Having a good Waiter/Waitress cover letter is the key to landing the Waiter/Waitress job you want. It’s an important part of the job search process and serves to express your interest in the role and highlight why you’re a good candidate. But writing a compelling cover letter isn’t easy. To help you out, we’ve put together cover letter examples and templates you can use.
Cover Letter for Waiter/Waitress Examples
Cover letters can be formal or casual, depending on the type of establishment you’re applying to. Let’s look at examples of both and provide templates you can use the next time you apply for a Waiter/Waitress job.
Casual cover letter example
Obviously, both casual and upscale establishments employ individuals in the Waiters/Waitresses role and task them with taking orders and delivering food to patrons. When applying for a position in a more casual restaurant, a casual cover letter that’s friendly in nature can help you express your positive attitude and enthusiasm for the job. You can check out how we did this in the cover letter example below.
[Your Name, Address, City, State, Phone Number, Email Address]
[Hiring Manager Name, Establishment Name, Address]
Dear, [Hiring Manager Name],
Thank you for giving me a chance to apply for the Waiter/Waitress role at [Establishment Name]. I have [two years] of experience in the Waiter/Waitress role and am skilled in taking orders and delivering dishes to customers. I enjoy working with people and always try to make customers feel valued. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you and am eager to bring my enthusiasm and skills to [Establishment Name] if hired.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Formal cover letter example
If you’re applying for the Waiter/Waitress role in an upscale or fine dining establishment, you need a more professional cover letter. In this case, you can use the letter to showcase your professionalism and highlight what qualifies you for the role. When writing it, you can use the formal cover letter example below as a template.
[Your Name, Address, City, State, Phone Number, Email Address]
[Hiring Manager Name, Establishment Name, Address]
Dear Mr./Mrs. [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to you to express my interest in the Waiter/Waitress position at [Establishment Name]. I have over [four years] of experience working in the hospitality industry, two of which I have spent in the Waiter/Waitress role. I am highly skilled in taking orders, delivering dishes and ensuring customer satisfaction in restaurant and café environments.
I previously worked as a Waiter/Waitress at [Previous Establishment Name] and [Previous Establishment] name. Throughout my career, I was tasked with taking orders, serving food and working together with kitchen teams.
I take pride in providing excellent customer service and always strive to create exceptional dining experience for customers. I am used to working in a fast-paced environment and can handle multiple tasks at once.
Additionally, I am dedicated to following all food safety and sanitation regulations and taking extra care to ensure the food is safe for customers to consume.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
How To Write a Waiter/Waitress Cover Letter in 3 Steps
If you decide to use a Waiter/Waitress cover letter example from this post, it’s important to personalize it and adjust it to your specific situation.
When applying for a job at an establishment, you can also examine their Waiter/Waitress job description closely and make sure to include the key skills that show you’re a strong candidate for it. Keep an eye on Server job listings as well, as the terms Waiter/Waitress and Server are often used interchangeably.
Below, we’ll show you how to write a compelling cover letter for a Waiter/Waitress job in three simple steps.
Step 1 – Write an Engaging Introduction to Your Cover Letter
When writing a cover letter, it’s important to use the opening paragraph to inform the Restaurant Owner or Hiring Manager about who you are and what you do. Here, you can also express why you enjoy working as a Waiter/Waitress and why you’re interested in the role.
The beginning of your cover letter should be all about leaving a strong first impression and giving them a reason to consider you for the job.
Step 2 – Show Why You Are a Good Fit for the Role
The Hiring Manager will get a chance to see your employment history on your resume. Your cover letter can discuss this in more detail and show how the skills you’ve obtained in those positions can transfer to the role.
To be viewed as a good Waiter/Waitress candidate, make sure to list strong work ethic, exceptional service, interpersonal skills and multitasking skills as your strengths. Depending on your previous employment, you can also include the key duties and responsibilities you took on in the past.
When applying for positions in upscale restaurants, mentioning Mise en Place and other techniques associated with fine dining can also help you land the job.
Since the Waiter/Waitress role is an entry-level one, you can apply for it even if you don’t have experience in the hospitality industry. In that case, you can list any transferable skills you have, such as customer service skills.
Step 3 – Show Why You Are a Good Fit for the Role
You can use the final section of your cover letter to thank the Hiring Manager for their consideration and express your genuine enthusiasm for working at their establishment.
Lastly, consider including references from your former employers and mentioning that they’re attached in your email.
Pair Your Cover Letter with a Resume
Your job application should include both a Waiter/Waitress cover letter and a resume. Besides our cover letter examples from this post, we also have Waiter/Waitress resume examples and templates you can use. There, you should include more details about your previous employment, such as job title and dates, as well as education history.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Waitress Cover Letter
Crafting an effective cover letter requires attention to detail and awareness of common pitfalls. By avoiding these mistakes, you can enhance the quality of your application and increase your chances of securing an interview.
Common Mistakes:
- Generic content: Avoid using a one-size-fits-all cover letter. Tailor your letter to the specific restaurant and role to demonstrate genuine interest.
- Repetition of resume: Instead of reiterating your resume, use the cover letter to highlight unique experiences and skills that align with the job requirements.
- Lack of keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and catch the hiring manager’s attention.
- Overly formal or informal tone: Maintain a professional yet approachable tone, reflecting the establishment’s culture.
- Neglecting proofreading: Ensure your cover letter is free from grammatical errors and typos, as these can reflect poorly on your attention to detail.
By being mindful of these common mistakes, you can create a compelling cover letter that effectively showcases your suitability for the Waitress position.
Tailoring Tips by Restaurant Type
When applying for Waitress positions, tailoring your cover letter to match the restaurant’s style and culture can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview. Different restaurant types have distinct expectations for their staff, and your cover letter should reflect your understanding of those requirements.
- Fine Dining:
- Emphasize experience in high-end establishments, familiarity with wine pairings, and knowledge of upscale customer service etiquette.
- Mention any formal training or certifications related to fine dining, such as sommelier certifications or etiquette courses.
- Casual Dining:
- Highlight your ability to work in fast-paced environments while maintaining excellent customer service.
- Focus on multitasking, efficiency, and your experience with handling large volumes of customers.
- Bars and Pubs:
- Showcase your ability to engage with patrons and foster a lively atmosphere.
- Mention any knowledge of cocktails, beer, and bar-related POS systems.
- Cafés:
- Emphasize attention to detail, knowledge of coffee preparation, and excellent time management for quick service.
- Mention experience with breakfast and brunch service, if applicable.
By tailoring your cover letter to the restaurant’s unique environment, you demonstrate that you’ve taken the time to understand their needs and are genuinely interested in the role.
Conclusion
Armed with these killer Waitress Cover Letter Templates, you’re now ready to transform your application game. No more generic letters that blend into the background – it’s time to craft a cover letter that truly reflects your unique skills and passion for hospitality.
Whether you’re eyeing a laid-back café or a fast-paced fine dining spot, these templates are your secret weapon to cutting through the noise and getting noticed. Embrace the power of personalization, avoid the common pitfalls and let your cover letter be the spark that ignites your career.
FAQ About Waitress Cover Letter
A standout cover letter is personal, tailored to the specific restaurant, and highlights your unique skills and experiences. It should speak directly to the job description and demonstrate your enthusiasm for hospitality while avoiding generic language.
Aim for a conversational yet respectful tone. Use clear, straightforward language that reflects your personality, and match the tone of the establishment. For upscale spots, lean more formal; for casual venues, feel free to be more relaxed and approachable.
Absolutely. Even if you’re new to waitressing, emphasize transferable skills such as customer service, multitasking, and communication. Highlight any relevant volunteer work or part-time jobs that demonstrate your ability to thrive in fast-paced environments.
Avoid generic statements, excessive repetition of your resume, and typos or grammatical errors. Don’t overuse buzzwords—focus on specific examples that show your strengths. Tailor your letter to the job, ensuring that each sentence adds value to your application.
Start with a compelling opening that showcases your enthusiasm and directly addresses the challenges or needs of the establishment. Use strong action words and a confident tone to quickly convey why you’re the best candidate for the job, ensuring your first impression is both engaging and memorable.
Written by Mitko Terziev
With over eight years of experience in the field, Mitko is a seasoned content specialist who has penned thousands of articles covering a wide array of topics. Before writing, he spent a few months working as a Bartender in one of the best bars in his hometown. In his free time, Mitko enjoys immersing himself in the worlds of gaming and nature.
Reviewed by Marcy Miniano
Marcy is an editor and writer with a background in public relations and brand marketing. Throughout her nearly decade-long career, she has honed her skills in crafting content and helping build brands across various industries — including restaurant and hospitality, travel, tech, fashion and entertainment.
