Server Cover Letter Example

Why a server cover letter matters

If you’re applying for a job as a restaurant server, a resume alone may not be enough, especially for the most sought-after positions. A server cover letter can help you show the restaurant manager that you have experience in the hospitality industry and the relevant skills to serve the establishment’s staffing needs.

Your CV is where you’ll list your prior experience and skill set; your cover letter is where you can elaborate on your soft skills, such as problem-solving or leadership abilities. With a well-written cover letter, servers can also showcase their communication skills, which can increase their chances of being invited to interview.

Key components of a profession-specific cover letter

What should you include in your next cover letter? Servers are commonly expected to have a balance of technical and customer service skills. You can view resume examples to get a better idea of how to craft your resume, but you should also make it a point to include the following elements in your cover letter.

Customer service experience: Your first priority should be to highlight your experience serving guests. Describe your time in past server jobs and what you learned along the way. Just make sure you highlight the size and type of the restaurant so the hiring manager can evaluate how well you would fit into the current wait staff.
Menu knowledge: You might not yet be familiar with the fine details of the restaurant’s menu, but you may have experience with the type of cuisine they serve. For example, if you’re knowledgeable about wine pairings, noting this competency can help you stand out from other applicants.
Leadership abilities: Restaurants are often fast-paced, chaotic environments. As such, you may be called upon to help manage teams of servers. Prior leadership experience can make you a valuable asset to a restaurant and increase your chances of being offered an interview.

Server Cover letter format

Your cover letter should follow the basic format presented below. You can browse cover letter templates for inspiration on your next job application.

Introduction: Open your letter with a brief, professional greeting. Explain that you’re writing in regard to the server position and explain how you first learned about the job.
Body: The body of your cover letter is where you’ll go into greater detail about your past experience in restaurant or hospitality roles. Be specific about the responsibilities you’ve had before now.
Conclusion: As you bring your letter to a close, provide a clear call to action. For instance, you might say, “Feel free to contact me for additional information.”

Sample cover letter for servers

Use the following server cover letter examples as inspiration while drafting your own letter. You can also find a server resume example to see how best to structure your server CV.

Example cover letter for server position

Trey Carry
789 Sagebrush Lane
Tulsa, OK 74008
treycarry@example.com
(555) 123-4567

21 November 2023

Suzy Hires
Big Sky Steakhouse
456 Broadway Ave
Tulsa, OK 74008

Dear Ms. Hires,

I am writing in regard to the server position at Big Sky Steakhouse, having recently come across a job posting online. My positive attitude and time management skills have served me well in similar positions, and I would be delighted to lend my skills to your respected establishment.

I have been providing exceptional customer service at my current serving position at Chunk’s Chow Hut for four years. In addition to taking customer orders and fulfilling guest needs, I have developed strong leadership skills and am often called upon to manage serving teams during busy periods or when the restaurant is shorthanded. My commitment to multitasking helps me make the most of my downtime by restocking supplies, repacking silverware, and maintaining inventory.

Your restaurant is well-known for its extensive menu and customer service. I believe my commitment to excellence would serve you and your customers well. Should you have any additional questions regarding my candidacy, please contact me at the email address above. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to speaking with you!

Best,

Trey Carry

Example cover letter for fine dining server

Trey Carry
789 Sagebrush Lane
Tulsa, OK 74008
treycarry@example.com
(555) 123-4567

21 November 2023

Reginald Speirmeister
Agora Grand Ballroom
971 Central Ave
Tulsa, OK 7400

Dear Mr. Speirmeister,

I am writing to express my interest in the server position currently advertised on your restaurant’s website. Having extensive experience in upscale eateries, I would savor the opportunity to join your renowned team.

While working at Cypress Café in downtown Tulsa, I have had the privilege of delivering a fine dining experience to hundreds of satisfied guests. My extensive knowledge of wine pairings and quality ingredients has provided our diners with the highest level of excellence. As a result, our restaurant has seen guest satisfaction scores increase by 15%, and we have seen a similar increase in customer loyalty.

Given these achievements, I am confident in my ability to add value to your establishment. I look forward to discussing how I might serve you and your customers in the immediate future. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at (555) 123-4567. Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.

Sincerely,

Trey Carry

Dos and don’ts

A cover letter for server positions is intended to put your best foot forward. With that in mind, it’s important to make sure you’re abiding by today’s best practices and doing your best to avoid common mistakes.

Do:

Highlight your relevant experience
Mention the types of cuisine you’ve worked with
Detail your achievements
Emphasize soft skills like communication and leadership

Don’t:

Send the same cover letter to multiple positions
Make your cover letter more than a single page
Speak negatively about your current position
Overlook spelling or grammar mistakes

If you need a reference to get started, take a look at the cover letter examples above or check out some CV examples to get a better feel of the type of information to include in your restaurant cover letter.

Remember, the more specific details you can provide about your prior accomplishments, the stronger your application — and chances of getting hired — will be.

Additional tips

Looking to make your cover letter stand out? Implementing these tips can help you rise above the competition.

Be direct: Your greeting and introduction should mention the restaurant you’re applying to by name. If possible, include the hiring manager’s name rather than simply writing “to whom it may concern.”
Be specific: Offer concrete details about your prior work experience. For servers, this might include: Type of restaurant (fine dining, casual dining, etc.), Style of cuisine, Achievements (e.g., customer satisfaction scores). These details will help hiring managers decide how well you align with their brand and clientele.
Proofread more than once: Always proofread your cover letter to check for spelling and grammar mistakes. Better yet, ask a friend or family member to read your letter and offer feedback before you send it out.
Include next steps: End your letter with a clear call to action, and don’t hesitate to follow up after a week or so if you haven’t heard anything.

Serving up opportunities

A server cover letter is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your ability to communicate and connect with people. The best cover letters will concisely summarize your most relevant experience and explain how you’d be an asset to the hiring restaurant.

If you can illustrate ways your experience satisfies the job requirements, it can improve your chances immensely. Including a mix of soft skills and menu knowledge can also help you stand out from other applicants.

Jobseeker’s useful tools can offer more tips and tricks to perfect your next job application. Check out an illustrative resume template or get started on your server cover letter today.