Server Cover Letter Example

Text Format

[Today’s Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[341 Company Address]
[Company City, State XXXXX]
[(XXX) XXX-XXXX]
[hiring.manager@gmail.com]

Dear [Mr./Mx./Ms.] [Manager’s Name],

I’m writing to you today to apply for the position of server at (Company Name), which I saw posted on a job board at (Website Name). With a BA in Culinary Art, more than seven years of experience in the food service industry in a variety of establishments, and exceptional hospitality skills to complement this experience, I am confident in my abilities to perform this role and become a central element to your team.

I have proven my ability to manage the workflow of both the back and front end of many restaurants, evidenced by my ability to consistently earn high customer satisfaction ratings on all take-home surveys. This has been a major aspect of my success throughout my career. In my present role of server at Riverside Restaurant, I have demonstrated strong leadership qualities while supervising the staff in a manner which adheres to the restaurant’s ideals and image. I have also memorized the wine list and their appropriate entrée pairings, which resulted in monthly sales 10% above company average.

Furthermore, I’ve also gained extensive knowledge and insights into providing outstanding customer services by anticipating customer needs. Having previously worked at Carrabba’s Italian Grill as a trainee server, I became proficient in handling the concerns of less satisfied patrons by ensuring that they never left the restaurant without resolving any issues they had.

My resume is enclosed, and will give you further insight into my skill sets, accomplishments, and experience in this sector. I look forward to discussing my application with you further.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Server Cover Letter Tips

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 thrive in a fast-paced environment, you’re exactly what restaurant managers look for in a server.

Pair your server resume with a well-written cover letter to prove you’re the right person for the job.

Follow these three tips to write a server cover letter that boosts your chances of getting an interview:

1. Highlight your server skills

Servers take care of their tables by seating customers, taking orders, and explaining menu items. So restaurants and establishments seek people committed to providing exceptional customer service.

Highlight essential server skills in your cover letter to show employers you’re a well-rounded candidate who can manage numerous tables while maintaining a friendly, professional demeanor.

For example, communication skills and problem-solving skills are vital soft skills for creating a successful dining experience and interacting with both patrons and kitchen staff.

Here’s a list of key server skills to highlight in your cover letter:

Attention to detail
Patience
People skills
Interpersonal skills
Time management skills
Multitasking
Prioritization
Problem-solving skills
Conflict resolution
Memorization
Sales skills
Adaptability
High level of energy
Physical stamina
Cleanliness
Professional demeanor
Ability to remain calm under stressful situations
Basic math
Point of sale (POS) systems
Knowledge of health and safety protocols for handling food

2. Open with a strong introduction

For people seeking part- or full-time work with minimal technical requirements, server jobs are a great place to start. But because there are few formal requirements, you can expect many others to be competing for the same position.

Knowing how to start your cover letter in an attention-grabbing way ensures your job application gets noticed because it makes sure restaurant managers are curious about your application.

Here’s how to write a server cover letter introduction that’s sure to impress:

Show your excitement for the job opportunity. Someone who’s genuinely excited to work for a company is likely to maintain a high level of energy and a positive attitude during their shifts. For example, “As an attentive server who takes pride in providing positive dining experiences, I’m confident in being able to uphold your standards to ensure your customers receive outstanding service.”
Lead with an achievement to highlight your server skills. Doing so sums up your qualifications and shows employers why you’re a great fit. For example, “I have proven my ability to manage the workflow of both the back and front end of many restaurants, evidenced by my ability to consistently earn high customer satisfaction ratings on all take-home surveys.”
Quantify your skills to make your accomplishments more impactful. For example, “Seated patrons, presented menu items, and provided food and beverage recommendations in a 47 seat restaurant.”

3. Emphasize your people skills

As a restaurant server, you’ll meet new faces daily. While serving food and beverages to patrons, various stressful situations may arise.

So restaurant managers need to know you have the people skills to engage with different personalities and navigate challenging customer interactions.

Emphasize your people skills in your cover letter to show employers you’re committed to driving a phenomenal customer service experience for patrons.

For example, state your experience resolving all issues in a professional manner and how you consistently maintained an average tip percentage of over 20% at your last job.