Want a stronger cover letter?

Use our extensive library of professional cover letter examples as practical starting guides. You’ll also find ready-made content with our helpful Cover Letter Builder simply click, customize and download.

 

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How to Format Your Cover Letter

Visit our helpful cover letter format and writing guide for additional advice on how to customize your application, or read on to find culinary-related advice. 

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  • Contact information:

    • Make sure your professional cover letter header matches your resume for a cohesive look. Include your name, phone number and email. 

  • Date and recipient's mailing information:

    • Visit the company’s directory to research the hiring manager and contact info. Add the date of writing, followed by the manager’s name, job title and professional mailing address. 

  • Greeting:

    • Begin the letter with a professional salutation. We prefer the following formal greetings: “Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name,” “Hello, Mr./Ms. Last Name,” or the last resort, “To whom it may concern.”

  • Introduction:

    • Add the name of the position and company, how you learned about it, and one culinary skill or accomplishment to advertise your suitability in this opening paragraph.

  • Body:

    • Use one or two paragraphs to elaborate on one or two accomplishments on your chef resume. The goal is to quantify your training further and prove your proficiency.  

  • Closing statement:

    • In the final paragraph, reiterate your interest and qualifications. Express your eagerness to discuss your candidacy in an interview further.

  • Signature:

    • End the letter with a formal closing followed by your full name and, if applicable, your professional titles or certifications. Acceptable signatures include “Salutations,” “Best,” or “Regards.”

Use skills to personalize your chef cover letter

These resume skills and accomplishments are the foundation to building a strong chef cover letter. Highlight your soft, hard and technical skills to create exceptional dining experiences and contribute to the success of previous culinary teams.

1
Culinary creativity:

The ability to innovate and create unique dishes that tantalize the taste buds and set a restaurant apart.

2
Food preparation:

Skill in preparing ingredients, including chopping, slicing and marinating.

3
Menu development:

Proficiency in designing menus that balance flavors, dietary needs and cost-effectiveness to delight customers.

4
Cooking techniques:

Mastery of various cooking methods, such as grilling, roasting, sautéing and sous-vide.

5
Food safety and sanitation:

Knowledge of food safety regulations and practices to maintain a clean and hygienic kitchen.

6
Flavor profiling:

Ability to identify and combine flavors to create harmonious and balanced dishes.

7
Plating and presentation:

Skillfully arranging dishes on plates to enhance visual appeal and overall dining experience.

8
Kitchen management:

Competence in supervising kitchen staff, managing inventory, and controlling food costs to optimize restaurant operations.

9
Pastry and baking:

Proficiency in creating pastries, bread and desserts, including precision in measuring and baking techniques.

10
Ingredient sourcing:

Knowledge of selecting and sourcing quality ingredients, including locally and sustainably grown produce.

11
Dietary expertise:

Ability to accommodate various dietary restrictions and preferences, including vegan, gluten-free and low-sodium diets.

12
Time management:

Skill in efficiently coordinating multiple tasks and orders in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

13
Wine and beverage pairing:

Knowing how to pair food dishes with complementary wines and beverages enhances the dining experience.

14
Recipe development:

Ability to develop and document recipes, ensuring consistency in taste and presentation.

15
Culinary trends:

Awareness of current culinary trends and a willingness to adapt and incorporate them into the menu.

Free Chef Cover Letter Example

Dear Mr. Turturro:

I express my sincere interest in the Chef position you have available. Please consider my resume. As a highly accomplished and results-oriented chef with over 17 years of experience directing food and beverage services for highly-rated restaurants, I possess a wide range of knowledge and experience that will allow me to contribute toward the success of your establishment.

My expertise lies in successfully conceptualizing, developing and implementing innovative menus to optimize guest satisfaction and retention while leading staff training initiatives and ensuring inventory and cost containment. My established ability to prepare successful menus for special events also positions me to contribute significantly to your restaurant.

The following achievements demonstrate my qualifications for this position:

  1. Propelling culinary excellence within prestigious restaurants, driving outstanding dining experiences while consistently surpassing guest and management expectations and adhering to necessary dietary restrictions.
  2. Managing overarching kitchen responsibilities, including catering and special event management, event set-up, ordering and supply management, and food preparation and presentation.
  3. Earning commendation for culinary achievement and excellence while creating dynamic menus for discerning clientele; adept at utilizing fresh, organic and in-season foods to optimize meal taste and quality.
  4. Acquiring a reputation as a collaborative team player and leader, able to forge and sustain excellent relationships with kitchen staff and head management.
  5. Demonstrating outstanding communication, organization and team leadership abilities; fluent in Spanish.

My proven success in managing all aspects of kitchen operations and budgets, along with my comprehensive expertise in developing and managing innovative and refined menu fare, will contribute immensely to the success of Lion’s Head Fine Dining. Thank you for your consideration; I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Sincerely,

Loretta C. Cullins

This cover letter is effective because it concisely presents the candidate’s qualifications and accomplishments, aligns them with the position’s needs and maintains a professional tone. It demonstrates the writer’s enthusiasm for the role and their potential to make a valuable contribution to the organization.

Add a Resume as a Foundational Base

A cover letter helps promote your resume — but your resume acts as an essential building block for your job search. This concise summary helps hiring managers trace your training, experience, skill development and accomplishments. The following help articles, online tools and samples can help you improve your resume. 

 

Chef Cover Letter FAQ

Do I need to tailor my chef cover letter for each application?

Yes, tailoring your cover letter is crucial. Highlight relevant skills and achievements that match the specific job description to attract employers.

Should I use action verbs in my chef cover letter?

Absolutely. Action verbs like “developed,” “managed” and “implemented” make your accomplishments more impactful and dynamic.

 

How can I ensure my chef cover letter passes through applicant tracking systems (ATS)?

Use relevant keywords from the job posting, focus on your skills and achievements, and keep formatting simple to improve ATS compatibility.

 

Is it necessary to include references in my chef cover letter?

No, references are typically provided upon request. Save space for showcasing your qualifications and achievements.

 

What's the ideal length for a chef cover letter?

Aim for a one-page cover letter, keeping it concise and relevant to maintain the reader’s interest while highlighting your key qualifications.