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Food server cover letter example
Related cover letter examples
Cover letter template for a food server
Format your food server cover letter
How to write a food server cover letter
Write a matching resume
Key takeaways
Resources to help prepare for your interview

As a server, your personality and talent for communication, combined with your customer service skills, enable you to provide your guests with an unparalleled dining experience. Whether it’s in a fine dining setting or a cozy family restaurant, to start or further your food service career, you need a job application that gets you noticed by restaurant managers.

Creating a strong food server cover letter goes beyond just listing your restaurant experience. It’s an opportunity to tell your personal and professional story, emphasizing your expertise, commitment to outstanding customer service and your contributions to previous restaurant teams. In an industry as people-focused as food service, a cover letter is a crucial step that gives you the opportunity to express your personality alongside your skills.

Our comprehensive guide is designed to help you write a compelling food server cover letter that shows both your talents and your personality.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

Food server cover letter examples tailored to inspire and guide your writing.
Customizable cover letter templates specifically crafted for the food service industry.
Step-by-step guidance on constructing each section of your cover letter.
Key insights to ensure your food server cover letter stands out.

Need a polished cover letter right now? Explore our Cover Letter Generator. This user-friendly tool simplifies the writing process, offering impactful, ready-to-use phrases and professional formatting and templates designed specifically for food server applications.

Food server cover letter example

Food server cover letter sample

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What makes this a great cover letter for a food server?

Addresses the hiring manager by name
This sample cover letter opens strong with a properly formatted address that names the hiring manager. Addressing the manager directly shows that the candidate has taken the initiative to learn about the role.
Uses numbers
Numerical data is a great way to make a cover letter pop by including achievements and demonstrating the actual impact the candidate has had on previous roles.
Ends with a call to action
The final paragraph of a cover letter should end with a call to action that opens the door to future communication. This cover letter does just that without coming across as demanding or pushy.

Cover letter template for a food server

Doris Campbell

Rochester, NY 16402
555-555-5555
example@example.com

May 25, 2024

Dennis James, Restaurant Manager
La Fogata
100 Belmont Street
Rochester, NY 16402

Dear Mr. James,

I am writing to express my enthusiasm for the food server position at La Fogata, as advertised. I can contribute positively to your esteemed establishment with a passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences and a track record of achieving and surpassing performance.

In my current role at RIT Inn and Conference Center, I consistently exceeded customer service expectations, maintaining a customer satisfaction rate of 95% based on customer feedback surveys. I understand the importance of creating a welcoming atmosphere and ensuring guests have a memorable dining experience. I also upsold menu items, resulting in a 20% increase in average bill cost and contributing to an overall boost in revenue by 15% during my tenure.

I pride myself on managing tables and prioritizing tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment. Moreover, at BostonMarket, I implemented a streamlined ordering system that led to a 25% reduction in order processing time, resulting in improved customer satisfaction and increased table turnover. My focus on efficiency and attention to detail align with La Fogata’s commitment to outstanding service.

La Fogata’s reputation for delivering authentic and delicious cuisine, combined with its commitment to exceptional service, aligns perfectly with my professional values. I am eager to contribute my skills and enthusiasm to your team and am confident that my proven track record of achieving and exceeding performance metrics makes me a strong candidate for the food server position.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience can contribute to the continued success of your restaurant.

Sincerely,
Doris Campbell

Format your food server cover letter

Your food server cover letter should emphasize the vital skills necessary for success in the hospitality industry, ranging from customer service and adaptability to knowledge of menu items and efficient order handling.

To effectively showcase your proficiency in delivering exceptional service and supporting patrons, your cover letter should convey professionalism and clarity. The food service sector values attention to detail, and your cover letter’s formatting should align with industry expectations, reflecting your commitment to excellence.

Consider the following formatting recommendations to ensure your food server cover letter exudes professionalism:

Font style and sizing: Choose established and easily readable fonts, such as Arial or Times New Roman, to maintain a professional appearance suitable for the food service sector. Opt for an 11- or 12-point font size, which are standard sizes for business documents.

Spacing: Maintain effective line spacing for readability. Utilize 1.15 to 1.5 spacing for your text to make your food service qualifications easy to digest.

Margins: Present a polished document with 1-inch margins and left-aligned text, adhering to industry standards for a professional presentation of your food server qualifications.

Cover letter templates for food servers:

Create your cover letter

Just as your formatting should meet professional standards, your food server cover letter should be styled appropriately to showcase your relevant skills. They say that when we’re served a plate of food, we eat with our eyes first. Your cover letter is no different and the immediate visual impression you make can have a big impact. Choose a cover letter template that aligns with the expectations of the food service role you’re pursuing and reflects your personal style.

For instance, a food server applying to a trendy restaurant might opt for a modern and sleek template, while someone seeking a position in a classic dining establishment may benefit from a more traditional design.

Explore our collection of cover letter templates to ensure your application presents your food service experience in the best possible light. Also, consider coordinating your cover letter template with your resume template to create a cohesive and professional application, emphasizing your dedication to excellence in food service.

How to write a food server cover letter

Writing a cover letter might not be your favorite part of the job hunt — it rarely is — but that doesn’t mean you can afford to skip it. Studies reveal that 83% of hiring managers consider cover letters crucial. That’s why it’s so important to get comfortable writing persuasive cover letters.

But writing an outstanding food server cover letter doesn’t have to be a huge headache either. By following a few simple steps, you can streamline the entire process. The ultimate goal is to write a cover letter that complements your resume so you can submit an application that has that “wow” factor. We’ll break it down for you, step by step.

Step 1

Study the food server job description:

A successful food server cover letter should be unique to each role you apply to. Tailoring your cover letter to each specific role is essential. Your cover letter should articulate why you’re an ideal fit for this particular food service position. A generic cover letter that you use for different applications won’t achieve this.

In the food service industry, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) play a significant role in candidate screening. These systems scan for keywords that align with the qualifications outlined in the job description. Make your cover letter ATS-friendly by incorporating terms used in the food server job description.

Customizing each cover letter to align with the distinct requirements of each role not only enhances the quality of your application but also positions you favorably for ATS scrutiny.

Step 2

Include your contact information in the header:

While seemingly routine, providing your contact information requires attention to detail. Your cover letter is intended to get you a call back. Ensure your contact details are easily accessible and accurate by placing them in the header and confirming they match the information on your resume.

Include:

Your name
City and state
Phone number
Email address
Relevant links to your professional portfolio or LinkedIn, if applicable

Pro tip

The header forms your first impression, so safeguard it by double-checking for errors and typos. If there’s ever a place on your cover letter to be meticulous, it’s your header.

Step 3

Address the hiring manager by name:

Personalize the salutation of your food server cover letter by addressing it directly to the hiring manager. Addressing your letter to the specific individual intended to read it demonstrates your commitment to the application process.

If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name or details, addressing the letter to the restaurant or catering company’s management team is an appropriate substitute.

Pro tip

Job listings often provide contact information for a hiring manager. If not, invest time in researching the organizational structure to identify the person responsible for hiring. Adding a personal touch by addressing the recipient by name shows thoughtfulness in your application.

Step 4

Introduce yourself in the first paragraph

The opening paragraph of your food server cover letter is a pivotal moment to introduce yourself and showcase your qualifications. It provides an opportunity to quickly outline key aspects of your career in the food service industry.

Entry-level food server cover letter opening paragraph:

I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the food server position at [Restaurant Name], as advertised. As an aspiring food server with experience delivering exceptional customer service, I am eager about the prospect of applying my expertise to contribute to the dining experience of patrons under your establishment’s care.

Experienced food server cover letter opening paragraph:

I am writing to express my sincere interest in the food server position at [Restaurant Name], as advertised. With a proven track record in food service leadership, a deep commitment to ensuring optimal customer satisfaction and a dedication to maintaining the highest standards of service excellence, I am confident in my ability to enhance the dining services at your esteemed establishment. Having successfully managed diverse responsibilities, including efficient order handling and maintaining a positive atmosphere, I am eager to bring my expertise to your food service team and contribute to the delivery of exceptional dining experiences.

Pro tip

Keep your introduction concise, aiming for three sentences or less.

Step 5

Explain why you’re the best candidate for the job:

The body paragraphs of your food server cover letter provide an opportunity to provide more details regarding your food service career. Emphasize elements of your experience that highlight your dedication to customer satisfaction and illustrate why you’re the most qualified and service-oriented candidate for the food server position. Focus on the following key points:

Specify relevant food service experience
While your resume offers an overview of your career, the cover letter allows you to dive deep into the specifics. Share noteworthy accomplishments tied to efficient order handling, menu knowledge and creating a positive dining atmosphere. Describe your passion for providing outstanding service and contributing to positive dining experiences for patrons. By emphasizing your food service journey and aligning it with the needs of the restaurant or position, you can demonstrate why you’re the ideal candidate for the food server role.
Showcase transferable skills
A comprehensive cover letter for a food server should highlight both hard and soft skills. Showcase your food service abilities alongside personal traits, such as effective communication, adaptability and teamwork. Aim for a balanced presentation to paint a complete picture of your professional skills. Ensure that the skills you emphasize align with the priorities outlined in the job posting to resonate with the food service team.
Address any unique circumstances
Treat your food server cover letter as an opportunity to provide context for any unique aspects of your food service journey. If you took time off for professional development or personal reasons, switched restaurant settings or undertook additional certifications, explain the situation briefly. Discuss how your journey, with its diverse experiences, has enhanced your skills and positioned you as a well-rounded candidate for the food server position.

Example body paragraphs for a food server cover letter:

In my role as a food server, I have consistently demonstrated a passion for delivering high-quality dining experiences and contributing to the satisfaction of patrons. During my tenure at [Restaurant Name], I received recognition for efficiently handling orders and maintaining a positive atmosphere, with positive feedback from both diners and colleagues.

During a brief hiatus for professional development, I dedicated time to acquiring additional certifications to enhance my knowledge of wine and food pairings. During this period of growth, I reinforced my commitment to exceptional service, ensuring that I bring technical proficiency and a fresh perspective to the food server position.

Step 6

Write your cover letter closing

Your cover letter closing should reaffirm your enthusiasm for the position and reiterate why you believe you are well-suited for the role. Avoid duplicating information from the body of your cover letter and instead, conclude with a statement highlighting your value and an open-ended call to action expressing your eagerness for an interview or suggesting further discussion.

Example closing paragraph for a food server cover letter:

I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to bring my extensive experience in providing exceptional customer service and contributing to a positive dining atmosphere at [Restaurant Name]. Your establishment’s commitment to delivering outstanding culinary experiences aligns seamlessly with my passion for fine dining and my commitment to creating satisfying dining experiences. I look forward to discussing your team’s needs further.

Pro tip

Maintain a professional and assertive tone in your call to action, striking a balance between warmth and formality. Avoid wording that sounds demanding or pushy. Be assertive yet polite.

Step 7

Sign off

Every letter concludes with a signature, and your cover letter is no exception. Ensure your cover letter concludes with a professional signoff appropriate for a formal letter. “Sincerely” and “Best regards” are always safe choices. Avoid unprofessional signoffs like “Love” or “Cheers,” as these choices may come across as rude or overly familiar.

Write a matching resume

Create your resume

A cover letter is just one component of your application. Without a strong resume, your cover letter won’t shine as it should. Learn to create a resume that showcases your experience in the food service industry and your dedication to providing outstanding service. For help getting started, explore some resume examples.

For a professionally formatted food server resume completed in just a few minutes, consider our AI Resume Builder. This tool provides ready-to-use skills and phrases along with expert formatting to help you construct an effective resume that complements your cover letter seamlessly.

Key takeaways

Explore food server cover letter examples

Inspire your cover letter writing process by checking out some cover letter examples tailored to the food server role.
Highlight food service skills and customer-focused qualities

A strong application should portray you as an experienced food service professional with a well-rounded skill set. Emphasize your expertise in efficient order handling, menu knowledge and maintaining a positive dining atmosphere alongside interpersonal traits such as effective communication, attention to detail and passion.
Select an appropriate food server cover letter template

Explore a variety of cover letter styles, from classic to contemporary, to find a template that aligns with the professional and customer-oriented nature of a food service setting. Make sure your template is suitable for the restaurant and a good match for your personal brand.
Keep your introductory paragraph concise

Capture the employer’s attention with a brief opening paragraph that provides a snapshot of your qualifications as a food server. Avoid overwhelming the reader with excessive details and focus on introducing yourself as a candidate with enthusiasm and relevant food service qualifications.
Write detailed body paragraphs

The body paragraphs serve as the substance of your cover letter. Provide detailed examples of your experience, emphasizing how your skills align with the responsibilities of the role. This is also the ideal space to highlight any specialized practices or areas in which you excel in the food service industry.
Ensure proper formatting

Pay attention to the formatting of your cover letter to convey professionalism. Choose an appropriate font style and size, and maintain 1-inch margins throughout the document. Double-check line spacing to ensure a polished presentation that complements the substance of your cover letter.

Resources to help prepare for your interview

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Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.