When you start applying for jobs, you quickly realise that including a cover letter with your CV is a excellent way to stand out. But what should your cover letter focus on?
Should it emphasise your key achievements or simply list your responsibilities? And how can you effectively demonstrate that you're the ideal fit for the role?
One of the most common mistakes candidates make is either underselling themselves or overstating their experience.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to craft a compelling cover letter by showcasing your most significant professional achievement and telling the story behind it.
Cover letter examples for fast food
Explore additional fast food cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Fast Food Restaurant Manager
- Quantifiable Achievements: The cover letter effectively uses numerical data to highlight Ivy Ward's accomplishments, such as increasing customer satisfaction by 20% and reducing labour costs by 25%, which demonstrates the candidate's tangible contributions to previous roles.
- Relevant Experience: Ivy highlights her over 7 years of F&B management experience and progression from Shift Leader to Restaurant Manager, showcasing her growth within the industry and her capability to manage a team effectively.
- Key Skills Highlighted: Skills such as team leadership, compliance and safety, and guest experience management are prominently featured throughout, aligning Ivy's capabilities with the typical requirements for a Restaurant Manager role.
- Educational Background: Ivy Ward’s academic credentials, including a Master of Business Administration, are specified, underlining her formal education in business management which is a valuable asset for a restaurant management position.
Entry-Level Fast Food Worker
- Highlighting the "Advanced Food Hygiene and Safety" certification is crucial for a food service professional role, emphasising awareness of and commitment to best practices in food safety.
- Emphasising the achievement of spearheading a project that improved nutritional distribution efficiency by 30% showcases leadership and impactful outcomes, which are critical in a supervisory position.
- Showcasing skills such as "Nutrition Planning" and "Team Leadership" directly aligns with the responsibilities of managing nutrition plans and leading a team, key for a Food Service Supervisor.
- Incorporating a passion for sports nutrition connects personal interest with professional expertise, adding depth to the application and underscoring a genuine commitment to the field.
Experienced Fast Food Supervisor
- Personalised Header: The cover letter includes a precise header with the candidate's name, title, location, and contact information, making it easy for employers to identify and reach out to her.
- Relevant Experience: Amelia highlights her role as 'Hospitality Supervisor' at The Ivy Collection where she led a team, developed new menu items, and enhanced guest satisfaction, aligning with the core responsibilities of hospitality management.
- Key Achievements: The cover letter features specific achievements such as a "Menu Innovation Award," showcasing her capability to deliver tangible results in terms of revenue increase, which adds value to her application.
- Highlighted Skills: Essential skills like 'Team Leadership', 'Food Safety Management', and 'Inventory Management' are emphasized which are crucial for the role, demonstrating her comprehensive expertise in hospitality supervision.
Senior Fast Food Manager
- Emphasise leadership experience, detailing specific achievements like a 20% boost in customer satisfaction at Nando's, which highlights your successful management skills.
- Highlight specific achievements in cost management, such as a 15% reduction in food waste and improved inventory management, to demonstrate your efficiency in operations.
- Mention educational background in Hospitality Management and Business Administration to showcase a solid foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of the role.
- Discuss achievements related to health compliance and safety, particularly the 95% compliance rating at Zizzi, as this is a critical aspect of restaurant management roles.
By Role
Fast Food Assistant Manager
- Showcasing Leadership Skills: An emphasis on roles that highlight team leadership, such as overseeing a team of 25 staff members, is vital for managerial positions in Food and Beverage.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Citing specific metrics, like reducing waste by 15% and boosting service speed by 20%, effectively demonstrates the candidate's impact on business operations.
- Relevant Certifications: Mentioning courses such as the "Advanced Food Safety and Hygiene Certification" underlines the candidate's compliance with critical industry standards.
- Customer Service Excellence: Highlighting positive feedback and improvements in customer satisfaction ratings reflects the candidate’s commitment to exceptional service quality, a cornerstone of success in the hospitality industry.
Fast Food Shift Supervisor
- Emphasis on Certifications: Highlighting the Level 2 HACCP Certification is crucial for a Shift Supervisor role in the food production industry, as it showcases expertise in food safety controls.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Demonstrating leadership through specific achievements, such as a 25% increase in productivity and a 40% reduction in non-compliance incidents, provides concrete evidence of capability.
- Focus on Health & Safety Compliance: Mentioning implemented safety protocols and achieving a 50% reduction in workplace incidents underscores a commitment to safe work environments, which is vital for food safety and team welfare.
- Industry-Specific Skills: Listing skills like HACCP Implementation, Team Leadership, and Production Planning aligns directly with the role's requirements and highlights Florence's ability to manage operations effectively.
Fast Food Team Member
- Emphasise leadership achievements with concrete numbers, such as increasing customer satisfaction ratings and improving team productivity, to illustrate capability in managing and motivating teams effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Highlight relevant certifications, such as the "Advanced Food Safety and Hygiene for Supervisors", to demonstrate a commitment to maintaining high standards of food safety compliance and aligning with industry regulations.
- Showcase a variety of skills and achievements in food industry roles, such as service efficiency improvement and successful promotional campaigns, to reflect adaptability and a broad understanding of fast-food operations management.
- Illustrate how educational background in hospitality management supports leadership roles, leveraging academic achievements to enhance practical business knowledge in the hospitality sector.
Fast Food Delivery Driver
- Emphasising the applicant's expertise in route management and customer communication is crucial for a delivery driver role as it highlights their ability to enhance efficiency and provide excellent customer service.
- Including specific achievements, such as maintaining a 98% on-time delivery rate and receiving awards, demonstrates the applicant's dedication and ability to meet and exceed performance targets.
- Highlighting additional courses, such as the Advanced Driving Safety Course, reinforces the candidate's commitment to safety, a critical aspect of a delivery driver's responsibilities.
- Showcasing the applicant's technical skills, including route planning and vehicle maintenance, alongside their problem-solving proficiency, provides a well-rounded view of their qualifications for the role.
Fast Food Franchise Owner
- Highlight Relevant Achievements: Charlie effectively uses specific figures and outcomes (e.g., 15% increase in customer satisfaction scores, 27% sales growth) to demonstrate their success in driving business results.
- Emphasise Team Leadership Experience: With experience managing teams of up to 25 staff, Charlie showcases their ability to lead and enhance team performance, a crucial skill for a General Manager role.
- Address Industry-Specific Skills: The cover letter adeptly incorporates industry-relevant skills such as Operational Efficiency, Cost Control, and Customer Relations, aligning with the expectations for a restaurant General Manager.
- Professional Development: The inclusion of additional courses like 'Leadership in Hospitality' signifies a commitment to continued learning and expertise in the hospitality industry.
Fast Food Operations Manager
- Highlighting Operational Achievements: The cover letter emphasises the candidate's ability to reduce costs and boost guest satisfaction, showcasing their effectiveness in operational management and financial acumen, crucial for a high-volume hospitality role.
- Emphasising Leadership Skills: The document outlines specific instances of team leadership, such as leading a team of 50 members and developing a training programme, which are essential skills for a Food & Beverage Operations Manager.
- Mentioning Relevant Certifications: The inclusion of certifications, such as the "Food Safety and Hygiene Certification" from the Institute of Hospitality, adds credibility to the candidate's expertise in maintaining high food safety standards, relevant to the operational role.
- Detailing Strategic and Collaborative Efforts: The candidate's prowess in strategic planning and supplier negotiation is highlighted through specific achievements, demonstrating their ability to make sound investment decisions and collaborate across departments for enhanced service delivery.
Fast Food Customer Service Representative
- Achievements in Customer Satisfaction: The applicant highlights their success in increasing customer satisfaction rates by 25%, which showcases their ability to effectively manage customer relations and improve client loyalty—a crucial aspect for a Customer Service role.
- Leadership and Training: Mention of supervising a team and training over 20 new employees underscores the candidate's leadership skills and ability to onboard new team members smoothly, which is essential for a supervisory position.
- Quantifiable Contributions: The use of percentages to quantify achievements, such as reducing checkout times by 30% and increasing impulse purchase rates by 20%, provides concrete evidence of the candidate's impact and effectiveness in previous roles.
- Relevant Certifications and Courses: Including courses like "Advanced Customer Service Techniques" and "Retail Management Certification" demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and development in areas directly applicable to the role.
Fast Food Quality Assurance Specialist
- Emphasising Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively highlights the applicant's extensive experience in food quality assurance and control across multiple leading companies, demonstrating a strong career trajectory and industry expertise.
- Showcasing Achievements with Quantifiable Results: The applicant clearly outlines specific achievements such as implementing a new quality management system and reducing product complaints, enhancing credibility and indicating a proven track record of success.
- Demonstrating Education and Certification: Mentioning key courses like 'Advanced Food Safety Management' and obtaining certifications from reputable institutes enhances the applicant's qualifications and specialised knowledge in the field.
- Highlighting Soft Skills and Passions: By showcasing communication, teamwork, and a passion for culinary arts and sustainability, the cover letter illustrates the candidate's holistic approach to their professional role and alignment with organisational values.
Fast Food Marketing Coordinator
- Highlight of Achievements: The cover letter effectively emphasises significant accomplishments, such as increasing casino visitation by 40% through targeted campaigns and enhancing customer engagement by 40% through collaboration and strategic initiatives. These metrics offer quantifiable and impressive success stories relevant to the role.
- Use of Skills and Experience: The applicant clearly showcases key skills such as Marketing Strategy, Customer Engagement, and Budget Management. These are directly linked to their previous roles and accomplishments, demonstrating their competence in areas vital to a marketing specialist position.
- Certification Relevance: Citing the 'Advanced Digital Marketing Strategies' course underscores a commitment to continued professional development and gains in specialized knowledge, which is particularly important for staying current in the digital aspect of marketing roles.
- Passion Alignment: Expressing a passion for discovering innovative marketing trends effectively aligns personal interests with professional responsibilities. Such alignment can often translate into a greater enthusiasm and proactive approach in the workplace.
Fast Food Training Manager
- Emphasising leadership and team management skills through examples of successfully leading large teams and improving their performance.
- Highlighting measurable achievements and improvements, such as increasing customer satisfaction scores and reducing operational costs, to demonstrate quantifiable success in previous positions.
- Showcasing relevant industry-specific education and certifications, like acquiring an MBA and completing courses on leadership and financial management in the restaurant sector.
- Demonstrating problem-solving abilities and compliance expertise by mentioning efficient systems implemented, such as improved scheduling and waste reduction tactics.
Fast Food Area Manager
- Highlighting Leadership and Team Development: The cover letter effectively emphasises Emily's leadership skills and ability to develop teams, crucial for an Area Manager role, by mentioning her success in reducing staff turnover and improving team morale through training programmes.
- Emphasising Operational and Sales Achievements: It effectively quantifies Emily's accomplishments, such as increasing regional sales by 20% and reducing waste through inventory management, showcasing her capability to drive sales performance and operational efficiency.
- Customer Experience Focus: By detailing initiatives like the customer service campaign that enhanced satisfaction scores, the cover letter underscores Emily's commitment to elevating customer experience – a key aspect of roles in the hospitality sector.
- Relevant Certifications and Courses: The inclusion of completed courses related to leadership and financial management highlights Emily's continuous professional development and her preparedness for the strategic and financial responsibilities of an Area Manager.
Fast Food Regional Manager
- Highlighting Relevant Leadership Experience: Demonstrating leadership in managing large teams across multiple sites is crucial for the Regional Manager position, as it reassures potential employers of your ability to handle complex operational challenges.
- Emphasising Financial Acumen: The cover letter effectively showcases achievements in cost-saving initiatives and revenue growth, key for positions requiring strategic financial management.
- Demonstrating Subject Matter Expertise: Mentioning certifications like the Level 4 Advanced Food Hygiene & Safety highlights essential industry-specific knowledge and compliance with health standards, important for healthcare catering roles.
- Showcasing Commitment to Continuous Improvement and Sustainability: Illustrating a passion for sustainable practices and quality improvement aligns with current trends and values in the healthcare and hospitality sectors, enhancing the overall appeal to potential employers.
Fast Food Executive Director
- Emphasising expertise in strategic leadership and operational efficiency aligns directly with the F&B Director role's expectations, showcasing a strong fit for the position.
- Highlighting the achievement of a 25% revenue increase underlines financial acumen and successful strategic execution, which are crucial for securing a director-level role.
- Showcasing experience with major hospitality brands like Marriott and Hilton builds credibility and demonstrates a track record in managing operations at scale.
- Detailing sustainability initiatives and partnerships with local suppliers reflects a commitment to sustainable practices, an increasingly important aspect of modern hospitality management.
Fast Food Supply Chain Coordinator
- Highlighting industry-specific achievements, like the "Inventory Optimisation Initiative," demonstrates measurable impact and expertise relevant to the role.
- Emphasising certifications such as the "Healthcare Supply Chain Management Certification" showcases specialised knowledge, crucial for a role that interlinks healthcare and supply chain management.
- Detailing leadership and team development activities, such as creating an "Onboard Training Program," underlines effective team management skills.
- Showcasing experience with specific supply chain software and advanced systems (e.g., ERP Systems) points to technical competence necessary in modern supply chain roles.
Fast Food cover letter example
Finley Robinson
Belfast
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am drawn to your company due to its innovative approach to hospitality and its commitment to excellence in guest experiences. Having been in the industry for over eight years, I have followed your growth and impact closely and am eager to bring my expertise to your team.
At The Merchant Hotel, I spearheaded a team that consistently delivered exceptional service, contributing to a 15% YOY revenue increase. By implementing a comprehensive stock management system, I was able to reduce wastage by 20% and improve profit margins by 5% in just one year. This achievement reflects my strong capability in operations management and cost control, which I believe would be of great value to your organization.
I am keen to further discuss how I can contribute to your company's ongoing success and growth. Please feel free to contact me to arrange an interview at your convenience. Thank you for considering my application.
Yours sincerely,
Finley Robinson, Food & Beverage Manager
The key to this cover letter’s success:
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize experiences that match the job's requirement, such as leadership roles in hospitality, as seen with the mention of spearheading a team in a similar setting.
- Quantify Achievements: Use concrete figures to demonstrate impact, like the 15% revenue increase and 20% wastage reduction, which shows measurable contributions.
- Demonstrate Industry Knowledge: Reference the company's specific strengths and growth to show understanding and keen interest.
- Convey Enthusiasm: Express eagerness to contribute to the company's success, indicating genuine interest and commitment.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
Cover letters provide recruiters with the opportunity to learn more about your career aspirations, hinting at how you’d integrate within the organisation over the long term.
Here are three additional reasons why cover letters are important:
- Making an excellent first impression (and a formal introduction): Your cover letter is often the employer’s first introduction to you, showcasing your personality, communication skills, and motivation for the role.
- Complementing your career history: While your CV lists qualifications and experience, a cover letter provides the context, explaining how your background fits the role.
- Demonstrates your genuine interest: A well-crafted cover letter reflects the effort you’ve put into researching the company and role as well as your attention to detail.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
When writing your cover letter for a UK employer, it’s important to keep several things in mind. First, you need to conduct a thorough research, which includes reading up on the company’s website, recent news, and their presence on social media. Understanding the company’s latest achievements and its overall mission will allow you to tailor your letter to their specific needs.
Next, focus on the company’s core values. Whether they value teamwork, innovation, or community involvement, highlighting how your own experience aligns with these principles is essential.
Finally, don’t forget to match your skills to the job’s requirements. Study the job description carefully and pick out the most important qualifications or competencies. Then, provide evidence of how you meet those criteria with concrete examples from your past work experience.
How to format a fast food cover letter
Before diving into the content, the structure of your cover letter should include the following elements:
- Your address and contact details
- The employer’s name and address
- Date
- Salutation or greeting
- Opening or introductory paragraph
- Middle or body paragraphs
- Closing paragraph
- Sign-off and signature
When it comes to the best font choice, consider modern options like Lato, Rubik, Raleway, Volkhov, Chivo, or Bitter as alternatives to Arial or Times New Roman.
Your cover letter should be single-spaced, with approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins all around (our templates are set up automatically with this spacing in mind).
Ensure your CV and cover letter use the same font for consistency, and always send them as a PDF to prevent edits and maintian formatting.
Lastly, while Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS—the software used to match your application to set requirements) won't read your cover letter, recruiters certainly will, so make sure it stands out.
How to write your fast food cover letter salutation
Now it's time to make it personal—in your cover letter greeting, you should always address the hiring manager directly. Whenever possible, use their name, depending on how well you know them (e.g., 'Dear Mr Smith', 'Dear Abbie').
You can find their name by searching on LinkedIn (start by looking for the job posting and the recruiter), visiting the 'About' page of the company's website, or by calling reception or administration to enquire.
How to write your fast food cover letter intro
One of the best ways to grab a hiring manager's attention? Show them the unique value you'd add to the team.
Review the skills or requirements listed in the posting and draw connections to your previous work experiences.
Focus on specific (and quantifiable) accomplishments and qualifications that align with the job description to make a strong first impression.
Cover Letter Intro
Having admired Burger King's commitment to sustainability and community engagement, I am keen to contribute to a team that not only delivers quality food but also values social responsibility.
RIGHT
How to write your fast food cover letter body
Your cover letter body is the most spacious and vital part of this document—it highlights your true value and the impact you can bring as a candidate.
Remember, your cover letter serves a different purpose to your CV. Here, you need to show your skills in context by telling the story of one significant achievement, hinting at how you’ll help your future employer achieve their goals.
So, when writing your cover letter body:
- Use concrete achievements to demonstrate your personality and impact.
- Support your achievements with quantifiable data and metrics.
- Tell the story of a successful project you’ve worked on and explain how you contributed to the outcome.
- Highlight both hard and soft skills to make your story more engaging.
- Focus on skills that are most relevant to the role and align with the company’s needs.
Cover Letter Body
During my three-year tenure at Burger Haven, I spearheaded a customer service improvement initiative that led to a 30% increase in customer satisfaction scores, as measured by post-purchase surveys. I achieved this by implementing a new staff training programme focused on enhancing communication and efficiency, ensuring that each team member was adept at managing peak hours with a positive attitude and swift service. This not only significantly reduced wait times but also fostered a more welcoming environment, contributing to a notable 15% rise in repeat customer visits in the subsequent quarter. My ability to analyse operational data and collaboratively engage the team in continuous improvement has been key to this success.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
Looking to leave a lasting impression with your cover letter closing?
Then, you should certainly end with a promise—one that outlines what you aim to achieve in the role. Ensure your goals are realistic and align with the company’s needs.
You might also include a call to action, enquiring when you can expect to hear back and what the next steps in the hiring process will be.
Cover Letter Closing
Thank you for considering my application for the position at [Fast Food Company Name]. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and bring my strong customer service skills and enthusiasm for delivering quality food service. I am very keen to further discuss how my background, skills, and certifications align with the requirements of this role. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview. Thank you once again for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your esteemed establishment.
RIGHT
Conclusion
Creating a compelling cover letter is vital in making a positive first impression on potential employers. Personalise your letter by addressing the hiring manager directly and ensuring your skills align with the job description.
Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your suitability for the role, and express genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity. Finally, maintain a professional format that complements your CV for a cohesive application.
