Prep Cook Resume Example

Now that you’ve seen how our example candidate does it, it’s time for you to write your own prep cook resume. Follow these tips, tricks, and bits of advice to learn how to craft the perfect resume.

1. Know the Difference between a Line and a Prep Cook

At some restaurants, the job duties of line and prep cooks may overlap, so it is understandable that many mistake the positions as being one-in-the-same. Still, the majority of the restaurant industry will tell you that there is a clear division between line and prep cooks. Confusing the two on your resume could be disastrous and end up ruining your career in the kitchen before it even starts. So, let’s begin by clarifying exactly what the difference is – so you can write the right resume.

A prep cook is the first step to becoming a full-fledged chef. As the title suggests, prep cooks are responsible for preparing the cooking stations and ingredients. This often entails chopping vegetables, making long-cook protein items, cooking soup, and cleaning and stocking each station.

A line cook is the next rung up on the cooking totem pole. Line cooks are responsible for actually filling orders as they come in from the servers. Working on the line can be extremely challenging. During busy lunch and dinner hours, cooks on the line have to remain calm and composed in order to multiple orders simultaneously.

2. Open with a Career Objective

Catch the manager’s attention right away and ensure your resume isn’t swept aside by opening with a well-written Career Objective. this section appears at the top of your resume, and gives a quick rundown on what you have to offer.

Check out the candidate’s Career Objective from the example above:

Prep Cook with experience working in Italian and Mexican restaurants and up to 100-seating establishments. Recognized for exceptional ability to prep all kinds of ingredients with precision and efficiency according to recipe specifications. Commended numerous times by head chef and other staff members for organizational and prioritization skills.

He quickly and concisely summarizes his experience and qualifications, emphasizing his strengths.

Remember, the Career Objective is short, sweet, and to-the-point. You’ll get the chance to flesh out the fine details of your certifications, qualifications, and experience throughout the rest of your resume.

3. Showcase Your Skillset

Prep cook is a skill-heavy job. Managers and restaurant owners need a competent staff to ensure the safe, proper, and pristine production of food day in and day out. For a prep cook resume, skills should be emphasized in both the Skills section as well as the Work Experience section.

Here are a few skills that you may want to showcase in your resume:

• Prepare and stock the day’s ingredients for each station
• Knowledge of the proper use of various cooking utensils
• Restock and organize inventory
• Order supplies and ingredients as needed
• Assist staff in cleaning the kitchen and utensils