Writing an application letter is the first step towards achieving your dream job in an eatery. A well-written application letter can significantly improve your chances of getting hired, even with no experience.
As the food industry in Nigeria continues to thrive, many individuals are seeking opportunities to work in various eateries across the country. However, for those who have little or no experience in this field, it can be a daunting task to write an application letter that stands out among the rest.
In this guide, we will discuss the essential elements of writing an effective application letter to an eatery in Nigeria, from researching the company to showcasing your relevant skills and qualities.
With our tips and advice, you will be able to craft a compelling letter that highlights your potential as a valuable addition to any eatery’s team. So let us delve into the process of writing an impressive application letter and increase your chances of securing that dream job at an eatery in Nigeria.
What Is An Application Letter For An Eatery Job?
An application letter for an eatery job is a document you submit alongside your resume to show your qualifications or experience as a restaurant employee. You can submit this letter when applying for various open positions in an eatery, such as a restaurant manager, cook, server, or dishwasher.
Eatery jobs often require long hours of physical labor and interpersonal skills including customer service, teamwork, and communication. A cover letter offers greater writing options than a résumé. This means you can draft it to establish a personal connection with the recruiter and explain why you are the best applicant for the position.
How To Write An Application Letter to an Eatery in Nigeria
Since we understand what an application letter is, let us look at how you can write an application letter to land a job in an eatery.
1. Write your contact information and address
At the top of the page, include your contact information and any facts that will allow the hiring manager to reach you. You can begin by listing your first and last names, as well as any degrees or certifications you have in the hospitality business.
You can include your phone number, e-mail address, city and province/territory where you live, and postal code below. Include the date you intend to submit your application to demonstrate that your interest in the position is current. After that, you can include the company’s name and address.
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2. Start with salutations
A professional salutation typically begins with Dear or Hello followed by the hiring manager’s name. You can often find the hiring manager’s name in the job posting or on the company’s website. Mentioning their names directly may show your interest in the organization and can make your letter more personal.
3. Discuss your interest
The first paragraph of your letter usually demonstrates your passion for a restaurant job. Here, you can tell the hiring manager that you are interested in the position and enthusiastic about the organization.
Use intriguing phrases that demonstrate your enthusiasm and passion for the hotel business to persuade the recipient to continue reading your message.
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4. Introduce yourself
You can introduce yourself here and explain why you are pleased to work for that particular eatery. By reading the job description and researching the company, you can discover more about the food they provide and the clientele they generally serve.
This section allows you to explain how your professional ambitions are aligned with these objectives, as well as how your abilities and experiences can benefit the team.
5. Highlight your experience and qualifications
Briefly discuss your academic background and past restaurant work experience, as well as how they prepared you for this position. You can utilize data to demonstrate your impact on previous businesses. For example, if you helped a restaurant raise revenue by 10% by hosting an upselling training course, you may mention it in your resume letter to impress the hiring manager.
6. Explain how you are the best fit for the role
Consider featuring how your relevant skills and experiences can make you a suitable candidate. For example, if you’re applying for a cook in an eatery, you may use this paragraph to highlight your customer service skills and knowledge of food and wine pairings.
Let the hiring manager know how the company may benefit from considering your application. If you have any relevant training, such as a provincial safe alcohol service license or safe food handler certificate, you can mention those there.
7. Write a conclusion
In the closing paragraph, reiterate your interest in the position and why you believe you’re qualified. It is also beneficial to thank the recruiting manager for reading your letter and considering you for the position.
You may then include a call to action encouraging the recruiter to contact you. For example, you could say that you’re looking forward to their call so you can schedule an interview.
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8. Include a sign-off
Conclude your letter with a professional sign-off, which comprises a short phrase, your full name, and your signature. This short phrase can be Sincerely or Kind regards, while your full name appears in the line below. You can leave space above your printed name to include a handwritten or digital signature.
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Structure Of An Application Letter To An Eatery in Nigeria
Having looked at how you can write an application letter for a job in an eatery, let’s look at the structure of your application letter.
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1. Date and contact information
When you are writing your application letter for an eatery job in Nigeria, you must add your contact information and date at the top of your letter.
Usually, your contact information should be at the top right corner of the letter, and that of the company should be at the top left corner of the letter. It is also good that you add a date at the end of the contact information.
Check out How To Write Dates Correctly In English, Spanish, MLA Format, Formal Letter
2. Greeting/Salutation
Before you start writing about your skills and qualifications in the body of your letter, you should, first of all, greet the person that you are addressing in the letter. You can greet the receiver professionally by adding MR/MRS to their last name.
3. State your purpose for writing the letter
After greeting the receiver professionally, you can go ahead to state your purpose for writing the letter. Simply state that you want to apply for a job as a cook (depending on the title of the role) in their eatery.
4. The first paragraph of your letter
After you have stated the purpose of your letter, you can go ahead to explain what makes you think you are the best person for the position. This is where you state your level of experience, key responsibilities and achievements as a restaurant worker, and the relevant skills you have garnered through the years.
5. The second paragraph of your letter
In the second paragraph of your application letter, you start providing details about your experience working in an eatery and some relevant training and certifications that may contribute to the sales performance of the company. You can also discuss your interpersonal skills, communication skills, and culinary skills and how it has improved over time.
Mention any additional relevant skills, such as handling cash transactions, inventory management, etc.
6. The third paragraph of your application letter
This is where you elaborately state your skills, certifications, and training that make you an ideal fit for the eatery job.
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7. The fourth paragraph of your application letter
In the fourth paragraph of your application letter, you should inform the hiring manager that you are looking forward to being interviewed. You can also indicate how you intend to follow up on the letter and after how long if you do not get a response.
8. The last sentence in your application letter
In the last sentence of your application letter, you should thank the reader for taking out time to consider your application.
Sample Application Letter for a Position in An Eatery In Nigeria
Thompson Agbo
+234 819 686 ****
thomagbo@yahoo.com
SportsFan, Inc.
Lagos, Nigeria
07/09/2024
Application for the position of Cook
Dear Hiring Manager,
I’m very excited and happy to be applying for the Restaurant Manager role at Mama Eko. Having worked in various restaurants and cafes, I have more than five years of experience in the food service industry. I’ve also developed a reputation for my excellent customer service skills that always satisfy guests and turn them into regulars. I admire this cafe’s objective to become customer-centric, and believe I can use my skills and expertise to help you achieve this goal.
In my previous position at ChopWell., I was responsible for a range of tasks, including serving, cooking, and dishing. I consistently provided top-notch customer service and received recognition as Employee of the Month for my dedication and hard work.
In addition to my work ethic, I am a creative individual who thrives in fast-paced team environments. Fluent in Yoruba, English, and Pidgin English, I bring a unique perspective and strong communication skills to the table.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I’m looking forward to the interview session, where I can learn more about the role and the company and how I can contribute to its development. If you have any questions about my qualifications, you may contact me via my e-mail address.
Sincerely,
Thompson Agbo
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Tips on How to Write a Great Application Letter to an Eatery in Nigeria
Crafting a strong application letter for a job in an eatery in Nigeria can be key to landing that dream job. Here are some tips to help you write one that stands out:
1. Tailor the letter to fit the job and the company
Make sure to tailor your letter to the job and company for which you are applying. This will show that you are interested in the opportunity and have done your research.
2. Showcase your relevant skills and experiences
Use specific examples and accomplishments to show how your skills and experience match the job’s requirements.
3. Use a formal and business-like tone
Use formal, business-like language and a confident, upbeat tone throughout the letter. Don’t use slang, colloquialisms, or language that is too casual.
Use formal language, avoid slang, and proofread carefully for any typos or grammatical errors. In Nigerian culture, respect is important, so address the recipient appropriately using titles like Mr., Ms., or Dr.
4. Pay attention to Nigeria’s culture and habits
Be polite and respectful in your language and tone, and use honorifics when writing to someone. Maintain a professional tone throughout.
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5. Formatting and layout
Always use the standard format for a business letter, and make sure the font is easy to read.
6. Proofreading
Carefully read over your letter to ensure there are no mistakes in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. You can read the application letter out loud or can send it to friends or colleagues. They may catch an error in your document that you may have missed.
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7. Closing and following up
For the final paragraph of your application letter, conclude a call to action. Tell the hiring manager again why you’re great for the job and make it clear that you want to set up a job interview (e.g., “I look forward to hearing from you about this job opportunity).” Then, it’s up to the hiring manager to take action and contact you
Additionally, provide your contact information and remind them of how optimistic you are in a timely and polite way.
FAQs On How To Write An Application Letter To An Eatery
An application letter, also known as a cover letter, is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on your skills and experience. It is typically used to explain why you are a good fit for a specific job or position.
Always use a professional tone throughout your letter. Be confident in your skills and experience, but avoid sounding arrogant. Make sure to be concise and to the point.
Briefly describe your academic background and work experience in previous restaurant jobs and how they prepared you for this role.
Most application letters should be half to three-quarters of a page long. Anything less will appear to be a lack of effort, while anything longer than a page will be too much for a recruiter or hiring manager to read.
Conclusion
A strong application letter not only showcases your interest and enthusiasm for the role but also highlights the relevant skills and qualities that make you an ideal candidate. With a well-written application letter, you stand a better chance of securing the position you desire.
References
- ca.indeed.com – How to Write a Cover Letter for a Restaurant Job (Example)
- resumehelp.com – Restaurant Cover Letter Examples To Use This Year
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