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If you’re starting your culinary career, one of the first positions you’ll encounter is the commis chef role. It’s the foundation of every great kitchen team and a stepping stone toward more advanced positions like chef de partie, sous chef, and head chef. In this guide, we’ll cover what a commis chef does, the essential skills employers look for, and provide a professional commis chef resume sample you can use as a reference when building your own with ResumeChef.com.

What Is a Commis Chef?

A commis chef is an entry-level cook who assists senior chefs in preparing ingredients, maintaining cleanliness, and executing basic cooking tasks. The position is ideal for recent culinary school graduates or individuals looking to gain practical experience in a professional kitchen.

In most kitchens, the commis chef rotates through different sections — from hot and cold prep to pastries — learning the techniques and standards that form the backbone of culinary expertise.

Typical Responsibilities of a Commis Chef

While duties can vary depending on the size and style of the restaurant, commis chefs are typically responsible for:

• Preparing ingredients (washing, peeling, chopping, portioning)
• Maintaining kitchen cleanliness and organization
• Assisting senior chefs with cooking and plating dishes
• Monitoring food safety and hygiene standards
• Receiving and storing deliveries
• Learning and applying kitchen procedures

This role emphasizes learning and growth — every task is an opportunity to build a foundation for a long-term culinary career.

Essential Skills for a Commis Chef

To succeed as a commis chef, focus on developing these key skills:

1. Basic Culinary Techniques — Knife handling, mise en place, and fundamental cooking methods like sautéing, roasting, and grilling.
2. Attention to Detail — Precision in measurements, presentation, and timing.
3. Teamwork — A professional kitchen thrives on coordination and communication.
4. Time Management — Working efficiently during busy service hours.
5. Food Safety Knowledge — Understanding proper storage, temperature control, and sanitation practices.
6. Adaptability — Being open to feedback and ready to work across multiple stations.

Employers value enthusiasm and a willingness to learn even more than prior experience — so highlight your dedication to culinary growth in your resume.

Sample Commis Chef Resume

Here’s an example of how a commis chef resume might look when created with ResumeChef:

Name: Jordan Ellis
Location: Chicago, IL
Email: jordan.ellis@email.com
Phone: (555) 987-6543

Professional Summary
Motivated and detail-oriented commis chef with a passion for creating exceptional dining experiences. Skilled in ingredient preparation, kitchen organization, and supporting senior chefs in high-pressure environments. Eager to grow in a dynamic kitchen where creativity and precision are valued.

Key Skills

• Knife skills and ingredient preparation
• Food safety and hygiene standards (ServSafe certified)
• Team collaboration and communication
• Recipe execution and plating presentation
• Time and task management

Work Experience
Commis Chef Intern – The Artisan Table, Chicago, IL
June 2024 – September 2024

• Assisted chefs de partie in preparing menu items during lunch and dinner service.
• Maintained a clean and organized workstation according to HACCP standards.
• Supported pastry section with basic baking and dessert assembly.
• Gained exposure to fine dining plating and guest service standards.

Kitchen Assistant – Harvest Bistro, Evanston, IL
May 2023 – May 2024

• Prepared produce, meats, and sauces for daily service.
• Stocked and rotated ingredients in cold storage.
• Helped maintain an efficient and positive kitchen environment.

Education
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Kendall College, Chicago, IL – Graduated 2023

Certifications

• ServSafe Food Handler Certification
• First Aid & CPR Certified

Build Your Own Commis Chef Resume in Minutes

Creating a professional culinary resume doesn’t have to be complicated. With ResumeChef.com, you can design a polished, restaurant-ready resume in just a few minutes — no design skills required. Choose a clean template, add your experience, and start applying for your next role in the kitchen.

The commis chef role is your first step into the exciting world of professional cooking. It’s where you’ll learn discipline, teamwork, and the techniques that define great cuisine. Start strong by presenting your skills professionally with a well-crafted commis chef resume from ResumeChef.