Need to pen a standout food preparation cover letter? Our painstakingly researched guide is here to help. Get inspired by real-life cover letter samples and detailed examples. Scroll down and delve into cover letter tips that actually work.
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In this guide, we teach you the essential steps for writing a food preparation cover letter. Keep reading to learn all about how to:
- Format your food preparation cover letter header & headline
- Tailor your cover letter for a role in food preparation
- Write an eye-catching introduction on your food prep cover letter
- Show off your professional skills & accomplishments in food prep
- Conclude your food prep cover letter with an effective closing statement
- Access top resources for job-seeking food preparation professionals
1. Format your food preparation cover letter header & headline
The first key step for writing a food preparation cover letter is to give your letter structure with a well-formatted header and headline.
Begin by creating your cover letter header, which should include:
- Your name and professional title
- Your professional contact information
- The name of the company you are applying to
- The company’s address
Here is an example of a well-formatted food preparation header
Jack Smith, Food Preparation Professional
(123) 456-7890 | jacksmith@email.com | linkedin.com/in/jack-smith
To: Mountain Valley Food Supplies
Food Preparation Department
1234 Street Address
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Once you have made your cover letter header, you will then move on to writing your cover letter headline. This is a brief title statement that includes:
- A keyword related to the position
- An attention-grabbing number or trigger word
- A powerful adjective or verb
- A promise to the employer that the letter is tailored to address their needs
Here is an example of a food preparation headline, followed by a quick breakdown of its main elements
My 3-Step Approach to Precise Food Preparation & How It Can Help Cut Costs at Your Company
Trigger Word/Number: 3-Step Approach
Keyword: Food Preparation
Adjective/Verb: Precise, Cut
Promise: Your Company
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2. Tailor your cover letter for a role in food preparation
Tailoring a cover letter means editing the information to be as specific to not just the job but the company you are applying to as possible.
To tailor a cover letter in this way, you will need to thoroughly research the company before applying. In your research, look for key details such as:
- The company’s values – pay attention to the values and skills used to describe the company and reflect these in your own writing.
- The company’s specializations – most companies will offer some form of specialized service, and by identifying these specializations you can better explain how your qualifications can benefit the company.
- The company’s key staff members – specifically, search for the staff member who will review your cover letter and application so you can create a personalized greeting.
Here are 3 examples of personalized cover letter greetings
- Dear Manager Jane Doe,
- Dear Mrs. Jane Doe,
- To Mrs. Jane Doe & the Food Prep Team,
3. Write an eye-catching introduction on your food prep cover letter
With your structural elements in place and your company research handy for tailoring, you can finally begin writing the letter itself – starting with the introduction.
A strong food preparation cover letter introduction will include:
- A brief overview of your professional history and specializations
- A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
- A mutual acquaintance (when possible)
Pro Tip: Naming a mutual acquaintance can earn you serious brownie points with an employer. If you do not have a mutual acquaintance or notable professional association, try using LinkedIn to expand your professional network and make meaningful connections you can reference in the future.
Here is an example of an eye-catching food preparation cover letter introduction
Dear Mrs. Jane Doe,
I am a food preparation professional with more than 5 years of experience working in fast-paced restaurants. Recently, I attended a conference on the latest food prep technology and had the pleasure of meeting one of your managers, Mr. John Miller. After asking to see my resume, Mr. Miller strongly recommended I apply for this opening and pointed me in your direction.
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4. Show off your professional skills & accomplishments in food prep
It’s time to dive into greater detail about your professional skills and accomplishments as a food preparation professional!
In your body paragraphs, you have the opportunity to showcase your best qualifications that you believe demonstrate why you are a great fit for the job. As such, your descriptions of your skills and accomplishments need to be specific, relevant, contextual, and quantifiable.
Here are 6 examples of food preparation skills to describe in a cover letter
- Knowledge of food preparation equipment
- Proper food storage procedures
- Inventory and supply management
- Coordinating supply deliveries
- Food sanitization standards
- Food distribution
Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a food preparation cover letter
As a food preparation specialist at [Former Employer], I was given the key task of finding ways to reduce operational expenses. After identifying an issue in the freezer cooling system and overseeing the repair, I was able to cut back on wasted food by 35%, leading to a 50% decrease in supply expenditures.
5. Conclude your food prep cover letter with an effective closing statement
The fifth and final step for writing a food preparation cover letter is to end with an effective closing statement. This statement should include:
- An enthusiastic sentence saying you are looking forward to hearing from them
- When and how you can be contacted, as well as when you plan to follow up
- A formal sign-off
Here is an example of a strong closing statement from a food preparation cover letter
I am so excited to learn more about this opportunity and get to know you and your team better. To best contact me, call me at (123) 456-7890 any weekday between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If I have not heard back by next Friday, I will follow up with you that morning to check on the status of my application.
Appreciatively,
[Applicant Name]
6. Top resources for job-seeking food preparation professionals
As you whip your food preparation cover letter into shape, remember that the right ingredients don't just make a great dish— they also make a successful job search. You can take a look at these top resources — your next job opportunity may be just behind the corner.
- Industry-specific job boards: Websites like Culinary Agents, CatererGlobal, and Poached cater specifically to the culinary industry. There, you can find opportunities from entry-level food prep to executive chef positions.
- General job boards: You can also use platforms with broader focus, such as Indeed, Glassdoor, or SimplyHired.
- Professional associations: Joining associations like the American Culinary Federation (ACF), the World Association of Chefs Societies (Worldchefs), ot the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) can be a way to gain access to networking opportunities, job listings, and professional development resources.
- LinkedIn: Believe it or not, LinkedIn isn't just for office jobs. It has a growing number of listings in the culinary field and is a great platform for networking with industry professionals.
- Social media groups: Social media, such as Facebook and Reddit are home to countless groups and communities focused on culinary careers where members share job openings, advice, and support.
- Continue learning: Various certifications and courses can significantly broaden your skill set. And this, in turn, will make you more employable. You can have a look at ServSafe Food Handler Certification, Le Cordon Bleu Diplomas and Certificates; or enroll in any relevant courses offered by Coursera, edX, and Rouxbe.
But, before you embark on your job hunt, don't forget to give your food preparation cover letter a proper dust off. It can be the key to securing any job you have your eye on.
If you have ever wondered how a cover letter differs from a resume, this article will tell you everything about the key differences between the two.
Food Preparation Cover Letter FAQ
How can I showcase skills effectively in my food preparation cover letter?
Highlight your most relevant skills by providing specific examples from real-life situations you've encountered in your previous employment. Explain how you utilized your skills and helped solve problems in a professional way.
How should I format my food preparation cover letter?
You want to stick to a simple, clean design and avoid any extravagances. You can also use smaller paragraphs and bullet points to make your cover letter more readable.
What are some common mistakes to avoid in my food preparation cover letter?
Nothing can repel recruiters quite so effectively as typos and grammar mistakes. Always proofread your cover letter. Multiple times! And make sure that you're not just repeating what is said in your resume. A cover letter should complement your resume, not restate it verbatim.
Should I explain why I want to change my career path?
You can do that. But don't spend time explaining why you decided to leave your former employment; instead, write about what drew you to food preparation. And especially, write about what makes you want to work for that particular company.
Should I talk about culinary trends in my cover letter?
That depends. If you're applying to a place known for being on the cutting edge, demonstrating your knowledge on the latest trends can win you some bonus points. But don't overdo it! The focus of your cover letter should remain on your skills, experience, and motivation.
