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!
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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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.
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.
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.
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 Write Your Ideal 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.
Writing a personable greeting and 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.
Writing the body paragraphs
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%.
Closing and signing off your waitress cover letter
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.
