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

Related Articles:

• Top Requested Skills for FOH Jobs (Q4 2023)
• Top Requested Skills for BOH Jobs (Q3 2023)
• Top Requested Skills for FOH Jobs (Q3 2023)
• Top Requested Skills for FOH Jobs (Q2 2023)
• Top Requested Skills for BOH Jobs (Q1 2023)
• Top Requested Skills for FOH Jobs (Q1 2023)
• Top Requested Skills for BOH Jobs (Q4 2022)
• Top Requested Skills for FOH Jobs (Q4 2022)
• Top Requested Skills for BOH Jobs (Q3 2022)
• Top Requested Skills for FOH Jobs (Q3 2022)
• Top Requested Skills for BOH Jobs (Q2 2022)
• Top Requested Skills for FOH Jobs (Q2 2022)
• Top Requested Skills for FOH Jobs (Q1 2022)
• Top Requested Skills for BOH Jobs (Q1 2022)