Server Cover Letter Example

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.