Food Handler Certification on Resume

What Is Food Handler Certification

The Food Handler Certification is a credential issued by various regulatory bodies and organizations, such as local health departments, the National Restaurant Association, or ServSafe, to validate an individual's knowledge of safe food handling practices. This certification focuses on topics like proper storage, preparation, and service of food, cross-contamination prevention, personal hygiene, and maintaining clean facilities. The Food Handler Certification is essential in the foodservice industry as IT ensures the safety of consumers and compliance with regulations. Prerequisites may vary depending on the issuing organization, but generally, no specific experience or education is required. The certification remains valid for a specified period (often 2-3 years) and must be renewed upon expiration through recertification courses or exams. Preparation for the certification typically takes a few hours, with a difficulty level varying based on an individual's prior knowledge of food safety principles.

Should I Include Food Handler Certification on Resume?

Including a Food Handler Certification on your resume depends on the specific industry and career stage you are pursuing. For job seekers applying for positions in the foodservice or catering industries, this certification should be prominently displayed on their resumes. If you have recently obtained the certification, IT serves as a testament to your commitment to food safety and can enhance your competitive edge.

However, if you are seeking positions outside of the food industry, its relevance may be less pronounced. In such cases, consider including IT in a dedicated certifications section or only mentioning IT if there is an opportunity to highlight its value within the job description. Remember that regional differences play a role as well – some areas have stricter regulations regarding food safety and may place greater emphasis on this certification.

Hiring Managers And Food Handler Certification on Resume

• Hiring managers view the Food Handler Certification as evidence of an applicant's understanding of safe food handling practices, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining a clean and healthy work environment.
• Specific skills or qualities associated with this credential include:
  • Knowledge of food safety regulations
  • Proper food preparation techniques
  • Awareness of potential hazards and prevention methods
• In the foodservice industry, the Food Handler Certification is often a prerequisite for employment. IT sets candidates apart from competitors by showcasing their dedication to maintaining food safety standards.
• Potential negative perceptions can arise if the certification is outdated or if an applicant has multiple lapses in recertification. Ensure your Food Handler Certification is up-to-date and, if necessary, renew IT before applying for positions.

How to List Food Handler Certification on Resume

• Formatting: Food Handler Certification should be listed as a separate section under "Certifications" or "Professional Development." Use bullet points for clarity. Example:

  Certifications

• Food Handler Certification (Name of Issuing Organization), Valid through [expiration date]

• Certification Number/ID: Include the certification number if IT is requested or expected by the issuing organization. Otherwise, IT is optional. Example:

  Food Handler Certification (ServSafe) #123456, Valid through [expiration date]

• Expiration/Renewal Dates: Clearly indicate the validity period and any pending renewals. Example:

  Food Handler Certification (ServSafe), Renewal due [renewal date], Valid through [expiration date]

• Certifying Organization: Always include the name of the issuing organization for clarity and credibility. Example:

  Food Handler Certification (ServSafe)

• In-Progress Certifications: If you are currently pursuing a certification, list IT under "Certifications" as well, using a phrase like "In progress." Example:

  Certifications

• Food Handler Certification (ServSafe), In progress

Where to List Food Handler Certification on Resume

• Dedicated Certifications Section: A dedicated section for certifications allows hiring managers to quickly assess your professional development and credentials. Place IT after the "Education" section but before any employment history or skills sections.

• Education Section: If there is no specific "Certifications" section, list the Food Handler Certification under your educational background, especially if you are a recent graduate entering the foodservice industry. Example:

  Education

• [University Name], [Degree], [Graduation Date]

• Food Handler Certification (ServSafe)

• Summary: If the Food Handler Certification is particularly relevant to your career goals, you may choose to briefly mention IT in the summary section. Example:

  Summary

• Experienced foodservice professional with a passion for safety and cleanliness, currently pursuing my Food Handler Certification (ServSafe).

• Multiple Placements: If you hold multiple certifications, list them in order of relevance to the position you are applying for. Keep in mind that the Food Handler Certification should typically be near the top due to its industry-specific nature.

• Order/Hierarchy: Organize your certifications by their validity period, with the most current certifications appearing first. If multiple certifications are valid at the same time, list them in the order they were obtained.

Examples of How to List Food Handler Certification on Resume

Example 1 - For a Technical Resume

Certifications: Food Handler Certification, Issued by County Health Department, Valid through January 2024

This format is ideal for a technical resume as IT places the Food Handler Certification in a dedicated section, making IT easily discoverable for employers who are specifically looking for this qualification.

Example 2 - For a Recent Graduate

Education: Bachelor of Science in Food Service Management, University of XYZ, Graduated May 2021 Certifications: Food Handler Certification, Issued by State Board of Health, Valid through January 2023

By integrating the Food Handler Certification into the education section, this format showcases the candidate's dedication to the food service industry and demonstrates their commitment to best practices even as a recent graduate.

Example 3 - In a Dedicated Certifications Section

Certifications: Food Handler Certification, Issued by City Health Department, Valid through January 2024

This format separates the Food Handler Certification from other sections, highlighting IT as a standalone achievement that sets the candidate apart from others without this certification. This approach works well for candidates who have extensive experience or advanced degrees and want to emphasize their certifications.

Example 4 - In a Skills-First Resume Format

Skills: Food Safety Knowledge (Food Handler Certification)

In a skills-first resume format, the candidate highlights their key skills at the top of the document to immediately grab the employer's attention. This format works particularly well for job seekers who have transferable skills or are changing industries. The Food Handler Certification is listed as a specific skill, demonstrating the candidate's expertise in this area and making IT easily identifiable by employers.