Server Cover Letter Examples & Writing Guide

We reviewed 300+ job ads to uncover what employers really want in a server candidate — and used those insights to create tailored server cover letter examples. Alongside these examples, you’ll find expert tips to help you craft a compelling letter that gets you noticed.

April 24, 2025

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Mid Level

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Entry Level

An example cover letter for a server position by a candidate with no experience.

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Senior Level

An example cover letter for an experienced server.

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Server Cover Letter Template

Copy-paste Server Cover Letter (Text Format)

Entry
Mid
Senior

FIRST AND LAST NAME

Email: your.email@email.com

Phone: (123) 456-7891

Address: Street, City, State

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yourproﬁle

[Today’s Date]

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

Dear [Mr./Mrs./Ms./Mx.] [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am excited to apply for the Server position at The Rustic Table Restaurant. While I am new to the restaurant industry, my background in customer service and my passion for food and hospitality make me a strong candidate for this role. As a recent graduate from Portland Community College with a focus on Hospitality Management, I have developed a solid understanding of the food service industry. My coursework included classes on food safety, customer service, and restaurant operations, providing me with a strong foundation for a career in dining service.

Although I haven’t worked as a server before, I have relevant experience that has prepared me for this role. During my time as a retail associate at Portland Boutique, I honed my customer service skills by assisting customers, handling cash transactions, and resolving customer concerns. This experience taught me the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and providing attentive service, even during busy periods. I also volunteered at several campus events, including formal dinners and receptions, where I assisted with food service and guest relations. These experiences gave me practical insights into food presentation, efficient service, and the importance of teamwork in a dining environment.

I have a keen attention to detail, which is crucial for accurate order-taking and food delivery. My retail experience has given me the physical stamina to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, and my education has provided me with basic knowledge of food safety practices and a commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness. I am also flexible and willing to work various shifts, including evenings and weekends.

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to the exceptional dining experience at The Rustic Table. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications and how I can be an asset to your team.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

[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]

[Today’s Date]

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

Dear [Mr./Mrs./Ms./Mx.] [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Senior Server position at The Golden Fork Restaurant. With over eight years of experience in fine dining establishments, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise in exceptional service and culinary knowledge to your renowned restaurant. Your reputation for innovative cuisine and commitment to creating memorable dining experiences aligns perfectly with my professional goals and passions.

Throughout my career, I have honed my skills in providing top-notch service in fast-paced, high-end environments. In my current role at Chicago’s Michelin-starred Elegance, I have consistently received commendations for my ability to enhance the dining experience through attentive service, extensive wine knowledge, and skillful menu presentation.

My experience extends beyond just serving. I have played a key role in training new staff members, developing service protocols, and contributing to menu development. At my previous position with Urban Plate, I initiated a cross-training program between the kitchen and serving staff, which significantly improved communication and efficiency during service.

I am particularly excited about The Golden Fork’s farm-to-table approach and your rotating seasonal menu. Having worked closely with chefs in my previous roles, I understand the importance of being knowledgeable about ingredients, preparation methods, and flavor profiles. I would be thrilled to share this knowledge with your guests, enhancing their appreciation of your culinary creations.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience align with your needs and to learn more about this exciting opportunity.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Average server salaries in the US

The following table includes information from O*NET Resource Center by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. The data is presented based on the top states by downloads in the USA.

Average server annual salaries by state

State	Salary / Year
California	$34,780
Florida	$29,940
New York	$41,540
Texas	$27,030
Pennsylvania	$29,710
Illinois	$28,030
Ohio	$28,950
Georgia	$23,030
North Carolina	$21,060
Michigan	$35,400
National Average	$30,084

Server cover letter writing tips

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 four tips to write a cover letter that boosts your chances of getting an interview for a server role:

1. Use words and phrases used in server job ads

Job listings for servers most often use these words and phrases to describe the kind of person they want to hire:

Real Job DataTop Keywords from Real Server Job Ads

Data

Keyword	Count
Teamwork	106
Food Safety & Sanitation	69
Knowledge of Menu Items	66
Customer Service	63
Standing for Long Periods	62
Timely Manner	59
High School Diploma	58
Food & Drink	57
Beverage Service	52
Willing to Work Weekends & Holidays	43
POS System	36

Add some of these key phrases and words into your cover letter to show that you’re familiar with the demands of the food service industry.

In addition to using the general terms above, be sure to read the specific job ad carefully. It will highlight the exact qualifications the hiring manager is looking for. Referencing these in your cover letter shows that you understand their needs — an important step in making a strong impression and securing an interview.

2. 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

3. 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.”

4. 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.

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Written by

Samuel Johns

Samuel Johns is a Senior Content Editor and Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) at Resume Genius. In his 6+ years of experience in the careers space, he has helped hundreds of job seekers craft high-quality resumes and cover letters, ace interviews, and land their dream jobs. Born and raised in County Durham, UK, Sam graduated with a bachelor’s degree in French Language and Literature from the University of Bristol, UK in 2013. Samuel’s job-hunt advice has been published in numerous online outlets, including Dollar Sprout, The Enterprisers Project, and Tech Crunch. Feel free to reach out to Samuel through his LinkedIn if you’d like to collaborate. Please note, we don’t accept guest posts and won’t reply to such requests.