Food Preparation Workers: Career & Application Guide

What do food preparation workers do?

Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, utensils, dishes, or silverware.
Assist cooks and kitchen staff with various tasks as needed, and provide cooks with needed items.
Take and record temperature of food and food storage areas, such as refrigerators and freezers.
Carry food supplies, equipment, and utensils to and from storage and work areas.
Remove trash and clean kitchen garbage containers.
Store food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage.
Weigh or measure ingredients.
Vacuum dining area and sweep and mop kitchen floor.
Inform supervisors when equipment is not working properly and when food and supplies are getting low, and order needed items.
Wash, peel, and cut various foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to prepare for cooking or serving.

Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

Start with food preparation workers as your target. You can change your role in the quiz and tell us your location and work preferences.