Fast Food Resume—Sample and 25+ Writing Tips

Abstract: Fast food workers wear many different hats. They cook, prep, assemble, and pack food. They take customers’ orders, suggest specials, resolve customer complaints, and work the cash register. A fast food resume has to relay the applicant’s capacity to perform various duties in a fast-paced environment, as well as ability to be versatile. 

Still in school? Need a part-time job? Starting a side hustle, and need money? Recording a fire mixtape? 

Or just plain old need to pay some bills?

All valid reasons to get a fast food job.

You would be excused for thinking there is nothing to be learned flipping burgers.

Anthony Bourdain, however, looked back at being a dishwasher as his most formative period in life.

In this guide: 

• A fast food resume sample better than 9 out of 10.
• Tips to make your resume format look professional.
• How to list your education, certifications, and skills.
• Tricks to write the best possible fast food job description. 

Alright, let’s flip it over.

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Fast Food Resume Sample You Can Copy and Use

Considering other positions? See our dedicated resume guides:

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• Best Resume Examples for All Professions

Get the grill fired up.

1. Use a Professional Resume Format

In the right light, even a week-old Big Mac looks appetizing. Appearance is key, and the fast food resume is no different. Appear professional and organized right off the bat to increase the chances of your resume being picked out of the pile.

Here’s the how to format your resume:

Fast Food Resume Format

• If you have work experience with more than one employer, list the most recent job first, in the so-called reverse-chronological resume format.
• Pick a sensible font for your resume No need to get too creative with this one. Calibri or Arial in 10–12pt works well.
• Set 1-inch margins for your resume, and space sections out so that they’re easier to read.
• Wondering if a1-page resume is enough? Sure it is.
• Order the sections on your resume like this: Header, Objective or Summary, Experience, Education, and “Additional.”
• Print or save your resume as a PDFto protect the layout. Of course, if asked for an MS Word document or something exotic, send that.

Alright, we got the prep done, the grills are hot, let’s start assembly.

2. Write a Tantalizing Fast Food Resume Summary or Objective

When someone’s business is fast food, they want fast workers. Quickly get across exactly what you can do for them by writing a smart resume summary. Before getting started, search the job ad for specific skills and characteristics they’re looking for. These will be your resume keywords. Not only will they be well-received by the hiring manager, but will also help your resume be singled out by ATS software many companies use to weed out undesirable candidates.

• Begin with an adjective, like friendly, or conscientious, your job title (if any), and years of experience.
• Next, describe using numbers and accomplishments how well you performed the functions of the job.
• Lastly, call out your target employer by name and explain how you can add value by working for them.

Fast Food Resume Summary—Example

See how that works? The first example makes you sound destined for greatness, while the second one—well, let’s just say you wouldn’t get a call—ever.

But wait—

There’s a pretty good chance the only time you’ve done any food prep for someone other than yourself was that one time at a backyard BBQ.

What you need is to write a first time resume with no experience that includes a resume objective (instead of a summary).

Fast Food Resume Objective—Example

Expert Hint: How to write a resume profile? It is best to do this once you have completed the other sections of your fast food resume.

3. Write a Tasty Fast Food Job Description and Skills

Yes, you flip burgers. You prepare food and take orders. They know that. Many fast food resumes your employer will receive will just rattle off a list of duties the applicants performed. Do one better, and quantify your performance into numbers.

Make up to 6 bullet points containing various metrics and accomplishments that prove your suitability to the new role. Start them with action words, or power words, like boosted, saved, reorganized.

Check out this job description from one of our fast food resume samples:

Fast Food Job Description

Remember to add a resume skills section, especially if you are struggling for experience, or writing a resume for entry-level jobs.

Fast Food Skills for Resume

• Attention to Detail
• Basic Food Prep
• Basic Knife Handling (and Sharpening)
• Basic First Aid and CPR
• Enthusiasm
• Teamwork
• Friendliness
• Punctuality
• Point Of Sale Devices
• Organization
• Time Management
• Interpersonal Skills
• Work ethic

Expert Hint: Check your state’s requirements for food handler cards. Your employer would rather hire someone that can legally help them out in other tasks, too. Check your local community colleges and institutions for cooking courses that will help you move up in the ranks.

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4. Make Your Education Section A Reason To Hire You

Fair enough, this job doesn’t require much education. Which doesn’t mean it can’t be a reason to help you get hired. List your school name, diploma type, GPA, and graduation date.

Here’s how to write education on a resume:

Fast Food Resume Sample—Education

Expert Hint: Is this your first job out of school? You can find more guidance in our high school resume guide.

5. Sprinkle Your Fast Food Resume With Added Sections

The reality is—most fast food resumes will be thin and unimpressive. Now that you have the main courses on the plates, it’s time to add a little garnish and a sprinkle of spice, by adding other bonus resume sections such as:

• Certifications
• Awards
• Additional Activities
• Foreign Languages
• Hobbies and Interests
• Volunteering
• Professional References

Just see how different these two fast food resume examples are:

Fast Food Resume Example—Extra Sections

Before you bag it, write a resume cover letter. It will go a long way in making you sound professional, and serious. 

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Key Points

Before you send off your fast food resume:

• Remember the resume format guidelines—margins, fonts, 1 page, reverse chronological.
• Use our fast food resume sample and add your own information.
• Rack your fast food job description with achievements and numbers.
• Show versatility with certifications, skills and other bonus sections to round off. 
• Write a fast food cover letter. It will boost your chances.

Got questions on how to write a great resume for fast food jobs? Was this fast food resume helpful? Leave a comment. We’ll be sure to reply.