A Waiting staff, waiters / waitresses, or servers is a person who works in a restaurant. He/She takes food orders and serves meals to the customers. They have many other duties, even though serving customers’ orders is their primary responsibility. It’s their responsibility to work with the kitchen to ensure that orders are accurate. They also have to build rapport with customers to encourage them to return.
Do you want to work as a waiter/waitress or a bartender? Well-written cover letters can be the key to getting noticed by employers. In this article, we will give you two sample cover letters for waitperson positions – entry-level candidates and experienced waitpersons.
These cover letters showcase your enthusiasm and commitment to exceptional customer service. You can use them as examples to write your unique cover letter, increasing your chances of landing that dream waitperson job.
Qualifications Of a Good Waiting staff, Waiter / Waitress, or Servers
Here are the seven qualities you’ll need to be successful as a server:
1. ACTIVE LISTENING
The biggest part of a server’s job is taking food and beverage orders. To do this, you’ll need excellent active listening skills. Your menu might be simple. Nevertheless, if your customers want customizations, it can quickly complicate an order.
As the meal proceeds, customers will ask for additional items. They may ask for extra sauces and dressings or even new drinks. Since you will not be able to write down each of these items, it is important that you listen to the customer’s needs.
Repeat the customer’s order. It will show that you are paying attention and help you remember or write the order correctly.
2. SHARP MEMORY
Just like in the last section of this article, you need to remember who has asked for what. It may be easy to remember a single request.
There will be multiple tables or even one or two large groups in almost every section. Every person could have a different request. Keep a sharp mind if you want to make sure your guests are happy and get the most out of your tips.
3. ATTENTIVENESS
Customers who are paying for your services want to feel noticed. Understandably, you will have busy days where you can’t give 100% attention to each customer.
To be a good waitress, you must balance your time and attention. By paying attention to the social signals and ensuring that your tables are valued, you can ensure they feel appreciated.
4. FLEXIBILITY
There’s no such thing as a predictable shift in the restaurant business. Flexible thinking is essential to combat the variety of situations that you will encounter each day.
Flexible people can adapt to any situation, be it a noisy customer, an unexpectedly busy night, or being asked to manage the food. Working as a waiter or server will allow you to develop your flexibility.
5. POSITIVE ATTITUDE
We’ve seen rudeness from a customer or table towards their server. Sadly, being a server will mean your customers vent their frustrations at you. It is best to have a positive outlook when dealing with rudeness.
A positive attitude not only helps calm down customers but also allows you to solve the problem quickly and without letting your emotions control you. It not only helps you deal with customer service issues but also keeps you going during the hardest shifts.
6. ABILITY TO HUSTLE
A restaurant has a fast pace, and a waitperson must be able to hustle. Customers demand quick service. It’s not uncommon for a significant distance between the front and the back of the home. Customers and management will expect you to work quickly and efficiently. You can lose your job if you fail to meet the expectations.
7. MULTI-TASKING
The job of a server is filled with multi-tasking. To balance the demands of several customers, it is necessary to wait tables at various stages of the dining experience. To meet the demands of several people, you will have to prioritize and handle a range of situations.
For example, you might need to greet a new customer, check on a current client, deliver food to a second table, and replenish a third. You will have to multitask to meet your customers’ expectations.
Waiter/Waitress Cover Letter Example (No experience)
This Waiter/Waitress cover letter sample is well-suited for applicants seeking entry-level positions with little or no job experience.
[Your Name],
[Your Address],
[Your City, Your State].
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Current Date]
[Recipient’s Name],
[Recipient’s Job Title],
[Company Name],
[Company Address].
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the entry-level waitress position at your esteemed restaurant. With a strong passion for customer service and a genuine enthusiasm for the food industry, I am confident I can contribute to your team and provide exceptional dining experiences for your patrons.
Although I may have yet to gain prior professional experience as a waitress, I have gained valuable skills through my part-time job as a hostess at a busy restaurant. This role has allowed me to develop excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
I am a quick learner and thrive in a team-oriented setting. I am eager to expand my knowledge of food and beverage service. I am willing to undergo any necessary training to ensure I provide the best possible service to your customers.
Thank you for considering my application. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and enthusiasm align with your restaurant’s vision. Please find my attached resume for further details on my qualifications.
I look forward to the possibility of joining your team as a waitress.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Waiter/Waitress Cover Letter Example (With experience)
This Waitress cover letter sample is highly suitable for applicants with job experience, as it allows them to showcase their skills and accomplishments professionally.
[Your Name],
[Your Address],
[Your City, Your State].
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Current Date]
[Recipient’s Name],
[Recipient’s Job Title],
[Company Name],
[Company Address].
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am excited to apply for the experienced waitress position at your renowned restaurant. With over five years of experience in the food and beverage industry, I am confident in my ability to deliver exceptional service and contribute to the success of your establishment.
Throughout my career, I have honed my skills in providing top-notch customer service, ensuring guest satisfaction, and maintaining high professionalism. I am well-versed in menu knowledge, wine pairing, and handling various dietary restrictions and allergies. My ability to anticipate customer needs and deliver personalized experiences has resulted in positive feedback and repeat business.
I am a natural leader and have successfully trained and mentored new staff members, ensuring they adhere to the highest service standards. I am also adept at handling challenging situations with grace and diplomacy, resolving conflicts, and maintaining a positive work environment.
I am thrilled about the opportunity to bring my expertise and passion for hospitality to your team. My skills, experience, and dedication to exceptional service make me an ideal candidate for the experienced waitress position at your establishment.
Thank you for considering my application. Please find my attached resume for further details on my qualifications. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your restaurant’s success.
Sincerely,
Your Name