Cook

Cook Resume Keywords and Skills (Hard Skills)

Here are the keywords and skills that appear most frequently on recent Cook job postings. In other words, these are the most sought after skills by recruiters and hiring managers. Go to Sample Templates ↓ below to see how to include them on your resume.

Remember that every job is different. Instead of including all keywords on your resume, identify those that are most relevant to the job you're applying to. Use the free Targeted Resume tool to help with this.

Choose a category
  • Cooking
  • Food Preparation
  • Food & Beverage
  • Catering
  • Hospitality
  • Food Safety
  • Menu Development
  •  Find out what your resume's missing
  • Fine Dining
  • Restaurant Management
  • Customer Service
  • Mediterranean Cuisine
  • Banquet Operations
  • Chef
  • Food Service
  • Sanitation
  • Hotel Management
  • Microsoft Access
  • Event Management
  • HORECA
  • Social Media
  • Recipe Development
  • Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
  • Food Quality

  •   Show full list

Resume Skills: Cooking Techniques

Resume Skills: Cuisine Specialties

Resume Skills: Culinary

Resume Skills: Management

  • Staff Recruitment
  • Training
  • and Management, Menu Development, Vendor Negotiation, Budget Monitoring, Inventory Control
  • Menu Development
  • Food Cost Analysis
  • Inventory Control
  • Vendor Relations
  • Staff Scheduling
  •  Match your resume to these skills

Resume Skills: Technical

Resume Skills: Culinary Abilities

Resume Skills: Technological

Resume Skills: Hygiene & Safety

Resume Skills: Kitchen Tools

Resume Skills: Software

Resume Skills: Restaurant Tools

Resume Skills: Other

  Does your resume contain all the right skills? Paste in your resume in the AI Resume Scan ↓ section below and get an instant score.

Compare Your Resume To These Cook Skills (ATS Scan)

Paste your resume below and our AI will identify which keywords are missing from your resume from the list above (and what you need to include). Including the right keywords will help you get past Applicant Tracking Systems (i.e. resume screeners) which may scan your resume for keywords to see if you're a match for the job.

Sample Cook Resume Examples: How To Include These Skills

Add keywords directly into your resume's work experiences, education or Skills section, like we've shown in the examples below. Use the examples below as inspiration.

Select a free resume example
Your Name
Cook
City, Country  •  (123) 456-789  •  [email protected]  •  linkedin.com/in/your-profile
EXPERIENCE
Coached.com January 2020 - Present
Executive Chef
Spearheaded comprehensive menu development, introducing a Mediterranean Cuisine section that increased sales by 18%
Streamlined kitchen operations, reducing food waste by 25% through effective inventory management
Championed the implementation of stringent food safety protocols, resulting in a 15% reduction in instances of non-compliance
Introduced a dynamic staff training program that improved the team's efficiency by 20%
Orchestrated high-profile catering events, satisfying clients and boosting company reputation for fine dining and event management
Resume Worded December 2016 - December 2019
Sous Chef
Managed a team of 10-15 cooks, fostering a cooperative work environment and increasing productivity by 30%
Deployed effective HORECA strategies, boosting customer satisfaction by 20%
Coordinated with vendors and suppliers, ensuring timely delivery of quality produce, thereby maintaining the restaurant's high culinary standards
Olive Garden June 2014 - November 2016
Line Cook
Maintained high sanitation standards, ensuring a clean and compliant work environment
Assisted in the preparation of a wide range of dishes, maintaining speed and efficiency, and contributing to a 25% increase in orders served during peak hours
Proactively suggested updates to the menu based on customer feedback, leading to a 15% boost in customer satisfaction
EDUCATION
Resume Worded University December 2016
Master's Degree in Culinary Arts
Specialized in Luxury and Fine-dining Culinary Techniques
Resume Worded Institute May 2014
Bachelor of Science in Food Service Management
Coursework included Hospitality and Restaurant Management, Food and Beverage Cost Control
SKILLS
Culinary Skills: Sous Vide Cooking, Molecular Gastronomy, Charcuterie, French Pastries, Aseptic Techniques, Sushi Preparation
Management: Staff Recruitment, Training, and Management; Menu Development; Vendor Negotiation; Budget Monitoring; Inventory Control
Technical Skills: Proficient in Cook'n Recipe Organizer, Kitchen Tools & Equipment Usage, POS Systems, Microsoft Office Suite
OTHER
Certifications: ServSafe Food Handler Certificate, First Aid and CPR Certified
Awards: James Beard Award Winner, Iron Chef Contest Winner
Volunteering: Community Food Bank Volunteer Chef, Homeless Shelter Meal Planner and Cook
Your Name
Catering Cook
City, Country  •  (123) 456-789  •  [email protected]  •  linkedin.com/in/your-profile
EXPERIENCE
Coached.com January 2020 - Present
Event Catering Manager
Led successful banquet operations for high-profile events, serving up to 500 guests, increasing customer retention by 20%
Pioneered innovative food and beverage arrangements, resulting in a 15% upsell in premium packages
Overhauled the event management system, optimizing time and resource allocation leading to 30% efficiency in executing events
Worked closely with clients to customize menus, improving customer satisfaction by 25%
Managed social media marketing for catering services, expanding the customer base by 40%
Resume Worded November 2016 - December 2019
Senior Catering Cook
Developed and implemented creative recipes for high-volume catering events, leading to a 15% increase in bookings
Managed food preparation process, reducing food wastage by 30% through efficient planning
Implemented food safety techniques during food preparation and storage, maintaining top hygiene standards and minimizing health risks
Cheesecake Factory June 2013 - October 2016
Catering Cook
Supported in the preparation and execution of large-scale catering orders including corporate events and weddings
Ensured adherence to dietary restrictions and preferences resulting in a 20% rise in customer satisfaction
Maintained optimal sanitation standards, contributing to a 15% improvement in health inspection scores
EDUCATION
Resume Worded Institute June 2013
Certified Professional Chef (CPC)
Focused on traditional and contemporary culinary arts, food safety and sanitation
Resume Worded University May 2013
Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts Management
Specialization in International Cuisine
Award: Nominated for Outstanding Culinary Student award
SKILLS
Culinary Abilities: Meal Preparation, Nutrition, Meal Pairing, Dessert Creation, Special Dietary Requirements Catering
Management Skills: Menu Development, Food Cost Analysis, Inventory Control, Vendor Relations, Staff Scheduling
Technological Skills: POS Systems, Kitchen Display Systems, Catering Software (Caterease, Total party planner), MS Office Suite
Hygiene & Safety: Food Safety, Personal Hygiene, Cleanliness, Safe Food Handling, Sanitization Protocols
OTHER
Certifications: Food Safety Manager Certification (FSMC - 2022), ServSafe Alcohol Certification (2019)
Leadership & Volunteering: Event Chef for Annual Charity Cook Off, Meals on Wheels (Regular Volunteer)
Courses: Advanced Pastry Design Course (Resume Worded Institute), Wine & Spirit Education Trust Level 2 Award in Wines
Awards: Employee of the Month (Resume Worded - October 2016, June 2018)
Your Name
Chef de Partie
City, Country  •  (123) 456-789  •  [email protected]  •  linkedin.com/in/your-profile
EXPERIENCE
Coached.com February 2019 - Present
Sous Chef
Led a team of junior cooks and ensured alignment with the head chef’s vision, increasing team productivity by 20%
Conducted regular restaurant management trainings, resulting in a 15% increase in restaurant efficiency
Mastered different sections of the kitchen, enabling seamless operation even during staff shortages
Built relationships with local suppliers, ensuring consistent quality of fresh produce
Managed inventory effectively, bringing down wastage by 25%
Resume Worded October 2016 - January 2019
Chef de Partie
Contributed to menu development, added innovative dishes leading to a 10% increase in sales
Participated in weekly kitchen staff training, improving food service and reducing order preparation time by 20%
Maintained sanitation standards, ensuring a clean and safe kitchen environment
Hilton Hotels June 2015 - September 2016
Commis Chef
Aided in daily food preparation, contributing to efficient food service and positive customer reviews
Managed the storage of food items according to safety regulations, minimizing spoilage
Helped implement waste management practices, reducing food wastage by 15%
EDUCATION
Resume Worded Institute December 2015
Certified Master Chef (CMC)
Recognized as one of the highest levels of certification a chef can receive.
Resume Worded University May 2015
Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Specialization in Pastry & Baking
Awards: Dean's List 2014, Top 5% of Class
SKILLS
Culinary Techniques: Baking, Roasting, Grilling, Sous Vide, Knife Skills, Butchery, Plating and Presentation
Kitchen Tools: Professional Stand Mixers, Mandoline Slicers, Immersion Blenders,Food Processors, Convection Ovens, Sous Vide Machines
Cuisine Specialization: French Cuisine, Italian Cuisine, Spanish Cuisine, Fusion Cuisine
Software: ChefTec, BevSpot, MarketMan, Plate IQ, BlueCart
OTHER
Certifications: ServSafe Food Handler & Manager Certification (2016), First Aid & CPR Certified (2019)
Leadership & Volunteering: Organized and led a fundraising dinner for the local food bank (2019), Volunteered with Meals on Wheels delivering meals to homebound individuals (2017 - 2019)
Awards: James Beard Foundation Scholar (2014), ProChef Level III Certification (2016)
Continuing Education: Frequently attends culinary workshops and conventions to learn new techniques, Regularly takes courses on food safety and sanitation
Your Name
Grill Cook
City, Country  •  (123) 456-789  •  [email protected]  •  linkedin.com/in/your-profile
EXPERIENCE
TGI Fridays January 2022 - Present
Grill Cook
Mastered multiple grill techniques, leading a 20% increase in sales of grilled dishes
Implemented an efficient food preparation system that reduced waste by 30%
Developed innovative recipes, boosting patron visits by 15%
Enforced stringent food safety measures, reducing instances of foodborne illnesses to zero
Initiated a comprehensive training program for new cooks, enhancing overall team performance and customer satisfaction by 25%
Applebee's June 2018 - December 2021
Line Cook
Managed inventory, minimizing food costs by 10%
Updated and adhered to the ServSafe sanitation guidelines, maintaining the restaurant's hygiene ratings at peak levels
Streamlined the food service process, improving service delivery time by 20%
Assisted in menu development, contributing to a 15% increase in sales
Resume Worded January 2016 - May 2018
Kitchen Assistant
Provided reliable food preparation support, speeding up service time by 15%
Assisted with cashiering during peak hours, reducing customer wait time by 20%
Implemented effective sanitation practices, maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment
EDUCATION
Resume Worded Institute January 2022
Certification in Gourmet Cooking
Completed part-time while working as a Grill Cook at TGI Fridays
Resume Worded University May 2017
Associate's Degree in Culinary Arts
Specialized in American Cuisine
Internship at Resume Worded Academic Center Kitchen
SKILLS
Cooking Techniques: Grilling, Sauteeing, Roasting, Broiling, Basting, Braising
Kitchen Equipment: Grills, Stoves, Ovens, Deep Fryers, Steamers, Rotisseries
Health & Safety: Safe Food Handling, Sanitation Standards, First Aid, Fire Safety
Culinary Software: ChefTec, Nutritics, MarketMan, BlueCart, PeachWorks
OTHER
Certifications: ServSafe Food Handler Certificate
Volunteering: Soup Kitchen Volunteer at Local Food Bank - Prepared and served meals to the needy
Projects: Developed a new Grill Menu for TGI Fridays which boosted sales
Your Name
Line Cook
City, Country  •  (123) 456-789  •  [email protected]  •  linkedin.com/in/your-profile
EXPERIENCE
McDonald's February 2022 – Present
Line Cook
Prepared high-quality dishes under strict timelines, increasing kitchen efficiency by 20%
Partnered with Grill Cook to develop new recipes, resulting in a 15% increase in menu popularity
Managed the food & beverage inventory, reducing wastage by 18%
Upheld vigorous food safety standards, significantly reducing incidents of cross-contamination
Contributed to the catering services during special events, bolstering revenue by 10%
Burger King June 2019 – January 2022
Food Prep Cook
Implemented an effective food preparation system, reducing prep time by 25%
Maintained ServSafe standards, achieving top-notch food quality and safety
Assisted in the development of special menus, generating a 10% rise in sales
Coached.com February 2017 – May 2019
Catering Assistant
Assisted in managing food & beverage orders for catering services, contributing to a 30% growth in the business
Maintained high standards of sanitation, ensuring a clean and safe environment
EDUCATION
Resume Worded Institute January 2022
Certificate in Food Safety and Handling
Included essential training in sanitation, health risks, and prevention strategies
Resume Worded Academic Center May 2017
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Specialized in fast-food cooking techniques and practices
Part-time education concurrent with role at Coached.com
SKILLS
Kitchen Techniques: Grilling, Frying, Broiling, Sautéing, Baking
Food Preparation: Meat Cutting, Vegetable Chopping, Salad Preparation, Marinading, Seasoning
Equipment: Grills, Deep Fryers, Broilers, Electric Mixers, Blenders, Ovens
Safety & Sanitation: Food Safety Regulations, Kitchen Sanitation, Equipment Sterilization, Personal Hygiene Standards
OTHER
Certifications: Certified Food Handler - National Restaurant Association (June 2017)
Professional Development: Participated in food safety and sanitation training at Burger King (February 2020)
Volunteering: Volunteering at local food shelter, preparing and serving meals (June 2018 - Present)
Courses: Completed online course on 'Catering Mastery - From Zero to Hero' on Udemy (March 2019)
Your Name
Kitchen Manager
City, Country  •  (123) 456-789  •  [email protected]  •  linkedin.com/in/your-profile
EXPERIENCE
Outback Steakhouse March 2022 - Present
Kitchen Manager
Improved restaurant management processes to achieve a 25% increase in overall efficiency
Trained team on advanced grilling techniques, resulting in a 20% rise in sales of grill items
Overhauled the food safety practices, leading to zero incidents of food contamination
Streamlined inventory management, leading to a 15% decrease in costs
Reshaped the menu based on local tastes, resulting in an increase in daily footfall by 10%
Wendy's August 2017 - March 2022
Grill Cook
Resume Worded January 2015 - July 2017
Line Cook
Developed skills in food preparation and presentation, contributing to the restaurant's positive reputation
Managed the kitchen inventory, reducing food wastage by 12%
Enhanced the kitchen's sanitation standards, leading to improved hygiene ratings
EDUCATION
Resume Worded Institute February 2022
Certified Restaurant Manager
Special emphasis on Kitchen Administration and Quality Control
Resume Worded University December 2014
Bachelor of Science - Culinary Arts Management
Specialization in Restaurant Business Management
Awards: Dean's List 2013 (Top 10%)
SKILLS
Culinary Skills: Grilling, Baking, Sauteing, Deep Frying, Braising, Roasting
Kitchen Management: Inventory Management, Food Safety Compliance, Staff Training & Development, Menu Planning, Cost Control, Equipment Maintenance
Software: POS System Mastery, MS Office (Excel, Word), Employee Scheduling Software
Certifications: ServSafe Food Protection Manager, Certified Kitchen Manager, CPR & First Aid
OTHER
Volunteering: Provided training for young cooks at the local community center, cultivated an interest in the culinary arts and restaurant management.
Achievements: Recipient of the ‘Excellence in Service’ award at Outback Steakhouse for outstanding kitchen management in 2023.
Professional Membership: Active member of the Food Service Professionals Network, regularly attending workshops and industry events.
Training: Completed FoodAllergy Training Course; gained knowledge on allergy-safe food handling and preparation.

How do I add skills to a Cook resume?

1
Review the job posting closely.

Go through the Cook posting you're applying to, and identify hard skills the company is looking for. For example, skills like Food Preparation, Hospitality and Food & Beverage are possible skills. These are skills you should try to include on your resume.

2
Add industry skills like Food Safety and Catering.

Add other common skills from your industry - such as Menu Development, Fine Dining and Cooking - into your resume if they're relevant.

3
Add skills into your work experience.

Incorporate skills - like Microsoft Access, Mediterranean Cuisine and Restaurant Management - into your work experience too. This shows hiring managers that you have practical experience with these tools, techniques and skills.

4
Use the exact job title.

Try to add the exact job title, Cook, somewhere into your resume to get past resume screeners. See the infographic for how to do this.

Word Cloud for Cook Skills & Keywords

The following word cloud highlights the most popular keywords that appear on Cook job descriptions. The bigger the word, the more frequently it shows up on employer's job postings. If you have experience with these keywords, include them on your resume.

Top Cook Skills and Keywords to Include On Your Resume

Cook Soft Skills

Here are common soft skills that appear on Cook job postings. Unlike hard skills, which refer to tools, software or techniques, soft skills focus on character traits and interpersonal skills. Instead of listing these phrases on your resume, try to show them through your bullet points like in the examples below.

  • Culinary Skills
  • Creativity Skills

Tip: Do not list these words or phrases on your resume, and instead focus on the hard skills we described above.

Resume Skills and Keywords from Related Jobs

We also found variations and further specializations to your job title. Browse through the related job titles to find additional keywords that you can include into your resume.

Get your Resume Instantly Checked, For Free

Upload your resume and we'll spot the issues in it before an actual Cook recruiter sees it. For free.

Cook Resume Templates

Here are examples of proven resumes in related jobs and industries, approved by experienced hiring managers. Use them as inspiration when you're writing your own resume. You can even download and edit the resume template in Google Docs.

Resume Example
Professional


Resume Example
Highlights (Free)


Resume Example
Modern Two-Column


Resume Example
Clean Modern


Resume Example
Entry-Level (Free)


Resume Example
Concise


Frequently Asked Questions

What skills do hiring managers want to see on a Cook resume?

Some popular Cook hard skills are Cooking, Food Preparation, Food & Beverage, Catering, Hospitality, Food Safety, Menu Development and Fine Dining.

Depending on the job you apply to, skills like Mediterranean Cuisine, Restaurant Management, Social Media, Food Service and Microsoft Access can also be good to include on your resume.

What are the differences in resume skills between a Grill Cook and a Prep Cook?

If you are writing a Grill Cook resume, try to emphasize skills like Cooking, Food Preparation, Grills, Food & Beverage, Food Safety, Catering, Restaurant Management and Menu Development.

Similarly, if you are writing a Prep Cook resume, emphasize skills like Baking, Fine Dining, Microsoft Access and Hospitality Management.

What are good resume skills to include for different Cook roles and job titles?

Depending on the specific role you apply to, you may need to emphasize different skill sets. Here are a few examples:

  • Prep Cook: Cooking, Food Preparation, Food & Beverage, Food Safety and Catering
  • Grill Cook: Grills, Restaurant Management, Menu Development, Sanitation and Food Service
  • Pastry Cook: Pastry, Baking, Desserts, Recipe Development and Cake Decorating

What are common Cook soft skills?

Examples of Cook soft skills include Culinary Skills, Time Management, Teamwork, Communication and Organization Skills.

Target your Resume to a Job Description

While the keywords above are a good indication of what skills you need on your resume, you should try to find additional keywords that are specific to the job. To do this, use the free Targeted Resume tool. It analyzes the job you are applying to and finds the most important keywords you need on your resume.

It is personalized to your resume, and is the best way to ensure your resume will pass the automated resume filters.

Start targeting your resume

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