Top Culinary Resume Examples

Hiring managers for culinary jobs look for applicants with a mix of soft and hard skills, specifically: 

• Food preparation
• Food inventory process
• Menu creation
• Quality procedures
• Customer service
• Foreign language 
• NetSuite
• Epos Now
• Budgeting 
• Excellent communication skills
• Kitchen management
• Collaboration

The minimum requirement in the culinary industry is a high school diploma. Depending on the position you’re seeking, postsecondary education or an apprenticeship could be required. Certifications are an important tool in this industry. Pursue one from the American Culinary Federation, the National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe or the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals, among others.

The salary of a culinary professional varies according to employer, job title and location. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median pay for chefs and head cooks is $50,160. BLS also reported the following as median pay for similar occupations:

• Food preparation workers: $28,789 per year
• Cooks: $29,120 per year
• Food service manager: $59,440 per year

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 15% growth in culinary employment, which exceeds the 5% projected growth for all occupations. The BLS expects 24,300 job openings during this decade. 

The ideal resume format varies according to your years of experience and career goals in the culinary industry. Choose accordingly to highlight your strengths and value as a candidate. 

• Functional format: Perfect for entry-level candidates. Its layout focuses on skills, allowing you to showcase the abilities you bring to the table. 
• Combination format: Ideal for those with a few years under the belt, this format balances skills and work experience. 
• Chronological format: The choice for candidates with a decade or more of culinary experience as it highlights your expertise through a detailed work history section.