Cook Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Your job description is the first contact between your company and your new recruit. With millions of people searching for jobs on Indeed each month, a great job description can help you attract the most qualified candidates to your open position. To get you started, here are some tips for creating an effective job description.

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Cook job title

An effective job title wiil typically include a general term, the level of experience and any special requirements. The general term will optimize your job title to show up in a general search for jobs of the same nature. The level of experience will help you attract the most qualified applicants by outlining the amount of responsibility and prior knowledge required. And if your position is specialized, consider including the specialization in the job title as well. But avoid using internal titles, abbreviations or acronyms to make sure people understand what your job posting is before clicking.

  • Cook
  • Head Cook
  • Hospital Cook
  • Cook (Part-Time)
  • Prep Cook
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Cook Job Description Examples:

Cook job summary

A good job description starts with an attention-grabbing summary of the position and its role within your company. Your summary should provide an overview of your company and expectations for the position. Outline the types of activities and responsibilities required for the job so job seekers can determine if they are qualified, or if the job is suitable for them.

Example of a Cook job summary

We pride ourselves on the culinary creations served from our kitchen, and are looking for an experienced and passionate Cook to help support our team. The ideal candidate for this position has previous experience preparing Thai cuisine, enjoys working in a busy restaurant environment and is capable of taking direction well and multi-tasking effectively. If you have restaurant industry experience and a passion for food prep and strong customer service, please submit an application to us today.

Cook responsibilities and duties

The responsibilities and duties section is the most important part of the job description. Here you should outline the functions this position will perform on a regular basis, how the job functions within the organization and the title of the manager the person will report to.

  • Measure and assemble ingredients for menu items
  • Collaborate with the Executive Chef and Cooks to prepare meals during our dining hours
  • Maintain accurate food inventories
  • Properly store food items at appropriate temperatures
  • Rotate stock items as per established procedures
  • Restock kitchen for subsequent shifts
  • Ensure that the food prep area and kitchen are cleaned and sanitized at the end of your shift

Cook qualifications and skills

Next, outline the required and preferred skills for your position. This may include education, previous job experience, certifications and technical skills. You may also include soft skills and personality traits that you expect from a successful candidate. While it may be tempting to include a long list of skills and requirements, including too many could dissuade qualified candidates from applying. Keep your list of qualifications concise, but provide enough detail with relevant keywords and terms.

  • Diploma required
  • 2+ years’ experience as a Cook in the restaurant industry
  • Able to read and follow standardized recipes
  • Strong knowledge of proper food handling procedures
  • Able to work as part of a team in a busy kitchen atmosphere
  • ServeSafe Certification preferred

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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