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 restaurant manager
Explore additional restaurant manager cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Assistant Restaurant Manager
- Highlighting leadership and management experience is crucial for an Assistant Restaurant & Bar Manager role, as evidenced by Alice's role at The Ivy Collection where she led a team and increased customer satisfaction by 35%.
- Emphasising operational achievements, such as optimising labour costs and implementing new policies, showcases Alice's ability to enhance service delivery and maintain efficient operations.
- Underscoring relevant certifications, like the "Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS)," provides credibility and demonstrates her commitment to professional development in the hospitality sector.
- Focusing on skills such as "Customer Service Excellence" and "Team Leadership" aligns with the core responsibilities of an Assistant Restaurant & Bar Manager and reinforces Alice's suitability for the role.
Senior Restaurant Manager
- Experience and Achievements: Ava Phillips demonstrates significant experience in hospitality management, with a proven track record of increasing customer satisfaction scores by 25% and boosting team productivity by 30%, crucial for roles focused on guest experience and leadership.
- Education and Certifications: The combination of a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management and a Master of Business Administration provides a solid educational foundation, while certifications like the Advanced Hospitality Management Course underscore Ava's expertise in leadership and guest service strategies, beneficial for a general management position.
- Proven Leadership Skills: Successful leadership in high-volume operations, showcased by leading a 90-member team with an 80% retention rate, illustrates strong capabilities in team management and conflict resolution, valuable for a management role.
- Commitment to Sustainability and Partnerships: Ava's passion for sustainable practices and wine tasting highlights a commitment to enhancing the guest experience through creative and environmentally conscious methods, aligning well with modern hospitality values.
Casual Dining Restaurant Manager
- Experience in Leadership and Team Management: Highlighting the role of leading teams at Hilton Hotels and Marriott International, showcasing the candidate's comprehensive experience in managing large teams effectively.
- Emphasis on Client Satisfaction and Communication Skills: Detailing achievements in client relations such as increasing positive feedback and returning customer rates, which is crucial for hospitality roles.
- Relevant Certifications and Courses: Mentioning advanced courses such as 'Advanced Hospitality Management' and 'Event Management Certification' demonstrates a commitment to continual professional development and specialised skills.
- Achievements in Service and Operational Improvements: Listing awards and achievements like the 'Service Excellence Award' underscores the candidate's ability to boost customer satisfaction and operational success.
Fine Dining Restaurant Manager
- Highlight relevant experience: Demonstrating over a decade in fine dining and specific results such as increasing revenue by 25% showcases expertise and a knack for strategic enhancements.
- Quantify achievements: Use specific percentages and figures, such as a 98% guest satisfaction score and 15% reduction in operational costs, to provide tangible evidence of success.
- Showcase leadership skills: Emphasising roles in team development and the successful implementation of training programmes underscores effective leadership and staff management ability.
- Accent professional development: Mentioning certifications and advanced courses like 'Advanced Hospitality Management' and 'Wine and Spirits Education Trust Level 3' adds credibility and shows commitment to industry best practices.
Junior Restaurant Manager
- Highlighting Key Experience: William effectively emphasizes relevant experience in high-end establishments like The Ritz London and The Savoy Hotel, showcasing achievements such as improved guest satisfaction and increased return clientele, which are crucial for a restaurant management role.
- Certifications and Courses: Notable certifications such as the Advanced Hospitality Management and Wine and Beverage Management Certification are highlighted, demonstrating expertise and continued professional development relevant to fine dining and restaurant management.
- Quantifiable Achievements: The cover letter includes quantifiable achievements, like a “15% increase in guest satisfaction scores” and “reducing waste by 12%”, which provide concrete proof of William's capability to enhance operations and contribute to the success of the restaurant.
- Passion Alignment: William’s expressed passion for Gastronomy Exploration aligns with the job title “Fine Dining Enthusiast”, indicating a personal commitment to the role beyond just professional responsibilities, which adds value to his candidacy.
By Role
Restaurant Operations Manager
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: Noah Jones effectively showcases 5+ years of experience in restaurant management and team leadership. This directly aligns with the Operations Manager role by emphasising previous positions that demonstrate expertise in efficiency and leadership within the industry.
- Achievements and Impact: The cover letter details measurable achievements, such as a 20% cost reduction and a 15% profit margin enhancement. These quantifiable accomplishments highlight Noah's ability to drive operational success and financial growth, making them highly appealing to potential employers.
- Relevant Skills and Certifications: Mentioning specific skills such as 'Inventory Management' and certifications like the 'Food Safety Handling Certification' underscores a commitment to maintaining high operational and safety standards crucial for an Operations Manager.
- Education and Continuous Learning: Including both a Master's in Business Administration and additional courses shows a dedication to continuous improvement and gaining advanced knowledge in operations management — valuable traits for leadership roles.
Restaurant General Manager
- Relevant Experience: Charlotte highlights her extensive experience in restaurant management, which is crucial for a General Manager role. Her previous positions demonstrate a consistent career progression and her ability to lead and manage high-profile establishments.
- Achievements and Results: The cover letter effectively uses quantifiable achievements to showcase her impact, such as improving service ratings by 20% and customer retention by 15%, demonstrating her ability to drive tangible results.
- Education and Certifications: Highlighting her advanced education in Hospitality Management and certifications like Advanced Restaurant Management and Luxury Hospitality Management showcases her commitment to continuous professional development in specialised areas.
- Skills and Competencies: Emphasising key skills like Guest Satisfaction, Menu Development, and Team Leadership aligns closely with the duties of a Restaurant General Manager, reinforcing her suitability for the role.
Restaurant Floor Manager
- Team Leadership and Management Skills: The candidate effectively highlights their strength in team leadership, which led to significant improvements in customer satisfaction and productivity rates, essential for a Food Manager role.
- Quantified Achievements: The cover letter includes specific metrics, such as reducing wastage by 20% and exceeding sales targets by 18%, demonstrating the candidate's ability to contribute to a company's profitability.
- Focus on Customer Experience: Implementing a customer feedback initiative that increased satisfaction ratings showcases the candidate's dedication to enhancing the customer experience, a critical aspect of the Food Manager role.
- Education and Courses: The cover letter notes relevant educational backgrounds and supplementary courses focused on retail operations and leadership, supporting the candidate's expertise in the field.
Hotel Restaurant Manager
- Highlighting quantifiable achievements, such as a 15% revenue increase and a 20% enhancement in guest satisfaction scores, provides tangible evidence of success in previous roles.
- Showcasing specific certifications, like the Advanced Restaurant Management Certification, reinforces expertise and commitment to professional development in restaurant management.
- Emphasising leadership skills, particularly in team management and staff training, underlines the candidate's capability to improve performance and maintain high service standards.
- Detailing strategic initiatives, such as workflow optimisations and customer loyalty programmes, demonstrates proactive problem-solving abilities and innovative thinking in the hospitality sector.
Restaurant Service Manager
- Highlighting Leadership Achievements: The cover letter effectively underscores leadership skills through successful management roles and quantitative accomplishments, like boosting customer satisfaction and retention rates.
- Emphasis on Local Marketing Strategies: By detailing how marketing campaigns have increased customer engagement and revenue, the cover letter demonstrates strategic thinking and market acumen specific to the hospitality industry.
- Relevant Educational Background: The mention of an MBA and a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from distinguished universities aligns with the requirements of a General Manager position, showcasing preparedness for this role.
- Achievement-Oriented Approach: Listing awards and measurable outcomes, such as a successful menu development leading to sales increases, effectively highlights a results-driven mindset and competency in achieving business goals.
Restaurant Kitchen Manager
- Industry-Specific Certifications: Highlight the Advanced Restaurant Management Certification and the Sustainable Business Operations course to demonstrate specialised knowledge and commitment to eco-friendly practices, which are highly relevant to the General Restaurant Manager role.
- Acknowledged Achievements: Emphasise awards such as the Top Sales Performer Award, showcasing the ability to exceed sales targets consistently, which adds credibility to your performance capabilities.
- Successful Leadership and Team Management: Highlight leading a team of 30 employees and significantly improving staff performance by 20%, illustrating your leadership and team management skills.
- Proven Results in Guest Satisfaction: Focus on the achievement of top regional rankings in guest satisfaction surveys and the successful implementation of initiatives that led to a 20% improvement, underlining your commitment to outstanding guest service.
Restaurant Catering Manager
- Quantifiable Achievements: The cover letter effectively highlights significant achievements with precise figures, such as boosting annual revenue by £300,000 and achieving a 95% customer satisfaction rate, which can strongly appeal to potential employers.
- Relevant Experience: The applicant exhibits over 8 years of relevant experience in catering and events management, effectively detailing their progression and accomplishments in previous roles, which demonstrate their readiness for the desired position.
- Skills and Certifications: The cover letter efficiently outlines key skills such as Event Planning, B2B & B2C Sales, and more, complemented by certifications in Advanced Sales Strategies and Event Management Essentials, showcasing the candidate's preparedness for the industry.
- Client Relationship Management: Emphasising the development of strong B2B client relationships and successful CRM process implementation illustrates the candidate's ability to maintain and grow essential business connections.
Restaurant Training Manager
- Emphasising leadership achievements, such as managing a team to win 'Best Service Team' at the Scottish Hotel Awards, is crucial in demonstrating capabilities in team motivation and service excellence for a Restaurant Manager role.
- Highlighting advanced certifications like the Advanced Hospitality Management from Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration can underline strategic management skills and industry-specific expertise.
- Showcasing proven experience in revenue growth, such as increasing summer dining revenues by 15% through innovative menu offerings, illustrates a strong understanding of market trends and customer preferences essential for driving sales and business success.
- Describing specific initiatives in operational efficiency, like implementing cost control measures which reduced food waste by 25%, reflects an ability to manage resources effectively while maintaining quality standards, a key competency in luxury hospitality management.
Regional Restaurant Manager
- Highlighting Leadership Skills: Amelia effectively demonstrates strong leadership through her role as a Restaurant Manager, managing a team of 25 and significantly reducing staff turnover by 30% with comprehensive training and open communication.
- Showcasing Achievements and Quantifiable Results: The cover letter effectively highlights specific achievements, such as surpassing sales targets by 20% and reducing operational costs by 15%, which makes her candidacy compelling by providing concrete evidence of her capabilities.
- Emphasising Educational Background: By mentioning her Master of Business Administration in Hospitality Management, Amelia showcases her formal education and specialised knowledge, which strengthens her qualifications for the restaurant management role.
- Demonstrating Industry-Specific Skills: Skills such as menu development, guest satisfaction, and operations management are emphasised, aligning perfectly with the restaurant management role and demonstrating her expertise in the hospitality industry.
Chain Restaurant Manager
- Highlighting Leadership and Team Development: The cover letter effectively emphasises leadership skills and team development accomplishments, crucial for a Restaurant Manager role.
- Showcasing Relevant Achievements: By detailing quantifiable achievements such as a 22% increase in customer satisfaction, the letter provides evidence of successful initiatives directly related to the role.
- Emphasising Industry-Specific Skills: The inclusion of fine dining expertise and advanced restaurant management courses supports specialised knowledge required for the position.
- Presenting Strategic Planning and Process Improvements: The acknowledgment of strategic planning and process enhancement experience highlights the candidate’s capability to contribute to operational excellence.
Independent Restaurant Manager
- Quantifiable Achievements: The cover letter effectively uses quantifiable results, such as a 20% increase in sales and 25% reduction in waste, to showcase the candidate’s impact at previous positions.
- Skills and Certifications: The letter highlights specific skills useful for a Restaurant Manager role, including Team Leadership, Customer Service, and Promotional Planning, alongside relevant certifications like the Certified Restaurant Manager course from ServSafe.
- Relevant Experience: The role of Restaurant Manager involves daily operations, staff training, and customer engagement, all of which are demonstrated through past experiences and supported by specific examples in the cover letter.
- Industry Passion: The candidate’s passion for gastronomy and event planning underscores their enthusiasm and commitment to the hospitality industry, beneficial for a role that demands creativity and customer engagement.
Restaurant Night Manager
- Emphasise leadership and management experience: Highlighting over 10 years in leadership roles showcases expertise in managing teams and operations effectively, crucial for a position as a Restaurant General Manager.
- Quantify achievements with specific metrics: Demonstrating specific accomplishments like surpassing sales targets by 20% annually or reducing food waste by 25% adds credibility and shows the ability to drive tangible results.
- Highlight customer experience enhancements: Focusing on initiatives like increasing customer satisfaction scores and launching community engagement programmes aligns well with customer-oriented roles in hospitality.
- Showcase passion for the field: Mentioning a passion for gastronomy innovation illustrates a personal commitment to the industry, which is attractive to employers looking for candidates who are genuinely interested in their field.
Restaurant Day Manager
- Highlighting extensive experience in leadership and menu development, effectively showcasing qualifications essential for a Restaurant Manager role focused on team management and service innovation.
- Emphasising achievements with quantifiable metrics such as a 25% increase in guest satisfaction at The Ritz London, providing strong evidence of capability to enhance customer experiences.
- Including advanced education credentials like an MSc in Hospitality Management from the University of Surrey, establishing a solid academic foundation for managing high-end dining establishments.
- Demonstrating financial acumen with achievements in cost reduction and revenue growth, crucial for roles requiring budget management and financial planning skills.
Restaurant Manager cover letter example
Amelia Murphy
Liverpool, UK
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the Restaurant Manager position at your esteemed establishment. With a strong background in fine dining and high-volume operations, along with a commitment to customer service and sustainable practices, I am eager to contribute to your team's ongoing success and align with your company's values.
Throughout my career, I have successfully managed diverse teams and driven operational excellence. At The Artisan Table, I spearheaded a strategic overhaul that enhanced table turnover by 20% through improved workflows. Furthermore, my dedication to sustainable sourcing bolstered sales by 25%, underscoring my ability to merge operational efficiency with ground-up community engagement. This accomplishment reflects my capability to increase both customer satisfaction and overall revenues, ensuring robust business performance.
I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team and bring tangible value. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule a meeting. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of working together.
Sincerely,
Amelia Murphy, Experienced Restaurant Manager
Breaking down what makes this cover letter good:
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize specific experience in restaurant management, particularly in high-volume or fine dining contexts, to showcase the ability to handle similar challenges and environments effectively.
- Focus on Achievements: Use quantitative data to demonstrate accomplishments, such as increasing table turnovers or sales, to provide concrete evidence of your capability to improve business outcomes.
- Align with Company Values: Show understanding and support for the establishment’s values, such as a commitment to sustainability, to illustrate alignment with their mission and culture, making you a strong cultural fit.
- Emphasize Management Skills: Highlight experience in managing diverse teams and implementing strategies that improve operational workflows, indicating leadership skills and strategic thinking.
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
Want to make an excellent first impression on your UK employers with your cover letter?
Here are three handy tips and tricks to keep in mind when creating yours:
- Take the time to research: Invest in learning about the company and role by exploring their website, social media, and doing a thorough Google search. Focus on the products and services they offer, as well as awards and industry recognitions.
- Focus on the company's values: Refer back to your research and to uncover what the company believes in. Integrate those values into your cover letter by explaining how you embody them. For example, if they value diligence, highlight how you’ve consistently met tight deadlines or successfully managed heavy workloads.
- Align your skills with the job requirements: Read the job advert carefully and identify the most sought-after skills. Select the top three skills that you can substantiate with your most noteworthy achievements, to demonstrate your expertise in those areas.
How to format a restaurant manager cover letter
Have you ever wondered about the formatting and structure of your cover letter?
Read on to discover some guidance from industry-leading professionals:
- Within the header, include your address and contact details, the employer's name and address, and the date, followed up by a personalised salutation.
- The body should should consist of an opening paragraph, middle paragraphs expanding on your unique experience and skills, and a closing paragraph.
- End with a formal sign-off and your signature.
- Choose modern fonts such as Volkhov, Chivo, or Bitter instead of the more traditional Arial or Times New Roman.
- All of ENhancv's templates maintain single-spacing with approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins on all sides to ensure a neat presentation.
- Always send your cover letter as a PDF to keep the formatting intact and prevent any edits once submitted.
Your CV and cover letter maintain consistent formatting. Use the same fonts, margins, and style to create a professional and cohesive look for your application.
Finally, remember that Applicant Tracking Systems (the software some companies use to align job keywords to your experience, also known as ATS) do not read cover letters–it's intended solely for recruiters. Make it stand out by highlighting your achievements and relevant skills for the role.
How to write your restaurant manager cover letter salutation
Imagine you're a hiring manager reading through countless cover letters—which would catch your attention: being addressed directly by name, or reading 'Dear Sir or Madam'?
The first option shows you've made the effort to learn about the company and the role.
To find the hiring manager's name, try LinkedIn, check the company's website, or even reach out to the organisation on social media.
How to write your restaurant manager 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
With over a decade of experience in hospitality management and a passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences, I am drawn to the opportunity to join The Gourmet Table, renowned for its commitment to sustainability and locally sourced ingredients. Having closely followed your innovative approaches to modern cuisine, I am eager to contribute my skills in developing a team that mirrors your restaurant's dedication to culinary excellence and community engagement.
RIGHT
How to write your restaurant manager cover letter body
You’ve personalised your greeting and introduction—now it’s time to focus on writing the body of your cover letter.
Instead of listing off skills and responsibilities from your CV, focus on one career highlight that’s relevant to the role.
Use your hard and soft skills, success metrics (e.g., percentages or sales figures), and the long-term impact it had on the company.
A concise, well-told story centred on your value as a candidate will make a strong impression.
Cover Letter Body
During my tenure as the restaurant manager at The Green Olive, I spearheaded the implementation of a customer loyalty programme which led to a remarkable 25% increase in repeat patronage over a twelve-month period. My ability to identify customer preferences and tailor experiences to enhance guest satisfaction played a pivotal role in this achievement. I meticulously analysed customer feedback and, through strategic adjustments to both our menu and service approach, ensured we met the evolving tastes and expectations of our clientele. This initiative not only strengthened our relationships with existing patrons but also contributed to a 15% rise in new customer acquisition, as word of our exceptional service spread. By fostering a dedicated and enthusiastic team, I was able to elevate the overall restaurant experience, thus significantly boosting our establishment's reputation and profitability.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
When ending your cover letter, you have two options:
Option one is to promise how you’d contribute to the organisation—whether that’s improving a target or achieving a specific goal—or how the company could help you grow professionally. Always emphasise the tangible impact you can deliver.
The second option is to close by asking when you can expect to hear back from the hiring managers, whether for an update or to arrange an interview.
Cover Letter Closing
I am eager to bring my extensive experience in restaurant management to your esteemed establishment and believe that my proactive approach and dedication to exceptional customer service align with your team’s values. I would be thrilled to discuss in further detail how I can contribute to the success and continued growth of your restaurant. Please do not hesitate to contact me to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience. Thank you very much for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you soon.
RIGHT
Conclusion
A standout cover letter is crucial for making an strong impression in your job search in the UK market. Personalise your letter by addressing it to the hiring manager and aligning your skills with the job description.
Use concrete examples to highlight your greatest achievement and convey your enthusiasm for the position. Finally, ensure that both your cover letter and CV are presented professionally for a consistent application.
