You've set your sights on that vibrant cocktail server position and polished your resume to perfection, but there's one more piece to the puzzle: the cover letter. Unlike your resume, your cover letter is your stage to share a compelling story about your proudest professional moment—without echoing the facts your resume lists. It's a fine balance between formal tone and fresh, cliché-free language, all wrapped up neatly in a one-page narrative that leaves an employer eager to learn more about you. Let's dive into crafting a cover letter that's as enticing as the cocktails you're ready to serve.
- Some inspiration from other professionals' job-winning cover letters;
- The best structure and format for your cocktail server cover letter;
- Insights on how to write about your best achievement to stand out;
- A creative twist on your cocktail server cover letter intro.
Upload your cocktail server resume to Enhancv's AI, which will quickly scan and prepare a job-winning cover letter for you.
If the cocktail server isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
- Cocktail Server resume guide and example
- Assistant Restaurant Manager cover letter example
- Bar Manager cover letter example
- Hostess cover letter example
- Catering cover letter example
- Food Service cover letter example
- Kitchen Manager cover letter example
- Restaurant Operations Manager cover letter example
- Restaurant Assistant Manager cover letter example
- Culinary cover letter example
- Bartender Server cover letter example
Cocktail server cover letter example
Christian Torres
Columbus, Ohio
+1-(234)-555-1234
help@enhancv.com
- Emphasizing relevant experience: The cover letter highlights a key achievement from the applicant's previous role that demonstrates their ability to increase revenue, which is persuasive for hospitality roles that benefit from upselling and guest engagement.
- Alignment with company values: By researching and mentioning the establishment's commitment to quality and service, the applicant shows a shared philosophy, suggesting a good cultural fit.
- Offering specific examples of success: Mentioning a tangible outcome like the 20% revenue increase provides compelling evidence of the applicant's potential impact on the business.
- Demonstrating personal enthusiasm: Expressing a keen interest in the establishment and eagerness to contribute shows that the applicant is motivated and likely to be invested in their work.
Structuring and formatting your cocktail server cover letter
Here's what the structure of your cocktail server cover letter should include:
- Header (with your name, the position you're applying for, and the date);
- Salutation (or greeting);
- Introductory paragraph (or your opening statement);
- Body paragraph (or further proof of your experience);
- Closing paragraph (with a call to action);
- Signature (that is optional).
Use the same font for your cocktail server resume and cover letter - modern fonts like Lato and Rubik would help you stand out.
Your cocktail server cover letter should be single-spaced and have a one-inch margins - this format is automatically set up in our cover letter templates and our cover letter builder.
When submitting your cover letter, always ensure it's in PDF, as this format keeps the information intact (and the quality of your document stays the same).
On one final note - the Applicant Tracker System (ATS or the software that is sometimes used to initially assess your application) won't read your cocktail server cover letter.
The top sections on a cocktail server cover letter
- Header: Include your contact information and the date, setting a professional tone and ensuring the recruiter knows how to reach you.
- Greeting: Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name if possible, which shows that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the position.
- Introduction: Quickly capture the recruiter's interest by mentioning your enthusiasm for the role and any relevant experience in the hospitality or service industry.
- Body: Detail your customer service skills, familiarity with various types of beverages, and ability to create a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere, which are key to performing as an effective cocktail server.
- Closing: Reiterate your interest in the position, invite them to review your attached resume for more details, and suggest an in-person or virtual meeting to discuss how your skills align with the venue's needs.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
- Strong interpersonal skills: Essential for engaging with customers, taking orders accurately, and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere.
- Proven experience in fast-paced service environments: Demonstrates the ability to handle busy shifts and multi-task effectively.
- In-depth knowledge of cocktail recipes and bar terminology: Shows that the server can confidently discuss drink options and make recommendations to guests.
- Exceptional memory and attention to detail: Important for remembering guests’ orders, preferences, and any special requests.
- High energy and stamina: Necessary for staying attentive and responsive throughout long shifts and peak service times.
- Salesmanship and upselling abilities: Critical for increasing sales by suggesting premium spirits, special cocktails, or additional items like appetizers and desserts.
How to greet recruiters in your cocktail server cover letter salutation
As the saying goes, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression."
Write your cocktail server cover letter salutation to be more personalized to the actual hiring manager, who is set to assess your profile by:
- greeting them on a first-name basis, if you have previously communicated with them (e.g. "Dear Sam,");
- using their last name, if you have more formal communication or haven't spoken to them (e.g. "Dear Mr. Harrows" or "Dear Ms. Marshall");
- writing "Dear HR Team" or "Dear Hiring Manager", if you have no clue about who's recruiting for the role.
Search on LinkedIn, Google, or the company website to find information as to the recruiter's name.
In any case, avoid the impersonal "Dear Sir or Madam".
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Company Name] Team,
- Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
- Dear [Department Name] Hiring Team,
- Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr.] [Last Name],
Your cocktail server cover letter introduction and the value you bring
Moving on from the "Dear Recruiter" to your professional introduction.
Use those first two sentences of your cocktail server cover letter to present the biggest asset you'd bring to the organization.
Don't go into too much detail about your achievement or the skill set, but instead - go straight for the win.
That is - what is your value as a professional?
Would you be able to build stronger, professional relationships in any type of communication? Or, potentially, integrate seamlessly into the team?
What to write in the middle or body of your cocktail server cover letter
Here's where it gets tricky.
Your cocktail server cover letter body should present you in the best light possible and, at the same time, differ from your resume.
Don't be stuck in making up new things or copy-pasting from your resume. Instead, select just one achievement from your experience.
Use it to succinctly tell a story of the job-crucial skills and knowledge this taught you.
Your cocktail server cover letter is the magic card you need to further show how any organization or team would benefit from working with you.
Finishing off your cocktail server cover letter with what matters most
So far, you've done a fantastic job in tailoring your cocktail server cover letter for the role and recruiter.
Your final opportunity to make a good impression is your closing paragraph.
And, no, a "Sincerely yours" just won't do, as it sounds too vague and impersonal.
End your cocktail server cover letter with the future in mind.
So, if you get this opportunity, what do you plan to achieve? Be as specific, as possible, of what value you'd bring to the organization.
You could also thank recruiters for their interest in your profile and prompt for follow-up actions (and organizing your first interview).
What to write on your cocktail server cover letter, when you have zero experience
The best advice for candidates, writing their cocktail server cover letters with no experience, is this - be honest.
If you have no past professional roles in your portfolio, focus recruiters' attention on your strengths - like your unique, transferrable skill set (gained as a result of your whole life), backed up by one key achievement.
Or, maybe you dream big and have huge motivation to join the company. Use your cocktail server cover letter to describe your career ambition - that one that keeps you up at night, dreaming about your future.
Finally, always ensure you've answered why employers should hire precisely you and how your skills would benefit their organization.
Key takeaways
Turning your cocktail server cover letter into a success is all about staying authentic to yourself and relevant to the job:
- Be creative with your cocktail server cover letter introduction by stating something you enjoy about the company (that is genuine) or about your skill set (to get the recruiters' interested);
- Use single spacing and have a one-inch margin wrapping all around the content of your cocktail server cover letter;
- Select just one past achievement from your career or life to tell a story of how you've obtained job-crucial skills and how they'd be beneficial to the role;
- The finishing paragraph of your cocktail server cover letter doesn't necessarily have to be a signature but could be a promise of what you plan to achieve in the role;
- Instead of focusing on your lack of experience, spotlight your transferable skills, one relevant achievement, and career dreams.
