook Resume Example
Why this pasta cook resume example is strong:
Chris’s resume is tailored to the specific demands of pasta work. From managing sauces to cook times, the details demonstrate expertise. Adding quantifiable results like 200+ plates served and recipe contributions showcases tangible value.
Key Tips:
Specialization sells—focus on your niche and show how you elevate it.
For help shaping your summary, explore resume objective examples
Short Order Cook Resume Example
Why this short order cook resume example is strong:
Shawn highlights versatility, speed, and adaptability—critical traits for short-order cooks. Metrics like ticket turnaround time and order accuracy reinforce real performance.
Key Tips:
Solo shifts are a big plus. Mentioning this signals independence and efficiency.
Learn how to tailor your resume based on your experience
Line Cook (Fine Dining) Resume Example
Why this fine dining line cook resume example is strong:
Avery showcases the attention to detail and exacting standards required for fine dining. Metrics like plate accuracy and prep time reductions show tangible impact.
Key Tips:
Mention awards or ratings if your restaurant has them—it builds credibility fast.
Learn how to structure a resume that emphasizes progression
Cook Supervisor Resume Example
Why this cook supervisor resume example is strong:
Jesse uses leadership metrics—like ticket time reductions and improved prep flow—to prove his impact. It’s a great example of how cooks transitioning to lead roles can structure a strong resume.
Key Tips:
Management roles should focus on team performance improvements, not just individual tasks.
Learn how to showcase advancement and leadership
Breakfast Line Cook Resume Example
Why this breakfast line cook resume example is strong:
Skyler’s resume emphasizes consistency, time management, and guest satisfaction—all essential for early shift cooking roles. The measurable improvement in complaints shows his focus on quality.
Key Tips:
Use shifts and service times to frame your role clearly, especially for time-based restaurant work.
Need help deciding on a format? Explore the best resume formats
Garde Manger Cook Resume Example
Why this garde manger resume example is strong:
Logan’s resume is tailored for the cold station, with a focus on visual execution and consistency. Specific improvements in plating accuracy and prep efficiency show measurable success.
Key Tips:
For specialty stations like garde manger, aesthetics matter. Highlight experience with presentation and plating.
Explore more resume-building tips here
Cook – Food Truck Resume Example
Why this food truck cook resume example is strong:
Devon effectively highlights adaptability, volume, and mobile cooking logistics. Time and sales metrics reinforce performance under pressure.
Key Tips:
In mobile kitchens, organization and speed are everything. Mention space constraints and how you overcame them.
Learn how to build your resume to stand out
Swing Shift Cook Resume Example
Why this swing shift cook resume example is strong:
Blake’s resume reflects flexibility, one of the most valuable traits in kitchen scheduling. Highlighting improvements in handoff errors and station coverage proves his reliability.
Key Tips:
If you float across shifts or stations, emphasize how that supports kitchen efficiency.
For resume structure guidance, start here
Cook – Retirement Facility Resume Example
Why this retirement facility cook resume example is strong:
Reese’s resume is compassionate and professional. It addresses dietary restrictions and health regulations, which are essential in health care food roles.
Key Tips:
In any health-related kitchen, show how you collaborate with medical or dietary staff.
Learn how to highlight education and certifications
Cook – Buffet Service Resume Example
Why this buffet service cook resume example is strong:
Sam’s resume shows how he balances large-scale food prep with guest-facing responsibilities. The ability to reduce waste and maintain temperature logs demonstrates accountability.
Key Tips:
For buffet roles, show how you manage volume, timing, and customer service in tandem.
More tips for resume formatting here
Line Cook Text-Only Resume Examples
How To Write a Line Cook Resume
1. Select a suitable format for your line cook resume
Like most vocations, line 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 skills list.
- Recent career overview with examples of your success. This part of your resume often centers on work experience, but can also cover areas like culinary school or apprenticeships.
The following are tips and examples to help you create each standard section of your line cook resume.
2. Write a compelling profile summarizing your line cook qualifications
Start your resume with a summary paragraph highlighting the top reasons you’ll excel in your target line cook job. For example, maybe you have a record of success in a similar cuisine or kitchen environment. Or maybe you were recently recognized for upholding strict quality standards.
Consider writing your summary last, since you’ll likely have a better sense of your top selling points after you’ve written the other sections.
Strong summary example for a line cook
Line cook with more than 5 years of experience in high-volume kitchens, specializing in grill and sauté stations. Skilled in prep work, plating, and maintaining food safety standards. Proven ability to support smooth service during peak hours with minimal waste and consistent quality.
Weak summary example for a line cook
I’ve worked as a line cook for several years and can do a lot of different things in the kitchen. I’m a hard worker and help out where needed. I know how to follow recipes and prep ingredients.
As the above examples indicate, you should avoid using “I” statements in your summary. Or if you do use them, just remove the “I” phrase from the beginning of each sentence. For instance, change “I am a line cook with over five years…” to “Line cook with over five years…”
3. Highlight your essential abilities and technical proficiencies for a line cook role
Include a skills list under your summary to show the different ways you can contribute as a line 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 line cook resumes | |
|---|---|
| Baking and roasting | Deep frying |
| Dish plating | Efficiency improvement |
| Expediting orders | Following recipes |
| Food labeling | Food preparation |
| Food safety compliance | Fry station operation |
| Grilling | High-volume service |
| Menu memorization | Portion control |
| Prep station setup | Process streamlining |
| Quality control | Sanitation procedures |
| Sauteing | Stock rotation |
| Task prioritization | Team coordination |
| Time management | |
4. Develop a focused work history section for your line cook resume
Now that you’ve listed your main 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. This step is crucial. 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 item through the lens of your target job. Choose the most relevant duties or highlights to present as bullet points in your experience section. This approach helps give your resume the right focus and detail.
Strong experience example for a line cook
Line Cook, Blue Ridge Tavern, Asheville, NC | March 2022 to October 2025
- Prepared more than 200 covers per shift across grill and sauté stations during high-volume weekend service
- Trained and mentored three new prep cooks on station setup, food safety, and efficient service workflows
- Reduced food waste 9% by implementing a labeling system and rotating stock
- Collaborated with the head chef to test and roll out seasonal menu items
Weak experience example for a line cook
Line Cook, Blue Ridge Tavern, Asheville, NC | March 2022 to October 2025
- Cooked food for customers
- Worked with other cooks during shifts
- Helped with new menu items
- Followed safety rules in the kitchen
5. List your education and any pertinent certifications for a line cook
When adding your 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 Degree in Culinary Arts, Baltimore Culinary Academy, Baltimore, MD
Certification
ServSafe Food Handler, National Restaurant Association | 2023
How To Pick the Best Line Cook Resume Template
The resume templates above can all help you organize and display your line cook 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: Line Cook Resume Examples and Advice
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Arranged | Assembled |
| Baked | Boiled |
| Cleaned | Collaborated |
| Cooked | Developed |
| Ensured | Followed |
| Garnished | Generated |
| Grilled | Improved |
| Introduced | Maintained |
| Measured | Mixed |
| Monitored | Plated |
| Prepared | Reduced |
| Rotated | Sanitized |
| Sauteed | Seasoned |
| Steamed | Stocked |
| Stored | Trained |
| Weighed | Won |
A great way to tailor your line 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 hadn’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.
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. 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.