Dishwasher Resume Examples: 5 Best Samples & Why They Work

When applying for a job as a dishwasher, you want to ensure that you stand out from the crowd.

Jobs within the food and beverage industry can be taxing, and it’s essential to know what your resume should look like if you want to instill confidence in an employer that you’re up for the challenge.

However, constructing your CV can be tricky if you don’t know what hospitality managers and others are looking for.

Do you need a degree? What if you don’t have any work experience? No worries.

With a bit of guidance and practice, you’ll be able to create the perfect dishwasher resume to get the job you want.

Dishwasher Resume Examples

There are countless jobs available as a dishwasher, with some of the most popular locations being restaurants, hotels, bars, hospitals, and so on.

You can have varying experience levels in this field, and obtaining certifications and other field-related licenses is a bonus.

While a college degree isn’t necessary to become a dishwasher, if you intend to move up to a more advanced role within the food and beverage industry, certain degrees can help pave the way.

Ultimately, for this career path, work and volunteering experience goes a long way.

Here are five examples of solid resumes to help you get the job as a dishwasher:

Entry-Level Dishwasher Resume Example

An entry-level dishwasher may not have much experience.

Still, they should be eager to learn, able to keep up in a fast-paced environment, and possibly have volunteer experience as a dishwasher.

For a starter position, it helps to be a team player, able to take directives well and to have a good combination of soft skills (problem-solving, teamwork, etc.) that translate into hard skills (machine operation, food safety and sanitation, dishwashing, etc.).

Objective:

High school graduate in excellent physical condition and capable of working extensive shifts—seeking a position as a dishwasher.

Skilled at working independently and possess an understanding of how to clean various materials in conjunction with solid customer service skills.

Work Experience: Dishwasher Assistant

Applebee’s Restaurant

2010-2011

• Wash and put away loads of glassware, flatware, pans, dishes, and pots
• Ensure kitchen equipment, utensils, and work area are working properly and clean
• Stock supplies in refrigerators, salad bars, and cupboards
• Cooperate with servers, kitchen workers, and management
• Carry supplies between work areas and storage

Work Experience: Food Preparation Worker (Intern)

Longhorn Steakhouse

2009-2010

• Helped to prepare many meals every day, including soups, sandwiches, desserts, and salads
• Assisted with cleaning the kitchen, washing dishes and utensils used for serving and cooking
• Adhered to federal standards and guidelines regarding food handling, preparation, and sanitation in the kitchen
• Fostered strong relationships with vendors to ensure the timely delivery of food supplies
• Set the table with clean dishes

Project Experience:

• Soup kitchen volunteer: Volunteered each weekend in the soul kitchen serving the community for four-hour shifts; stayed to help clean dishes afterward
• Food drive: Organized a community food drive in one week; turnout of 400 people, served as coordinator throughout the event
• Homeless shelter volunteer: Volunteered at a women’s shelter twice a month for two years, helping to serve meals and provide resources for transitioning into a home

Skills:

• Multitasking
• Customer Service
• Chemical Use
• Workstation Setup
• Dishwasher Operation

Education:

• John Hay Early High School

Cleveland, OH

High School Diploma

August 2005-June 2009

Licenses & Accreditations:

• Food Handlers permit (Cleveland Department of Public Health)

Why This Resume Works

This resume works because it shows a mix of professional experience and volunteer experience related to the desired position as a dishwasher.

Though the experience is limited to being an assistant and a volunteer, the responsibilities performed show the employer that the candidate has the capability to excel in the role.

This resume also details soft skills that are useful for someone that will work with others in a kitchen around machinery.

The certification demonstrates a certain level of knowledge and skill required to perform multiple roles related to being a dishwasher but isn’t necessary to apply for an entry-level position.  

Experienced Dishwasher Resume Example

It’s easier to construct a dishwasher resume when you have some experience because you can rely on hard skills and examples to prove your competency for the position.

Usually, those who have worked for years as a dishwasher, perhaps in various settings, have a better chance of securing a similar position because they already know the ropes and what to expect.

Objective:

Efficient and quick dishwasher with nearly a decade of experience in fast-paced kitchen environments.

Skilled in operating equipment, using chemicals, cleaning equipment, and maintaining clean and organized dishes.

Enforce strict regulations to maintain customer service.

Work Experience: Lead Dishwasher

Tiffany’s Catering

2010-2015

• In charge of properly and safely mixing and using cleaning solutions while complying with all safety precautions.
• Responsible for training staff members
• Experience with carrying trays, tubs, and cases weighing upwards of 100 lbs
• Skilled at it operating dishwashing equipment, stores dishes, and utensils, cleaning pots, sanitizing work surfaces, production equipment, and kitchen per cleaning procedures and schedules
• Adhered to universal precautions and infection control policies to ensure a sanitary environment

Work Experience: Dishwasher

Hilton Hotel

2007-2010

• Maintained equipment, kitchen work areas, and utensils in an orderly fashion. Wash dishes including flatware, glassware, pans, and pots—via dishwasher or by hand
• Prepare ingredients for recipes such as chopping meats and washing and chopping veggies
• Responsible for basic cooking duties such as parboiling food and reducing sauces
• Inspected serving and dining areas to ensure proper setup and cleanliness.
• Stock supplies such as ingredients, utensils, refrigerators, salad bars, and cupboards
• Transfer equipment and supplies between work areas and storage using a hand truck or by hand

Project Experience:

• Cooking classes: Organized cooking classes at the YMCA for teens at four local high schools as an extracurricular activity
• Nursing home volunteer: Volunteered as an assistant cook at the local nursing home for four years, every Saturday for two hours
• School Committee: Served as a parent volunteer for various school committees and field trips

Skills:

• Hospitality
• Machine operation
• Sanitation practices
• Excellent communication
• Leadership

Education:

• Bachelor of Business Management

Washington State University

Pullman, WA

2006-2010

Licenses & Accreditations:

• OSHA 10
• Food Handler’s permit (Washington State Department of Health)
• ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification

Why This Resume Works

This resume works because it shows the applicant working alongside waiting staff, managing other members, and handling dishwashing responsibilities simultaneously.

It demonstrates the candidate’s versatility as a worker and shows they can excel in a leadership role.

Holding multiple licenses and certifications also shows a dedication to training and continued learning.

A business degree may also indicate a higher understanding of business operations, making an employer more willing to offer a managerial position. 

Part-Time Dishwasher Resume Example

For a part-time dishwasher resume, you may or may not have a high level of experience, but the key is showing that you’re competent.

You’ll still want to highlight all the same skills as before for this type of position.

Usually, someone searching for a part-time position is still in school and looking for supplementary income, or they’re looking to explore the food and beverage/hospitality industry.

Objective:

Eager to learn high school graduate with a penchant for taking on challenges.

Garnered skills such as problem-solving, customer service, and relationship building from multiple responsibilities at school work, volunteer assignments, and internships.

Work Experience: Dishwasher

Olive Garden

2015-2016

• Prepared the dishes before loading them into the dishwasher by thoroughly scraping food from each item and rinsing them
• Routinely scrubbed pans and pots, hand-washed fragile dishware, deep-cleaned three-compartment sinks, and eliminated harmful bacteria in the food prep areas using suitable chemicals
• Cleaned all drink dispenser machines twice a week
• Rewashed any items that were not properly cleaned after coming out of the dishwasher
• Helped to prepare food and set tables for the next day

Work Experience: Bus Boy

Gramercy Tavern

2013-2014

• Regularly cleaned silverware drains, floors, dishware, glassware, counters, drains, walk-in refrigerators, trash bins, and storage areas during each shift
• Performed daily closing duties related to cleaning the kitchen and food preparation for the next day
• Mopped floors, sanitized all kitchen equipment, cleaned the main dining area and removed trash each day
• Adhered to strict food and safety guidelines
• Served as a line cook when necessary and consistently assisted the wait staff during busy hours at the restaurant

Project Experience:

• D.A.R.E. counselor: Served as a D.A.R.E. counselor in a local middle school for two years
• Mobile pantry assistant: Volunteered at a mobile pantry and distributed truckloads of food to people in the community
• Church cook: Served as a church cook once a week for two years and helped wash dishes after every event

Skills:

• Dishwasher Operation
• Restocking
• Enthusiasm
• Strong Communication
• Multitasking

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR

August 2013-present

• Stuyvesant High School

New York City, NY

High School Diploma

August 2009- June 2013

Licenses & Accreditations:

• ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification

Why This Resume Works

This resume works because it’s appropriate for a college student that’s looking to use the experience they have to secure a job while earning a degree.

That doesn’t mean you must be a college student to apply for this position, but those who can’t work full-time hours because of school or some other commitment usually occupy these roles.

It’s also critical to note that enthusiasm is a great skill to list as it shows interest in the position beyond money.

Having already worked in similar positions shows that the applicant already has a background as a dishwasher and would like to continue using those skills, albeit on a lighter schedule.

Fine Dining Dishwasher Resume Example

When you apply to fine dining establishments, you want your resume to show prior experience working in a similar environment.

After all, it’s much different working as a dishwasher in the fast food industry than it is for an upscale venue.

Many of these places also offer benefits with the job, so they might be more particular about who they hire, in which case a strong resume is crucial.

Certain protocols may be somewhat different for a fine dining eatery. Formal training may be required for some of these positions.

Objective:

Experienced dishwasher with multiple years of experience at resorts and upscale restaurants across several states.

Diligent and focused, maintains workflow to finish all assigned tasks during slow and peak business hours.

Follows all safety regulations and ensures correct food handling at all times.

Work Experience: Dishwasher

The Marriott Hotel

2018-2022

• Cleaned, rinsed, and stored utensils, glassware, and plates manually when necessary for a 200-guest facility
• Thorough knowledge of kitchen machinery such as commercial dishwashers
• Organized and stocked kitchen equipment and dining supplies for better accessibility
• Gathered and discarded trash at closing time while adhering to a strict sanitization schedule for all trash cans three times a week
• Recruited, trained, and managed a team of five dishwashers
• Successfully revised the cleaning policies for kitchen equipment to improve the cleanliness of the food preparation areas

Work Experience: Dishwasher

Ocean Prime Restaurant

2016-2018

• Successfully performed stocking, janitorial, and dishwashing tasks for over 400 guests per night
• Maintained several food preparation and storage areas for the restaurant, ensuring that each station had the ingredients and tools needed for smooth operations
• Comprehensive knowledge of kitchen machinery and tools
• Ordered kitchen supplies and food items when needed
• Willingness to learn and assist with new tasks while taking directives

Project Experience:

• Food bank volunteer: Volunteered with the food bank for three years, helping to collect nonperishable food items for the weekly food drives
• Cafeteria volunteer: Worked as a volunteer in my high school cafeteria, washing dishes and restocking
• Dishwasher volunteer: Volunteered at the Capital Grille, another fine dining restaurant, for community service requirements for high school

Skills:

• Food Preparation and Safety
• Kitchen Equipment Use
• Chemical Use
• Dishwasher Operation
• Teamwork

Education:

• Estero High School

Estero, FL

High School Diploma

August 2014– June 2018

Licenses & Accreditations:

• Food Handler Card
• First Aid, CPR—American Red Cross
• OSHA 10

Why This Resume Works

This resume works because it shows prior experience working in a fine dining environment, higher-level training and certifications that may be required by certain institutions, and hard skills necessary for the job.

The qualifications to work in an upscale restaurant or other venues may vary, but experience is an essential factor that usually gets the employer’s attention.

Sometimes they might side with the candidate who has been hired by restaurant managers in similar settings before.

It shows that you already understand some of the different policies and regulations they have to follow.

Even if you don’t have prior experience in a similar restaurant, you could still get this job with the right skill set.

Fast Food Dishwasher Resume Example

One of the keys to working as a dishwasher in the fast food industry is multitasking and the ability to work and think quickly.

For some of the more popular chains like McDonald’s, there’s a constant influx of customers, especially during certain times of the day.

You don’t need a college degree or any formal training for this position, but one of the skills you want to highlight is working with a team.

Being around so many customers means that it’s essential to have a positive attitude, as these environments can get stressful. You’ll want to show you can adjust and get the job done despite adversity.

Objective:

Responsive and communicative dishwasher with the proven ability to manage multiple team members, time, and task completion under tight deadlines while working independently.

Quickly adapts to fast-paced and new environments, self-motivated, and dedicated to excellent customer service.  

Work Experience: Dishwasher

McDonald’s

2014-2017

• Used the correct chemicals to maintain a sanitary workspace while following state and local safety protocols
• Ensured proper functioning of the dishwasher machine and also performed maintenance duties when necessary
• Restocked food items at the end of each shift and offered assistance with customer satisfaction regarding food orders
• Reordered food and cleaning items each week
• Helped prepare food items at the end of each shift for the following day

Work Experience: Dishwasher

Rally’s

2011-2013

• Ensured proper washing of flatware, china, glassware, utensils, and other equipment in the kitchen when necessary
• Maintained an orderly and clean workspace at all times
• Contributed to a productive work environment by establishing strong relationships with crew members
• Assisted with restocking and inventory control when needed
• Cleaned kitchen machinery at the end of each shift and emptied trash canisters

Project Experience:

• Inventory management: Developed and implemented a system at the local food bank for rotating canned goods, reducing waste by 20 percent
• Volunteer wait staff: Volunteered for a banquet to recognize members of the police force in my community
• Dishwasher volunteer: Volunteered as a dishwasher at a homeless shelter once a week for one year

Skills:

• Team player
• Multitasking
• Food and safety preparation
• Takes directives well
• Works well in a fast-paced environment

Education:

• Forest Grove High School

Forest Grove, OR

High School Diploma

August 2012- June 2016

Licenses & Accreditations:

• ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification
• Food Handler’s permit (Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division)

Why This Resume Works

This resume works because it highlights the applicant’s ability to work in fast-paced environments, which is usually the preferred qualification for these positions.

Working in the fast food sector is demanding, and dishwashers have to be able to handle high-volume shifts while maintaining excellent communication with the rest of the staff.

This is the perfect job for students or anyone who has the physical ability to stand for long periods and can work efficiently and adapt to changes in workflow.

Common Skills & Action Verbs To Include On a Dishwasher Resume

Often it’s hard to find the exact skills that you need to convey that present yourself as the best candidate for a dishwashing position.

When answering those fast-food interview questions, for example, you might want to highlight different skills than you would for an upscale restaurant.

Still, there are some common skills and action verbs that you will want to mention that will get your foot in the door regardless of the setting. 

Common Skills for Dishwasher Resumes

• Quality Control
• Compliance
• Safety Procedures
• Work Ethic
• Time Management
• Taking Directives
• Listening
• Patience
• Conflict Resolution
• Team Player
• Reliability
• Sanitization
• Restocking
• Punctuality
• Adaptability
• Physically Fit
• Multitasking
• Chemical Use
• Management
• Customer Service

Common Action Verbs for Dishwasher Resume

• Delivered
• Coordinated
• Cleaned
• Sanitized
• Prioritized
• Maintained
• Operated
• Managed
• Washed
• Prepared
• Stocked
• Provided
• Organized
• Resolved
• Supported
• Helped
• Led

Tips for Writing a Better Dishwasher Resume

A dishwasher resume might seem challenging to construct, but it’s not so hard once you understand a solid format to follow.

There are some professional guidelines to adhere to that will give your CV the edge over other applicants. Check out these tips below:

Add a Cover Letter

While it may seem unnecessary, a cover letter is an excellent idea! Almost 50 percent of employers won’t continue reading your resume if you don’t have a cover letter.

This one-page document serves as a statement to give a brief introduction of the applicant and to make an immediate impression.

It shouldn’t be longer than 400 words, and you’ll submit it with your resume to summarize your professional experience.

Tips:

• Choose a professional format
• Show enthusiasm
• Make it catchy
• Include a CTA at the end

List a Resume Objective or Summary

If you have at least two years of experience, use a resume summary and follow these guidelines:

• Create a summary once you’ve finished the rest of the resume because you have a better idea of all the material you have at your disposal once it’s complete
• List the top three most impressive achievements in the summary

If you’re new, use a resume objective and follow these guidelines:

• Use examples that show teamwork or work ethic
• Provide examples of accomplishments that demonstrate skills that can transfer to being a competent dishwasher

Don’t forget to add the name of the restaurant you’re applying to when you create an objective or summary. It’s more likely to get the attention of the person reviewing the resume.

Highlight Your Achievements

It’s critical to highlight your notable achievements with quantifiable evidence. No food business can survive without hardworking dishwashers.

Convey to the employer how you were able to contribute in meaningful ways and add value to the venue you worked at.

For example, if the restaurant you worked for had an “A” grade from the state health department, mention that!

You’re part of the reason that was made possible thanks to the thorough cleaning of the food preparation areas.

Here’s another example of how you can express your achievements with hard numbers on a dishwasher resume:

“Managed a crew of ten dishwashers and successfully reduced the turnaround time between the lunch and dinner period by 12 percent for the year.”

Do Your Research!

Including specific keywords and adjusting your resume to match the business you want to work for can make you stand out from others.

People often go into applying for these positions believing that experience alone can get them over the hump.

While that may be true in some cases, being a dishwasher also requires a bit of enthusiasm, which goes a long way with many employers.

If they see someone has taken the time to research the company and their values, they might be inclined to give the nod to this individual who has less experience simply because they seem eager to work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most commonly asked questions regarding a dishwasher resume:

Similar Resume Types to Reference

Here are similar resume types that you should also know how to construct, especially if you’re interested in working in the food industry in some capacity.

• Bartender Resume: Do you like to mix and serve drinks? Figure out the perfect way to convey your skills in a fast-paced environment as a bartender.
• Line Cook Resume: A line cook must prepare food and set up other supplies to make things flow efficiently; follow these tips to make your resume stand out.
• Chef Resume: The possibilities are endless when you want to be a chef; here are a few examples of the best way to secure a job.

Wrapping Up

Dishwashers are integral to the success of a busy and productive kitchen environment.

The resume you submit must highlight your capability to support the greater good of the establishment while working efficiently and quickly.

When you want to get a job as a dishwasher, you have to highlight the most important skills necessary for the position.

Hopefully, these tips and examples will point you in the right direction toward building an excellent dishwasher resume. 

Please let us know your thoughts in the comments, and share this article with friends if you found it helpful!