How to Write a Chef Cover Letter (Template & examples)

In today's competitive culinary field, a strong hospitality cover letter can be your recipe for success. Whether you are a commis chef, sous chef, or head chef, you need to know how to format your cover letter, what to include, and the best strategies to set yourself apart from other candidates. In this step-by-step guide, we walk you through every step, showing how to present your relevant skills and passion for the culinary world.

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Chef cover letter example 

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This cover letter sample features Christopher Stanley, a Sous Chef with a demonstrated track record of leading diverse teams. He’s looking for a similar role at a more prestigious restaurant. This cover letter follows a modern format with simple paragraphs and easy-to-read language. It shows Christopher's expertise in creating innovative dishes, improving kitchen operations, and consistently improving client satisfaction. With measurable achievements and relevant work experience, he presents himself as an ideal candidate for the role.

Need to update your chef CV? Get inspired with our chef CV example!

What to include in a chef cover letter? 

A well-crafted cover letter needs to be brief, impactful, and adjusted to the specific position you're applying for. It should showcase your key skills and achievements relevant to the job. For example, common soft skills for a chef include communication, leadership, and creativity skills.

The structure of a good chef cover letter is straightforward and includes the following information:

See the related blog article on how to structure your cover letter for more insightful tips.

• Introduction: Quickly mention your most recent job title, background, and relevant experience.

• Qualifications summary: Emphasise your main skills, achievements, or projects relevant to the job.

• Relevant experience: Focus on one or two recent jobs and highlight your relevant achievements.

• Education: Mention your highest level of education, such as a bachelor's or master's degree or A-level diploma.

• Skills: Incorporate relevant soft and hard skills that correspond with areas of expertise on your CV.

• Awards and honours: Briefly mention awards, honours, or certifications.

• References: Add full name, job title, and contact information for your references.

• Call to action: Add an invitation to an interview or express your eagerness to discuss this further.

Additionally, check out our related blog articles for different CV components that can help with writing your cover letter:

• How to write a skills-based CV

• Education on a CV

• Work experience for a CV.

1. How to start a chef cover letter 

Your introduction should provide a brief overview of your background, qualifications, relevant experience and skills. Similar to a personal profile on a CV, it needs to reflect your career goals and capture the attention of your hiring manager. Ensure that your writing is friendly and easy to read to encourage them to complete reading your cover letter.

See the list of must-have information to include in your introduction:

• Contact details: Include your full name, location, date of application, phone number, and professional email address.

• Salutation: Address your recruiter by name. If you don't know the name, use 'Dear Hiring Manager' instead.

• Hook: Add an eye-catching line expressing your interest in the role or show a notable achievement or reference.

Explore our blog article on how to start a cover letter for more examples and tips.

2. How to write the body of a chef cover letter 

The main part of your cover letter discusses your relevant skills and experience, explaining how they align with the specific role you're applying for. Use one or two paragraphs to delve deeper into your most recent positions or projects you have dealt with.

Make sure to include the essential information in your chef cover letter body:

• Achievements: Highlight accomplishments, such as leading kitchen teams, developing new menus boosting revenue, or executing safety protocols.

• Qualifications: Mention relevant culinary arts degrees, certifications, or on-the-job training that demonstrate your expertise working in the kitchen setting.

• Key projects: Describe projects where you designed menus, mentored junior chefs to success, or coordinated large-scale events with top-rated dishes.

• Areas of expertise: Emphasise skills like menu planning, kitchen management, recipe development, and adherence to health and safety standards.

For more tips, check out our related blog article on the most sought-after skills employers look for.

Learn more about how to effectively showcase your skills in a short cover letter.

For more examples, refer to our related CV guides for a restaurant manager and hospitality.

3. How to end a chef cover letter 

The conclusion of your cover letter should reiterate your interest in the role, thank the recruiter for their time in assessing your application, and include a strong call to action. Mention your eagerness to learn and work in a team at your desired restaurant. Additionally, mention your desire to discuss your application further in the job interview and discuss details of your CV or portfolio.

See the list of key information to include in your chef cover letter:

• Gratitude: thank your recruiter or hiring manager for considering your application and the opportunity to join the team.

• Call to action: Encourage them to click on your portfolio link, send you an interview invitation, or schedule a follow-up meeting.

• Sign off: Add a professional closing phrase like 'Sincerely' or 'Kind regards' to maintain a respectful tone throughout your application.

Check out our related blog article on how to end your cover letter for more information.

For more examples and tips, check out our CV guides for baker and waiter/waitress.

How to write a chef cover letter with no experience

Whether you are a student, graduate, or enrolled in a culinary apprenticeship, your cover letter should showcase your relevant transferrable skills and side jobs. We suggest carefully examining the restaurant culture and specific job roles to increase your chances of success. Make a list of all relevant skills and experiences you have and naturally incorporate them into your letter. Do not let a lack of experience prevent you from applying for your jobs!

Cover letter tips for writing a chef cover letter without experience:

• Indicate your job target upfront.

• Align your transferrable skills or projects with the company's objectives.

• Attach your CV, references, or portfolio where possible.

• Add a strong call to action.

• Proofread for mistakes.

For more job-specific examples and tips, refer to our related blog article on how to write a CV with no experience.

For more information, consult our related CV guides for a kitchen porter and catering assistant.

Key takeaways 

We have walked you through essential steps to creating an effective cover letter, offering insights and practical tips to help you land more job interviews. Ensure that your cover letter includes a captivating hook, a body that aligns your qualifications with the job requirements, and a conclusion paragraph that leaves a strong impression on recruiters and hiring managers.

Before handing your application in, carefully double-check your cover letter for spelling, grammar, or even punctuation mistakes. Creating a clean and error-free document shows your professionalism and attention to detail.

• Maintain a positive tone throughout your letter focusing on strengths and talents.

• Keep it short and specific to the job you’re applying for.

• Double-check for spelling or grammar mistakes.

• Use action verbs for writing duties and achievements.

• Include numbers to quantify your impact like increasing sales revenue or team improvements.

Next steps?

To help you create an outstanding cover letter, explore our services below:

• Cover letter builder: Use our selection of professional templates to create a personalised and well-structured cover letter.

• CV Builder: Browse through our extensive array of CV templates to create a professional CV matching your cover letter.

• CV Writing Service: Receive prompt, professional guidance on customising your CV and cover letter for a specific job description.

• Blog: Read step-by-step guides and short articles, such as good questions to ask during an interview to educate yourself on the most effective strategies for boosting your job prospects.

Explore our diverse cover letter examples and CV examples designed to align with your culinary career objectives.

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FAQ

Do chefs need a cover letter?

While not obligatory, attaching a cover letter to your application can increase your job prospects and provide more information about your personality and passion for cooking.

For more tips and examples, see our related blog article on the best cover letter length.

How to write an application letter as a chef without experience?

The key is to show your eagerness to learn, passion for culinary arts, and transferable skills from your part-time jobs or real-life experiences. Emphasise your teamwork and attention to detail abilities.

To learn more, see our related articles for part-time CV and school leaver.

How do I write a simple application letter for a cook?

• Show your passion for cooking and interest in joining the specific restaurant culture.

• Mention most recent work experience as a cook, kitchen assistant, or customer service.

• Add notable achievements and reasons why you make the ideal candidate

• Include relevant skills and culinary projects you have done

• Mention any additional certifications, qualifications, or recommendations that could enhance your chances of getting noticed.

Refer to our simple CV example for more insightful career advice.

How do you introduce yourself as a chef sample?

Include your personal details at the top of your cover letter and a close-off like ‘Sincerely or ‘Kind regards at the end. In the first paragraph of your cover letter, you can quickly mention your years of experience, main achievements, or background.

How do I market myself as a personal chef?

• Attend local culinary organisations.

• Connect with other chefs through conferences or cooking events.

• Offer discounts

• Create a personal website that shows your best work 

• Use social media (e.g. TikTok or Instagram) to spread the word about your culinary ideas.

For more tips, consult our related blog article on how to search and track jobs as a cook or chef.

What is your greatest strength as a chef?

It depends on your unique personality and work experience, but you could mention your ability to think creatively, attention to detail, leadership, or adaptability to various working environments.