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If you’ve ever Googled “cook job description template,” you’ve probably seen the same thing a hundred times:
Bullet points. Buzzwords. No personality.
Just long lists like “prepare meals,” “clean the kitchen,” “follow food safety protocols” — and not much else.
But here’s the truth:
A great cook isn’t someone who just shows up and checks boxes.
They take pride in their craft.
They move fast under pressure.
They care about the details — even when it’s hectic.
And they help keep your kitchen running like a machine during the dinner rush.
Most job descriptions don’t reflect that.
They read like HR templates, not real invitations to join a team.
So what happens?
The best candidates scroll right past.
They apply somewhere that actually sounds worth their time.
Here’s the good news:
You don’t have to be a copywriter to write a job post that stands out.
You just need the right structure — and a bit of intention.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to write a cook job description that actually attracts great people — one that’s clear, honest, and human.
Want to go deeper? Check out our full guide: How to Write a Job Post That Attracts Top Talent — it breaks down exactly why most job ads fall flat, and what to do instead.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
What A Cook Actually Does (Duties Explained)
Two Great Job Description Templates
✅ Option 1: Cook Needed at Ridgeview Grill — Full-Time Role with Room to Grow
📍 Location: Ridgeview Grill, Austin, TX
💼 Type: Full-Time | In-Person
💰 Pay: $19–$23/hour (Based on Experience)
📆 Schedule: 5 days/week | Some weekends required
________________________________________
👋 A quick note from our kitchen manager:
“We’re looking for someone who takes pride in their food, works clean and fast, and wants to be part of a team that runs like clockwork. We’re not a flashy fine-dining spot — we’re a neighborhood grill where consistency, reliability, and attitude matter just as much as technique.”
________________________________________
🏢 About Ridgeview Grill
We’re a locally owned neighborhood restaurant serving classic American comfort food with a focus on quality, consistency, and community. We’ve been part of the Austin food scene for over a decade, and most of our staff have been with us for years. We care about two things: good food and good people. That’s why we treat our team with respect and run a kitchen where everyone has a voice.
________________________________________
🍳 About the Role
You’ll be a key part of our back-of-house team — prepping ingredients, cooking hot meals, and making sure every dish is served right and on time. We’ve been part of this community for 10+ years, and we’re known for simple food done well.
You’ll work closely with other cooks, line staff, and servers — especially during the lunch and dinner rush.
________________________________________
🧠 What We’re Looking For
● 2+ years experience as a cook or line cook
● Able to handle prep, grill, sauté, and fry stations
● Familiar with kitchen safety, food handling, and cleaning routines
● Reliable, on time, and positive under pressure
● Team player who communicates well with others
________________________________________
💡 Bonus if you have:
● ServSafe certification
● Experience in a similar kitchen setup (grill, casual, fast-paced)
● Bilingual (Spanish/English)
________________________________________
📦 What You’ll Get
● Competitive hourly pay + meal discounts
● Paid time off (accrues after 90 days)
● Growth opportunities — we promote from within
● A supportive team and a manager who has your back
________________________________________
✅ How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to make our hiring process smoother and fair for everyone. Just click the link below and go through our short application — no resume required.
👉 Apply here now [insert application link] — it only takes 5–7 minutes. We’ll follow up with every applicant.
________________________________________✅ Option 2: Kitchen Assistant / Cook Trainee — No Experience Needed, Just Work Ethic
📍 Location: The Local Spot Café, Denver, CO
💼 Type: Full-Time or Part-Time | In-Person
💰 Pay: $16–$18/hour to start
📆 Schedule: Flexible shifts available (weekdays + weekends)
________________________________________
🎥 Meet the Team
Before you apply, take 2 minutes to meet the crew you’ll be working with.
Here’s a short video from our café team:
👉 Watch our kitchen team video
________________________________________
🌟 About the Opportunity
Want to get into the food industry but don’t have experience yet? We’ll train you.
We’re looking for someone dependable, energetic, and eager to learn. You’ll start with kitchen prep, dishwashing, and basic cooking tasks. As you grow, we’ll teach you how to handle the line, prep sauces, work the grill, and more.
This is a great fit if you’re looking for stability, mentorship, and the chance to build a skill set in a real kitchen.
________________________________________
🏢 About The Local Spot Café
We’re a cozy, family-run café known for our all-day breakfast, friendly staff, and regular customers who treat this place like home. Our mission is simple: serve great food, treat people well, and create a work environment where everyone feels supported. We don’t believe in yelling or chaos. We believe in growth, respect, and showing up for each other.
________________________________________
🧠 What We’re Looking For
● No prior experience required
● Must be reliable, punctual, and coachable
● Comfortable on your feet in a fast-paced environment
● Willing to follow instructions and learn new tasks
● Good attitude, good energy, good hygiene
________________________________________
📚 We’ll Teach You:
● Safe food handling and cleaning practices
● Prep station setup
● How to follow kitchen routines and recipes
● Communication with front-of-house during service
________________________________________
✅ Perks & Benefits
● Weekly pay + free staff meals
● Clear path to promotion and raises
● Supportive kitchen culture — no yelling, no drama
● Health and dental available after 90 days (full-time only)
________________________________________
📥 How to Apply
We care more about mindset than resumes.
Click the link below and apply through WorkScreen.io — it’s a quick, fair process that helps us get to know you better.
👉 Apply here [insert application link] — We’ll respond to every applicant within 7 days.
Hiring doesn’t have to be hard. If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
Breakdown of Why These Job Posts Work
These job descriptions don’t just “list responsibilities” — they connect with the kind of people you actually want to hire.
Let’s break down why they work:
✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Human
Instead of a generic “Cook Needed,” we use titles like:
- “Cook Needed at Ridgeview Grill — Full-Time Role with Room to Grow”
- “Kitchen Assistant / Cook Trainee — No Experience Needed, Just Work Ethic”
These titles:
- Tell the reader exactly what the job is
- Give them a sense of the environment (grill, café, etc.)
- Speak directly to different audiences (experienced vs. entry-level)
A great job title doesn’t just describe the job — it sells the opportunity.
✅ 2. They Include a Warm, Personal Introduction
Both posts begin with a quick message from the hiring manager or team.
This small touch instantly makes the job feel more real — and signals that someone on the other end is paying attention.
This builds connection before the reader even gets to the responsibilities.
✅ 3. The “About the Company” Section Adds Meaning
Instead of just describing what the company does, we explain who they are and why it matters.
This helps candidates self-select — not just based on skills, but on alignment with the team’s vibe, values, and mission.
Example:
“We care about two things: good food and good people.”
“We don’t believe in yelling or chaos. We believe in growth, respect, and showing up for each other.”
That’s culture, not corporate speak — and it makes a difference.
✅ 4. The Responsibilities Are Framed Around Purpose
We don’t just say “prep meals” or “wash dishes.” We explain how each task fits into the bigger picture:
- “You’ll be the engine of our kitchen…”
- “You’ll help keep everything running smoothly during rush hour…”
- “You’ll support the team so they can focus on getting the job done right.”
This gives meaning to the work — which attracts people who care.
✅ 5. The Hiring Process is Clear and Respectful
- There’s no mystery about what comes next.
- Every applicant gets a response.
- Applications are evaluated through a fair, skills-first platform (WorkScreen).
- No one’s ghosted, and you don’t need a fancy résumé to get a shot.
That kind of transparency earns trust — and attracts higher quality candidates.
✅ 6. There’s Personality in Every Section
From benefits to qualifications, every part of the post feels like it was written by a real human — not pulled from an HR database.
Example:
“No yelling. No drama.”
“A manager who has your back.”
“Good attitude, good energy, good hygiene.”
These aren’t just job ads. They’re invitations to be part of a team.
✅ 7. They Speak to Two Types of Candidates
Not every applicant has experience — and that’s okay.
That’s why we include:
- A version for experienced cooks who are ready to contribute fast
- A version for entry-level candidates who are hungry to learn
This shows that your company invests in people — and opens doors to a wider (but still qualified) talent pool.
✅ 8. They Include Video for a Human Touch
Especially in the entry-level post, adding a short video lets applicants see the people they might be working with. This builds trust fast and makes your company feel approachable.
If you’re a small team, this can be a huge differentiator.
Example of a Bad Cook Job Description (And Why It Doesn’t Work)
Let’s look at what a typical, outdated job post looks like. You’ve probably seen something like this before:
❌ Bad Job Description Example
Job Title: Cook
Company: Midtown Hotel
Location: Chicago, IL
Pay: Not disclosed
Schedule: Full-Time
Job Summary:
We are hiring a cook to prepare and serve meals for hotel guests. The ideal candidate will be able to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare meals according to recipes
- Maintain kitchen cleanliness
- Follow food safety procedures
- Manage inventory
- Work with kitchen staff
Requirements:
- High school diploma
- 1–3 years of experience preferred
- Able to stand for long periods
- Basic knowledge of kitchen equipment
To apply, send your resume and cover letter to hr@midtownhotel.com by July 30, 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Falls Flat
🔹 1. The Title Is Too Generic
Just saying “Cook” tells the applicant nothing about the role, the environment, or what makes this opportunity different. Is it line cooking? Banquet prep? Casual dining? Breakfast service?
It sounds forgettable — and the best candidates won’t stop to find out more.
🔹 2. There’s No Human Introduction
No message from the chef. No insight into the kitchen vibe.
It feels like no one cares who applies — just that someone does.
This instantly signals a cold, transactional work environment.
🔹 3. No Info About the Company or Team
What kind of hotel is this? Who would I be working with? What’s the kitchen like?
The post doesn’t tell you anything about the company’s values, standards, or culture. It could be anywhere. It feels empty.
🔹 4. The Responsibilities Are Bland and Generic
“Prepare meals.” “Follow food safety.” “Maintain kitchen cleanliness.”
These are technically accurate — but they’re so broad, they could apply to a hospital, a steakhouse, or a food truck.
There’s no flavor, no context, and no sense of pride in the work.
🔹 5. There’s No Salary Transparency
When pay is “TBD,” good candidates assume the worst — or just move on.
Transparent compensation builds trust. Hiding it creates friction.
🔹 6. The Hiring Process Feels Dismissive
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.”
That’s code for: we’ll ghost you unless we’re desperate.
It’s outdated and disrespectful — especially when candidates are already putting time into applying.
🔹 7. No Call to Action — Just Instructions
There’s no enthusiasm. No encouragement. No reason to apply other than necessity.
If the job post doesn’t sound like anyone is excited to hire — why should someone be excited to apply?
Bottom line: This kind of job post might attract anyone, but it won’t attract the right ones.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Cook Job Description Stand Out
If you want to attract the right people and build trust from the very first touchpoint, here are a few extra details you can include:
✅ Tip 1: Add a Privacy & Security Notice
Scams are everywhere, and job seekers are more cautious than ever. Including a quick statement shows you’re legitimate — and that you respect their data.
Example:
“We take the privacy and security of all job applicants seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or personal information beyond what’s needed for hiring.”
This simple line goes a long way in building trust.
✅ Tip 2: Mention Leave Days or Flex Time
Even in hourly roles, time off matters. Candidates appreciate knowing upfront whether your company values rest and flexibility.
Example:
“Enjoy up to 24 flex days off per year to recharge and reset — because great work starts with a clear mind.”
This shows you see your team as people, not just labor.
✅ Tip 3: Highlight Training and Growth Opportunities
Especially for entry-level roles, candidates want to know there’s a future beyond just “washing dishes.”
Example:
“We promote from within. Whether you want to lead a station or become a shift manager, we’ll help you get there.”
When candidates see a path, they’re more likely to apply — and stay.
✅ Tip 4: Add a Video from the Team or Manager
A short video (Loom, YouTube, or phone-shot) adds personality. It helps candidates feel a human connection, especially before applying.
Example:
“Here’s a quick 90-second video from our kitchen team — meet the crew, see the space, and hear what they love about working here.”
Doesn’t need to be fancy — it just needs to be real.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
✅ Tip 5: Make the Application Process Feel Fair
Let candidates know that their effort will be met with respect.
Example:
“We review every application. Everyone gets a response within 7 days — no ghosting here.”
Respect earns respect. And that starts with your job post.
Should You Use AI to Write Your Cook Job Description? Yes… but Do It the Smart Way
AI tools can help you move fast. But if you just type “write a cook job post” into ChatGPT or an ATS generator, you’ll likely get:
- A generic, forgettable template
- Zero context about your company
- Boring bullet points and legal-sounding language
That’s not going to attract the kind of cook who takes pride in their work — it’ll just attract anyone who’s mass-applying.
❌ The Wrong Way to Use AI:
“Write me a job post for a cook at a restaurant.”
You’ll get something like:
“We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team as a cook…”
Nobody talks like that. And candidates know it.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI:
Use AI like a sous-chef — not the head chef.
You bring the ingredients. Let the AI help mix and plate them.
Here’s how to prompt AI properly:
🔧 Example Prompt:
“Help me write a cook job post for our restaurant, Ridgeview Grill. We’re a neighborhood American-style diner in Austin, TX, known for consistency, comfort food, and a tight-knit team. We’re hiring a full-time cook who can handle prep, grill, and fry stations, and we want someone reliable, respectful, and fast. Our kitchen culture is positive, drama-free, and focused on quality. We offer $19–$23/hour, PTO, staff meals, and promote from within. Here’s a rough draft I’ve written [paste notes]. Can you improve the tone, structure, and flow while keeping it conversational and human?”
That’s the smart way.
The more real info you feed in — about your team, your culture, and the actual role — the more helpful the AI becomes. Don’t expect it to know your kitchen. You have to teach it.
🧠 Final Thought on AI:
AI should amplify your message — not replace your thinking.
A good job description reflects your values, your people, and the kind of workplace you’re building. That’s too important to fully automate.
Use AI to save time. But bring the soul yourself.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Job Description Template?
✅ Option 1: Culture-First Job Description (Conversational & Warm)
📍 Location: [City, State]
💼 Type: [Full-Time / Part-Time] | [In-Person / Remote if applicable]
💰 Pay: [$XX–$XX/hour]
📆 Schedule: [Days and times]
👋 About the Role
We’re looking for a cook who cares about more than just following recipes. You take pride in your work, stay calm under pressure, and know that a clean, well-run kitchen is built on good people and good habits.
If you’re reliable, positive, and work well with others — we want to meet you.
🏢 About Us
[Your Restaurant Name] is a [brief description: casual café, family-owned grill, farm-to-table concept, etc.]. We’ve built a team culture around respect, quality, and showing up for each other — no yelling, no ego, just real teamwork.
🍽️ What You’ll Do
- Prep ingredients and maintain clean workstations
- Handle grill, sauté, or fry stations depending on the shift
- Plate dishes with consistency and care
- Support daily kitchen cleaning and closing
- Communicate clearly with other kitchen and front-of-house staff
🎯 What We’re Looking For
- [1–2 years] of kitchen experience (line cook, prep, or grill)
- Can multitask without losing focus
- Works clean, fast, and follows food safety procedures
- Shows up on time, ready to work, and supports the team
✅ What You’ll Get
- Competitive pay + free staff meals
- [PTO, healthcare, or perks you offer]
- A no-drama team and managers who support you
- Real opportunities to grow — we promote from within
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to keep our hiring process fair and simple.
Click below to apply. It only takes a few minutes, and we’ll respond to every application.
👉 Apply now
✅ Option 2: Structured Job Brief Format
Job Title: Cook
Company: [Your Restaurant Name]
Location: [City, State]
Employment Type: [Full-Time / Part-Time]
Compensation: [$XX–$XX/hour + any additional perks]
Job Summary:
We are hiring a dependable, experienced cook to join our kitchen team. This role involves prepping, cooking, plating, and cleaning while maintaining speed, safety, and quality during service.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare and cook menu items to spec
- Maintain a clean and organized station
- Assist with daily prep and inventory
- Ensure proper food safety and sanitation
- Collaborate with kitchen and front-of-house teams
Requirements:
- [1–2+] years of kitchen experience preferred
- Knowledge of standard cooking techniques
- Ability to handle pressure during peak hours
- Must be reliable, punctual, and team-oriented
Perks:
- Competitive hourly rate
- Free staff meals
- [PTO / Healthcare / Advancement opportunities]
- Friendly and supportive team culture
How to Apply:
We use WorkScreen.io to evaluate applicants quickly and fairly. Apply here:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen link]
We’ll review every application and get back to you within [X days].
What Happens After You Post the Job? Let WorkScreen Handle the Rest
You’ve written a thoughtful, honest job description that reflects your culture and expectations. That’s step one.
Now it’s time to make sure the right people actually get through your hiring process — and that’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
Here’s what WorkScreen helps you do:
✅ 1. Quickly Identify Top Candidates
No more guessing based on résumés alone.
WorkScreen automatically evaluates applicants using real-world performance tasks — then scores and ranks them on a leaderboard based on skills, effort, and relevance.
You’ll immediately see who’s actually a fit — not just who says they are.
✅ 2. Eliminate Low-Effort Applicants
Say goodbye to spammy, copy-paste applications and AI-generated cover letters.
WorkScreen’s evaluation process filters out:
- One-click applicants
- Candidates using AI tools to fake assessments
- People applying to hundreds of jobs without reading your post
This saves you hours — and helps you focus only on serious, committed candidates.
✅ 3. Administer One-Click Skill Tests
Want to see how someone follows directions, communicates, or solves basic kitchen scenarios?
With WorkScreen, you can easily add tailored questions or tasks — and see how candidates perform before you interview them. No setup required.
✅ 4. Keep the Process Fair and Transparent
WorkScreen gives candidates a simple, structured path — with clear feedback and updates.
That means better experience for them. Smarter decisions for you.
So if you’re tired of sifting through weak résumés and wasting time on interviews that go nowhere — let WorkScreen do the heavy lifting. 👉 Sign up at WorkScreen.io to start hiring smarter, faster, and more confidently.
FAQ
When hiring a cook, it’s not just about knife skills or knowing recipes — it’s about reliability, rhythm, and readiness. Here are the core skills to look for:
✅ Hard Skills
- Food preparation & cooking techniques (grilling, sautéing, baking, etc.)
- Food safety and sanitation knowledge (e.g., ServSafe certification)
- Speed and consistency under pressure
- Inventory and portion control
- Basic kitchen math (e.g., scaling recipes, conversions)
✅ Soft Skills
- Teamwork — cooks need to sync with servers, dishwashers, and each other
- Communication — clear, fast, and respectful under stress
- Time management — everything is about timing in a busy kitchen
- Composure — staying calm when the line is slammed
- Adaptability — jumping between stations when needed
Look for people who’ve worked in high-paced environments, know how to follow systems, and have a reputation for showing up ready every day.
No — experience and work ethic often matter more than a culinary degree. Many great cooks have learned on the job. What’s more important is whether they can:
- Follow procedures
- Work clean and fast
- Handle feedback and improve
If you’re willing to train, hiring someone with the right mindset can be just as valuable.
Aim for 300–600 words. Long enough to show personality and clarity — short enough to hold attention.
Break it up with:
- Bullet points
- Subheadings (About Us, Responsibilities, Perks, How to Apply)
A skimmable format that works on mobile
Absolutely. Including pay makes your post feel transparent and builds trust.
Even if the range is broad (e.g., “$18–$22/hour based on experience”), it shows respect for the candidate’s time — and filters out mismatches early.
Also include:
- Staff meals
- Flex days
- Health benefits (if applicable)
Opportunities for growth
Great — say it clearly!
You can include a line like:
“No experience? No problem. If you’ve got a strong work ethic and a great attitude, we’ll train you.”
Then, use WorkScreen to fairly evaluate entry-level candidates based on mindset and potential — not just résumés.
