Waiters are employed by hotels, restaurants and other establishments to take orders and serve food to customers. They may also be known as servers or waitresses. Waiters work in a fast-paced environment that requires excellent customer service skills.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the food services industry are expected to grow by 11% over the next ten years. The BLS also reports that the median salary for a waiter or waitress is $26,530, with the top 10% earning over $45,000 annually.
What to Include in a Waiter Cover Letter?
Roles And Responsibilities
- Greet and escort customers to their tables.
- Present menu and provide detailed information when asked (e.g. about portions, ingredients or potential food allergies).
- Prepare tables by setting up linens, silverware and glasses.
- Serve food and drink orders.
- Check dishes and kitchenware for cleanliness and presentation and report any problems.
- Arrange table settings and maintain a tidy dining area.
- Carry dirty plates, glasses and silverware to kitchen for cleaning.
- Meet with restaurant staff to review daily specials, changes on the menu and service specifications for reservations (e.g. parties).
- Follow all relevant health department regulations.
- Provide excellent customer service to guests.
Education & Skills
Waiter Skills:
- Confident in serving food and drinks.
- Excels at maintaining professionalism while under pressure.
- Always eager to help out coworkers and supervisors.
- Good customer service skills.
- Able to handle a fast-paced environment.
Waiter Education Requirements:
- A high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum educational requirement for a waiter. Some employers require waiters to have some postsecondary education, such as a degree in restaurant management or food service.
Waiter Cover Letter Example (Text Version)
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to apply for the position of waiter at [restaurant name], which was recently advertised on [job posting website].
As you’ll find in my resume, I have been a waiter for the past three years at [restaurant name], where I have developed strong relationships with customers and learned the intricacies of delivering exceptional service. I am excited to bring my customer service skills to your restaurant and join a team that is known for its warmth and generosity in serving others.
I have always had an interest in food since I was young, and as a [nationality] immigrant, it’s even more important to me that I am able to provide for myself with a job that is fun and allows me to share my culture with others. As a waiter, I get to do both of these things because it allows me to be around food all the time, but also gives me the opportunity to enlighten others about dishes from my culture.
The experience working at [current restaurant company] has really helped me develop my customer service skills and understand how important it is that everyone receives an exceptional dining experience. I am sure that these skills would translate well into your restaurant environment and make me a productive member of your staff.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips
Whether you’re seeking your first job in the restaurant industry or have been a waiter for years and are looking to move up, our Waiter Cover Letter Example and Writing Tips can help you land an interview.
The cover letter is a great place to highlight both your service skills and your passion for food and hospitality. Emphasize your ability to support the restaurant’s bottom line by providing excellent service that will keep customers coming back.
Even if you don’t have experience, highlight other positive attributes you bring to the table: your flexibility, physical stamina, and love of working with people.
Once you’ve written a great cover letter, it’s time to start working on your resume. Refer our Waiter Resume Sample for more tips on how to write your resume and accompany it with a strong cover letter.
