A strong line cook resume in Canada shows your Food Handler certificate, the stations you can run (grill, fry, saute, prep), how busy your kitchens were in covers or tickets, and that you can work evenings and weekends. Keep it to one page with your city, phone and email at the top.
Line cook resume checklist
Food Handler certificate with its expiry date (FOODSAFE Level 1 in BC)
The stations you can run: grill, fry, saute, cold side, prep
Numbers: covers per night, tickets per hour, size of menu
City, phone and email at the top. No photo, birth date or SIN
Tickets and certificates for line cooks
Ticket
Why it matters
How much
Food Handler certificate All except British Columbia
Many kitchens hire people who already have a food handler certificate. In Ontario, every food premises must have at least one certified food handler on site during every hour it is open. In Quebec, food businesses must have staff with MAPAQ food hygiene and safety training (manager or food handler). Source
Often asked for
FOODSAFE certificate British Columbia
In British Columbia, a food business must have a FOODSAFE certified person (or an equal course) on site. Kitchens often ask for it. Source
Often asked for
WHMIS
Workers who use or work near hazardous products must get WHMIS training. Listing it shows you are ready to start. Source
Often asked for
First Aid and CPR
A current certificate helps you stand out. Add the level and expiry date. In Ontario, every workplace must have someone with a valid first aid certificate on site at all times. Since June 2026, Standard First Aid is called Intermediate First Aid. Source
Helps you stand out
Line cook resume example (Canada)
A one-page example you can copy. The person is fictional.
Sam Rivera
Line cook
Hamilton, ON · (905) 555-0142 · sam.rivera@example.com
Summary
Line cook with 3 years on busy grill and fry stations. Calm during rushes and careful with food safety.
Availability
Available evenings, weekends and holidays. Can start right away.
Certifications and tickets
Food Handler Certification, Ontario (expires May 2030)
WHMIS training (2025)
Work experience
Line cook, Harbour Grill, Hamilton, ONMar 2023 to Present
Run the grill and fry stations for 120 to 180 covers a night, with ticket times under 12 minutes.
Prep sauces, proteins and garnishes for a 40-item menu before each service.
Check and log fridge and hot-holding temperatures twice a shift. Passed every health inspection.
Trained 4 new cooks on station setup and plating specs.
Prep cook, Corner Bistro, Burlington, ONJun 2021 to Feb 2023
Prepped vegetables, soups and desserts for 80 to 100 covers a day.
Labelled and rotated stock using FIFO, cutting food waste by about a quarter.
Skills
Grill, fry and saute · Knife skills · Allergen handling · Opening and closing
Education
Ontario Secondary School Diploma, 2021
Before and after
Before
Responsible for cooking food.
After
Cooked on the grill and fry stations for 120 to 180 covers a night, keeping ticket times under 12 minutes.
Before
Objective: To obtain a challenging position where I can grow.
After
Line cook with 3 years on busy grill and fry stations. Food Handler certified. Available evenings and weekends.
Common questions
Do I need a Food Handler certificate to be a line cook in Ontario?
Ontario requires every food premises to have at least one certified food handler on site during every hour it is open. You may not need it on day one, but many kitchens ask for it, so list it if you have it.
How long should a line cook resume be?
One page is enough for most line cooks. Two pages are fine only if you have many years in kitchens and every line is useful.
What numbers can a cook put on a resume?
Covers per night, tickets per hour, ticket times, the number of menu items you prep and how many cooks you trained.
Should I list my availability?
Yes. Kitchens hire for evenings, weekends and holidays. A short line such as Available evenings and weekends answers their first question.
Sources
Last updated November 14, 2026. Rules change, so check the source before you rely on it.