Why this resume works
- Quantifies accomplishments: Highlights measurable accomplishments, such as increasing customer satisfaction by 20% and boosting sales by 15%, underscoring the job seeker’s tangible contributions.
- Showcases career progression: Spotlights career growth by listing the job seeker’s progression from line cook to chef and detailing increased responsibilities and leadership over time.
- Uses action-oriented language: Strong action verbs like “managed,” “supervised,” and “maintained” illustrate proactive efforts and achievements in each role.
More Chef Resume Examples
Explore more chef resume examples to see how to effectively highlight your culinary skills, kitchen management experience, and creativity. These culinary resume samples demonstrate how to create a compelling resume tailored to various positions and areas of expertise.
Private Chef
Why this resume works
- Features relevant training: The education section and certifications section list relevant training, including a culinary arts degree and professional chef certification, indicating the job seeker’s formal background and commitment to professional development in the culinary field.
- Touches on accomplishments: Accomplishments such as reducing monthly food costs by 28% through inventory and vendor relationships validate the job seeker’s exceptional performance and industry contributions.
- Shows leadership skills: Showcases strong leadership skills by listing staff management skills and detailing accomplishments such as improving prep time efficiency by 40% after training and supervising two kitchen assistants.
Test Kitchen Chef
Why this resume works
- Hones in on real impact: Specific achievements such as increasing consumer engagement by 35% across digital platforms and reducing time-to-market by 20% highlight the job seeker’s real impact in previous roles.
- Demonstrates organizational abilities: Showcases relevant organizational skills, including maintaining and organizing a test kitchen inventory system and recording detailed cooking notes and sensory observations.
- Includes a mix of soft and hard skills: Balances technical skills like recipe kit testing with interpersonal skills such as team leadership, demonstrating the job seeker’s well-rounded professional profile.
Pastry Chef
Why this resume works
- Showcases impressive accomplishments: The resume showcases accomplishments by detailing achievements like decorating over 25 cakes per week and reducing ingredient shortages by 30% yearly, illustrating a clear senior-level impact as a pastry chef.
- Focuses on work history: The chronological resume format effectively highlights the job seeker’s career progression from pastry chef intern to pastry chef, underscoring their relevant experience and commitment to the field.
- Sections are well-organized: Clear headers and bullet points make this resume easy to scan, ensuring that each section’s content is organized and accessible at a glance.
Chef Resume Template (Text Version)
Jane Wu
Silverlake, WA 98290
(555)555-5555
Jane.Wu@example.com
Professional Summary
Experienced chef with 11 years in culinary arts, specializing in menu development, team leadership, and sustainable practices. Proven track record in increasing customer satisfaction and boosting restaurant sales.Highly skilled in inventory management and food safety. Passionate about creating innovative and delicious dishes that delight customers.
Work History
Chef
The Golden Plate – Silverlake, WA
01/2021 – 02/2025
- Managed kitchen operations for a 150-seat restaurant
- Increased customer satisfaction ratings by 20%
- Developed seasonal menus and specials boosting sales by 15%
Sous Chef
Harborview Bistro – Tacoma, WA
01/2015 – 12/2020
- Assisted head chef in menu creation and kitchen management
- Supervised and trained a team of 10 kitchen staff
- Reduced food waste by 25% through inventory management
Line Cook
Sunset Grill – Seattle, WA
01/2010 – 12/2014
- Prepared and cooked high-quality meals in a fast-paced kitchen
- Maintained a sanitized and organized kitchen environment
- Assisted in menu development and ingredient sourcing
Accomplishments
- Implemented a composting program reducing kitchen waste by 30%
- Designed a farm-to-table menu featured in a local magazine
Skills
- Menu Development
- Team Leadership
- Inventory Management
- Food Safety and Sanitation
- Customer Service
- Time Management
- Culinary Techniques
- Cost Control
Certifications
- Certified Executive Chef – American Culinary Federation
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification – National Restaurant Association
Education
Master’s Degree: Culinary Arts
Culinary Institute of America – Hyde Park, NY – 05/2010
Bachelor’s Degree: Hospitality Management
University of California, Los Angeles – Los Angeles, CA – 05/2008
Popular Skills for a Chef Resume
A strong resume skills section is key for a chef’s resume. Key technical abilities like culinary techniques, along with soft skills such as creativity and teamwork, are essential for success in this role.
Below are a few of the top soft skills frequently listed on chef resumes.
| Soft Skills | % of resumes with this skill |
|---|---|
| Food presentation | 33.76% |
| Effective communication | 31.02% |
| Verbal and written communication | 23.11% |
| Staff coordination | 21.05% |
| Hospitality service expertise | 20.57% |
Here are a few examples of hard skills frequently included on chef resumes.
| Hard Skills | % of resumes with this skill |
|---|---|
| Food safety and sanitation | 62.45% |
| Knife skills | 59.72% |
| Cooking techniques | 59.53% |
| Kitchen management | 34.89% |
| Food storage | 33.33% |
Related Resume Guides
Advice for Writing Your Chef Resume
Explore our tips on how to write a resume for a chef position and learn how to highlight your culinary skills, creativity, and passion for food. Whether you’re aiming for a role in a top restaurant or looking to bring your own flavor to a new kitchen, our advice will help you craft the perfect resume tailored just for chefs.
Write a strong professional summary
A professional summary is a brief section at the top of your resume that showcases your key skills, experiences, and accomplishments. It quickly demonstrates to an employer why you are an excellent candidate for the chef position. For seasoned professionals, this summary emphasizes past work and notable achievements. If you’re new to the industry, use a resume objective to express your enthusiasm for cooking and outline your career aspirations.
When writing your professional summary as a chef, use action-oriented language to highlight your competencies. Specify skills such as menu planning, food safety, or team leadership. Mention any awards or significant contributions from previous roles.
Start with your most compelling point and include measurable outcomes when available. For instance, “Experienced chef with over 10 years in high-end kitchens, recognized for creating innovative menus that boosted customer satisfaction by 25%.” This strategy ensures clarity and impact, helping you attract the attention of potential employers.
Chef resume summary examples
Entry-level
Recent culinary school graduate with a diploma in culinary arts and certifications in food safety and sanitation. Skilled in basic cooking techniques, recipe preparation, and kitchen operations. Passionate about creating delicious and visually appealing dishes while learning from experienced chefs to grow my culinary skills.
Mid-career
Talented chef with 7+ years of experience working in high-paced restaurant environments. Expertise in menu development, inventory management, and leading kitchen staff to deliver exceptional dining experiences. Known for creative plating, flavor combinations, and maintaining high standards of food quality and hygiene.
Experienced
Seasoned executive chef with over 15 years of culinary experience across fine dining establishments and luxury hotels. Proven track record of managing large-scale kitchen operations, developing signature menus, and mentoring upcoming chefs. Adept at cost control, supplier negotiations, and implementing innovative culinary techniques that drive customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Chef resume objective examples
Recent graduate
Enthusiastic culinary school graduate eager to apply cooking techniques and kitchen management skills in a fast-paced restaurant environment. Passionate about creating delicious, high-quality dishes while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and efficiency.
Career changer
Dedicated former hospitality manager transitioning into a chef role, bringing strong organizational skills, teamwork experience, and a passion for culinary arts. Committed to delivering exceptional dining experiences through innovative menu planning and meticulous attention to detail.
Specialized training
Aspiring pastry chef with specialized training in baking and dessert preparation, seeking an opportunity to contribute to a renowned bakery or restaurant. Eager to utilize creativity and precision in crafting delectable pastries that delight customers and enhance the overall dining experience.
Try our Resume Builder to create a chef resume quickly. It has templates that make your skills and experience stand out.
Include relevant certifications and training
Listing certifications, licenses, and specialized training is very important for a chef. These credentials show your skills and dedication to your profession. They also help potential employers see that you have the right knowledge and training for the job.
By creating a dedicated certifications section on your resume, you will make these achievements stand out. Here are a few examples of certifications to include on a chef resume:
- Certified Executive Chef (CEC)
- ServSafe Food Handler or Manager Certification
- Certified Sous Chef (CSC)
- Food Allergen Safety Certification
- Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC)
- HAACP Certification (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point)
- Certified Personal Chef (CPC)
- Nutrition and Dietary Certification
This section can enhance your education details by showing specific skills and advanced training relevant to being a chef. Make sure to include the name of the certification, the issuing organization, and the date you received it. This helps employers quickly understand your qualifications and makes your resume more impressive.
Example of a certifications section
Certified Executive Chef (CEC)
Issued by: American Culinary Federation (ACF)
Issued 2022
ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification
Issued by: National Restaurant Association
Expires 2025
Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC)
Issued by: American Culinary Federation (ACF)
Issued 2021
Certified Sous Chef (CSC)
Issued by: American Culinary Federation (ACF)
Expires 2024
Food Handler Certification
Issued by: State of California Department of Public Health
[Current]
We recommend using one of our professional resume templates to easily create a resume that showcases your most impressive and relevant skills and qualifications.
Showcase your work experience
Showcasing relevant work experience on a resume is essential for a chef as it emphasizes your culinary skills, expertise, and achievements. Employers look for candidates who can handle the demands of a professional kitchen and positively contribute to their establishment. Listing your work experience in reverse chronological order allows employers to quickly identify your most recent and pertinent roles.
To format your work experience, begin with your job title, followed by the employer’s name, location, and employment dates. Use bullet points to outline your responsibilities and accomplishments. Start each bullet point with an action verb to keep descriptions clear and engaging. Focus on measurable results like “Increased customer satisfaction by 20%” or “Reduced food costs by 15%.”
Include core duties such as menu planning, food preparation, team management, inventory control, and maintaining hygiene standards. Highlight special skills like pastry making, grilling, or international cuisine expertise. This not only shows what you have done but also how well you did it. Keep descriptions concise yet informative to effectively convey your value as a chef.
5 chef work history bullet points
- Developed new seasonal menu items, resulting in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction and repeat business.
- Managed kitchen staff of 15, improving team efficiency by 25% through streamlined workflows and training programs.
- Reduced food costs by 18% through strategic inventory management and supplier negotiations.
- Implemented a new quality control system, decreasing food waste by 30% and ensuring consistent dish presentation.
- Led the kitchen to achieve a local culinary award, enhancing the restaurant’s reputation and attracting a 10% growth in patronage.
Identify essential keywords from the job description and include them in your resume to get past applicant tracking systems (ATS) and impress hiring managers.
Match your resume with the job description
It is essential to customize your resume to align with the job description, as this can make you more appealing to employers and improve your chances of passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS). Pay attention to frequently mentioned skills, qualifications, or responsibilities in the job description.
After identifying these keywords, integrate them into your resume. For instance, if “menu planning” and “team leadership” are cited in the job posting, ensure these terms are included in your experience section. Instead of vague statements, transform the job posting language into powerful bullet points highlighting your achievements.
For example, if a job listing states, “Develop innovative menus to attract new customers,” you could write, “Created diverse and innovative menus that increased customer base by 20%.” This approach helps you create an ATS-friendly resume that demonstrates your relevant experience and stands out to hiring managers.
Use our ATS Resume Checker to ensure your resume passes through automated hiring systems. It scans for common issues and offers on-the-spot improvement suggestions.
Salary Insights for Chefs
Top 10 highest-paying states for chefs (new data)
Chefs earn varying salaries across the United States, with a national average of $62,506. The table below highlights the states where chefs command the highest compensation.
Our salary information comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. This official government data provides the most comprehensive and reliable salary information for writers across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The figures presented here reflect the May 2025 dataset, which is the most recent available as of this publication.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $92,690 |
| Rhode Island | $87,950 |
| District of Columbia | $79,090 |
| Massachusetts | $75,900 |
| New Jersey | $75,020 |
| Washington | $71,430 |
| California | $71,350 |
| Connecticut | $71,630 |
| North Dakota | $71,280 |
| New York | $70,200 |
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my chef resume?
Yes, including a cover letter with your chef resume is highly recommended — especially if you’re applying to a restaurant, hotel, or culinary organization that values professionalism and attention to detail. It provides an opportunity to express your enthusiasm for cooking and detail unique experiences that make you the ideal candidate for the job.
For example, if the restaurant emphasizes a farm-to-table approach, you could discuss your background with local ingredients and how this matches their philosophy. Also, a cover letter will help you address any employment gaps or career changes directly. Customizing your cover letter for each position demonstrates thorough research and genuine interest.
You can reference our cover letter examples for inspiration and use our Cover Letter Generator for personalized content suggestions that will help you tailor your cover letter to the specific role you are applying for.
How long should a chef’s resume be?
A one-page resume is ideal, especially if you have less than 10 years of experience. However, if you have significant experience or specialized training, a two-page resume is acceptable.
Keep it focused, well-organized, and easy to skim. Hiring managers often scan resumes quickly, so clarity and relevance matter more than length.
Highlight relevant skills such as menu development, kitchen management, and culinary techniques. Include notable achievements like awards or high-profile events you’ve catered. Focus on recent positions and key accomplishments to make the most impact.
How do you write a chef resume with no experience?
If you’re starting as a chef with no formal experience, focus on your transferable skills, education, and any relevant training you have.
Here’s how to structure your resume with no experience:
- Highlight your culinary education: Begin with your culinary school details, including the institution’s name, graduation date, and any honors or notable achievements. Mention specific courses or projects relevant to the roles you’re applying for.
- Showcase hands-on training: If you completed internships, apprenticeships, or volunteer work in kitchens, list these experiences. Detail what you did in each role — prep work, assisting head chefs, managing a station — to show practical skills.
- Emphasize key skills: Highlight food service skills like knife handling, food safety knowledge (including certifications like ServSafe), cooking techniques (sautéing, grilling), and kitchen equipment proficiency. Also mention soft skills such as teamwork, time management, and adaptability.
- Include any related experience: Even if it’s not directly culinary-related but involved in food service (like working in a café or catering events), it demonstrates industry exposure and customer interaction.
Your enthusiasm and willingness to learn can shine through even without extensive experience.
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Chef
Natalia is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches. She is committed to helping job seekers navigate the job market and succeed in their careers.
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