From guest seating to payment acceptance, you’re ready to handle any customer-facing tasks to create an excellent dining experience. Customers leave your section satisfied, thanks to your attention to detail and ability to anticipate their needs!
When your server resume is ready, it’s time to accompany it with a cover letter. But what should you include to ensure it sets off your abilities with finesse?
Don’t worry! We’ve helped servers of all levels find their dream jobs. Look at our three server cover letter examples to get things cooking! Or utilize our free cover letter generator to effortlessly create a cover letter, making your application stand out.
Copy this text for your server cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue
San Jose, CA 76208
(123) 456-7890
July 20, 2023
Malik Ahmed
The Cheesecake Factory
123 Fictional Lane
San Jose, CA 76208
Dear Mr. Ahmed:
Passion for delivering exceptional service, a knack for problem-solving, and the ability to thrive in fast-paced environments have shaped my career in providing outstanding guest experiences. With my comprehensive skills in point of sale (POS) systems like Micros, table management software, payment processing, and more, I am confident my abilities will make me a valuable addition to your team.
In my previous role at the Grill on the Alley, my attention to detail and excellent menu and product knowledge enabled me to consistently upsell additional items, leading to a 19% increase in average customer spend. I was also recognized for my ability to anticipate customer needs, resulting in a 97% customer satisfaction rate based on post-service surveys.
Over the years, I have acquired CPR and First Aid Certifications, further enhancing my ability to handle emergencies with professionalism and care. Another of my proudest achievements was implementing a new POS system that resulted in a 33% reduction in average payment processing time.
Cheesecake Factory’s commitment to providing an exceptional dining experience is remarkable, and I believe that my skills and experience align well with your vision. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my qualifications and experience can foster your commitment to excellence. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Sven Andersen
Enclosures:
Resume
2 letters of recommendation
CPR and First Aid Certification
Point of Sale (POS) System Certification
Why this cover letter works
- A recruiter hiring for a server wants someone committed to extending service into hospitality. Let your server cover letter demonstrate your industry-relevant skills doing their magic with numbers.
- A proven ability to sustain sales and high customer satisfaction ratings won’t go unnoticed.
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Copy this text for your restaurant server cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue
Denver, CO 76208
(123) 456-7890
June 20, 2023
Isabella Rossi
The Capital Grille
123 Fictional Lane
Denver, CO 76208
Dear Ms. Rossi:
I’m impressed by The Capital Grille’s reputation for setting standards for upscale dining in Denver. I would be honored to join your team as a restaurant server, using my skills in Micros POS system, menu management software, tableside service equipment, and more to contribute to the continued success of The Capital Grille.
As a previous server at TGI Fridays, I had the privilege of working alongside a well-established team that shared the same passion for exceptional service as I do. While maintaining a 96% customer satisfaction rate, I helped increase dessert sales by 27% by sharing my extensive menu knowledge. Also, my expertise in table management software helped streamline wait times by 17 minutes, increasing table turnover rates.
My belief in leading by example has also led me to excel in working alongside and training new team members. As a certified trainer, my knowledge of POS software empowered new team members to process orders quickly, efficiently handle payments, and provide customers with extraordinary assistance. By the end of each of my training sessions, each new team member had increased KPIs by an average of 23%.
Moreover, I am a proud holder of Allergen Awareness and ServSafe Food Handling certifications. These equipped me with the knowledge and skills to handle allergen concerns and ensure the safety and well-being of guests. Count on me to effectively communicate with diners about allergens and provide appropriate recommendations based on dietary needs.
I’m confident I’ll exceed expectations in developing positive relationships with customers and team members while maintaining the required menu and ingredient knowledge. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me, and I’m happy to discuss how my skills and experience will translate to value at The Capital Grille.
David Kimani
Enclosures:
Resume
2 letters of recommendation
Allergen Awareness Certification
ServSafe Food Handler Certification
Why this cover letter works
- Showing your leadership skills in action and admiration for your potential employer is a welcome move. Don’t forget about customer service and proficiency in relevant systems, though.
- And if you’ve got industry-relevant certifications like Allergen Awareness? Don’t hesitate to highlight a few in your restaurant server cover letter and how they can help in your new role.
Copy this text for your fine dining server cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue
Nashville, TN 76208
(123) 456-7890
July 20, 2023
Ethan Nguyen
Oak Steakhouse
123 Fictional Lane
Nashville, TN 76208
Dear Mr. Nguyen:
I am thrilled to express my interest in the fine dining server role at Oak Steakhouse, where fine dining is elevated to an art form. A service professional with a passion for wine and outstanding tableside service, I am confident I would thrive in this dynamic atmosphere, working among passionate professionals dedicated to providing a sophisticated dining experience.
During my tenure at Sambuca Nashville, I consistently achieved the highest POS system accuracy rate, maintaining a 97% accuracy in processing guest orders. This attention to detail and precision not only enhanced the dining experience for customers but also optimized operational efficiency. Through intensive training and self-study, I have become a certified sommelier, well-versed in pairing exquisite wines with delectable menu offerings. This expertise has resulted in a 17% increase in wine sales at my previous restaurant.
Expertise in tableside service is another asset I would bring to Oak Steakhouse. I am skilled in performing tasks such as carving meats, preparing specialty cocktails, and flambéing dishes. By implementing personalized recommendations and engaging in meaningful interactions, I have consistently achieved an average customer satisfaction rating of 4.8 out of 5.
My proficiency in reservation and guest management software like OpenTable and Resy has been instrumental in optimizing operations and enhancing the overall guest experience. Leveraging these platforms, I seamlessly managed table availability, streamlined reservations, and optimized seating arrangements to maximize efficiency. At Sambuca Nashville, I implemented a new reservation system that reduced wait times by 31% and increased guest satisfaction scores by an average of 42%.
The opportunity to bring my skills and experience to Oak Steakhouse and contribute to its reputation as a premier dining destination couldn’t be more exciting. I believe my dedication to exceptional service and my ability to create memorable dining experiences align perfectly with your restaurant’s values. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing further how I can contribute to Oak Steakhouse’s success.
Sincerely,
Maya Patel
Why this cover letter works
- Hard skills like wine knowledge, POS systems, guest management, and sophisticated dining complemented with numbers stand out in a fine dining server cover letter.
- Soft skills like customer service and communication keep guests returning, and those sales and rating figures going up. Show soft skills in action to empower your job prospects.
Related cover letter examples
How to Write A Delicious Server Cover Letter
Just like when a customer orders a specific dish, you’ll want to take note of any special requirements in the job description. You wouldn’t bring someone baked fish if they ordered a burger, and you wouldn’t emphasize your software skills while applying for a personality-focused server role, either!
Read the job description, and then read it again. Look for any key focal points: Is efficiency at the top of the list? Is the establishment more focused on company culture and atmosphere? Tailor your story’s focus to the job listing for a stellar cover letter.
Writing the greeting and introduction
Make sure you address your letter to a person, not just a title. Do your research and find out whether you’re addressing your server cover letter to a hiring manager, a recruiter, or even your potential new boss.
Establish a connection with the company, too. Do they emphasize values like a warm customer experience, or are they more focused on efficiency? Make sure you immediately address something about the job role you have in common.
State why you’re a good fit, too! Many people neglect this detail, but it can really help to pull your opener together.
Always avoid being too informal, sloppy, or vague—like in this opener that doesn’t even address what the applicant can do or how it’ll help!
Oof!
I’d love to work for your company. After years in fast food I built up lots of skills that would work well in a sit-down restaurant, too.
On the other hand, here’s a professional-looking greeting and a tasteful compliment for the company. Then the applicant follows up with specific skills that will benefit the establishment, which they address by name!
Here’s one that works!
Dear Ms. Rossi:
I’m impressed by The Capital Grille’s reputation for setting standards for upscale dining in Denver. I would be honored to join your team as a restaurant server, using my skills in Micros POS system, menu management software, tableside service equipment, and more to contribute to the continued success of The Capital Grille.
Writing the body paragraphs
Each body paragraph in your server cover letter should address one primary accomplishment you’ve earned throughout your history as a server. You don’t have room to ramble since you’ll be competing with other applications, so cut straight to your credentials and success stories!
Focus on stories that cover plenty of ground concisely. How did you demonstrate alignment with the company’s vision? How did you help improve metrics such as profit boosts or increased sales from the seasonal menu?
Show that you align yourself with the values displayed at the company where you’re applying. If your goal role is at a restaurant focusing on a laid-back community culture, focus more on how you helped people. If you’re applying to an establishment that emphasizes a classy, upscale atmosphere, share stories of how you upheld professionalism.
Here’s a good body paragraph example
Expertise in tableside service is another asset I would bring to Oak Steakhouse. I am skilled in performing tasks such as carving meats, preparing specialty cocktails, and flambéing dishes. By implementing personalized recommendations and engaging in meaningful interactions, I have consistently achieved an average customer satisfaction rating of 4.8 out of 5.
Finishing, closing, and signing your cover letter
Your closing paragraph should give your server cover letter a sense of completion, just like a perfect dessert special. Tie all your previous points together with fresh wording to reinforce the qualifying traits that make you a great server.
Share how skills like multitasking, efficiency, wine pairings, and active listening align with the establishment’s mission statement. If you have any super impressive qualifications, like delivering excellent tableside service during a prestigious event, mention how this qualifies you for your dream job.
Don’t forget a call to action inviting the reader to contact you again for additional materials. Include a “thank you” somewhere in there, too, alongside your call to action. (You can thank the reader for their time either in your closing paragraph or your signoff phrase.)
Just make sure you don’t leave things vague and informal, like in this example:
Oh boy . . .
As you can see, I’m beyond qualified to work for you because I’ve waited on a lot of tables. I’ve done register too at plenty of places. Let me know if you want to hire me.
-Rob
Demonstrate your excitement about the role and display confidence without overdoing it before ending with a professional signoff and your real, full name.
This one’s a winner!
I’m confident I’ll exceed expectations in developing positive relationships with customers and team members while maintaining the required menu and ingredient knowledge. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me, and I’m happy to discuss how my skills and experience will translate to value at The Capital Grille.
David Kimani
Where can I find who to address this thing to?!
Don’t worry! There are plenty of places you can look. Sometimes the job ad has the recruiter or hiring manager’s name listed; if not, you can always check the company website or even do some digging on LinkedIn or Glassdoor.
Do I include my address?
In the past, applicants were usually expected to list their addresses on their cover letters. It’s more important to include the recipient’s address in your server cover letter than it is to write out your own. After all, you’ll be working at their restaurant!
What should my writing tone sound like?
This one depends entirely on the type of establishment you’re applying to! Just like you’ll tailor your cover letter’s stories to the company culture displayed in the job description and company web pages, you’ll want to match your writing tone to theirs.
