Restaurant Cover Letter Example

Whether you’re looking for a job at the local fish and chip shop, or you’ve got your sights set on working at the latest Asian fusion hotspot, working at a restaurant can be a lucrative way to gain experience in customer service, time management, and teamwork. 

Before you start applying for restaurant jobs, however, you’ll need a cover letter that effectively showcases your passion for hospitality, highlights your relevant experience in food service, and conveys your enthusiasm for delivering exceptional dining experiences to customers.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to craft a compelling restaurant cover letter that gets you noticed and hired faster. 

Restaurant job full text-only cover letter example

Sections of a restaurant job cover letter

For your cover letter, we recommend following this structure: 

1. Header: Employers need to know how to contact you, so list the current date and your key contact information, including your name, email, and phone number, at the top of the page.
2. Greeting: Choose a warm, professional greeting and personalise your greeting with the recipient's name, if known.
3. Introduction: Start with a compelling introduction that highlights your enthusiasm for the food service industry. Briefly outline any significant roles or achievements that show you're fit for the job, like leading a team during a busy shift or having great leadership skills.
4. Body Paragraphs: Detail your skills and experience in the hospitality industry and how this background prepares you for the demands of the restaurant job.
5. Conclusion: End your cover letter by underscoring your key strengths and end with a confident call to action, expressing your desire to discuss your application with employers at a later stage.
6. Signature: Close your restaurant cover letter with a professional sign-off and include your full name.

A one-page cover letter is most effective as it respects the hiring manager's time, encouraging employers to engage with your cover letter without overwhelming them with information. It also showcases your ability to communicate efficiently, an essential skill in any restaurant environment.

Introduction of a restaurant job cover letter

Before you start your cover letter introduction, think about the experience you may have already had in the hospitality industry. Briefly highlight any relevant, unique service skills, your ability to manage busy environments, your leadership qualities, and your commitment to ensuring a high-quality customer experience. 

Your restaurant cover letter introduction should be compelling and personable, grabbing the attention of potential restaurant employers, so use language that aligns with the tone of the job description.

It’s also important that your cover letter is written professionally and without any pesky errors or typos. Avoid using casual language or slang, as this can appear unprofessional and harm your chances of being contacted by employers. We recommend having someone you trust to review your restaurant cover letter—a second pair of eyes can be invaluable in spotting mistakes you might overlook.

Restaurant job cover letter body

Before you get started with your first body paragraph, it’s important to focus on the elements of your application that will help you stand out from the crowd. We recommend the following: 

• Discuss any experience you have working in food service or relevant roles within the hospitality industry.
• Showcase skills that demonstrate your adaptability, attention to detail, and ability to multitask effectively in a restaurant setting.
• Highlight your communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction.

First body paragraph: Your suitability for the role (skills & experience)

1. Personalise your experience to the job description: Connect your previous work experiences directly to the responsibilities and skills listed in the job description. Share specific examples that demonstrate how you've thrived in similar settings, such as handling a lunch rush, providing excellent customer service, or managing inventory.
2. Showcase your interpersonal skills: Since the restaurant industry is highly service-oriented, emphasise interpersonal skills like communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving. These are key traits that restaurant employers look out for, as they are crucial for creating a positive dining experience for guests.
3. Display passion and knowledge of the industry: Restaurants want staff who not only have relevant skills but also a genuine passion for food service and hospitality. Illustrate your enthusiasm for the industry and if applicable, any knowledge of food, wine, or a particular cuisine that would make you a valuable asset to the restaurant team.

Second body paragraph(s): Alignment with the organisation

Furthermore, it’s important to research the restaurant's values, goals, and wider mission. In the second body paragraph, we recommend highlighting how these goals and values align with your own values and your professional background. 

For example, if you were applying for a role with McDonald’s, it would be helpful to know McDonald’s’ values. 

These include:

• Giving back to the community
• Striving to continually improve
• Prioritising customer service

Discuss any shared values between you and the restaurant and why these are essential in your professional approach. If you wanted to work at McDonald's, you could provide examples where you’ve given back to your community or showed commitment to customer service. 

Aligning your cover letter to match the values and goals of the restaurant you're applying to is essential. By showcasing an understanding of the restaurant's core values, mission, and unique offerings, you convey your alignment with their brand identity and highlight how your skills and experience can contribute to their success. 

Call to action & conclusion: A flavourful finale

As you conclude your restaurant cover letter, remember that you want potential employers to see you as the perfect match for their team. Reflect your desire to connect with employers by incorporating a strong call to action, expressing your interest in meeting to discuss how your skills and experiences align with their needs. 

Close your cover letter on a warm and professional note, with a straightforward “Yours sincerely,” "Warm regards," or "Ngā mihi nui,” followed by your signature and full name. 

Your final words should be memorable and encourage the employer to discover more about what makes you an ideal candidate for the restaurant job.

Key takeaways

Remember to customise your cover letter carefully to show your interest in the restaurant, expand upon relevant skills, and be sure to proofread carefully. 

Highlight relevant skills, research the restaurant's values and brand mission, and use a cover letter template to ensure proper formatting and a polished, professional look. 

With our expert cover letter builder and customisable cover letter examples, we make it easy to elevate your job potential and land your next restaurant job. Kickstart your career with cvapp.nz today!