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

Related Articles:

• Top Requested Skills for FOH Jobs (Q1 2024)
• Top Requested Skills for BOH Jobs (Q4 2023)
• 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)