Top 12 Food Handler Skills to Put on Your Resume

In the dynamic and fast-paced food service industry, having a well-crafted resume that highlights essential food handler skills can significantly enhance your job prospects. Showcasing a blend of technical expertise, safety consciousness, and customer service skills not only demonstrates your capability but also sets you apart as a valuable candidate in this competitive field.

Food Handler Skills

1. HACCP Certification
2. ServSafe Certified
3. Food Safety
4. Cross-Contamination Prevention
5. Temperature Control
6. Allergen Awareness
7. Sanitation Standards
8. Inventory Management
9. Portion Control
10. Knife Skills
11. FIFO Method
12. POS Systems

1. HACCP Certification

HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) certification is a globally recognized food safety management system that identifies, evaluates, and controls hazards which are significant for food safety. For a food handler, obtaining HACCP certification demonstrates their commitment to producing or handling food in a safe manner, by minimizing the risk of food safety hazards.

Why It's Important

HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) Certification is important for a Food Handler because it ensures they are trained in identifying and preventing hazards in food production, enhancing food safety, minimizing contamination risks, and complying with legal and industry standards.

How to Improve HACCP Certification Skills

Improving HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) Certification involves a focused approach towards enhancing food safety processes. For a Food Handler, follow these steps:

1. Stay Informed: Continuously update your knowledge on food safety standards and HACCP principles. The FDA provides resources that are beneficial.

2. Regular Training: Engage in regular training programs to keep your skills sharp and learn about the latest in food safety practices.

3. Audit and Feedback: Conduct regular self-audits of your processes and welcome external audits. Use the feedback to make necessary adjustments. Tools and guidelines can be found through HACCP Alliance.

4. Implement Corrective Actions: Swiftly address any identified weaknesses in your food handling processes to ensure compliance and safety.

5. Documentation: Maintain thorough records of all HACCP-related activities, as this documentation is crucial for both compliance and improving your processes.

6. Engage with HACCP Software: Consider using HACCP software solutions to streamline documentation, monitoring, and verification processes. Information on solutions can be explored through industry-specific forums and platforms like Food Safety Tech.

By focusing on continuous learning, adhering to established food safety practices, and leveraging technology, you can significantly improve your HACCP certification status and contribute to a culture of food safety within your organization.

How to Display HACCP Certification Skills on Your Resume

2. ServSafe Certified

ServSafe Certification for a Food Handler is a training program that provides essential food safety education and a certificate to individuals working in the food industry, ensuring they understand how to handle and prepare food safely to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Why It's Important

ServSafe Certification is important for a Food Handler as it ensures they have the necessary knowledge and training to handle food safely, preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring compliance with health regulations.

How to Improve ServSafe Certified Skills

To improve your ServSafe certification as a Food Handler, focus on the following concise steps:

1. Study the ServSafe Coursebook: Review the latest ServSafe Food Handler Guide for the most recent guidelines and practices.

2. Practice with Online Quizzes: Utilize free practice tests available on the ServSafe website to reinforce your knowledge and identify areas for improvement.

3. Attend a Review Course: Consider enrolling in a ServSafe review course if available in your area for hands-on learning and clarification of doubts.

4. Stay Updated: Regularly check the ServSafe website for updates on food safety regulations and practices to keep your knowledge current.

By focusing on these steps and utilizing the resources provided, you can enhance your skills and knowledge as a ServSafe Certified Food Handler.

How to Display ServSafe Certified Skills on Your Resume

3. Food Safety

Food safety refers to the practices and protocols that food handlers follow to ensure the food they prepare, serve, or sell is safe to eat, preventing foodborne illnesses and contamination.

Why It's Important

Food safety is crucial for a food handler because it prevents foodborne illnesses, ensures the food served is safe to consume, protects consumers' health, and maintains the establishment's reputation.

How to Improve Food Safety Skills

Improving food safety involves adopting best practices in food handling and preparation to prevent foodborne illnesses. Here's a concise guide for food handlers:

1. Personal Hygiene: Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling food and after using the bathroom, changing tasks, or handling raw meat. CDC Handwashing

2. Cross-Contamination Prevention: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat, poultry, seafood, and ready-to-eat foods. FDA on Cross-Contamination

3. Proper Cooking: Cook foods to their recommended internal temperatures to kill harmful bacteria. Refer to temperature guidelines by FoodSafety.gov.

4. Safe Storage: Refrigerate or freeze perishables, prepared foods, and leftovers within 2 hours. Keep your refrigerator below 40°F and your freezer at 0°F. USDA Cold Storage Chart

5. Regular Cleaning and Sanitizing: Clean and sanitize food contact surfaces and equipment regularly using appropriate cleaning agents. EPA List of Sanitizers

6. Food Safety Education: Stay informed about the latest food safety practices and guidelines. ServSafe offers comprehensive training and certifications for food handlers and managers.

By following these guidelines, food handlers can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and ensure food safety.

How to Display Food Safety Skills on Your Resume

4. Cross-Contamination Prevention

Cross-contamination prevention involves implementing practices to avoid the transfer of harmful bacteria, viruses, or substances from one food, surface, or piece of equipment to another, ensuring food safety and reducing the risk of foodborne illness.

Why It's Important

Cross-contamination prevention is crucial for food handlers to avoid the transfer of harmful bacteria and allergens from one food to another, ensuring food safety and protecting consumers from foodborne illnesses.

How to Improve Cross-Contamination Prevention Skills

To improve Cross-Contamination Prevention as a Food Handler, follow these concise strategies:

1. Wash Hands Regularly: Practice thorough handwashing before handling food and after touching raw food, using the restroom, or handling waste. CDC Handwashing Guidelines

2. Use Separate Equipment: Allocate specific cutting boards, utensils, and containers for raw and cooked foods. FDA Safe Food Handling

3. Store Food Properly: Keep raw meats, poultry, and seafood separate from other foods in the refrigerator. Place them on the lowest shelves to prevent drips. USDA Food Storage

4. Clean and Sanitize Surfaces: Regularly clean and sanitize kitchen surfaces, equipment, and utensils especially after they have been in contact with raw foods. EPA Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2

5. Educate and Train Staff: Ensure all staff members are trained on the importance of preventing cross-contamination and the specific practices to follow. ServSafe Training and Certification

By adhering to these practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of cross-contamination in your food handling process.

How to Display Cross-Contamination Prevention Skills on Your Resume

5. Temperature Control

Temperature control, in the context of a food handler, refers to the practice of monitoring and adjusting the temperature of food to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, ensuring it remains safe to consume and meets food safety standards.

Why It's Important

Temperature control is crucial for a food handler because it prevents the growth of harmful bacteria, ensuring the food remains safe to eat and reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses.

How to Improve Temperature Control Skills

Improving temperature control as a food handler involves several key practices to ensure food safety and prevent foodborne illnesses. Here are concise steps to improve temperature control:

1. Monitor Regularly: Use calibrated thermometers to regularly check the temperatures of both hot and cold foods. Ensure hot foods are kept at 135°F (57°C) or above and cold foods at 41°F (5°C) or below. FDA Food Code

2. Rapid Cooling and Heating: Cool hot foods rapidly to 41°F (5°C) or below within 6 hours, with a target of reaching 70°F (21°C) within the first 2 hours. Heat cold foods to at least 165°F (74°C) for 15 seconds when reheating. USDA Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart

3. Avoid the Danger Zone: Keep food out of the temperature danger zone between 41°F (5°C) and 135°F (57°C) to prevent the rapid growth of bacteria. ServSafe

4. Effective Storage: Store foods at the correct temperatures immediately upon receiving. Use a FIFO (First In, First Out) system to ensure older stock is used before newer stock.

5. Preventive Maintenance: Regularly service and maintain equipment such as refrigerators and ovens to ensure they operate efficiently and maintain correct temperatures.

By following these guidelines, food handlers can significantly improve temperature control, enhancing food safety.

How to Display Temperature Control Skills on Your Resume

6. Allergen Awareness

Allergen Awareness for a Food Handler is the understanding and knowledge required to identify, manage, and communicate about food allergens properly to prevent cross-contamination and ensure the safety of consumers with food allergies.

Why It's Important

Allergen awareness is crucial for food handlers to prevent cross-contamination, ensure customer safety, and comply with legal requirements, thereby avoiding allergic reactions that can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

How to Improve Allergen Awareness Skills

Improving allergen awareness for food handlers involves a few key steps:

1. Education and Training: Ensure that all food handlers undergo comprehensive allergen awareness training, covering identification, handling, and prevention of cross-contamination. Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) offers resources and training programs tailored for food service.

2. Clear Labeling: Implement clear labeling practices for all ingredients and prepared foods, highlighting any common allergens. The FDA provides guidelines on labeling requirements for major allergens.

3. Cross-Contamination Prevention: Adopt strict procedures to prevent cross-contact of allergens, including using separate equipment and utensils for allergen-free cooking. The National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe program offers training on safe handling practices.

4. Communication: Encourage open communication between kitchen staff and customers regarding allergens, ensuring that all concerns are addressed promptly and accurately.

By focusing on these areas, food handlers can significantly improve allergen awareness and create a safer dining environment for customers with food allergies.

How to Display Allergen Awareness Skills on Your Resume

7. Sanitation Standards

Sanitation standards for a food handler refer to the required hygiene practices and procedures aimed at preventing food contamination and ensuring food safety. These include proper handwashing, avoiding cross-contamination, maintaining clean surfaces and utensils, and correctly storing and cooking food.

Why It's Important

Sanitation standards are crucial for food handlers because they prevent foodborne illnesses, ensuring food safety and protecting public health.

How to Improve Sanitation Standards Skills

Improving sanitation standards for a food handler involves adopting practices that reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Key steps include:

1. Personal Hygiene: Regularly wash hands with soap and water, especially before handling food and after using the restroom. CDC Handwashing Guidelines

2. Proper Food Storage: Store food at correct temperatures to prevent bacterial growth. The FDA provides guidelines on safe storage temperatures.

3. Regular Cleaning and Sanitization: Clean and sanitize all surfaces, utensils, and equipment used for food preparation. The EPA lists approved sanitizers for use in food contact surfaces.

4. Cross-Contamination Prevention: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods. USDA's tips on avoiding cross-contamination provide practical advice.

5. Food Safety Training: Regularly participate in food safety training programs to stay updated on best practices. The ServSafe Program by the National Restaurant Association offers comprehensive training.

By implementing these practices, food handlers can significantly improve sanitation standards and ensure the safety of the food they serve.

How to Display Sanitation Standards Skills on Your Resume

8. Inventory Management

Inventory management for a food handler involves tracking and controlling the supply, storage, and distribution of food items to ensure freshness, reduce waste, and maintain adequate stock levels for ongoing operations.

Why It's Important

Inventory management is crucial for a food handler because it ensures the optimal stock levels of perishable goods to prevent waste, maintains food safety by tracking expiration dates, and helps manage costs by avoiding overstocking, thereby supporting a smooth and efficient kitchen operation.

How to Improve Inventory Management Skills

Improving inventory management, especially for food handlers, involves several key strategies that ensure freshness, reduce waste, and optimize costs. Here are concise steps with external resources for further exploration:

1. Implement a First-In, First-Out (FIFO) System: This ensures that older stock is used before newer stock, reducing the risk of food spoilage. Learn more about FIFO.

2. Utilize Inventory Management Software: Digital tools can help track inventory levels in real-time, forecast demand, and automate reordering processes. Explore inventory software options.

3. Conduct Regular Inventory Audits: Regular checks help identify discrepancies early, allowing for adjustments and reducing waste. Understand inventory audits.

4. Train Staff on Inventory Practices: Ensure all team members understand the importance of inventory management and how to properly handle food products. Staff training tips.

5. Analyze Inventory Data for Trends: Use data to identify fast-moving items, seasonal fluctuations, and waste patterns to optimize inventory levels. Data analysis in inventory management.

Implementing these strategies efficiently requires a commitment to continuous improvement and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances in the food industry.

How to Display Inventory Management Skills on Your Resume

9. Portion Control

Portion control, in the context of a food handler, refers to the practice of measuring and serving food in fixed amounts to ensure consistency in serving sizes, manage food costs, and maintain nutritional balance.

Why It's Important

Portion control is important for a food handler because it ensures consistent food quality, reduces waste, and helps manage food costs effectively, while also meeting customer expectations.

How to Improve Portion Control Skills

Improving portion control as a food handler involves a few key strategies:

1. Use Measuring Tools: Always use measuring cups, spoons, and scales to ensure accurate portion sizes. This helps in maintaining consistency and meeting the dietary guidelines. Learn more about measuring tools here.

2. Understand Serving Sizes: Familiarize yourself with the recommended serving sizes for various food groups. The USDA's MyPlate is a great resource for understanding these guidelines.

3. Pre-Portion Snacks: For high-calorie snacks or foods, pre-portion them into individual servings. This prevents overeating and helps in managing food costs.

4. Use Portion Control Plates: Incorporate plates with portion divisions or use smaller plates to naturally reduce portion sizes without making the servings look small. This guide offers insights into visual portion control methods.

5. Continual Education: Stay informed about portion control techniques and nutritional guidelines through reputable sources and ongoing training. The FDA's Food Labeling Guide is an excellent resource for understanding how portions relate to daily nutritional values.

6. Practice Mindful Eating: Encourage a culture of mindful eating, focusing on the quality of food and the experience of eating rather than the quantity. The Center for Mindful Eating provides resources on this approach.

By applying these strategies consistently, food handlers can significantly improve portion control, contributing to healthier eating habits and better food cost management.

How to Display Portion Control Skills on Your Resume

10. Knife Skills

Knife skills refer to the techniques and abilities used by a food handler for safely and efficiently cutting, chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients with a knife during food preparation.

Why It's Important

Knife skills are important for food handlers because they ensure safety, efficiency, and precision in food preparation, leading to consistent cuts for even cooking and presentation, while minimizing waste and the risk of injury.

How to Improve Knife Skills Skills

Improving knife skills is essential for any food handler for efficiency and safety. Here are concise tips:

1. Hold the Knife Properly: Grip the handle with your middle, ring, and pinkie fingers. Rest your thumb on one side of the blade and your index finger on the other side, near the handle but not on the blade. This grip gives control and precision.

2. Use a Stable Cutting Board: Ensure your cutting board is stable on the counter. A damp paper towel or a non-slip mat underneath can prevent sliding.

3. Practice the Claw Grip: Curl your fingertips under and hold the food with your knuckles facing outwards. This protects your fingers and helps make uniform cuts.

4. Master Basic Cuts: Practice essential cuts like slicing, dicing, mincing, and julienning. Consistency in size and shape ensures even cooking.

5. Keep Your Knife Sharp: A sharp knife is safer and more efficient. Use a honing steel regularly and a whetstone for sharpening as needed.

6. Stay Focused: Always pay attention to your cutting. Distractions increase the risk of injury.

7. Practice Regularly: Like any skill, proficiency comes with practice. Start with simple recipes that require chopping and gradually increase complexity.

For further learning, consider these resources:

• Basics of knife skills on Craftsy for a comprehensive guide.
• Knife skills guide from Serious Eats for techniques and tips.
• Knife maintenance and safety by The Culinary Institute of America for keeping your knives in top condition and ensuring safety.

Remember, improving your knife skills not only speeds up your food preparation but also enhances the presentation and quality of your dishes.

How to Display Knife Skills Skills on Your Resume

11. FIFO Method

The FIFO method, standing for "First In, First Out," is a stock rotation principle where food handlers ensure the oldest stock (first in) is used before newer stock (first out) to maintain freshness and reduce waste.

Why It's Important

The FIFO (First-In, First-Out) method is important for a food handler because it ensures that food is used in the order it was received, minimizing waste and reducing the risk of serving expired or spoiled food, thus maintaining food safety and quality.

How to Improve FIFO Method Skills

To improve the First In, First Out (FIFO) method for a food handler, focus on:

1. Labeling: Clearly label all food items with dates of receipt. Use color-coded labels for quick identification.
2. Organization: Arrange pantry and refrigerator shelves by food type and expiration date, ensuring older items are at the front.
3. Training: Regularly train staff on FIFO principles and the importance of rotating stock (Food Safety).
4. Inventory Management Software: Utilize inventory management software designed for food businesses to track and manage stock levels efficiently (Food Safety Magazine).
5. Regular Audits: Conduct weekly or bi-weekly audits to ensure FIFO procedures are followed and to identify areas for improvement.

By implementing these strategies, food handlers can minimize waste, reduce food cost, and ensure the freshness and safety of the food they serve.

How to Display FIFO Method Skills on Your Resume

12. POS Systems

A POS (Point of Sale) system for a food handler is a digital platform used to manage sales transactions, process customer payments, track inventory, and order management in a restaurant or food service establishment.

Why It's Important

POS systems are crucial for food handlers because they streamline order processing, enhance accuracy in transactions, manage inventory efficiently, and improve customer service through faster and more reliable operations.

How to Improve POS Systems Skills

Improving POS (Point of Sale) systems for food handlers involves enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and customer experience. Here are concise strategies:

1. Integration with Other Systems: Ensure your POS system integrates seamlessly with inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM), and accounting software. This synchronization reduces manual entry errors and saves time (Shopify).

2. User-Friendly Interface: Opt for a POS system with an intuitive interface that minimizes training time and errors during busy hours. Touchscreen capabilities and customizable menus are key features (Square).

3. Mobile and Contactless Payments: Adopt a POS system that supports mobile payments and contactless cards to cater to customer preferences and speed up transactions (NCR).

4. Real-Time Reporting and Analytics: Choose a system that offers real-time insights into sales, inventory levels, and customer preferences to make informed decisions quickly (Toast).

5. Reliable Customer Support: Ensure the POS vendor offers 24/7 customer support to address any issues promptly, minimizing downtime (Lightspeed).

6. Enhanced Security Features: Look for POS systems with advanced security measures, such as end-to-end encryption and tokenization, to protect sensitive customer data (Verifone).

By focusing on these aspects, food handlers can significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their POS systems, enhancing overall business operations.

How to Display POS Systems Skills on Your Resume