The most sought-after skills by employers within the hospitality industry continue to evolve. Based on the jobs posted on CulinaryAgents.com in the first quarter of 2024 (January, February, March), 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

  1. Cleaning / Sanitation
  2. Mobility
  3. Communication
  4. Plating and Presentation
  5. Organizational Skills
  6. Standing for Long Periods of Time
  7. Teamwork
  8. Food Prep
  9. Advanced Knife Skills
  10. Time Management
  11. Customer Service
  12. 100 Covers Per Night
  13. Work in Hot and Cold Temperatures
  14. Kitchen Equipment Use
  15. Work in a Fast-Paced Environment
  16. Math Skills
  17. Inventory Management
  18. Following Recipes
  19. Quality Control
  20. Butchery
  21. Manual Dexterity
  22. Safety Procedures Knowledge
  23. Food Safety Knowledge
  24. Attention to Detail

 

 

Dishwasher

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

 

Prep Cook

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

 

Line Cook

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

 

Lead Line Cook

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

 

Expeditor

  1. Communication
  2. Attention to Detail
  3. High Volume Service
  4. Benefits Administration
  5. Teamwork
  6. Cleaning / Sanitation
  7. Expediting
  8. Food Safety Knowledge
  9. Multitasking
  10. Organizational Skills

 

Sous Chef

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

 

Executive Chef

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

 

Baker

  1. Baking Knowledge
  2. Bread Making
  3. Dough Making
  4. Pastry Making
  5. Can Lift Up to 50 Lbs
  6. Attention to Detail
  7. Communication
  8. Food Safety Knowledge
  9. Positive Attitude
  10. Teamwork

 

Pastry Cook

  1. Pastry Making
  2. Plating and Presentation
  3. Time Management
  4. 100 Covers Per Night
  5. Food Safety Knowledge
  6. Attention to Detail
  7. Ice Cream / Sorbet Making
  8. Baking Knowledge
  9. Communication
  10. Can Lift Up to 50 Lbs

 

Executive Pastry Chef

  1. Pastry Making
  2. Team Management
  3. Safety Procedures Knowledge
  4. Cost Management
  5. Pastry Menu Development
  6. Leadership
  7. Ordering / Purchasing
  8. Benefits Administration
  9. Organizational Skills
  10. Plating and Presentation

 

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