How to Write a Hospitality Cover Letter

In the hospitality and tourism industry, people are at the heart of creating memorable guest experiences, maintaining smooth operations, and delivering exceptional customer service. As employers seek candidates who excel in interpersonal skills and demonstrate a genuine passion for service, a good cover letter becomes essential in making a strong first impression and increasing your chances of landing interviews.

Discover examples and tips for various hospitality roles, including:

• Chef

• Waiter/Waitress

• Cleaner/Housekeeper

• Hotel Manager

• Food and Beverage Manager

• Receptionist

• Bartender.

Whether you're an experienced hospitality professional, transitioning into the industry, or a recent graduate just starting out, our resources are designed to help you stand out in the competitive job market.

In this guide, you'll find:

• Examples of tailored hospitality cover letters for different roles.

• Tips and writing strategies for those new to the hospitality industry or with no experience.

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Hospitality cover letter example

Ram selected a matching cover letter template highlighting his proven track record in the hospitality sector. The layout is simple and matches his hospitality CV.

What should a hospitality cover letter include?

Like a good CV, a cover letter is essential for hospitality professionals at various career stages, whether entering the field or pursuing more senior roles. Your cover letter should be concise, impactful, and tailored to the specific role. Pay meticulous attention to detailing relevant work experience, skills, and qualifications.

Key sections for a hospitality cover letter:

• Contact information

• Salutation

• Opening paragraph

• Body paragraph(s)

• Closing paragraph

• Sign-off.

Your cover letter for any hospitality role should showcase key soft skills and achievements relevant to the job. This will add substance to your cover letter and convey a practical understanding of how you can apply these skills in a hospitality context. Below, you will find examples of skills to include in a cover letter for different hospitality roles.

Examples of skills for a hospitality cover letter:

• Customer service: Commitment to providing outstanding service, ensuring a positive guest experience.

• Communication: Strong verbal and written skills for interacting professionally with guests and colleagues.

• Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across departments for seamless operations.

• Adaptability: Quick response to changing situations and problem-solving in a fast-paced environment.

• Attention to detail: Meticulous approach to tasks, ensuring high standards and accuracy.

For more tips and inspiration, refer to our articles on what skills to put on a CV and the top skills employers are looking for.

Customise this hospitality cover letter

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1. Introduction: How to start a cover letter for hospitality jobs

Start your cover letter with a strong introduction that grabs the hiring manager's attention and briefly highlights your interest in the position. You can mention where you found the job posting and express enthusiasm for the opportunity.

For more examples, refer to our guide on how to start a cover letter. 

For more tips and inspiration if you're a student, check out the below guides:

• Student CV

• Student cover letter.

For more tips, refer to our cleaner cover letter example writing guide.

For more tips, refer to our waiter cover letter example writing guide

Passionate about cooking and the culinary world? Check out the the chef cover letter example.

For more tips, you can check out the receptionist CV writing guide or admin cover letter example.

2. Body: What should I put in the body of my hospitality cover letter?

In the body of your cover letter, focus on showcasing your relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments that make you a strong candidate for the hospitality position. Provide specific examples of your achievements and how they align with the requirements of the job.

Hospitality graduate cover letter example

During my time at London University, I actively participated in various hospitality management courses and practical training sessions, which equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of front-office operations. 

Through coursework projects and internships, I honed my skills in guest service, reservation management, and problem-solving. For instance, I collaborated with a team to develop a guest satisfaction survey for a local hotel, which led to actionable insights for improving service quality and increasing guest loyalty. Additionally, my internship at Soho Hotel provided me with hands-on experience in managing guest inquiries, handling check-ins/check-outs efficiently, and ensuring seamless communication between departments. These experiences have strengthened my adaptability, attention to detail, and ability to deliver exceptional service in a hospitality setting.

Hospitality student cover letter example

Throughout my studies at the London School of Hospitality, I have actively sought opportunities to apply my academic knowledge in real-world scenarios. As part of my coursework, I completed a project where I analysed market trends in the hospitality industry and proposed strategies for attracting millennials to boutique hotels. Additionally, my involvement in student organisations, such as the Hospitality Management Society, allowed me to develop leadership skills and network with industry professionals. I also completed a summer internship at Lady Langham Hotel & Resort, where I assisted with guest check-ins, coordinated room assignments, and organised special events for guests. This experience enhanced my customer service skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork capabilities, preparing me for a successful career in hotel management.

Hotel management cover letter example

In my previous role as Hotel Manager at Beatrix Hotel, I successfully led a team of front-line staff in delivering exceptional guest experiences. I implemented training programs to improve staff efficiency and enhance service quality, resulting in a 20% increase in positive guest feedback within six months. Additionally, I collaborated with department heads to streamline operational processes, leading to a reduction in guest complaints and an improvement in overall guest satisfaction scores. My commitment to continuous improvement and my ability to motivate and empower team members have been instrumental in driving the success of the hotel.

Hotel receptionist cover letter example

In my previous role as a Hotel Receptionist at Grand Horizon Resort, I consistently provided warm and professional service to all guests, ensuring their check-in and check-out processes were smooth and efficient. I handled guest inquiries and reservations with accuracy, leading to a 15% improvement in booking accuracy and guest satisfaction. Additionally, I implemented a new system for managing guest requests, which reduced response times by 30%. My ability to multitask, combined with my strong communication skills, contributed to a welcoming atmosphere and positive first impressions for all guests.

Hotel head chef cover letter example

As the Head Chef at Culinary Heights Hotel, I led a diverse kitchen team in delivering exceptional dining experiences, which earned the hotel a 5-star rating for its restaurant. I developed innovative menus that incorporated locally-sourced ingredients, resulting in a 25% increase in restaurant patronage. My focus on staff training and kitchen efficiency reduced food waste by 20% and improved service times, enhancing the overall dining experience. My dedication to culinary excellence and my leadership in maintaining high kitchen standards were key factors in the restaurant's success.

3. Conclusion: How do you end a cover letter for a hospitality job

Conclude your cover letter by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to apply and reiterate your interest in the position. Also, mention your availability for an interview and express readiness to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the needs of the organisation.

Hotel management cover letter sample

I am excited about the opportunity to leverage my skills and experience to drive the continued success of Lady Langham Hotel. I am confident that my leadership abilities, coupled with my track record of delivering exceptional guest experiences, make me an ideal candidate for the Hotel Manager position. 

Thank you for considering my application. I am available for an interview at your convenience and look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to the growth and reputation of your hotel. 

Sincerely,

Harry Peterson

Hospitality graduate cover letter sample

I am confident that my academic background, combined with my hands-on experience and dedication to delivering exceptional service, make me a valuable addition to your team. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to the success of your front-office team in more detail. Please find my CV attached for your review. 

Sincerely, 

Maxine Johnson

Hospitality student cover letter sample

I am enthusiastic about the prospect of contributing to the success of Soho Boutique Hotel as an intern. I am eager to apply my academic knowledge and gain practical experience in a professional setting. Thank you for considering my application. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached by phone or email. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team. 

Sincerely, 

Sarah Taylor

For more examples, refer to our guide on how to end a cover letter.

How to write a hospitality cover letter with no experience

For students or recent graduates with limited to no experience, a cover letter offers an opportunity to highlight relevant skills, coursework, internships, and extracurricular activities that demonstrate their suitability for roles in hospitality. Moreover, it allows applicants to express their genuine enthusiasm for the industry and specific company, showcasing their motivation and dedication. 

1. Internships or part-time jobs

Look for internships or part-time positions in the hospitality industry, such as working at hotels, restaurants, or event venues, to gain valuable experience and skills.

2. Volunteer

Offer your assistance at local events, conferences, or fundraisers to gain exposure to different aspects of hospitality and network with industry professionals.

3. Highlight transferable skills

Emphasise transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and customer service in your CV and cover letter, even if you don't have direct hospitality experience.

4. Pursue relevant education and certifications

Consider pursuing hospitality-related courses, certifications, or workshops to enhance your knowledge and qualifications in the field.

5. Network and seek mentorship

Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with hospitality professionals on platforms like LinkedIn to expand your network and seek mentorship opportunities. Refer to our article on how to improve your LinkedIn profile.

Example of a hospitality cover letter with no experience:

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Graduate Management position at Brighton Boutique Hotel. As a recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management from Brighton School of Hospitality, coupled with hands-on experience gained through internships and coursework projects, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team and further develop my skills in the hospitality industry.

Throughout my academic journey, I have cultivated a strong foundation in hospitality operations, customer service, and event planning. My coursework provided me with comprehensive knowledge in areas such as hotel management, food and beverage operations, and revenue management, all of which are essential components of delivering exceptional guest experiences. Additionally, my internships at reputable establishments allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, where I honed my interpersonal skills and learned to thrive in fast-paced environments.

I am particularly drawn to this hotel due to its reputation for excellence in the hospitality industry. I am impressed by your commitment to providing personalised experiences for guests and your dedication to continuous improvement and innovation. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team and the opportunity to discuss further how I can contribute to the success of Brighton Boutique.

Warm regards,

Sam Williams

Key takeaways

These tips can create a compelling cover letter for a hospitality job, increasing your chances of securing the desired job. Proofreading is crucial in this process, ensuring that your cover letter captures attention and effectively communicates your qualifications and enthusiasm for the job.

Next steps?

Explore our range of cover letter templates and CV examples designed to suit your career objectives. If you require support, our CV Writing Service is available to streamline the process for your convenience.

FAQ

Should I include references in my hospitality cover letter?

It's optional to include references in your cover letter. You can mention that references are available upon request, but save the space in your cover letter to highlight your skills and experiences relevant to the job. Refer to our article that showcases how to include references on a CV.

How long should my hospitality cover letter be?

Aim for a concise cover letter that is no longer than one page at maximum. Focus on highlighting your most relevant qualifications and experiences that make you a strong candidate. For more tips, refer to our article about cover letter length.

Is it important to follow up after submitting a hospitality cover letter?

Yes, following up with the hiring manager after submitting your cover letter and CV is good practice. You can send a polite email or make a phone call to inquire about the status of your application and express continued interest in the position.