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How to Format a Kitchen Helper Cover Letter

Your cover letter for kitchen helper jobs needs to prioritize culinary-based skills. Below this cover letter example and writing guide is a list of fifteen relevant kitchen skills.

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  • Contact information:

    • Match your cover letter to your resume template for a sleek, professional look. Add your name, regional location, phone number and email.

  • Date and recipient's mailing information:

    • Add the date of writing, followed by the manager’s name, job title and professional mailing address. You can find this information on the restaurant’s website or job advertisement.

  • 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 kitchen prep or 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 Kitchen Helper 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 further in an interview.

  • 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 Kitchen Helper Cover Letter

1
Allergen awareness:

Share your strong attention to detail and knowledge of dietary restrictions to prevent cross-contamination and safely prepare meals.

2
Cleaning and maintenance:

Regularly clean kitchen surfaces, floors, and equipment to maintain a hygienic workspace and prevent malfunctions.

3
Cooking skills:

Share knowledge of simple cooking tasks like boiling, frying, steaming and assisting chefs with ingredient or meal preparation.

4
Food presentation:

Assisting in plating and presenting dishes attractively, following the chef’s guidelines to enhance the dining experience.

5
Dishwashing and sanitation:

Feature your technical skills in operating commercial dishwashers, sanitizing kitchens, and meeting health and safety regulations.

6
Food preparation techniques:

Knowledge of basic food prep, including chopping, slicing, dicing and portioning ingredients according to recipe requirements.

7
Inventory management:

Monitor stock levels, organize supplies, and report shortages to maintain a well-stocked kitchen.

8
Kitchen equipment operation:

Ability to safely operate and maintain kitchen equipment such as slicers, mixers and blenders.

9
Knife skills:

Share your familiarity with handling knives for different ingredients, including sharpening, chopping, and cleaning techniques.

10
Menu knowledge:

Familiarity with the restaurant’s menu and ingredients to support the kitchen and awareness of daily changes or specials.

11
Multitasking:

Handling multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced kitchen without compromising quality or safety.

12
Safe food handling:

Share your knowledge of food safety standards that prevent contamination or rapid spoilage, such as proper storage and temperature control.

13
Team collaboration:

Focus on interpersonal skills for working with chefs, servers and other kitchen staff to ensure teamwork and excellent customer service.

14
Time management:

Effectively management skills to prioritize tasks and ensure the kitchen runs smoothly during busy periods.

15
Waste reduction practices:

Implementing efficient waste management techniques, including recycling and minimizing food waste to reduce costs.

Free Kitchen Helper Cover Letter Example

Fred D. Alvarez
Milwaukee, WI
555-555-5555
fred.alvarez@email.com


June 28, 2024


Joseph Parnell
Kitchen Manager, Waves Fine Dining
9937 First St.
Milwaukee, WI
333-333-3333
joe.parnell@waves.com

Dear Mr. Parnell:

I discovered the posting for a kitchen helper at Waves Fine Dining and am excited to apply for your culinary team. With my excellent collaboration and time management abilities, I will positively impact your restaurant in this capacity.

My background includes three years of experience supporting general kitchen operations with Marina Bar & Grill in Santa Monica. My dedication to keeping restaurant kitchens clean and sanitary, my acquired food preparation and inventory maintenance skills, and my qualifications prepare me to excel in this position. In addition, my communication and organization abilities and reliable attendance record will make me a strong contributor to your kitchen team.

Consider the following skills that I offer: 

  • Loading and unloading a conveyor dishwasher while demonstrating physical stamina and agility. 
  • Working collaboratively with a 6-member kitchen team to maintain order and cleanliness. 
  • Stocking ingredients and supplies, cleaning stations after each day’s shift, scrubbing floors, washing utensils, and preparing basic ingredients for cooking. 
  • Maintaining a friendly atmosphere with chefs, servers and kitchen staff.

With my enthusiasm and rock-solid work ethic, I am confident I would quickly exceed your expectations and benefit your busy restaurant’s kitchen operations. I look forward to discussing this position in more detail.

Sincerely,

 

Fred D. Alvarez

This is an effective kitchen helper cover letter example because the candidate, Fred Alvarez, breaks their information into clear, informative sections. The letter includes:

Add a Resume to Accompany Your Cover Letter

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.

Kitchen Helper Cover Letter FAQ

How can I tailor my cover letter to a specific kitchen helper job?

To tailor a cover letter to a kitchen helper job, highlight your relevant experience in food preparation, maintaining cleanliness and working effectively in a team. Mention specific skills like following health and safety regulations and your ability to work efficiently under pressure. 

Show enthusiasm for the restaurant and explain how your skills align with the job requirements. If possible, address the hiring manager by name and conclude with a strong statement expressing your eagerness to contribute to their kitchen team.

Do applicant tracking systems (ATS) affect culinary cover letters?

Yes, ATS can scan cover letters for keywords related to the job. To pass ATS screening, include job-specific terms like “food preparation,” “sanitation” and “team collaboration” that match the job description. Use an ATS-optimized resume template.

How do action verbs improve an application/kitchen helper/kitchen assistant cover letter?

Action verbs like “assisted,” “maintained,” and “organized” convey strong, clear descriptions of your experience. They make your accomplishments more dynamic and impactful, showing potential employers you are proactive and capable.

How long should a kitchen helper cover letter be?

Your cover letter should be one page at maximum. Limit it to 250-350 words. Use a professional cover letter template to highlight your relevant experience and skills.