Chef / Line Cook Resume Examples for United States (2026)
A chef / line cook resume needs to demonstrate consistency under pressure, not just recipe knowledge — and in United States, it needs to do that in the format local recruiters and ATS software actually expect.
What employers in United States expect in this format
- Length: One page unless 10+ years experience
- Photo: No photo, no age, no marital status
- Quantify every bullet you can
- "Resume" not "CV" — CV means academic in the US
- Reverse chronological, single column
See the full United States resume format guide for the complete breakdown.
Must-have skills for a Chef / Line Cook resume
Lead with these — they're the terms both recruiters and ATS software actually screen for in this role:
- Food preparation
- Kitchen safety/sanitation
- Menu execution
- Inventory/food cost control
- Team coordination
Nice-to-have skills
- ServSafe certification
- Culinary school training
- Volume/banquet cooking
Sample chef / line cook resume bullet points
Starting points to adapt with your own real numbers — never copy these onto your own resume as-is.
- Executed 150-200 covers per service on the line during peak dinner service with zero food-safety violations
- Reduced food cost by 8% over 6 months through improved portioning and waste-tracking practices
- Trained 4 new line cooks on station setup and menu standards, cutting onboarding time by a third
Frequently asked questions
How long should a chef / line cook resume be in United States?
One page unless 10+ years experience is the standard for United States. Keep it focused on the skills and results that best demonstrate consistency under pressure, not just recipe knowledge.
What skills should a chef / line cook resume highlight for United States?
Lead with: Food preparation, Kitchen safety/sanitation, Menu execution, Inventory/food cost control. These are the terms recruiters and ATS software actually screen for in this role.
Does a resume for United States need a photo?
No photo, no age, no marital status