Breaking into Australia’s vibrant culinary scene or advancing your chef career can feel overwhelming when your resume isn’t opening kitchen doors. Whether you’re a culinary school graduate seeking your first professional role, an experienced cook ready to step up to chef level, or a seasoned chef looking to join Australia’s top restaurants, your resume needs to showcase both your technical skills and creative passion in a way that captures the attention of head chefs and restaurant owners.
Australia’s hospitality industry is booming, with restaurants, hotels, cafes, and catering businesses across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and beyond actively seeking talented chefs who can deliver exceptional dining experiences. From fine dining establishments to casual eateries, food trucks to resort kitchens, Australian employers value chefs who combine culinary expertise with efficiency, creativity, and strong teamwork abilities. This comprehensive guide provides proven resume examples, industry-specific formatting tips, and insider strategies to position yourself as the culinary professional that Australian kitchens need.
From opportunities on Seek to networking through LinkedIn, we’ll show you exactly how to present your culinary skills, kitchen experience, and food innovation in a format that resonates with Australian hospitality employers and gets you that crucial interview.
This free sample resume for a chef has an accompanying chef sample cover letter to help you put together a winning job application.
Chef Resume (Text Version)
Marcus Thompson
Executive Chef
📧 [email protected]
📱 0423 567 890
📍 Sydney, NSW
💼 linkedin.com/in/marcusthompsonchef
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Passionate Executive Chef with 8+ years of experience leading high-volume kitchens across Australia’s premier dining establishments. Proven track record of increasing restaurant revenue by 35% through menu innovation and cost optimisation. Expert in modern Australian cuisine with extensive knowledge of Asian fusion techniques. Strong leadership abilities managing teams of 15+ kitchen staff while maintaining exceptional food quality and safety standards. Seeking to bring culinary excellence and operational expertise to a forward-thinking restaurant group.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Menu Development & Food Costing
- Kitchen Operations Management
- Team Leadership & Training
- Food Safety & HACCP Compliance
- Modern Australian & Asian Fusion Cuisine
- Inventory Management & Procurement
- Plating & Presentation Techniques
- High-Volume Service Coordination
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Executive Chef | The Harbour Restaurant, Sydney | April 2021 – Present
- Lead kitchen operations for award-winning 180-seat waterfront restaurant, maintaining 4.5-star reviews across 1,200+ customer ratings
- Developed seasonal menu featuring locally-sourced ingredients, increasing profit margins by 28% while reducing food costs by 15%
- Manage team of 18 kitchen staff including sous chefs, line cooks, and kitchen hands across breakfast, lunch, and dinner services
- Implemented new inventory management system reducing food waste by 40% and saving $85,000 annually
- Collaborated with front-of-house management to design wine pairing menus, boosting average spend per customer by $45
- Maintained perfect food safety record across 3 years with zero health department violations
Sous Chef | Attica Restaurant, Melbourne | March 2019 – March 2021
- Supported head chef in daily operations of acclaimed fine dining establishment serving 120 covers nightly
- Assisted in developing innovative tasting menu that contributed to restaurant’s inclusion in World’s 50 Best Restaurants list
- Trained and mentored 8 junior chefs on advanced cooking techniques and presentation standards
- Managed ordering and relationships with premium local suppliers, ensuring consistent quality of specialty ingredients
- Coordinated kitchen operations during service, maintaining 95% on-time delivery across all courses
Senior Line Cook | Crown Casino Restaurants, Perth | January 2017 – February 2019
- Operated multiple stations across 3 different restaurant concepts serving 800+ covers daily
- Specialised in seafood preparation and Asian wok cooking techniques for resort’s signature restaurants
- Maintained exceptional speed and quality during peak service periods, consistently meeting KPIs
- Participated in special events and banquet services for groups up to 500 guests
- Contributed to menu development through recipe testing and cost analysis
Junior Chef | Rockpool Bar & Grill, Sydney | June 2015 – December 2016
- Gained foundational experience in high-end kitchen operations under award-winning culinary team
- Mastered fundamental cooking techniques including grilling, roasting, and sauce preparation
- Assisted with prep work, inventory management, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness standards
- Completed rapid progression from kitchen hand to junior chef within 18 months
EDUCATION
Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery | TAFE NSW | 2015
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery | TAFE NSW | 2014
CERTIFICATIONS
- Food Safety Supervisor Certificate – NSW Food Authority, 2023
- HACCP Implementation Certificate – Australian Institute of Food Safety, 2022
- Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) – NSW, 2021
- First Aid & CPR Certificate – St John Ambulance, 2023
ACHIEVEMENTS & AWARDS
- Good Food Guide Chef Hat Award – The Harbour Restaurant, 2023
- Young Chef of the Year Finalist – Australian Culinary Federation, 2020
- Excellence in Service Award – Crown Casino Restaurants, 2018
ADDITIONAL SKILLS
- Languages: English (Native), Italian (Conversational), Japanese (Basic)
- Specialty Cuisines: Modern Australian, Asian Fusion, Italian, Seafood
- Kitchen Equipment: Rational Combi Ovens, Pacojet, Immersion Circulators, Wood-fired Ovens
What is The Best Format for a Chef Resume?
The reverse chronological format is the preferred choice for chef resumes in Australia’s hospitality industry. This format effectively showcases your career progression through different kitchen roles and demonstrates how your culinary skills and leadership abilities have developed over time, which is exactly what restaurant owners and head chefs want to see when evaluating potential hires.
Resume Structure:
Header: Include your full name, professional title (Chef, Sous Chef, etc.), phone number, email address, city and state, and LinkedIn profile URL if you have one. Australian hospitality employers expect local contact details and immediate availability discussions.
Summary: A compelling 3-4 line overview highlighting your culinary experience, signature achievements, and the specific value you bring to kitchen operations. This section should immediately communicate your cooking style and management capabilities.
Experience: List your kitchen experience in reverse chronological order, focusing on achievements that demonstrate your culinary skills, leadership abilities, and impact on restaurant operations. Include specific details about cuisine types, service volumes, and team sizes.
Education: Include your culinary qualifications, certificates, and any relevant hospitality training. Australian employers highly value formal cookery qualifications from TAFE or recognised culinary schools.
Other Sections: Consider adding certifications (essential for food safety), specialised skills, awards, or additional qualifications that demonstrate your commitment to culinary excellence.
Formatting Specifications: Use clean, professional 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 readability. Always submit your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting remains intact across different systems used by Australian hospitality employers.
What Experience Should Be on Your Chef Resume?
Your experience section should showcase your culinary progression while demonstrating your ability to handle kitchen pressures, lead teams, and consistently deliver exceptional food quality. Australian hospitality employers particularly value chefs who can prove their impact through measurable outcomes such as increased covers, improved food costs, successful menu launches, or enhanced customer satisfaction.
Focus on achievements that highlight your cooking expertise, leadership capabilities, and business acumen. Include details about the types of cuisine you’ve mastered, service volumes you’ve handled, team sizes you’ve managed, and any innovations you’ve introduced. Quantify your impact wherever possible using covers served, cost savings achieved, team sizes managed, or revenue increases generated.
Correct Example:
Head Chef | Bennelong Restaurant | 2020-2023
- Led kitchen operations for iconic 150-seat restaurant, maintaining consistent 4.8-star customer ratings across 2,000+ reviews
- Developed award-winning modern Australian menu featuring native ingredients, increasing restaurant revenue by 42%
- Managed team of 12 kitchen staff across all service periods, reducing staff turnover by 35% through mentorship programs
- Implemented cost control measures reducing food costs from 32% to 24% while maintaining premium quality standards
- Coordinated special events and private dining experiences for groups up to 200 guests
Incorrect Example:
Head Chef | Bennelong Restaurant | 2020-2023
- Worked in busy restaurant kitchen
- Cooked food for customers
- Managed kitchen staff
- Responsible for menu planning
Entry-Level Chef Resume Samples [Experience]
For entry-level positions, focus on apprenticeships, traineeships, work experience placements, or any kitchen roles that demonstrate your passion for cooking and ability to work in fast-paced environments. Include details about the skills you’ve learned and your progression within roles.
Correct Example:
Apprentice Chef | The Star Casino Restaurants | 2022-Present
- Completing Certificate III in Commercial Cookery while gaining hands-on experience across 4 different restaurant concepts
- Mastered fundamental cooking techniques including knife skills, sauce preparation, and protein cooking methods
- Assisted in preparing 300+ covers daily during peak service periods, maintaining consistent quality and presentation
- Contributed to special menu development by testing recipes and providing feedback on flavour combinations
- Recognised for exceptional attendance and eagerness to learn, receiving accelerated training opportunities
Incorrect Example:
Apprentice Chef | The Star Casino Restaurants | 2022-Present
- Learning to cook
- Helping other chefs
- Working in kitchen
- Studying cookery course
How to Write the Education Section for Your Chef Resume
The education section is crucial for chefs in Australia, where formal culinary qualifications are highly respected and often required by employers. Australian hospitality employers typically expect candidates to have completed relevant TAFE qualifications or equivalent training from recognised culinary institutions, as these programs provide both technical skills and industry knowledge essential for professional kitchen operations.
Include your qualification level, major area of study, institution name, and completion year. For recent graduates, consider adding relevant coursework, practical placements, or academic achievements that directly relate to your culinary aspirations. Additional qualifications in areas like patisserie, bread making, or specialised cuisine types can significantly strengthen your candidacy in Australia’s competitive culinary market.
Chef Resume Example [Education]
EDUCATION
Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery | William Angliss Institute | 2019
Distinction Grade | Specialisation: Contemporary Australian Cuisine & Food Safety Management
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery | William Angliss Institute | 2018
Merit | Practical Placement: Crown Melbourne, Rosetta Restaurant
Certificate III in Patisserie | TAFE NSW | 2020
Completed part-time to enhance dessert and baking capabilities
How to Write the Skills Section for Your Chef Resume
The skills section is essential for chefs as it demonstrates your culinary capabilities and kitchen expertise. Australian hospitality employers scan this section to quickly assess whether you possess the specific cooking techniques, food safety knowledge, and leadership abilities required for their kitchen environment. Aim to include 10-15 relevant skills, balancing culinary techniques with essential operational and leadership capabilities.
Prioritise skills mentioned in job descriptions and focus on those most commonly required in Australian kitchens. Include a mix of cooking techniques, cuisine specialisations, kitchen management abilities, and food safety certifications that demonstrate your comprehensive culinary expertise.
Chef Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
- Knife Skills & Food Preparation Techniques
- Grilling, Roasting & Sautéing Methods
- Sauce Preparation & Flavour Development
- Menu Development & Food Costing
- Inventory Management & Stock Control
- Food Safety & HACCP Implementation
- Sous Vide & Modern Cooking Techniques
- Bread Making & Pastry Skills
- Kitchen Equipment Operation & Maintenance
- Recipe Development & Standardisation
- Portion Control & Plating Techniques
- Allergen Management & Dietary Requirements
Chef Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
- Team Leadership & Staff Training
- Time Management & Multitasking
- Communication & Coordination
- Pressure Management & Composure
- Creativity & Innovation
- Problem Solving & Adaptability
- Attention to Detail & Quality Control
- Customer Service Orientation
- Conflict Resolution
- Work Ethic & Reliability
- Cultural Sensitivity & Dietary Awareness
- Mentoring & Knowledge Sharing
How to Pick the Best Chef Skills:
- Review job descriptions carefully and identify specific cooking techniques, cuisines, or equipment mentioned – these should be your priority inclusions
- Research the restaurant’s style and cuisine to align your skills with their culinary approach and target market
- Balance technical cooking skills with leadership and operational abilities, as senior chef roles require both
- Include skills you can confidently demonstrate during a practical interview or trial shift
- Prioritise food safety certifications and compliance knowledge, which are mandatory in Australian kitchens
- Consider specialised skills that set you apart, such as particular cuisine expertise or advanced cooking techniques
Chef Resume Examples [Skills]
Correct Example:
- Menu Development: Created seasonal 8-course tasting menu that increased average spend by $65 per customer
- Team Leadership: Successfully managed kitchen team of 15 staff across breakfast, lunch, and dinner services
- Food Cost Management: Reduced food costs from 35% to 28% through portion control and supplier negotiations
- Asian Fusion Techniques: Specialised in modern interpretation of traditional Japanese and Thai cooking methods
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Chef Resume?
Additional sections can significantly enhance your chef resume by demonstrating your commitment to culinary excellence and showcasing expertise that differentiates you from other candidates. However, only include sections that add genuine value and are relevant to the specific culinary role you’re targeting.
Resume Licences & Certifications: Food safety certifications are mandatory for chefs in Australia. Include current Food Safety Supervisor certificates, HACCP training, RSA licences, and any specialised certifications from recognised culinary institutions or equipment manufacturers.
Languages on a Resume: In Australia’s multicultural dining scene, additional languages can be valuable, particularly for chefs working in ethnic restaurants, hotels with international clientele, or tourist destinations.
Professional Associations: Membership in organisations like Restaurant & Catering Australia, Australian Culinary Federation, or Chefs Australia demonstrates your commitment to professional development and industry networking.
Conferences: Attending culinary events, food festivals, cooking demonstrations, or industry workshops shows your dedication to staying current with food trends and techniques.
Resume Volunteer Work: Volunteer cooking for community events, charity functions, or cultural festivals can demonstrate your passion for food and community engagement.
Awards and Honours: Culinary competitions, industry recognition, food guide ratings, or customer service awards that highlight your cooking abilities and professional reputation.
Chef Resume Examples [Other Sections]
Correct Example:
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Certifications: Food Safety Supervisor Certificate (NSW Food Authority, 2023), HACCP Implementation
- Professional Associations: Member, Australian Culinary Federation (ACF)
- Languages: English (Native), Italian (Fluent), Spanish (Conversational)
- Volunteer Work: Head Chef for OzHarvest charity events, serving 500+ meals quarterly
- Awards: Silver Medal, Sydney Royal Fine Food Show 2022 (Signature Dish Category)
Incorrect Example:
OTHER INFORMATION
- Hobbies: Cooking, eating, watching cooking shows
- References available upon request
- Clean driving licence
- Good teamwork skills
Tip: You can also include relevant personal projects such as catering businesses you’ve operated, food blogs you maintain, cooking classes you’ve taught, or specialty courses you’ve completed in areas like wine knowledge, coffee preparation, or specific regional cuisines.
How to Write a Chef Resume Objective or Resume Summary
Your professional summary is crucial for chef resumes as it immediately communicates your culinary style, experience level, and the unique value you bring to kitchen operations. This 3-4 line section should highlight your most relevant experience, signature achievements, and specific expertise that aligns with Australian hospitality standards.
Focus on quantifiable accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to deliver exceptional food quality while managing kitchen operations effectively. Include your years of experience, cuisine specialisations, and 1-2 standout achievements that showcase your impact on restaurant success. Tailor this section to match the specific requirements mentioned in Australian job postings, emphasising skills like team leadership, cost management, and menu innovation that are highly valued in the local market.
- Lead with your years of experience and current culinary level
- Include 1-2 quantified achievements that demonstrate kitchen impact
- Mention specific cuisines or cooking styles where you excel
- Highlight leadership or operational skills relevant to the role level
- End with your career aspirations or what you can contribute to their kitchen
Chef Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Experienced Head Chef with 7+ years leading high-volume kitchens across Australia’s top dining establishments. Proven track record of developing innovative menus that increased restaurant revenue by 40% while maintaining 4.5+ star customer ratings. Expert in modern Australian cuisine with Asian fusion influences and extensive knowledge of sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients. Strong leadership abilities managing teams up to 20 staff while ensuring exceptional food quality and safety compliance. Seeking to bring culinary excellence and operational expertise to an award-winning restaurant group.
Incorrect Example:
Passionate chef looking for new opportunities in the kitchen. Good at cooking different types of food and working with teams. Reliable and hardworking with experience in restaurants. Wants to advance career in hospitality industry.
For entry-level candidates or those transitioning into professional kitchens, a resume objective can be more appropriate, focusing on your culinary goals and relevant training rather than extensive professional experience.
Entry-Level Chef Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Motivated culinary graduate with Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery and hands-on experience through 12-month apprenticeship at award-winning Sydney restaurant. Demonstrated proficiency in fundamental cooking techniques, food safety protocols, and high-pressure service environments serving 200+ covers nightly. Strong foundation in modern Australian cuisine with particular interest in sustainable cooking practices and locally-sourced ingredients. Eager to contribute enthusiasm, technical skills, and willingness to learn to a dynamic kitchen team focused on culinary excellence.
Incorrect Example:
Recent cooking school graduate seeking entry-level chef position. Completed cookery course and some work experience. Passionate about food and ready to start career in professional kitchen.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Chef Resume
LinkedIn profile optimisation is increasingly important for chefs in Australia, where restaurant owners, head chefs, and hospitality recruiters use the platform to discover culinary talent and verify professional credentials. Your LinkedIn profile should complement your resume while leveraging the platform’s visual capabilities to showcase your culinary creations and connect with Australia’s hospitality community.
When updating your resume, simultaneously refresh your LinkedIn profile to ensure consistency across all professional touchpoints. Australian hospitality employers often research candidates online, so alignment between your resume and LinkedIn presence reinforces your credibility and professionalism. LinkedIn also allows you to share photos of your dishes, post about culinary trends, and engage with industry content that demonstrates your passion for food.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Chefs
Effective LinkedIn Headlines:
- “Executive Chef | Modern Australian Cuisine Expert | Leading Award-Winning Kitchen Teams Across Sydney”
- “Head Chef @ Crown Melbourne | Asian Fusion Specialist | Driving Culinary Innovation & Team Excellence”
- “Sous Chef | Sustainable Cooking Advocate | Transforming Local Ingredients into Memorable Dining Experiences”
Ineffective LinkedIn Headlines:
- “Chef at Restaurant”
- “Experienced Cook Looking for Opportunities”
- “Culinary Professional | Good Communication Skills”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
Your LinkedIn summary should be more personal and storytelling-focused than your resume summary, allowing you to share your culinary journey and passion for food. While your resume summary is achievement-focused and concise, your LinkedIn summary can include your inspiration for cooking, signature dishes you’ve created, and your philosophy toward food and hospitality.
Include details about your experience in Australian kitchens and mention specific restaurants or culinary achievements that local hospitality professionals might recognise. This approach helps you connect with the Australian culinary community and demonstrates your understanding of local food culture and dining trends.
Showcasing Chef Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn’s experience section allows for more detailed descriptions of your culinary roles and achievements. Use this space to elaborate on menu development projects, kitchen transformations you’ve led, and specific dishes or concepts you’ve created. Include high-quality photos of your culinary work, kitchen operations, or team achievements that demonstrate your capabilities visually.
For each role, consider describing the restaurant’s style, cuisine focus, and service volume to provide context for Australian hospitality professionals. This is particularly important if you’ve worked in different states or for restaurant groups that may not be familiar to all readers.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Chefs
Strategic skill selection on LinkedIn can significantly improve your visibility to Australian hospitality recruiters and restaurant owners searching for culinary talent. Prioritise the 10-15 most relevant skills for chef roles, ensuring they align with common requirements in Australian job postings for your experience level.
Actively seek endorsements from colleagues, supervisors, and even suppliers or regular customers who can validate your culinary capabilities and professional approach. These endorsements add credibility to your profile and demonstrate the respect you’ve earned within the industry.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Chefs
Optimise your LinkedIn presence for the Australian hospitality market by connecting with local chefs, joining groups like “Australian Chefs Network” or “Restaurant & Catering Australia,” and engaging with content from Australian food personalities and restaurant groups. Share photos of your dishes, comment thoughtfully on industry discussions, and post about your culinary experiences or food trends you’re exploring.
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 consider mentioning your familiarity with local suppliers, native ingredients, or Australian food safety regulations relevant to your experience level.
Creating an outstanding chef resume requires showcasing both your culinary skills and professional achievements in a format that resonates with Australian hospitality employers. By following these guidelines and examples, you’ll be well-positioned to capture the attention of restaurant owners, head chefs, and culinary recruiters seeking talented kitchen professionals.
Remember to complement your resume with a tailored cover letter that explains your passion for their specific restaurant concept and cuisine style. For additional resources on advancing your culinary career in Australia, explore opportunities with professional bodies like Restaurant & Catering Australia and stay current with industry trends through the Australian Culinary Federation.
