You’ve found a Chef job you want to apply for, and it’s now time to write a Chef cover letter that’ll boost your chances of getting hired. However, you may be lacking ideas on how to structure it and what to include. To help you out, we came up with several different cover letter examples and templates you can use.
Cover Letter Examples for a Chef
Cover letters are usually categorized into two groups – formal and casual. If you want to become a Chef, the choice between these two options depends on the type of restaurant you’re applying at. Let’s look at examples of both and help you nail your next Chef cover letter.
Casual cover letter
If you’re applying for a Chef job in a casual or family-owned restaurant, you can opt for a more casual and therefore friendly cover letter. This approach will help you land a role in establishments that value personality and enthusiasm more than formality and a high level of professionalism.
Of course, this doesn’t mean your application letter should be unprofessional. You should still use polite language and a respectful tone. You can look at how we tackled this in the Chef cover letter example below.
[Your Name, Address, City, State, Phone Number, Email Address, Date]
[Hiring Manager Name, Restaurant Name, Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name]
I’m writing to express my interest in the Chef position at [Restaurant Name]. I have worked in the culinary industry for over [six years], with one year of experience as a [Pastry Chef].
As someone with a passion for cooking, I’m excited about the opportunity to join and manage a new kitchen team.
I’m passionate about creating new dishes and delivering exceptional dining experiences to patrons. I thrive in collaborative environments and believe a kitchen team is like a family.
At my last job at [Restaurant Name] in the [Pastry Chef] role, I was tasked with dessert preparation, plating and menu planning. I collaborated closely with the rest of the kitchen staff to ensure our desserts complement the overall dining experience for patrons and meet the standards of the restaurant.
Thank you for considering my application. I’m excited about the opportunity to work at [Restaurant Name].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Formal cover letter
While a friendly cover letter may be suitable for casual restaurants, most Chef positions you’ll find when hunting for a job will be in larger and upscale restaurants that value professionalism. This is especially the case if you’re interested in higher-ranking Chef roles such as the one of a Head Chef or the one of an Executive Chef.
In a more formal Chef cover letter, it’s important to showcase your professionalism and highlight your qualifications. This will give the Hiring Manager more reason to look at your resume and consider you for the role. To do so, you can use the formal Chef cover letter template below.
[Your Name, Address, City, State, Phone Number, Email Address]
[Hiring Manager Name, Restaurant Name, Address]
Dear Mr./Mrs. [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the Chef position at [Restaurant Name]. With over [14 years] of experience in the culinary industry, I believe my extensive background and passion for cooking make me a strong candidate for this role.
During my employment at [Previous Restaurant Name], I spent over [five years] in the [Sous Chef] position. I was tasked with assisting the Head Chef in ensuring high standards of food quality, menu development and managing kitchen staff. In their absence, I also led the kitchen team myself.
While working as a [Sous Chef], I developed exceptional culinary skills, organizational skills, an eye for detail and a strong ability to lead a team in the kitchen environment.
Throughout my career, I have obtained several Chef certifications, all of which are listed in my resume. While completing those programs, I received formal training in food safety regulations and key sanitation practices.
I am excited about the opportunity to work at [Restaurant Name] and admire its reputation for innovation and quality. I am eager to bring the skills I have developed over the years to your admired restaurant.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my expertise aligns with your needs. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
How To Write a Cover Letter for a Chef Job in 3 Steps
While the Hiring Manager can learn more about your skills and culinary experience from your resume, a cover letter gives you a chance to discuss them in more detail and express your desire to work at the restaurant you’re applying at.
When writing your Chef cover letter, you can use the templates we provided above but make sure to adjust them to your specific situation. Here’s how to do so in three simple steps.
Step 1 – Write an Engaging Cover Letter Introduction
As you’ve seen in each Chef cover letter sample we provided above, it’s important to start with a strong elevator pitch. In the professional world, this means answering the “What do you do?” question.
This is where you’ll get a chance to make a strong first impression without even meeting the Hiring Manager in person. Use it to summarize your skills, work experience and passion for working as a Chef.
Step 2 – Highlight What Makes You a Good Fit for the Role
While Restaurant Owners and Hiring Managers pick all their employees carefully, they tend to be even more cautious when hiring a Chef. After all, the person they hire will play the key role in delivering tasty dishes and supervising the rest of their team. This is especially the case if they’re hiring a Head Chef or an Executive Chef.
To ensure they view you as a desirable candidate, you can use your cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experience. Discuss your food preparation skills, culinary expertise and cooking techniques you’ve mastered. Depending on your previous roles, you can also mention any culinary creations and innovative dishes you’ve created.
When applying for a Chef role, it’s also important to touch on your leadership skills and ability to work in a team. If your previous role saw you supervising a kitchen team, make sure to mention the key responsibilities you had.
You can also use your letter to point at any Chef certifications you’ve obtained and show that you have the knowledge to deliver food that is safe to consume.
Before writing your cover letter, it’s important to take a closer look at their Chef job description and think about how your skills align with what they’re looking for. The job description will give you a better idea of what kind of effect your letter will have.
Step 3 – A closing invitation
When writing a compelling cover letter, it’s important to thank the Hiring Manager for the time they took to read your cover letter and for considering you for the role. You should also reiterate your interest in working at their restaurant by using phrases such as “I’m excited to,” “I look forward to” or I’m eager to.”
After you do this, don’t forget to proofread the entire letter and make sure everything is ready for you to hit the send button.
Pair Your Cover Letter with a Resume
Your cover letter for Chef should also be accompanied by a well-put-together resume. That’s where the Hiring Manager will be able to see all the key details about your previous employment and quickly go through your culinary expertise. You can use one of our Chef resume templates to make sure you include all the important information.
