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Working as a waiter or waitress can be an excellent choice in various life situations, whether you’re attending university or looking to earn extra income on weekends while balancing another job. From bars and pubs to cafés and restaurants, there are numerous opportunities to gain valuable experience in this profession. Additionally, working as a waiter or waitress often provides shift flexibility, making it easier to balance personal commitments.
Your cover letter is often the first thing a recruiter reads when considering your application, so it’s important to make it interesting and tailored to the role. A successful cover letter will set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of landing an interview. To understand what a successful cover letter looks like, make sure to use our cover letter examples and templates.
Waiter or Waitress Cover Letter Sample
Albert Hamilton
21 Guild Street
London, EC2A 7TA
07912 345 678
albert.hamilton@example.co.uk
3 November 2024
Ben Worthington
Seaside & Soil
London, W5 0FR
hr@seasideandsoil.co.uk
Dear Mr Worthington,
I’m excited to apply for the Waiter position at Seaside & Soil. With over five years of experience in the restaurant industry, I’m confident in my ability to provide exceptional service and attention to detail for which your restaurant is known. Seaside & Soil has a fantastic reputation for sustainable menu innovation and I’m eager to bring my passion for quality service to your team.
In my previous role at Crimson Fig, I developed strong communication and customer engagement skills. I was responsible for managing a fast-paced, upscale dining environment, often handling tables with multiple-course meals. My goal was to provide attentive yet unobtrusive service that allows guests to enjoy the food at a comfortable pace. I made sure to recommend suitable wine pairings to guests and respond to their dietary preferences. As part of my responsibilities, I helped prepare and adapt the dining experience to match special occasions such as birthdays and engagement dinners.
Throughout my career, I’ve maintained a strong focus on teamwork and collaboration. I understand the importance of working closely with kitchen staff to ensure orders are efficiently timed. In my most recent role, I helped the employer develop a new ordering system, which improved the communication between the kitchen staff and waiters.
I’m highly enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my experience and dedication to your team. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you during a job interview.
Sincerely,
Albert Hamilton
Waiter and Waitress Cover Letter Template
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Waitress or Waiter
Writing a cover letter for a waitress or waiter job allows you to showcase your personality while demonstrating relevant skills and enthusiasm for the role. This is your opportunity to go beyond your CV and present a more personal narrative that reflects your unique approach and passions.
Our detailed step-by-step guide will show you how to create a winning waiter and waitress application. You can then use our advice to craft a cover letter that complements your CV and makes you stand out. We’ll also give you tips on the best ways to edit and format your cover letter.
Follow this step-by-step guide to write a waiter or waitress cover letter that helps you get the job you want:
Step 1: Carefully review the job description
Prepare to write your waiter or waitress cover letter by carefully reviewing the description for the position you’re applying for. Identify the key soft and hard skills needed to excel in a restaurant. Soft skills that many employers look for include time management, adaptability, and stress management. Key hard skills of waiters and waitresses include cash handling, knowledge of food safety, and the ability to use point of sale (POS) systems.
Always check the requirements that employers have for members of their wait staff. This will not only help you craft a strong cover letter but also set some reasonable goals for the next few months of your career. Becoming a waiter or waitress can be a great option if you’re looking to enter the workforce, earn some extra money, and build your skills in the competitive hospitality industry. If you’re looking for your very first job, it’s important to know how to write a cover letter with no experience.
Step 2: Create a header for your waitress cover letter
To start your cover letter, write your details at the top of the page. Include your full name, address, phone number, and email address. In a new line, write today’s date. Then provide the hiring manager’s and company information.
Spend some time identifying who the recipient of your cover letter is. If the employer hasn’t provided this information in the job ad, visit the company’s website and go to their About page to find out who the recruiter is. If this doesn’t work, try a quick search on a professional networking website. Although not mandatory, identifying the recipient is a nice way to show your determination and genuine interest in the position. It also shows that your application is tailored to the specific job.
Edith Wallis
3 Kingly Court
Sheffield, S1 Y7U
07912 345 678
edith.wallis@example.co.uk
3 November 2024
Hannah Taylor
The Crowned Fox
Sheffield, S2 2FJ
hr@thecrownedfox.co.uk
Step 3: Address the recipient of your waiter or waitress cover letter
To open the document, match the greeting to the recipient of your cover letter. You can use honorifics such as “Mr” or “Ms” if you know their preferred pronouns. Otherwise, it’s safe to use a more general salutation, for example, their full name or a phrase like “Dear Hiring Manager”. Avoid “To Whom It May Concern”, as many recruiters find it outdated.
Dear Ms Taylor,
OR
Dear Hiring Team,
Step 4: Write a strong introduction for your cover letter
The first paragraph is the introduction to your cover letter. It helps you make a strong first impression and encourages the reader to review the rest of your application. Use these first few sentences to introduce yourself professionally. Explain how you discovered the company or heard about the vacancy. Be sure to mention the name of the position you’re applying for.
Keep this section of your waiter or waitress cover letter brief. As well as stating your interest in the job, it’s a good idea to explain why you’re applying. For example, you could mention that you have some experience as a waiter or waitress and want to progress within the field. It’s also reasonable to use this part to briefly explain why you’re the perfect candidate.
I’m writing to express my interest in the Waitress position at The Crowned Fox. I have two years of experience providing service at high-end restaurants and I’m confident in my ability to deliver sophisticated and attentive service to your guests. I’m passionate about fine dining and have developed a strong knowledge of food and wine pairings, which I’d love to use to deliver service that exceeds guests’ expectations.
OR
I’m excited to apply for the Waiter position at the Crowned Fox. With three years of experience, I’ve honed my skills in providing exceptional service and building rapport with guests. I’ve worked in both casual and fine-dining restaurants, which helped me develop a versatile skill set. I’m confident that my expertise and knowledge will make me a great addition to your team.
Step 5: Discuss your skills and experience as a waiter or waitress
The body of your waiter and waitress covering letter should be its longest section. Its purpose is to give you space to discuss your relevant background and experience in more detail. Make sure that the information you provide here expands on the information from your CV but doesn’t copy it. The body of the letter is also a good place to explain why you’re passionate about the hospitality industry.
Maintain a professional tone and focus on the positive aspects of your background. Be sure to include role-specific terminology that applicant tracking systems (ATS) will recognise. For a waiter or waitress, suitable cover letter keywords include order taking, food safety, customer service, multitasking, and teamwork. Tailoring your cover letter with these keywords will demonstrate your suitability and help your application stand out.
I frequently used my multitasking, attention to detail, and teamwork skills in my previous role. In addition to serving guests, I took on training and management responsibilities, helping new team members during their onboarding. This experience taught me how to create a memorable experience that turns visitors into recurring customers.
I also gained experience in fine dining. I learned the importance of refined service and guiding guests through multi-course meals, recommending wine pairings. Working in a high-end environment taught me to adapt quickly to guests’ preferences and provide personalised touches that elevate their visit.
OR
In my previous role, I developed a strong understanding of molecular gastronomy. I explored the physical and chemical transformations of ingredients by observing chefs and sous chefs during dish preparation. This experience helped me improve my customer service skills as I could accurately describe the process to our guests, even though I was never involved in the cooking or plating process.
My passion for the hospitality industry goes beyond my interest in cooking. I know how to successfully manage a high volume of tables at peak times and anticipate guests’ needs. I’m particularly drawn to using my expertise as a waiter in your restaurant because I admire your commitment to using locally sourced ingredients. I’m confident that my strong work ethic will make me a valuable addition to your team.
Step 6: Close your waitress cover letter
Write an engaging and reassuring conclusion to reiterate your interest in the position. Use this closing paragraph to thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration. Generally, this part should be up to three sentences long and shorter than the introduction to your cover letter.
After the final paragraph, skip a line and include an appropriate sign-off. For more formal situations, such as when you’re applying for a job at a fine-dining restaurant, use “Yours sincerely” or “Yours faithfully”. If the restaurant is more casual, it’s fine to use “Kind regards”. End the cover letter with your full name. If you can, include a handwritten signature. This extra step makes the letter more personal and helps you stand out.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I’m eager for the opportunity to bring my expertise and enthusiasm to your team. I’d welcome the chance to discuss how my background aligns with your needs. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like to schedule an interview.
Yours sincerely,
Paul Piper
OR
Thank you for your time and consideration. I’d be happy to meet with you to discuss this opportunity further. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
Edith Wallis
Step 7: Edit and polish your waitress cover letter
Lastly, you want to polish your letter. This will ensure that the cover letter you’ve just created is well-written and matches the rest of your job application. Read through each paragraph carefully to ensure no typos or grammatical errors. You can use ChatGPT or another AI tool, such as any free online spell checker, to analyse your cover letter. It’s also good practice to ask a friend to proofread the application for you.
Once you’re satisfied with your cover letter, focus on the appearance of the document. Your goal is to make it look clean, professional, and ideally no longer than one page. To choose the best font for your cover letter, consider standard, elegant fonts such as Arial and Verdana.
Your Cover Letter for a Waitress or Waiter
A well-designed waiter and waitress CV will help you stand out in the competitive hospitality industry. This one-page document serves as a guide for employers to learn about your educational background, top skills, or professional certifications.
Use our intuitive CV and cover letter builders to create a winning waiter and waitress application in less than 30 minutes. Our tools will guide you through the writing process and help you format your CV and cover letter to make them look professional.
Common Questions About a Waiter or Waitress Cover Letter
How do I write a cover letter for a waitress with no experience?
Writing a waitress cover letter with no previous experience can be challenging, but highlighting your enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and interpersonal skills can help you get the job. When recruiting for entry-level positions, many employers prioritise candidates’ personality and transferable skills. This means it’s a good idea to show your determination and genuine interest in the role or company. You can also highlight your extra qualities, such as flexibility, as working as a waitress may involve evening and weekend shifts.
How long should my waiter cover letter be?
If you’re wondering how long should a cover letter be, a standard cover letter for someone who has at least a few years of experience should be around 300 to 500 words. If this is your first time applying and you’re approaching the cover letter writing process with no work experience, you can limit your letter to between 200 and 300 words, or between three and four short paragraphs.
Should I mention my availability as a waiter or waitress in the cover letter?
Yes. Working as a waiter or waitress may require you to work outside standard business hours. In restaurants, it’s common for waiters and waitresses to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Letting a prospective employer know that your schedule is flexible may increase your chances of getting the job. This not only highlights your availability but also demonstrates your understanding of the profession.
Is it okay to mention my career goals in a waiter or waitress cover letter?
Absolutely! Mentioning your career goals shows that you’re ambitious, motivated, and have a sense of direction in life. It’s a nice touch for your waiter and waitress cover letter, especially if your goals align with the restaurant industry or customer service in general.
Don’t worry if you’re not sure what your long-term goals are just yet. Everyone finds their true purpose at a different stage of their life, and it’s perfectly fine to figure out your next steps along the way. Even without crystal clear goals in mind, you can still create a winning cover letter by highlighting your strengths, enthusiasm for developing new skills, and dedication to the role without needing a predefined career plan.
Preparing a Winning Waiter or Waitress Cover Letter
Our detailed instructions will help you prepare a successful application and stand out from the crowd. You’ll get access to advanced, automated tools that will highlight your excellent customer service and communication skills, as well as help you position yourself as an ambitious and enthusiastic candidate. Use our guide and builders to get a better understanding of what employers look for when hiring waiters and waitresses.
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