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How to Write a Resume for a Fast Food Worker

Your fast food worker resume format is as important as how you write your resume. This sample resume demonstrates the best resume layout hacks to follow: 1-inch margins, bullet points and clear resume headings for each of the following sections. 

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  • Professional header and contact info:

    • Include your name, contact information and a professional email address.

  • Compelling summary statement:

    • A brief resume summary or objective highlighting two or three culinary-relevant skills, experiences or accomplishments.

  • Highlight your skills:

    • Create a dedicated section to showcase hard and soft skills specific to culinary work, like food preparation and cooking equipment operation.

  • Emphasize your work history:

    • List your work experience in reverse chronological order, including job titles, company names, dates of employment, and key responsibilities and achievements for each role in a bullet list.

  • Supporting education section:

    • Detail your educational background, mentioning any relevant degrees, diplomas or certificates obtained.

  • Additional sections:

    • You can add resume sections for licenses, certifications, industry memberships or unions, awards, volunteer experience or spoken languages.

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How to Write a Fast Food Worker Resume Summary

The resume summary is your first professional pitch — convince hiring managers to read on by highlighting three essential qualifications and achievements as a fast food worker. It serves as a concise introduction to your resume and can significantly impact the hiring manager’s decision. Follow these guidelines to craft a compelling fast food worker resume summary:

Keep it concise and impactful:

The resume summary should be a brief paragraph of three to four sentences. Focus on highlighting your most relevant qualifications and accomplishments that align with the fast food role you’re targeting. 

Showcase your expertise:

Emphasize the experience and skills that make you a strong candidate for the fast food worker position. Mention your years of culinary or service experience, proficiency in order taking, waste disposal, food preparation and any other relevant skills that set you apart.

Tailor it to the job description:

Customize your resume summary to match the specific requirements of the fast food role you’re applying for. Use keywords and phrases from the job description to demonstrate that you possess the desired qualifications and understand the position’s needs.

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Good fast food worker resume summary example

“Dedicated and efficient fast-food worker with over five years of experience preparing and serving food in a fast-paced restaurant environment. Proven ability to provide exceptional customer service and maintain a clean and organized work area. Skilled in operating kitchen equipment, following safety procedures, and adhering to food hygiene standards. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team and deliver high-quality service that enhances customer satisfaction.”

This resume summary is well-written because it concisely showcases the candidate’s skills and knowledge in the fast food industry. It highlights their experience with food prep and customer service skills, which are essential qualities for a position in a fast-food restaurant. 

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Poor fast food worker resume summary example

“Experienced fast food worker with skills in customer service and food preparation. Works well in a team environment and follows procedures effectively. Seeking a position where I can contribute to a successful team and gain further experience in the industry.”

This example is generic and lacks specific details or achievements that would make the candidate stand out. It also doesn’t highlight any particular skills or strengths relevant to the fast food industry.

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PRO TIP:

The resume summary works best if you have over three years of experience. Try the resume objective if you’re a first-time job seeker, freelancer or career changer. This alternative introduction pitches your transferable skills and downplays your lack of relevant experience. 

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How to Add Your Fast Food Work History

The work history section of your fast food resume provides an opportunity to highlight your relevant professional experiences and accomplishments. Follow these guidelines to showcase your work history effectively:

Start with your most recent role:

List your work history with your current or most recent position as a fast food worker. Include the restaurant’s name, job title and dates of employment.

Focus on achievements:

Instead of listing job responsibilities, emphasize your accomplishments and contributions in each role. Highlight any improvements you made to food preparation processes, successful initiatives you led, or positive outcomes you achieved. Use quantifiable metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work.

Tailor it to the role:

Highlight experiences directly relevant to the position you’re applying for. Emphasize customer service, time management, cooking equipment operation, and other culinary or service skills that showcase your suitability for the role.

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Good fast food work experience example

Fast Food Worker | FastBite Burgers Detroit, MI | March 2020 - Present

    • Achieved a 95% accuracy rate in order taking and transaction processing, improving customer satisfaction and efficiency during peak hours.
    • Prepare and cook food according to recipes and quality standards, ensuring timely service during peak hours.
    • Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of work areas, equipment, and dining areas to meet health and safety standards.
    • Train new employees on food preparation techniques, customer service protocols and safety procedures, contributing to team efficiency and effectiveness.

This example provides quantifiable achievements that strengthen the impact and demonstrate the candidate’s ability to perform the role. Additionally, it includes specific responsibilities that further prove their experience in the industry and readiness for the position. 

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Poor fast food work experience example

Fast Food Worker | FastBite Burgers Detroit, MI | March 2020 - Present

    • Prepare and cook food according to recipes.
    • Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of work areas.
    • Take orders and serve customers. 

This work experience sample needs more specific details of the candidate’s job duties. It needs to include quantifiable achievements that could help them stand out.

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How to Write a Fast Food Worker Education Section

While fast food jobs don’t require a college education or specific certifications, including relevant academic experience or training programs can help to further your career in the food and service industry. Follow these guidelines to present your educational qualifications effectively:

1Start with your highest level of education:

Begin the education section with your most advanced degree. Include the degree type, primary or focus area, institution name and dates of attendance or graduation.

Degree resume example:

Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies, Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI | September 2015 – May 2019

2Highlight specialized certifications and training:

Emphasize any certifications or specialized training that enhance your qualifications as a fast food worker. 

Certification resume example:

OSHA Safety Certification | Occupational Safety and Health Administration
August 2019

3Showcase relevant coursework and research projects:

Mention any coursework or research projects that demonstrate your expertise in food preparation, customer service or relevant areas of study. This can provide insights into your knowledge and skills in the field.

Relevant coursework resume example:

Hospitality Management | Michigan State University

4Include notable institutions or educational affiliations:

If you have attended prestigious educational institutions or are affiliated with reputable culinary associations, highlight them to strengthen your resume’s credibility and showcase your commitment to excellence.

Membership association resume example:

Member, United Food & Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW)

5Mention professional development activities:

Highlight workshops, conferences or training programs you have attended that are relevant to service. Include the program name, organization and dates to demonstrate your commitment to staying updated with the latest trends and best practices in the field.

Professional development resume example:

Course on Quick Service Restaurant Management
Udemy | November 2019

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15 Skills For Your Fast Food Resume

We covered how to incorporate soft, hard and technical skills throughout your resume. Your skills section is the last place to add culinary or service skills you’d like employers to know about. Here’s a starting list of fast food-friendly skills to feature on your resume: 

soft skills

Soft skills

  • Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail 
  • Adaptability
soft skills

Hard skills

  • Customer service
  • Food preparation
  • Cash handling
  • Kitchen equipment operation
  • Food safety and hygiene 
soft skills

Technical skills

  • POS system operation
  • Food assembly and presentation
  • Temperature control
  • Cleaning and sanitation
  • Inventory management 
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PRO TIP:

Including a well-rounded mix of resume skills specific to fast food worker responsibilities, you can effectively showcase your capabilities and suitability for the role. Remember to tailor your skills section to align with the requirements of the specific position you are applying for.

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20 Fast Food Worker Action Verbs

With the ease of online job boards and professional social media sites like LinkedIn, hiring managers can see dozens to hundreds of applications for a single opening. Unique action verbs and power words can help your resume stand out against the monotony of repetitive resumes. 

  • Assembled
  • Cleaned
  • Cooked
  • Delivered
  • Ensured
  • Greeted
  • Maintained
  • Managed
  • Operated
  • Packaged
  • Prepared
  • Processed
  • Provided
  • Served
  • Stocked
  • Supported
  • Took 
  • Trained
  • Verified
  • Welcomed

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Additional Resume Sections

Consider adding the following sections to your fast food worker resume based on your specific circumstances and to enhance your qualifications:

  • Certifications:

    Include a separate section to showcase relevant credentials.

  • Professional Development:

    Use a professional development section featuring workshops, seminars or educational programs to replace or supplement your education section.

  • Awards and Achievements:

    If you have received recognition or awards for your performance or productivity, include a section to showcase these accomplishments.

  • Volunteer Experience:

    Replace your work history section with a volunteer section if you have less than three years of experience. Use this space to demonstrate relevant skills or attributes, such as organization, discipline and budgeting.

  • Language Proficiency:

    Since fast food restaurants can host a diverse range of employees and customers, multilingual fluency could support your daily responsibilities. 

  • Memberships:

    Let hiring managers know about your membership to service or culinary-specific organizations or unions. 

Use a Cover Letter to Express Yourself

A resume is a concise overview of your skills and experience — a cover letter expands on this foundation. Add a cover letter to share one or two examples of how you excelled in similar roles or how your skills match a company’s needs. Use this sample as a guide, or visit our helpful resources to boost your application.

Fast Food Worker Resume FAQ

What is an example of a fast food objective on a resume?

A resume objective is an excellent alternative if you’re a recent graduate or are changing careers. Here’s an example: 

“Enthusiastic recent graduate with a degree in Hospitality Management, eager to apply academic knowledge and gain practical experience in a fast-paced, fast-food environment. Strong interpersonal skills, a proactive approach to teamwork, and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service. Seeking an opportunity to contribute to a dynamic team and grow professionally within the food service industry.”

Should I tailor my resume to each job application?

It is highly recommended that you tailor your resume to each job application. Read the job description, identify key skills and requirements, and customize your resume accordingly. Highlight experiences and achievements that directly relate to the specific needs of the fast-food position.

Should I include references on a fast food resume?

Including references on your resume is optional. Create a separate document with references and provide it when specifically requested.