Summary. We reviewed real candidate profiles to learn the best path to become a line cook, prep cook. We'll guide you through the education, experiences, and skills hiring managers look for in a line cook, prep cook.

  • It's important to have relevant work experience, with typical job requirements ranging from 1-2 years in related fields.

  • Common job titles before becoming a line cook, prep cook include line cook, cashier, and cook.

  • Hiring managers expect a line cook, prep cook to have soft skills such as dexterity, physical stamina, and sense of taste and smell.

  • Once you have all the required skills and experience, it takes an average of less than 1 month of job training to become a line cook, prep cook.

  • Getting a certification as a OSHA Safety Certificate will help you to earn more as a line cook, prep cook.

  • To become a line cook, prep cook, you typically do not need formal education.

How to become a Line Cook, Prep Cook in 6 steps:

  • Step 1: Explore line cook, prep cook education
  • Step 2: Develop line cook, prep cook skills
  • Step 3: Complete relevent training/internship
  • Step 4: Get line cook, prep cook certifications
  • Step 5: Research line cook, prep cook duties
  • Step 6: Prepare your resume
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Key Steps To Become a Line Cook, Prep Cook

  1. Explore Line Cook, Prep Cook Education

    If you're interested in becoming a line cook, prep cook, one of the first things to consider is how much education you need. We've determined that 13.9% of line cooks, prep cook have a bachelor's degree. In terms of higher education levels, we found that 0.7% of line cooks, prep cook have master's degrees. Even though some line cooks, prep cook have a college degree, it's possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED.

    Line Cook, Prep Cook Degrees

    High School Diploma

    43.5 %

    Associate

    24.5 %

    Bachelors

    13.9 %

  2. Develop Line Cook, Prep Cook Skills

    It'll be a good idea to develop line cook, prep cook skills before applying for a job. Here are some skills commonly requested in line cook, prep cook job descriptions:

    SkillsPercentages
    Kitchen Equipment24.65%
    Food Handling11.30%
    Culinary10.11%
    Customer Service9.94%
    Salad Station6.48%

  3. Complete Relevent Training/Internship

    Line cooks, prep cook spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. During this time, new line cooks, prep cook learn the skills and techniques required for their specific job and employer. The chart below shows how much time it takes to gain competency as a line cook, prep cook based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real line cook, prep cook resumes.

    Average Amount Of Time At Training

    None

    Less than 1 month

    1-3 months

    3-6 months

    6-12 months

    2-4 years

  4. Get Line Cook, Prep Cook Certifications

    Certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for this position. They can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a certification, having one may help you stand out in an application. Plus, the process of getting a certification can teach you new skills that you can bring to your work. We determined the most common certifications for line cooks, prep cook. The most common certification is OSHA Safety Certificate , but ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification is also frequently seen in line cooks, prep cook resumes.

    1. OSHA Safety Certificate
    2. ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification
    3. Certified Food Manager (CFM)
    4. Certified Professional - Food Safety (CP-FS)
    5. Food Safety Manager Certification
    6. EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA)
    7. Certified Fundamentals Cook (CFC)
    8. Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)

    More About Certifications

  5. Research Line Cook, Prep Cook Duties

    When you decide to become a line cook, prep cook, It's important to know what duties and responsibilities are required for this position. Some common responsibilities are a part of most line cook, prep cook jobs. Here is a list of the main duties that define the role:

    • Manage the POS system (adding/deleting specials, editing prices, viewing server appetizer/dessert sales and their server report information).
    • Prepare cold foods, operate ovens, stoves, grills, microwaves, and fryers.
    • Expedite orders while maintaining food being cook in ovens, griddles, stoves and fryers.
    • Observe and test foods to determine quality and safety by regulating temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, and fryers.
    • Set up and break down for any catering parties or buffets.
    • Cook foods by baking, roasting, broiling, frying, steaming, grilling.

  6. Prepare Your Resume

    Finally, when you already have checked the skills and responsibilities for this role, you can start creating your resume. Everything that goes into creating a perfect resume can take hours, days, or even weeks. No worries, we created a resume builder to make this process as easy as possible with tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and a summary.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Line Cook, Prep Cook Resume templates

    Build a professional Line Cook, Prep Cook resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Line Cook, Prep Cook resume.

    Line Cook, Prep Cook Resume
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    Line Cook, Prep Cook Resume

  7. Apply For a Line Cook, Prep Cook Job

    With your ready resume, it's time to start searching for a new job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

    Line Cook, Prep Cook Jobs

  8. How To Become a Line Cook, Prep Cook
    How To Become a Line Cook, Prep Cook Career Overview