Prep Cook Resume—Job Description, Skills & Sample

You know the difference between a sauté pan and a saucepan, and you’re not fazed by having 4 dishes on the go, all while chopping a mountain of vegetables in 7 different cuts and cleaning up as you go. Or you’re willing to learn! 

That should be more than enough to land a prep cook job, shouldn’t it? Only if you can prove your skills on a perfectly crafted prep cook resume first. 

In this guide:

• A prep cook resume sample better than most.
• How to make the perfect prep cook job description for resumes.
• How to write a resume for prep cook jobs that stands out.
• Expert tips and examples to boost your chances of landing a prep cook job.

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Considering other jobs? Check out these articles to get more resume examples and tips:

• Barista Resume Example
• Bartender Resume Example
• Chef Resume Example
• Dishwasher Resume Example
• Fast Food Resume Example
• Food Service Resume Example
• Line Cook Resume Example
• Restaurant Resume Example
• Server Resume Example
• Sous Chef Resume Example
• Waiter / Waitress Resume Example
• Professional Resume Examples for Every Job

Prep Cook Resume Sample

Prep cooks work in restaurants and other dining establishments, readying ingredients and workstations, sanitizing surfaces, and maintaining a safe, tidy workspace. In addition to relevant experience, a prep cook resume should show attention to detail, multitasking, and adaptability skills.

Here’s how to write a prep cook resume that ticks every box: 

1. Set Up Your Prep Cook Resume Format

You don’t need to be the head chef to know that presentation is everything—on a plate as much as on a resume. 

Start by formatting your resume to meet recruiters’ expectations and show off your experience in the best light: 

Prep Cook Resume Format

• Use the reverse-chronological resume template: most recent experience goes first. 
• Pick a resume font that’s easy to read at a glance, even with two trays in the oven and three sauces on the stove. Arial, Georgia, or Calibri set to 10–12 points are all good picks. 
• Set your resume margins to one inch on all sides to avoid crowding the page. 
• Submit a one-page resume. If you need to extend it to the second page, you might be including too much detail or irrelevant information. 
• Go with the standard resume sections: profile, work experience, education, key skills, and additional information. 
• Include a professional resume header with your contact details. 

If the job ad doesn’t specify a file format, send your resume as a PDF. This will ensure that it works (and looks the same) on every device. 

If you want to apply in person, print your resume on thicker paper than that used for standard office printing. White 120gsm (32lb) paper will be best: it’s slightly more heavy-duty and, therefore, more damage-resistant as it’s passed from one hiring professional to another. 

2. Take Stock of Your Strengths in a Prep Cook Resume Objective or Summary

Whether your resume lands in the hands of a recruiter, head chef, or restaurant manager, one thing’s for sure: 

None of them have the time to read every application carefully. Instead, they’ll scan your document for relevant information, forming an overall impression of your suitability before deciding to read your resume. 

So, make sure that impression is good by opening with an impressive resume profile. That’s your introduction: 2–4 sentences highlighting why you’re the best candidate for the role. 

To write an effective resume summary, combine:

1. One adjective (efficient, reliable, detail-oriented, self-motivated)
2. Your job title (prep cook, food preparation assistant)
3. Years of experience (4+, 5+)
4. An offer to help the new employer in a specific way (eager to help XYZ Restaurant deliver high-quality dishes safely and efficiently)
5. A couple of your most relevant professional accomplishments (helped prepare 100+ dishes per shift with zero workplace accidents across 5 years, prepared up to 4 side-dishes at a time, achieved 100% positive feedback from head cooks and management)

This kind of introduction will work best if you already have relevant experience. If that’s not the case, write a resume objective statement instead: 

Follow the same recipe, but substitute cooking accomplishments with different wins that show you have the skills needed for restaurant work. For example, consider using achievements from other jobs, transferable skills, academic experience, or volunteer work. 

Expert hint: If you’re unsure how to start your resume, work on the other sections first. Once you’re done outlining your employment history and education, see what stands out as most relevant or impressive—those will be the bits of information to include in your opening paragraph.

3. Get Your Prep Cook Job Descriptions Ready and Measure Out the Right Skills

There’s no universal utensil or unit for measuring workplace performance—

The best way to prove yours is up to par is to target your resume to the job ad and show you’ve succeeded at similar duties before. 

Here’s how to write job descriptions for your resume’s work experience section: 

1. Review the job ad and note any specific skills or experience mentioned. That’ll be your prep list. 
2. Cook up a couple of examples of when you used each skill to impress a supervisor or performed a task to a high standard. 
3. Turn those examples into bullet points, aiming for around 4–6 per job. This way, you’re filling your resume with relevant achievements rather than listing bland duties and responsibilities. 
4. Try to put numbers to your accomplishments (percentages, amounts) to add impact. 

This strategy will work even if you don’t have a restaurant job. Many skills needed from prep cooks, such as multitasking, are also essential in other roles. 

Speaking of skills—

Your resume needs a skills section. List up to 10 of your most relevant abilities, using the job ad to guide your choices. 

Prep Cook Resume Skills

• Multitasking
• Attention to detail
• Vegetable cuts
• Meat cuts
• Food safety
• Filleting and deboning fish
• Shelling and deveining shrimp
• Portioning ingredients
• Cleaning lobsters
• Ingredient preparation
• Time management
• Seasoning and cooking sauces
• Roasting root vegetables
• Cleaning kitchen equipment
• Manual dexterity
• Cooking techniques
• Resistance to stress
• Physical stamina
• Communication skills
• Teamwork
• Collaboration
• Critical thinking skills

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4. Highlight Your Education

Industry-specific education is not required for most prep cook jobs, although it would help—mainly if you eventually aim to become a chef. 

Either way, you need an education section on your resume: 

List the highest schooling you completed, mentioning the name of the school and your year of graduation. If you have a culinary education and are applying for your first job, you can add bullet points with your academic achievements, GPA, or relevant coursework to your resume. 

Expert hint: The best time to become a cook is now! The BLS predicts that the number of cook job openings will grow by 16% over the coming decade. And for restaurant cooks, that number is 37%! All these vacancies mean it’s worth investing in your experience and education if you see yourself working in the food industry for years. 

5. Complete Your Prep Cook Resume with a Few Extra Sections

Okay, just the finishing touches left—

Add a couple of extra sections to your resume with any relevant information that didn’t fit into the other sections. Consider: 

• Listing certifications on your resume
• Describing your volunteering experience on your resume
• Mentioning any foreign languages you speak (they’re in high demand)
• Mentioning your interests on your resume, provided they’re somehow relevant to your role 

Lastly, the side dish to perfectly complement your entrée: a cover letter that explains your motivation and provides additional reasons to hire you. Writing a cover letter is always a good idea, even when applying for jobs in person. 

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Key Points

Alright, time to wash up and head home—

Here’s a recap of how to write the perfect prep cook resume: 

• Format your document according to the rules outlined above. Remember that readability is critical, and one page is enough.
• Catch the reader’s attention with a well-written resume profile that shows off your strengths. 
• Fill every section of your resume with relevant skills and achievements that match the requirements from the job ad. 
• Write a dedicated cover letter to increase your chances of landing the job. 

Thanks for reading! Do you have any questions about how to write a prep cook resume? What did you think about your prep cook resume example? I’ll meet you in the comments section!

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