Chef Resume Sample & Template

By Monster Contributor

A chef is responsible for making delicious food, but that only marks the beginning of the job, which also involves meal and menu planning; keeping the fridge, freezers, and kitchens spotless; staying up-to-date on ordering; and delegating tasks. Furthermore, chef jobs range from private chefs in residential homes to line cooks and sous chefs in restaurants and hotels, so a successful chef resume is a matter of considering where you are in your career, your current skill set, and your future goals.

Because the culinary industry is cutthroat, you have to make yourself stand out from all of your competitors. Your chef resume gives you the opportunity to make an unforgettable first impression, so let yourself shine. In addition to using industry buzzwords tailored to the positions you want, list your accomplishments and your special talents. If you specialize in rustic food or farm-to-table fare, say so. Let employers know about your French training, your renowned pasta, or your award-winning menu.

Common Mistakes for Chef Resumes

A generic resume is always bad, but it's a death knell in the culinary community. There are dozens, if not hundreds or thousands of creative, avant-garde chefs in your area, all of them paying their dues and dreaming of future success, just like you. Even if it means writing ten different versions of your resume, tailor each one to each job application you fill out and submit. Research the restaurant and its owner, menus, and reviews. Get familiar and show off your problem-solving skills before you even get an interview.

Don't list out a series of tasks, either. Although your experiences are valuable, remember that restaurants are businesses. If you ever made a change, a dish, or a decision that increased revenue, share the dollars and cents.

Lastly, don't get fancy. A chef's resume is like a chef's food: presentation is everything. Keep your resume clean, simple, and concise. Save the carrot foam and pickled greens for the plating.

Check out all the different good food jobs on Monster.