Chef / Cook cover letter example
A good cover letter is short and specific: why this role, why you, and why this employer. Here is a complete example for a chef / cook applying for “Sous Chef”, written to go with our chef / cook resume example.
Diego Hernández
Barcelona, Spain diego.hernandez@example.com
Olivo Restaurant Group
Madrid, Spain
Re: Sous Chef
Dear Chef Morales,
I am applying for the Sous Chef position at Olivo. I have seven years in high-volume restaurant and hotel kitchens and I currently run the grill section at Hotel Mirador Costa, serving up to 250 covers a night.
Alongside service, I help plan prep, train two commis chefs each shift and look after stock rotation. By matching prep to booking data, I reduced our weekly protein waste by about 15%.
I admire how Olivo's menus change with the seasons and use local producers. I would enjoy helping to develop dishes and supporting your head chef in running a calm, clean and well-organised kitchen.
Thank you for your time. I would be happy to attend a trial shift so you can see how I work.
Kind regards,
Diego Hernández
This example is fictional: the person, employers and figures are invented to show good structure. Use it as a guide and write your own, true details.
What makes this cover letter work
- 1The first paragraph names the exact role (Sous Chef) and gives the strongest reason to read on, in two sentences.
- 2The second paragraph proves it with one or two numbers taken from the resume, so the two documents tell the same story.
- 3The third paragraph is about Olivo Restaurant Group, not the writer. It shows why this employer, which a copied letter cannot do.
- 4The close is short and practical: availability, an offer to show more, and thanks. No pleading or pressure.
- 5It stays under about 250 words. Hiring managers often read cover letters on a phone between other tasks.
Cover letter or not? Local norms
Expectations vary. In the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand a short letter or a few lines in the application email is common. In North America many online applications make the letter optional. In parts of Europe and Asia a formal letter is still expected for office and professional roles. If in doubt, send a short one.
Questions people ask
How long should a chef / cook cover letter be?
About 200 to 300 words, in three or four short paragraphs. That is long enough to show why you fit and short enough to read on a phone. Never repeat your whole resume.
Do I still need a cover letter?
Not every employer reads them, but many do, especially for smaller companies, career changes and roles with lots of applicants. A short, specific letter rarely hurts and can help.
Who should I address the letter to?
Use the hiring manager's name if the advert or company website gives it. If not, "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear Recruitment Team" is fine in most countries.