In the fast-paced culinary world, the prep cook is the backbone of a smooth kitchen operation.

Whether you’re a veteran specialist with years of experience or a newcomer eager to break into the kitchen, having a polished and well-crafted prep cook resume is essential to stand out.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to writing a professional resume, complete with examples of resume that highlight the key elements needed to capture the attention of recruiters.

Prep cook resume examples

Experienced prep cook resume

Experienced prep cook resume template

Prep Cook Resume
Use template Download PDF

Experienced prep cook resume sample | Plain text

John Stevens

New York, NY
Email: john.stevens@gmail.com
Phone: (555) 123-4567

Objective

Detail-oriented and experienced prep cook with over 13 years in fast-paced kitchens. Adept at preparing ingredients, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring kitchen operations run efficiently. Seeking to bring my skills in ingredient preparation, knife handling, and food safety to a dynamic kitchen team.

Experience

Prep Cook

The Modern Kitchen, New York, NY

March 2019 – Present

  • Prepare and chop ingredients for all menu items, ensuring consistency in portion size and presentation.
  • Coordinate with chefs to ensure timely preparation of ingredients, supporting efficient kitchen flow.
  • Oversee the cleanliness of prep stations and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Train junior staff in ingredient preparation, knife skills, and safety protocols.

Line Cook

Bistro 33, New York, NY

July 2015 – March 2019

  • Assisted in cooking, assembling, and plating dishes in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen.
  • Managed cooking stations for salads, pasta, and sauces, ensuring dishes were prepared to order and on time.
  • Monitored food temperatures and ensured adherence to safety regulations.

Prep Cook

Oliver’s Grill, New York, NY

March 2012 – June 2015

  • Assisted with the preparation of fresh ingredients for salads, soups, and entrees.
  • Managed the stocking of ingredient shelves and refrigerated sections.
  • Maintained proper rotation of ingredients, ensuring freshness and minimizing waste.

Education

Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Culinary Institute of America, New York, NY

Graduated: May 2012

Certifications

  • Food Handler’s Certification, January 2024
  • Culinary Techniques Certification, Le Cordon Bleu, Paris, June 2016

Skills

  • Knife skills and ingredient preparation
  • Stocking and inventory management
  • Food safety and sanitation (ServSafe Certified)
  • Time management and multitasking in a fast-paced environment
  • Teamwork and communication
  • Cooking and food preparation techniques for various cuisines

Why this sample resume for prep cook is effective?

  • The opening statement is clear and focused on what John aims to bring to the table.
  • Certifications show that he not only has hands-on experience but also understands food safety.
  • The skills section is highly relevant and succinctly lists key competencies.
How to format a kitchen resume?
  • Choose plain fonts. Common ones include: Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, and Times New Roman.
  • Use a size between 10–12 points for the main text. For headers, you can apply a slightly larger size (e.g., 14–16 points).
  • Set margins at 1 inch on all sides of the page. Leave double spaces between sections.
  • A prep cook resume should typically be 1 page long. If you have extensive experience (10+ years), you may go up to 1.5
  • Add bullet points for job responsibilities and achievements.
  • Utilize active, action-oriented verbs to describe your duties.
  • Keep the tone formal and professional, but not too stiff.
  • Look for keywords in the job description and incorporate them into your document.
  • Always proofread your draft multiple times before submitting it.

If you want to avoid starting from scratch, consider trying a quick resume builder to streamline the process.

Resume Trick offers a wide range of free editable resume templates tailored for various job industries and positions.

Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE

Build My Resume

Entry-level prep cook resume

Entry-level prep cook resume example

Emma Roberts

Los Angeles, CA
Email: emma.roberts@gmail.com
Phone: (555) 234-5678

Resume Summary

Enthusiastic and hardworking culinary graduate with hands-on experience in food preparation and kitchen operations. Skilled in knife techniques, food safety, and maintaining cleanliness in high-pressure environments.

Experience

Prep Cook Intern

The California Grill, Los Angeles, CA

June – August 2025

  • Assisted in preparing ingredients for various dishes, including sauces, soups, salads, and garnishes, ensuring high-quality presentation.
  • Maintained cleanliness of workstations, sanitized kitchen tools, and ensured proper food storage practices.
  • Worked under the guidance of experienced chefs to enhance knife skills and improve food portioning.
  • Helped with ingredient stocking, rotation, and inventory control to minimize waste and maintain food freshness.

Culinary Intern

The Grove Bistro, Los Angeles, CA

January – May 2024

  • Provided support with daily prep tasks, such as chopping vegetables, portioning proteins, and preparing garnishes.
  • Assisted in inventory management and maintained kitchen organization by ensuring essential ingredients were readily available.
  • Followed food safety and sanitation guidelines strictly, contributing to a clean and safe kitchen environment during service.
  • Worked alongside team members to help maintain an efficient kitchen flow during peak hours.

Education

Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, Los Angeles, CA

Graduated: December 2025

  • Relevant coursework: Culinary Techniques, Food Safety Management, Nutrition, Advanced Knife Skills, and Kitchen Operations.

Certifications

  • CPR/First Aid Certification, American Heart Association, November 2023
  • Food Safety Manager Certification, National Restaurant Association, October 2023

Skills

  • Expertise in knife skills and food preparation techniques.
  • Knowledgeable in food safety practices and sanitation standards.
  • Ability to work efficiently in fast-paced environments.
  • Strong multitasking and time-management skills to support high-volume kitchen operations.
  • Excellent teamwork and communication abilities, ensuring smooth kitchen operations.
  • Understanding of various kitchen equipment and utensils.

Additional Information

  • Languages: Fluent in English and conversational French.
  • Volunteer Experience: Assisted in organizing charity cooking events, providing support in food prep and service.
  • Hobbies: Enjoy experimenting with new recipes, learning about culinary trends, and attending cooking workshops.

Why this food preparation resume example is strong?

  • The document includes internships, which demonstrate hands-on experience in kitchen operations.
  • Languages give value to the profile, particularly in diverse or multicultural environments.
  • Sharing hobbies shows that Emma has a genuine interest in culinary arts, which adds a personal touch.
How to choose between prep cook resume summary and objective?

A summary is ideal if you have some experience in the culinary field. It's a concise section (usually 2-4 lines) that highlights your key skills, experience, and what you can bring to the occupation.

Example of prep cook resume summary:

Experienced and highly skilled prep cook with over 6 years of experience in fast-paced restaurant kitchens. Expertise in managing ingredient preparation, inventory control, and kitchen sanitation. Known for exceptional attention to detail, organization, and ability to train junior staff in food prep and safety standards.

An objective is more focused on your goals and is used by individuals who are newer to the job market, making a career change, or just starting in the industry. It focuses more on what you're hoping to achieve rather than what you've already done.

Example of prep cook resume objective:

Experienced prep cook with a passion for high-end dining, seeking to contribute to an upscale restaurant’s kitchen team.

How to organize education on a resume for cook position?
  • List your most recent or highest credential first.
  • Include the school name, degree, location, and graduation date.
  • Write relevant coursework that showcases your skills.

If you don’t have a formal culinary diploma, add any training, workshops, or certifications.

Prep cook resume with culinary school experience

Prep cook resume template with culinary school experience

Prep Cook Resume
Use template Download PDF

Prep cook resume sample with culinary school experience | Plain text

Sarah Martinez

Chicago, IL
Email: sarah.martinez@gmail.com
Phone: (555) 345-6789

Resume Summary

Detail-oriented and highly motivated culinary graduate with hands-on experience from a prestigious culinary school. Passionate about food preparation, kitchen efficiency, and food safety. Skilled in knife techniques, inventory management, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace.

Experience

Prep Cook

Chicago Bistro, IL

September 2024 – Present

  • Prepare and pre-portioned ingredients for a variety of dishes including soups, salads, appetizers, and side items.
  • Ensure all ingredients are chopped, diced, and stored correctly to maintain food quality and minimize waste.
  • Assist chefs in creating mise en place for daily service, keeping prep stations organized and efficient.
  • Perform regular inventory checks, assist with ordering supplies, and manage stock to ensure efficient kitchen operation.
  • Work with chefs to prepare ingredients for seasonal promotions and new menu items.

Culinary Intern

The Green Table Restaurant, Chicago, IL

March – August 2024

  • Assisted in food preparation tasks including chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, and organizing kitchen supplies.
  • Ensured all food was stored and labeled according to safety protocols to prevent contamination and spoilage.
  • Helped with plating and garnishing dishes to ensure consistent presentation and portion control.
  • Assisted chefs in the execution of daily specials and learned fundamental kitchen techniques through hands-on training.

Education

Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

The Culinary Institute of America, Chicago, IL

Graduated: December 2024

Relevant Coursework: Culinary Techniques, Food Safety Management, Knife Skills, Kitchen Operations, Plating and Presentation, and Nutrition

Certifications

  • ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification, January 2024
  • Knife Skills Course, The Art Institute of Chicago, May 2023

Skills

  • Knife Handling and Food Preparation
  • Food Safety and Sanitation
  • Inventory and Stock Management
  • Time Management
  • Plating and Presentation Techniques
  • Recipe Execution and Adaptation

Why this food prep resume sample works?

  • The document is neatly formatted, with distinct sections that are easy to navigate.
  • Sarah’s education lend credibility and highlight that she’s serious about her culinary career.
  • The bullets underline tasks that she performed, demonstrating her familiarity with daily kitchen operations.
How to list experience on a food preparer resume?
  • Reverse chronological order - Put most recent place first.
  • Include key information - Job title, company, location, dates.
  • Use bullet points - Make responsibilities easy to read.
  • Quantify achievements - Add numbers when possible to underline impact.
  • Be concise - Keep language direct, action-oriented, and formal.
What are the key prep cook skills for resume?
  • Hard skills refer to teachable abilities or knowledge sets that are typically acquired through education, training, or experience. These are technical ones that can be measured.
  • Soft skills are more subjective and relate to your personal attributes, emotional intelligence, and the way you interact with others.

Prep cook hard skills samples:

  • Knife skills
  • Food safety and sanitation
  • Food preparation techniques
  • Ingredient portioning
  • Food storage and rotation
  • Cooking techniques (e.g., sautéing, grilling, baking)
  • Mise en place
  • Inventory management
  • Recipe execution
  • Plating and presentation
  • Equipment operation (e.g., blenders, slicers, ovens)
  • Stocking and ordering supplies
  • Menu preparation
  • Cleaning and sanitizing kitchen tools
  • Portion control

Prep cook soft skills examples:

  • Time management
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Communication
  • Adaptability
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem-solving
  • Multitasking
  • Strong work ethic
  • Stress management
  • Organizational skills
  • Reliability
  • Positive attitude
  • Listening skills
  • Customer service
  • Conflict resolution

Conclusion

Crafting a standout prep cook resume requires showcasing your strengths in a way that highlights your ability to handle the demands of a busy kitchen.

With the resume samples provided, you can create a document that will grab the attention of recruiters and help you take the next step in your culinary career.

Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE

Build My Resume