If you’re applying for a job as a cook, your job application should emphasize your experience in food services along with any credentials or education.
Your letter and resume should be targeted toward the job you’re applying for and should include details about why you are an ideal candidate for the job. Your goal is to sell the hiring manager on choosing you for an interview.
What to Include in a Cook Resume and Cover Letter
Your cover letter and resume should show the reader that you have the expertise they need to fill the position. Be specific and mention the qualifications you have that meet the requirements of the employer.
Make a Match
What’s most important when writing a resume and cover letter is to take the time to match your qualifications to the job. First, review the job posting. What has the employer listed in the “experience” section? Take those requirements and match them to your qualifications, and then add those terms to your cover letter and resume.
For example, if a job posting lists “Experience: Cooking: 1 year (Required)" and “Cooking, preferably in healthcare: 1 year (Preferred)” and your experience is a fit, highlight that related experience in your cover letter:
I am comfortable preparing meals quickly and efficiently, which are necessary skills in a busy hospital cafeteria.
When writing your resume, also mention the skills you have that would be an asset on the job.
Cook and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner to over 200 customers daily.
Highlight Your Skills
In your resume and cover letter, it’s also a good idea to highlight cooking-related skills, such as the type of menus you’ve worked with, your culinary expertise, health and safety, attention to detail, customer service skills, flexibility, the ability to flourish in a fast-paced environment, and more.
Tie your skills to the expertise the employer is seeking. For example, if the requirements include “previous experience as a prep/line cook required and flexible availability,” you can mention both in your cover letter:
I spent three years as a line cook at XYZ fast food restaurant.
I’m flexible and can be available for any shifts you need, including weekdays and weekends.
Include Related Experience
Also include experience that’s related to the position. This resume, for example, includes work experience in the food service industry, even jobs that did not necessarily involve cooking. This way, you can show a prospective employer that you are a well-rounded candidate with expertise that can help the organization succeed.
Quantify Your Qualifications
Note how the resume example quantifies information wherever possible. Using numbers such as customers served, people supervised, and training hours helps make your accomplishments clear to potential employers.
Below, you’ll find an example of a cook’s resume and cover letter. Use these documents for inspiration while creating your own resume and cover letter.
Cook Cover Letter Example
This is an example of a cover letter for a cook position. Download the cook cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.
@ The Balance 2020
Download the Word Template
Cook Cover Letter Example (Text Version)
Jane Applicant123 Main StreetAnytown, CA 12345555-555-5555jane.applicant@email.com August 4, 2020Emelia RodriguezDirector, Human ResourcesXYZ Hospital123 Business Rd.Business City, NY 54321Dear Mrs. Rodriguez,I am applying for the job of cook at XYZ Hospital. You specify that you are looking for someone with cooking experience and customer service skills. My skills and experience make me an ideal candidate for the position.I have been working in the culinary industry for seven years. For the past three years, I have served as a short-order cook at XYZ Diner. I am therefore comfortable preparing meals quickly and efficiently - a necessary skill in a busy hospital cafeteria. I have also served in other capacities in restaurants; I began as a dishwasher, and then spent three years as a line cook at XYZ fast food restaurant. I would be comfortable performing a variety of tasks in the cafeteria.You state that applicants should have strong customer service skills. As a short-order cook, I constantly interact with customers; I serve customers seated at the bar and know how to maintain a positive report with customers. In fact, I received the award for “Employee of the Month” four times at XYZ Diner, due in large part to my customer service skills.I am confident that my experience and skills will make me a valuable member of the XYZ Hospital culinary team. I have enclosed my resume and will call within the week to see if we might arrange a time to speak together. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.Sincerely,Jane Applicant (signature hard copy letter)Jane Applicant
Cook Resume Example
The following is a resume example for a cook. Download the sample (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online).
@ The Balance 2020
Cook Resume Example (Text Version)
Jane Applicant123 Main Street, Albany, NY 12242(111)-111-1111janeapplicant@email.comEXPERIENCEShort-Order Cook, XYZ Diner, Albany, NYJune 2019 - PresentCook and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner to over 200 customers daily.Developed new recipe for breakfast sandwich; became one of the most popular menu items.Awarded Employee of the Month four times due to customer service and culinary skills.Line Cook, XYZ Fast Food Restaurant, New York City, NYSeptember 2017 - May 2019Prepared meals for customers in efficient, timely manner.Followed recipes and presentation specifications as set by restaurant management.Cleaned and maintained station following latest hygiene standards.Dishwasher, XYZ College Cafeteria, New York City, NYSeptember 2016 - September 2017Responsible for ensuring dishes were washed efficiently to guarantee timely customer service.Trained fifteen incoming employees on operating techniques for washing equipment.Performed prep work (chopping, assembling sandwiches) when cooks required assistance.EDUCATIONXYZ UniversityMay 2017Certificate in the Culinary ArtsReceived over 200 hours of hands-on training on topics ranging from basic cooking skills to menu planning to kitchen hygiene and safety.
Download the Word Template
If you’re applying for a job as a cook, your job application should emphasize your experience in food services along with any credentials or education.
Your letter and resume should be targeted toward the job you’re applying for and should include details about why you are an ideal candidate for the job. Your goal is to sell the hiring manager on choosing you for an interview.
What to Include in a Cook Resume and Cover Letter
Your cover letter and resume should show the reader that you have the expertise they need to fill the position. Be specific and mention the qualifications you have that meet the requirements of the employer.
Make a Match
What’s most important when writing a resume and cover letter is to take the time to match your qualifications to the job. First, review the job posting. What has the employer listed in the “experience” section? Take those requirements and match them to your qualifications, and then add those terms to your cover letter and resume.
For example, if a job posting lists “Experience: Cooking: 1 year (Required)" and “Cooking, preferably in healthcare: 1 year (Preferred)” and your experience is a fit, highlight that related experience in your cover letter:
I am comfortable preparing meals quickly and efficiently, which are necessary skills in a busy hospital cafeteria.
When writing your resume, also mention the skills you have that would be an asset on the job.
Cook and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner to over 200 customers daily.
Highlight Your Skills
In your resume and cover letter, it’s also a good idea to highlight cooking-related skills, such as the type of menus you’ve worked with, your culinary expertise, health and safety, attention to detail, customer service skills, flexibility, the ability to flourish in a fast-paced environment, and more.
Tie your skills to the expertise the employer is seeking. For example, if the requirements include “previous experience as a prep/line cook required and flexible availability,” you can mention both in your cover letter:
I spent three years as a line cook at XYZ fast food restaurant.
I’m flexible and can be available for any shifts you need, including weekdays and weekends.
Include Related Experience
Also include experience that’s related to the position. This resume, for example, includes work experience in the food service industry, even jobs that did not necessarily involve cooking. This way, you can show a prospective employer that you are a well-rounded candidate with expertise that can help the organization succeed.
Quantify Your Qualifications
Note how the resume example quantifies information wherever possible. Using numbers such as customers served, people supervised, and training hours helps make your accomplishments clear to potential employers.
Below, you’ll find an example of a cook’s resume and cover letter. Use these documents for inspiration while creating your own resume and cover letter.
Cook Cover Letter Example
This is an example of a cover letter for a cook position. Download the cook cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.
@ The Balance 2020
Download the Word Template
Cook Cover Letter Example (Text Version)
Jane Applicant123 Main StreetAnytown, CA 12345555-555-5555jane.applicant@email.com August 4, 2020Emelia RodriguezDirector, Human ResourcesXYZ Hospital123 Business Rd.Business City, NY 54321Dear Mrs. Rodriguez,I am applying for the job of cook at XYZ Hospital. You specify that you are looking for someone with cooking experience and customer service skills. My skills and experience make me an ideal candidate for the position.I have been working in the culinary industry for seven years. For the past three years, I have served as a short-order cook at XYZ Diner. I am therefore comfortable preparing meals quickly and efficiently - a necessary skill in a busy hospital cafeteria. I have also served in other capacities in restaurants; I began as a dishwasher, and then spent three years as a line cook at XYZ fast food restaurant. I would be comfortable performing a variety of tasks in the cafeteria.You state that applicants should have strong customer service skills. As a short-order cook, I constantly interact with customers; I serve customers seated at the bar and know how to maintain a positive report with customers. In fact, I received the award for “Employee of the Month” four times at XYZ Diner, due in large part to my customer service skills.I am confident that my experience and skills will make me a valuable member of the XYZ Hospital culinary team. I have enclosed my resume and will call within the week to see if we might arrange a time to speak together. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.Sincerely,Jane Applicant (signature hard copy letter)Jane Applicant
Cook Resume Example
The following is a resume example for a cook. Download the sample (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online).
@ The Balance 2020
Cook Resume Example (Text Version)
Jane Applicant123 Main Street, Albany, NY 12242(111)-111-1111janeapplicant@email.comEXPERIENCEShort-Order Cook, XYZ Diner, Albany, NYJune 2019 - PresentCook and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner to over 200 customers daily.Developed new recipe for breakfast sandwich; became one of the most popular menu items.Awarded Employee of the Month four times due to customer service and culinary skills.Line Cook, XYZ Fast Food Restaurant, New York City, NYSeptember 2017 - May 2019Prepared meals for customers in efficient, timely manner.Followed recipes and presentation specifications as set by restaurant management.Cleaned and maintained station following latest hygiene standards.Dishwasher, XYZ College Cafeteria, New York City, NYSeptember 2016 - September 2017Responsible for ensuring dishes were washed efficiently to guarantee timely customer service.Trained fifteen incoming employees on operating techniques for washing equipment.Performed prep work (chopping, assembling sandwiches) when cooks required assistance.EDUCATIONXYZ UniversityMay 2017Certificate in the Culinary ArtsReceived over 200 hours of hands-on training on topics ranging from basic cooking skills to menu planning to kitchen hygiene and safety.
Download the Word Template
If you’re applying for a job as a cook, your job application should emphasize your experience in food services along with any credentials or education.
Your letter and resume should be targeted toward the job you’re applying for and should include details about why you are an ideal candidate for the job. Your goal is to sell the hiring manager on choosing you for an interview.
What to Include in a Cook Resume and Cover Letter
Your cover letter and resume should show the reader that you have the expertise they need to fill the position. Be specific and mention the qualifications you have that meet the requirements of the employer.
Make a Match
What’s most important when writing a resume and cover letter is to take the time to match your qualifications to the job. First, review the job posting. What has the employer listed in the “experience” section? Take those requirements and match them to your qualifications, and then add those terms to your cover letter and resume.
For example, if a job posting lists “Experience: Cooking: 1 year (Required)" and “Cooking, preferably in healthcare: 1 year (Preferred)” and your experience is a fit, highlight that related experience in your cover letter:
I am comfortable preparing meals quickly and efficiently, which are necessary skills in a busy hospital cafeteria.
When writing your resume, also mention the skills you have that would be an asset on the job.
Cook and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner to over 200 customers daily.
Highlight Your Skills
In your resume and cover letter, it’s also a good idea to highlight cooking-related skills, such as the type of menus you’ve worked with, your culinary expertise, health and safety, attention to detail, customer service skills, flexibility, the ability to flourish in a fast-paced environment, and more.
Tie your skills to the expertise the employer is seeking. For example, if the requirements include “previous experience as a prep/line cook required and flexible availability,” you can mention both in your cover letter:
I spent three years as a line cook at XYZ fast food restaurant.
I’m flexible and can be available for any shifts you need, including weekdays and weekends.
Include Related Experience
Also include experience that’s related to the position. This resume, for example, includes work experience in the food service industry, even jobs that did not necessarily involve cooking. This way, you can show a prospective employer that you are a well-rounded candidate with expertise that can help the organization succeed.
Quantify Your Qualifications
Note how the resume example quantifies information wherever possible. Using numbers such as customers served, people supervised, and training hours helps make your accomplishments clear to potential employers.
Below, you’ll find an example of a cook’s resume and cover letter. Use these documents for inspiration while creating your own resume and cover letter.
Cook Cover Letter Example
This is an example of a cover letter for a cook position. Download the cook cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.
@ The Balance 2020
Download the Word Template
Cook Cover Letter Example (Text Version)
Jane Applicant123 Main StreetAnytown, CA 12345555-555-5555jane.applicant@email.com August 4, 2020Emelia RodriguezDirector, Human ResourcesXYZ Hospital123 Business Rd.Business City, NY 54321Dear Mrs. Rodriguez,I am applying for the job of cook at XYZ Hospital. You specify that you are looking for someone with cooking experience and customer service skills. My skills and experience make me an ideal candidate for the position.I have been working in the culinary industry for seven years. For the past three years, I have served as a short-order cook at XYZ Diner. I am therefore comfortable preparing meals quickly and efficiently - a necessary skill in a busy hospital cafeteria. I have also served in other capacities in restaurants; I began as a dishwasher, and then spent three years as a line cook at XYZ fast food restaurant. I would be comfortable performing a variety of tasks in the cafeteria.You state that applicants should have strong customer service skills. As a short-order cook, I constantly interact with customers; I serve customers seated at the bar and know how to maintain a positive report with customers. In fact, I received the award for “Employee of the Month” four times at XYZ Diner, due in large part to my customer service skills.I am confident that my experience and skills will make me a valuable member of the XYZ Hospital culinary team. I have enclosed my resume and will call within the week to see if we might arrange a time to speak together. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.Sincerely,Jane Applicant (signature hard copy letter)Jane Applicant
Cook Resume Example
The following is a resume example for a cook. Download the sample (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online).
@ The Balance 2020
Cook Resume Example (Text Version)
Jane Applicant123 Main Street, Albany, NY 12242(111)-111-1111janeapplicant@email.comEXPERIENCEShort-Order Cook, XYZ Diner, Albany, NYJune 2019 - PresentCook and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner to over 200 customers daily.Developed new recipe for breakfast sandwich; became one of the most popular menu items.Awarded Employee of the Month four times due to customer service and culinary skills.Line Cook, XYZ Fast Food Restaurant, New York City, NYSeptember 2017 - May 2019Prepared meals for customers in efficient, timely manner.Followed recipes and presentation specifications as set by restaurant management.Cleaned and maintained station following latest hygiene standards.Dishwasher, XYZ College Cafeteria, New York City, NYSeptember 2016 - September 2017Responsible for ensuring dishes were washed efficiently to guarantee timely customer service.Trained fifteen incoming employees on operating techniques for washing equipment.Performed prep work (chopping, assembling sandwiches) when cooks required assistance.EDUCATIONXYZ UniversityMay 2017Certificate in the Culinary ArtsReceived over 200 hours of hands-on training on topics ranging from basic cooking skills to menu planning to kitchen hygiene and safety.
Download the Word Template
If you’re applying for a job as a cook, your job application should emphasize your experience in food services along with any credentials or education.
Your letter and resume should be targeted toward the job you’re applying for and should include details about why you are an ideal candidate for the job. Your goal is to sell the hiring manager on choosing you for an interview.
What to Include in a Cook Resume and Cover Letter
Your cover letter and resume should show the reader that you have the expertise they need to fill the position. Be specific and mention the qualifications you have that meet the requirements of the employer.
Make a Match
What’s most important when writing a resume and cover letter is to take the time to match your qualifications to the job. First, review the job posting. What has the employer listed in the “experience” section? Take those requirements and match them to your qualifications, and then add those terms to your cover letter and resume.
For example, if a job posting lists “Experience: Cooking: 1 year (Required)" and “Cooking, preferably in healthcare: 1 year (Preferred)” and your experience is a fit, highlight that related experience in your cover letter:
I am comfortable preparing meals quickly and efficiently, which are necessary skills in a busy hospital cafeteria.
When writing your resume, also mention the skills you have that would be an asset on the job.
I am comfortable preparing meals quickly and efficiently, which are necessary skills in a busy hospital cafeteria.
I am comfortable preparing meals quickly and efficiently, which are necessary skills in a busy hospital cafeteria.
Cook and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner to over 200 customers daily.
Highlight Your Skills
In your resume and cover letter, it’s also a good idea to highlight cooking-related skills, such as the type of menus you’ve worked with, your culinary expertise, health and safety, attention to detail, customer service skills, flexibility, the ability to flourish in a fast-paced environment, and more.
Cook and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner to over 200 customers daily.
- Cook and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner to over 200 customers daily.
Tie your skills to the expertise the employer is seeking. For example, if the requirements include “previous experience as a prep/line cook required and flexible availability,” you can mention both in your cover letter:
I spent three years as a line cook at XYZ fast food restaurant.
I’m flexible and can be available for any shifts you need, including weekdays and weekends.
Include Related Experience
Also include experience that’s related to the position. This resume, for example, includes work experience in the food service industry, even jobs that did not necessarily involve cooking. This way, you can show a prospective employer that you are a well-rounded candidate with expertise that can help the organization succeed.
I spent three years as a line cook at XYZ fast food restaurant.
I spent three years as a line cook at XYZ fast food restaurant.
I’m flexible and can be available for any shifts you need, including weekdays and weekends.
I’m flexible and can be available for any shifts you need, including weekdays and weekends.
Quantify Your Qualifications
Note how the resume example quantifies information wherever possible. Using numbers such as customers served, people supervised, and training hours helps make your accomplishments clear to potential employers.
Below, you’ll find an example of a cook’s resume and cover letter. Use these documents for inspiration while creating your own resume and cover letter.
Cook Cover Letter Example
This is an example of a cover letter for a cook position. Download the cook cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.
Download the Word Template
Cook Cover Letter Example (Text Version)
Jane Applicant123 Main StreetAnytown, CA 12345555-555-5555jane.applicant@email.com August 4, 2020Emelia RodriguezDirector, Human ResourcesXYZ Hospital123 Business Rd.Business City, NY 54321Dear Mrs. Rodriguez,I am applying for the job of cook at XYZ Hospital. You specify that you are looking for someone with cooking experience and customer service skills. My skills and experience make me an ideal candidate for the position.I have been working in the culinary industry for seven years. For the past three years, I have served as a short-order cook at XYZ Diner. I am therefore comfortable preparing meals quickly and efficiently - a necessary skill in a busy hospital cafeteria. I have also served in other capacities in restaurants; I began as a dishwasher, and then spent three years as a line cook at XYZ fast food restaurant. I would be comfortable performing a variety of tasks in the cafeteria.You state that applicants should have strong customer service skills. As a short-order cook, I constantly interact with customers; I serve customers seated at the bar and know how to maintain a positive report with customers. In fact, I received the award for “Employee of the Month” four times at XYZ Diner, due in large part to my customer service skills.I am confident that my experience and skills will make me a valuable member of the XYZ Hospital culinary team. I have enclosed my resume and will call within the week to see if we might arrange a time to speak together. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.Sincerely,Jane Applicant (signature hard copy letter)Jane Applicant
Cook Resume Example
The following is a resume example for a cook. Download the sample (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online).
Cook Cover Letter Example (Text Version)
Jane Applicant123 Main StreetAnytown, CA 12345555-555-5555jane.applicant@email.com August 4, 2020Emelia RodriguezDirector, Human ResourcesXYZ Hospital123 Business Rd.Business City, NY 54321Dear Mrs. Rodriguez,I am applying for the job of cook at XYZ Hospital. You specify that you are looking for someone with cooking experience and customer service skills. My skills and experience make me an ideal candidate for the position.I have been working in the culinary industry for seven years. For the past three years, I have served as a short-order cook at XYZ Diner. I am therefore comfortable preparing meals quickly and efficiently - a necessary skill in a busy hospital cafeteria. I have also served in other capacities in restaurants; I began as a dishwasher, and then spent three years as a line cook at XYZ fast food restaurant. I would be comfortable performing a variety of tasks in the cafeteria.You state that applicants should have strong customer service skills. As a short-order cook, I constantly interact with customers; I serve customers seated at the bar and know how to maintain a positive report with customers. In fact, I received the award for “Employee of the Month” four times at XYZ Diner, due in large part to my customer service skills.I am confident that my experience and skills will make me a valuable member of the XYZ Hospital culinary team. I have enclosed my resume and will call within the week to see if we might arrange a time to speak together. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.Sincerely,Jane Applicant (signature hard copy letter)Jane Applicant
Jane Applicant123 Main StreetAnytown, CA 12345555-555-5555jane.applicant@email.com
Cook Resume Example (Text Version)
Jane Applicant123 Main Street, Albany, NY 12242(111)-111-1111janeapplicant@email.comEXPERIENCEShort-Order Cook, XYZ Diner, Albany, NYJune 2019 - PresentCook and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner to over 200 customers daily.Developed new recipe for breakfast sandwich; became one of the most popular menu items.Awarded Employee of the Month four times due to customer service and culinary skills.Line Cook, XYZ Fast Food Restaurant, New York City, NYSeptember 2017 - May 2019Prepared meals for customers in efficient, timely manner.Followed recipes and presentation specifications as set by restaurant management.Cleaned and maintained station following latest hygiene standards.Dishwasher, XYZ College Cafeteria, New York City, NYSeptember 2016 - September 2017Responsible for ensuring dishes were washed efficiently to guarantee timely customer service.Trained fifteen incoming employees on operating techniques for washing equipment.Performed prep work (chopping, assembling sandwiches) when cooks required assistance.EDUCATIONXYZ UniversityMay 2017Certificate in the Culinary ArtsReceived over 200 hours of hands-on training on topics ranging from basic cooking skills to menu planning to kitchen hygiene and safety.
Cook Resume Example (Text Version)
Jane Applicant123 Main Street, Albany, NY 12242(111)-111-1111janeapplicant@email.comEXPERIENCEShort-Order Cook, XYZ Diner, Albany, NYJune 2019 - PresentCook and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner to over 200 customers daily.Developed new recipe for breakfast sandwich; became one of the most popular menu items.Awarded Employee of the Month four times due to customer service and culinary skills.Line Cook, XYZ Fast Food Restaurant, New York City, NYSeptember 2017 - May 2019Prepared meals for customers in efficient, timely manner.Followed recipes and presentation specifications as set by restaurant management.Cleaned and maintained station following latest hygiene standards.Dishwasher, XYZ College Cafeteria, New York City, NYSeptember 2016 - September 2017Responsible for ensuring dishes were washed efficiently to guarantee timely customer service.Trained fifteen incoming employees on operating techniques for washing equipment.Performed prep work (chopping, assembling sandwiches) when cooks required assistance.EDUCATIONXYZ UniversityMay 2017Certificate in the Culinary ArtsReceived over 200 hours of hands-on training on topics ranging from basic cooking skills to menu planning to kitchen hygiene and safety.
Jane Applicant123 Main Street, Albany, NY 12242(111)-111-1111janeapplicant@email.com
