Culinary Resume Examples & Templates for 2024
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Culinary professionals, such as chefs, sous chefs, and pastry chefs, have expert-level knowledge of food preparation. They create and implement menus that excite and delight their patrons. A culinary resume must show skills in food safety, kitchen management, and other chef and kitchen skills.
By reviewing 11 million resumes made in our builder, we discovered that:
- On average, the typical resume for a culinary chef includes 12.6 skills.
- Skills such as meal preparation, menu development, cost control, and equipment maintenance are top choices for culinary professionals.
- The average resume length for culinary chefs is 2 pages.
Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here.
Sample resume made with our builder—See more resume examples here.
Culinary Resume Sample
Martin Brandao
Head Chef
martin.q.brandao@mail.com
linkedin.com/in/martinqbrandao
603-481-7565
Professional Summary
Talented head chef with 12 years of experience. Skilled in staff management and creating menus. Seeking to enhance the dining experience at The Joyous Ocelot. At The Prawn Broker, received two five-star reviews from Massachusetts Life Magazine for, “exciting menu, flawlessly executed.” Served a packed house 5 nights a week thanks to vibrant word of mouth.
Work Experience
Chef
The Prawn Broker, Boston, MA
Feb 2014–May 2024
- Served as head chef in a 110-seat five-star restaurant. Presided over a sous chef, 6 junior sous chefs, and a kitchen staff of 20.
- Maintained five-star reviews from Massachusetts Life Magazine’s head food critic. She praised my menu as exciting and flawlessly executed.
- Served 500+ dinners per night, 5 nights a week. Built unstoppable word-of-mouth thanks to a creative and intriguing menu.
- Trained 25 chefs, sous chefs, and other kitchen staff in food safety, preparation, storage, and presentation best practices.
Chef
Northern Maine Outdoor Center, Houlton, ME
Jan 2012–Feb 2014
- Ran kitchen in the remote but popular year-round outdoor center.
- Raised restaurant rating from three-star to four-star in 15 months.
Education
Professional Chef’s Program Graduate
Cambridge School of Culinary Arts
Graduated in 2012
- Pursued a passion for farm-to-table cuisine.
- Excelled in food safety and menu-creation coursework.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Boston College
Graduated in 2011
- Wrote a weekly column on smoked foods preparation in student paper.
- President, student culinary arts club.
Skills
- Staff management
- Menu creation
- Business knowledge
- Food safety
- Interpersonal skills
- Leadership
- Time management
- Collaboration
Activities
- Wrote two cookbooks that sold 1,200 and 1,500 copies.
- Make clam & corn chowder 1x a week at Bunker Hill Mission.
Entry-Level / Junior Culinary Resume Example
An entry-level/junior culinary chef, also called a commis chef, is an entry-level position in the culinary arts. Their primary role is to assist with food preparation, adhere to food safety standards, and support station chefs in creating and implementing menus that excite and delight patrons. An entry-level culinary resume must showcase skills in basic food preparation, kitchen management, and adherence to health and safety guidelines. Here’s a sample beginner/junior culinary chef resume:
Samantha L. Baker
Junior Chef
samantha.baker@gmail.com
(456) 789-0123
linkedin.com/in/samanthabaker
Resume Objective
Dedicated and passionate junior chef with 1 year of hands-on experience in a fast food environment. Culinary school graduate with a strong foundation in cooking techniques and kitchen operations. Reduced food waste by 10% through careful inventory management and portion control. Seeking to improve performance during rush hours at Fishy Business.
Work Experience
Line Cook
QuickBites Fast Food, New York, NY
June 2022–June 2023
Key Qualifications & Responsibilities:
- Prepared and cooked a variety of fast food items, including burgers, fries, and sandwiches.
- Assisted with inventory management and ensured freshness of ingredients.
- Maintained a clean and organized kitchen environment, adhering to food safety standards.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure efficient kitchen operations during peak hours.
- Provided excellent customer service by addressing special requests and dietary needs.
Key Achievements:
- Increased kitchen efficiency by 15% by streamlining food preparation processes.
- Reduced food waste by 10% through careful inventory management and portion control.
- Consistently received positive feedback from customers for food quality and service.
Volunteer Experience
Cook/Grillmaster
Community Fundraising Fair, Brooklyn, NY
May 2021
- Prepared and grilled various food items for fair attendees, ensuring quality and taste.
- Managed food inventory and coordinated with other volunteers for efficient service.
- Maintained cleanliness and safety of the cooking area throughout the event.
- Served over 500 meals during the event, contributing to a successful fundraiser.
- Received commendation from event organizers for exceptional culinary skills and teamwork.
Education
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY
Graduated May 2023
- Specialized in Meat preparation and pastry preparation courses.
Skills
- Food Preparation and Cooking Techniques
- Kitchen Safety and Sanitation
- Inventory Management
- Customer Service
- Time Management
- Team Collaboration
Hobbies & Interests
- Exploring New Cuisines: Enjoy experimenting with different cooking styles and ingredients to create unique dishes.
- Baking: Passionate about baking various breads, pastries, and desserts.
- Gardening: Grow fresh herbs and vegetables to use in culinary creations.
- Food Blogging: Write about culinary experiences and share recipes on a personal food blog.
Mid-Level Culinary Professional Resume Example
A mid-level culinary professional, often called a sous chef or chef de partie, occupies a role between entry-level and senior positions within the culinary hierarchy. This position typically involves more complex culinary tasks and greater responsibility than a junior chef role. Mid-level chefs are crucial in menu planning, supervising kitchen staff, and executing high-level dishes with precision. Here’s a sample resume for mid-level culinary professionals:
Michael A. Davis
Mid-Level Chef
michael.davis@mail.com
(567) 890-1234
linkedin.com/in/michaeldavis_11
Resume Summary
Innovative sous chef with 5 years of experience in various restaurant settings. Holder of a Culinary Arts diploma and a Bachelor of Arts degree. Increased kitchen efficiency by 20% by implementing new prep techniques. Contributed to a 10% increase in repeat customers through quality food preparation.
Work Experience
Sous Chef
Gourmet Bistro, New York, NY
June 2020–May 2022
Key Qualifications & Responsibilities:
- Assisted the head chef in menu planning and food preparation.
- Supervised kitchen staff and ensured adherence to food safety standards.
- Managed inventory and ordered supplies, maintaining optimal stock levels.
- Designed daily specials and contributed to the creation of new menu items.
- Maintained a clean and organized kitchen, adhering to health regulations.
Key Achievements:
- Increased kitchen efficiency by 20% by implementing new prep techniques.
- Reduced food costs by 15% through effective inventory management and portion control.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by 25% with the introduction of popular new dishes.
Line Cook
Urban Eats, Brooklyn, NY
June 2018–June 2020
Key Qualifications & Responsibilities:
- Prepared and cooked a variety of dishes according to restaurant recipes and standards.
- Worked with the kitchen team to ensure timely and efficient service during peak hours.
- Improved order accuracy by 30% by streamlining the cooking process.
- Played a key role in the successful launch of a new seasonal menu.
- Contributed to a 10% increase in repeat customers through quality food preparation.
Junior Chef
Fine Dine Restaurant, San Francisco, CA
June 2017–June 2018
Key Qualifications & Responsibilities:
- Increased kitchen productivity by 15% by optimizing workstation setups.
- Helped reduce food wastage by 10% through careful inventory monitoring.
- Received positive feedback from customers for consistent food quality.
Education
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY
Graduated May 2015
- Graduated with honors, focusing on advanced cooking techniques and kitchen management.
- Completed a comprehensive internship program at a renowned restaurant, gaining practical experience.
Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management
University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Graduated May 2013
- Specialized in food and beverage management, and hospitality operations.
- Participated in a study abroad program in Italy, focusing on Italian cuisine and culture.
Certifications
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification, June 2020
- Certified Sous Chef (CSC), American Culinary Federation, August 2019
- HACCP Certification, March 2018
Skills
- Advanced Cooking Techniques
- Menu Planning and Development
- Kitchen Management
- Food Safety and Sanitation
- Inventory Management
- Team Leadership
- Customer Service
Languages
- Spanish—Professional Working Proficiency
- French—Limited Working Proficiency
- Italian—Conversational Proficiency
Experienced / Senior Culinary Resume Example
A senior culinary professional, often known as an executive chef or head chef, holds a high-level position within the culinary hierarchy. This role involves overseeing the entire kitchen operation, developing menu items, managing kitchen staff, advanced culinary skills, and a deep understanding of flavor profiles. A resume for a senior culinary chef must showcase expertise in culinary arts, staff management, and operational logistics. Here’s a sample resume for senior culinary professionals:
Christopher J. Miller
Head Chef
christopher.miller@gmail.com
(678) 901-2345
linkedin.com/in/christopherjmiller
Summary of Qualifications
Creative head chef with 12 years of experience in both high-end and casual dining establishments. Expertise in culinary innovation, kitchen management, and team leadership. Increased restaurant revenue by 25% by introducing a successful tasting menu. Reduced food costs by 15% through effective inventory management and portion control.
Work Experience
Head Chef
La Grande Cuisine, New York, NY
July 2019–August 2023
Key Qualifications & Responsibilities:
- Led the kitchen team in preparing and serving high-quality dishes in a fine dining setting.
- Developed and executed innovative menus, incorporating seasonal and local ingredients.
- Conducted regular training sessions to maintain high standards of food quality and safety.
Key Achievements:
- Increased restaurant revenue by 25% through the introduction of a successful tasting menu.
- Reduced food costs by 20% by implementing efficient inventory management practices.
- Achieved a 95% customer satisfaction rate, reflected in online reviews and repeat business.
- Won the "Best Fine Dining Experience" award in 2019 from the New York Culinary Society.
Sous Chef
Gourmet Haven, Los Angeles, CA
June 2016–June 2019
Key Qualifications & Responsibilities:
- Supervised kitchen staff and ensured adherence to food safety standards.
- Managed inventory and ordered supplies, maintaining optimal stock levels.
- Designed daily specials and contributed to the creation of new menu items.
Key Achievements:
- Increased kitchen efficiency by 20% by implementing new prep techniques.
- Reduced food costs by 15% through effective inventory management and portion control.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by 25% with the introduction of popular new dishes.
Line Cook
Urban Bistro, Chicago, IL
May 2012–June 2016
Key Qualifications & Responsibilities:
- Improved order accuracy by 30% by streamlining the cooking process.
- Played a key role in the successful launch of a new seasonal menu.
- Contributed to a 10% increase in repeat customers through quality food preparation.
Education
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY
Graduated May 2014
Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management
University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Graduated May 2010
Certifications
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification, June 2017
- Certified Executive Chef (CEC), American Culinary Federation, August 2016
- HACCP Certification, March 2015
Skills
- Culinary Innovation and Menu Development
- Advanced Cooking Techniques
- Kitchen Management
- Food Safety and Sanitation
- Inventory Control
- Team Leadership and Training
- Customer Service Excellence
Publications
- Miller, C. (2020). "Modern Techniques in Classic French Cuisine." Gourmet Chef Magazine, 12(3), 45–58.
- Miller, C. (2018). "Sustainable Sourcing: A Chef’s Guide to Farm-to-Table Practices." Culinary Trends Journal, 9(2), 67–80.
- Miller, C. (2016). "The Art of Plating: Elevating Visual Appeal in Fine Dining." Professional Chef Quarterly, 7(1), 34–47.
Professional Memberships
- American Culinary Federation (ACF)
- International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP)
Resume Templates for Culinary Chefs
From our review of 11 million resumes created with the Zety Resume Builder, these are the top 3 templates chosen by culinary professionals.
Concept
With a pristine white background and elegant black text, this template combines the best of traditional and infographic resume designs seamlessly. Ideal for job seekers in the culinary industry who want to highlight their most recent and relevant experiences prominently. The slim sidebar on the left is perfect for creating a visually appealing timeline of your culinary career journey, making it easy to showcase your progression from apprentice to executive chef.
Cascade
Feast your eyes on the nifty bar graphs for the skills and language sections, which allow you to showcase your culinary expertise and multilingual abilities with flair. The elegant sidebar organizes your personal details and certifications, while the main body uses subtle shading differences to enhance readability without compromising on style.
Crisp
This modern resume template boasts a neat left-hand sidebar that elegantly frames your personal details, culinary skills, and language proficiencies, each marked by colorful icons for a dynamic look. The full-width header highlights your name and professional title, setting the stage for a savory resume profile. With a pristine white background and customizable color options for the headings, this template allows your culinary achievements to shine brightly.
How to Write a Culinary Resume:
1. Choose the Best Culinary Resume Format
Presentation matters. That’s true in a dining room as well as a resume for culinary jobs. So, you need to prepare a well-formatted resume.
That’s why the resume samples for experienced culinary pros online use the chronological resume layout. It’s the best layout for resumes, just as clock-face plating is the best food presentation style. It puts things in the right order for the customer.
Here’s how to format a culinary resume template:
- Resume fonts: stick with Calibri, Didot, or other readable fonts.
- Line spacing: 1 to 1.15 is more than enough.
- Font size: 11–12 points.
- Resume headings: Larger than regular entries, at 13–14 points.
- Resume margins: 1 inch on all sides.
- File type: PDF resumes are the right choice unless the company asks for other file types.
- Resume Length: If you're a beginner, try to keep the resume on one page. For mid- and senior-level resumes, go to two pages.
Make sure you include these resume parts:
- Header: full name with contact information.
- Summary: Michelin-star appetizer to make the recruiter hungry to read more.
- Experience: your best culinary accomplishments.
- Education: relevant schooling.
- Skills: the things you can do and the company wants.
- Other sections: certifications, volunteering, and other activities.
Need inspiration to design your resume? See here: Best Resume Designs in 2024
2. Pair Your Resume with the Culinary Job Description
Research shows that 88% of food service operators plan on hiring more staff. That’s great news for you—but don’t whip up a generic culinary resume for every job opening. Knowing how to write experience in a resume means knowing how to tailor your resume to each position.
To customize your resume:
- Match your job titles to the online opening. If they say, “Head Chef,” that’s you. If they say, “Executive Chef,” use that.
- You also need accomplishments for resume for culinary roles. Pick your proudest moments when you used the skills they’re asking for.
- Add numbers. “500+” works better than “a lot.”
Here are some examples of responsibilities for a culinary resume:
Culinary Keywords for a Resume
- Menu Planning and Development: Creating and designing menus that align with seasonal ingredients and customer preferences.
- Food Preparation and Cooking: Preparing and cooking a variety of dishes according to established recipes and standards.
- Inventory Management: Monitoring and managing inventory levels, ordering supplies, and ensuring proper storage of ingredients.
- Sanitation and Safety: Maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment, adhering to health and safety regulations.
- Team Collaboration: Working effectively with kitchen staff, servers, and management to ensure smooth kitchen operations.
- Quality Control: Ensuring all dishes are prepared to the highest quality and presentation standards.
- Customer Interaction: Engaging with customers to gather feedback and make adjustments to improve their dining experience.
- Cost Management: Controlling food costs by minimizing waste and maximizing the use of ingredients.
Remember to use action verbs that convey your responsibilities and achievements effectively. Here are some action verbs for culinary resumes:
Culinary Resume Action Verbs
- Prepared
- Cooked
- Created
- Developed
- Managed
- Plated
- Supervised
- Organized
- Executed
- Enhanced
Pro Tip: Always remember to spice things up by using the right verbs for resumes, like “served, trained, raised.” Never settle for the bland “responsible for”
3. Elevate Your Culinary Resume Education Section
Most resume education sections are as alike as canned food. It’s true that culinary jobs don’t require formal education, but with the right approach, you can make yours sizzle. Here are the basic ingredients:
- Degree earned
- Relevant coursework
- Certifications
- Honors and distinctions
Don’t stop with your school name, dates of attendance, and degree. Show off your culinary skills with more achievements. Did you lead a culinary club? That proves leadership qualities. Did you excel in food safety classes? That’s another plus.
Pro Tip: Definitely list cum laude on your resume for culinary jobs if you scored that high. Was your GPA 3.5 or higher? Add it to show your academic mastery.
4. List More Than Culinary Skills in Your Resume
Remember to use a good mix of hard skills vs soft skills in your culinary arts resume. But don’t list too many. Go heavy on the few abilities the job ad holds in high regard.
Culinary Resume Skills
- Business knowledge
- Kitchen management
- Menu creation
- Food safety
- Presentation
- Food quality
- Cost control
- Technical skills, such as Infrared Salamander Broiler
- Vulcan 70in. Gas Range
- Working with suppliers
- Sourcing food and kitchen supplies
- Interpersonal skills
- Leadership
- Time management
- Spoken & written communication
- Collaboration
- Delegation
- Active listening
- Self-motivation
- Efficiency
- Detail oriented
- Problem-solving
- Creativity
- Organization
5. Add “Other” Sections to Your Culinary Resume
You can’t stop after “education.” That’s as boring as a dry, plain chicken breast.
Add one or two of these:
- Activities
- Freelance work
- Reviews or media writeups
- Publications
- Side projects
- Conferences
- Commendations from superiors
- Personal interests
- Honors
- Awards
- Community service on a resume
- Languages
- Fitness interests
Pro Tip: Listing certifications on a resume is easy. If they matter for the job, make a “Certifications” section under “Education.” If they’re “extra,” add them to “Activities.”
6. Write a Culinary Resume Objective or Resume Summary
The restaurant manager is busy. Your culinary resume must be appetizing right away. So, write a short elevator speech. It’s called a professional profile or a profile summary for a resume.
Either way, it’s a sampler of all your finest culinary moments. Here’s the recipe:
- An adjective (innovative, accomplished)
- Title (Chef, Sous Chef, etc.)
- Years of experience (7+, 5)
- Your target (enhance the dining experience)
- A taste of your skills (staff management, creating menus)
- Skills proof (5-star reviews, served packed house)
- Measures that convince (Reduced food waste by 10%)
In a resume with no experience, you won’t have all those ingredients. So, prove transferable abilities from non-culinary roles in an objective on your resume. For example, if you managed a team of hotel valets, that proves your leadership.
7. Send a Cover Letter With Your Culinary Resume
Should I submit a cover letter with my culinary resume? It’ll boost your chance of getting hired.
But don’t make an over-processed culinary cover letter.
- Of the different cover letter formats, the three-paragraph style is your friend.
- When starting a cover letter, mention something memorable like your biggest culinary “win.”
- In your culinary cover letter middle, show you’re the perfect choice. If they have a Vulcan Broiler and you made 200 meals a night with one, say so.
- When you’re closing a cover letter, offer something tasty. Example: “I’d be glad to share why Massachusetts Life Magazine called me the best chef in the state.”
- How long are cover letters? They should be half a page.
Unsure how to follow up on a job application? Send a short, polite note once a week, with a brief reminder of the most memorable fact in your cover letter.
Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:
See more cover letter templates and start writing.
Do you need a certain kind of resume for culinary jobs? See our other guides:
- Chef Resume Sample & Guide
- Food Service Resume Sample & Guide
- Restaurant Resume Sample & Guide
- Restaurant Manager Resume Sample & Guide
- Restaurant Server Resume Sample & Guide
- Cook Resume Sample & Guide
- Subway Resume Sample
- Resume Examples for All Careers
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This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines. We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.
