CV for a Kitchen Porter with No Experience (UK): What to Include and How to Write It

Kitchen porter roles are one of the most accessible entry points into the hospitality industry — and a strong CV is shorter and more specific than most candidates expect.

What kitchen porter employers look for

A head chef or kitchen manager hiring a KP needs to know three things:

1. You will show up reliably — absence is the number one problem in KP roles
2. You can work fast in a hot, demanding environment — kitchens during service are genuinely intense
3. You understand basic hygiene requirements — COSHH awareness and food safety basics matter

Qualifications to include

Level 2 Award in Food Safety (Catering) — the standard food hygiene certificate for kitchen workers. It costs approximately £20-£30 online from providers like Highfield or CIEH and can be completed in a few hours. Getting this before applying immediately differentiates your application.

COSHH awareness — understanding of Control of Substances Hazardous to Health: chemical cleaning products, concentrations, and storage.

Manual handling certificate — common in hospitality environments. List it if you have completed training.

Personal statement example

"Reliable and physically fit individual seeking a kitchen porter role in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Holder of a Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering. Comfortable working split shifts, evenings, and weekends. Previous experience in physically demanding roles requiring speed, sustained concentration, and team cooperation. Eager to contribute to a professional kitchen team and develop within the hospitality sector."

Transferable skills from other roles

From any physical job (construction, warehouse, care, retail):

"Maintained sustained physical output across 8-10 hour shifts in a temperature-variable environment, demonstrating the stamina and resilience required for commercial kitchen work."

From cleaning or facilities roles:

"Experienced in the correct dilution and application of commercial cleaning chemicals under COSHH guidelines, including surface sanitisation, drain maintenance, and daily deep-clean procedures."

From any previous food-related role:

"Assisted in a 200-cover school kitchen, responsible for pot wash, general cleaning, and preparation of bulk food items under chef supervision."

From any team-based role:

"Worked as part of a coordinated team in a high-pressure environment — accustomed to taking direction quickly, prioritising tasks, and maintaining pace throughout shift."

Bullet points for a KP CV with no direct experience

"Maintained personal hygiene standards consistent with food safety requirements — familiar with Level 2 Food Safety principles including cross-contamination prevention and temperature control."

"Demonstrated physical stamina and consistent reliability in previous roles, including zero absences throughout a 12-week peak period."

"Comfortable operating commercial dishwashers and pot-washing equipment."

"Worked effectively as part of a small team during high-pressure periods, taking and acting on verbal instruction quickly and contributing to a clean and safe working environment."

Skills section

• Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering (with year)
• COSHH awareness
• Manual handling (if trained)
• Commercial dishwasher / pot wash operation
• Surface and equipment sanitation
• Available for split shifts, evenings, weekends, and bank holidays

Availability — say it clearly

Kitchen porters work split shifts, early mornings, late nights, and weekends. State your availability explicitly — it is one of the first things a hospitality employer checks.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a food hygiene certificate to work as a kitchen porter?

Technically no — many employers provide this training on the job. But holding a Level 2 Food Safety certificate before you apply immediately puts you ahead of candidates who do not have it.

Will previous experience in warehousing or construction help?

Yes — both demonstrate physical fitness, reliability, and the ability to work in demanding environments. Frame these explicitly in your personal statement and bullet points.

Should I apply speculatively to restaurants and hotels?

Yes. Many KP vacancies are filled through walk-in applications. A confident, polite in-person visit can be more effective than an online application for entry-level hospitality roles.