Cook Cover Letter and Resume Examples

Cook preparing food

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If you're applying for a job as a cook, your job application should emphasize your experience in food services along with any credentials or education.

Your letter and resume should be targeted toward the job you’re applying for and should include details about why you are an ideal candidate for the job. Your goal is to sell the hiring manager on choosing you for an interview.

What to Include in a Cook Resume and Cover Letter

Your cover letter and resume should show the reader that you have the expertise they need to fill the position. Be specific and mention the qualifications you have that meet the requirements of the employer.

Make a Match

What’s most important when writing a resume and cover letter is to take the time to match your qualifications to the job. First, review the job posting. What has the employer listed in the “experience” section? Take those requirements and match them to your qualifications, and then add those terms to your cover letter and resume.

For example, if a job posting lists “Experience: Cooking: 1 year (Required)" and "Cooking, preferably in healthcare: 1 year (Preferred)" and your experience is a fit, highlight that related experience in your cover letter:

I am comfortable preparing meals quickly and efficiently, which are necessary skills in a busy hospital cafeteria. 

When writing your resume, also mention the skills you have that would be an asset on the job.

  • Cook and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner to over 200 customers daily.

Highlight Your Skills

In your resume and cover letter, it's also a good idea to highlight cooking-related skills, such as the type of menus you’ve worked with, your culinary expertise, health and safety, attention to detail, customer service skills, flexibility, the ability to flourish in a fast-paced environment, and more. 

Tie your skills to the expertise the employer is seeking. For example, if the requirements include “previous experience as a prep/line cook required and flexible availability,” you can mention both in your cover letter:

I spent three years as a line cook at XYZ fast food restaurant. 

I’m flexible and can be available for any shifts you need, including weekdays and weekends.

Include Related Experience

Also include experience that’s related to the position. This resume, for example, includes work experience in the food service industry, even jobs that did not necessarily involve cooking. This way, you can show a prospective employer that you are a well-rounded candidate with expertise that can help the organization succeed.

Quantify Your Qualifications

Note how the resume example quantifies information wherever possible. Using numbers such as customers served, people supervised, and training hours helps make your accomplishments clear to potential employers. 

Below, you'll find an example of a cook's resume and cover letter. Use these documents for inspiration while creating your own resume and cover letter. 

Cook Cover Letter Example

This is an example of a cover letter for a cook position. Download the cook cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Screenshot of a cover letter example for a cook position
 @ The Balance 2020

Cook Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

Jane Applicant
123 Main Street
Anytown, CA 12345
555-555-5555
jane.applicant@email.com 

August 4, 2020

Emelia Rodriguez
Director, Human Resources
XYZ Hospital
123 Business Rd.
Business City, NY 54321

Dear Mrs. Rodriguez,

I am applying for the job of cook at XYZ Hospital. You specify that you are looking for someone with cooking experience and customer service skills. My skills and experience make me an ideal candidate for the position.

I have been working in the culinary industry for seven years. For the past three years, I have served as a short-order cook at XYZ Diner. I am therefore comfortable preparing meals quickly and efficiently - a necessary skill in a busy hospital cafeteria. I have also served in other capacities in restaurants; I began as a dishwasher, and then spent three years as a line cook at XYZ fast food restaurant. I would be comfortable performing a variety of tasks in the cafeteria.

You state that applicants should have strong customer service skills. As a short-order cook, I constantly interact with customers; I serve customers seated at the bar and know how to maintain a positive report with customers. In fact, I received the award for "Employee of the Month" four times at XYZ Diner, due in large part to my customer service skills.

I am confident that my experience and skills will make me a valuable member of the XYZ Hospital culinary team. I have enclosed my resume and will call within the week to see if we might arrange a time to speak together. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Jane Applicant (signature hard copy letter)

Jane Applicant

Cook Resume Example

The following is a resume example for a cook. Download the sample (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online).

Cook resume example
 @ The Balance 2020

Cook Resume Example (Text Version)

Jane Applicant
123 Main Street, Albany, NY 12242
(111)-111-1111
janeapplicant@email.com

EXPERIENCE

Short-Order Cook, XYZ Diner, Albany, NY
June 2019 - Present

  • Cook and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner to over 200 customers daily.
  • Developed new recipe for breakfast sandwich; became one of the most popular menu items.
  • Awarded Employee of the Month four times due to customer service and culinary skills.

Line Cook, XYZ Fast Food Restaurant, New York City, NY
September 2017 - May 2019

  • Prepared meals for customers in efficient, timely manner.
  • Followed recipes and presentation specifications as set by restaurant management.
  • Cleaned and maintained station following latest hygiene standards.

Dishwasher, XYZ College Cafeteria, New York City, NY
September 2016 - September 2017

  • Responsible for ensuring dishes were washed efficiently to guarantee timely customer service.
  • Trained fifteen incoming employees on operating techniques for washing equipment.
  • Performed prep work (chopping, assembling sandwiches) when cooks required assistance.

EDUCATION

XYZ University
May 2017
Certificate in the Culinary Arts

  • Received over 200 hours of hands-on training on topics ranging from basic cooking skills to menu planning to kitchen hygiene and safety.