Writing a cover letter for the job role in the Catering Industry.
If you are interested in pursuing a career within the catering industry then you will be looking for a hands on role and have a real passion for food and preparing food usually for a number of people at any one time.
You could be looking to work in a school helping and preparing food for school children at lunch time, or you could be working in a hospital serving patients or you could be working for a private company doing lunches, buffets, parties etc and prepare food for different occasions.
Some roles within the catering industry are as follows:
Kitchen staff
Chef Sous
Chef
Kitchen Porter
All these roles require some stamina as you will be on your feet all day, looking at ingredients, planning menus, preparing food and cooking meals then serving meals and the cleaning up afterwards. Employers will be interested in your previous employment skills and will be looking for an interest in food and that you can work in a hands on and pressurised role.
Most people begin getting some kitchen experience through washing dishes or cutting up vegetables for food preparation but all the while learning new skills and watching the chefs or catering staff completing the food that they are preparing for whatever outcome be it in a school or an occasion. It is valuable experience and one that most chefs start with.
If you are applying for a role within a public company eg: working for a school or hospital then you will be required to complete an application form which you will need to detail all your education and employment experiences in accordance with their form. If it is a private company then you will normally submit a CV and a covering letter to support your application form and for a private company it will be a less formal process where you will probably be interviewed by the business owner.
Example Cover Letter for Catering Jobs
Dear Recruitment Manager,
I wish to apply for the advertised position of Catering Assistant with your company, and have enclosed my CV for your consideration.
I have spent the last two years working at AAA Catering, in the capacity of both behind the scenes and in a customer facing role. From this, I have gained a great deal of experience in preparing, presenting and storing food at public and private events, both large and small. While at AAA Catering, I completed a number of courses at my local catering college, studying in the evenings and at weekends.
I am a hard worker and I can work well within a team, following instructions and making suggestions alike. I am now seeking a new position that will help me to develop my skills further and I believe that the role you are offering would allow me to make a real impact within your company.
I am eager to discuss my training and experience in more detail and would be delighted to talk to you at interview. Please feel free to contact me if you need any additional information.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Applicant Name
Good luck.