A great server cover letter can help you differentiate from the competition during your job search, especially when applying at upscale restaurants. The key is to emphasize your expertise in guest relations, fine dining, and hospitality by conveying your most notable achievements. This guide provides cover letter examples and expert tips to help you translate your experience within the restaurant industry into a powerful marketing document.
Server Cover Letter Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
How To Write a Server Cover Letter
To write a great server cover letter, the key is to highlight your strongest qualifications and achievements within the hospitality field. Demonstrate your ability to interface effectively with both guests and team members in fast-paced restaurant environments. Illustrate the unique value you can bring to potential employers by painting a compelling picture of your career experience. Below, we’ll provide guidance to help you craft each section of your server cover letter:
1. Contact information and salutation
List all essential contact information at the top of your waiter/waitress cover letter, including your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL. Greet the hiring manager by name — Mr. or Ms. [Last Name]. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.” Avoid salutations such as “To Whom It May Concern,” as these greetings are less personal and widely considered outdated.
2. Introduction
Lead your server cover letter with a powerful introductory paragraph that conveys your interest in the job, years of experience, and relevant qualifications. Include one of your most notable career achievements within the hospitality industry to send a clear message you can provide value to the dining establishment you’re applying to.
In the example below, the applicant highlights their ability to collaborate effectively with team members across all areas of the restaurant. This is further substantiated by drawing attention to a significant increase in guest satisfaction scores. As you build the introduction of your server cover letter, be sure to incorporate unique details to help differentiate yourself as a candidate.
Example
During my time with Fogo De Chao, I delivered an exceptional fine dining experience at an upscale Brazilian restaurant. I also led initiatives to improve collaboration between servers, hostesses, and kitchen staff, which led to a 15% increase in guest satisfaction scores. My experience in fine dining will allow me to thrive as a server at your establishment.
3. Body paragraphs
Continue to emphasize your career achievements in the body paragraphs of your server cover letter using tangible examples, hard numbers, and metrics. Mention something specific about the restaurant’s reputation or cuisine and why this draws you to apply for the opportunity. Consider including a list of bullet points to break up the text on the page and enhance the reading experience.
In the example below, the candidate immediately shows their appreciation for the restaurant’s authentic cuisine. They follow up by highlighting the positive impact they’ve had on other fine dining establishments in the past, such as achieving high guest satisfaction scores and exceeding monthly sales goals. Showcasing unique aspects of your hospitality experience in your server cover letter is the best way to maximize your odds of landing the interview.
Example
Chima Steakhouse’s reputation for the authenticity of its cuisine draws me to apply for this position. Having already garnered expertise in Brazilian cuisine, I can deliver an outstanding dining experience based on my previous achievements:
- Collaborated with servers, back of the house, and restaurant managers to enhance service delivery, which improved guest satisfaction scores from 75% to 95% over six months
- Educated guests on Brazilian cuisine, upsold menu items and appetizers, recommended wine pairings, and achieved 120% of monthly sales quotas
- Trained 12 new servers on guest relations, menu items, ServSafe protocols, and service standards
4. Server skills and qualifications
It’s unnecessary to include a long list of skills on your server cover letter, as most of this information should already be featured on your resume. That said, it can be advantageous to highlight examples of you utilizing key skills from the job posting in fast-paced restaurant environments. Below, we’ve compiled a range of potential keywords to consider adding to your server cover letter:
| Key Skills and Qualifications | |
|---|---|
| Attention to detail | Bartending |
| Communication | Conflict resolution |
| Customer service | Fine dining |
| Food and beverage service | Food and wine pairing |
| Food safety | Guest relations |
| Inventory monitoring | Process improvement |
| Team collaboration | Sales |
| Serving | Upselling |
5. Closing section
In the conclusion of your server, include a call to action (CTA) that invites the hiring manager to schedule an interview. Reinforce how your background within the hospitality space can positively impact guest satisfaction, restaurant operations, and sales. Be sure to thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration in the last sentence of the paragraph.
Example
I would like to schedule an interview to provide more insights into how my fine dining experience and leadership skills could benefit your establishment. Feel free to contact me via phone or email at your convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Meera Patel
Server Cover Letter Tips
1. Emphasize your passion for the hospitality industry
To make a lasting impression on the hiring manager, it’s important to convey your passion for the hospitality industry. Restaurants want servers who take pride in their occupation, as this is essential for delivering an exceptional dining experience. It also shows you’re committed to growing within the field.
2. Highlight your guest relations and leadership skills
Catering to guest needs during peak restaurant hours is a key aspect of serving. As you craft your cover letter, emphasize your ability to communicate effectively with both guests and restaurant teams to deliver high-end service. This sends a clear message to hiring managers that you’re the ideal culture fit for their establishment.
3. Quantify your achievements as a server
Another way to differentiate yourself from other applicants is by quantifying your accomplishments as a hospitality professional. Featuring your guest satisfaction scores and sales metrics is a great way to establish your credibility as a strong server. It also shows time management skills, as it takes great skill to provide quality service during high-volume periods.
Server Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples
- Example #1
- Example #2
- Example #3
Mina Sayed
Server | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | San Francisco, CA 12345 | LinkedIn
January 1, 2024
Mr. Robert Santos
Hiring Manager
Empellon
(987) 654-3210
[email protected]
Dear Mr. Santos,
During my time with Fogo De Chao, I delivered an exceptional fine dining experience at an upscale Brazilian restaurant. I also led initiatives to improve collaboration between servers, hostesses, and kitchen staff, which led to a 15% increase in guest satisfaction scores. My experience in fine dining will allow me to thrive as a server at your establishment.
Chima Steakhouse’s reputation for the authenticity of its cuisine draws me to apply for this position. Having already garnered expertise in Brazilian cuisine, I can deliver an outstanding dining experience based on my previous achievements:
- Collaborated with servers, back of the house, and restaurant managers to enhance service delivery, which improved guest satisfaction scores from 75% to 95% over six months
- Educated guests on Brazilian cuisine, upsold menu items and appetizers, recommended wine pairings, and achieved 120% of monthly sales quotas
- Trained 12 new servers on guest relations, menu items, ServSafe protocols, and service standards
I would like to schedule an interview to provide more insights into how my fine dining experience would be an asset to your team. You may contact me via phone or email for any additional questions you may have about my background. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Mina Sayed
Server Cover Letter FAQs
Why should I include a server cover letter?-
Although cover letters are not usually required for server positions, taking the time to include one speaks volumes about who you are as a professional. It also allows you to convey your genuine interest in the position by mentioning specific details about the restaurant you’re applying to.
How do I make my server cover letter stand out?-
If you’re applying for a server job at an upscale restaurant, you can make your cover letter stand out by mentioning specific fine dining establishments you’ve worked at in the past. It’s likely the hiring manager will be familiar with these restaurants, which adds to your credibility as a hospitality professional.
How long should my cover letter be?-
It’s normally best to keep your cover letter concise and focused, limited to no more than three or four paragraphs. This keeps the hiring manager’s eye on your most notable achievements and qualifications, as providing too much information may negatively impact the reading experience.
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