When it comes to creating a resume, many job seekers struggle to showcase their skills and experiences in a way that stands out to potential employers. This is especially true for those in the culinary industry, where the ability to cook and prepare delicious meals is just the beginning. In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to put cooking on a resume, highlighting the key skills and experiences that will make you a top candidate for any kitchen.
Why Cooking Skills Matter on a Resume
In today’s competitive job market, having a strong resume is crucial for standing out from the crowd. For those in the culinary industry, highlighting cooking skills is essential for demonstrating expertise and versatility in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, showcasing your cooking skills on your resume can help you land an interview and ultimately, your dream job.
The Benefits of Highlighting Cooking Skills
There are several benefits to highlighting cooking skills on a resume, including:
- Demonstrating expertise and versatility in the kitchen
- Showing attention to detail and ability to follow recipes
- Highlighting creativity and ability to think outside the box
- Demonstrating ability to work well under pressure and manage time effectively
- Showing commitment to quality and customer satisfaction
How to Put Cooking on a Resume
So, how do you put cooking on a resume? Here are some tips to get you started:
Use Keywords and Action Verbs
When it comes to highlighting cooking skills on a resume, using keywords and action verbs is essential. Some examples of keywords and action verbs that you might use include:
- Cooking techniques: roasting, grilling, sautéing, baking
- Kitchen tools and equipment: knives, pots, pans, ovens
- Ingredients and menu planning: meal planning, grocery shopping, food safety
- Action verbs: cooked, prepared, managed, created
Example of Keywords and Action Verbs in Action
Here’s an example of how you might use keywords and action verbs on a resume:
“Cooked and prepared a variety of dishes, including soups, salads, and entrees, using techniques such as roasting, grilling, and sautéing. Managed kitchen tools and equipment, including knives, pots, and pans, to ensure efficient and safe food preparation. Created menus and meal plans, taking into account dietary restrictions and preferences.”
Highlight Relevant Work Experience
In addition to using keywords and action verbs, highlighting relevant work experience is essential for showcasing cooking skills on a resume. This might include:
- Previous cooking jobs, including restaurants, cafes, and catering companies
- Relevant coursework or training programs, such as culinary school
- Volunteer or extracurricular activities, such as cooking for a food bank or participating in a cooking competition
Example of Relevant Work Experience
Here’s an example of how you might highlight relevant work experience on a resume:
“Line Cook, The Busy Bee Cafe (2018-2020)
- Cooked and prepared a variety of dishes, including breakfast items, sandwiches, and salads
- Managed kitchen tools and equipment, including knives, pots, and pans
- Created menus and meal plans, taking into account dietary restrictions and preferences
Culinary Student, The Cooking Academy (2015-2018)
- Completed coursework in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and food safety
- Participated in cooking competitions and events, including a culinary arts competition”
Include Relevant Certifications and Training
In addition to highlighting relevant work experience, including relevant certifications and training can help demonstrate expertise and commitment to the culinary industry. Some examples of certifications and training that you might include on a resume include:
- Food safety certifications, such as ServSafe
- Culinary arts certifications, such as CCA or CEC
- Cooking classes or workshops, such as those offered by cooking schools or culinary institutes
Example of Relevant Certifications and Training
Here’s an example of how you might include relevant certifications and training on a resume:
“Certifications:
- ServSafe Food Safety Certification (2018)
- Certified Culinarian (CCA) Certification (2020)
Training:
- Cooking Techniques Workshop, The Cooking Academy (2019)
- Kitchen Management Course, The Culinary Institute (2018)”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to putting cooking on a resume, there are several common mistakes to avoid. Here are a few:
Don’t Overdo It
While it’s essential to highlight cooking skills on a resume, it’s also important not to overdo it. Avoid using too many keywords or action verbs, as this can come across as insincere or exaggerated.
Example of Overdoing It
Here’s an example of how you might overdo it on a resume:
“Cooked, prepared, managed, created, and innovated a variety of dishes, including soups, salads, entrees, and desserts. Used techniques such as roasting, grilling, sautéing, baking, and frying. Managed kitchen tools and equipment, including knives, pots, pans, ovens, and dishwashers.”
Don’t Forget to Tailor Your Resume
Another common mistake to avoid is forgetting to tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. Make sure to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job, and avoid including irrelevant information.
Example of a Tailored Resume
Here’s an example of how you might tailor a resume to a specific job:
“Job Title: Sous Chef
- Highlighted experience as a line cook and kitchen manager
- Emphasized skills in menu planning, food safety, and kitchen management
- Included relevant certifications, such as ServSafe and CCA”
Conclusion
Putting cooking on a resume can be a challenge, but by following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a strong and effective resume that showcases your culinary skills. Remember to use keywords and action verbs, highlight relevant work experience, and include relevant certifications and training. And most importantly, don’t forget to tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. With a little practice and patience, you’ll be cooking up a storm on your resume in no time.
Final Tips and Reminders
Here are a few final tips and reminders to keep in mind when putting cooking on a resume:
- Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your skills and experiences
- Quantify your achievements, such as “increased sales by 25% through effective menu planning”
- Use language from the job posting to describe your skills and experiences
- Proofread carefully to avoid typos and errors
By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a strong and effective resume that showcases your culinary skills and helps you land your dream job.
What are the most important culinary skills to include on a resume?
When it comes to showcasing your culinary skills on a resume, there are several key areas to focus on. First and foremost, highlight your cooking techniques and methods, such as roasting, grilling, sautéing, and braising. Additionally, be sure to include any relevant kitchen management skills, such as inventory control, menu planning, and staff supervision.
It’s also important to include any specialized skills you may have, such as pastry arts, sous vide cooking, or molecular gastronomy. If you have experience working with specific types of cuisine, such as sushi or Italian cooking, be sure to highlight this as well. Finally, don’t forget to include any relevant certifications or training programs you’ve completed, such as food safety certification or culinary school.
How do I quantify my culinary experience on a resume?
Quantifying your culinary experience on a resume can be a bit tricky, but there are several ways to do it effectively. One approach is to include specific numbers and metrics, such as “prepared meals for up to 500 guests per night” or “managed a kitchen staff of 10 people.” You can also use percentages to describe your achievements, such as “increased kitchen efficiency by 25% through process improvements.”
Another approach is to use action verbs to describe your experience, such as “cooked,” “prepared,” “managed,” and “supervised.” Be specific about the types of dishes you prepared, the ingredients you worked with, and the equipment you used. For example, “prepared complex sauces and soups using a variety of ingredients and cooking techniques” or “managed a team of line cooks to prepare and plate dishes during high-volume service.”
What are some common mistakes to avoid when showcasing culinary skills on a resume?
One common mistake to avoid when showcasing culinary skills on a resume is using generic or vague language. Instead of saying “experienced cook,” say “skilled chef with 5 years of experience in fine dining restaurants.” Another mistake is failing to tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. Make sure to highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.
Another mistake is including irrelevant information, such as hobbies or personal interests. While it’s okay to include a brief summary or objective statement, keep the focus on your culinary skills and experience. Finally, be sure to proofread your resume carefully to avoid typos and grammatical errors. A single mistake can make a negative impression and hurt your chances of getting hired.
How do I highlight my creativity and innovation in the kitchen on a resume?
Highlighting your creativity and innovation in the kitchen on a resume can be a bit challenging, but there are several ways to do it effectively. One approach is to include specific examples of dishes or menus you’ve created, along with a brief description of the inspiration behind them. You can also include any relevant awards or recognition you’ve received for your culinary creativity.
Another approach is to use language that emphasizes your creativity and innovation, such as “developed new recipes and menus to drive sales and increase customer satisfaction” or “created a unique and innovative dining experience through the use of molecular gastronomy and other cutting-edge techniques.” Be specific about the ingredients and techniques you used, and highlight any successes or achievements you’ve had as a result of your creativity.
What are some tips for writing a strong culinary resume summary or objective statement?
A strong culinary resume summary or objective statement should be brief, concise, and focused on your most relevant skills and experience. Start by identifying the key qualifications and requirements listed in the job posting, and then tailor your summary or objective statement to match. Use language that is clear and concise, and avoid using jargon or overly technical terms.
One approach is to use a summary statement that highlights your most relevant experience and skills, such as “experienced chef with 5 years of experience in fine dining restaurants, skilled in menu planning, kitchen management, and staff supervision.” Another approach is to use an objective statement that emphasizes your career goals and job aspirations, such as “seeking a challenging and rewarding position as a sous chef in a high-end restaurant.”
How do I include relevant certifications or training programs on a resume?
Including relevant certifications or training programs on a resume can be a great way to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to your craft. Start by listing any relevant certifications, such as food safety certification or culinary arts certification, along with the date and issuing organization. You can also include any relevant training programs, such as culinary school or apprenticeships, along with a brief description of the program and any relevant skills or knowledge you gained.
Be specific about the skills and knowledge you gained through your certifications or training programs, and highlight any relevant achievements or successes. For example, “completed a culinary arts program at a reputable culinary school, with a focus on kitchen management, menu planning, and staff supervision” or “obtained food safety certification through a recognized certifying organization, with a focus on safe food handling and preparation practices.”