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If you’ve Googled “line cook job description,” you’ve probably scrolled through a dozen identical templates.
Bullet points. Basic duties. No flavor. Just the same recycled content over and over again.
But here’s the problem:
Those posts don’t actually help you hire a great line cook.
They just tell you what a line cook does—not how to attract someone who can handle pressure, stay sharp in a fast-paced kitchen, and contribute to a smooth-running back of house.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re not just filling a slot.
You want someone dependable. Someone who can prep fast, communicate well, keep their cool during dinner rush—and still plate dishes with pride.
That takes more than a checklist.
In this guide, we’re doing things differently.
I’ll show you exactly what a great line cook really looks like, how to write a job post that actually connects, and why most job ads fail to get results. You’ll also get:
- Two ready-to-use templates (one for experienced cooks, one for trainable candidates)
- A side-by-side breakdown of what works (and what doesn’t)
- Bonus tips to help your post stand out
- A copy-paste version if you’re short on time
Before we dive in—if you haven’t already, I highly recommend reading this full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/. It breaks down the old way vs. the new way of writing descriptions—and why most “traditional” job ads fall flat.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
What Does a Line Cook Actually Do? - Their Duties
A line cook isn’t just someone who stands over a grill or fryer—they’re the heartbeat of your kitchen.
They prep ingredients, cook dishes according to spec, keep their station spotless, and make sure orders go out fast, accurate, and consistent. But more than that, a great line cook helps the kitchen flow.
They work fast without rushing. They communicate clearly with the team. They know when to lead, when to follow, and when to just stay focused and keep the tickets moving.
And in many restaurants, especially smaller ones, they’re more than just a “line cook”—they’re also part dishwasher, part prep cook, part quality control.
So when you’re hiring for this role, you’re not just looking for someone with knife skills.
You’re looking for someone who can:
- Handle pressure without cracking
- Show up on time and take pride in the work
- Support the head chef or kitchen manager
- Keep cool when the tickets start piling up
Whether you’re running a fine-dining restaurant, a fast-casual joint, or a local food truck—the right line cook helps your kitchen run smoother, faster, and with fewer fires (literally and figuratively).
Two Great Line Cook Job Description Templates
✅ Option 1: Experienced Line Cook — Culture-First, Conversational Style
📌 Job Title: Line Cook for Busy Farm-to-Table Kitchen in Portland, OR
💼 Full-Time | Evening Shifts | $19–$22/hr (Based on Experience)
🕒 Schedule: Wed–Sun | 3PM–11PM
🎥 A Quick Hello from the Kitchen
Want to see what it’s like to work here? Watch this quick Loom video from our team to hear from our head chef and meet the people behind the line. (1:28 mins)
🍴 About Us
At Copper Table Kitchen, we’re a small but mighty farm-to-table restaurant nestled in the heart of Portland. We’re known for crafting seasonal menus with ingredients sourced from local farms and producers. But what really makes our kitchen run is the people—respectful, hardworking, and committed to doing things the right way.
Our team is made up of cooks who care, a chef who leads by example, and front-of-house staff who treat the kitchen like family. We’re not trying to be trendy—we’re trying to serve great food and create a workplace where people actually enjoy showing up.
Help Us Serve Portland’s Best Seasonal Dishes
We’re hiring a skilled line cook to join our kitchen team. If you’re someone who thrives in the heat of the kitchen, can knock out tickets without cutting corners, and enjoys working with a team that communicates and respects each other—this is the role for you.
🔪 What You’ll Be Doing:
- Cooking dishes according to our seasonal menu and plating standards
- Prepping ingredients before service and cleaning your station after
- Working closely with the sous chef and expo to keep service smooth
- Jumping in where needed (this is a small team—we help each other out)
👀 What We’re Looking For:
- 1–2 years of line cook experience (any cuisine, as long as you’ve got solid technique)
- Great knife skills and attention to detail under pressure
- Team player mindset—you’re on time, take feedback well, and pull your weight
- Food handler’s card or willingness to get one before starting
💡 Why Work With Us:
- Small, supportive kitchen where you’re respected, not burned out
- Shift meals + 50% off food when off duty
- Growth opportunities—past line cooks have become sous chefs here
- Transparent scheduling—no last-minute shift changes
📥 How to Apply:
Apply using this link → [Workscreen Application Link]
You’ll go through a short evaluation so we can see how you work—and you’ll hear back from us either way.
✅ Option 2: Entry-Level Line Cook — Willing to Train
📌 Job Title: Kitchen Team Member / Line Cook — No Experience Needed
💼 Full-Time or Part-Time | $15–$18/hr | Training Provided
📍 Location: Franklin Diner – Nashville, TN
🕒 Schedule: Flexible | Weekend Availability Preferred
🎥 Meet Your Future Teammates
Here’s a video message from our kitchen manager and current team members—get a feel for the vibe, the expectations, and how we work together day to day. (1:45 mins)
🏠 About Us
Franklin Diner has been a neighborhood favorite in East Nashville for over 12 years. We serve up comfort food with consistency and care—from fluffy pancakes to made-to-order burgers. But it’s our people who really set us apart.
We’re proud to be a first-job employer for many, and we believe in training from within. Some of our best cooks came in knowing nothing but left knowing everything. Our kitchen is respectful, steady-paced, and built on teamwork—not ego.
Start Your Culinary Career With Us
You don’t need experience—just a great attitude, strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn. If you’re dependable, love food, and eager to grow—we’d love to train you into a solid line cook.
What You’ll Learn & Do:
- Prep ingredients for breakfast and lunch service
- Cook and plate simple diner items (burgers, omelets, pancakes, etc.)
- Keep your station clean, organized, and stocked
- Work with the team to keep service smooth and positive
What We’re Looking For:
- No formal experience required—we’ll train you!
- Must be 18+ and authorized to work in the U.S.
- Reliable, on-time, and open to coaching
- Basic food safety knowledge is a plus
Perks:
- Weekly pay + tips
- Free meals during shifts
- On-the-job training (our last trainee is now a shift lead)
- Consistent schedule and respectful work culture
📥 How to Apply:
Apply using this link → [Workscreen Application Link]
We review every application and respond quickly. You’ll go through a simple skills check and be invited to interview if it’s a match.
Smart Hiring Starts Here WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Breakdown of Why These Job Posts Work
✅ Why the Experienced Line Cook Job Post Works
- The Job Title Is Clear and Specific
“Line Cook for Busy Farm-to-Table Kitchen in Portland, OR”
This isn’t just “Line Cook.” It tells the candidate where they’ll be working, the style of cuisine, and the work environment. It sets expectations and attracts people familiar with—or drawn to—farm-to-table kitchens.
- The Video Adds Instant Trust
The embedded Loom video lets candidates “meet” the chef or team before applying. This builds trust, makes your post stand out, and shows that you value transparency and culture fit. - The “About Us” Section Tells a Story
Instead of corporate boilerplate, this section gives a snapshot of the restaurant’s values, team vibe, and what makes it special. Candidates can feel whether this is a place they’d belong. - The Intro Connects on a Human Level
Rather than jumping into tasks, it speaks directly to the right candidate—someone who thrives under pressure, works clean, and values respect in the kitchen. It makes the reader feel seen. - The Responsibilities Show Impact, Not Just Tasks
“Jumping in where needed (this is a small team—we help each other out)”
It frames expectations in a way that emphasizes teamwork, accountability, and versatility—exactly what great kitchen staff look for.
- The Requirements Are Practical and Reasonable
No unrealistic expectations. Just the essentials: knife skills, experience, being dependable. It respects the candidate’s time and doesn’t over-filter unnecessarily. - Salary and Perks Are Transparent
Posting the wage range ($19–$22/hr) builds trust and filters out mismatched applicants. Including shift meals and internal growth opportunities shows you care about employee experience. - The Application Process Feels Respectful and Modern
Using WorkScreen and being clear about what happens next makes the process feel fair. You’re not ghosting candidates—you’re giving them a structured, human experience.
✅ Why the Entry-Level Line Cook Job Post Works
- It Opens with Encouragement, Not Intimidation
“You don’t need experience—just a great attitude, strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn.”
This line instantly lowers the barrier to apply. It appeals to motivated candidates who might’ve otherwise self-rejected.
- The “About Us” Section Builds Warmth and Belonging
It highlights that the diner is a place where first-time workers are welcome, mentorship is real, and the team operates without ego. That tone will attract someone who’s looking for stability and support. - It Focuses on Growth and Training
“Some of our best cooks came in knowing nothing but left knowing everything.”
This line reframes the job as a launchpad—not just a gig. It attracts people who are looking to build a future, not just pick up hours.
- Responsibilities Are Framed as Learnable Skills
Rather than intimidating with jargon or assuming prior experience, it uses plain English and makes everything feel teachable. - The Pay and Benefits Are Clear
Posting the hourly range ($15–$18/hr) along with weekly pay and free meals makes this job feel like a real opportunity, especially for those new to the workforce. - The Application Process Is Clear and Low-Stress
“You’ll go through a simple skills check and be invited to interview if it’s a match.”
This removes ambiguity and makes applying feel accessible, even for someone who’s never done it before.
🎯 The Common Thread
Both job posts:
- Speak to the person, not just the position
- Set expectations clearly—without sounding robotic
- Reflect the real environment and team vibe
- Give job seekers a reason to care—and apply
Example of a Bad Line Cook Job Post (And Why It Fails)
❌ Bad Job Description Example
Job Title: Line Cook
Location: Downtown Restaurant
Employment Type: Full-Time
Job Summary:
We are hiring a line cook to join our team. Duties include preparing food, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen, and assisting other cooks as needed. Must be able to follow recipes and comply with food safety standards.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare and cook menu items in accordance with recipes
- Maintain cleanliness and sanitation in work area
- Follow instructions from head chef or kitchen supervisor
- Assist with food prep and inventory
Requirements:
- 1 year of experience preferred
- Ability to work weekends and holidays
- Must be able to stand for long periods of time
To Apply:
Email your resume to hr@restaurant.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Falls Flat
- The Job Title Is Too Generic
“Line Cook”
That could be anywhere. It doesn’t say what kind of restaurant this is, what type of food is served, or what kind of kitchen environment the applicant is walking into.
- The Introduction Has No Hook or Personality
There’s no story. No mission. No reason to care. The job summary could’ve been copy-pasted from a template in 2005. - It Lacks Transparency Around Pay, Schedule, and Benefits
Not mentioning salary is one of the biggest turnoffs for candidates today. There’s also no word on shift times, growth potential, or perks. - The Responsibilities Are Dry and Vague
“Prepare food,” “assist with food prep,” “follow instructions.”
This language is repetitive and lifeless. There’s no context or sense of how this role contributes to the bigger picture in the kitchen.
- The Requirements Feel Like a Barrier, Not an Invitation
There’s no encouragement or explanation of why certain skills matter. It also shuts the door on trainable applicants with zero flexibility. - The Application Process Feels Cold and Outdated
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.”
This single line can completely kill interest. It tells candidates, “Don’t expect to hear from us unless we pick you,” which feels dismissive and disrespectful.
- No Mention of Culture, Team, or Values
Today’s candidates want to work somewhere they belong. This post gives zero insight into who the team is, what the kitchen vibe is like, or why anyone would want to work there.
🚫 The Overall Impression
This post feels like a formality—not an invitation. It’s purely functional, and in a competitive job market, that just doesn’t cut it. You won’t attract top talent with a post like this—you’ll attract desperate candidates or none at all.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Job Post Stand Out
Writing a strong job post is the foundation. But if you want your listing to rise above the noise—especially in competitive hiring markets—these final touches can make all the difference.
✅ 1. Add an “IMPORTANT NOTICE” for Candidate Safety
This is a small detail that builds instant credibility and shows you take candidate privacy seriously.
🔒 Important Notice: We take the privacy and security of all job applicants seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or personal financial information at any stage of the hiring process.
This helps candidates feel safe when applying—especially in an era of rising job scams.
✅ 2. Mention Leave Days or Flexibility Up Front
Time off matters, especially in roles that can be physically demanding like line cooking. Even if your PTO policy is basic, showing that you respect rest can set you apart.
“Enjoy up to 24 hours of paid time off per year to recharge, reset, or take care of personal matters.”
Or even just:
“We believe in work-life balance. Our team members get regular time off and advance scheduling, so there are no surprises.”
✅ 3. Highlight Growth, Training, or Promotion Opportunities
Candidates—especially younger or entry-level ones—want to know there’s room to grow. Don’t assume they’ll ask.
“We invest in our team. Past line cooks have been promoted to sous chef and kitchen manager roles within a year.”
“No experience? No problem. We’ll train you from scratch, and you’ll get access to mentorship from senior kitchen staff.”
✅ 4. Include a Loom or Video From the Team
Video = trust. If you haven’t done this yet, record a quick 60–90 second clip from the chef, manager, or even current cooks. Talk about:
- What it’s like working there
- What they’re looking for in the new hire
- Why they love being on the team
This doesn’t need to be polished. In fact, raw and real is better.
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
✅ 5. Show That You Respect Applicants’ Time
“We review every application and respond to all applicants—no ghosting.”
“You’ll hear from us within 7 business days, no matter the outcome.”
That one sentence alone can dramatically increase applicant trust and engagement.
✅ 6. Bonus Visual: Add a Team Photo
If you’re posting on a platform that allows images (your website, Indeed, LinkedIn, etc.), include a real photo of your team in action. It adds warmth and shows authenticity. Candidates want to see the people behind the job.
Should You Use AI to Write Your Job Description?
Let’s be honest—AI tools are everywhere now. Platforms like ChatGPT, Jasper, and even some ATS systems like Manatal and Workable offer “one-click” job description generators.
And while they can save time… they can also hurt your hiring if you’re not careful.
⚠️ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
Using AI to crank out a job post without giving it proper context might seem like a shortcut, but here’s what really happens:
- You end up with a generic, soulless job description that sounds like every other listing on the internet
- It attracts the wrong candidates—people skimming and spraying applications, not those aligned with your role or values
- It sends the message that you’re not really invested in the hire—so why should a great candidate be invested in you?
A job post is often the first impression a candidate gets of your company. If it feels automated, templated, and lifeless—they’ll move on.
✅ The Smart Way to Use AI (Without Losing the Human Touch)
AI works best when you treat it like a collaborator, not a replacement. Here’s how to use it well:
👎 The Wrong Way:
“Write me a job description for a line cook.”
This gives you something bland, generic, and disconnected from your business.
👍 The Right Way:
Feed the AI with real data, real values, and your own rough draft or notes. Then ask it to shape and polish.
Here’s a better example prompt:
🧠 Smart Prompt to Use with AI:
“Help me write a job post for our restaurant, Copper Table Kitchen.
We’re hiring a line cook who can handle fast-paced farm-to-table service.
Our culture is team-oriented, respectful, and focused on quality over ego.
We want to attract someone who takes pride in their craft, communicates clearly, and keeps a clean station.
We offer $19–$22/hr, shift meals, and room to grow.
Here are my rough notes and structure—can you turn this into a polished, human-sounding job description?
[Paste your bullet points, outline, or early draft here]”
Why this works: You’re not asking AI to write your job post for you—you’re giving it the raw ingredients from your team and letting it help refine and organize your message.
That way, the voice is still yours. The values are still yours. And the result feels personal, not robotic.
💬 Pro Tip: Use AI Like a Copy Editor
Once you’ve written a thoughtful draft (even a messy one), bring it into your AI tool and try prompts like:
“Make this more conversational without losing clarity.”
“Add a touch of warmth, but keep it professional.”
“Tighten this for flow—keep the personality, cut any fluff.”
Let the AI enhance your voice—not overwrite it.
✍️ Final Word on AI
AI is a powerful tool. But great hiring starts with you—your values, your culture, your instincts.
Use AI to polish. Don’t use it to replace.
And always bring your rough notes to the table—because that’s what makes the job post real, relevant, and yours.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Need Copy-Paste Job Description Templates for Quick Use
✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Template
📌 Job Title: Line Cook at [Your Restaurant Name] – [City, State]
💼 Full-Time | [Evening/Weekend] Shifts | $[XX–XX]/hr
Help Us Keep the Kitchen Flowing
We’re hiring a line cook to join our back-of-house team at [Your Restaurant Name]. We’re a [describe your food style—e.g., farm-to-table, fast-casual, comfort food] kitchen that values consistency, clean stations, and good team energy.
If you’re someone who thrives in the heat, communicates clearly, and takes pride in every plate—you’ll fit right in.
🔪 What You’ll Do:
- Prep, cook, and plate dishes during service
- Keep your station organized, stocked, and clean
- Jump in and help teammates when needed
- Follow kitchen standards while maintaining flow
👀 What We’re Looking For:
- years experience in a commercial kitchen
- Strong knife skills + ability to stay calm during rush
- Team-first attitude and reliable work ethic
- [Optional:] Food handler card or willingness to get one
💡 Why Work With Us:
- [Free shift meals / Weekly pay / Tips / Growth potential]
- [Any flexible schedule or unique perks]
- We treat our kitchen crew with respect—no drama, no micromanagement
🎥 Optional: Add a short video from the chef or team welcoming applicants.
📥 How to Apply:
We use WorkScreen to simplify hiring. Apply here → [Insert WorkScreen Link]
You’ll complete a short skills check so we can see how you work. We review every application and respond, always.
✅ Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements” Format
Job Title: Line Cook
Location: [City, State]
Type: Full-Time
Pay Range: $[XX–XX]/hour
Schedule: [e.g., Wed–Sun, 3PM–11PM]
Job Summary
[Your Restaurant Name] is seeking a reliable, skilled line cook to join our kitchen team. This role involves preparing ingredients, cooking dishes during service, maintaining cleanliness, and collaborating with the kitchen crew to ensure smooth operations.
Responsibilities:
- Prep and organize ingredients before each shift
- Cook and plate meals accurately and efficiently
- Maintain a clean, food-safe workstation
- Communicate with the team to keep service on track
Requirements:
- Minimum [X] years of experience in a kitchen role
- Basic food safety knowledge
- Ability to work evenings and weekends
- Attention to detail and ability to multitask under pressure
Benefits:
- [List tangible benefits: PTO, free meals, paid training, etc.]
- Opportunity to grow into [Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager, etc.]
- Friendly, supportive kitchen environment
How to Apply
Submit your application via WorkScreen → [Insert WorkScreen Link]
We review every application and will get back to you with next steps.
Let WorkScreen Handle the Heavy Lifting
You’ve got the job post down.
Now it’s time to take the stress out of sorting through applications.
That’s where WorkScreen comes in.
WorkScreen helps you:
✅ Quickly Identify Your Most Promising Candidates
No more guessing who to interview.
When someone applies through WorkScreen, they complete a short evaluation that shows you how they think, how they work, and how they solve real problems.
Our system automatically evaluates, scores and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—so you can instantly spot your top performers.
✅ Easily Administer One-Click Skill Tests
Assess real-world ability, not just résumés.
You can send skill tests tailored to the role—whether that’s prepping food, following detailed instructions, or managing time under pressure.
You’ll finally be able to hire based on what people can do, not just what they say.
✅ Eliminate Low-Effort and AI-Generated Applicants
Tired of spammy résumés and copy-paste cover letters?
WorkScreen filters out low-effort applicants and AI-assisted auto-appliers—so you only spend time on serious, qualified, and genuine candidates.
✅ Make Smarter, Faster Hiring Decisions
Our platform gives you data-backed insights and a clear, organized view of all your applicants. No messy spreadsheets. No résumé overload. Just better decisions—faster۔
🎯 Ready to Hire the Right Line Cook? Create your job post on WorkScreen today. You’ll get a custom link to share on any platform—and WorkScreen will handle the evaluations, scoring, and filtering for you. 👉 Sign up at WorkScreen.io and start hiring smarter, faster, and more confidently.
FAQ
A great line cook combines solid technique with the right attitude. Focus on:
- Knife skills & prep speed – Can they break down a case of produce or proteins quickly and cleanly?
- Attention to detail – Do they follow plating specs and portion sizes precisely?
- Time management & multitasking – Can they juggle multiple tickets during a rush without falling behind?
- Communication – Are they clear and concise when calling orders or asking for help?
- Cleanliness & food-safety habits – A spotless station and safe handling are non-negotiable.
- Teamwork & humility – The best line cooks jump in wherever needed and accept feedback well.
- Stress tolerance – A busy service is chaotic; staying cool and steady is essential.
Across the U.S., typical hourly pay ranges from $15 to $22:
- Entry-level (0–1 year): about $15–17 per hour.
- Mid-level (2–3 years): roughly $17–19 per hour.
- Experienced (3 years+): often $20–22+ per hour.
High-end restaurants in major cities can go even higher—sometimes $25 per hour or more—especially when tips, overtime, or specialty skills are factored in. Being transparent about pay in your job post helps attract serious candidates and reduces time-wasting negotiations.
Prep cooks focus on ingredient preparation—washing, chopping, portioning, and marinating—mostly before service.
Line cooks work the line during service: firing dishes to order, finishing plates, and keeping ticket flow smooth. In small kitchens those roles often overlap, but line cooks carry greater responsibility for speed, quality, and communication under pressure.
- If your kitchen runs at high volume and tight margins, an experienced cook who can plug-and-play is worth the higher wage.
If you have a supportive team, time to train, and a culture that values loyalty, hiring for attitude and potential can pay off long-term—trainees often become your most dedicated employees.
- Vague or overly polished résumés without clear dates or references.
- Frequent job-hopping with no convincing explanation.
- Negative talk about past employers or teammates.
- Poor hygiene or sloppy technique during a trial shift.
- Inflexibility—refusal to help outside “their” station or adapt to new systems.
