Think you have what it takes to be the next Gorden Ramsey? Soon-to-be restaurateurs need to work their way up the ladder. The first step is creating a dishwasher resume. Before you can run an entire restaurant, you need to gain some hands-on experience.
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Yes, if the culinary world is calling your name, landing a job as a dishwasher is a smart move. You might say it’s the best education you could ask for. Within this role, you will see how a kitchen works from the inside and learn from qualified chefs. That means you should prepare a dishwasher resume that tickles hiring managers’ taste buds.
Here at Resume.io, we have you covered with resume examples for 350+ professions combined with an easy-to-use resume builder. Getting the attention of the hiring manager doesn’t have to be difficult. Within this guide and accompanying resume example, we will take you through the following:
- What does a dishwasher do?
- Tips for how to write a dishwasher resume
- The best format for a dishwasher resume
- Advice for each section of your resume (summary, work history, education, skills)
- How to choose the right layout plus a resume sample.
What does a dishwasher do?
Also known as kitchen helpers, a dishwasher’s role is straightforward. You will mainly be responsible for washing utensils, plates, dishes, and kitchen appliances. Next, you’ll need to put each of them back in their place. Without your speedy work, the restaurant would quickly run out of these essentials.
If you’ve ever watched an episode of Hell’s Kitchen, you will know one fundamental truth. Commercial kitchens are busy, fast-paced environments. The head chef, along with their team of workers, needs to whip up culinary delights fast. To do so, they need a rainbow array of utensils and equipment. Put simply, that means things get dirty in record time.
Working as a dishwasher means ensuring that all of the above is cleaned swiftly. There’s not a moment to spare. However, that doesn’t mean that you can let things slack. You will need the highest level of hygiene, an understanding of inventory, and be a team player.
The average wage for a dishwasher is around $13 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. You could land yourself this position in establishments including restaurants, hotels, special food services, and even care homes.
While the starting pay is relatively low, keep in mind that this job is a stepping stone. If you want to work in the fast-paced world of hospitality, you have to start at the bottom.
How to write a resume for a dishwasher
Next up, it’s time to put pen to paper. You can take a look at our resume sample for some inspiration. Before you start, your dishwasher CV should contain the following elements:
- Resume header
- Resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
- Employment history section
- Resume skills section
- Education section
The world’s leading chefs don’t have hours to waste looking at resumes. You need to make a big impression in a matter of seconds. That means ensuring all of the relevant information is easy to read. Start out with your resume header and contact information. You can follow this up with a resume summary, provided you have more than two years of experience, and then your employment, skills, and education sections.
Large companies and restaurant chains may use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). This software filters resumes and only serves up the creme de la creme. If you want to get past the software, you will need to use keywords that are specific to the role. Within the dishwasher resume example, we have included some words and phrases you can use. However, you should look closely at the original advert to pick out the perfect keywords.
Hiring managers — who are often the kitchen managers or chefs too — want a dishwasher who gets results. When looking at resumes, these professionals will be on the hunt for someone who can get the job done well and fast. Keep that in mind when writing your resume. Focus on what you can bring to the table and the hands-on skills you have.
You should also make sure that you tailor your dishwasher resume. Applying for a job at a Michelin-star restaurant is different from applying for one at a small cafe. Do some research ahead of time and find out as much as you can about the establishment. Knowing how many covers (i.e. meals) the place serves each day is a great starting point. This nugget of intel will give you an idea of how speedy you will need to be during shifts.
The more details you know about the restaurant or eatery, the better you can create an effective resume. Armed with that information, you can write an application that speaks directly to the hiring manager. So go ahead and do your homework first.
What is the career progression for a dishwasher?
There are plenty of careers that start with grinding hard work in the early years. There is no shame in being a dishwasher - it shows that you will put the work in. Learn from the buzz of the kitchen, observe how people work together, and take a pride in your work. You will go far.
Choosing the best resume format for a dishwasher
You may never have written a resume before. Since dishwasher is an entry-level position, you might be new to applying for roles. The easiest format to use is reverse chronological. Start with your most recent accomplishments and work your way back in time.
Don’t panic if you don’t have much work experience. Newcomers can use a resume that caters more to relevant skills and education. Alternatively, if you are lacking in all of these areas, you may choose to focus on your passion for the industry and future aspirations.
If you’re changing careers, you can include your work experience even if it’s not in hospitality. Consider how your prior roles prepared you for the demands of a busy kitchen environment. You can highlight these strengths beneath each position. For example, if you were a store assistant, you will be great at organizing and dealing with inventory.
Find more tips in our other hospitality resume samples. Check out our chef resume sample, waitress resume example, barista resume example, or bartender resume sample for inspiration.
Resume summary example: make a first impression
Your resume summary goes directly below your header. It’s your opportunity to introduce and sell yourself to the hiring manager. In a few choice sentences, you can share your passion for the culinary sector, your experience, and the skills you’re bringing their way.
If you’re unsure how to get started, take a look at our resume summary writing guide. The best dishwashers are dedicated, hard-working, and results-driven. You need to be on hand to support the rest of the kitchen and make sure they have what they need. When writing your summary, focus on the above attributes and include them in your blurb.
You don’t have long to make a first impression. Avoid any fluffy language or necessarily sentences. Stick to the facts. Hit the three core marks — your drive, experience, and skills. Below you’ll find the summary from our adaptable resume sample.
Hardworking and reliable dishwasher with 7+ years of experience working in high volume kitchens to ensure dishes, utensils, and glassware were cleaned in a thorough and timely manner.
Employment history sample: tell your story
As previously mentioned, you should use reverse chronological order for your dishwasher resume. That goes for your employment section too. As a general rule, you need to start with your most recent job and work your way backwards in time down the page.
Of course, sometimes rules are made to be broken. If you previously worked in hospitality, changed jobs, and want to re-enter the industry, you can go another way. Let’s say you worked in a bar throughout your college years but then went into admin. In this instance — and only this instance — you can mix up your employment order. Put the most relevant work experience at the top of your dishwasher resume and list the rest beneath it. Check out the adaptable example from our employment history sample below.
Dishwasher, Carmine's Kitchen
Jul 2019 - Jun 2022, New York
- Performed proper washing of china, flatware, glassware and other kitchen equipment as needed.
- Maintained a clean and orderly kitchen at all times.
- Established and maintained strong working relationships with co-workers to achieve ultimate productivity.
- Assisted with inventory maintenance as needed.
- Removed all garbage and cleaned and maintained kitchen machinery.
- Adhered to food handling procedures and regulations at all times.
- Submitted accurate work logs and reported any incidents to the general manager.
Dishwasher, Eddie's
Jan 2017 - Mar 2019, New York
- Worked with kitchen staff to maintain a seamless order of operations and efficient access to dishes, utensils, and glassware.
- Stocked supplies for service and culinary teams.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary work environment at all times.
- Functioned as a committed and reliable team player.
- Properly stacked and stored china, glassware, silverware, cookware, and food storage containers.
- Maintained clean and dry floors throughout shift.
- Took on miscellaneous duties as needed to support the team.
Bus Boy, London Square
Oct 2014 - Dec 2016, New York
- Assisted front of house team with various service tasks including clearing tables, serving food, and light cleaning of dining room.
- Prepared the dining room before the dinner service.
- Polished silverware and set and cleared tables.
- Completed all opening and closing shift duties.
CV skills example: highlight your talents
Catching a hiring manager’s eye starts with a clear and persuasive dishwasher CV. If you’re new to the hospitality industry, your skills section will do a lot of the heavy lifting here. Additionally, this section gives you the chance to include the right keywords.
The CV skills you include should apply directly to the role of dishwasher. You may decide to highlight your ‘cleanliness’, ‘hygiene’, ‘dedication’, and ‘punctuality’, for example. Also, note that you will be working in close quarters with often stressed-out professionals. It may be worth noting that you are ‘helpful’ and ‘approachable’ so you can ease their burden.
Much of the time, dishwashers are there to make everybody else’s jobs easier. Try to demonstrate your ability to do just that on your CV. The more skills you have that will support other kitchen staff members, the more likely you are to land an interview. Below you’ll find the skills section from our CV example.
- Dishwashing
- Communication Skills
- Fast Learner
- Ability to Multitask
- Ability to Work Under Pressure
- Customer Service
- Culinary Arts
- Food Safety
Dishwasher resume education example
Use the reverse chronological approach again. Show off your most recent education at the top of your dishwasher resume. That may be a high school diploma or equivalent GED. Of course, if you are still studying part or full time, you can include this information too.
Hiring managers love a self-starter. So, if you’ve gained any extra training, be sure to include it on your resume. For example, you may have completed an apprenticeship in a professional kitchen or undertaken an online course. You can include these awards or achievements under your main education section. See our adaptable education section resume example below.
Lincoln High School, High School Diploma
Sep 2014 - May 2018, Yonkers
Resume layout and design: keep it simple
Avoid all complications when it comes to your dishwasher resume. As you can see from our expertly-created resume sample, it pays to be clear and simple. Don't make the mistake of cramming the document with information. Instead, get right to the point quickly.
If you are lacking in experience and education, you may be tempted to overcompensate with an elaborate design. Don’t do it. There’s no faster way to make a hiring manager lose interest in you than to present them with a busy or over-the-top resume. Should you need some help getting this right, check out our field-tested resume templates. Using an expertly-crafted design makes the whole application easier than ever. It’s a stress-free solution.
Key takeaways for a dishwasher resume
- Dishwashers play a vital role in a busy kitchen environment. Your resume needs to showcase your ability to work quickly and efficiently while supporting the greater team.
- Do your research! Tailoring your resume to the business you’re applying to and including relevant keywords will set you apart from the crowd.
- If you’ve had any additional kitchen-based training, don’t be afraid to shout about it.
- Using the online resume maker and our adaptable resume sample makes the application process a cinch.
