Chef Cover Letter Examples and Templates
A chef needs experience in the culinary arts to craft signature dishes. Show off your experience in a winning chef cover letter, using our chef cover letter examples and expert advice.
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Chef cover letter: featured example
A cover letter is an important tool for communicating your skills, experience and interest in a job. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or searching for an entry-level position, use this chef cover letter example to highlight your qualifications or as a base to edit in our Cover Letter Builder.
Free chef cover letter template
Use this free chef cover letter example as a base for writing your cover letter!
Build my cover letterChef cover example: executive chef
Use the executive chef cover letter sample below for inspiration, even if you’re an entry-level candidate. You can see the type of wording used, how the candidate expresses interest and how qualifications are organized.
Chef cover letter: 5 key tips
Before you start writing your cover letter, take a look at these five tips:
Show the employer you have what they need.
Do your search to learn more about the employer and their restaurant to better express in the cover letter why you want to work there. Match your skills to their needs, that way when they read your letter, they’ll see you’re exactly what they’ve been looking for.
Provide a rundown of your training.
You’ve worked hard to get to where you are, so let the employer know of any certifications, degrees, on-the-job experience and educational training you have obtained up to this point in your career.
Feature your accolades.
Have you received any awards or recognitions for your work as a chef? Include them in your cover letter! You can also cite views that speak to what a great chef you are. Prospective employers will see this and know you aren’t just the average Joe.
Don’t forget to show soft skills.
While yes, hard skills like knife skills, menu development and knowledge of food safety are important, we can’t forget about soft skills. As a chef, you must know how to communicate effectively, have time management skills and strong interpersonal skills to work well with others.
Review and proofread your letter.
Show that you pay attention to detail by removing any errors or grammatical mistakes from your cover letter. There’s nothing worse than submitting a job application and realizing too late you wrote “their” instead of “there.”
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Write a chef cover letter in 5 steps
“Yes, chef,” you can use this free chef cover letter and writing tips to get started on your letter:
Heading
Make sure the heading design matches your resume (You can use one of our Cover Letter Templates and Resume Templates) so you submit a cohesive application. Your header should include your full name, email address and phone number. Then, aligned to the left like on a business letter, include the hiring manager’s contact information, from their name to email and phone number.
Salutation
Can you say dear hiring manager in a cover letter? It’s better to start a professional chef cover letter with the hiring manager’s name rather than a generic introduction like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Hiring Manager". From there, you can start writing with a chef cover letter template.
Opening paragraph
You need to introduce yourself with a hook that will keep a hiring manager interested in what you have to say. This applicant starts with his first culinary job as a line cook in a small diner. From there, he follows his achievements; moving to culinary school, becoming a sous chef and crafting signature dishes at a New York restaurant. These are all extremely impressive achievements, and they show great initiative on the applicant’s part, which is something that a hiring manager wants to see. Dear Mr. Smith, I knew I wanted to be a chef to some extent when I got a job as a line cook in a small diner in my hometown. I didn’t know that I would end up going to culinary school, working as a sous chef underneath chefs with immensely high standards, and eventually creating my own signature dishes at a restaurant in New York. I am excited to bring you these skills through the head chef position at [Company Name].
Second paragraph
Now that the recruiter is reading, you can give further details about your experience, discussing exactly how you create a superior dining experience for your guests. This applicant discusses his love for the kitchen staff, indicating great teamwork and mentions that his specialty is in Persian cuisine, which helps the recruiter understand what type of food he’s most likely to want to create as a chef. If you have extra key achievements to note, you can put them under this paragraph in bullet points. With my extensive work experience, I understand kitchen operations inside and out, from scrubbing floors to creating appetizers, and I strive to treat every member of my kitchen staff like they’re truly a part of the team. Additionally, I have strong chef skills in entrees and appetizers, especially in Persian style preparation, allowing me to create spectacular dishes that result in repeat clientele.
Closing and sign-off
Now that you’ve made it all the way through the cover letter, conclude with a call to action. In this example, the applicant states, “I will contact you next week to schedule a time to speak with you.” This encourages the hiring manager to call back and set up an interview. I am excited to bring my skills to [Company Name] and continue improving your restaurant's reputation. I will contact you next week to schedule a time to speak with you about what I see myself being able to do as your head chef. Sincerely, Na’man Clark For more tips, read our How to Write a Cover Letter article.
Key skills for a chef cover letter
Remember to tailor your cover letter to the job description and to mention the skills they include there. Generally speaking, here are some hard skills and soft skills you can consider for your chef cover letter:
- Food preparation skills
- Knowledge of nutrition
- Great attention to detail
- Creative thinking
- Strong leadership skills
- Management skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Customer service skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Collaborative skills
- Organizational skills
- Quality standards
- Kitchen equipment knowledge
- Multitasking skills
- Cleanliness
- Recipe creation
- Quality control
- Budgeting skills
- Health and food safety knowledge
- Stress management
Create your chef cover letter (and resume) with our help
Ensure your chef cover letter and resume has the right measurements for success with our tools and resources.- Cover Letter Builder: In just a few minutes, you’ll have a professional cover letter that hits the right spot.
- Cover Letter Templates: Choose from one of our templates to create your chef cover letter.
- Cover Letter Examples: Find extra inspiration in our cover letter samples for different jobs and industries.
- General Cover Letter Sample: Use our general cover letter sample as a starting point for your application.
- How to Format a Cover Letter: Make sure your cover letter looks professional with our formatting tips.
- Chef Resume Examples: Update your chef resume by following our resume examples and tips.
- Culinary Resume Examples: Highlight the right culinary skills and experience with the help of our expert advice.
- Cook Resume Examples: Looking for a new job? Take a look at our cook resume samples and writing advice first!
- How to Write a Cover Letter for Waiter and Server Jobs: The culinary industry will vary greatly depending on the job. Follow these tips to make the most of your cover letter.
- Cover Letter for Restaurant: Learn how to tailor your cover letter specifically for a restaurant job by checking out our comprehensive guide.
- Server job description: Highlight the essential skills and responsibilities using these examples and tips.
FAQ: Chef cover letter example
Have questions? We’re here to help.
What should a chef cover letter include?
A chef cover letter should be tailored to the specific job you’re applying for and effectively show you culinary skills, relevant experiences, passion for cooking and enthusiasm for the job opening.
- In the opening paragraph, state the specific position you’re applying for and why you’re excited about the job opportunity. Give a brief summary of who you are and how long you’ve been working as a chef.
- In the body paragraphs, dive further into your qualifications by discussing your culinary background, including any formal training. Emphasize relevant positions, roles or internships, highlight achievements that showcase your culinary expertise and mention any specific culinary skill you excel at, such as menu planning, food preparation, kitchen management or expertise in a particular cuisine.
- In the closing paragraph, convey your eagerness to contribute to the team and mention your availability to discuss your experience better. Always thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration.
How do I write about me as a chef?
When writing about yourself in a chef cover letter, highlight your culinary background, relevant experiences, skills and what makes you a strong candidate for the position.
Detail your experience in the culinary field, always emphasizing achievements, responsibilities and skills gained throughout the years. Explain what drives your passion for cooking and why you’re pursuing a career as a chef, whether it has always been your childhood dream or something instilled in you by a family member.
How to write a chef cover letter without experience?
Writing an application letter for a chef position without experience can be challenging, so it’s important to highlight your passion for cooking, willingness to learn and any relevant skills or qualifications you possess. Emphasize your transferable skills relevant to the role, such as:
- Any culinary training, certificates or courses you’ve completed.
- Previous roles or experiences that involved food preparation, cooking or kitchen assistance.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, creativity or ability to work in a team.
Here’s a free chef cover letter template you can follow to impress hiring managers:
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Chef position at [Restaurant Name], as advertised [mention where you found the job posting]. Although I do not have direct professional experience in a commercial kitchen, I am enthusiastic about pursuing a career in culinary arts and eager to contribute my skills and passion for cooking to your esteemed establishment.
Having recently completed a comprehensive culinary training program at [Name of Culinary School], I have developed a solid foundation in fundamental cooking techniques, food safety and kitchen management. My coursework equipped me with knowledge of creating diverse cuisines and honed my skills in menu planning, ingredient selection, and food presentation.
During my studies, I also engaged in various cooking-related endeavors, such as volunteering at local community events and assisting in meal preparation at a shelter. These experiences allowed me to apply my culinary knowledge practically and enhanced my ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
I am deeply passionate about cooking and committed to continuous learning and growth within the culinary field. I possess strong organizational skills, a keen eye for detail and a collaborative spirit that are essential in contributing effectively to your kitchen team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my skills and passion align with the needs of your team. I am available at your earliest convenience for an interview.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Do I really need a cover letter to get a chef job?
You should never submit just a chef resume and expect it to be enough to get the job. A cover letter allows you to tailor your skills to the job application, making your resume shine even more brightly. If you’re not confident about your writing skills and are concerned about writing a great cover letter, use the ResumeHelp Cover Letter Builder.
How long should my cover letter be to get a chef job?
The perfect cover letter is usually one-half to 3/4 of a page long. Shorter than half a page tends to leave white space, which might create the impression that you’re not as skilled as you say. Longer than 3/4 of a page can get too long for a recruiter to scan quickly.
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