How to Become a Line Cook

By eHow Careers & Work Editor

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A line cook, also sometimes called a station chef or chef de partie, is in charge of one specific area of the kitchen. A line cook may create sauces and hot hors d'oeuvres (a line cook in this position is known as a saucier), grilled meats or vegetables and soups. A well-rounded culinary arts education is required by most restaurants and hotels that hire line cooks.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Culinary arts degree
Restaurant work experience

Step1

Cook for family and friends at home. Practice cooking different types of meals and creating your own recipes. Not only will you become the most popular person on your street, but you will have a good knowledge of the kitchen before you start your formal training.

Step2

Choose a culinary program that offers a wide range of subject-specific courses in the hospitality industry, as well as traditional classes such as English composition and math. Employers like to see evidence of a well-rounded education on their applicants' resumes.

Step3

Utilize your college's career center to find employment as a line cook or similar positions. Arrange to speak to alumni of your program for ideas on how to present yourself in the job-seeking phase of your culinary career.

Step4

Apply for open positions in a variety of areas in the food industry. A line cook is not an entry-level position in some restaurants. It may be wise to start your cooking career as an assistant and work toward advancement.

Step5

Show flexibility in your availability for work shifts. Cooks of all kinds work many night, weekend and holiday hours. Expect that you will have to put in hours on some major holidays and plan accordingly.

Step6

Keep in shape so you will have the stamina it takes for long hours on your feet. Weight training may help you become more fit and able to lift heavy trays and other items.

Step7

Have a positive, "team player" attitude in your position as a line cook. It takes many people to successfully run a kitchen. Show respect for your coworkers, not matter what jobs they hold.

Tips & Warnings

Safety is very important in any kitchen, whether it's commercial or residential. Be sure you know where fire extinguishers and first aid kits are located in the workplace. Know how to put out grease fires correctly and how to perform some basic first aid. Consider taking a first aid or CPR class and become certified in these areas.