Chef or Cook CV example

A Chef or Cook CV for South African employers: what to write, the duties and skills to list, a cover letter and tips.

Updated 29 October 2026 · By Tumelo Vincent Tau

1. An example profile

A short profile at the top of your CV says who you are and what work you want. Change it to fit your own experience:

Hard-working cook with four years of experience in a hotel kitchen and school feeding. I prepare large quantities on time, keep my station clean and follow food safety rules strictly.

2. Duties to list

Under each job like this in your work experience, list three to five of the duties you really did:

Prepare and cook meals according to recipes and standards
Prepare ingredients and portion food
Keep the kitchen clean and follow food safety rules
Store food correctly and check expiry dates
Help with stock taking and ordering
Plate food neatly and on time

3. Skills and certificates

Skills employers look for in this job:

Food safety and hygiene
Food preparation
Working under pressure
Teamwork

Also list, if you have them:

Kitchen and food safety or hygiene certificate
Culinary qualification, if you have one
Types of kitchens (restaurant, hotel, hospital, school feeding)
Dishes or cuisines you are good at

4. Tips for Chef or Cook jobs

Say what kind of kitchen you worked in and how many meals you prepared: a 40-seat restaurant and a 500-meal canteen are very different jobs.
Food safety and hygiene matter to every employer. List any training you have.
Cooking for a school nutrition programme, events or catering counts as kitchen experience.

5. An example cover letter

Send a short cover letter with your CV, naming the post and the reference number from the advert:

Dear Hiring Manager

Re: Application for the post of Chef or Cook

I would like to apply for the post of Chef or Cook, as advertised. Please find my CV attached.

For four years I cooked in a hotel kitchen and later for a school nutrition programme, preparing up to 500 meals a day. I plan my work so food is ready on time, I keep my station spotless and I follow food safety rules every day.

I am available for an interview at any time and can be reached on 072 123 4567. Thank you for considering my application.

Yours faithfully
Thabo Mokoena

More help: how to write a cover letter, a CV with no work experience and job interview tips.