What does a line cook do?

If you’ve ever eaten in a busy restaurant, the line cooks are the people making sure your food comes out hot, fresh, and perfectly cooked. They work behind the scenes on the “line” — a row of cooking stations where each cook is responsible for part of the menu.

👨‍🍳 Main duties of a line cook

Line cooks handle a wide range of kitchen tasks, such as:

• Preparing ingredients and keeping their station organized

• Cooking dishes according to restaurant recipes

• Making sure food looks great before it leaves the kitchen

• Working as a team with other cooks and chefs

• Cleaning and restocking their area after each shift

It’s a fast-paced, hands-on job that requires focus, teamwork, and good timing.

🔪 Key skills for success

You don’t need fancy degrees to be a great line cook — but you do need:

• Attention to detail – every dish should be consistent

• Speed and coordination – the kitchen can get hectic

• Cleanliness and organization – a tidy station is a safe one

• Teamwork – good communication keeps orders running smoothly

Over time, line cooks can move up to become sous chefs, head chefs, or even kitchen managers.

💼 How to find a line cook job with no experience

If you’re just starting out, don’t worry — many restaurants hire beginners who show enthusiasm and reliability.
Here’s how to get noticed:

• Apply to local restaurants, cafés, and catering services

• Mention any related experience (even cooking at home or volunteering)

• Be ready to learn and work flexible hours

• Keep a positive attitude — kitchens value people who show up and try their best

📝 Don’t forget your cover letter

Even for kitchen jobs, a short cover letter can help you stand out. Write a few lines about why you enjoy cooking, how you handle pressure, and why you’d be a great addition to the team. It shows effort — and that’s exactly what managers look for in new hires.