Embarking on your job search, you've likely encountered the need for a compelling catering server cover letter—a vital step that often presents a stumbling block. The aim isn't to parrot your resume but to captivate with a singular, proudest achievement, weaving it into a narrative that's formal yet fresh, avoiding overused clichés. Remember, brevity is key; your professionally crafted story should unfold within the confines of one concise page.
- Some inspiration from other professionals' job-winning cover letters;
- The best structure and format for your catering server cover letter;
- Insights on how to write about your best achievement to stand out;
- A creative twist on your catering server cover letter intro.
Upload your catering server resume to Enhancv's AI, which will quickly scan and prepare a job-winning cover letter for you.
If the catering server isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
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Catering server cover letter example
Daniel Anderson
Charlotte, North Carolina
+1-(234)-555-1234
help@enhancv.com
- Demonstrates an understanding of the company's industry and expresses admiration for their commitment, which establishes a connection and shows that the candidate is informed and proactive.
- Provides quantifiable achievements from previous roles, such as reducing supply costs and increasing menu demand, which shows tangible results and hints at what the candidate can contribute to the new company.
- Emphasizes relevant experience—particularly in managing high-volume events and negotiating with vendors—that is directly pertinent to the responsibilities of the role being applied for.
- Concludes with an assertive yet polite invitation for further discussion, demonstrating eagerness and openness for a follow-up, which is a good practice for encouraging the hiring manager to engage.
Structuring and formatting your catering server cover letter
Here's what the structure of your catering server cover letter should include:
- Header (with your name, the position you're applying for, and the date);
- Salutation (or greeting);
- Introductory paragraph (or your opening statement);
- Body paragraph (or further proof of your experience);
- Closing paragraph (with a call to action);
- Signature (that is optional).
Use the same font for your catering server resume and cover letter - modern fonts like Lato and Rubik would help you stand out.
Your catering server cover letter should be single-spaced and have a one-inch margins - this format is automatically set up in our cover letter templates and our cover letter builder.
When submitting your cover letter, always ensure it's in PDF, as this format keeps the information intact (and the quality of your document stays the same).
On one final note - the Applicant Tracker System (ATS or the software that is sometimes used to initially assess your application) won't read your catering server cover letter.
The top sections on a catering server cover letter
- Header: This section includes your contact information, date, and the employer's contact details, which is crucial for the recruiter to know who you are and how to reach you.
- Greeting: Personalize this section by addressing the hiring manager or team by name, showing that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the position.
- Introduction: Here, you highlight your enthusiasm for the catering industry, perhaps mentioning a specific passion for food service or event planning, which sets the tone for your interest in the role.
- Professional Experience and Skills: In this section, you detail your previous catering experience, customer service skills, and any specific accomplishments or certifications relevant to a catering server, which demonstrate your qualification for the job.
- Closing and Call to Action: End the cover letter by reiterating your interest in the role, thanking the reader for their time, and expressing eagerness for a follow-up interview, showing your proactive attitude.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
- Proven experience in food service or catering: Recruiters look for candidates who have previously worked in similar roles and understand the pace and nature of catering events.
- Strong customer service skills: The ability to interact positively with guests and provide an excellent dining experience is critical in a catering server role.
- Attention to detail: Catering servers must be able to follow presentation guidelines and ensure that each dish is served correctly and looks appealing.
- Flexibility and adaptability: Catering events can have varied demands, and servers need to be able to adjust to different settings, menu changes, and client requests quickly and efficiently.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment: Catering events are often high-pressure situations requiring servers to be quick, efficient, and able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Teamwork and communication skills: Catering servers must work closely with other staff members to ensure events run smoothly, making the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively essential.
How to personalize your catering server cover letter greeting
Before you start writing your catering server cover letter, take the time to find out who is recruiting for the role.
Search for the recruiter's name on LinkedIn or the corporate website to address them personally in your catering server cover letter salutation.
What if you can't find out who's recruiting for the role?
Always aim to avoid the very impersonal "Dear Sir/Madam" - instead, opt out for "Dear HR Team" or "Dear Hiring Manager" to make a better first impression.
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Company Name] Team,
- Dear [First Name Last Name] (if known),
- Dear [Job Title] Hiring Committee,
- Dear [Department Name] Team,
Introducing your profile to catch recruiters' attention in no more than two sentences
The introduction of your catering server cover letter is a whole Catch 22 .
You have an allocated space of no more than just a paragraph (of up to two sentences). With your introduction, you have to stand out and show why you're the best candidate out there.
Set out on a journey with your catering server cover letter by focusing on why you're passionate about the job. Match your personal skills and interests to the role.
Another option for your catering server cover letter introduction is to show you're the ideal candidate. Write about how your achievements and skills are precisely what the company is looking for.
However you decide to start your catering server cover letter, always remember to write about the value you'd bring about. Making it both tangible (with your metrics of success) and highly sought out.
Choosing your best achievement for the middle or body of your catering server cover letter
Now that you have the recruiters' attention, it's time to write the chunkiest bit of your catering 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 catering 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.
Ending your catering server cover letter: a closing paragraph with a promise
If you're thinking of finishing your catering server cover letter with a "Sincerely yours" or "Thanks for the consideration," you need to read on.
End the final paragraph of your catering server cover letter with a twist:
- a promise - of how you'd grow as a professional, part of the company, or improve organizational metrics;
- a call to action - prompt interviewers with some follow-up actions if they are interested in your profile.
A personalized ending would surely help you to stand out by being a memorable candidate.
What could you write about in your catering server cover letter when you have no experience
Candidates with zero professional experience often struggle to write their catering server cover letter.
You may lack experience, but your application could still be impressive when you focus on your strengths.
Consider your most relevant talents (and/or one achievement) that align with the role and help you stand out.
Perhaps you spent every summer volunteering at your local dog pound - think of the job-relevant skills this experience taught you.
Sharing your tangible career goals is another good strategy to stand out.
Key takeaways
Creating your catering server cover letter should be a personalized experience for the role and the recruiter, where you:
- Format your cover letter using the same ATS-friendly font (e.g. Railway) as you did for your resume;
- Greet recruiters, using their name, and follow up with two sentences to introduce yourself, your interest in the role, and to stand out;
- Map out one key success from your career (or life) that has taught you job-crucial skills;
- Substitute your lack of experience with an achievement from your internships, degrees, or volunteering gigs;
- End with a promise for your potential or your availability for an interview.
