Line Cook Resume—Examples and 25+ Writing Tips

This line cook resume sample shows your talents to the head chef.

Why does that matter?

So many other cooks are fighting for that line cook job. And—

The head chef has a smorgasbord of resumes to pick from.

You have to look like Gruyere fritters with chili and lime on a table full of Spam.

You can do this. You’ve got the skills.

Pick the right line cook achievements, and you’ll be plying that Damascus Steel in no time.

In this guide:

• A line cook resume sample better than most.
• How to write a tantalizing line cook resume.
• How to make a line cook job description for resumes that gets interviews.
• Why you can’t just list line cook skills (and what to do instead).

What does a perfect resume for a line cook look like? See below—

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Line Cook Resume Sample You Can Copy and Use

Looking for some other kind of food-service resume? See our guides:

• Food Service Resume Sample & Guide

• Barista Resume Sample & Guide

• Bartender Resume Sample & Guide

• Restaurant (General) Resume Sample & Guide

• Restaurant Manager Resume Sample & Guide

• Server Resume Sample & Guide

• Waiter / Waitress Resume Sample & Guide

Here’s how to write a line cook resume that satisfies:

1. Use the Best Line Cook Resume Format

Presentation and plating can make or break a meal.

It’s the same with resume formatting.

The reverse-chronological format for a resume is the most respected.

Complete it with these tips:

Line Cook Resume Format

• Make a 1-inch margin all around the page.
• Pick a pleasing resume font like 11–14pt Trebuchet or Verdana.
• Write resume sections for Heading, Summary, Experience, Education, and Skills.
• Leave white space so the chef de cuisine won’t have to squint.
• Make your resume length 1–2 pages depending on your work history.
• Save your resume as a PDF. Those suit every type of screen.

Expert Hint: The ToastRestaurant Technology Industry Report shows 95% of restaurant owners say technology improves business efficiency. Check the job posting for job requirements in tech or computers. If you find them, show past tech achievements in your line cook resume.

2. Make a Line Cook Resume Objective or Summary

You’d never serve unappetizing food.

But—

Your line cook resume should be love at first bite too.

Start your resume for line cook jobs with a tasty resume summary or resume objective.

Include:

1. An adjective (dependable, efficient)
2. “line cook”
3. Years of experience (1+, 6+)
4. Who & how you’ll help (wow customers at Leedio)
5. Some resume achievements—your best line cook moments (promoted to head line cook in 6 months...)

Write it last so you’ll have all the right ingredients.

See these line cook resume examples:

Line Cook Resume Summary—Example

The raw truth?

The second of those line cook resume samples says you’ll wow customers. The first gives a taste you’ve done it.

Now—

Maybe your restaurant career is still a little undercooked?

See this entry-level resume for line cooks:

Entry-Level Line Cook Resume Objective

Something’s fishy.

The second of those entry-level line cook resume examples says, “Expert at creating sauces.” But she’s a dishwasher.

The first shows real line-cook achievements.

Expert Hint: According to the National Restaurant Association, 80% of restaurant owners started in entry-level jobs. That means you’ve got a sympathetic ear. To get the job, show you’re a go-getter with specific food-service achievements.

3. Target Your Line Cook Job Description and Skills Section

What line cook skills belong on resumes?

See this list:

Line Cook Resume Skills

But beware.

A line cook job is like a restaurant guest.

Each one wants something different.

So—

Find out what resume skills they want by looking in the job ad.

Those are the best resume keywords to use. Customize your resume with them.

See these sample resume job descriptions for a line cook:

The restaurant wants a line cook who can prep veggies and is efficient and consistent. Oh and food-waste reduction is a plus!

Line Cook Job Description for a Resume [Sample]

The best part?

The second of those line cook resume examples is common. Be like example #1 and you’ll stand out like Gordon Ramsay at McDonald’s.

But—

Are you just thawing out your line cook career?

A resume with no experience can still knock ‘em flat.

See these line cook resume examples with no experience:

The job wants food prep and plating, a strong work ethic, and teamwork skills.

Entry-Level Line Cook Resume Job Description [Sample]

Expert Hint: Harvard research shows a 1-star boost to a restaurant’s Yelp reviews can jack up profits by 9%. If you’ve helped raise online reviews, that’s a great perk for your line cook resume.

4. Sweeten Your Education Section

Some line cook jobs need cooking school degrees. Some don’t.

Either way—

No part of your resume for line cook jobs should be bland.

Even the education section of your resume needs to convince them you can handle grills and ovens.

This line cook resume sample shows how:

Line Cook Resume Example—Education

Not one of those “cooking school” line cooks? You can find standout achievements in your high school education that show teamwork and work ethic.

5. Add “Other” Sections to Your Line Cook Resume

You’re almost there.

But—

Let’s make your resume for line cook jobs shine like Mario Batali.

Certifications, foreign languages, and other bits of flavor can impress the restaurant manager.

As your resume extra sections you can add:

• Certifications (ServSafe, First Aid, etc.)
• Volunteering
• Awards
• Languages
• Additional activities
• Sports

See these line cook resume examples:

Line Cook Resume—Other Sections

That first line cook resume sample is mouthwatering. It shows a cook who cares about her job.

Expert Hint: Write a cover letter for your resume for line cook jobs. Make it fit the menu by talking about what the restaurant wants, then showing you’ve got that in stock.

Key Points

Here’s how to write a line cook resume:

• Start with our line cook resume template. Add achievements from your cooking career.
• List line cook skills like styles of cooking or food safety, with numbers to prove you’re up there with Ina Garten.
• Write a line cook resume summary up top. Use it to showcase your biggest crowd-pleasers.
• Add “bonus” resume sections to prove you know a barding from beurre blanc.

Got questions on how to write good resumes for line cook jobs? Not sure how to put line cook on a resume? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply!