If you’re a chef de partie, also sometimes called a line cook, you may be wondering why you need a cover letter. Shouldn’t your kitchen skills be enough to land you your next job? While your ability to make great sauces and perfectly cook a steak are what will carry you to success as a chef de partie, you may not even get the opportunity to show off your strengths if you can’t clearly articulate them in your cover letter first.
If you’re ready to whip up a great chef de partie cover letter, we’re here to help. At Resume.io we’re experts in crafting cover letters that stand out to employers and help you land your next job – no matter where you are in your career. Here’s what we’ll cover in this chef de partie resume example and writing guide:
- How to choose the best cover letter format and what paragraphs the cover letter should include
- How to maximize the effect of each cover letter paragraph (header, greeting, intro, body and conclusion)
- What approach to take when writing your cover letter
- What mistakes to avoid when writing your chef de partie cover letter.
If you’re applying to multiple jobs, you might want to take a look at our collection of free cover letter examples, complete with sample sentences and formatting suggestions.
Best format for a chef de partie cover letter
Understanding the format of your chef de partie cover letter before you begin to write will help you craft a more efficient, more convincing cover letter. While cover letters are a bit more freeform than CVs, there are still clear guidelines to follow when deciding what to include.
Here are the essential sections which can also be found on our chef de partie cover letter sample:
- The cover letter header
- The greeting / salutation
- The cover letter intro
- The middle paragraphs (body of the letter)
- The ending paragraph of your cover letter (conclusion and call-to-action)
Your chef de partie cover letter needn’t be too long. In fact, 250-400 words is generally considered enough to convey your skills and convince the employer that you can handle a busy Saturday night shift. Each sentence should serve to paint a picture of why you’re the ideal candidate for the role.
To start, make sure to read the job description and think critically about the job you are applying for. Is this a family-style buffet or a high-end restaurant in a hotel? Will you be responsible for just one section or asked to take on a more comprehensive role? What is the restaurant’s signature dish? How many diners will you serve on a typical night?
These questions will allow you to get a better feel for the job and thus tailor your chef de partie cover letter accordingly. If you’re looking for more formatting suggestions, check out our comprehensive guide to cover letter writing.
You can also find more inspiration in our chef de partie cover letter sample below:
Dear Mr. Micheals,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Chef de Partie role currently open at The Dorchester hotel. With over 5 years of experience as a line cook and junior sous chef at Michelin-starred restaurants in London, I am confident I have developed the necessary skills to be successful in this position.
In my current role as Chef de Partie at The Stafford Leeds, I have honed my abilities in French cuisine and contemporary British cooking. I lead the fish station, preparing delicate dishes like poached halibut and lobster thermidor to superior standards. I have also cross-trained on other stations during our busiest services, assisting with meat, pasta, and sauce preparation.
In addition, at Gordon Ramsay Group, I worked closely under the Executive Chef across three restaurant kitchens. This fast-paced experience gave me valuable insights into how Michelin-starred kitchens operate and the level of quality required on every plate. I believe this foundation has prepared me to meet the excellence for which The Dorchester is known.
I am excited by the opportunity to join a world-class culinary team at The Dorchester. If selected for this role, I am confident my technical skills, passion for food, and commitment to delighting guests would make me an asset to your kitchen. Please find my CV attached. I appreciate your time and welcome the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications.
Best regards,
Colin Jones
Cover letter header
The cover letter header is the first section found at the top of the page that contains your name and contact information. Your phone number and email address are usually sufficient but you may also include the city where you are planning to work. Your name should appear in a larger font to help set it apart and catch the hiring manager’s attention. Make sure to use a professional email address to make a positive first impression.
Check out our related cover letter samples for more inspiration:
Cover letter greeting
The greeting of your cover letter is all about establishing a friendly and respectful tone. For a chef de partie cover letter, we recommend sticking with a professional greeting like “Dear” followed by the restaurant or hiring manager’s correct salutation and last name. It is important to use a name in your cover letter greeting whenever possible to create a personal connection with the hiring manager and show that you’re serious about the position.
What to do when you are lacking information about the hiring manager
If you are not sure whether the person reading your cover letter is a man or woman, you may use their full name with no salutation.
If the job posting doesn’t mention any name, you have a few options: For a small restaurant it can be worth it to call the employer directly and ask to whom you should address your cover letter. If it’s a big company, you can address your cover letter to “(Company Name) Manager”. Avoid using “To Whom It May Concern” as this phrase can come across as outdated and impersonal.
Cover letter introduction
The introduction of your cover letter is like the appetizer that signals what sort of experience the reader is in for. These 2-3 sentences should show your interest and immediately express what makes you the right candidate for the role. You should also mention the name of the restaurant and the exact position you are applying to. You can see an effective introduction in our adaptable cover letter sample for a chef de partie.
Dear Mr. Micheals,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Chef de Partie role currently open at The Dorchester hotel. With over 5 years of experience as a line cook and junior sous chef at Michelin-starred restaurants in London, I am confident I have developed the necessary skills to be successful in this position.
Cover letter middle part (body)
The middle paragraphs of cover letters, also known as the body, is the place where you’ll have the space to expand on your most relevant experience and in-demand skills as a chef de partie.
Again, consider the type of candidate the employer is looking for. Do they need someone who can thrive in a fast-paced environment? Or someone who can carefully craft gourmet dishes for a limited-seating dinner service? Use the body part of your cover letter to explain why you’re the ideal chef de partie for this particular restaurant based on your previous roles and current knowledge.
You can find more inspiration in the middle part of our chef de partie cover letter sample below:
In my current role as Chef de Partie at The Stafford Leeds, I have honed my abilities in French cuisine and contemporary British cooking. I lead the fish station, preparing delicate dishes like poached halibut and lobster thermidor to superior standards. I have also cross-trained on other stations during our busiest services, assisting with meat, pasta, and sauce preparation.
In addition, at Gordon Ramsay Group, I worked closely under the Executive Chef across three restaurant kitchens. This fast-paced experience gave me valuable insights into how Michelin-starred kitchens operate and the level of quality required on every plate. I believe this foundation has prepared me to meet the excellence for which The Dorchester is known.
How to close a chef de partie cover letter (conclusion and sign off)
The conclusion of your chef de partie cover letter should be the cherry on top of a great cover letter. Make sure to leave a positive impression on the hiring manager by clearly stating your interest and enthusiasm for the position. Then, add a call to action – this sentence invites the hiring manager to get in touch with you for an interview (without sounding entitled to the role!) End with a sign off like “Best regards” followed by your full name.
I am excited by the opportunity to join a world-class culinary team at The Dorchester. If selected for this role, I am confident my technical skills, passion for food, and commitment to delighting guests would make me an asset to your kitchen. Please find my CV attached. I appreciate your time and welcome the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications.
Best regards,
Colin Jones
Basic mistakes in a chef de partie application letter (and how to avoid them)
Many candidates for chef de partie positions will write a hurried application letter and send it off with basic mistakes that could cost them the job. You can quickly stand out from the competition and impress the hiring manager by avoiding these common errors:
- Spelling and grammar mistakes: Little typos may seem harmless but they could quickly cause a hiring manager to see you as unprofessional and unserious for the role.
- Poor formatting: Make sure to keep a balance of white space to text and to use consistent font styles and sizes. A professionally designed cover letter template can make this easy to accomplish.
- Generic cover letters: Avoid copy-paste cover letters that are not adapted to each individual position you apply for. Our chef de partie cover letter sample is a starting point that you can modify to meet the employer’s needs.
Key takeaways for a chef de partie cover letter
- A great chef de partie cover letter will show the hiring manager that you’re the serious, motivated candidate they’ve been looking for.
- Your introduction is the place to capture the employer’s attention and encourage them to read the rest of your application.
- Avoid poor formatting and other costly errors by starting with our adaptable chef de partie cover letter example.
- If in doubt, use one of our cover letter templates to get the job done!
