Cooking on Resume

Should You List Cooking on Resume

Including 'cooking' on a resume can add value in certain professional contexts, especially when applying for roles that require culinary skills or involve managing food-related projects. However, it's crucial to consider regional differences and the specific industry you're targeting.

In the United States, listing cooking skills can be beneficial across various industries beyond just culinary positions. For example, if you're applying for a role in event planning or hospitality management, demonstrating your ability to cook could set you apart from other candidates. In contrast, in many European countries, including cooking skills on a resume might be less common outside of the culinary field.

Why to List Cooking on Resume

• Demonstrate versatility and resourcefulness: Showcasing your cooking skills highlights your ability to adapt and work independently. This can be particularly valuable in roles that require self-reliance or remote work, where access to prepared meals might not always be available.

• Display creativity and attention to detail: Cooking involves following recipes, adjusting ingredients based on taste, and presenting dishes attractively. These skills showcase your ability to think creatively and pay close attention to details, which are valuable in a variety of professional settings.

• Demonstrate leadership potential: Coordinating a meal for a large group requires planning, organization, and the ability to multitask—all essential skills for leadership roles. If you've cooked for family gatherings or hosted dinner parties, these experiences can provide valuable anecdotes that illustrate your leadership abilities.

Where to List Cooking on Resume

• Skills section: This is the most common place to list cooking as it allows you to highlight your culinary skills alongside other relevant professional competencies.

• Work experience section: If you've held a position that involved cooking or food preparation, such as a caterer, chef, or kitchen assistant, include specific details about your responsibilities and achievements in this section.

• Projects section (optional): If you've organized a charity event that included meal planning and preparation, or if you've self-published a cookbook, these projects can be valuable additions to your resume.

Examples of How to List Cooking on Resume

Example 1: Skills Section

Skills:

• Cooking (proficient in Italian, Thai, and Mexican cuisines)
• Event Planning
• Project Management

In this example, the candidate demonstrates their versatility in cooking different cuisines while also highlighting other relevant professional skills.

Example 2: Work Experience Section

Caterer | XYZ Catering Services | City, State | March 2018 - Present

• Prepared and served meals for up to 500 guests at various events.
• Managed a team of 8 cooks and servers to ensure timely and high-quality food service.

In this example, the candidate demonstrates their culinary skills in a professional context by highlighting their experience as a caterer and the number of people they've served.

What to Avoid While Listing Cooking on Resume

• Overemphasizing cooking skills: If you're not applying for a role that requires culinary skills, it might be unnecessary or even detrimental to list cooking prominently.

• Vague claims: Instead of simply stating "experienced cook," provide specific examples of dishes you've prepared or events you've catered. This will help demonstrate your expertise and differentiate yourself from other candidates.

• Omitting relevant details: If you're applying for a role that involves food preparation, be sure to include any certifications, awards, or specialized training you've received related to cooking. This can help validate your claims and set you apart from other applicants.

How to List Vegan and Vegetarian Cuisine on Resume

Highlighting Relevant Experience

When listing your experience in vegan and vegetarian cuisine, make sure to highlight how this skillset has been applied in a professional context. Emphasize the unique challenges and techniques involved in creating delicious plant-based dishes.

• Detailed Paragraph: Mention specific recipes you have mastered, such as vegan lasagna or vegetarian stir-fry, along with any modifications you made to enhance their taste and texture. Explain how your creations cater to dietary restrictions while still maintaining flavor and nutrition.

Specifying Cooking Methods

Be specific about the cooking methods you employ when preparing vegan and vegetarian dishes. This will demonstrate both your technical skills and creativity in the kitchen.

• Detailed Paragraph: Include techniques like sautéing, steaming, roasting, and baking to showcase your versatility in preparing plant-based meals. Highlight any unique methods or tools you have utilized, such as pressure cooking or using a spiralizer to create vegetable noodles.

Showcasing Customer Satisfaction

Use numbers or anecdotes to illustrate the positive feedback you have received for your vegan and vegetarian dishes. This will help potential employers understand the impact of your work.

• Detailed Paragraph: Share testimonials, reviews, or even photos from satisfied customers to demonstrate the popularity of your plant-based creations. If possible, quantify your success by mentioning the number of people you have fed with your dishes.

Emphasizing Continuous Learning

Demonstrate your commitment to expanding your knowledge and skills in vegan and vegetarian cuisine. This will show employers that you are dedicated to staying current in this field.

• Detailed Paragraph: Mention any relevant courses, workshops, or cookbooks you have studied to enhance your plant-based cooking abilities. Highlight any new trends or ingredients you are excited to explore in the future.

Example 1: Vegan and Vegetarian Cuisine on Cooking Resume

• Cook at The Green Plate restaurant (2018 – Present)
  • Prepare a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes, including veggie burgers, lentil curry, and quinoa salad.
  • Consistently receive positive feedback from customers for the flavor and creativity in my plant-based dishes.
  • Attend monthly workshops to stay updated on new vegan and vegetarian trends and techniques.

Example 2: Vegan and Vegetarian Cuisine in Cooking Context

• Head Chef at The Plant-Based Kitchen food truck (2016 – 2018)
  • Developed a rotating menu of vegan and vegetarian dishes, including jackfruit tacos and portobello mushroom burgers.
  • Utilized techniques like pressure cooking and spiralizing to create unique textures and flavors.
  • Received glowing reviews from customers for my innovative plant-based creations, resulting in a consistent increase in sales.

How to List International Cuisines (e.g., Italian, Chinese, Mexican) on Resume

Best Practices for Listing International Cuisines in a Cooking Context

• Highlight Relevant Experience: Mention the specific international cuisines you have prepared and gained experience with. For instance, if you have worked in an Italian restaurant, detail your experiences making pasta dishes or pizza.

  • Detailed Paragraph: Highlight dishes such as lasagna, risotto, or tiramisu, along with any unique techniques used to create authentic flavors. This demonstrates a deep understanding and practical application of the cuisine.

• Quantify Your Skills: Provide specific numbers or quantities where possible to demonstrate your proficiency in preparing international dishes. This could include the number of guests served, the variety of dishes prepared, or the complexity of the recipes executed.

  • Detailed Paragraph: If you have prepared a multi-course meal for 100 guests at a Chinese restaurant, or if you can make over five different types of Mexican salsas, be sure to include these details in your resume.

• Showcase Accomplishments: Share any achievements related to the international cuisines you have worked with. This could include receiving positive feedback from diners, winning awards for dishes prepared, or being promoted due to your expertise.

  • Detailed Paragraph: If you have won a regional cooking competition featuring Italian cuisine or had one of your dishes featured in a culinary magazine, be sure to mention these accomplishments as they showcase your skills and passion.

• Use Keywords: Utilize relevant keywords related to the international cuisines you are listing on your resume. This will help recruiters quickly identify your skills and ensure that your application is properly categorized.

  • Detailed Paragraph: Include keywords such as "pasta making," "wok cooking," or "Mexican mole preparation" to make it easier for hiring managers to find your application when searching through numerous resumes.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume based on the job description and specific cuisines mentioned in the posting. This will demonstrate that you have the skills and experience needed for the position and increase your chances of landing an interview.

  • Detailed Paragraph: If a job listing specifically mentions Italian or Chinese cuisine, be sure to focus on any relevant experience you have with those cuisines and highlight your proficiency in preparing those dishes.

Example 1: International Cuisines (e.g., Italian, Chinese, Mexican) on Cooking Resume

• Prepared traditional Italian pasta dishes for over 50 guests at a busy restaurant in Rome.
• Demonstrated expertise in wok cooking various Chinese dishes, including Kung Pao chicken and Chow Mein noodles.
• Developed a unique Mexican salsa bar offering six distinctly different salsas made from scratch.

Example 2: International Cuisines (e.g., Italian, Chinese, Mexican) in Cooking Context

In my previous role as a sous chef at an upscale Italian restaurant, I led a team of four cooks and prepared a variety of traditional Italian dishes for up to 100 guests per night. During this time, I also worked closely with our executive chef to create a new dish – a modern take on lasagna that combined classic flavors with a unique twist – which quickly became one of the restaurant's most popular items.

In my current position as a cook at a Chinese restaurant, I have honed my wok skills and am responsible for preparing a range of dishes, from stir-fries to Kung Pao chicken and Chow Mein noodles. I take pride in using only the freshest ingredients to ensure each dish is flavorful and authentic. In addition, I have also been tasked with developing new dishes that appeal to our local customer base while staying true to Chinese culinary traditions.

In my free time, I enjoy experimenting with Mexican cuisine at home and have developed a unique salsa bar offering six distinctly different salsas made from scratch. These include a classic tomato-based salsa, a chipotle-infused version, a roasted tomatillo salsa verde, and more. I believe this hobby not only expands my culinary knowledge but also showcases my passion for cooking and willingness to learn new techniques.

How to List Baking and Pastry on Resume

Best Practices for Listing Baking and Pastry under Cooking

• Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize your baking and pastry skills where they are most applicable. Make sure the hiring manager understands that you have a strong foundation in both cooking and specialized areas of baking and pastry work.

• Example: "Extensive experience in both general culinary arts and specialized baking and pastry techniques, including pastries, breads, cakes, and confections."

• Quantify Achievements: If possible, use numbers to demonstrate the scale of your achievements. This could include the number of people you served or the complexity of dishes/desserts you've prepared.

• Example: "Prepared and plated desserts for up to 150 guests at a time, including custom wedding cakes and intricate pastry displays."

• Specify Techniques: List specific techniques you have mastered in baking and pastry, such as puff pastry, croissants, macarons, and chocolate work. This helps showcase your versatility and expertise.

• Example: "Expertise in traditional French pastries, including croissants, puff pastry, and macarons, as well as chocolate work and advanced cake decoration."

• Use Action Verbs: Use active verbs to describe your responsibilities and achievements in baking and pastry. This makes your resume more dynamic and engaging.

• Example: "Developed and executed innovative baking and pastry menus, supervising a team of pastry chefs and ensuring adherence to quality standards."

• Tailor to the Job Description: Customize your baking and pastry section to match the job description. Highlight skills that are particularly relevant to the position you're applying for.

• Example: "Proficient in both general culinary arts and specialized baking and pastry techniques, with a focus on artisanal breads and pastries, perfect for a role at an artisan bakery or high-end restaurant."

Example 1: Baking and Pastry on Cooking Resume

In the context of a cook applying for a chef position in a fine dining restaurant:

• *Baking and Pastry Skills
  • Extensive experience in both general culinary arts and specialized baking and pastry techniques, including pastries, breads, cakes, and confections.
  • Proficient in traditional French pastries, including croissants, puff pastry, and macarons, as well as chocolate work and advanced cake decoration.
  • Developed and executed innovative baking and pastry menus, supervising a team of pastry chefs and ensuring adherence to quality standards."

Example 2: Baking and Pastry in Cooking Context

In the context of a baker applying for a head pastry chef position at an artisan bakery:

• *Baking and Pastry Skills
  • Extensive experience in traditional artisanal baking techniques, including sourdough breads, croissants, and viennoiseries.
  • Proficient in advanced chocolate work, including molding, tempering, and decoration.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead a team of bakers, ensuring high-quality production and adherence to company standards."

How to List Contemporary Cuisine on Resume

Best Practices for Listing Contemporary Cuisine under Cooking Experience:

• Highlight Specific Dish Preparation: Mention the specific contemporary dishes you have prepared, such as molecular gastronomy dishes or fusion cuisine creations. For example, "Prepared and presented a variety of contemporary dishes including deconstructed chicken parmesan and avocado toast with poached egg."

• Emphasize Techniques and Ingredients: Detail the techniques and ingredients used in preparing these dishes. This helps showcase your understanding and mastery of contemporary cuisine's unique requirements. For example, "Utilized molecular gastronomy techniques such as spherification and gelation to create visually stunning and flavorful dishes."

• Mention Culinary Trends: Incorporate relevant culinary trends into your listing. This demonstrates your awareness and adaptability in the fast-changing contemporary cuisine landscape. For example, "Stayed updated on current culinary trends such as plant-based diets and incorporated these trends into menu development."

• Quantify Your Achievements: When possible, provide numbers or other quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your impact in a contemporary cuisine setting. For example, "Increased sales of contemporary dishes by 20% through innovative recipe development and presentation."

• Use Industry-Relevant Keywords: Use industry-relevant keywords like 'contemporary cuisine,' 'fusion cuisine,' 'molecular gastronomy,' or 'culinary trends' to help your resume stand out during automated keyword scans.

Example 1: Contemporary Cuisine on Cooking Resume

• Prepared and presented a variety of contemporary dishes, including molecular gastronomy creations such as watermelon spheres with basil oil and edible flowers, and fusion dishes like sushi-style tacos.
• Demonstrated expertise in using unique ingredients and techniques to create visually stunning and flavorful dishes that consistently pleased customers.
• Implemented modern presentation methods to enhance the dining experience, such as using liquid nitrogen to freeze desserts or creating edible art installations.
• Stayed updated on current culinary trends and incorporated these into menu development, resulting in a 20% increase in contemporary dish sales.

Example 2: Contemporary Cuisine in Cooking Context

• Led the creation of a new contemporary cuisine menu at a popular upscale restaurant, featuring dishes like seared scallops with black garlic foam and sweet potato puree.
• Collaborated with the pastry chef to develop innovative desserts that showcased molecular gastronomy techniques such as gelatin spheres filled with passion fruit coulis.
• Trained kitchen staff on contemporary cuisine preparation methods, emphasizing precision, presentation, and flavor balance.
• Achieved a 30% increase in overall restaurant sales due to the popularity of the new contemporary menu and positive customer feedback.

How to List Classical Cuisine on Resume

Highlighting Relevant Skills

Listing classical cuisine on your resume should emphasize the unique skills and knowledge you possess in this specialized area of cooking. Here are some best practices:

• Specific Dishes: Mention specific dishes from classical cuisines that you have mastered, such as Coq au Vin or Bouillabaisse. This shows potential employers your expertise in preparing these delicate and complex recipes.

• Proficient in preparing a variety of classic French dishes, including Coq au Vin and Bouillabaisse.

• Regional Cuisines: Specify the regional cuisines you have experience with, such as Provencal or Alsatian for France, Tuscan for Italy, or British for the United Kingdom. This helps employers understand your breadth of knowledge in classical cuisine.

• Extensive experience with various regional Italian cuisines, including Tuscan and Emilian dishes.

• Cooking Techniques: Highlight essential cooking techniques used in classical cuisine, such as braising, reductions, and sous-vide cooking. This demonstrates your understanding of the fundamental skills required for preparing these dishes.

• Skilled in traditional French cooking techniques like braising, reduction sauces, and sous-vide cooking.

• Culinary History: Briefly discuss the history and cultural significance of the classical cuisine you specialize in. This adds depth to your resume and shows that you are not only a skilled cook but also passionate about the culinary arts.

• Proficient in preparing classical Italian dishes, with an understanding of their historical origins and cultural importance within Italian society.

Example 1: Classical Cuisine on Cooking Resume

In a professional setting, you might present your experience with classical cuisine as follows:

Cooking Experience

• Le Cordon Bleu Paris, Kitchen Commis (June 2018 - August 2018)
  • Gained hands-on experience in preparing various classic French dishes under the guidance of experienced chefs.
  • Developed a deep understanding of traditional French cooking techniques and regional cuisines.

Example 2: Classical Cuisine in Cooking Context

In a more casual or freelance setting, you could present your classical cooking skills as follows:

Freelance Catering Services

• Offered private catering services specializing in traditional Italian cuisine (January 2019 - Present)
  • Prepared a variety of classic Italian dishes for events and gatherings, showcasing my expertise in regional Italian cuisines.
  • Delivered exceptional culinary experiences that combine delicious food with an appreciation for the history and cultural significance of Italian cuisine.