Short Order Cook Resume Guide

Introduction

A resume for a short order cook needs to highlight practical cooking skills, efficiency, and the ability to handle high-pressure environments. In 2025, ATS systems are more sophisticated, so structuring your resume with clear keywords and a logical flow can improve your chances of getting noticed. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to creating an ATS-friendly resume tailored for short order cooks.

Who Is This For?

This guide is ideal for entry-level to mid-level short order cooks seeking employment in regions like the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, or Germany. Whether you're switching careers from a different culinary role, returning after a break, or applying for your first position, this advice helps craft a resume that passes ATS filters and catches the eye of hiring managers.

Resume Format for Short Order Cook (2025)

Use a clean, simple layout with clearly labeled sections. The recommended order is: Summary, Skills, Experience, Certifications, and Education. Keep your resume to one page if you have less than 10 years of experience; include a second page only if your relevant experience or certifications justify it. If you have notable projects or a portfolio, include a link in your contact info or a dedicated Projects section. Use bullet points to improve scannability and avoid dense paragraphs, making sure keywords are naturally integrated.

Role-Specific Skills & Keywords

• Food preparation and safety standards (e.g., HACCP)
• Fast-paced kitchen operations
• Multi-tasking under pressure
• Grill, fry, sauté, and prep stations
• Time management and multitasking
• Food plating and presentation
• Inventory control and stock management
• Customer service skills
• Knowledge of POS systems
• Team collaboration and communication
• Flexibility in shift scheduling
• Sanitation and cleanliness protocols
• Experience with breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus
• Ability to follow recipes and portion control

Ensure these keywords are incorporated into your skills section and experience bullets to align with ATS scans.

Experience Bullets That Stand Out

• Prepared up to 200+ breakfast and lunch orders per shift, maintaining high quality standards and reducing wait times by ~15%
• Managed food prep stations, ensuring all dishes adhered to safety and sanitation standards per HACCP guidelines
• Collaborated with team members to streamline kitchen workflow, increasing overall efficiency during peak hours
• Monitored inventory levels, reducing waste by ~10% through effective stock control and ordering
• Trained new staff on food safety procedures, shortening onboarding time and improving compliance
• Consistently received positive customer feedback for quick service and meal presentation
• Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations, passing health inspections with no violations
• Adapted to menu changes and special requests, demonstrating flexibility and customer focus

These examples use action verbs, quantifiable results, and relevant keywords to showcase your accomplishments.

Related Resume Guides

• Experienced Cook Resume Guide
• Line Cook Resume Guide
• Dietary Cook Resume Guide
• Banquet Cook Resume Guide
• Cook Supervisor Resume Guide

Common Mistakes (and Fixes)

• Vague summaries like “Responsible for cooking”—instead, specify tasks, achievements, and skills used.
• Dense paragraphs—break information into bullet points for easier ATS parsing.
• Overusing generic skills like “team player”—replace with specific skills such as “collaborated with kitchen staff to optimize service times.”
• Including decorative formatting like tables or text boxes—stick to simple, ATS-compatible formats.
• Forgetting to tailor keywords—use synonyms and relevant phrases from the skills list.

ATS Tips You Shouldn't Skip

• Save your resume as a Word document (.docx) or PDF, depending on employer preferences, and clearly name it (e.g., “John_Doe_ShortOrderCook_2025.docx”).
• Use section headers like “Skills” and “Experience” consistently; avoid creative titles.
• Incorporate keywords naturally throughout your resume, including variations (e.g., “food prep,” “kitchen operations”).
• Maintain consistent tense—use past tense for previous roles, present tense for current jobs.
• Avoid graphics, columns, or complex formatting that ATS may not parse correctly.
• Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, and keep spacing uniform for easy readability.

By following these tips, you improve the chances your resume will pass ATS scans and reach human recruiters.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the typical salary range for a Short Order Cook in 2025?

As of 2025, salaries for Short Order Cooks typically range from $25 to $45 per hour depending on experience and location. Entry-level positions often start at around $18-$22 per hour.

2. How can I improve my chances of career progression in this field?

To advance, focus on developing skills like inventory management, team leadership, and customer service. Obtain relevant certifications such as a recognized culinary or hospitality certification to enhance your profile.

3. What are the key skills that employers look for in a Short Order Cook resume?

Key skills include strong communication, time management, knowledge of food safety standards like HACCP, and proficiency in using kitchen equipment. Highlight practical experience and achievements to align with these criteria.

4. Is there a growing demand for Short Order Cooks in 2025?

Yes, the demand is increasing due to the rise in food service industries and the need for efficient front-of-house roles. Restaurants are expanding their operations, creating more opportunities.

5. What steps should I take when applying for a Short Order Cook position?

Tailor your resume using keywords from the job description. Prepare a cover letter that aligns with the company’s values and show how you can contribute to their success. Follow up promptly after application and consider networking through industry events or online forums.