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Waiter/Waitress Cover Letter Example
March 22, 2021 | By the Resume Genius Team | Reviewed by Samuel Johns, CPRW
Land more interviews with the help of our downloadable waiter/waitress cover letter example. We also provide cover letter writing tips designed to help service-industry members improve their job prospects.
Not satisfied with this design? Find more options in our collection of cover letter templates .
Additional Examples Similar to a Waiter/Waitress Cover Letter
Waiter/waitress resume, food service cover letter.
- Server Cover Letter
Fast Food Cover Letter
Waiter/waitress cover letter template (text format).
Be sure to format your cover letter correctly to ensure it’s easy to read and looks professional.
[Today’s Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[341 Company Address]
[Company City, State XXXXX]
[(XXX) XXX-XXXX]
[[email protected]]
Dear [Mr./Mrs./Ms.] [Manager’s Name],
I’m writing to you with regards to applying to the waitress role I saw on [Website Name]. With over five years of experience providing excellent service to diners at quality establishments, I know that I’m a strong candidate to fill out your team.
While working as a waitress at the Longhorn Grill in Los Angeles, I learned the ins and outs of the industry, including food handling techniques and how to take orders efficiently in a 120+ seat restaurant. I also served as a hostess and waitress at Mike’s Fancy Kitchen, where I was introduced to bussing tables and proper cleaning techniques for maintaining a hygienic dining experience.
My accomplishments include:
- Memorizing Longhorn’s wine stock and the appropriate entrée pairings, leading to daily wine sales averaging $180
- Assisting in the training of 6 new waiters that helped boost the restaurant’s performance
- Implementing new menu introduction strategies, increasing customer purchases of wine by 10% on average
All my experience and skills would make me a great new addition to your establishment. I have attached my resume, which contains a more in-depth look at my experiences and skills. I look forward to hearing from you, and would love to visit your restaurant for an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration.
[Your Name]
Cover Letter Tips for Waiters & Waitresses
Learning how to put together a cover letter for the specific job(s) you want will help you land more interviews.
If you’re great with people and can keep up with the fast pace of a busy restaurant, you have what every restaurant manager seeks in a waiter or waitress.
Prove you’re their ideal candidate by pairing your resume with an exceptional waitress/waiter cover letter.
Follow these three tips to write a service industry cover letter that gets you the job:
1. Highlight waiter/waitress skills
As a waiter/waitress, you’re responsible for setting tables, explaining menu items, and taking orders. So the right balance of hard and soft skills is needed to facilitate a successful dining experience for patrons.
That said, employers will prioritize your soft skills because this is a service-oriented role. For example, people skills and customer service skills are key waitress/waiter skills you should emphasize in your cover letter.
If you don’t have much waiter/waitress experience, you may highlight experience from other client-facing roles to show you can deliver an exceptional customer service experience to patrons.
Here are key waiter/waitress skills to include in your cover letter:
- Communication skills
- Time management skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Active listening
- Memorization
- Attention to detail
- Prioritization
- Sales skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Conflict resolution
- Coordination
- Professional demeanor
- Physical stamina
- Menu knowledge
- Bartending skills
- Health and safety protocols for handling food
- Point of sale (POS) systems
2. Open with a strong introductory paragraph
Working in the service industry has few formal requirements, so it’s a common entry-level position for people seeking part or full-time work.
If you want to ensure your job application catches the attention of the hiring manager, lead with a strong cover letter introduction to explain why you’re the perfect waiter or waitress for the gig.
Here’s how to craft an impressive waiter/waitress cover letter introduction:
- Show your excitement for the job opportunity. Because this is a client-facing job, show employers that you not only have the skills, but also the passion to drive a great dining experience for patrons.
- Take a closer look at the posting to identify job-specific skills. Tailor your cover letter to the job by aligning your talents with what they’re specifically looking for in new hires.
- Lead with an outstanding achievement that touches upon your knack for great service
3. Emphasize your multitasking skills
As a waiter/waitress, you’ll spend most of your time running around to fulfill your customers’ requests. Restaurant managers seek employees who can perform various tasks efficiently while maintaining a friendly and professional demeanor.
In your cover letter, emphasize your multitasking skills to show them you can effectively prioritize your tasks and ensure everything runs smoothly at a busy dining establishment.
For example, talk about your experience ensuring customers had a pleasant dining experience in a 120+ seat restaurant and how you boosted performance by implementing new menu introduction strategies and making appropriate entrée pairings.
Still have a few burning questions? Check out our frequently asked questions for more help, or try building your waitress/waiter cover letter with our cover letter builder .
Additional Waiter/Waitress Cover Letters, Resumes, & CVs:
Cover letters:.
- Hospitality (Hotel Front Desk) Cover Letter
- Hostess Cover Letter
- Housekeeping Cover Letter
- Banquet Server Resume
- Concierge Resume
- Dishwasher Resume
- Fine Dining Resume
- Hospital Housekeeping Resume
- Hospitality (Hotel) Resume
- Hostess Resume
- Housekeeping (No Experience) Resume
- Housekeeping Resume
- Night Auditor Resume
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Professional Waitress Cover Letter Example for 2023
Read for inspiration or use it as a base to improve your own Waitress cover letter. Just replace personal information, company application data and achievements with your own.
Make your waitress cover letter stand out
According to 83% of hiring managers, cover letters are an important part of every recruiter’s decision-making process.
What’s more, 72% of them will expect you to hand in a great cover letter, even if this part is listed as ‘optional’ on the job advert.
And if you ask our experts, cover letters are an amazing opportunity to tell a personal story and make the right first impression.
But what exactly is a cover letter and how to write a good one? Let’s see…
So what’s the difference between a cover letter and a resume?
In short – the resume showcases your achievements and skills, while the cover letter focuses more on your personality and motivations.
Of course, you should mention some of your relevant skills in the cover letter as well. But make sure you’re not repeating your resume word by word.
Now let's move on to the things that make every cover letter great!
Choose the right salutation and craft an introduction that gets you remembered
We advise you to address the cover letter directly to the person responsible for the recruitment process. If you don’t know their name, take some time to research it.
This will show that you’re attentive to detail and are willing to go the extra mile when necessary.
Here's a list of salutations you can never go wrong with. Note that some of them can be used even if you don’t know who the hiring manager is.
- Dear [company name] Recruiter,
- Dear Mr./Ms. Smith,
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- To the [team you're applying for] Team
The introduction is your chance of getting the reader’s attention and giving them a reason to see you as a good fit.
So make sure you highlight your excitement about the company or the industry (or even both!) and the reasons why you’d like to grow in the field.
Avoid using clichés like “I found your job posting on website X and decided to apply”.
Don't skip on your Waitress soft and hard skills
The resume is the place to list all your hard skills. The Waitress cover letter, on the other hand, is the ideal place to emphasize your soft skills and link them to your achievements.
Think about times when your skills have helped you achieve certain goals that seemed too difficult. And don’t worry about admitting some of your weak sides – this is a great way to show recruiters your potential and ability to grow, both professionally and personally.
Looking at the specific job posting requirements could also give you insight on what skills should be included in your resume by all means. This will help you pass applicant tracking systems (ATS) that screen cover letters for keywords before passing them on to recruiters.
Show that you've researched the company
Having a paragraph that shows you’re aware of the company and the issues it faces is always a good idea. It proves your enthusiasm to join the team and makes a great impression.
For bonus points, you could also share how some of your strengths could help resolve company or even industry problems.
Go for an actionable ending
The last part of your cover letter should briefly sum up everything you’ve said so far. It should also express your gratitude for the hiring manager’s time and consideration.
The tone of the closing line depends on two things – your personal preference and the company culture. Don’t go for overly creative phrases if the company you’re applying for relies on strictly corporate language.
Traditional lines such as “Looking forward to your reply” are usually considered a safe bet. So when in doubt, stick to them.
Cover letter examples by industry
- Food Service
- Hospitality
- Restaurant Manager
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Senior customer support engineer.
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Land a job interview by pairing your Waitress cover letter with a great resume
Matching your cover letter with an equally good resume will without a doubt put you in front of other applicants.
Check out our Waitress resume writing tips or talk to an expert for some valuable tips and guidance.
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As an excellent candidate for a waitress position, you need to convince the hiring manager to read your resume and invite you for an interview. Take advice and suggestions from our professional waitress cover letter sample to create a virtual conversation with the hiring manager about yourself. Your cover letter is the perfect opportunity to set yourself apart from the other applicants. Consulting examples such as the one below is an excellent method to help find ideas for writing your letter. If you’re intimidated at the thought of a blank page, don’t worry. We also have some suggestions to help get you started.
Create Cover Letter
Waitress Cover Letter Must-Haves
By using a friendly, professional tone and avoiding errors, you can stick to relevant points that will help the hiring manager appreciate why you are the best fit for the position. A successful waitress inspires satisfaction and support from both the customers and the business. Select a few essential job description requirements and emphasize how your background and expertise meets them and makes you the perfect candidate. Consult the professional waitress cover letter sample as a guide to help you create a unique letter, not something that just rephrases your resume. The hiring manager is probably reviewing stacks of cover letters and resumes, so being succinct is essential.
Best Action Verbs for a Waitress Cover Letter
As shown in the professional waitress cover letter sample, make your application viable and exciting by using powerful action words such as adapted, assisted, contributed, cooperated, expedited, helped, motivated, resolved, supplied, and familiarized.
Cover Letter Text
Dear Ms. Johnson,
With demonstrated customer service expertise, proven expertise in the food service industry, and exceptional hospitality acumen, I am confident I will be a valuable addition to the Tierney Restaurant Group. I am an enthusiastic person who is eager to provide excellent food and beverage service to customers and exceed their expectations. I believe that my knowledge of guest relations, hospitality, and food and drinks can considerably strengthen your brand.I am highly skilled in welcoming guests and helping them with table selection, fulfilling orders, communicating with the kitchen staff and bartenders, and satisfying customers promptly. My extensive experience in collecting payments and maintaining sales records has enabled me to help supervise staff and manage food service operations. As an experienced waitress, I have a great familiarity with beverage handling and serving procedures, excellent mathematical skills for calculating cash and making change, and am skilled in keeping service areas clean and tidy.I developed a solid work ethic, expertise in communicating with people of diverse backgrounds, and unique talents to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment. I look forward to scheduling an in-person interview at your convenience to discuss my qualifications for the waitress position. My resume is attached for your review. Thank you for your consideration and time. I hope to hear from you soon.
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Waitress Cover Letter Examples
Waitresses work in the food service industry, and their primary responsibility is to take care of the patrons of a restaurant. This involves everything from seating the patrons to handling their complaints and concerns, as well as placing their food orders and bringing them their meals. Waitresses also process the patrons’ payments at the end of the meal.
When applying for a Waitress position, the candidate should include a cover letter that lists the qualifications that she believes make her a good fit for the position. Prior food service or customer service experience is a plus, and because the job is people-oriented, listing personality traits that make a candidate appear more personable is an effective way of securing that job interview.
Not exactly what you are looking for? Check our complete library of over 1000 cover letter examples .
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Below is a sample cover letter that details some of the responsibilities that a good candidate for a Waitress position would highlight. Also, be sure to check out our extensive Waitress Resumes .
Improve your chances of getting noticed with a powerful cover letter. Take a look at our guide to create the best cover letter in 2023 .
Include These Waitress Skills
- Take food and drink orders for customers
- Clean tables and restock supplies as needed
- Make recommendations to patrons based on their dietary needs and/or restrictions
Dear Mr. Paul Anderson:
I am writing to apply for the position of Head Server advertised in the New York Post for your restaurant Les Hailles. I offer your team over 5 years of experience serving customers in top NYC restaurants with excellent commendations. I am a college graduate with aspirations of attending culinary school in the future.
My reputation for delivering superior, customer focused service is unsurpassed. I believe my passion for food and knowledge of your restaurant’s brand and menu make me a unique and perfect fit for this position. I offer excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic. I have strong knowledge of food & wine pairings and the ability to offer your patrons more than just a wonderful meal, I can offer them a wonderful experience as well.
I have experience working in high pressure environments, including nights and weekends. I’m reliable, focused, and work well with teams of all sizes. For a more detailed presentation of my skills and background, please review the enclosed CV and feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience. Thank you in advance for your consideration. I look forward to our conversation.
Sarah Johnson
A professional cover letter is the first step toward your new job!
Waitress Cover Letter Example
If you’re in need of a summer job, part-time work, quick cash or even a new career, there are few better options than waitressing. These positions allow for flexible or evening hours, on-the-job training and plenty of social interaction. If you're looking for a job like this, an outstanding waitress cover letter is a great place to start.
The best waitressing positions can be quite competitive. You’ll need to show off your relevant experience, top skills and shining personality to catch the hiring manager’s attention and make a great first impression.
Luckily, this doesn’t have to be difficult. A great cover letter can put you miles ahead of other candidates and give you an advantage even if you have little to no work experience.
With Resume.io’s arsenal of tools, samples and writing guides, you’ll be able to create an excellent cover letter for any server position with ease. This guide will:
- Explain the unique role of the cover letter in helping you land your dream job
- Offer free samples to use as models
- Explore writing tips for each of the essential cover letter sections
- Highlight the most important skills for first-time job seekers for wait staff positions
Waitress cover letter general info
If you’re applying for your first summer job or if it’s been a while since you changed positions, it’s a good idea to first understand what exactly a great cover letter entails.
A cover letter is a one-page document, roughly 200 to 400 words, that accompanies your resume to expand on your most relevant experience and explain why you’re an excellent candidate for the position.
As you might have noticed, a resume’s structure is rather rigid. While it’s perfect for conveying dates, names and degrees, it doesn’t offer much to show off your communication skills. That’s where your cover letter comes in.
Also known as an application letter, this document allows you to make a personal connection with an employer and highlight your greatest achievements that might have slipped under the radar on your resume. No wonder a cover letter is one of the most requested application materials.
What if the waitress job description doesn't require a cover letter?
Hiring in the food service industry is quite often an informal affair. Some restaurants even skip the online application process common in other industries and favor emailed or physical applications instead.
You’ll likely run into a situation where an application or hiring manager forgets to mention whether a cover letter is necessary. So should you write one?
While other applicants might think this is an easy way to save themselves some time and effort, they are likely just prolonging their job search. A cover letter is one of the best ways to convince a hiring manager they should take a chance on you – especially if you have no previous connection to the restaurant or no previous waitressing experience.
The small time investment in writing a thoughtful cover letter can pay off big-time when you land your dream position. That’s why, unless a job description asks you NOT to, it’s always a good idea to submit a cover letter with every application.
Secondary purpose
The job search is all about strategy. While there’s no one thing you can do to guarantee success, there are many steps you can take to maximize your chances. Writing a great cover letter is one of them.
That’s because this document allows you to show off what makes you stand apart and convince an employer that you’re the right choice for their restaurant. One of the best ways to do this is with short anecdotes that showcase how you handled challenges on previous jobs.
One of the greatest advantages of waitress positions is that many of the skills can be learned on the job. Even if you have no previous experience, highlighting customer service skills, a personable approach and a strong work ethic can often be enough to catch a hiring manager’s attention.
Before you submit your cover letter, tailor it.
If there’s one tip that can make the difference between a mediocre cover letter and one that leads to a job, it’s this: Make sure to tailor your cover letter to each restaurant you apply to.
Tailoring your cover letter means adjusting it to include the most relevant samples and achievements for each specific position. For example, a fine dining Japanese restaurant might be much more concerned with your attention to detail and presentation than a family-style diner more focused on efficiency and a cheery disposition.
While it might take a few minutes to swap out some of your text, this simple step will pay dividends when the employer notices you’ve taken the time to explain why their restaurant interests you and why you’re the right fit.
Targeting other jobs in the hospitality & catering industry? Check out these other related cover letter samples for more inspiration.
- Hospitality cover letter sample
- Barista cover letter sample
- Restaurant cover letter sample
- Chef cover letter sample
- Cleaning job cover letter sample
- Bartender cover letter sample
- Starbucks cover letter sample
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Waitress application letter format, writing samples
While cover letter content is much more flexible than a resume, that doesn’t make this document completely structureless. In this section, we’ll break down the best cover letter format for most positions and industries.
Here are the key components:
- The cover letter header
- The greeting
- The letter introduction
- The letter body
- The conclusion
- The signature
For more guidance and writing samples, check out our overall guide on cover letters.
Cover letter header
Your cover letter header is one of the best places to grab a hiring manager’s attention and align yourself with the restaurant’s branding. The purpose of this section is twofold. The header’s first job is to identify your document and keep your name, phone number and other contact details right at the restaurant manager’s fingertips.
The second goal of your header is to create attractive formatting that makes your application stand out. Since this is one of the few places you’ll be able to add color and other design flourishes, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on what type of image those choices present.
The goal of this section: Make your name and essential information easy for a hiring manager to spot, and create attractive formatting that presents an appropriate image.
Align document styles
One of the best things you can do to take your application to the next level is to align the document styles of your resume and cover letter. This simple step helps you to create a “personal brand” – a visual stamp that identifies your materials as belonging to you and helps you stand out in the hiring manager’s mind.
Aligning your document styles doesn’t have to be difficult. Resume.io’s variety of resume and cover letter templates can make this process as easy as a few clicks. Plus, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of styles that help you fit in with the restaurant’s image. For examples, fun colors and a bold header font might work great for a trendy taco spot, while a neutral color palette is likely to be appreciated in fine dining establishments.
Cover letter greeting
Your cover letter greeting is a small but powerful element. This is where you’ll have the best chance of making a personal connection by addressing the letter recipient by name. Make sure to choose the greeting that is most appropriate based on your level of familiarity with the employer. “Dear” followed by the correct salutation and the restaurant owner or hiring manager’s last name works well for most formal situations. You may also opt for “Hi” or “Hello” or even a first name if you already have a relationship with your prospective employer.
The goal of this section: Address the restaurant manager or owner by name to create a personal connection and a polite, respectful tone.
Dear Ms. Overton,
The importance of using actual names in greetings
As a waitress, you’re probably already familiar with the power of names. Remembering customers' names and giving them yours can quickly establish a rapport that keeps diners coming in the door. Not every restaurant has that vibe, but those that do use it as an amazing tool for a positive emotional connection that keeps everyone happy.
In fact, the positive effects of using names have been well-documented by science: studies have shown an actual neurochemical response in the brain to reading or hearing our own names. You can also use this tactic to your advantage in your cover letter. By addressing the restaurant manager or owner by name (usually the last name), you show interest in the position and a willingness to go a step further than other candidates. If you don’t know who handles hiring for the restaurant and there’s no way to find out, you still have some options. A collective noun is likely your best choice – “Dear (Restaurant Name) Team” or “Hello (Restaurant Name) Family” could work well, depending on the establishment.
Cover letter introduction
Your cover letter introduction is the place to make a statement – as long as it’s a professional one! This is where you’ll want to make a great first impression with a relevant fact, relatable anecdote or exciting personal statement. You’ll want to show off your sparkling personality right from the start, while making sure to address the most important skills for the job. Remember, restaurant managers are busy people – so make your introduction worth their time.
The goal of this section: Introduce yourself in an attention-grabbing way by using a personal statement, relevant fact or interesting anecdote that leads into the body of your letter.
Working as a waitress at my parents’ Italian restaurant during my teenage years taught me how efficiency and attitude combine to create a warm and authentic dining experience.
Cover letter body
Your cover letter body is the biggest section of your document, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. This is where you’ll dive into all your most relevant achievements, personality traits and the qualities that set you apart. To simplify the writing process, you can divide this section into two parts.
In the first, try using the STAR method to describe a S ituation you faced in the past, the T ask required of you, the A ction you took and the ensuing positive R esult. Make sure to choose examples that are most relevant for the type of restaurant and work you’ll be doing.
In the second section, you can discuss your top skills and possible contributions to the potential position to allow the employer to envision you in the role.
The goal of this section: Use the STAR method to detail your most interesting and relevant experiences and achievements, and discuss your potential contributions to the restaurant you're targeting.
I quickly understood that by being present for the diners I could sense when someone wanted to make a different menu choice, was unsure about their wine selection or just wanted to have a friendly chat. For some, speed and efficiency were paramount, especially at lunchtime, but others wanted a little more interaction in their dining experience. My Italian heritage gives me a naturally warm disposition, something that I know fits in with your core values. I am applying for the part-time waitressing role to complement my hospitality studies, but I am most interested in participating in your renowned training program and learning from some of your award-winning leaders. Hospitality is an industry that is best learned in front of customers, and I hope that my passion and drive to improve will be an asset to you. Thanks to my traditional Italian upbringing, my knowledge of food and wine combinations is unsurpassed, and I may even be able to contribute a little in terms of product knowledge for my colleagues. I am a committed collaborator and know that every employee is part of the “kitchen.” I have been used to working under pressure since I was 14 years old and I always retain a cheerful and calm demeanor, no matter what the situation.
Cover letter conclusion and signature
You’re in the home stretch. All that’s left to do is close out your cover letter in a polite and positive way. A call to action does just that. This sentence expresses your enthusiasm for the position and invites the hiring manager to get in touch. You may also leave your contact information here again.
Then, finish the letter with the appropriate signature. “Best,” “Sincerely” or even “Thank you” can all work well depending on your relationship with the employer.
The goal of this section: Create an effective call to action that encourages a restaurant manager to contact you and close out your letter politely and respectfully.
I would welcome the chance to come and work for a shift or two so that you might be able to see me in action. Talking about being a waitress in an interview is difficult. Letting me show you how I send customers away with a smile on their faces is something else entirely. Sincerely, Chelsea Grant
Cover letter for waitress job with no experience – writing tips
For waitressing positions, there are a few key qualities you’ll want to convey on your cover letter.
- Positive communication skills: A friendly smile and cheery disposition will ensure a pleasant dining experience and plenty of repeat customers. Show off your personality in the tone of your cover letter or with concrete examples of the way your customer service led to increased tips or better reviews for the restaurant.
- Efficiency: Speedy service keeps everyone happy. The quicker food is delivered, the more customers a restaurant can serve in a day. Your cover letter is a great place to show how you take initiative, accurately remember orders and special requests, and work efficiently to improve both the customer experience and the restaurant’s bottom line.
- Attention to detail: As a waitress, you are the authority on the restaurant and its cuisine. That means understanding menu items and being able to quickly describe the soup du jour. You’ll also need to remember custom orders and pay attention to the needs of each table. Your attention to detail keeps customers satisfied but also keeps the restaurant from losing money in terms of food waste.
- Ability to sell: One of the most nuanced parts of serving is mastering the upsell and encouraging customers to order appetizers, drinks and desserts in addition to their main courses. This increases a restaurant’s earnings and – if you’re a tipped employee – yours as well. If you’re new to serving, you won’t be expected to have mastered this yet, but for those with years of experience, this skill can prove invaluable to a potential employer.
How to land a waitress job with no experience
For those without years of experience, a waiter job can be one of the easiest entry-level positions to snag – if you go after your goal with professionalism and determination.
One of the biggest secrets to writing an effective cover letter for any food service position is to answer this simple question: Why do I want to work in this particular restaurant?
While other industries use teams of recruiters and automated systems to filter through hundreds of applications, hiring in restaurants often involves the owner or manager taking the time to read each individual application. On the other end of your cover letter is a real, live person who is genuinely interested to know why you want to work for them.
The best way to answer this question is to be authentic. Go to the restaurant, try the food and notice the aesthetic, the clientele, the menu. Reflect on how and why you’d fit into the picture. Even if you have no experience as a waiter or waitress, your personality traits and transferable skills are valuable.
While you might have to apply to a few restaurants before you land your dream job, just remember this:
According to the National Restaurant Association : 90 percent of restaurant managers started in entry-level positions, as did 80 percent of restaurant owners. One third of all Americans had their first job in a restaurant.
Waitress cover letter format and common mistakes
- Unrelated experiences: Waitressing often makes for great part-time or entry-level work, but you’ll still need a high-quality resume and cover letter to land these positions. Make sure to focus only on experiences that clearly demonstrate transferable skills. These can be paid or volunteer, but they should be relevant to the job you're seeking.
- Unprofessional formatting: Professional formatting immediately sets your application apart and makes a great first impression. On the other hand, sloppy or crowded page design will turn off employers at a glance. Luckily, online tools from Resume.io can make great layouts a breeze.
- Grammar and spelling mistakes: Typos and poor grammar can discourage a restaurant manager from continuing to read your document. These mistakes are easy to avoid, however. Make sure to use spell-check, and ask a friend to proofread your application before you submit.
- Generic cover letters: There’s a million restaurants in the world, so why are you interested in working in this one ? That’s the question your cover letter needs to answer with specific experiences and skills tailored for each restaurant that you apply to. The extra time spent crafting a thoughtful cover letter will pay dividends when it catches the restaurant manager’s attention.
Key takeaways
- Unless a job posting or hiring manager specifically asks you NOT to include a cover letter, you should include one to increase your chances of catching a hiring manager’s attention.
- As an entry-level candidate with no work experience, it’s important to keep your cover letter to a maximum of one page by focusing on just a handful of relevant skills.
- The trusted cover letter structure will help you keep your document organized and make the writing process easier.
- Waitresses with no experience should tailor their application letters to address why they want to work at that particular restaurant.
- Good visuals are just as important as good writing. Simple, clean templates work great for waitressing positions.
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![Cover Letter for a Waitress: Sample [+ No Experience]](https://cdn-images.zety.com/pages/waitress_cover_letter_example_zety_3.jpg "application letter for club waitress")
- Cover Letter Examples
Cover Letter for a Waitress: Sample [+ No Experience]
Everyone wishes they could get wait staff as good as you whenever they go out. We’ll show you how to write a cover letter for a waitress so good, you’ll make tips off that, too.
As seen in:
If you want to work in the food service industry, this guide is for you.
You’ll learn exactly how to write a great cover letter, no matter if you’re a seasoned veteran or if you’re writing a waitress cover letter with no experience.
Bear in mind, you’re in for a job in a fast-paced environment. You’ll quickly fall behind if you’re unable to provide great customer service, think on your feet, and multitask for extended periods of time during evening rush hours.
Do all of the above, however, and you’ll see the tips rolling in fast.
But you still need to land the job in the first place.
So, if you’re tired of waiting on hiring managers who keep ghosting you, it might be time to take a deep, hard look at how you write your cover letters (I hope you are writing multiple letters, not just copy-pasting the same one over and over).
Keep reading to learn how you can create a waitress cover letter! We’ve provided a sample cover letter for waiting jobs, as well as lots of recommended advice.
Want to write your cover letter fast? Use our cover letter builder. Choose from 20+ professional cover letter templates that match your resume. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.
Create your cover letter now
Waitress Cover Letter for a Resume— See more cover letter templates and create your cover letter here .
Check out the links below if you’re on the hunt for a different job:
- Server Cover Letter Examples
- Restaurant Cover Letter Examples
- Hospitality Cover Letter Examples
- Barista Cover Letter Examples
- Cashier Cover Letter Examples
- Bartender Cover Letter Examples
- Retail Cover Letter Examples
- Front Desk Cover Letter Examples
- Receptionist Cover Letter Examples
- Customer Service Cover Letter Examples
- Flight Attendant Cover Letter Examples
- Entry-Level Cover Letter Examples
Want to explore your options further? See our full selection of cover letter examples for every career: Best Cover Letter Examples
Waitress Cover Letter Example
Barbara Preston
1835 Little Acres Lane
Casey, IL 62420
217-932-4834
[email protected]
Linkedin.com/in/barbarahpreston
Restaurant Manager
Cute Cuisine
1647 Jail Drive
Bradford, IL 61421
Dear Mr. View,
I was thrilled to see the job opening for a waiting position at Cute Cuisine. During my seasonal employment at Foodena last summer, the restaurant saw its profits increase by 15% compared to the previous year—a feat I was partially given credit for by the staff manager. I’d be honored to apply my customer service experience and excellent communication skills towards maximizing Cute Cuisine’s profits and driving client satisfaction.
As I understand it, the qualities you value most in your waiting staff are attention to detail and people skills. I’m happy to report that each of my previous employers highlighted my diligence in performing my duties—the 4 flawless recommendations (some of which you will find attached) prove I consistently provide the highest standard of service. I’m confident my interpersonal skills, backed by my 6 employee of the month certificates, could help to shower Cute Cuisine with even more praise from its patrons than it already receives.
It would be wonderful to contribute to the success of a business that reflects my own values so closely. I wholeheartedly believe your restaurant provides the best service in our community (the deserts are quite literally out of this world!), and the personal, warm way with which customers are greeted is exactly the standard every restaurant should aim for.
I’d love to discuss in more detail how my communication skills and dependability can help to build up Cute Cuisine’s client base and elevate your restaurant’s reputation even higher.
Best regards,
Barbara Preston, Waitress
That’s a cover letter example worthy of a 20% tip, at least.
Consider brushing up your resume writing skills, too. Check out this guide: Waitress Resume Sample .
Cover Letter for a Waitress: Template
This is how you write a 5-star waitress cover letter:
1. Choose a Professional Waitress Cover Letter Format
You wouldn’t show your patrons to a mucky table. Studies show that according to restaurant goers, food quality comes secondary to good service. Apply that same principle to your cover letter before sending it to the recruiter and make sure your cover letter layout is spotless!
Here’s how to format your cover letter :
- Divide your cover letter into clear parts .
- Choose a professional cover letter font , like Cambria or Garamond, at 11 or 12 pt.
- Utilize white space to your advantage by using the recommended cover letter spacing : the margins of your cover letter should be set to 1 inch on all sides, and line spacing to either 1 or 1.15.
Read more: Modern Cover Letter Templates
2. Include a Perfect Waitress Cover Letter Heading
A professional manner is the foundation of good restaurant service—and as it happens, it’s just as important for cover letters.
This is why you need to include a crisp cover letter header in your document, like so:
- List your name, job title, and contact information to start with.
- Then, leave a blank line to avoid jumbling information.
- Write down the date of writing the cover letter.
- Skip a line one more time.
- Check online to see who your cover letter is most likely going to be read by.
- Put down that person’s name and the contact information of the restaurant or bar you’re applying for.
Read more: What to Include in a Cover Letter: Full List of Key Info
3. Start with a Professional Salutation and a Compelling First Paragraph
Before you jump into writing your introduction, you still need an appropriate cover letter salutation .
Go for the most professional option: Dear + the hiring manager’s surname, e.g. Dear Mr. Smith . It just gets the job done, no need to be ultra-fancy like an expensive date night dinner.
Conversely, you want to avoid the phrase “To whom it may concern” —it’s not personal enough and gives off the wrong impression.
Now—your first paragraph. You want to start strong and impress the reader from the get-go, so make sure to include:
- The position you’re applying for, tailored to the job ad. If they’re looking for a waitress, you’re a waitress. If they’re after a food service professional – you’re that.
- A measurable achievement that immediately shows your value as a potential hire.
- An offer to use your skills to help the restaurant achieve a specific goal.
Read more: How to Start a Cover Letter: Perfect Opening Paragraph Examples
4. Show Why Hiring You Would Be the Right Choice
As claimed by some studies , waiting jobs are at a high risk of automation. That’s why your cover letter needs to make your versatility shine through in as many ways as possible.
So, in the second paragraph of your cover letter, show your understanding of the role and explain how you’re the perfect fit:
- Brainstorm a few of your qualities that would fit the job particularly well, using the job ad as a reference. This is especially important if you don’t have much work experience.
- State what these qualities are while underlining how you would translate your knowledge into the employer’s success. This conveys a strong message that you’re here for them, and not the other way around.
- If you have relevant experience, mention a few professional achievements as proof of your suitability for the job.
5. Convince Them This Job Is Important to You
If you want to give yourself the best chance of getting hired, you need to show the recruiter that you want this specific job more than any other.
Here’s how:
- Do some research to see what differentiates that particular place from its competitors.
- Reference those qualities in your cover letter. That way, the employer will see you’ve got your wits about you and would really make a good fit. For example, you could focus on the restaurant’s values, high level of service, or excellent reviews.
- Emphasize that the job isn’t merely a stepping stone, and that you’re serious about getting hired.
Read more: The Right Cover Letter Length: How Many Words or Pages Should a Cover Letter Be?
6. End Your Cover Letter on an Enticing Offer
Almost done! All you need to do now is to seal the deal with an offer to discuss your skills in more detail. Rather than asking for an interview directly, imply you’re eager to talk about how you can contribute to the business.
Then, in the final sentence of your cover letter, give a call to action where you offer to help the restaurant achieve a specific goal, e.g.: “I’d be glad to show you how my customer service would draw in more customers and keep them coming back”.
Read more: How to Finish a Cover Letter: Best Closing Paragraph Examples & Tips
7. Sign Off on Your Waitress Cover Letter in The Right Way
Finished polishing up your paragraphs? Time to sign your cover letter, send it, and wait for an interview invite!
Here’s how to sign off on your cover letter:
- Repeat your full name and add your job title after a comma.
- Remember to attach cover letter enclosures , if the job advertisement called for any.
All done? Save the file and give it a professional name . For example, if you’re writing a cocktail waitress cover letter and your name is Barbara Smith, you could name your file Barbara_Smith_Cocktail_Waitress_Cover_Letter .
And remember to write a perfect resume to match your cover letter!
When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check . Start building a professional resume template here for free .
When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.
That’s it! A perfect way to write a great waitress cover letter. Thanks for reading!
Did you find any of our tips particularly helpful? Do you have some of your own stories to share? Leave it all in the comments below!
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Waiter/waitress cover letter example
Competition for waiter/waitress jobs can be huge, but a compelling cover letter can help you to stand out from the crowd.
Your cover letter shouldn’t come as an afterthought to your CV. If you ace them both, you’ll have tripled your chances of landing an interview.
So, I’ve created this waiter/waitress cover letter example and step-by-step writing guide, to help you win recruiters over and land an interview.
Here’s what the guide will cover:
Guide contents
Waiter/waitress cover letter example
How to write a cover letter for your cv.
- What to include in a waiter/waitress cover letter
The waiter/waitress cover letter example above should help you picture what your finished cover letter should look like.
The candidate introduces themselves in a way which is friendly yet professional, enticing the reader to open the CV and consider their application.
Breakdown of a good cover letter
The diagram below shows the 7 key steps you need to focus on in order to write an attention-grabbing cover letter. If you follow these steps, recruiters will be eager to open your CV and find out more about you.
Write the cover letter in the body of your email/message
The aim of your cover letter is to introduce yourself and encourage recruiters to read your CV.
Therefore, it’s always best to write your cover letter directly in the body of the email you send, with your CV attached.
This way, you know for sure that your cover letter will actually be seen.
If you add it as an attachment, it’s highly unlikely to be opened, meaning you’d have missed out on a golden opportunity to connect with employers.
Quick tip: Try to find the name and email address of the recruiter or hiring manager of the company, so you can bypass the competition and land in their inbox directly. Hospitality roles often get hundreds of applications through job sites, so this will significantly increase your chances of getting noticed.
Write a compelling subject line
Another benefit of sending your cover letter in the body of an email is that you can craft an attention-grabbing subject line.
Applicants who apply via a job board won’t be able to personalise theirs, so it’s an amazing opportunity to make your application stand out from the crowd.
A simple yet effective approach to this is to create a short professional summary of yourself which is tailored to the role you’re applying for.
For example, if you’re applying to be a waitress in a busy restaurant environment and have worked in similar environments before, you’d make it known in your subject line, like this:
- Experienced waitress with 6 years of experience in fast-paced city restaurants
- Skilled waiter with 1 year of experience of serving customers in a busy pub
If you have less relevant experience, you could write something which matches the skills listed in the job advertisement. For example, if the employer is looking for someone with great customer service skills, you might write:
- Bright student with excellent customer service skills
Address the recruiter/employer by name
Writing too formally can come across as unfriendly and impersonal. These days, it’s much better to address the recruiter/employer by their name, with a more relaxed and friendly tone.
So, how do you find the appropriate name?
Often, you’ll see the recruiter’s name and contact details at the top or bottom of the job advertisement. If you can’t spot it, try out the following tricks:
- Head over to the cafe, restaurant or bar website and see if there’s a ‘meet the team’ page or similar. If you find someone with a HR, recruiter or hiring manager title, use their name in your email. Some smaller establishments might not have an internal recruitment team, so in this case, use the manager’s name.
- If there’s no staff page on the website, try out LinkedIn. Type the name of the establishment into the search bar, head to their page and scan through the list of employees. Restaurant/cafe/bar managers are more than likely to be on LinkedIn, so you should be able to find an appropriate name here.
Write in a friendly but professional tone
The language you use in your cover letter matters, and you need to strike the right balance in order to make a positive first impression.
Speaking in an overly formal tone may sound detached and unfriendly, but speaking too casually could come across as rude and disrespectful.
So, you need to meet somewhere in the middle, aiming to sound friendly yet professional – an opening line like “I hope you’re well” is a great start.
Quick tip: A poorly written CV will fail to impress recruiters and employers. Use our CV builder to create a winning CV in minutes with professional templates and pre-written content for every industry.
Check out our CV examples.
Highlight your most relevant skills
As soon as the reader sets eyes on your cover letter, it needs to be clear that you’re well-matched to the role. This way, they’re far more likely to go ahead and read your CV.
You can do this by highlighting your most relevant skills. Go back to the job ad and note down the top skills the employer is looking for.
Next, go through the list and tick off the ones you feel you have. These are the skills that you should include in your cover letter.
Keep it brief
All too often, applicants end up writing an entire page or more for their cover letter – but this is a huge mistake.
Recruiters , hiring managers and restaurant managers simply don’t have the time to read through numerous pages text, so a long cover letter probably won’t even be read.
So, by keeping yours short and concise in the body of your email, you can ensure your cover letter is read and leaves a positive impression on busy recruiters.
Aim for 4-8 sentences which simply summarise your relevant skills and encourage the reader to open your CV.
Sign off professionally
Lastly, sign off with a sleek, professional signature, as shown below.
You should include your full name, contact number (mobile is usually best) and your email address. Format it for impact by using a bold or italic font.
Not only does this show great business etiquette, but it also makes it easy for recruiters to pick up the phone and give you a call.
What to include in your waiter/waitress cover letter
Your cover letter content will inevitably reflect your individual experience and skills, but generally, a waiter/waitress cover letter should mention the following:
Who you’ve worked for – Roles in the hospitality industry can vary massively, so it’s essential to distinguish your type of experience – for example, you might have worked in exclusive high-end restaurants, cafes, country pubs or hotel restaurants.
Product/service knowledge – Are you a cocktail wizard, have the brains for allergens and ingredients, or really know your stuff when it comes to Italian food? If you have any type of industry skill or knowledge which is relevant to the role you’re applying for, it’s a huge selling point – so make it clear in your cover letter.
Level of experience – Have you been working as a waiter or waitress for several years, or will this be your first role? State how many years of experience you hold early on in your cover letter.
Waiter/waitress skills – Make sure to match your skills with the job description and show off those which you possess, whether that’s customer service, food or drink prep or health and safety.
How you can benefit a new employer – Do you have a track record of decreasing guest waiting time, leading teams or positively handling customer complaints? Entice the reader to open your CV by communicating exactly how you benefit help the team.
Your waiter/waitress cover letter for your CV
Whilst writing your waiter/waitress cover letter, remember that the key is to make an impact and entice the reader to open your CV.
So, it needs to be short, snappy and punchy, putting forward a high-level view of why you’d make the perfect hire.
Before hitting that send button, double-check it for spelling and grammar mistakes and typos, as it needs to be 100% flawless.
Paired with an impactful waiter/waitress CV , you’re bound to win an interview in no time!
Good luck with your job search!
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Waitress Cover Letter Example
When writing a Waitress cover letter Examples remember to present your relevant work history and skills according to the job you are applying for. Whether you're seeking an entry-level position or have been in your career for a few years, exposing your relevant achievements in your cover letter can allow you to stand out and get that job interview.
This cover letter example is a great representation of what a hiring manager is looking for in a Waitress cover letter Examples resume. Feel free to use this example for reference as you create your own cover letter or use this easy cover letter builder that will guide you through every step of your building your cover letter in just a few minutes.
In addition to the Waitress Cover Letter Example, be sure to check out our Waitress Responsibilities and Duties .
Here are Waitress Cover Letter Examples:
Dear Restaurant Manager:
My name is Marianne Love and I have been working as a waitress at Ariel’s Fine Seafood in Orlando, Florida for the past 2 years. It has been my goal for some time now to work at the Flying Fish Cafe at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort.
I enjoy being a waitress and get great satisfaction from giving my customers a meal that is more than just a plate of food. I strive to make my customers’ dining experience be a memory to treasure for years to come. I realize that working at a high end restaurant means that many customers are there for a special occasion or a celebration, and making their event perfect is my top priority.
My rйsumй is attached along with an application and 2 letters of reference. One letter is from the head chef at Ariel’s Fine Seafood and the other letter is from the restaurant’s weekend hostess who can testify to the fact that I have regular customers who request me to be their waitress when they call in to make their dinner reservations. I believe that my personal philosophy of customer service is in line with Disney’s commitment to making every guest’s dining experience a magical one.
I understand the importance of paying close attention to customers who express that they have certain food allergies. I realize that their health could be seriously impacted should they eat food to which they are allergic; therefore I am exceedingly careful with these kinds of situations. I make it a point to know the menu well and to know all major ingredients. If I am not completely certain of the answer to a customer’s question I always take the time to ask the chef.
I hope you will consider me for a job as a waitress at The Flying Fish Cafe. I am happy to come in for an interview and am excited about the possibility of going through one of your world class training programs. Please feel free to contact me on my cell phone at (555)-555-5555 or via email at [email]
Marianne Love
Example 2 -Unadvertised Opening
This waitress cover letter example is from a student who has been accepted to culinary school and is looking for a job as a waitress to help pay for tuition at her school. She has several years’ experience working as a waitress at a family owned restaurant in her community.
My name is Shannon Davis and I have been accepted to start classes this fall at the ABC Culinary Institute. My classes are all during the day and I need to work to help pay for school; therefore I am applying for a job as a waitress at your fine establishment. What better way to begin getting practical culinary experience than to wait tables at one of the best restaurants in town?
Throughout high school I worked as a waitress at The Neighborhood Eatery owned by John and Kathy Norris. A letter of reference from Mr. Norris is attached along with one of your applications and my rйsumй. Along with waiting regular tables during dinner hours I also worked parties that were booked at The Neighborhood Eatery. From children’s birthday parties to corporate awards dinners, I have a great deal of experience skillfully handling very large groups.
I have an excellent memory and have no problem memorizing the ingredients and the cooking processes for all dishes on a menu. I also do an excellent job of learning specials and soups of the day. I know how to subtly but successfully push appetizers and desserts and always pay special attention to customers with food allergy concerns.
I am not one of those waitresses who is constantly texting or talking on the cell phone. I turn off my phone and only check it at breaks. My family knows to call the restaurant directly in the event of an emergency. When I am working, my focus is 100% on the job. If there is ever any downtime, I make the most of it by replenishing silver, linens and condiments and making fresh coffee if necessary.
Please consider my attached application, rйsumй and reference letter when you need to hire a new waitress. I am confident that you would be pleased with my work. Please feel free to contact me on my cell phone at (555)-555-5555 or by email at [email]
Your Signature
Shannon Davis
Example 3 – Response to Job Postings and Classifieds Ads
This waitress cover letter example is from an experienced waitress seeking a position at a family-owned Italian restaurant. The owner of the restaurant where she was working retired and sold the property to a shopping mall leaving her without employment. Along with waiting tables she can sing and play piano.
Dear Mr. Minnelli:
My name is Lisa Salvatore and I was a waitress at The Italian Garden for 3 years until Mr. John Pastorelli recently retired and sold the property to the new mall. I found your ad for a waitress in the Village Voice and am submitting the attached application along with my rйsumй and a letter of reference from Mr. Pastorelli. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to work at Minnelli’s.
I have eaten at your fine establishment on numerous occasions and am familiar with your basic menu and even some of your specials. I am a very attentive waitress always making sure my customers have everything they need and want. I make it a point to know the ingredients in all dishes as well as how each one is prepared so that I can answer customer questions.
I am very patient with and polite to difficult or unhappy customers and recognize when it is time to
involve the manager in a situation. My goal is to make every customer a repeat customer; therefore letting anyone leave the restaurant dissatisfied is unacceptable in my view.
I understand the importance of checking identification on all customers prior to serving alcohol and I know which wines go best with which dishes. I always know which customer ordered which dish and I never ask them what they ordered.
I know that you hire a very high caliber of waitress at your restaurant and that you have high standards and expectations of your staff. I believe that I can provide the kind of service to your customers that you demand, and I hope that you will give me the opportunity to serve your customers at Minnelli’s. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience on my cell phone at (555)-555-5555 or via email at [email]
Respectfully,
Lisa Salvatore
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A professional cover letter is the first step toward your new job!
Cover Letter for Waitress With No Experience: Ultimate Guide
Posted on Published: August 10, 2021 - Last updated: September 1, 2022
Seeking a job when you have no previous work experience is like finding a needle in a haystack: You have no idea where to start and what exactly to look for.
One of the go-to jobs sought by people without prior experience is being a waitress, which entails greeting guests, taking orders, serving food, waiting tables, refilling drinks, and sanitizing.
Although these tasks seem like a cakewalk on the surface, the job also necessitates dealing with more complicated situations such as multitasking and de-escalating agitated customers.
More so, before you could land an entry-level waitress position, you need to go through writing a compelling cover that would allow you to “sell yourself” to your potential employer.
So, why don’t we start by discovering how to do that?
How can we write a waitress cover letter if we have no experience?
To write a waitress cover letter even without prior work experience, we must use a polite yet assertive tone in highlighting our willingness to work on a flexible schedule, customer service know-how, linguistic fluency, sanitation, as well as physical capabilities in our cover letter.
Guidelines in writing a waitress cover letter (no experience)
Although you can increase your chances of landing a job when you have previous professional experience , it is still possible to get one despite not having any.
All you have to do is to start with effectively demonstrating your worth as a person in your application documents such as your cover letter and resume.
Writing a cover letter for any entry-level position entails understanding the purpose of a cover letter , as well as knowing cover letter dos and don’ts .
Meanwhile, getting the hang of what counts as work experience on a resume is also essential for creating the latter document mentioned.
Once you become aware of every nook and cranny of these writing strategies, you can already start listing down your core skills and qualities that would make you an asset to your target organization.
In the food and beverage industry, the necessary skills sought by employers are rooted in hospitality management, physical capabilities, and sanitation.
Hence, you must be able to present these themes on your cover letter in order to get shortlisted.
Here’s a breakdown of the three parts of a cover letter for an entry-level waitress position:
Introduction: Summarizing your worth
In your introductory paragraph, you must be able to encapsulate your value or worth as potential wait staff in the establishment you are applying for.
You can start with a formal greeting, followed by the intent of your letter, and the reasons why you can be an asset to your target employer. This can be done in a three-sentence format.
Do not forget to mention the exact position being applied for (e.g., entry-level waitress), the informational source of the job listing, as well as the company you are applying for.
One of the most popular job advertisement websites used in the USA is Craigslist. So, it is also crucial that you know how to reply to a Craigslist job posting when and if you decide to seek a waitress job through this platform.
Moreover, you should also be able to know how to format the inside address section at the top of your cover letter.
The inside address’ key elements include the application date, hiring manager’s name and position (if applicable), the company name, and the company’s complete address.
After this, you also need to use a formal salutation that should contain the name of the hiring manager, as much as possible.
Not being able to write the hiring manager’s name may imply that you have not gone through the extra mile of online searching or calling the company beforehand that could negatively affect the employer’s hiring decision.
If the classic “dear x” salutation doesn’t feel right for you, our other article on “Dear Sir or Madam” alternatives could help you get rid of “uncreativity feelings” in writing this part.
Here’s a complete sample containing all the writing elements explained above:
Example (introduction):
August 08, 2021
Matthew Petterson
Hiring Manager
Veggie Valley, Inc.
111 Millbrook Rd.
Grafton, WI 53024
Dear Mr. Petterson:
Greetings to you, sir! This letter is in response to your entry-level Waitress job posting for Veggie Valley on Craigslist. I can be an asset to the food and beverage services industry not only because of my education in Hospitality Management but also for my propensity for working in an agile work atmosphere.
Body: Supporting your claim
Next, you must be able to elaborate and support your initial claim stated in your introductory paragraph since it is only designed to offer a glimpse of your value as a potential employee.
Here, you can list down specific aspects of your life that would make you suitable for the job role, such as education, training programs, and soft skills.
Besides your cover letter, listing an internship on a resume , if any, is also pivotal in landing a job because it is the closest real-world experience for any student applicant.
Research work experience on a resume is also another vital element that a recruiter may find attractive, and hence, remember to write it down if you have done any in the past.
Furthermore, bulleted writing format increases visual attention to items in a list. Thus, you can make your cover letter even more appealing by creating a list of your potential contributions in bullet form.
As you don’t have previous work experience, try to focus on the key soft and transferable skills that you have and are capable of doing, as well as the outcome or result of such skills.
You can structure your sentences in such a way that they become more about your prospective employer rather than yourself, especially in your bulleted list.
Here, you can highlight your schedule flexibility, physical ability, communication, and customer service skills to increase your chances of getting hired.
Pro tip: Make sure to make your cover letter as grammatically flawless as possible if you are claiming communication skills as one of your top qualities.
Here’s how you can do all of the above-mentioned details:
Example (body):
With my knowledge in culinary arts, housekeeping, basic finance, etc., I believe I can be of help in your reputable company, especially with the guidance of your esteemed employees.
To help you with your hiring decision, here are the things that I can offer:
- You will never worry about attendance issues because I am a morning person who is open to working in a flexible work schedule.
- You can rely upon the fact that I can sustain long hours of standing and walking due to my spending an average of four hours per week jogging and weightlifting.
- You will not have a hard time giving me instructions because I possess excellent communication skills with a native-like proficiency in English, as well as basic Spanish and French.
- You can trust that I am capable of immediately understanding and dealing with social cues because I am a detail-oriented person who loves making people feel comfortable at all times.
If you noticed, language abilities have been included above, specifically as the third item in the list.
Knowing how to highlight language abilities on a cover letter can also amplify your chances of becoming a waitress, as well as in other jobs that may require such skill.
A closely related job one can get in the food and beverage services industry is the barista position, which is also extremely salient in today’s society.
So please don’t hesitate to study and learn how to write a barista cover letter with no experience for you to have another option.
Conclusion: Suggesting an interview
Now that you’ve finished the intro and the body, you may already end your cover letter using an assertive yet still polite tone.
You can do so by expressing interest in an interview at the convenience of your prospective employer, prompting the addressee to go through the rest of your application documents, and listing your contact details.
Please do not forget the other crucial parts of a cover letter such as the complimentary close and signature.
“Yours respectfully” is used as the complimentary close in the example below, but feel free to choose “warmest regards” or “sincerely yours” as other formal alternatives.
Here’s an example conclusion for your reference:
Example (conclusion):
I am eager to discuss my application further at your earliest convenience. My resume and relevant certificates are also attached to this email for your reference. Please find my contact details listed below.
Yours respectfully,
Emily Harrison
(123) 456-789
[email protected]
Waitress with no experience cover letter full sample
Here’s the full sample for you when applying for a waitress job with no experience! Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions on “Cover letter for waitress with no experience”
How can we write a resume for a waitress with no experience.
To write a resume without prior work experience, we can list down our educational background, research work, internships, affiliations, training programs. Make sure to also list down at least two references especially people from the food and beverage industry who can be contacted by your prospective employer for testimonials.
How can we explain that we are willing to learn even if we don’t have any experience?
To demonstrate our willingness to learn even without prior work experience, we can do some online research about the target company and its decision-makers and compliment them in the cover letter, as well as during the interview. This would exemplify that we have “done our homework,” which is concrete proof of being willing to learn.
What skills are necessary for applying for a waitress position?
The necessary skills for a waitress job role are hospitality management or customer service, physical abilities, multitasking, schedule flexibility, sanitation, and customer agitation de-escalation.
Even though there are no absolutes in job seeking, we can increase the probability of getting hired for any position if we know the nuances of job application procedures.
Writing a persuasive cover letter is nothing less than a game-changer in this activity, and hence, learning how to structure one in relation to the job description should set you apart from other candidates.
Hey fellow Linguaholics! It’s me, Marcel. I am the proud owner of linguaholic.com. Languages have always been my passion and I have studied Linguistics, Computational Linguistics and Sinology at the University of Zurich. It is my utmost pleasure to share with all of you guys what I know about languages and linguistics in general.
Waiter/Waitress Resume and Cover Letter Examples
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What to Include in Your Resume and Cover Letter
Tips for writing effective resumes and cover letters, waiter resume example, waiter cover letter example, how to send an email application.
Are you applying for a job as a waiter or waitress? For some restaurant positions, you will apply by completing an online application, or you may be required to apply in person. For others, you may be required to submit a resume and cover letter for consideration, including your waiter or waitressing skills.
When you write a cover letter for a waitstaff job, it's important to highlight the skills you have that match the job requirements listed in the job posting. Your resume should include your most relevant work experience, typically in reverse chronological order.
Here's information on what to include in your resume, tips for writing resumes and cover letters that will get your application noticed, examples, and templates to download.
Highlight your customer service skills . Restaurant managers are eager to hire front-of-house staff who understand the importance of providing exemplary customer service to guests.
Emphasize your dedication to creating positive guest experiences, your proactiveness in identifying diners’ needs, and your tact in responding to difficult customers.
Remember the importance of soft skills. Not only must waitstaff have exemplary customer service skills, but they must also demonstrate soft skills such as dependability, timeliness, flexibility in being available for different shifts, and a solid work ethic.
Match your skills to the job. Review this list of skills required for waitstaff jobs before you get started, then take the time to match your qualifications to the job. This way, your application materials will show the employer that you're a qualified candidate for the position.
Include all relevant experience. Provide descriptions of your previous restaurant jobs, accompanied by bulleted statements about your achievements and significant contributions in each role. Also mention any restaurant point-of-sale (POS) systems or other computer technologies you are familiar with.
Detail your education and certifications. In the “Education” section of your resume, list any college degrees you hold or are currently pursuing. You should also mention any SafeServ, MAST, or other industry-specific certifications you have earned.
Tailor each resume to the job. Both your resume and your cover letter should be revised to speak to the specific requirements of different employers. Read the job posting carefully, and then make sure your resume emphasizes the qualifications most valued by the employer.
A good way to do this is to include keywords in your resume from the job listing. Highlight the important words in the job listing (including qualifications, skills, etc.) and include them in your resume to demonstrate that you are a desirable candidate for the position.
Include examples. Review these resume and cover letter templates to learn what information you should include, how to present your most relevant experiences, and how to make your application stand out from the competition. You can then use them as a basis for your own documents, personalizing them to reflect your own training and experience.
Consider the format. There is no single “perfect” format for a resume. Although most employers expect to receive resumes where one’s experience is presented in reverse-chronological order, you may find that a different format would work better for you, depending on the position you are applying for, your work history, or your level of experience.
Proofread and Edit. Your resume and cover letter need to be letter-perfect. Take the time to thoroughly edit your resume, correcting any spelling or grammar errors (or have a competent friend do this for you if you feel unsure about your grammatical skills). The formatting also needs to be consistent, with the same style of bullet points used throughout and the same size font for all of your section headings.
This is an example of a resume for a waiter position. Download the resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word) or see below for more examples.
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Waiter Resume Example (Text Version)
Matthew Applicant 789 Billings Blvd Paw Paw, MI 49079 (269) 123-4567 matthew.applicant@email.com
WAITER Serving diners with enthusiasm and efficiency Can handle a high volume of customers in fast-paced environments, ranging from casual to fine dining.
Key skills include:
- Friendly, outgoing, and personable
- Multitasking
- TouchBistro, Toast, and Upserve experience
- Quick learner
PROFESSIONAL & VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
BETH’S BISTRO, Paw Paw, MI WAITER (July 2020—Present) Provide service for patrons at a fine-dining establishment.
Notable accomplishments:
- Consistently record highest sales-per-shift average among staff.
- Regularly asked to train new employees.
AUSTIN’S STEAKHOUSE, Mattawan, MI WAITER (August 2019—June 2020) Took orders, served meals, set and cleared tables, and dealt with the exchange of money at a fast-paced restaurant.
TOLL’S PANCAKE GRIDDLE, Paw Paw, MI HOST (June 2018—July 2019) Scheduled reservations and helped manage seating in a popular and busy restaurant.
PAW PAW NORTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Mattawan, MI VOLUNTEER TUTOR (September 2019—Present) Tutor and mentor second and third grade students in reading.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
KALAMAZOO VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE , Texas Twp., MI Associate of Arts degree, expected 2023
PAW PAW CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL , Paw Paw, MI Diploma, 2020
This is an example of a cover letter for a waiter position. Download the waiter cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word) or see below for more examples.
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Waiter Email Letter Example (Text Version)
Damian Finkle 123 Elm Street Albany, NY 12224 555-555-1234 damian.finkle@college.edu
May 16, 2022
John Lee Shift Manager Michael’s Restaurant 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321
Dear Mr. Lee,
Please accept my enthusiastic application for the waiter position you recently advertised on Monster.com. You state that Michael’s Restaurant requires a waiter with experience in the food industry, strong customer service skills, and the ability to work under pressure. I believe I fulfill all of these requirements and am an excellent candidate for the position.
I have an extensive background in the food industry. I worked for two years at a fast-food restaurant. During this time, I gained experience in nearly every aspect of food service. I took orders and served customers their meals, handled the cash register, and performed daily inventory checks. As a waiter for Michael’s Restaurant, I could assist not only in taking orders and serving customers but also in a variety of other capacities in which you might need assistance.
At Riley’s Fast Food Joint, I also interacted with dozens of customers each day; I always made sure to provide clear and thorough answers to questions about our meal options and the cost of items. I know I could bring this friendly, helpful customer service to a position as a waiter at Michael’s Restaurant.
My experience in the food industry and in customer service, and my ability to thrive under pressure make me an excellent candidate for your waiter position.
I have enclosed my resume and will call within the next week to see if we might arrange a time to speak together. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Signature (hard copy letter)
Damian Finkle
When you're applying for a job via email, include your name and the title of the job for which you're applying in the subject line of the message. For example:
Damian Finkle - Waitstaff Position
How to Get Your Resume Noticed
HIGHLIGHT YOUR CREDENTIALS: Emphasize your customer service and waitstaff experience, restaurant industry certifications, and your knowledge of restaurant computer technologies.
SHOWCASE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Quantifying your achievements in previous jobs with numbers or percentages will help make your resume stand out from those of the other job applicants.
TAILOR YOUR RESUME TO THE JOB: Customize your resume for each job to which you are applying so that it focuses on presenting the specific qualifications the employer is seeking.
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