Each diner matters, and you make sure they know it by taking orders, serving food and drinks, and cheerfully communicating order alterations to kitchen staff. You answer guests’ questions, thanks to your consistent knowledge of new or seasonal items, and can make recommendations.
But how do you share all that value when writing a cover letter and complementary waitress resume so recruiters can see how seriously you take your job? What skills and experience are they looking for?
We’ve got your back with our five waitress cover letter examples created after years of helping people like you. Or check out our free cover letter generator for a cover letter that’s delicious from start to finish!
Copy this text for your waitress cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue
Nashville, TN 37011
(123) 456-7890
September 30, 2023
Olivia Moore
The Pancake Pantry
123 Fictional Lane
Nashville, TN 37011
Dear Ms. Moore,
As a seasoned waitress with a solid eight-year track record and a die-hard fan of southern-style pancakes, I’m confident I’d rock as a part of The Pancake Pantry team. Just like I relish every bite of a well-stacked blueberry pancake, I dig roles that push my multitasking skills and boost my abilities.
During my time at The Loveless Cafe, I sharpened my ability to take swift and correct orders. Using restaurant order software like TouchBistro helped cut order errors by 11%, helping maintain a nice and steady customer satisfaction score of 84%.
On top of that, I’ve got quite an eye for setting up tables and creating a visually pleasing dining atmosphere. This talent notably enhanced the dining experience at The Catbird Seat, another spot I’ve added to my resume, facilitating a 16% increase in tip rate.
But wait, there’s more. among my arsenal of skills is a deft hand at handling trays. Over at Biscuit Love, I frequently carried hefty tray loads without breaking a sweat—or a dish. My nifty tray handling usually lets me serve 12% more tables every shift, bumping up customer service and the overall productivity of our team.
While I’ve learned some priceless lessons from these past roles, I’m psyched to bring my fiery passion for top-notch dining and smooth service to The Pancake Pantry. I look forward to chatting about how my multitasking, precision, and tech savviness could help create a dining experience your patrons will never forget. Thanks for considering me.
Sincerely,
Anika Rao
Enclosures:
Resume
Application
2 letters of recommendation
Any Food Handling Certification
Why this cover letter works
- This waitress cover letter sizzles with excitement and enthusiasm as Olivia narrates her love for southern-style pancakes, then smartly connects savoring these delicacies to some aspects of the role.
- Blow away the recruiter with compelling anecdotes that capture your prowess in fostering business and creating memorable experiences for patrons (Think cutting order errors by 11% and 84% customer satisfaction score). Then, solidify your credibility by highlighting relevant certifications like a Food Handling Certificate.
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Copy this text for your waitress no experience cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96795
(123) 456-7890
September 30, 2023
Mason Lewis
Duke’s Waikiki
123 Fictional Lane
Honolulu, HI 96795
Dear Mr. Lewis,
A fervent admirer of the hospitality industry with a background in fast-paced food service environments, I am pleased to offer my unique skills to Duke’s Waikiki as an entry-level waitress. Being adept in table setting and clearing, mixology, and wine service, I am fired up to deliver exceptional experiences that leave lasting memories for your valued customers.
The diverse and dynamic Royal Hawaiian, where I interned for six months, was a fertile training ground for mastering table setting and clearing. Creatively setting tables and executing expedient table clearing surged the table turnover rate by an impressive 21%. My proficiency with Toast POS software enhanced my efficiency, facilitating a swift and smooth dining experience for our guests.
Volunteering as a bartender at Mai Tai Bar, a beacon of Honolulu’s vibrant nightlife, allowed me to refine and showcase my cocktail creation and service skills. The result? A substantial 23% boost in evening sales. Additionally, honing techniques in properly opening and serving wine and deepening my understanding of various wine varieties delighted connoisseur patrons. This facilitated a robust 26% increase in average wine sales.
I further enriched my customer service skills in a one-year co-op at Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach. By leveraging my bilingual ability in English and Spanish, I fostered a welcoming atmosphere for diverse guests. My knack for understanding customer needs and my trained ability to manage high-stress situations saw a notable uptick of more than 18% in positive guest feedback surveys.
As part of the energetic Duke’s Waikiki team, I bring a well-blended mix of superlative customer service skills, advanced mixology techniques, table setting, clearing expertise, and deftness in wine handling. I look forward to discussing opportunities for these skills to elevate Duke’s Waikiki’s commitment to offering unmatched hospitality experiences. Thank you for considering my application.
Thank you,
Ayodele Obi
Why this cover letter works
- With limited formal experience, let your waitress no experience cover letter brim with enthusiasm for the industry and the hiring establishment while showcasing a proven record of fostering tangible results. Reflect on the value contributed during past internships and volunteer work.
- Transferable skills from other hospitality roles can propel your candidacy ahead of the competitors. An example is the multilingual prowess honed from engaging guests in Waikiki Beach.
Copy this text for your waiter cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue
New York City, NY 38101
(123) 456-7890
March 07, 2024
Noah Kim
Upland
123 Fictional Lane
New York City, NY 38101
Dear Mr. Kim:
The inspiring stories I’ve heard about Upland’s exceptional dining experience for every patron offer a compelling testament to the restaurant’s dedication to quality, hospitality, and integrity. As I pursue a role as a waiter, I’m confident that I can not only adapt to but also enhance the vibrant dynamic of your esteemed establishment.
Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a knack for upselling, most notably premium wine and dessert options at The Capital Grille, leading to a 27% increase in average check value. Such experiences have honed my ability to effectively offer menu recommendations and additional information. Furthermore, my proficiency in various restaurant management software, including Micros RES, OpenTable, and Restaurant365, aligns with the technical skills required for seamless order-taking and delivery.
My tenure at Trinity Place has ingrained in me the importance of teamwork, effective communication, and speedy service—qualities you seek in a candidate. I have consistently received positive customer feedback for my attentiveness, patience, and positive attitude, underscoring my commitment to fostering a pleasurable dining experience.
At Upland, I aim to blend my strong work ethic, proven track record in enhancing customer satisfaction, and ability to multitask food and beverage orders to your restaurant. I can’t wait to discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasm can contribute to your establishment’s continued success and growth.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Alexander Ivanov
Enclosures:
Resume
Application
2 letters of recommendation
Why this cover letter works
- By the end of your waiter cover letter, your knack for sculpting memorable experiences for patrons should be clear. This can be evidenced by excellent communication skills and expedited order-taking and delivery.
- Better yet, recount notable instances when your efforts were acknowledged by happy customers or even your co-workers. This will serve as a stamp of approval for your excellence.
Copy this text for your restaurant waitress cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue
Pittsburg, PA 48111
(123) 456-7890
March 07, 2024
Sophia Smith
Sienna Mercato
789 Fictional Lane
Pittsburg, PA 48111
Dear Ms. Smith:
I’m impressed by Sienna Mercato’s 4.4/5 star rating from over 2,800 customers on Google. The glowing reviews openly shared by your patrons resonate deeply with my commitment to excellence in customer service and hospitality. My resourcefulness in handling challenges, keen awareness of dining trends, and deep understanding of the intricacies of customer service, paired with effective task management, place me in a robust position to uplift your team’s performance and guest satisfaction.
At The Commoner and Kaya, I developed a keen understanding of the nuances of dining service, including preparing custom alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and maintaining an extensive knowledge of menus to educate and assist guests. My ability to exceed sales targets by up to 16% through proactive up-selling and a customer-first attitude was recognized with an employee of the month award. Furthermore, my experience at SHOP ‘n SAVE honed my skills in fast-paced environments, ensuring efficient service without compromising the quality of the customer experience.
I’m particularly drawn to this role because it emphasizes contributing to a pleasant and memorable dining experience, from preparing the room for dining to ensuring the patrons’ needs are met throughout their visit. My track record of maintaining a positive and personable demeanor, complemented by my ability to work collaboratively with kitchen staff to coordinate meal progression, aligns perfectly with your restaurant’s commitment to exceptional service.
Eager to bring my strong work ethic, organizational skills, and passion for customer service to your restaurant, I look forward to discussing further how I can contribute to your team and your unique dining experience.
Thank you for your consideration,
Charlotte Dubois
Enclosures:
Resume
Application
Transcripts
Why this cover letter works
- Referencing the hiring restaurant’s positive customer rating on review websites or Google brings a clever twist to your restaurant waitress cover letter’s introduction.
- First, it shows you did your homework on the establishment, and you value the shared experiences of its patrons, ultimately establishing an instant connection with the hiring manager. Secondly, such a reference acts as a testament to your appreciation of quality service, which could enhance your appeal.
Copy this text for your cocktail waitress cover letter!
123 Fictional Avenue
Detroit, MI 48127
(123) 456-7890
September 30, 2023
James Hill
Punch Bowl Social Detroit
123 Fictional Lane
Detroit, MI 48127
Dear Mr. Hill,
As a local who’s been hearing stories about the decor and vibe at Punch Bowl Social Detroit, I realized that being a mixologist with a way with people, I could put my skills to work in creating great nights out for others. I bring a deep knowledge of mixology, garnishing skills, and a firm grasp of Michigan’s liquor laws that I’m ready to put to work behind your bar. I’m proficient in combining flavors, decorating cocktails, and collaborating with a team to deliver peak evening experiences you can proudly associate with Punch Bowl Social Detroit.
After working at Candy Bar Detroit, where I experimented with bespoke cocktails that eventually spiked sales by 36%, I realized how important it was to understand the nuances of customer’s preferences. Along the way, I strictly adhered to Michigan liquor laws, balancing the establishment’s needs with the enjoyment of its patrons.
My passion for garnishing became apparent when I was at The Sugar House, where my garnishing techniques were noted by patrons and even led to an increase in cocktail orders by up to 18%. The aesthetic appeal of my cocktails didn’t just make them Instagrammable but also increased customer satisfaction by a measurable amount.
Working at a busy bar-top at The Keep, where cocktails flowed like Detroit’s river, I learned to make drinks in sync with my colleague’s banter and the rhythm of the music. My speed and accuracy led to an 11% increase in customer retention rates. This speed and precision would translate directly into satisfying your clientele’s thirst and social needs.
Having racked up experience in mixology, garnishing, and local liquor laws, I believe my role at Punch Bowl Social Detroit would be a winner for both of us. I’m eager to tackle any ordeals, whether it’s a packed night or a tricky cocktail, and you’ll see why once we’ve chatted about the role more. Thank you, and I can’t wait to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Amina Bello
Why this cover letter works
- Your cocktail waitress cover letter should shake and stir your experience and skill set in a potent mix that leaves the hiring manager in awe. See how Amina starts by expressing her admiration for the hiring establishment and her professional expertise.
- Mixology skills, knowledge of local liquor laws, understanding customer preferences, and fostering sales rank high in the skills and wins to outline in your piece. Subtle casualness is acceptable.
Related cover letter examples
How to Format a Waitress Cover Letter
You’ve probably heard plenty about how your resume should line up with the job description, and your cover letter should pair with it just as deliciously! (We mean stuff like not over-selling your deep frying skills to a recruiter seeking a waitress to recommend wine pairings.)
Read the job description thoroughly and look for any of your job skills that overlap with their requirements. Try to match their emphasis when you select your experience points and success stories to share.
Waitress cover letter introduction
Always address your waitress cover letter to someone by name. If the job description doesn’t clearly name the recruiter or hiring manager who’s handling this role, do some added research. (Pulling up a few tabs with company info will help you throughout the rest of your process, too!)
After your formal, personalized greeting, it’s time to create an opening paragraph to grab the reader’s attention and keep them reading.
Connect with the company by aligning with relevant values you might have found in the original job ad or on the company website. Sprinkle in a few of your qualifying skills as you use those values to state why you want to be their next waitress.
Don’t write an overly casual, unprofessional opener like this one, which provides no solid examples of qualifications or a connection to the organization:
Yuck . . .
What’s up,
I’m super excited about this job and I really need it. I can walk really fast and I love food! Let me tell you more about myself.
This one opens much more professionally, offers solid skills, and creates a way more intriguing connection with the actual establishment:
Mmm, that’s better!
Dear Mr. Lewis,
A fervent admirer of the hospitality industry with a background in fast-paced food service environments, I am pleased to offer my unique skills to Duke’s Waikiki as an entry-level waitress. Being adept in table setting and clearing, mixology, and wine service, I am fired up to deliver exceptional experiences that leave lasting memories for your valued customers.
Waitress cover letter body
The body paragraphs in your cover letter are like the main course, guiding the reader through a series of delightful tidbits about your qualifications.
Think of a really impressive experience from your job history and compare it against the job description. Maybe you boosted restaurant ratings with the same attention to detail that caught an easily missed order adjustment. If it aligns with the job requirements, it might just land you the job.
Just keep each paragraph focused on one main success story about the positive impact you left in the industry. Oh, and always provide metrics like customer feedback ratings, sales percentages, or efficiency ratings to give your claims substance.
Example of a well-made body paragraph
During my time at The Loveless Cafe, I sharpened my ability to take swift and correct orders. Using restaurant order software like TouchBistro, I helped cut order errors by 11%, contributing to a nice and steady customer satisfaction score of 84%.
Waitress cover letter closing
Just as you’d ask your diners “Would we care for any desserts this evening?” you’ll need to close off your cover letter with something satisfactory that leaves the reader wanting to come back again. Quickly outline once again why you want the job and how well you’re aligned with it already.
Make sure you add a spritz of desirable traits or skills that connect with the job and the establishment as a whole. And don’t forget your call to action, which should invite further discussion of your waitress qualifications.
And you know how priceless good manners are. Make sure you thank the reader for their time! If you don’t thank them within your closer paragraph, you can use a Thank-you as your signoff. Just make sure that any signoff you use is highly professional, and concludes with your real, full name.
Don’t write a closer like this: we’ve got typos, zero re-connection with the organization, and a completely informal tone and signoff.
Ugh.
Pretty cool, rihgt? Let me know when I can start because I really want to get into restaurant jobs.
See you,
S. johnson
Instead, see how some quick, applicable skills pair with ambition and a connection with the establishment to set off that powerful call to action:
What a well-rounded closer!
Having racked up experience in mixology, garnishing, and local liquor laws, I believe my role at Punch Bowl Social Detroit would be a winner for both of us. I’m eager to tackle any obstacle, whether it’s a packed night or a tricky cocktail, and you’ll see why once we’ve chatted about the role more. Thank you for your time, and I can’t wait to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Amina Bello
Revisit the job description and the business’ website to get a feel for what kind of environment they promote. Whether you write with formal, super-classy wording or a more casual tone should depend on how they sound so that you demonstrate your great fit.
If you can’t find the recipient of your waitress cover letter in the original job post or on their website, look for professional social media accounts. Facebook and LinkedIn are often good sources!
If you have some impressive additions that add value to your application package, yes! Just write “Enclosures:” at the bottom of your letter and list any food safety certifications, professional recommendations from former employers or mentors, etc., that you’ve got up your sleeve.
