Writing a strong cover letter requires close attention to detail, from the tone of voice to avoiding those pesky spelling or grammar mistakes.
Overlooking similar small details can weaken your application.
Many candidates also struggle with how to address the letter, often opting for 'Dear Sir or Madam' when they can’t find the correct contact. This can make your cover letter feel impersonal.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to perfect these crucial elements, ensuring your cover letter is polished and professional without relying on clichés.
Cover letter examples for hospitality
Explore additional hospitality cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Entry-Level Hospitality Associate
- It effectively highlights specialist certifications such as the "Event Planning and Management Certificate", which is crucial for roles in event management and coordination.
- The inclusion of key metrics and achievements, such as a 95% customer satisfaction rate and reducing setup time by 15%, demonstrates quantifiable success in previous roles.
- Showcases a range of skills, including organisational skills, team leadership, and problem-solving, which are essential for succeeding in hospitality roles, particularly involving client relations and event management.
- Emphasises passions related to the role, such as "Customer Service Excellence", indicating genuine dedication to the industry and providing outstanding guest experiences.
Junior Hospitality Coordinator
- Emphasise Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively highlights Oliver Smith's practical experience as a Hospitality Coordinator, detailing specific achievements such as managing over 50 events annually and achieving a 20% increase in client satisfaction, which is directly relevant to the role.
- Showcase Achievements with Metrics: The inclusion of quantifiable achievements, such as reducing setup time by 30% and maintaining a zero-incident record over 18 months, effectively demonstrates Oliver's impact and success in his previous roles.
- Mention Relevant Certifications and Courses: The cover letter notes Oliver's Certified Meeting Planner certification and advanced-event management training, which are critical qualifications for demonstrating advanced skills and commitment to professional development in hospitality and event management.
- Highlight Problem-Solving Skills: By mentioning a record-keeping system implementation that increased efficiency, the cover letter showcases problem-solving abilities that are crucial for logistics and event coordination roles.
Trainee Hospitality Consultant
- Emphasising Achievements: The cover letter effectively highlights Henry’s significant accomplishments, such as increasing sales conversion rates and exceeding sales targets, which demonstrates his capability and impact in previous roles.
- Relevant Professional Experience: By detailing his roles and responsibilities in sales and recruitment, the cover letter establishes Henry’s hands-on experience, underscoring his expertise and suitability for a position as a Trainee Recruitment Consultant.
- Education and Certifications: Mention of relevant academic qualifications, like the MSc in Business Management, and specific certifications, such as Advanced Sales Strategy, validate his theoretical knowledge and professional preparedness.
- Key Skills Alignment: The cover letter aligns Henry’s skills in negotiation, client relationship management, and CRM software proficiency with the desired competencies for the recruitment consultant role, showcasing a tailored fit for potential employers.
Experienced Hospitality Analyst
- Emphasising data analysis and dashboard proficiency, crucial for a Hospitality Inventory Analyst role, showcasing the ability to optimise asset allocation strategies and improve efficiency by over 20%.
- Highlighting experience in leading cross-functional teams and implementing data-driven event planning, which led to increased audience engagement and ticket sales - key in ensuring successful event logistics.
- Mentioning the development and management of data systems, improving reporting accuracy by 25%, directly impacts decision-making processes, a critical aspect of the Analyst position.
- Showcasing certifications in Advanced Data Analysis Techniques and Strategic Event Logistics Management, demonstrating specialised skills and professional development relevant to the industry.
By Role
Hospitality Manager
- Highlighting Achievements: The cover letter effectively showcases specific achievements such as a 15% enhancement in operational efficiency, 22% increase in customer satisfaction scores, and significant reduction in operational costs by 25%, which are crucial for a management role in catering and hospitality.
- Emphasis on Budget Management Skills: Successfully managing a substantial annual budget of £1.5 million and improving fiscal performance by 10% demonstrate the applicant's strong financial acumen, vital for roles requiring budget oversight.
- Focus on Compliance and Safety: Mentioning the achievement of an 'Excellent' rating in health and safety audits illustrates the applicant's commitment to maintaining high compliance standards, an essential aspect of catering management.
- Passion for Sustainability: Highlighting sustainability initiatives that led to a 25% reduction in waste projects the applicant's dedication to eco-friendly practices, aligning with modern business values and consumer expectations in the hospitality industry.
Hospitality Coordinator
- Highlighting Certifications: The cover letter effectively showcases specialised certifications such as "Effective Vendor Negotiation," which is crucial for roles involving supplier management and cost efficiency in catering.
- Emphasising Key Skills: Skills such as Catering Management, Vendor Negotiation, and Inventory Management are specifically highlighted, aligning with the role's requirements for operational excellence and cost control.
- Showcasing Achievements: Specific accomplishments like reducing catering costs by 15% and implementing an inventory system reducing food waste by 20% provide concrete evidence of the candidate's ability to enhance profitability and efficiency.
- Reflecting Passion and Leadership: The inclusion of passions such as 'Gastronomy Innovations' and 'Team Building' emphasises the candidate’s enthusiasm for the industry and for fostering a positive team environment, which are essential for leadership roles in catering.
Hospitality Consultant
- Highlight measurable achievements: Ruby's cover letter showcases her ability to increase territory sales by 25% and secure contracts that significantly boost revenue, providing concrete evidence of her impact in sales roles.
- Emphasise relevant skills and expertise: The cover letter effectively draws attention to Ruby's proficiency in CRM systems, negotiation, building stakeholder relationships, and her strategic initiatives, all crucial for a Hospitality Sales Consultant.
- Demonstrate leadership and innovation: By mentioning her development of a CRM system and creation of sales training programs, Ruby exemplifies leadership and an innovative approach to improving sales processes and team performance.
- Focus on ongoing professional development: The inclusion of relevant courses and certifications, such as Advanced Sales Strategies and CRM Specialist Certification, underscores Ruby's commitment to maintaining her expertise in modern sales practices.
Hospitality Analyst
- Experience and Achievements: Highlight of a 25% increase in client satisfaction through innovative contract strategies demonstrates Daniel's ability to drive results and improve business outcomes in the hospitality sector.
- Skill in Contract Negotiation: Mention of increasing luxury portfolio growth by 20% and optimisation of cost savings shows a strong proficiency in identifying new opportunities and reducing costs, critical for an Analyst role focusing on Contracts & Regulations.
- Educational Background: Listing a Master of Business Administration and relevant coursework in contract management and regulatory compliance illustrates Daniel's solid foundation and specialised knowledge necessary for excelling in the field.
- Relevant Skills: Emphasis on skills such as Stakeholder Management, Regulatory Compliance, and Analytical Skills are tailored to meet the demands of roles that require a firm grasp on legal and regulatory aspects of the hospitality industry.
Hospitality Director
- Highlighting Industry Expertise: The cover letter effectively underscores Isabelle's extensive experience in the sports and entertainment sectors, which is critical for roles in events and hospitality.
- Quantifiable Achievements: By detailing specific percentage increases in client satisfaction and revenue growth, the letter provides measurable evidence of her capabilities and accomplishments in driving strategic initiatives.
- Emphasising Leadership and Team Management: Isabelle’s experience in leading a team of 20 and directing cross-functional teams demonstrates her leadership skills and ability to manage complex operations, key for a Director-level position.
- Integration of Technological Solutions: The inclusion of digital transformation initiatives, such as launching a digital portal, highlights her adeptness at incorporating technology to enhance client engagement and operational efficiency.
Hospitality Executive
- Highlighting Professional Experience: The cover letter effectively underscores significant professional achievements, such as enhancing customer satisfaction scores by 25% and reducing booking conflicts by 20%. These quantifiable successes demonstrate the candidate's ability to deliver measurable results.
- Relevant Certifications and Skills: The cover letter mentions advanced customer service strategies and event planning courses, complementing the hospitality management skills and showcasing a commitment to continuous professional development crucial for roles in hospitality and customer service.
- Leadership and Team Development: It emphasizes leadership capabilities through training a team and improving guest feedback, highlighting essential management skills for a Field Representative II role in Hospitality Management.
- Problem-Solving and Efficiency Improvements: Noteworthy achievements like reducing booking conflicts and improving mail processing by 40% are cited, showcasing problem-solving acumen and efficiency improvements critical for operational roles.
Hospitality Sales Manager
- Emphasising Revenue Growth: The cover letter highlights a consistent history of successfully increasing revenue by 25%, showcasing the candidate's ability to drive financial performance crucial for a Sales Manager role.
- Demonstrating Leadership and Mentorship: An important aspect is the candidate's experience leading a team of sales representatives with a 30% improvement in performance, along with successful mentorship that led to internal promotions, underscoring effective leadership skills.
- Highlighting Negotiation and Relationship Management: Specific examples of high-value contract negotiations and client retention improvements by 15% demonstrate the candidate's adeptness in building and managing profitable client relationships.
- Showcasing Industry-Specific Expertise: Mentioning collaborations with the audio-visual team and achieving a top Client Satisfaction score of 95% reflects the candidate's tailor-made solutions in the hospitality sector, adding value to their specialised skills.
Hospitality Marketing Manager
- Specific Achievements: The cover letter clearly highlights measurable achievements, such as increasing revenue by 25% and hotel occupancy by 15%, which showcase the impact and value James can bring to potential employers.
- Relevant Experience: It effectively outlines relevant work experience in the hospitality industry, detailing roles and responsibilities that align with the job position, thereby enhancing credibility.
- Technical Skills: Mentioning proficiency in SEO, SEM, and content marketing is advantageous, as these are critical skills for a marketing role, helping to demonstrate James's capability in managing digital campaigns.
- Leadership and Collaboration: The cover letter points out leadership capabilities, such as managing a marketing budget and leading rebranding initiatives, as well as collaboration with PR firms and cross-functional teams, emphasising strong interpersonal skills crucial for a management role.
Hospitality Project Manager
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Jacob's cover letter effectively emphasises his extensive experience in hospitality project management, especially his successful management of high-value projects, such as the £30M hotel construction project completed ahead of schedule.
- Quantify Achievements: The letter includes quantifiable achievements, such as reduced costs by 12% and enhanced project deliverable timeliness by 25%, which showcases measurable impact and success in previous roles.
- Focus on Stakeholder Relationships: Jacob underscores his ability to foster stakeholder relationships, as evidenced by a 20% improvement in stakeholder satisfaction ratings, an essential aspect for roles heavily involving client and team interaction.
- Emphasise Compliance and Quality Assurance: His track record of achieving 98% compliance with local building codes and implementing innovative quality assurance procedures speaks to his commitment to maintaining high standards and safety in construction projects.
Hospitality Trainer
- Highlight Relevant Achievements: Emphasise quantifiable achievements like the 15% increase in participant pass rates and 30% reduction in incident reports to demonstrate effectiveness and impact in previous roles.
- Showcase Certifications and Courses: Mention specialised training and certifications, such as the Advanced First Aid Instructor and Food Safety Level 4, to underline the expertise and skill set relevant to the position.
- Emphasise Relevant Experience: Detail specific experiences such as conducting over 50 First Aid certification workshops annually or rolling out a community-wide Fire Safety Awareness campaign to demonstrate a proven track record in training and safety.
- Include Personal Passions: Personal interests like Emergency Response Training and Community Volunteering can reflect a genuine dedication to the field and align personal goals with professional ambitions.
Hospitality Supervisor
- Highlighting Certifications: The candidate emphasises their "Advanced Hospitality Management Certification" from the Institute of Hospitality, showcasing their commitment to advanced management skills critical for a role involving hospitality oversight.
- Emphasising Key Achievements: The letter details specific achievements, such as a "15% increase in customer satisfaction" and "25% decrease in staff turnover," directly reflecting the candidate's capability in enhancing operational and service effectiveness.
- Skill Focus: Essential skills such as "Customer Service" and "Team Motivation" are highlighted, which are crucial for leading a team and ensuring high customer satisfaction in a Front of House Supervisor role.
- Relevant Experience: The detailed account of past roles in well-known companies like Elior UK and Sodexo adds credibility and demonstrates the candidate's extensive experience in hospitality management and customer service.
Hospitality Officer
- Emphasise certifications such as the Food Safety Supervisor Certification which are crucial for maintaining high food safety standards, a critical component in the hospitality sector.
- Highlight successful initiatives like the implementation of streamlined kitchen procedures and the introduction of a feedback system, demonstrating the ability to improve operational efficiency and enhance resident satisfaction.
- Showcase specific achievements such as the "Operational Efficiency Award" and "Employee of the Year" to establish credibility and commitment to excellence in hospitality services.
- Mention passion projects related to the role, such as Elder Care Outreach and Green Initiatives, to align personal interests with organisational goals and demonstrate a holistic approach to the position.
Hospitality Assistant
- Highlight relevant experience: Eva's cover letter effectively showcases her extensive experience in various hospitality roles, emphasising her ability to lead teams, enhance customer satisfaction, and manage operational efficiencies. Mentioning the specific improvements achieved, such as service efficiency and customer feedback scores, adds credibility and demonstrates the tangible impact of her work.
- Emphasise certifications and courses: Eva has included certifications in Advanced Food Safety & Hygiene and Hospitality Service Excellence. Highlighting these qualifications is crucial, as they demonstrate her commitment to professional development and compliance with industry standards, which are essential aspects of a hospitality role.
- Showcase transferable skills: Skills such as customer service, teamwork, and problem-solving are crucial in the hospitality industry. Eva's ability to manage inventory, plan events, and resolve guest issues efficiently indicates her competency in essential areas that are highly valued in hospitality positions.
- Incorporate achievements and awards: Mentioning specific accolades, such as the Customer Service Award and Hospitality Excellence Recognition, adds a layer of distinction to Eva's application, highlighting her recognition by employers for outstanding contributions and excellence in her field.
Hospitality cover letter example
William Hall
Bristol, UK
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
9 Green Street
Bristol
BS1 5TG
help@enhancv.com
linkedin.com/username
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am reaching out to express my interest in joining your team, having followed your company’s initiatives in sustainable practices and customer-centric innovations within the hospitality industry. With over a decade of hands-on experience in enhancing customer satisfaction and optimizing operations, I believe my background aligns with your goals.
In my current role as a Senior Catering Assistant at The Gourmet Plate, I spearheaded a feedback initiative that increased client satisfaction scores by 10%. By directly engaging with patrons, I streamlined communication channels, quickly addressing issues and implementing changes that matched customer preferences, demonstrating my commitment to delivering exceptional service quality.
I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how I can contribute to your team. I am eager to bring my strengths in customer service and team management to your dynamic company. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my application in more detail.
Sincerely,
William Hall
Hospitality & Catering Assistant
Key reasons this cover letter shines:
- Emphasize industry-specific experience: Highlight your decade of experience in the hospitality industry, focusing on your ability to enhance customer satisfaction and optimize operational efficiency.
- Quantify achievements: Demonstrating concrete outcomes, such as a 10% increase in client satisfaction scores, provides tangible evidence of your capabilities and contributions.
- Showcase effective communication skills: Discussing your initiative to engage directly with patrons and streamline communication highlights your interpersonal skills and proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Align with company values: Tailor your cover letter to reflect the company’s focus on sustainable practices and customer-centric innovations, showing that your values and skills align with their mission.
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
Want to make an excellent first impression on your UK employers with your cover letter?
Here are three handy tips and tricks to keep in mind when creating yours:
- Take the time to research: Invest in learning about the company and role by exploring their website, social media, and doing a thorough Google search. Focus on the products and services they offer, as well as awards and industry recognitions.
- Focus on the company's values: Refer back to your research and to uncover what the company believes in. Integrate those values into your cover letter by explaining how you embody them. For example, if they value diligence, highlight how you’ve consistently met tight deadlines or successfully managed heavy workloads.
- Align your skills with the job requirements: Read the job advert carefully and identify the most sought-after skills. Select the top three skills that you can substantiate with your most noteworthy achievements, to demonstrate your expertise in those areas.
How to format a hospitality cover letter
Keep in mind that your cover letter is intended for the recruiters' eyes only, not for the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) software that aligns your job application with role requirements. That's why it's essential to concentrate on the quality of the content and presentation to make a memorable first impression.
Don’t forget to include:
- Your address and contact details
- The employer’s name and address
- Date
- Greeting
- Introductory paragraph
- Body paragraphs
- Closing paragraph
- Sign-off and signature
Now for some formatting tips and tricks: choose modern fonts such as Rubik, Volkhov, or Raleway instead of traditional ones like Arial. Keep your cover letter single-spaced with margins of around 1-inch (2.5 cm). To maintain a professional and consistent look, ensure that both your CV and cover letter use the same font style.
Lastly, always send your cover letter as a PDF to preserve its formatting and prevent any edits once it's sent, ensuring your design and layout remain intact for the recruiters.
How to write your hospitality cover letter salutation
Now it's time to make it personal—in your cover letter greeting, you should always address the hiring manager directly. Whenever possible, use their name, depending on how well you know them (e.g., 'Dear Mr Smith', 'Dear Abbie').
You can find their name by searching on LinkedIn (start by looking for the job posting and the recruiter), visiting the 'About' page of the company's website, or by calling reception or administration to enquire.
How to write your hospitality cover letter intro
One of the best ways to grab a hiring manager's attention? Show them the unique value you'd add to the team.
Review the skills or requirements listed in the posting and draw connections to your previous work experiences.
Focus on specific (and quantifiable) accomplishments and qualifications that align with the job description to make a strong first impression.
Cover Letter Intro
Having closely followed The Grand Hotel's impact on sustainable tourism and commitment to bespoke guest experiences, I'm eager to contribute to a team that so authentically embodies innovation and community engagement within the hospitality sector.
RIGHT
How to write your hospitality cover letter body
A well-written cover letter body goes beyond the content of your CV, expanding on your greatest achievement to form your compelling case.
The narrative you tell within it could focus on a few key elements:
- A concrete and noteworthy achievement: Backed by data and relevant to the job.
- Your hard and soft skills: Presented with measurable outcomes and results.
- A successful project: Showing how you contributed to the final result.
The goal is to tell a story that aligns with the company’s needs and adds a more human touch to your application.
Cover Letter Body
During my tenure as a Front Office Manager at the Grand Regency Hotel, I successfully spearheaded a project to enhance the guest check-in experience, which remarkably improved our guest satisfaction scores by 25% over a six-month period. This achievement was primarily driven by my ability to implement and optimise a new digital check-in system that reduced the average check-in time from 8 minutes to just 3 minutes.
This project required meticulous planning and coordination skills, as it involved liaising with multiple departments to ensure seamless integration and operation of the new system. By conducting detailed training sessions and workshops, I empowered my team to embrace the new technology, fostering a culture of efficiency and adaptability that became evident in our service delivery.
The resultant effect was not only reflected in the improved guest satisfaction scores but also in the increase in repeat bookings, demonstrating a 15% rise over the subsequent 12-month period. My dedication to enhancing customer experiences, paired with a strategic approach to innovation, significantly contributed to the hotel's brand reputation and financial performance.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
When ending your cover letter, you have two options:
Option one is to promise how you’d contribute to the organisation—whether that’s improving a target or achieving a specific goal—or how the company could help you grow professionally. Always emphasise the tangible impact you can deliver.
The second option is to close by asking when you can expect to hear back from the hiring managers, whether for an update or to arrange an interview.
Cover Letter Closing
I am eager to bring my skills and passion for excellence in hospitality to your esteemed organisation. I am confident that my proactive approach and customer-centric mindset will make a positive contribution to your team. I warmly invite you to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience, where we can discuss how I can support your objectives and vision. Thank you sincerely for considering my application; I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss my potential role at your company.
RIGHT
Conclusion
Your cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your personality and skills to potential employers. Start by addressing the hiring manager by name and tailoring your content to reflect the role’s requirements.
Include a specific example of your greatest achievement to illustrate your suitability for the position, while also expressing your enthusiasm for the company. Remember to format your letter professionally, ensuring it aligns seamlessly with your CV.
