How To Write A Cook Resume – FREE TEMPLATE
Publié le 10 April 2024
Build a strong career in the culinary arts by knowing how to write a cook resume using our free template.
Becoming a professional cook or chef requires a passion for food, industry specific knowledge and years of training. If you want to become a professional cook, you need to be able to prepare a CV and resume that showcases your cooking skills and abilities, and your commitment to further exploring the culinary arts. Knowing how to write a cook resume will boost your chances of getting hired and building a strong career in the culinary profession.
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What Does A Cook Do?
A cook, also known as a chef, plans, prepares and – as the name implies – cooks food in a professional setting. They work in restaurants, diners, cafes, hotels, and any other place the serves food. There are different types of cooks, ranging from those working in family-owned restaurants preparing traditional favours, to chefs working in high-end restaurants creating unique dishes with rare gastronomic techniques and ingredients. Depending on the work environment, they can cook entire meals or work as a team preparing specific ingredients and dishes. Cooks can also own their own restaurants, taking on additional entrepreneurial duties as owner-operators.
Career Prospects for Cooks
The career prospects for chefs and cooks are considered good across the country. According to estimates from Job Bank Canada, by the year 2031 there will be 73,300 cook jobs available with 95,500 new job seekers looking to fill them. This means that there will be increased competition among aspiring cooks, and those seeking to enter the profession will need to put extra effort into building a professional image, portfolio and resume that stands out to hiring managers.
Cook Resume Template
We’ve created a free template for a Cook resume. Download it here:
When using this cook resume template, you should customize it to highlight your own unique skills, abilities and professional experiences. There are a few factors you should include to stand out to recruiters and hiring managers.
1. Culinary Portfolio
Part of your resume should include all your professional experience, but one way to elevate your application is to include a culinary portfolio. This is a portfolio of recipes, dishes and courses you have developed throughout your culinary career. You can use beautiful photos and detailed descriptions as a chance to display your creativity and talent in the kitchen.
2. Kitchen Innovation
Be sure to include any experience where you have spearheaded new culinary ideas, concepts or techniques in restaurants and kitchens where you have worked. This can include seasonal dishes, special events and collaborations with local producers. If you overhauled the workflow in a professional kitchen, include this as well.
3. Awards and Professional Recognition
You have received any awards, honours, or professional recognition for your culinary work, be sure to include this in your cook resume. This can include reviews that singled out your dishes, awards you received and special recognition from peers and mentors in the industry.
4. Additional Training and Learning
There continue to be culinary and gastronomic techniques that elevate dishes to a new level. There are also tried and true culinary traditions to be learned from cultures around the world. If you have continued to develop your culinary skills through additional learning and training, be sure to mention this in your cook resume. This can include specialized courses at culinary schools, mentorship opportunities in kitchens, and international learning experiences.
5. Special Events and Collaborations
Restaurant can be a great location for special events that bring people together. Include all experiences you’ve had collaborating with other cooks, including special events, community festivals and related projects. This highlights your ability to work as part of a team, along with your commitment to promoting local cuisines and food suppliers.
6. Adaptability and Versatility
The kitchen can be a somewhat chaotic work environment, and a good cook needs to be able to adapt on the fly. There are different courses, techniques and dishes that need to be prepared with the same level of care and expertise. Your cook resume should demonstrate your ability to adapt and your versatility in the kitchen. Also indicate that you are familiar with cooking for different dietary restrictions and requirements.
7. Commitment to Sustainability
Food waste can be a major issue, but fortunately the restaurant industry and local governments are starting to lead the way with new sustainable food initiatives. Ways to practice food sustainability include, using local and seasonal ingredients, composting food waste and working with aid organizations to redistribute food. Your cook resume is a great opportunity to showcase your experience with sustainable food practices in your culinary career.
8. Events and Demonstrations
People love to learn more about cooking and the culture behind recipes and ingredients. A great way to foster community ties and showcase yourself professionally is to participate in culinary events and demonstrations. These can include demonstrations at culinary events, competitions, classes and any other events that promote culinary initiatives in your community.
9. Professional Networking
Building a career as a cook or chef also requires establishing a good reputation in the culinary industry. Networking can be a great way to build professional connections and continue to develop yourself in your profession. Other cooks and chefs can act as mentors and references, which should be included in your resume. Also include any memberships in culinary associations or organizations.
10. Future Goals
You’re not just trying to get a job, you’re trying to build a career. Don’t be shy about your long-term career goals, whether it is becoming a head chef or opening your own restaurant. It all demonstrates your commitment to growing and developing on the job, as well as your passion for the culinary community. Hiring managers will want to see that you are truly inspired to succeed in the restaurant and culinary world, and not just looking for another paycheck. Ambition, dedication and leadership are very popular traits that hiring managers want to see from applicants, even for entry-level job roles.
If you want to build a strong career in the culinary industry, it starts with knowing how to write a cook resume. This will allow you to showcase your culinary skills, your training and education, industry experience and your commitment to being part of a successful restaurant team. Start with our free template for a cook resume, and you’ll be one step closer to getting the job you want.
