Chef Resume Example

Chefs

Chefs prepare menus and oversee kitchen staff as they make the dishes. Chefs also create new recipes, keep track of inventory, and ensure all staff are in line. 

‍How to Write a Summary for a Chef

1. Mention your previous experience. Were you an apprentice in a culinary program? What restaurants have you worked for? Did you start off as a busboy or waiter?
2. Describe your greatest strength. Are you efficient and punctual at fulfilling orders? Do you love creating new dishes?
3. Explain what you’re eager to accomplish in the next stage of your career. Are you looking to specialize in a certain cuisine? What kind of restaurant or setting are you looking to work for?

How to List Your Work Experience as a Chef

1. Use reverse chronological format. List your most recent jobs first, as this shows managers how you’ve gained experience in the industry. 
2. Use action verbs related to being a Chef. Verbs are critical to demonstrating what you can do for the company. Review the following list for some powerful examples.

• Assisted
• Built
• Constructed
• Cooked
• Created 
• Designed 
• Developed 
• Ensured
• Maintained 
• Managed
• Operated 
• Performed
• Planned 
• Prepared
• Ran

See our list of over 350 action verbs to find more.

Senior Level Work Experience as a Chef

• Assisted in the preparation of the club’s annual food and beverage budget and financial goals
• Built a team of 12 kitchen associates that were fully trained for their jobs and aware of the club’s goals 
• Held all kitchen associates accountable for reaching their monthly and annual financial goals
• Performed an accurate inventory count each month and possessed a firm understanding of the cost of goods sold
• Operated the kitchen within the budgeted payroll and made adjustments to it as sales fluctuated
• Planned the schedules for all 37 kitchen employees
• Planned all menus with the club’s Executive Chef
• Developed standards to ensure consistency in food taste and presentation
• Ensured that all restaurant staff were familiar with the key ingredients, preparation, and taste of all menu items
• Maintained responsibility for the hiring, training, and proficiency of employees in kitchen department
• Created 16 new dishes for the Winter Banquet, utilizing in-season winter greens and holiday meats
• Designed 7 new desserts per customers’ requests

Junior Level Work Experience as a Chef

• Prepared healthy and clean meals using organic foods 
• Prepared foods based around specific diets (e.g., gluten free, vegan, etc.)

• Kept up-to-date on the latest culinary trends and fads

• Experienced with planning menus for principals, children and events

• Created lists and ordered and shopped for fresh foods

• Properly stored ingredients and leftovers

• Coordinated cooking and serving times with principals, children and domestic employees

• Cleaned and tidied kitchen after each use

• Maintained all kitchen equipment to ensure cleanliness and efficiency 

• Created 3 new dinner dishes, receiving an award for creativity and menu planning
• Designed a full 7-course menu for post-theater celebration party 

How to List Your Skills as a Chef

Chefs are the kings of their kitchen, and therefore they need to have good communication skills in order to keep the operations going. Chefs must also be creative with dishes, efficient at recording inventory, and punctual about fulfilling orders. 

• Keen Sense of Taste and Smell
• Business Skills
• Creativity
• Time Management
• Dexterity
• Physical Stamina
• Leadership Skills
• Communication
  

How to List Your Education as a Chef

Chefs require a high school diploma or GED. Those looking to specialize in a certain cuisine or work for a high-end establishment should pursue a college degree or a program in culinary school. However, most chefs learn their skills on the job. 

Requirements for licensure vary by state but generally involve the following:

• High School Diploma or GED
• 5+ years experience in a restaurant or similar setting 
• Certifications are not necessary, but the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certification is the only culinary credential program within the US. The ACF indicates a level of preparedness, education and work experience that is highly valued within the culinary industry.
• Complete a background check

Chef Career Overview

Job Outlook

The job outlook for Chefs is growing at 11% per year, which is considered to be much faster than average. In 2018 there were 139,000 jobs available.

Average Salary 

Chefs make $51,530 per year on average. However, salaries could be as high as $86,990 depending on experience and location. 

Top Paying Salaries by State

• $78,640 -- Hawaii
• $76,060 -- New Jersey
• $71,230 -- Rhode Island

Search for Chef Jobs

• Indeed
• Linkedin
• Simplyhired

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