Ensuring your CV stands out amongst the competition can be a particularly daunting challenge for a baker. By exploring our guide, you'll discover tailored strategies to highlight your unique skills and experiences, ensuring your application rises to the top like perfectly proved dough.
- Answer job requirements with your baker CV and experience;
- Curate your academic background and certificates, following industry-leading CV examples;
- Select from +10 niche skills to match the ideal candidate profile
- Write a more succinct experience section that consists of all the right details.
Do you need more specific insights into writing your baker CV? Our guides focus on unique insights for each individual role:
How complex should the format of your baker CV be?
Perhaps, you decided to use a fancy font and plenty of colours to ensure your baker CV stands out amongst the pile of other candidate profiles. Alas - this may confuse recruiters. By keeping your format simple and organising your information coherently, you'll ultimately make a better impression. What matters most is your experience, while your CV format should act as complementary thing by:- Presenting the information in a reverse chronological order with the most recent of your jobs first. This is done so that your career history stays organised and is aligned to the role;
- Making it easy for recruiters to get in touch with you by including your contact details in the CV header. Regarding the design of your CV header, include plenty of white space and icons to draw attention to your information. If you're applying for roles in the UK, don't include a photo, as this is considered a bad practice;
- Organising your most important CV sections with consistent colours, plenty of white space, and appropriate margins (2.54 cm). Remember that your CV design should always aim at legibility and to spotlight your key information;
- Writing no more than two pages of your relevant experience. For candidates who are just starting out in the field, we recommend to have an one-page CV.
One more thing about your CV format - you may be worried if your double column CV is Applicant Tracker System (ATS) complaint. In our recent study, we discovered that both single and double-column CVs are ATS-friendly . Most ATSes out there can also read all serif and sans serif fonts. We suggest you go with modern, yet simple, fonts (e.g. Rubik, Lato, Raleway) instead of the classic Times New Roman. You'll want your application to stand out, and many candidates still go for the classics. Finally, you'll have to export your CV. If you're wondering if you should select Doc or PDF, we always advise going with PDF. Your CV in PDF will stay intact and opens easily on every OS, including Mac OS.
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Use font size and style strategically to create a visual hierarchy, drawing the reader's eye to the most important information first (like your name and most recent job title).
The top sections on a baker CV
- Professional summary to showcase your passion for baking and key skills.
- Work experience in baking demonstrates your practical knowledge.
- Baking qualifications list your formal training and certifications.
- Baking skills section highlights specific abilities such as pastry making.
- Accomplishments in baking shows successes and awards received.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Detail your experience with different types of baking, such as artisan bread, pastries, or cakes, to highlight your versatility and expertise in various techniques.
- Include any specialisations or certifications, such as patisserie expertise or a qualification in food hygiene, to demonstrate your commitment to the craft and industry standards.
- Emphasise any creative skills by mentioning unique baked goods you have created or contributed to, showcasing your ability to innovate and design new recipes.
- Highlight your ability to work under pressure by describing experiences in high-volume bakeries or during peak times, such as holiday seasons or special events.
- Describe your proficiency with baking equipment and technology, like commercial mixers or ovens, to show that you are well-versed in the tools fundamental to the trade.
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Tips and tricks on writing a job-winning baker CV header
The CV header is the space which most recruiters would be referring most often to, in the beginning and end of your application. That is as the CV header includes your contact details, but also a headline and a professional photo. When writing your CV header:
- Double-check your contact details for spelling errors or if you've missed any digits. Also, ensure you've provided your personal details, and not your current work email or telephone number;
- Include your location in the form of the city and country you live in. If you want to be more detailed, you can list your full address to show proximity to your potential work place;
- Don't include your CV photo, if you're applying for roles in the UK or US, as this may bias initial recruiters' assessments;
- Write a professional headline that either integrates the job title, some relevant industry keywords, or your most noteworthy achievement.
In the next part of our guide, we'll provide you with professional CVs that showcase some of the best practices when it comes to writing your headline.
Examples of good CV headlines for baker:
- Head Pastry Chef | French Patisserie Expertise | City & Guilds Level 3 | 10+ Years Experience
- Artisan Bread Baker | Sourdough Specialist | NVQ Level 2 in Food Production | Creative Flair | 5 Years
- Cake Decorator | Wedding & Celebration Cakes | Advanced Sugarcraft | Fondant Artistry | 8 Years Crafting
- Pastry Sous Chef | Fine Dining Desserts | Diploma in Professional Patisserie | Team Leadership | 6 Years
- Junior Baker | Enthusiastic Apprentice | NVQ Level 1 Professional Cookery | Eager to Learn | 2 Years
- Bakery Manager | Operations Excellence | HACCP Certified | Staff Training | Cost Control | 12 Years Experience
Your baker CV introduction: selecting between a summary and an objective
baker candidates often wonder how to start writing their resumes. More specifically, how exactly can they use their opening statements to build a connection with recruiters, showcase their relevant skills, and spotlight job alignment. A tricky situation, we know. When crafting you baker CV select between:
- A summary - to show an overview of your career so far, including your most significant achievements.
- An objective - to show a conscise overview of your career dreams and aspirations.
Find out more examples and ultimately, decide which type of opening statement will fit your profile in the next section of our guide:
CV summaries for a baker job:
- With over 10 years of dedicated experience, this seasoned professional artisan baker excels in crafting exquisite sourdough bread and European pastries, having honed skills in a renowned Parisian bakery. Their stunning centerpiece at the national baking competition was lauded for innovation and taste.
- Esteemed for an 8-year career with increasing responsibility at a top New York patisserie, this candidate brings a portfolio of high-end dessert creations, expert chocolatier and sugar work, and efficient team leadership that resulted in a 30% increase in customer satisfaction.
- Former mechanical engineer with substantial analytical skills and a scrupulous attention to detail, now passionately pursuing the art of baking, determined to leverage strong organizational abilities and a systematic approach to recipe development and kitchen management.
- An experienced logistics manager with a newly discovered passion for baking, who has completed a comprehensive course at the London Baking Academy. This aspiring baker possesses exceptional planning and scheduling skills, aiming to meld their expertise with artisanal baking craftsmanship.
- As an ambitious individual with no prior baking experience but a strong desire to learn, this applicant aims to develop expert baking and patisserie skills, with a commitment to master the science behind the finest breads and pastries in a demanding, quality-focused environment.
- Eager to embark on a new professional journey, this dynamic enthusiast with zero baking background is determined to immerse in the culinary arts, specifically baking, to embrace the challenge of creating delectable baked goods that bring joy to customers and pride to the kitchen team.
Narrating the details of your baker CV experience section
Perhaps you've heard it time and time again, but, how you present your experience is what matters the most. Your CV experience section - that details your work history alongside your accomplishments - is the space to spotlight your unqiue expertise and talents. So, avoid solely listing your responsibilities, but instead:
- adverts' keywords and integrate those in your experience section;
- Use your CV to detail how you've been promoted in the past by including experience in the reverse chronological order.
Before you start writing your baker CV experience section, dive into some industry-leading examples on how to structure your bullets.
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Consistently produced a wide range of bakery goods according to daily requirements, ensuring fresh and high-quality offerings at all times.
- Meticulously followed recipes and scaled ingredients with precision, contributing to consistent taste and customer satisfaction.
- Implemented a creative weekly speciality item that increased customer engagement and showcased innovative baking techniques.
- Managed inventory and ingredient orders, efficiently reducing waste by 20% through careful planning and utilisation of produce.
- Maintained health and safety standards, with a perfect record in hygiene inspections, by rigorously adhering to sanitation protocols.
- Collaborated with the team to streamline the baking process, resulting in a 15% increase in productivity and enhanced teamwork.
- Applied advanced decorating skills for cakes and pastries, leading to a 30% rise in custom celebration cake orders.
- Engaged with customers to gather feedback and preferences, using the insights to tailor the bakery's products and services.
- Conducted baking workshops for the public which improved community relations and added a revenue stream for the bakery.
- Oversaw a team of 5 junior bakers, improving overall productivity by 15% through enhanced training and scheduling.
- Innovated a new line of gluten-free pastries that accounted for an increase in store revenue by 20% within the first year of launch.
- Managed inventory and negotiated supplier contracts to reduce costs by 10% without compromising on quality.
- Introduced a seasonal menu, including sourcing local ingredients, that led to a 30% uptick in custom cake orders.
- Led the bakery to win 'Best Bread in London' accolade, by utilising traditional sourdough fermentation processes.
- Streamlined baking schedules to ensure a 24/7 fresh product offering, increasing customer satisfaction by 40%.
- Mastered the craft of baking over 15 types of French pastries, successfully meeting the daily demand of 200+ items.
- Implemented a waste reduction program that cut down food waste by 25%, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability.
- Cultivated a signature blend of organic flour that became the cornerstone for our best-selling loaf, boosting sales by 35%.
- Spearheaded the bakery department's transition to a fully organic ingredient roster, leading to a 50% rise in customer loyalty.
- Developed and conducted monthly workshops for home bakers which brought in an additional revenue stream of £500/month.
- Initiated a partnership with a local coffee shop, increasing our wholesale business by 60%.
- Enhanced the efficiency of the baking process through the introduction of a rotating oven system, cutting baking time by 20%.
- Launched a vegan pastry line that quickly accounted for 25% of the shop’s total pastry sales.
- Conducted quality control checks, ensuring all bakery items exceeded health and safety standards, resulting in zero food hygiene incidents.
- Pioneered a sourdough starter program that improved bread texture and flavour, leading to a feature in 'London Eats' magazine.
- Efficiently managed the baking team's rota to cope with an increase in demand, achieving a 98% on-time product delivery rate.
- Refreshed the pastry display layout, which boosted customer engagement and contributed to a 15% sales growth.
- Created a bespoke line of artisan cakes for special events, establishing a profitable niche that increased catering sales by 45%.
- Reduced energy consumption by 10% by optimising oven loads and improving thermal efficiency within the baking area.
- Contributed recipes and baking tips for the company’s cookbook which sold over 1,000 copies within the first three months.
- Reworked the bread fermentation times, resulting in a 25% improvement in loaf volume and a 50% customer preference rate.
- Collaborated with the marketing team to run a successful social media campaign that increased store footfall by 20%.
- Proactively initiated a cross-training program that allowed staff to cover multiple roles effectively, enhancing workforce flexibility by 30%.
Lacking professional expertise: how to write your CV to highlight your best talents
Don't count on your lucky stars when you're applying for a role, where you happen to have less (or almost none) professional experience. Recruiters sometimes do hire inexperienced candidates if they're able to present their unique value from the get-go. So, instead of opting for the traditional, CV experience section:
- List any applicable expertise you happen to have - no matter if it's a part-time job, internship, or volunteer work. This would hint to recruiters that your profile is relevant;
- Focus your CV on your transferrable skills or talents you've obtained thanks to your whole life and work experience. In effect, you'll be spotlighting your value as a candidate;
- Separate more space for your applicable academic background and certificates to show you have the technical know-how;
- Ensure that within your objective, you've defined why you'll like the job and how you'll be the perfect match for it. Always ensure you've tailored your CV to individual applications.
Looking for more good examples for your first job? We'll show you how other candidates, with less professional experience, have created their job-winning CVs.
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PRO TIP
If you have experience in diverse fields, highlight how this has broadened your perspective and skill set, making you a more versatile candidate.
Describing your unique skill set using both hard skills and soft skills
Your baker CV provides you with the perfect opportunity to spotlight your talents, and at the same time - to pass any form of assessment. Focusing on your skill set across different CV sections is the way to go, as this would provide you with an opportunity to quantify your achievements and successes. There's one common, very simple mistake, which candidates tend to make at this stage. Short on time, they tend to hurry and mess up the spelling of some of the key technologies, skills, and keywords. Copy and paste the particular skill directly from the job requirement to your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Now, your CV skills are divided into:
- Technical or hard skills, describing your comfort level with technologies (software and hardware). List your aptitude by curating your certifications, on the work success in the experience section, and technical projects. Use the dedicated skills section to provide recruiters with up to twelve technologies, that match the job requirements, and you're capable of using.
- People or soft skills provide you with an excellent background to communicate, work within a team, solve problems. Don't just copy-paste that you're a "leader" or excel at "analysis". Instead, provide tangible metrics that define your success inusing the particular skill within the strengths, achievements, summary/ objective sections.
Top skills for your baker CV:
Baking
Pastry making
Cake decorating
Bread making
Hygiene and food safety
Recipe formulation
Dough lamination
Temperature control
Ingredient selection
Inventory management
Attention to detail
Creativity
Time management
Teamwork
Communication
Flexibility
Stress tolerance
Patience
Problem-solving
Organisational skills
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Order your skills based on the relevance to the role you're applying for, ensuring the most pertinent skills catch the employer's attention first.
CV education and certificates: your academic background as proof of your skill set
A common misconception about your baker CV education is that you only need it, if you have less professional experience. That is completely false. The CV education section serves to back up your technical (and sometimes personal) capabilities, fill in gaps in your work history, and show you have the initial industry background and know-how. When creating your education section:
- List your degrees in the reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent (and relevant) ones first;
- Include your degree and university names, start and graduation dates. It's optional to also denote you received a "First-Class Honours" for diplomas that are more relevant to the role;
- Curate your relevant university coursework, projects, or thesis work if you happen to have less professional expertise and need to integrate more job keywords and skills.
Your professional qualifications don't need to stop at your academic background. It's advisable to also select up to three of your most noteworthy (and relevant) industry certificates and feature them in a dedicated section. Once more, include the certificate name, the institution that issued it out, and the date you obtained it on. You could feature both hard skills and soft skills certificates, as in the examples below:
PRO TIP
Order your skills based on the relevance to the role you're applying for, ensuring the most pertinent skills catch the employer's attention first.
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Key takeaways
Write your professional baker CV by studying and understanding what the role expectations are. You should next:
- Focus on tailoring your content to answer specific requirements by integrating advert keywords through various CV sections;
- Balance your technical know-how with your personal skills to showcase what the unique value would be of working with you;
- Ensure your CV grammar and spelling (especially of your key information and contact details) is correct;
- Write a CV summary, if your experience is relevant, and an objective, if your career ambitions are more impressive;
- Use active language by including strong, action verbs across your experience, summary/objective, achievements sections.
