Australia’s restaurant and hospitality sector continues to grow, with cafes, restaurants, pubs, hotels, and catering companies across major cities and regional areas actively seeking skilled cooks who can deliver consistent food quality while working efficiently under pressure. From busy inner-city bistros to resort kitchens, aged care facilities to corporate catering operations, Australian employers value cooks who combine fundamental cooking skills with strong work ethic, teamwork, and adaptability. This comprehensive guide provides proven resume examples, industry-specific formatting advice, and strategic tips to position yourself as the reliable cook that Australian kitchens need.
From job opportunities on Seek to networking through LinkedIn, we’ll show you exactly how to present your cooking experience, kitchen skills, and professional reliability in a format that resonates with Australian hospitality employers and secures you that important interview. This free sample resume for a cook has an accompanying cook sample cover letter to help you put together a winning job application.
Cook Resume (Text Version)
Jessica Williams
Line Cook
📧 [email protected]
📱 0434 789 123
📍 Brisbane, QLD
💼 linkedin.com/in/jessicawilliamscook
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Dedicated Line Cook with 3+ years of experience in high-volume commercial kitchens across Brisbane’s hospitality sector. Proven ability to prepare quality meals for 300+ covers daily while maintaining food safety standards and working efficiently under pressure. Strong foundation in fundamental cooking techniques with experience across grill, saute, and prep stations. Reliable team player with excellent attendance record and commitment to kitchen cleanliness and organisation. Seeking to contribute cooking skills and positive attitude to a busy restaurant team.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Food Preparation & Cooking Techniques
- Kitchen Station Management
- Food Safety & Hygiene Standards
- High-Volume Service Coordination
- Knife Skills & Food Preparation
- Inventory Management & Stock Rotation
- Equipment Operation & Maintenance
- Team Collaboration & Communication
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Line Cook | The Groove Train, Brisbane | June 2022 – Present
- Operate grill and saute stations during peak service periods, consistently preparing 150+ meals per shift
- Maintain food quality standards and presentation consistency across all menu items, achieving 95% customer satisfaction scores
- Train and mentor 3 new kitchen staff on cooking techniques, safety procedures, and kitchen workflows
- Assist with inventory management and stock rotation, contributing to 15% reduction in food waste
- Collaborate with kitchen team to ensure timely meal delivery during busy lunch and dinner services
- Maintain clean and organised work station, consistently passing health department inspections
Line Cook | Brewhouse Brisbane, South Bank | March 2021 – May 2022
- Prepared and cooked menu items for busy pub kitchen serving 200+ covers daily across lunch and dinner
- Specialised in grilled items, burgers, and classic pub fare while maintaining consistent quality and presentation
- Worked efficiently during high-pressure service periods, meeting kitchen timers 98% of the time
- Performed daily prep work including vegetable preparation, sauce making, and protein portioning
- Followed strict food safety protocols and HACCP guidelines, maintaining perfect safety record
- Assisted with deep cleaning duties and equipment maintenance during quiet periods
Kitchen Hand / Prep Cook | Harveys Restaurant, Brisbane City | January 2020 – February 2021
- Started as kitchen hand and progressed to prep cook role within 6 months due to strong work ethic and reliability
- Performed food preparation tasks including chopping vegetables, preparing salads, and basic cooking duties
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness standards including dishwashing, sanitising surfaces, and organising storage areas
- Assisted line cooks during busy service periods, learning fundamental cooking techniques and kitchen operations
- Demonstrated excellent attendance record with zero unexplained absences across 14-month employment
Casual Kitchen Assistant | Aged Care Plus, Various Locations | Part-time 2019
- Provided casual kitchen support across multiple aged care facilities in Brisbane region
- Assisted with meal preparation for residents with specific dietary requirements and allergies
- Gained experience in therapeutic cooking and understanding of modified texture diets
- Maintained strict hygiene standards required in healthcare food service environment
EDUCATION
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery | TAFE Queensland | Currently Enrolled – Expected 2024
Completing qualification part-time while working | Current GPA: Distinction
Certificate II in Kitchen Operations | TAFE Queensland | 2020
Graduated with Merit | Practical Placement: Riverside Centre Brisbane
Year 12 Certificate | Brisbane State High School | 2018
CERTIFICATIONS
- Food Safety Supervisor Certificate – Queensland Health, 2023 (Renewed)
- Basic Food Safety Training – Queensland Health, 2022
- Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) – Queensland, 2021
- First Aid Certificate – Red Cross Australia, 2023
ACHIEVEMENTS
- Employee of the Month – The Groove Train, September 2023
- Perfect Attendance Award – Brewhouse Brisbane, 2021
- TAFE Student Achievement Award – Outstanding Practical Skills, 2020
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Available for split shifts, weekends, and public holidays
- Own reliable transport and current driver’s licence
- Physically fit and able to stand for extended periods
- Basic conversational Italian from family background
What is The Best Format for a Cook Resume?
The reverse chronological format is the most effective choice for cook resumes in Australia’s hospitality industry. This format clearly shows your progression through different kitchen roles and demonstrates how your cooking skills and kitchen experience have developed over time, which is exactly what restaurant managers and head chefs want to see when evaluating potential kitchen staff.
Resume Structure:
Header: Include your full name, current position title (Line Cook, Kitchen Hand, etc.), phone number, email address, city and state, and LinkedIn profile if you have one. Australian hospitality employers appreciate quick contact and immediate availability discussions.
Summary: A focused 3-4 line overview highlighting your cooking experience, reliability, and the specific value you bring to kitchen operations. This section should immediately communicate your work ethic and practical kitchen abilities.
Experience: List your kitchen experience in reverse chronological order, focusing on practical achievements that demonstrate your cooking abilities, reliability, and contribution to kitchen efficiency. Include specific details about volumes handled, stations worked, and responsibilities undertaken.
Education: Include your culinary training, certificates, and any relevant qualifications. Australian employers value TAFE qualifications and formal training that demonstrates your commitment to professional cooking.
Other Sections: Consider adding certifications (essential for food safety), availability information, or additional skills that demonstrate your suitability for kitchen work.
Formatting Specifications: Use clean, easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Set heading fonts to 14-16pt and body text to 10-12pt. Maintain consistent 0.5-1 inch margins with adequate white space for easy scanning. Always submit your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting remains consistent across different systems used by Australian hospitality employers.
What Experience Should Be on Your Cook Resume?
Your experience section should showcase your practical cooking abilities while demonstrating your reliability, efficiency, and ability to work effectively in busy kitchen environments. Australian hospitality employers particularly value cooks who can prove their consistency through details about volumes handled, responsibilities managed, and positive contributions to kitchen operations.
Focus on achievements that highlight your cooking competence, teamwork skills, and reliability. Include specifics about the types of food you’ve prepared, service volumes you’ve handled, kitchen stations you’ve operated, and any improvements you’ve contributed to. Quantify your impact wherever possible using covers served, efficiency improvements, training responsibilities, or recognition received.
Correct Example:
Line Cook | RSL Club Kitchen | 2021-2023
- Operated grill and fryer stations during peak dinner service, consistently preparing 120+ meals per shift
- Maintained food quality and presentation standards for traditional Australian pub menu, achieving 96% customer satisfaction
- Trained 2 new kitchen hands on basic cooking techniques and food safety procedures
- Contributed to kitchen efficiency improvements that reduced average meal preparation time by 3 minutes
- Maintained perfect attendance record with zero sick days across 18-month employment period
Incorrect Example:
Line Cook | RSL Club Kitchen | 2021-2023
- Worked in busy kitchen
- Cooked food for customers
- Helped other staff members
- Followed recipes and instructions
Entry-Level Cook Resume Samples [Experience]
For entry-level positions, focus on any kitchen experience including work experience placements, casual shifts, volunteer cooking, or transferable skills from other customer service roles that demonstrate your work ethic and ability to handle pressure.
Correct Example:
Trainee Cook | McDonald’s Australia | 2022-Present
- Completing on-the-job training in fast-food kitchen operations while maintaining part-time student schedule
- Learned fundamental food preparation techniques including grilling, assembly, and quality control procedures
- Consistently meet service time targets during peak periods, serving 200+ customers per shift
- Maintained clean and organised work area, passing all food safety inspections without issues
- Demonstrated reliability with 98% attendance rate while balancing work and TAFE studies
- Selected for additional training in new menu items due to quick learning and positive attitude
Incorrect Example:
Trainee Cook | McDonald’s Australia | 2022-Present
- Learning to cook fast food
- Working part-time while studying
- Following procedures and recipes
- Helping customers and staff
How to Write the Education Section for Your Cook Resume
The education section is important for cooks in Australia, where formal training demonstrates your commitment to professional cooking and understanding of food safety requirements. Australian hospitality employers respect TAFE qualifications and formal cooking programs as they provide essential skills and industry knowledge needed for commercial kitchen operations.
Include your qualification level, program focus, institution name, and completion year or expected completion date. For current students or recent graduates, consider adding relevant coursework, practical placements, or academic achievements that relate to your cooking aspirations. Even if you haven’t completed formal qualifications yet, mentioning your enrollment shows dedication to advancing your culinary skills.
Cook Resume Example [Education]
EDUCATION
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery | TAFE NSW Sydney Institute | Currently Enrolled – Expected 2024
Part-time study while working | Current Grade: Distinction Average
Certificate II in Kitchen Operations | TAFE NSW Sydney Institute | 2022
Graduated with Merit | Practical Placement: Darling Harbour Novotel
Food Safety Training | NSW Food Authority | 2022
Completed comprehensive food handling and safety certification
How to Write the Skills Section for Your Cook Resume
The skills section is crucial for cook resumes as it demonstrates your practical kitchen abilities and readiness to contribute to kitchen operations from day one. Australian hospitality employers scan this section to quickly assess whether you possess the specific cooking techniques, food safety knowledge, and work capabilities required for their kitchen environment. Aim to include 8-12 relevant skills, balancing practical cooking abilities with essential workplace and safety skills.
Prioritise skills mentioned in job descriptions and focus on those most commonly required in Australian commercial kitchens. Include a mix of cooking techniques, equipment operation, food safety knowledge, and workplace skills that demonstrate your comprehensive readiness for kitchen work.
Cook Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
- Basic Cooking Techniques (Grilling, Frying, Steaming)
- Food Preparation & Knife Skills
- Kitchen Equipment Operation
- Food Safety & Hygiene Protocols
- Recipe Following & Portion Control
- Stock Rotation & Inventory Management
- Deep Fryer & Grill Operation
- Food Plating & Presentation
- Temperature Control & Food Storage
- Kitchen Cleaning & Sanitisation
- HACCP Compliance
- POS System Operation
Cook Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Time Management & Efficiency
- Following Instructions & Procedures
- Working Under Pressure
- Attention to Detail
- Physical Stamina & Endurance
- Reliability & Punctuality
- Positive Attitude & Work Ethic
- Adaptability & Flexibility
- Communication & Coordination
- Problem Solving
- Learning & Development Mindset
How to Pick the Best Cook Skills:
- Review job descriptions carefully and identify specific cooking techniques, equipment, or requirements mentioned – these should be your priority inclusions
- Research the establishment’s style and menu to align your skills with their specific kitchen needs and service type
- Balance practical cooking skills with workplace abilities that show you’re reliable and easy to work with
- Include skills you can confidently demonstrate during a trial shift or practical interview
- Prioritise food safety knowledge and certifications, which are mandatory in all Australian commercial kitchens
- Consider any specialised equipment or techniques you’ve learned that might set you apart from other candidates
Cook Resume Examples [Skills]
Correct Example:
- Grill Operation: Operated commercial char grill for 18 months, consistently cooking 80+ steaks per shift to customer specifications
- Food Safety: Maintained perfect food safety record across 2 years with zero incidents or health department violations
- Team Collaboration: Worked effectively with 6-person kitchen team during peak service periods serving 200+ covers
- Knife Skills: Proficient in basic knife cuts and food preparation, completing vegetable prep for daily service requirements
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Cook Resume?
Additional sections can strengthen your cook resume by demonstrating your commitment to the hospitality industry and showcasing attributes that make you a reliable and valuable kitchen team member. However, only include sections that add genuine value and are relevant to the specific cook role you’re targeting.
Resume Licences & Certifications: Food safety certifications are essential for cooks in Australia. Include current Food Safety certificates, basic food handling training, RSA licences if applicable, and any first aid certifications that demonstrate your workplace safety awareness.
Languages on a Resume: In Australia’s multicultural hospitality environment, additional languages can be valuable, particularly in tourist areas, ethnic restaurants, or establishments with diverse teams and clientele.
Professional Associations: While less common for cook-level positions, membership in hospitality organisations or participation in cooking groups can demonstrate your commitment to the industry.
Conferences: Attending food festivals, cooking demonstrations, or hospitality workshops shows your interest in learning and staying current with food trends.
Resume Volunteer Work: Volunteer cooking for community events, fundraisers, or local organisations can demonstrate your cooking passion and community involvement.
Awards and Honours: Recognition for reliability, customer service, safety compliance, or cooking competitions that highlight your dedication and abilities.
Cook Resume Examples [Other Sections]
Correct Example:
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Certifications: Food Safety Supervisor Certificate (NSW Health, 2023), First Aid & CPR (Red Cross, 2023)
- Languages: English (Native), Greek (Conversational), Basic Italian
- Volunteer Work: Regular volunteer cook for Salvation Army community meals, serving 100+ people monthly
- Awards: Perfect Attendance Award 2022, Employee Recognition for Outstanding Teamwork
- Availability: Full-time, part-time, casual shifts including weekends and public holidays
Incorrect Example:
OTHER INFORMATION
- Hobbies: Cooking at home, watching cooking shows
- References available upon request
- Good personality and work ethic
- Likes working with food
Tip: You can also include practical information like your availability for different shifts, transport reliability, physical fitness level, or any personal cooking projects or small catering work you’ve done that demonstrates your passion for food preparation.
How to Write a Cook Resume Objective or Resume Summary
Your professional summary is essential for cook resumes as it immediately communicates your practical abilities, work ethic, and reliability – all crucial factors that Australian hospitality employers consider when hiring kitchen staff. This 3-4 line section should highlight your most relevant experience, key strengths, and the specific value you bring to kitchen operations.
Focus on practical achievements that demonstrate your ability to handle kitchen responsibilities while working effectively under pressure. Include your experience level, types of kitchens you’ve worked in, and 1-2 specific examples that showcase your contribution to kitchen success. Tailor this section to match the requirements mentioned in Australian job postings, emphasising qualities like reliability, teamwork, and food safety awareness that are highly valued in the local market.
- Lead with your experience level and current cooking position
- Include specific examples of your reliability and kitchen contributions
- Mention types of establishments or cuisine styles you’ve worked with
- Highlight key qualities like work ethic, teamwork, or safety awareness
- End with your goals or what you can contribute to their kitchen team
Cook Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Reliable Line Cook with 4+ years of experience in high-volume Australian restaurants and pubs. Consistently prepared 150+ meals per shift while maintaining food quality standards and contributing to efficient kitchen operations. Strong foundation in grilling, food preparation, and food safety protocols with perfect attendance record across multiple employers. Proven team player with positive attitude and commitment to learning new techniques. Seeking to bring dependable work ethic and practical cooking skills to a busy kitchen team.
Incorrect Example:
Hardworking cook looking for new opportunities in the kitchen. Good at following recipes and working with teams. Reliable person who likes cooking and wants to advance in hospitality career.
For entry-level candidates or those new to professional cooking, a resume objective can be more appropriate, focusing on your enthusiasm for cooking and willingness to learn rather than extensive experience.
Entry-Level Cook Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Motivated hospitality student with Certificate II in Kitchen Operations and 12 months of casual kitchen experience in fast-paced environments. Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and follow procedures while maintaining food safety standards and positive attitude during busy periods. Strong foundation in basic cooking techniques, equipment operation, and teamwork gained through TAFE training and practical placements. Eager to contribute enthusiasm, reliability, and developing culinary skills to support an experienced kitchen team.
Incorrect Example:
New cook looking for entry-level position to start career. Completed cooking course and ready to learn. Good with people and willing to work hard in kitchen environment.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Cook Resume
LinkedIn profile optimisation is becoming increasingly valuable for cooks in Australia, as many hospitality employers and recruiters use the platform to discover kitchen talent and verify work history. While LinkedIn is less essential for cook positions than for senior roles, having a professional profile can help you connect with the hospitality community and discover job opportunities that may not be advertised elsewhere.
When updating your resume, consider creating or refreshing your LinkedIn profile to ensure consistency across your professional presence. Australian hospitality employers may research candidates online, so alignment between your resume and LinkedIn profile reinforces your professionalism and commitment to your culinary career. LinkedIn also allows you to share your passion for cooking and connect with other hospitality professionals.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Cooks
Effective LinkedIn Headlines:
- “Experienced Line Cook | High-Volume Kitchen Operations | Brisbane Hospitality Professional”
- “Reliable Cook | Food Safety Certified | Seeking Growth Opportunities in Australian Kitchens”
- “Kitchen Professional | Certificate III Cookery Student | Passionate About Quality Food Service”
Ineffective LinkedIn Headlines:
- “Cook at Restaurant”
- “Looking for Kitchen Work”
- “Hospitality Worker | Good Team Player”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
Your LinkedIn summary can be more personal and detailed than your resume summary, allowing you to share your journey into cooking and your passion for food service. While your resume summary focuses on practical skills and reliability, your LinkedIn summary can include your motivation for working in kitchens, your commitment to learning, and your career aspirations in the hospitality industry.
Include details about your experience in Australian kitchens and mention your understanding of local food safety requirements and workplace culture. This approach helps you connect with Australian hospitality professionals and demonstrates your familiarity with local industry standards.
Showcasing Cook Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn’s experience section allows for more detailed descriptions of your kitchen roles and responsibilities. Use this space to elaborate on the skills you’ve developed, the types of food you’ve prepared, and your contributions to kitchen efficiency. While you may not have as many dramatic achievements as senior chefs, you can highlight your reliability, learning progress, and positive impact on team operations.
For each role, consider describing the establishment’s style, service volume, and your specific responsibilities to provide context for hospitality professionals reading your profile. This helps them understand the scope of your experience and the environments where you’ve proven successful.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Cooks
Focus on the most relevant skills for cook positions when building your LinkedIn profile. Prioritise practical cooking skills, food safety knowledge, and workplace abilities that demonstrate your value as a kitchen team member. While you may not have as many connections as experienced professionals, endorsements from supervisors, colleagues, or training instructors can validate your capabilities.
Consider connecting with classmates from your culinary training, colleagues from current and previous workplaces, and hospitality professionals you meet through industry events or online communities.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Cooks
Optimise your LinkedIn presence for the Australian hospitality market by connecting with local hospitality professionals and joining relevant groups focused on Australian cooking and hospitality careers. Engage with content from Australian restaurants, hospitality training providers, and industry leaders to stay informed about trends and opportunities.
Set your location to your Australian city and ensure your profile indicates your eligibility to work in Australia. Use Australian spelling and terminology throughout your profile, and mention your familiarity with Australian food safety requirements, workplace culture, or local cuisine styles relevant to your experience.
Creating an effective cook resume requires demonstrating your practical skills, reliability, and commitment to quality food service in a format that appeals to Australian hospitality employers. By following these guidelines and examples, you’ll be well-positioned to secure interviews for cook positions across Australia’s diverse hospitality sector.
Remember to complement your resume with a tailored cover letter that shows your enthusiasm for their specific establishment and menu style. For additional resources on building your culinary career in Australia, explore training opportunities through TAFE institutes and stay connected with industry developments through Restaurant & Catering Australia.
