9 Professional Catering Cover Letter Examples for 2024

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9 Professional Catering Cover Letter...

Your catering cover letter must immediately highlight your passion for food and customer service. It’s essential to convey your experience in creating menus that delight a wide array of tastes. Please remember to include your versatility in handling events of varying scales, from intimate gatherings to grand banquets. Demonstrating your ability to manage and lead a team efficiently will set you apart in your catering cover letter.

All cover letter examples in this guide

You're ready to apply for a catering job, but there's one hurdle left: the dreaded cover letter. It's not just a repeat of your resume; it's your chance to showcase a standout achievement in a vivid story. The balance of formality with a fresh voice is tricky, and clichés? Avoid them like overcooked pasta. Remember, you've only got one page to make your mark. Let's crack the code to a compelling cover letter that leaves employers hungry for more.

Elevate your catering cover letter game to impress recruiters with our helpful tips on:

  • Writing the essential catering cover letter sections: balancing your professionalism and personality;
  • Mixing storytelling, your unique skill set, and your greatest achievement;
  • Providing relevant (and interesting) information with your catering cover letter, despite your lack of professional experience;
  • Finding the perfect format for your[ catering cover letter, using templates from industry experts.

Leverage the power of Enhancv's AI: upload your resume and our platform will map out how your catering cover letter should look, in mere moments.

Catering cover letter example

Lucas Rodriguez

Houston, Texas

+1-(234)-555-1234

help@enhancv.com


Dear Hiring Manager,

My tenure at ExxonMobil Corporation has imbued me with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in office administration and project coordination. It's with a proactive approach and a commitment to operational excellence that I aim to join your esteemed team, bringing with me a dedication to enhancing productivity and efficiency.

One particularly transformative initiative I spearheaded was the implementation of a new digital document control system. This bold move not only boosted document retrieval efficiency by an impressive 25% but also redefined the way my team interacted with critical information. Managing this project required unwavering attention to detail and an advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, skills that I am eager to leverage to contribute to your company's success.

I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how my experiences align with the goals of your organization. An interview would be the perfect platform to share insights and explore how I can be a valuable asset to your team. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,

Lucas Rodriguez

Office Administrator | Document Management | Project Coordination
What makes this cover letter good:


  • Emphasizing relevant project management experience, such as the implementation of a new digital document control system, demonstrates the ability to lead and deliver successful initiatives, which is crucial for an Office Administrator role.
  • Highlighting a key achievement (e.g., increasing document retrieval efficiency by 25%) provides concrete evidence of the candidate's impact in their previous position and showcases their potential value to the new employer.
  • Mentioning specific technical skills (e.g., advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office) shows that the candidate possesses the necessary tools to perform daily administrative tasks effectively, signaling their readiness for the job requirements.

What should your catering cover letter look like - formatting and organizing your information

Have you ever wondered what are the must-have sections you need to include in your catering cover letter? Our builder sets those up for you with:

  • Header - dedicated to your contact information, the role you're applying for, and the date (don't forget to include your name);
  • Greeting and opening paragraph - to create a personalized and memorable experience for recruiters;
  • Body paragraph - emphasizing your skill set and knowledge that aligns with the role and helps you to stand out;
  • Closing paragraph - leaving a great impression and ending with an optional signature.

Use a cover letter template to discover the best formatting for your catering cover letter: that is single-spaced paragraphs and wrapping your content in a one-inch margin.

Ensure that both your resume and catering cover letter are in the same font. Stand apart from the crowd by using modern, yet simple fonts, like Chivo and Rubik, instead of the overused Arial and Times New Roman.

Did you know that the Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't be assessing your catering cover letter? Instead, submit your profile in PDF to recruiters to keep the same formatting and the design intact.

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The top sections on a catering cover letter

  • Header: The header should include your name, address, phone number, and email, ensuring that the recruiter knows who the letter is from and how to contact you. A professional header also sets a formal tone for the letter.
  • Greeting: Address the letter to a specific individual, such as the head of the catering department or the hiring manager, to demonstrate that you have researched the company and are genuinely interested in the position.
  • Introduction: In the introduction, briefly mention your interest in the catering industry and the specific role, highlighting your passion for hospitality, event coordination, or culinary arts.
  • Body: Use this section to detail your relevant catering experience, such as event planning skills, food preparation expertise, or customer service accomplishments, showing the recruiter that you have the practical experience required for the role.
  • Closing: End the letter with a call to action, expressing your eagerness to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the company's catering needs, and include a polite thank you to the recruiter for considering your application.
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Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

  • Experience in food preparation and service: Recruiters look for candidates who have prior experience with cooking, plating, and serving food, which is fundamental to catering events smoothly and professionally.
  • Attention to detail: Catering requires meticulous attention to presentation, dietary requirements, and timing, ensuring every aspect of meal service is executed flawlessly.
  • Strong organizational skills: Effective coordination of food, equipment, and staff is crucial in catering to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and ensure events run according to plan.
  • Excellent customer service: Positive interaction with clients and guests is key in catering to create a welcoming environment and address any needs or concerns promptly.
  • Flexibility and problem-solving: The dynamic nature of events means that caterers must be adaptable and capable of handling unexpected changes or issues with poise and creativity.
  • Ability to work under pressure: Catering often involves tight deadlines and fast-paced environments, so being able to maintain high performance and a calm demeanor during stressful situations is highly valued.

What matters most when tailoring your catering cover letter salutation

Your catering cover letter greeting should feel welcoming to recruiters.

Use their first name (e.g. "Dear Marshall" or "Dear Sara"), if you've previously been in touch with the hiring manager and are on a more friendly basis.

If this is the first time you're contacting the recruiters, start your catering cover letter with:

  • their last name (e.g. "Dear Ms. Ali" or "Dear Mr. Stevens") - look up who's the hiring manager for the role on social media or the company website;
  • generalized greeting (e.g. "Dear HR Team") - just don't use "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam".
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List of salutations you can use

  • Dear Hiring Manager,
  • Dear [Company Name] Recruiter,
  • Dear [Recipient's Name],
  • Dear [Recipient's Full Name],
  • Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr.] [Last Name],
  • Dear [Job Title] Search Committee,

The catering cover letter introduction: focusing on your unique value, with a creative twist

You are not the only one wondering how to start your catering cover letter. Those first two sentences introduce your profile and should be memorable.

No pressure.

When beginning your catering cover letter, immediately point out the unique value of working with you. In other words, what you promise to bring to the role by using your past track record of success.

Start your catering cover letter with a creative twist by telling a joke or stating something relatable. Select this type of introduction only if it aligns with the company culture.

Intro Paragraph
Having refined a blend of culinary expertise and event-management acumen over the years, I am poised to contribute to [Company Name]'s reputation for exceptional gastronomic experiences that synergize with its sustainable, locally-sourced ethos.
RIGHT

What comes next: your catering cover letter middle paragraphs

In the next three to six paragraphs (or the body of your catering cover letter) you have to prove your unique value.

Most candidates tend to mess up at this stage. They tend to just copy-paste information from their resume.

That's one big no-no.

Remember that when writing your catering cover letter, it has to be personalized. And, your ultimate aim is to catch the recruiter's eye.

So, look back on key job requirements and write down a list that includes the ones you cover.

Next, select just one key achievement from your professional (or personal) history that meets those advert keywords.

Narrate a story around how you've grown your skill set and knowledge. Also, aim to show the unique understanding or soft skills you bring about, thanks to your past success.

Body Paragraph
At my previous role, I spearheaded a team that catered an upscale event for 300 guests, ensuring impeccable service and culinary excellence. We not only received a 98% satisfaction rate in post-event surveys, but we also increased client retention by 25% over the subsequent quarter. This success was a testament to my leadership in high-pressure environments and my commitment to exceptional customer service.
RIGHT

A sincere and original way to end your catering cover letter

When writing their catering cover letter, candidates tend to use one of these phrases, "Sincerely yours" or "I look forward to hearing from you".

Both statements show good manners, but your cover letter should end in a more actionable manner.

Write about:

  • how you see yourself growing in the role/organization;
  • the benefits you would bring about (you'd impress even more with tangible metrics);
  • the next steps in the process (provide your availability for interviews).
Closing Paragraph
I eagerly anticipate discussing my passion and qualifications for the catering role. Please contact me for an interview at your earliest convenience.
RIGHT

Which story should you tell in your catering cover letter when you have zero experience

Candidates, lacking professional experience in the field - this one is for you.

Your catering cover letter is an exercise of integrity, honesty, and, above all, spinning a positive narrative around your strengths.

And what better way to capture recruiters' attention than with your most job-relevant achievement (this could be from your internship or volunteering experience)?

Make sure to back up your success with transferrable skills that are relevant to the job (e.g. how your year, studying abroad, has taught you to be more motivated and handle multicultural environments).

Another safe card you can bet on is your career dream: in the body of your catering cover letter, go into the details of how your ambitions would help make the company you're applying for better.

Key takeaways

Creating your catering 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.

Catering cover letter examples

Explore additional catering cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

By Role

Catering Server

When applying for a Catering Server position, highlight any experience in food service or hospitality. Demonstrating excellent customer service skills and the ability to work swiftly and effectively under pressure are key. Mention any food handling or safety certifications, such as a Food Handler's Card, and the length of time held to show your commitment to industry standards. Use specific instances where your attention to detail and efficiency improved event operations or guest satisfaction, following the 'skill-action-result' method in your descriptions.
View Catering Server Cover Letter

Catering Waiter

When seeking a Catering Waiter position, highlight your experience in food service and event hospitality. Demonstrating customer service prowess is key. Mention any training in food safety like a 'Food Handler's Certificate,' emphasizing your commitment to health standards. It's essential to showcase agility in fast-paced environments and the ability to work as part of a team. Use specific instances where you have effectively managed guest requests or issues, using a 'situation-action-outcome' framework, to illustrate your problem-solving skills and poise under pressure.

Catering Chef

When applying for a Catering Chef position, it’s important to showcase your culinary experience and the diversity of cuisines you’re proficient in. Highlight your food safety certifications, such as ServSafe, and emphasize the range of events you've managed, from intimate gatherings to large-scale events. Detail specific menus you’ve designed that cater to different dietary needs, always linking your culinary creations to customer satisfaction and event success. Use clear examples that connect your menu planning and execution to a seamless dining experience.

Catering Owner

When pursuing a role as a Catering Owner, it's important to concentrate on culinary expertise and event management experience. Demonstrate a history of successful event planning, highlight strong leadership abilities, and showcase proficiency in budgeting and cost control. If you have culinary qualifications or have completed courses in 'Event Management' or 'Hospitality Services', underline these, specifying their length to exhibit commitment. Detail instances where your direction increased efficiency or client satisfaction, using a 'competency-action-impact' model to illustrate your entrepreneurship and problem-solving skills.

Catering Captain

When seeking a role as a Catering Captain, highlight any leadership experience or roles coordinating events. Emphasize skills in team management, attention to detail, and time management. If you have food safety certifications such as ServSafe or experience with menu planning, be sure to point those out. Use specific instances where your leadership directly contributed to the success of an event or improved customer satisfaction. Utilize a 'challenge-action-result' method to demonstrate how you've effectively managed events or teams in the past.

Catering Assistant

When applying for a Catering Assistant position, stress any experience with food preparation or event organization. Practical skills in kitchen safety, hygiene, and customer service should be emphasized. Have you completed a 'Food Handlers' certification or a course in 'Hospitality Services'? Include these, specifying the duration to illustrate your commitment to the industry. Provide instances where your organizational abilities or teamwork has led to successful events, applying a 'skill-action-result' framework to show tangible outcomes.

Catering Director

When pursuing a Catering Director position, showcase your experience with event planning and team management. Emphasize your ability to handle multiple events simultaneously, ensuring client satisfaction. If you have culinary knowledge or hospitality certifications, these are worth mentioning. Discuss your leadership in past roles using a 'challenge-action-result' format, demonstrating how your management led to successful events and positive client feedback. Mention any tools or software you're familiar with to show your readiness for the operational aspects of the job.

Catering Sales Manager

For an entry-level Catering Sales Manager position, emphasize any event planning or hospitality experience. The ability to manage client expectations and deliver exceptional service is key. Highlight coursework or certificates in Event Management or Hospitality Sales. Illustrate how your organizational skills and attention to detail have led to successful events in past roles or internships by using a 'challenge-strategy-outcome' framework. Show expertise in creating event proposals that meet client needs and budget constraints. Demonstrate a track record of meeting sales targets.
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Volen Vulkov
Volen Vulkov is a resume expert and the co-founder of Enhancv. He applies his deep knowledge and experience to write about a career change, development, and how to stand out in the job application process.
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