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Occupation AtlasCooks, Short Order

O*NET · 35-2015.00

Cooks, Short Order

Prepare and cook to order a variety of foods that require only a short preparation time. May take orders from customers and serve patrons at counters or tables.

Also called B&B Cook · Barbecue Cook · Bed and Breakfast Cook (B&B Cook) · Breakfast Cook · Breakfast Line Cook · Broiler Cook · Chuck Wagon Cook · Cook
25 more

Deli Cook · Deli Cook (Delicatessen Cook) · Food and Beverage Attendant · Food Clerk · Griddle Attendant · Griddle Cook · Grill Associate · Grill Attendant · Grill Cook · Grill Line Cook · Grill Person · Grill Prep Cook · Grill Prep Cook (Grill Preparation Cook) · Hash Slinger · Hasher · Line Cook · Pizza Cook · Pizza Maker · Prep Cook · Prep Cook (Preparation Cook) · Prepared Foods Clerk · Sandwich Artist · Short Order Cook · Short Order Fry Cook · Snack Bar Cook

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCE35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Food Servers, Nonrestaurant

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCERealistic · Conventional · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.13
  • C Conventional4.37
  • E Enterprising3.68
  • S Social3.19
  • A Artistic2.27
  • I Investigative1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma14%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent66%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate7%
  • Some College Courses10%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree2%
Related work experience
None (50%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (51%)
On-the-job training
None or short demonstration (43%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Time Management3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Active Listeningbasic3.12.4Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.12.4Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Coordination3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Service Orientation3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Speakingbasic3.02.5Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Critical Thinkingbasic2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Monitoringbasic2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Social Perceptiveness2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Complex Problem Solving2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Judgment and Decision Making2.62.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Active Learningbasic2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
Show the other 23
  • Instructing2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Persuasion2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Writingbasic2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Negotiation2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Operations Monitoring2.31.6Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Quality Control Analysis2.31.6Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Mathematicsbasic2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Management of Material Resources2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Operation and Control2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Systems Evaluation1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Troubleshooting1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Systems Analysis1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Management of Financial Resources1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Equipment Selection1.3—
  • Technology Design1.1—
  • Equipment Maintenance1.0—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Operations Analysis1.0—
  • Programming1.0—
  • Repairing1.0—
  • Sciencebasic1.0—

Tasks

8 core · 3 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Clean food preparation equipment, work areas, and counters or tables.4.8
  2. Restock kitchen supplies, rotate food, and stamp the time and date on food in coolers.4.7
  3. Plan work on orders so that items served together are finished at the same time.4.6
  4. Complete orders from steam tables, placing food on plates and serving customers at tables or counters.4.6
  5. Grill, cook, and fry foods such as french fries, eggs, and pancakes.4.5
  6. Perform food preparation tasks, such as making sandwiches, carving meats, making soups or salads, baking breads or desserts, and brewing coffee or tea.4.4
  7. Perform general cleaning activities in kitchen and dining areas.4.4
  8. Take orders from customers and cook foods requiring short preparation times, according to customer requirements.4.2
Show the other 3
  1. Grill and garnish hamburgers or other meats, such as steaks and chops.4.7
  2. Order supplies and stock them on shelves.3.7
  3. Accept payments, and make change or write charge slips as necessary.3.1

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Food Production4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Operate a commercial fishing boat
  • Customer and Personal Service3.42.4Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • English Language3.22.4Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Production and Processing2.62.8
  • Communications and Media2.51.9Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Chemistry2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Public Safety and Security2.31.5Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Foreign Language2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
Show all 33
  • Mathematics2.01.7Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Computers and Electronics1.91.2Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Law and Government1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.81.1Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Sales and Marketing1.81.6Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.70.8Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Education and Training1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
  • Mechanical1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Transportation1.6—
  • Administration and Management1.51.2Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Administrative1.4—
  • Design1.4—
  • Economics and Accounting1.4—
  • Physics1.4—
  • Telecommunications1.4—
  • Building and Construction1.3—
  • Engineering and Technology1.3—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.3—
  • Biology1.2—
  • Psychology1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.1—
  • Geography1.1—
  • History and Archeology1.1—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.1—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near Vision3.53.1Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Oral Comprehension3.53.0Level 2 looks like: Understand a television commercial
  • Trunk Strength3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Shovel snow for half an hour
  • Information Ordering3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Manual Dexterity3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Control Precision3.02.5Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Finger Dexterity3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
Show all 52
  • Problem Sensitivity3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Selective Attention3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Time Sharing3.02.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Category Flexibility2.92.8Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Far Vision2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Oral Expression2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Speech Clarity2.92.4Level 1 looks like: Call numbers in a bingo game
  • Deductive Reasoning2.82.4Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Extent Flexibility2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Speech Recognition2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.82.6
  • Written Comprehension2.82.3Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Auditory Attention2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Inductive Reasoning2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Perceptual Speed2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Memorization2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Multilimb Coordination2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Stamina2.52.0Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Flexibility of Closure2.41.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Number Facility2.31.9Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Visualization2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Dynamic Strength2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Fluency of Ideas2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Written Expression2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Gross Body Coordination2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Originality2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Reaction Time2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Speed of Closure2.02.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Static Strength2.02.1Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Depth Perception1.90.9
  • Response Orientation1.91.0Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Explosive Strength1.80.8
  • Rate Control1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.61.0Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.3—
  • Peripheral Vision1.1—
  • Sound Localization1.1—
  • Spatial Orientation1.1—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Processing Information3.72.6
  • Getting Information3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.32.4Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.32.7
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.22.0Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.22.0Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.12.9
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.12.7
Show all 41
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.12.8
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.12.3Level 1 looks like: Determine the meal selection for a cafeteria
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.02.6
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.92.5Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.81.6Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings2.82.3Level 1 looks like: Check to see if baking bread is done
  • Performing General Physical Activities2.82.1Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.82.3Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.72.6
  • Handling and Moving Objects2.62.0Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Training and Teaching Others2.62.1Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.51.7Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.51.9Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Developing and Building Teams2.52.0Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.51.4Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.41.6Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Thinking Creatively2.41.7Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.31.0Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.21.9Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.21.5Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization1.91.2Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Documenting/Recording Information1.91.0Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others1.81.1Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.81.1Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.70.4Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Working with Computers1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.60.4Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Performing Administrative Activities1.2—
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.1—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Spend Time Standing4.8
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.7
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.5
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.1
  • Physical Proximity4.1
  • Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings4.0
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team3.9
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures3.8
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions3.8
  • Contact With Others3.7

Technology

5 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Tools (5)
  • Aldelo Systems Aldelo for Restaurants Pro
  • Foodman Home-Delivery
  • Inventory control software
  • Plexis Software Plexis POS
  • RestaurantPlus PRO

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Cooks, Restaurant
  2. Cooks, Fast Food
  3. Food Preparation Workers
  4. Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
  5. Bakers
  6. Butchers and Meat Cutters
  7. Cooks, Private Household
  8. Fast Food and Counter Workers
  9. Chefs and Head Cooks
  10. Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.