cover letter sample for server

Server Cover Letter Examples (Template & 20+ Tips)

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If you are looking to land a job as a server, a well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference in setting you apart from other applicants. Your cover letter is your first opportunity to impress potential employers with your personality, professionalism, and enthusiasm for the position. In this guide, we will provide you with expert tips and examples to help you craft a standout server cover letter that will increase your chances of securing an interview.

We will cover:

• How to write a cover letter, no matter your industry or job title.
• What to put on a cover letter to stand out.
• The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
• How to build a cover letter fast with our professional Cover Letter Builder .
• Why you should use a cover letter template

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Server Cover Letter Sample

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Server position at your restaurant. With over 3 years of experience in the hospitality industry, I am confident in my ability to contribute to the success of your team and provide exceptional service to your customers. I am highly motivated and dedicated to delivering an exceptional dining experience to every guest.

During my time at my previous restaurant, I developed a strong understanding of customer service and gained valuable experience in working in a fast-paced environment. I have honed my ability to multitask, prioritize tasks, and remain calm under pressure. I pride myself on my ability to ensure that every guest receives personalized attention and feels valued throughout their dining experience.

I am also well-versed in the menu items and am able to confidently make recommendations to guests based on their preferences. I am committed to upholding the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the restaurant, and I always adhere to food safety regulations to ensure the well-being of our customers.

In addition to my technical skills, I am a team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. I understand the importance of effective collaboration in a restaurant setting and am always willing to lend a helping hand to my colleagues. I am confident that my positive attitude and strong work ethic will make me a valuable asset to your team.

I am excited about the opportunity to bring my passion for hospitality and customer service to your restaurant. I am eager to contribute to the positive reputation of your establishment and help create memorable dining experiences for every guest. Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the possibility of joining your team and contributing to the continued success of your restaurant.

[Your Name]

• [Your Email Address]
• [Your Phone Number]

Why Do you Need a Server Cover Letter?

• A server cover letter is important because it allows you to introduce yourself to potential employers and make a strong first impression.
• It gives you the opportunity to highlight your skills, experience, and qualifications that make you the best candidate for the server position.
• It allows you to customize your application and express your enthusiasm for the specific job and company you are applying to.
• A well-written server cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of getting an interview.
• It shows employers that you are serious about the job and willing to put in the extra effort to make a good impression.

A Few Important Rules To Keep In Mind

• Address the hiring manager by name, if possible.
• Introduce yourself and state the position you are applying for.
• Highlight your relevant experience in the service industry.
• Show enthusiasm and passion for providing excellent customer service.
• Detail any relevant certifications or training you have received.
• Showcase your ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Explain why you are interested in working for the specific establishment.
• Thank the hiring manager for considering your application and express your willingness to discuss your qualifications further in an interview.

What's The Best Structure For Server Cover Letters?

After creating an impressive Server resume , the next step is crafting a compelling cover letter to accompany your job applications. It's essential to remember that your cover letter should maintain a formal tone and follow a recommended structure. But what exactly does this structure entail, and what key elements should be included in a Server cover letter? Let's explore the guidelines and components that will make your cover letter stand out.

Key Components For Server Cover Letters:

• Your contact information, including the date of writing
• The recipient's details, such as the company's name and the name of the addressee
• A professional greeting or salutation, like "Dear Mr. Levi,"
• An attention-grabbing opening statement to captivate the reader's interest
• A concise paragraph explaining why you are an excellent fit for the role
• Another paragraph highlighting why the position aligns with your career goals and aspirations
• A closing statement that reinforces your enthusiasm and suitability for the role
• A complimentary closing, such as "Regards" or "Sincerely," followed by your name
• An optional postscript (P.S.) to add a brief, impactful note or mention any additional relevant information.

Cover Letter Header

A header in a cover letter should typically include the following information:

• Your Full Name: Begin with your first and last name, written in a clear and legible format.
• Contact Information: Include your phone number, email address, and optionally, your mailing address. Providing multiple methods of contact ensures that the hiring manager can reach you easily.
• Date: Add the date on which you are writing the cover letter. This helps establish the timeline of your application.

It's important to place the header at the top of the cover letter, aligning it to the left or center of the page. This ensures that the reader can quickly identify your contact details and know when the cover letter was written.

Cover Letter Greeting / Salutation

A greeting in a cover letter should contain the following elements:

• Personalized Salutation: Address the hiring manager or the specific recipient of the cover letter by their name. If the name is not mentioned in the job posting or you are unsure about the recipient's name, it's acceptable to use a general salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Company Name] Recruiting Team."
• Professional Tone: Maintain a formal and respectful tone throughout the greeting. Avoid using overly casual language or informal expressions.
• Correct Spelling and Title: Double-check the spelling of the recipient's name and ensure that you use the appropriate title (e.g., Mr., Ms., Dr., or Professor) if applicable. This shows attention to detail and professionalism.

For example, a suitable greeting could be "Dear Ms. Johnson," or "Dear Hiring Manager," depending on the information available. It's important to tailor the greeting to the specific recipient to create a personalized and professional tone for your cover letter.

Cover Letter Introduction

An introduction for a cover letter should capture the reader's attention and provide a brief overview of your background and interest in the position. Here's how an effective introduction should look:

• Opening Statement: Start with a strong opening sentence that immediately grabs the reader's attention. Consider mentioning your enthusiasm for the job opportunity or any specific aspect of the company or organization that sparked your interest.
• Brief Introduction: Provide a concise introduction of yourself and mention the specific position you are applying for. Include any relevant background information, such as your current role, educational background, or notable achievements that are directly related to the position.
• Connection to the Company: Demonstrate your knowledge of the company or organization and establish a connection between your skills and experiences with their mission, values, or industry. Showcasing your understanding and alignment with their goals helps to emphasize your fit for the role.
• Engaging Hook: Consider including a compelling sentence or two that highlights your unique selling points or key qualifications that make you stand out from other candidates. This can be a specific accomplishment, a relevant skill, or an experience that demonstrates your value as a potential employee.
• Transition to the Body: Conclude the introduction by smoothly transitioning to the main body of the cover letter, where you will provide more detailed information about your qualifications, experiences, and how they align with the requirements of the position.

By following these guidelines, your cover letter introduction will make a strong first impression and set the stage for the rest of your application.

Cover Letter Body

I am writing to express my interest in the Server position at your company. With a strong background in customer service and a passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences, I am confident in my ability to make a positive impact on your team.

• Introduction: Begin by introducing yourself and expressing your interest in the Server position. Mention where you found the job posting and why you are interested in working for the company.
• Skills and Qualifications: Highlight your relevant skills and qualifications, such as experience in food and beverage service, familiarity with POS systems, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Emphasize any certifications or training that make you a strong candidate.
• Customer Service Focus: Describe your commitment to providing excellent customer service and creating a positive dining experience for guests. Share examples of how you have gone above and beyond to exceed customer expectations.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Discuss your ability to work effectively as part of a team, communicating with kitchen staff and other servers to ensure smooth service. Highlight your flexibility and willingness to support your colleagues as needed.
• Closing: Thank the hiring manager for considering your application and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the team. Reiterate your interest in the position and indicate that you are available for an interview at their earliest convenience.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to bring my skills and dedication to your team and contribute to the continued success of your establishment.

Complimentary Close

The conclusion and signature of a cover letter provide a final opportunity to leave a positive impression and invite further action. Here's how the conclusion and signature of a cover letter should look:

• Summary of Interest: In the conclusion paragraph, summarize your interest in the position and reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the organization or school. Emphasize the value you can bring to the role and briefly mention your key qualifications or unique selling points.
• Appreciation and Gratitude: Express appreciation for the reader's time and consideration in reviewing your application. Thank them for the opportunity to be considered for the position and acknowledge any additional materials or documents you have included, such as references or a portfolio.
• Call to Action: Conclude the cover letter with a clear call to action. Indicate your availability for an interview or express your interest in discussing the opportunity further. Encourage the reader to contact you to schedule a meeting or provide any additional information they may require.
• Complimentary Closing: Choose a professional and appropriate complimentary closing to end your cover letter, such as "Sincerely," "Best Regards," or "Thank you." Ensure the closing reflects the overall tone and formality of the letter.
• Signature: Below the complimentary closing, leave space for your handwritten signature. Sign your name in ink using a legible and professional style. If you are submitting a digital or typed cover letter, you can simply type your full name.
• Typed Name: Beneath your signature, type your full name in a clear and readable font. This allows for easy identification and ensures clarity in case the handwritten signature is not clear.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Server Cover Letter

When crafting a cover letter, it's essential to present yourself in the best possible light to potential employers. However, there are common mistakes that can hinder your chances of making a strong impression. By being aware of these pitfalls and avoiding them, you can ensure that your cover letter effectively highlights your qualifications and stands out from the competition. In this article, we will explore some of the most common mistakes to avoid when writing a cover letter, providing you with valuable insights and practical tips to help you create a compelling and impactful introduction that captures the attention of hiring managers. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career journey, understanding these mistakes will greatly enhance your chances of success in the job application process. So, let's dive in and discover how to steer clear of these common missteps and create a standout cover letter that gets you noticed by potential employers.

• Don't use a generic cover letter. Tailor your cover letter to the specific server position you are applying for.
• Avoid focusing too much on your own needs and desires. Instead, emphasize how you can meet the needs of the restaurant or establishment you are applying to.
• Avoid using clichés and generic phrases. Be specific and genuine in your cover letter to stand out from other applicants.
• Don't forget to proofread your cover letter for grammar and spelling errors. Attention to detail is important in the service industry.
• Avoid negative language or complaints about past experiences. Keep your cover letter positive and focused on your qualifications and enthusiasm for the job.
• Don't forget to include relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments that make you a strong candidate for the server position.
• Avoid being too casual or informal in your tone. While a server position may be more casual in nature, it's important to maintain a professional tone in your cover letter.

Key Takeaways For a Server Cover Letter

• Clear communication of relevant server experience and skills
• Highlighting of exceptional customer service abilities
• Emphasis on ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstration of team player mentality
• Showcasing of flexibility and adaptability in different work settings

11 Professional Server Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your server cover letter must immediately highlight your experience in the hospitality industry. Showcase your ability to provide exceptional customer service, demonstrating how you've gone above and beyond. Provide specific examples of how you've handled difficult situations or improved the dining experience for customers. Let your passion for food and people shine through, making it clear why you are the perfect candidate for the position.

All cover letter examples in this guide

Senior Server

Banquet Server

Catering Server

Cocktail Server

Fine Dining Server

Food Server

Head Server

Ice Cream Server

Restaurant Server

Lead Server

Cover letter guide.

Server Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Server Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

By Experience

Drafting a server cover letter can often feel like a daunting task, especially if you're already deep into job hunting. You know it's not just a repeat of your resume, yet you might struggle with highlighting your star moment without slipping into clichés. The key is to weave your proudest professional achievement into a compelling, formal narrative on a single page. Let's simplify the process and create a cover letter that stands out, just like your service.

• Writing the essential server cover letter sections: balancing your professionalism and personality;
• Mixing storytelling, your unique skill set, and your greatest achievement;
• Providing relevant (and interesting) information with your server cover letter, despite your lack of professional experience;
• Finding the perfect format for your[ server cover letter, using templates from industry experts.

Leverage the power of Enhancv's AI: upload your resume and our platform will map out how your server cover letter should look, in mere moments.

If the server isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

• Server resume guide and example
• McDonalds cover letter example
• Fast Food cover letter example
• Fine Dining Server cover letter example
• Cook cover letter example
• Lead Server cover letter example
• Dishwasher cover letter example
• Fine Dining Bartender cover letter example
• Catering Server cover letter example
• Line Cook cover letter example
• Bar Manager cover letter example

Server cover letter example

Taylor Foster

Clemson, SC

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Emphasizing direct industry experience: The cover letter highlights the candidate's six years of experience as a Restaurant Server, demonstrating a track record in the role and a deep understanding of what excellence in service entails.
• Quantifiable achievements: By mentioning specific sales figures and the implementation of strategies that led to a measurable increase in sales, the candidate showcases a results-driven mentality, which is essential to thriving in a sales and service-oriented role.
• Ability to work under pressure: Reference to managing multiple tables and servicing a high volume of clients during peak hours shows the candidate can handle a fast-paced and high-stress environment, which is crucial for a busy restaurant setting.
• Teamwork and collaboration: The applicant mentions working effectively with managers to implement strategies that increased sales, indicating strong interpersonal and team collaboration skills that are necessary for a restaurant staff member to possess.

The visual appeal of your server cover letter: format, font, and structure

When using our cover letter builder , make sure to include these vital sections:

• Header (with your name, contact details, the role, and date);
• Greeting (that's personalized to the recruiter);
• Introductory paragraph (to capture attention);
• Body paragraph (to tell a story of how you've obtained your job-crucial skills);
• Closing paragraph (ending with a nod to the future ahead);
• Signature (that is not a must).

Our cover letter templates are already set up for you with the best server cover letter design with single-spaced paragraphs and a one-inch margin.

As for the font of your server cover letter, use the same one as you did in your resume (where modern and simple fonts, like Rubik and Bitter, take precedence over Arial and Times New Roman).

Your server cover letter is created with the recruiters in mind - as no Applicant Tracker System looks over this part of your profile.

When sending over your server cover letter, download it in PDF. This format allows your information and design to stay intact and to keep the same visual quality.

The top sections on a server cover letter

• Header (including contact information): This should clearly display your name, address, phone number, and email so the recruiter can easily contact you for an interview or further discussion about the server position.
• Greeting: Address the hiring manager or restaurant owner directly (if possible) to create a personal connection and show that you have researched who is in charge of hiring.
• Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself, mentioning your enthusiasm for the server role and any relevant experience in the hospitality or restaurant industry to immediately convey your suitability for the job.
• Body of the letter (Experience and Skills): Outline your specific server skills, such as knowledge of menu items, ability to handle busy shifts, and customer service experience, as well as any accolades or recognition you’ve received in past roles, to demonstrate your ability to excel in the position.
• Closing and Call to Action: Conclude with a strong closing statement that reiterates your interest in the position and includes a polite call to action, encouraging the hiring manager to schedule an interview or to review your attached resume for more details on your qualifications.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

Previous experience in a fast-paced dining establishment: Recruiters look for candidates with proven ability to handle the demands of a busy restaurant environment efficiently.

Excellent customer service skills: Being a server requires constant interaction with guests, so the ability to provide a high level of service and ensure customer satisfaction is essential.

Strong memory and attention to detail: A good server must remember customers' orders, preferences, and any special requests, as well as being attentive to the timing and details of service.

Teamwork and collaboration: Servers often work with kitchen staff, hosts, and other servers, so the ability to work well within a team is crucial for a smooth restaurant operation.

Flexibility and adaptability: Being open to working various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as well as adapting to different service styles or menu changes is important in this role.

Physical stamina and dexterity: The job of a server is physically demanding, often requiring long hours on one's feet, carrying trays, and moving quickly around the dining area.

What greeting should you use in your server cover letter salutation

A simple "Hello" or "Hey" just won't work.

With your server cover letter salutation , you set the tone of the whole communication.

You should thus address the hiring managers by using their first (or last name) in your greeting.

But how do you find out who's recruiting for the role?

The easiest way is to look up the role on LinkedIn or the corporate website.

Alternatively, you could also contact the organization via social media or email, for more information.

Unable to still obtain the recruiter's name?

Don't go down the "To whom it may concern path". Instead, start your cover letter with a "Dear HR team".

List of salutations you can use

• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear [Employer's Name],
• Dear [Department] Team,
• Dear [Company Name] Recruiter,
• Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
• Dear Search Committee,

Your server cover letter introduction and the value you bring

Moving on from the "Dear Recruiter" to your professional introduction .

Use those first two sentences of your server cover letter to present the biggest asset you'd bring to the organization.

Don't go into too much detail about your achievement or the skill set, but instead - go straight for the win.

That is - what is your value as a professional?

Would you be able to build stronger, professional relationships in any type of communication? Or, potentially, integrate seamlessly into the team?

Choosing your best achievement for the middle or body of your server cover letter

Now that you have the recruiters' attention, it's time to write the chunkiest bit of your server cover letter .

The body consists of three to six paragraphs that focus on one of your achievements.

Use your past success to tell a story of how you obtained your most job-crucial skills and know-how (make sure to back these up with tangible metrics).

Another excellent idea for your server cover letter's middle paragraphs is to shine a light on your unique professional value.

Write consistently and make sure to present information that is relevant to the role.

Thinking about the closing paragraph of your server cover letter

Before your signature, you have extra space to close off your server cover letter .

Use it to either make a promise or look to the future.

Remind recruiters how invaluable of a candidate you are by showing what you plan to achieve in the role.

Also, note your availability for a potential next meeting (in person or over the telephone).

By showing recruiters that you're thinking about the future, you'd come off as both interested in the opportunity and responsible.

Which story should you tell in your server cover letter when you have zero experience

Candidates, lacking professional experience in the field - this one is for you.

Your server cover letter is an exercise of integrity, honesty, and, above all, spinning a positive narrative around your strengths.

And what better way to capture recruiters' attention than with your most job-relevant achievement (this could be from your internship or volunteering experience)?

Make sure to back up your success with transferrable skills that are relevant to the job (e.g. how your year, studying abroad, has taught you to be more motivated and handle multicultural environments).

Another safe card you can bet on is your career dream: in the body of your server cover letter, go into the details of how your ambitions would help make the company you're applying for better.

Key takeaways

We hope this server cover letter writing guide has shown you how to:

• Format your server cover letter with the mandatory sections (e.g. header, greeting, intro, body, and closing) and select the right font (P.S. It should be the same as the one you've used for your resume);
• Substitute your lack of professional experience with your most noteworthy achievement, outside of work, or your dreams and passions;
• Ensure recruiters have a more personalized experience by tailoring your cover letter not just to the role, but to them (e.g. writing their first/last name in the salutation, etc.);
• Introducing your biggest achievement and the skills it has taught you in your server cover letter body;
• Write no more than two sentences in your server cover letter introduction to set the right tone from the get-go.

Server cover letter examples

Explore additional server cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Cover letter examples by industry

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