Dishwasher Resume Example & Writing Guide

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

1. 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.
2. Do your research! Tailoring your resume to the business you’re applying to and including relevant keywords will set you apart from the crowd.
3. If you’ve had any additional kitchen-based training, don’t be afraid to shout about it.
4. Using the online resume maker and our adaptable resume sample makes the application process a cinch.