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What does a Kitchen Assistant do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A kitchen assistant helps the head chef with food preparation, cooking, and cleaning. They may also be responsible for ordering supplies and keeping the kitchen organized.

Kitchen Assistant job duties include:

  • Washing dishes and cooking utensils.
  • Cleaning the kitchen and all its appliances.
  • Preparing food ingredients.
  • Assisting the chef in cooking.
  • Setting the table.
  • Clearing the table.
  • Doing the laundry.
  • Mopping the floor.
  • Taking out the trash.

Kitchen Assistant Job Requirements

There is no formal education required to become a Kitchen Assistant, although some employers may prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. There are no certification or licensure requirements either, although some Kitchen Assistants may choose to pursue voluntary certification through the National Restaurant Association. Many employers will require at least some prior experience working in a kitchen, although the amount of experience required will vary from employer to employer.

Kitchen Assistant Skills

  • Washing
  • Drying
  • Cleaning
  • Peeling
  • Chopping
  • Slicing
  • Dicing
  • Mixing
  • Measuring
  • Stirring
  • Baking

Related: Top Kitchen Assistant Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Kitchen Assistant

A kitchen assistant is a great entry-level position for anyone interested in a career in the culinary arts. As a kitchen assistant, you will be responsible for helping the chef with food preparation, cleaning, and other kitchen duties. Here are a few tips to help you become a kitchen assistant:

1. Get experience. The best way to become a kitchen assistant is to get experience working in a kitchen. You can start by volunteering at a local restaurant or food bank, or by working as a dishwasher or prep cook.

2. Take classes. If you want to advance your career, taking classes in culinary arts or food safety can help you stand out from other candidates.

3. Be organized and detail-oriented. In the kitchen, it is important to be able to follow recipes and instructions precisely. You should also be able to keep the kitchen clean and organized while the chef is working.

4. Be flexible and adaptable. Things in the kitchen can change quickly, so it is important to be able to adapt to new situations. For example, if the chef decides to change the menu, you may need to help with different preparations than what you are used to.

5. Have a positive attitude. It is important to be positive and upbeat in the kitchen, even when things are hectic. This will help create a positive work environment for everyone on the team.

Related: Kitchen Assistant Resume Example

Related: Kitchen Assistant Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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