Like the perfect meal, a good cover letter should have flavor and balance. When applying to be a server, you want a cover letter that’s appetizing to potential employers.
With a captivating server cover letter, you can show a restaurant manager why you’re the right person to join their team.
Server full text-only cover letter example
03/01/22
Dear Mr. Sixsmith,
Growing up in the shadow of my parents’ Italian restaurant has taught me that a visit to a restaurant is about the service as well as the food. The food might be amazing, but if served late or with a surly attitude, the customer experience is vastly diminished.
I am in my second year of a hospitality management degree and am looking for a server role in a top-tier establishment. Having perfected my skills at two smaller restaurants, the experience of working where the expectations are sky high would be useful for my studies and my personal experience. I was the youngest server at both my previous employers – I am a quick learner (awarded server of the month four times a year on average).
My passion for hospitality has given me a curiosity about customer satisfaction. As a server, I am constantly seeking to understand how different customer needs can be exceeded and how each table demands an individual approach. Servers need a sixth sense to understand how to provide the best possible dining experience. I am a keen student of restaurant ambiance and having been a customer at your restaurant many times I would be keen to discuss just how I might fit in with your outstanding team of servers.
With six years of experience serving between 120-140 covers per 8-hour shift, my ability to manage the workflow between back and front ends of the restaurant helps me to ensure a smooth service for customers whilst eliminating miscommunications with colleagues. I consistently scored 95%+ on menu knowledge and my wine sales were consistently the highest amongst my colleagues.
I would value the opportunity of an interview or a trial shift to demonstrate what a great addition I would be to your team.
Sincerely,
Tamara Halter
Sections of a server cover letter
Servers can make a good impression on guests with a smile and a friendly attitude. Similarly, you can impress a hiring manager with an expertly crafted cover letter.
Follow this standard structure to show off your skills and experience in the service industry.
- Cover letter header. Use a professional header with your name, contact information, and the date.
- Greeting. Think of the greeting as your first interaction with a new table. Aim to make a connection by addressing the hiring manager, using their full name if you know it.
- Introduction. Get the recruiter’s attention with some unique details about yourself. Explain why you’d make a great addition to the front-of-house team.
- Body. In the body, discuss your previous restaurant experience and your relevant skills, like customer service.
- Conclusion. Close your letter by restating your qualifications and encouraging the hiring manager to contact you for an interview.
- Signature. Sign off with a professional salutation and your full name.
Keep your cover letter to one page and focus on your core qualifications. Hook the recruiter by explaining how your experience and skills will make you an essential part of the restaurant’s wait staff.
If you need some more inspiration, check out these related cover letter examples from our collection:
For some additional help, check out our comprehensive guide on how to write a cover letter.
Once you’ve created your header and addressed the hiring manager, it’s time to wow them with your introduction.
Introduction of a server cover letter
In the first few seconds of communication with a customer, you can make them feel excited to be dining in the restaurant. The same goes for your cover letter introduction. Whet the hiring manager’s appetite by giving them a taste of how you can benefit their establishment as a server.
There are several ways to create an attention-grabbing introduction, but an interesting anecdote, relevant fact, or impressive achievement can all do the trick.
Dear Rebecca Langdon,
With over four years of experience providing exceptional service in fast-paced environments, I’m thrilled to apply for the server position at the Golden Fork Bistro. In my previous position, I consistently ranked as one of the top servers in guest satisfaction. I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my customer service skills to your establishment.
Hi there,
My name is Tiffany, and I saw this job posted online, so I’m applying. I have worked in restaurants for four years, and I’m sure I can learn the ropes quickly.
The goal of this section is to provide enough information to make the recruiter interested in reading the rest of your cover letter.
Your introduction can also help you showcase your personality and stand out from other candidates.
Dear Mr. Sixsmith,
Growing up in the shadow of my parents’ Italian restaurant has taught me that a visit to a restaurant is about the service as well as the food. The food might be amazing, but if served late or with a surly attitude, the customer experience is vastly diminished.
Server cover letter body
In the body of your cover letter for a server job, follow this template:
- Emphasize your relevant hospitality experience
- Describe how you can use your skills to represent the establishment and provide great service
- End with a strong conclusion that summarizes your qualifications
- Include a call to action that inspires a recruiter to contact you
First body paragraph: your suitability for the role (skills & experience)
It’s time to dive into the work experience, skills, and training that make you an ideal server for a new restaurant. Emphasize the relevant attributes and qualifications you can bring to the table.
In the body, consider highlighting these skills and experiences:
- Discuss your ability to learn and retain menu information. Servers need to know a restaurant’s menu front and back. Explain how you use this knowledge to make informed recommendations and answer customers’ questions about ingredients, preparation, and other details.
- Explain your customer service philosophy. A hiring manager wants to know that you understand the importance of delivering excellent service. Describe your customer-focused mindset and provide specific examples of times you went above and beyond for guests.
- Describe your experience handling payments. Explain your familiarity with point-of-sale systems and your ability to handle different payment methods, including cash and credit cards.
- Draw attention to certifications you’ve earned. If you have relevant certifications in food safety or beverage training, mention them in your cover letter. These credentials show you’re knowledgeable about the industry and up-to-date on current trends.
- Emphasize your ability to work as part of a team. Everyone working in a restaurant—from dishwashers to servers to cooks—needs to work together to deliver top-notch experiences for guests. Share examples of how you’ve used your teamwork skills to improve efficiency or streamline communication.
Use the STAR method to organize your previous experiences into concise anecdotes that highlight how you provide excellent customer service. Following this method, you describe a situation, the task required, your action, and the positive result you achieved. Choose anecdotes that most closely mirror the situations you’ll face in this new restaurant.
Second body paragraph(s): alignment with the organization
In the second paragraph, discuss your potential contributions to the new restaurant. Tailor this paragraph to each establishment where you apply.
To customize your cover letter for a server position, research the restaurant to learn more about it. Browse its website, follow its social media accounts, and dine there in person if you can. Use this information to explain how you can meet the restaurant’s unique needs.
For example, if you’re applying to be a server at Olive Garden, you may use some of this information from the company’s website:
- Over 900 restaurants in the United States
- Dedicated to fighting hunger in the communities it serves
- Restaurants are more than teams, they’re family
- A spirit of Italian generosity
By including these details in your cover letter, you show a hiring manager that you understand the restaurant’s goals and values. This knowledge can make you a valuable part of the service team.
I am in my second year of a hospitality management degree and am looking for a server role in a top-tier establishment. Having perfected my skills at two smaller restaurants, the experience of working where the expectations are sky high would be useful for my studies and my personal experience. I was the youngest server at both my previous employers – I am a quick learner (awarded server of the month four times a year on average).
My passion for hospitality has given me a curiosity about customer satisfaction. As a server, I am constantly seeking to understand how different customer needs can be exceeded and how each table demands an individual approach. Servers need a sixth sense to understand how to provide the best possible dining experience. I am a keen student of restaurant ambiance and having been a customer at your restaurant many times I would be keen to discuss just how I might fit in with your outstanding team of servers.
With six years of experience serving between 120-140 covers per 8-hour shift, my ability to manage the workflow between back and front ends of the restaurant helps me to ensure a smooth service for customers whilst eliminating miscommunications with colleagues. I consistently scored 95%+ on menu knowledge and my wine sales were consistently the highest amongst my colleagues.
Call to action & conclusion: end on a strong note
End your cover letter on a positive note to increase your chances of hearing back. Express your enthusiasm for the position and briefly restate your top qualifications for the server position.
In your closing paragraph, you should also create a call to action that invites the hiring manager to get in touch with you. Thank the employer for taking the time to review your application.
Finally, use an appropriate salutation, such as “sincerely” or “best,” and sign off with your name to close the letter.
I would value the opportunity of an interview or a trial shift to demonstrate what a great addition I would be to your team.
Sincerely,
Tamara Halter
How to write a server cover letter with no experience
If you’ve never worked in a restaurant before, focus on your transferable skills and highlight your eagerness to work in the industry.
Follow these tips to write a great server cover letter with no experience:
- Emphasize customer service skills. While you may not have serving experience, consider other jobs where you’ve used customer service skills. Discuss your philosophy of providing excellent service and explain how you can use these skills to succeed in your new role.
- Showcase teamwork and adaptability. Servers work as part of a team, so highlight times when you’ve collaborated with others. Discuss your ability to adapt quickly and stay calm in fast-paced environments.
- Highlight your organizational skills. A server often juggles multiple tasks, so provide examples of times when you’ve balanced different priorities. Explain how you use your organizational skills to stay focused and work efficiently.
- Discuss volunteer experience. If you’ve ever worked at events or served food in a volunteer capacity, discuss this experience in your cover letter. Volunteering shows initiative and indicates you have an idea of what to expect in a professional setting.
With these tips, you can connect your past experience to the new role and help hiring managers see why you’re a good candidate for the job.
Master the ATS
Some restaurants may use applicant tracking system (ATS) software to review resumes. The ATS ranks resumes by keywords, so it benefits you to include these words and phrases in your cover letter. Read through the job description and highlight potential keywords you can use in your letter.
For a server job, these are some common keywords:
- Customer service
- Hospitality
- Fast-paced environment
- Time management
- Communication
Key takeaways
A successful server cover letter should emphasize your ability to provide quality service, connect with guests, and work as part of a team. In your cover letter, include specific examples and anecdotes to show you can create positive dining experiences.
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