The most sought-after skills by employers within the hospitality industry continue to change. Based on the jobs posted on CulinaryAgents.com in the fourth quarter of 2023 (October, November, December), here are the top requested skills for some of the most common Back of House positions.

Pro-tip for Job Seekers: Before applying to jobs, cross-check your skills against these that are in high demand to see which role(s) you are most qualified for and/or if you are seeking to grow into a new role, identify which skills you need to work on to take you to the next level.

 

Top 25 Most Sought After Skills for BOH Positions

Mobility
Cleaning / Sanitation
100 Covers Per Night
Advanced Knife Skills
Plating and Presentation
Teamwork
Food Prep
Organizational Skills
Standing for Long Periods of Time
Time Management
Butchery
Customer Service
Communication
Kitchen Equipment Use
Work in Hot and Cold Temperatures
Work in a Fast-Paced Environment
Inventory Management
Food Safety Knowledge
Manual Dexterity
Math Skills
Following Recipes
Safety Procedures Knowledge
Attention to Detail
Non-Skill Bucket
Buffet Service

 

Dishwasher

  1. Dishwashing
  2. Cleaning / Sanitation
  3. Mobility
  4. Time Management
  5. Customer Service
  6. Standing for Long Periods of Time
  7. Teamwork
  8. Kitchen Equipment Use
  9. Organizational Skills
  10. Work in Hot and Cold Temperatures

 

Prep Cook

  1. Food Prep
  2. Teamwork
  3. Advanced Knife Skills
  4. Math Skills
  5. Attention to Detail
  6. Following Recipes
  7. Organizational Skills
  8. Portioning
  9. Communication
  10. Cleaning / Sanitation

 

Line Cook

  1. 100 Covers Per Night
  2. Advanced Knife Skills
  3. Food Prep
  4. Butchery
  5. Food Safety Knowledge
  6. Basic Knife Skills
  7. Cleaning / Sanitation
  8. Teamwork
  9. Safety Procedures Knowledge
  10. Sauteing

 

Lead Line Cook

  1. Butchery
  2. Food Prep
  3. Advanced Knife Skills
  4. Food Safety Knowledge
  5. 100 Covers Per Night
  6. Safety Procedures Knowledge
  7. Cleaning / Sanitation
  8. Sauteing
  9. Teamwork
  10. Grilling

 

Expeditor

  1. Expediting
  2. High Volume Service
  3. Organizational Skills
  4. Communication
  5. Customer Service
  6. Multitasking
  7. Teamwork
  8. Food Running
  9. Attention to Detail
  10. Food Safety Knowledge

 

Sous Chef

  1. 100 Covers Per Night
  2. Butchery
  3. Advanced Knife Skills
  4. Team Management
  5. Safety Procedures Knowledge
  6. Food Safety Knowledge
  7. Kitchen Management
  8. Ordering / Purchasing
  9. Inventory Management
  10. Cleaning / Sanitation

 

Executive Chef

  1. 100 Covers Per Night
  2. Advanced Knife Skills
  3. Butchery
  4. Safety Procedures Knowledge
  5. Team Management
  6. Kitchen Management
  7. Leadership
  8. Menu Development
  9. Food Safety Knowledge
  10. Recipe Development

 

Baker

  1. Baking Knowledge
  2. Bread Making
  3. Dough Making
  4. Pastry Making
  5. Can Lift Up to 50 Lbs
  6. Time Management
  7. Food Safety Knowledge
  8. Attention to Detail
  9. Cleaning / Sanitation
  10. Communication

 

Pastry Cook

  1. Pastry Making
  2. Plating and Presentation
  3. Time Management
  4. Food Safety Knowledge
  5. 100 Covers Per Night
  6. Ice Cream / Sorbet Making
  7. Cake Making
  8. Bread Making
  9. Cake Decorating
  10. Attention to Detail

 

Executive Pastry Chef

  1. Team Management
  2. Pastry Making
  3. Bread Making
  4. Plating and Presentation
  5. Cake Making
  6. Pastry Menu Development
  7. Safety Procedures Knowledge
  8. Chocolate Work
  9. Ice Cream / Sorbet Making
  10. Office Suite Software

 

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