How to Become a Short Order Cook?

Answer 1

I suppose in a way, one could be a short-order cook at home--if you count the mom or dad who cooks for their family. Generally, though, this is not a job that could be done at home. A short-order cook is a cook who works in diners or other restaurants that prepare quick, simple food in large quantities such as eggs, Hamburgers, bacon, etc., as quickly as customers order the food.

Answer 2

If someone has a passion for working with food, the a job as a short order cook should definitely be considered. Short order cooks are the main workforce in many restaurants and eateries, and becoming one is an exciting job that can lead to incredible opportunities within the restaurant industry. However, while it is easy to become a short order cook, the work isn’t for everyone. It’s a difficult and physically tasking job that should only be reserved for those with incredible strength of character and unmatched willpower.

For the most part, becoming a short order cook is as easy as walking into a restaurant and applying for a job. Since a short order cook is, in essence, someone who prepares a fixed number of dishes on an individual basis, cooking school isn’t required to fill this position. Though prior cooking experience may be encouraged from the prospective employers, applicants can usually become a short order cook by working in positions like a dishwasher or bus person. As short order cooks only make items that come from the restaurant’s menu, the skills can be transferred from current employees to newcomers.

Considering that most short order cooks can be hired from within a restaurant, applicants should focus on their soft skills in order to get hired. Soft skills include interpersonal communication abilities, leadership skills, and the capacity to work on a team. Interested parties can get a letter of recommendation or professional reference from previous work experiences in order to exhibit his or her capacity to work in such an environment. Of course, the best way to become a short order cook is to apply for a different position within the restaurant and work one’s way up through the ranks.

Of course, being a short order cook isn’t for everyone. Candidates need to be able to stand and work in a fast-paced environment for long periods of time without rest. Short order cooks often need to work weekend and evening hours, as those are the peak business periods for most restaurants. Furthermore, an individual working in the restaurant industry need to be extremely dependable—a cooking line relies on each and every member to consistently work in his or her prime condition. Missing work or falling short of one’s duties will not be tolerated in most kitchens.

Though the job is accessible for anyone who wishes to apply, working as a short order cook isn’t a task for the lighthearted. Those up to the task, however, will find an extremely dynamic and enjoyable work environment that can lead to management positions within the restaurant industry.