You’ve just sent the same cover letter to 60 different job roles, all beginning with “Dear Sir or Madam” and ending with 'Yours sincerely.'
Bad news: you may have just missed your chance to stand out, as generic cover letters are a very common pitfall in job applications.
Did you know recruiters typically shortlist candidates based on how well they meet the job criteria? Failing to address the key requirements can cost you the role.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to tailor your cover letter to align with the job advert or company, ensuring you showcase your value as a candidate.
Cover letter examples for catering
Explore additional catering cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Role
Catering Manager
- Industry-specific experience: The cover letter effectively highlights Noah's extensive experience in the catering industry, with over 10 years in various leadership roles. This establishes credibility and a deep understanding of the domain.
- Leadership and team achievements: By showcasing clear examples of team leadership and development, such as leading a team to regional culinary excellence competition victories, the cover letter underscores Noah’s capability to inspire and manage a team effectively.
- Financial acumen: The emphasis on budget management skills and successful cost-cutting initiatives without compromising quality is key for a catering manager role where financial efficiency is crucial.
- Emphasis on achievements and innovation: Introducing new menu concepts and achieving notable increases in sales, as well as securing high customer satisfaction ratings, effectively demonstrate Noah's ability to drive growth and innovation within the catering service.
Catering Assistant
- Highlighting Specific Achievements: The cover letter effectively showcases specific achievements such as improving customer satisfaction by 20% and reducing food wastage by 30%, which can help catch the hiring manager's attention and demonstrate the applicant's problem-solving abilities and impact.
- Emphasising Relevant Skills and Certifications: The letter mentions key skills such as menu management, team leadership, and inventory management, which are critical for a catering specialist role. Additionally, certifications like the Advanced Food Hygiene Certificate highlight expertise crucial for maintaining high hygiene standards in food service.
- Demonstrating Passion and Commitment: The inclusion of personal passions related to the field, such as gastronomy exploration and community service, exhibits the applicant's dedication to the industry beyond professional duties, suggesting a motivated and engaged potential employee.
- Effective Use of Metrics: Using quantifiable metrics to showcase past success, such as decreasing meal delivery times by 15 minutes and increasing efficiency in coffee brewing by 25%, provides solid evidence of the candidate's effectiveness in previous positions.
Catering Operations Manager
- Highlight successful sales maximisation achievements, such as the 20% increase in sales through menu development and team leadership, demonstrating strong strategic and operational capabilities.
- Ensure to mention management of large teams as Isabella did with her leadership of 50 employees at Sodexo, which showcases her ability to handle significant staff and ensure food safety standards compliance.
- Emphasise any specific qualifications such as an MSc in Hospitality Management, which aligns with the strategic food service specialist role, underscoring a strong educational background.
- Incorporate achievements in performance enhancement, like improving staff performance by 30%, which highlights the impact of effective training and leadership on the overall business success.
Catering Coordinator
- Highlighting the candidate's 8 years of experience in the healthcare sector, specifically in catering coordination, providing context for their expertise in operational management and relationship building.
- Mentioning a significant achievement such as reducing food waste by 15%, demonstrating the candidate’s effectiveness in implementing cost-saving measures and sustainable practices.
- Emphasising leadership and management experience, such as leading a team and conducting staff training sessions, which resulted in improved service efficiency and enhanced customer satisfaction.
- Discussing credentials like the Master of Business Administration and relevant certifications like the Advanced Food Hygiene Certification from City & Guilds, establishing credibility and specialised knowledge relevant to the role.
Regional Catering Manager
- Use data-driven outcomes: Highlight achievements with specific percentages and improvements, such as a 20% increase in client satisfaction, which demonstrates impact and adds credibility.
- Emphasise leadership and management skills: Detail experiences in leading large teams and reducing staff turnover, showcasing the ability to manage and motivate employees effectively.
- Demonstrate expertise in operational efficiency: Mention cost reduction strategies and budget management, emphasising effective resource allocation and cost control essential for a Regional Manager role.
- Highlight certifications relevant to the field: Include industry-specific qualifications like the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health certification to reinforce expertise in critical areas such as food safety management.
Catering Sales Manager
- Quantified Achievements: The cover letter effectively uses quantifiable achievements, such as increasing sales by 30% and improving customer satisfaction scores by 25%, which demonstrates the applicant's proven impact in previous roles and their potential value to future employers.
- Industry Experience: Highlighting over 8 years of experience in catering sales and customer relationship management positions the applicant as a seasoned professional, enhancing their credibility and assuring potential employers of their expertise in the field.
- Strategic and Analytical Skills: The mention of leading projects that integrated data analytics and improved reactive sales strategies showcases the candidate's ability to leverage analytical skills for strategic business decisions, a valuable trait for a sales management role.
- Awards and Recognitions: Including achievements such as the "Top Sales Performer" and "Customer Excellence Award" reinforces the applicant's reputation for excellence and dedication to high performance standards.
Catering Director
- Highlighting Operational Achievements: The cover letter effectively showcases key operational achievements such as increasing student satisfaction by 20%, and cutting costs by 15%. This demonstrates the candidate's ability to manage and optimise catering operations efficiently.
- Stress on Leadership Roles: The candidate's experience in leadership roles is strategically highlighted, emphasising their capability to lead teams, mentor junior managers, and implement innovative training programs, which are crucial for a Director of Catering role.
- Emphasis on Education and Certifications: The cover letter appropriately includes advanced educational qualifications and relevant certifications, like the MBA and Advanced Food Safety Certification, aligning with the expectations for a high-level position in the catering industry.
- Focus on Strategic Partnership and Sustainability: By underlining the ability to develop strategic partnerships and commitment to sustainable practices, the cover letter appeals to organisations focusing on ethical sourcing and effective supply chain management.
Catering Supervisor
- Catering Leadership and Team Management: The cover letter effectively highlights Alexander’s experience in leading teams and improving service efficiency, which is crucial for a Catering Supervisor role. By mentioning specific accomplishments, such as a 20% increase in resident satisfaction, it demonstrates proven leadership skills and the ability to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Health & Safety Compliance: Emphasising a perfect compliance score in health and safety audits is particularly relevant for this role. It shows a strong commitment to maintaining industry standards and ensures potential employers about the candidate’s capability to uphold crucial regulatory requirements.
- Budget Management and Cost Reduction Initiatives: Noting achievements like managing catering expenditures and reducing costs by 10% showcases financial acumen. This is important in demonstrating the ability to align operations within budgetary constraints and contribute to the organisation’s financial health.
- Sustainable and Resident-Centric Practices: Highlighting a passion for sustainable catering and resident engagement indicates an alignment with modern catering trends and values. This can appeal to employers aiming for sustainable operations and enhanced customer satisfaction through participatory dining experiences.
Catering Services Manager
- Industry-specific Experience: The cover letter effectively highlights over 5 years of catering leadership, showcasing the candidate's expertise and relevance for the role of a Catering Services Manager.
- Quantifiable Achievements: The cover letter includes specific accomplishments, such as a 20% increase in customer satisfaction scores and a 15% revenue growth, which demonstrate measurable success and contribution to prior employers.
- Relevant Skills and Competencies: By showcasing skills like Event Planning, Team Leadership, and Compliance with HACCP Standards, the cover letter outlines competences essential for success in the catering industry.
- Commitment to Professional Development: The inclusion of relevant courses such as "Advanced Catering Management" and certifications like "Food Safety Level 3" shows dedication to continual learning and adherence to industry standards.
Catering Executive
- Quantifiable Achievements: Alice's cover letter effectively highlights her achievements with quantifiable metrics, such as implementing a new pricing strategy that improved margin by 15% and leading a campaign resulting in a 30% sales increase, which are crucial for a Category Executive role.
- Process Improvement Expertise: Her focus on process improvements, such as reducing project timelines by 25% and enhancing supplier delivery times by 30%, aligns well with the efficiency and optimisation aspects needed in this professional field.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: The emphasis on coordinating cross-departmental projects and streamlining communication processes demonstrates her ability to work collaboratively, an essential skill for effective category management.
- Educational Background: Highlighting her MBA in Business Administration from Cardiff University shows her strong academic foundation and understanding of business management principles, reinforcing her qualification for advanced roles in commercial tasks.
Catering Administrator
- Highlighting experience with catering operations and administration, which is crucial for a Catering Administrator role, such as managing monthly costings and coordinating logistics for events.
- Emphasising accomplishments like the implementation of a new invoicing system that increased efficiency by 30%, demonstrating the ability to improve processes and achieve cost savings.
- Showcasing advanced skills in Microsoft Office and specific training in Advanced Excel Techniques, as proficiency in these tools is essential for administrative efficiency and data handling.
- Illustrating strong organisational and communication skills through previous roles and certified courses, important for optimising team collaboration and enhancing service delivery.
Catering Consultant
- Tangible Achievements: Clearly highlight quantifiable achievements, such as a 30% increase in client satisfaction and a 25% higher placement rate, demonstrating the direct impact of your work.
- Relevant Experience: Emphasise relevant experience in the specific industry, like the role at Hays Recruitment and Reed Hospitality, to establish credibility and familiarity with industry needs.
- Specific Skills: Mention key skills such as lead generation and candidate sourcing, showcasing abilities essential for a recruitment consultant role.
- Certifications and Education: Highlight any advanced courses or relevant degrees, such as the MBA or courses in recruitment techniques, to showcase professional development and expertise.
Catering Event Planner
- Highlighting Key Achievements: Alice prominently features her most significant accomplishments, such as increasing client retention by 30% and improving client satisfaction by 25%; key metrics that directly relate to the success in catering and event production.
- Relevant Certifications and Education: The cover letter mentions the "Advanced Event Management Certification," which would be particularly impressive to potential employers in this field, showcasing specialised training.
- Comprehensive Experience Section: The letter provides a detailed look at Alice's roles and responsibilities across different positions, illustrating her growth and expertise in event production and client management over time.
- Distinctive Skills and Passions: Alice lists specific skills such as "Event coordination," "Culinary collaboration," and her passions like "Event Design and Innovation," aligning her personal interests with professional capabilities, enhancing her fit for the role.
Catering Equipment Manager
- Highlight the "Excellence in Event Leadership" award as it emphasizes successful management of high-profile events, demonstrating leadership and organizational skills critical for a Catering Operations Manager.
- Mention the "Cost Savings Initiative" achievement, showcasing the ability to efficiently manage resources and vendor relationships, which are essential for optimizing operations in catering and hospitality.
- Emphasise the implementation of new inventory systems that reduced waste by 20% as this demonstrates innovation and a proactive approach to sustainability, aligning with trends in eco-friendly hospitality practices.
- Discuss the role as a "Catering Operations Manager" at Sodexo Prestige, where leading a team resulted in a significant boost in customer satisfaction, underlining leadership and client-relationship management skills.
Catering Chef
- Highlighting Leadership Skills: The cover letter effectively underscores Isabella Watson's leadership abilities, specifically in managing and training a team of 25 chefs and kitchen staff, which is crucial for the role of a Catering Chef.
- Emphasising Cost Management: Mentioning a substantial cost reduction of 20% in kitchen operations demonstrates her strong grip on budget management, a vital aspect of culinary leadership.
- Certifications and Awards: The inclusion of certifications like the "DC Food Managers Certificate" and awards in hygiene standards reinforces her expertise in food safety, essential for maintaining high culinary standards.
- Passions in Sustainable Practices: Pointing out her investment in sustainable cooking practices showcases a commitment to eco-friendly methods that can appeal to employers focused on sustainable operations.
Catering Production Manager
- Highlighting specific achievements, such as leading to a 30% increase in client referrals and a £1.5M revenue boost, provides measurable evidence of success in event management roles.
- Mentioning bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish underscores the candidate's ability to communicate effectively with a wider client base, which is particularly beneficial in the diverse hospitality industry.
- Listing advanced certifications, such as the one from Event Academy in innovative event planning and execution strategies, indicates a commitment to continuous professional development and expertise in the field.
- Focusing on relationships with vendors and optimising supply chains demonstrates not only the ability to manage logistics and budget but also a knack for building crucial industry connections.
Catering Staff
- Emphasise leadership capabilities by detailing experiences where team management led to significant business outcomes, such as the 30% increase in client retention and enhanced team efficiency.
- Highlight specific achievements that directly impact business metrics, like innovative menu designs that contributed to a 25% increase in bar sales, showing a direct contribution to revenue.
- Showcase specialised certifications and education relevant to the role, such as the Professional Bartending Certification and Master's degree in International Hospitality Management, to underline credibility and expertise in banquet and catering services.
- Underline problem-solving skills and proactive initiatives, like developing health and safety training programmes that resulted in a 30% reduction in workplace incidents, demonstrating commitment to continuous improvement.
Catering Team Leader
- Emphasise food safety management skills and certifications, such as the 'Food Safety Supervisor Certification', to showcase expertise in a critical area for the Catering Team Leader role.
- Highlight leadership experience, particularly in a supervisory position as seen with roles at Sodexo and Compass Group, to indicate the ability to manage and inspire a team effectively.
- Illustrate achievements and contributions to sustainability and cost-efficiency programs, such as reducing food waste by 20% and implementing eco-friendly practices, demonstrating a forward-thinking and resourceful approach.
- Discuss the development and participation in programs, such as the training program for new hires, indicating an aptitude for improving team capability and onboarding effectiveness.
Catering Operations Director
- Highlight Sophia Foster’s experience in operations management and client relationship building, as these are crucial skills for a Regional Manager role.
- Select achievements where Sophia successfully increased sales and client retention, demonstrating her ability to drive results and build strong customer connections.
- Mention the Master of Business Administration from the University of Warwick, as postgraduate qualifications can be valued in managerial roles.
- Emphasise the Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification, which showcases her capability in effectively leading and managing complex projects.
Catering Service Coordinator
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasising Louis's role as a Catering Coordinator with a focus on successful event management and client satisfaction can demonstrate direct relevance to prospective employers in similar roles.
- Showcase Achievements: Detailing results-driven achievements such as increasing customer satisfaction by 30% and boosting catering revenues by 15% can effectively illustrate capability and impact.
- Emphasise Key Skills: Features like Customer Service Excellence and Team Leadership displayed prominently can align Louis's skills with the typical requirements of a Catering Coordinator role.
- Reference Educational Background: Mentioning an MBA from the University of Bristol reinforces a strong formal education in business, supporting roles that require strategic and managerial oversight.
Catering cover letter example
Alfie Edwards
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+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am drawn to the opportunity to contribute to your team, sharing my extensive experience in commercial catering engineering. Your company’s commitment to leveraging innovative kitchen technologies resonates with my own passion for ensuring equipment performs reliably and efficiently.
At Gourmet Solutions Ltd, I played a pivotal role in implementing a digital record-keeping system that reduced average repair times by 25% and led a team to drive a 30% increase in service contracts through strategic kitchen installations. This success not only showcases my capabilities in technical and project management aspects but also highlights my dedication to tangible results.
I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your needs. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my application further in an interview.
Sincerely,
Alfie Edwards
Commercial Catering Engineer
What makes this cover letter effective:
- Specific Industry Experience: Highlight relevant experience in the commercial catering field, which demonstrates an understanding of the specialized requirements of the role.
- Achievement-Driven Impact: Include measurable outcomes, such as reducing repair times by a specific percentage, to exemplify successful previous initiatives that align with the company's goals.
- Leadership and Team Management: Emphasize roles in leading teams and strategic operations, showcasing the ability to manage projects and improve service efficiencies effectively.
- Alignment with Company Values: Express enthusiasm about the company's goals and mention how your personal values and past achievements align with their mission to demonstrate cultural fit.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
Cover letters are a crucial part of your application, offering additional details beyond your CV.
Here’s why they’re essential:
- Supporting your CV: Now's your opportunity to provide some context for your experience, with more information on your key achievements and how your profile could benefit the position and organisation to which you're applying.
- Showcases your character: Taking the time to write a cover letter demonstrates that you’re proactive, organised, ambitious, and genuinely interested in the role.
- Reflects your career goals: Use the cover letter to outline your long-term career career aspirations and how this role aligns with your broader plans.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
Your UK employers will appreciate your application if you've taken the effort to tailor your cover letter to their job requirements.
Here’s how to ensure yours ticks all the right boxes:
- Research the company thoroughly: It's not enough to have only read the job advert. Look into the company's history, products, services, and recent achievements to demonstrate your genuine interest and knowledge.
- Connect with the company’s values: Every company has core principles that shape its culture and operations. Identify these values and use your cover letter to show how they align with your professional conduct and ethics.
- Emphasise your relevant skills: Highlight specific skills that match the job description and are most in demand. Use examples from your previous experience to support your claims and set yourself apart from other candidates.
How to format a catering cover letter
Before diving into the content, the structure of your cover letter should include the following elements:
- Your address and contact details
- The employer’s name and address
- Date
- Salutation or greeting
- Opening or introductory paragraph
- Middle or body paragraphs
- Closing paragraph
- Sign-off and signature
When it comes to the best font choice, consider modern options like Lato, Rubik, Raleway, Volkhov, Chivo, or Bitter as alternatives to Arial or Times New Roman.
Your cover letter should be single-spaced, with approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins all around (our templates are set up automatically with this spacing in mind).
Ensure your CV and cover letter use the same font for consistency, and always send them as a PDF to prevent edits and maintian formatting.
Lastly, while Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS—the software used to match your application to set requirements) won't read your cover letter, recruiters certainly will, so make sure it stands out.
How to write your catering cover letter salutation
First impressions often start with the greeting and in the case of your job application, 'Dear Sir or Madam' simply won't suffice.
Find out who’s hiring for the role—by calling or emailing the company, searching online, or using LinkedIn—and address them correctly.
Generally, you should address them by their surname (e.g., 'Dear Mrs Weasley'), but if you've spoken to them before, you might use their first name (e.g., 'Dear Albus').
How to write your catering cover letter intro
It's never a bad time to show enthusiasm about the role, company, or team in your cover letter introduction.
Begin by sharing one or two aspects that genuinely excite you about the position—whether it's the company culture, specific responsibilities, or the team's past achievements.
Your enthusiasm demonstrates that you'll bring a strong work ethic, are eager to contribute, and are motivated to succeed.
Cover Letter Intro
With a longstanding admiration for Gourmet Events' commitment to culinary excellence and sustainable practices, I am keen to bring my five years of catering expertise to your innovative team, furthering the art of bespoke dining experiences.
RIGHT
How to write your catering cover letter body
You’ve personalised your greeting and introduction—now it’s time to focus on writing the body of your cover letter.
Instead of listing off skills and responsibilities from your CV, focus on one career highlight that’s relevant to the role.
Use your hard and soft skills, success metrics (e.g., percentages or sales figures), and the long-term impact it had on the company.
A concise, well-told story centred on your value as a candidate will make a strong impression.
Cover Letter Body
During my tenure as the Catering Manager at Gourmet Delights, I was instrumental in orchestrating a high-profile charity gala for 500 attendees, including notable dignitaries and influencers. Tasked with the entire planning and execution process, I leveraged my strong organisational and leadership skills to coordinate a seamless event that not only exceeded guest expectations but also raised £150,000 for the charity—a 50% increase compared to the previous year’s event. This success was achieved through meticulous attention to detail and innovative menu designs that catered to diverse dietary preferences, ensuring an inclusive and memorable dining experience for all guests. Through effective negotiation and strategic partnership with local vendors, I managed to reduce costs by 20%, maximising the fundraising potential for the gala. This experience underscored my ability to deliver exceptional catering services while maintaining financial efficiency and guest satisfaction.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
You’ve written a brilliant cover letter so far—so don’t undermine it at the very end.
If you think signing off with a polite 'Kind regards' or 'I look forward to hearing from you' will make a strong impression, think again.
A better approach is to make a tangible promise—one that reflects both personal and professional growth—and demonstrates your value to the recruiters.
Alternatively, encourage the hiring managers by asking when you might expect to hear back from them.
Cover Letter Closing
Thank you for considering my application for the catering position. I am eager to bring my culinary skills and organisational expertise to your esteemed team and contribute to the outstanding service for which your company is known. I am very interested in the opportunity to discuss how my experience aligns with your needs, and I am confident that I would be a valuable asset to your team. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to arrange an interview. I appreciate your time and consideration, and I look forward to the possibility of working together.
RIGHT
Conclusion
Crafting an engaging cover letter can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your job application. Always personalise your letter by addressing the hiring manager directly and linking your qualifications to the role's requirements.
Highlight relevant achievements that set you apart and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the company. Maintain a professional format that complements your CV, creating a cohesive and polished application.
