First impressions matter in hospitality and your cover letter is no exception. Use our cover letter examples, templates, and samples whether you're an experienced manager, an intern, or a student. We'll help you create a concise cover letter that helps you shine and get the hospitality job you want.
Martin Poduška Editor in Chief / Resume Writer Last updated: Jan. 17, 2024 Average: 4.9 ( 137 votes )
Perfecting your hospitality cover letter could be the key to securing your dream job in this vibrant industry. This comprehensive guide will share priceless tips, provide real-life examples, and lead you down the path to success.
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The neatness and clarity of your hospitality cover letter are just as important as its content. Here's how you can format your cover letter to make it an engaging read.
Now, with the proper formatting done, let's move on to the meat of your cover letter — the content.
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The header of your cover letter is the very first thing an employer will see, so it's important to get it right. In essence, the header is your business card within the cover letter, containing crucial contact details about you and the hiring manager.
Your header should contain the following:
Here are examples showing incorrect and correct ways of writing a hospitality cover letter header:
John Doe
john@domain.com
08/14/2021
To: Hiring Manager
XYZ Hotel
Why is this example weak? Here, the header misses out on key details such as the sender's complete address and contact number. What’s more, it doesn't specify the hiring manager's name and the company's address.
John Doe
123 Main Street
Springfield, IL 62701
(217) 555-1234
john.doe@domain.com
August 14, 2022
To: Ms. Jane Smith
Hiring Manager
XYZ Hotel
789 Central Avenue
Springfield, IL 62701
Why is this a strong header? This version is complete and professional, providing all necessary details. The sender's full name, complete address, and contact details are at the top, followed by the current date. The hiring manager's name and company's details are clearly marked next.
A nicely formatted header sets the tone for the rest of your cover letter. Make it count!
A headline in a cover letter is a short, catchy statement that grabs the reader's attention right away. An effective one previews what's to come and stirs interest.
In crafting a powerful headline, infuse it with:
Hospitality Professional Applying for Job
Why is this example incorrect? This headline is too vague. It doesn't specify what the role is, and fails to generate interest.
Experienced Hospitality Manager Ready to Boost Guest Satisfaction at XYZ Hotel
Why is this headline strong? It gets attention. It includes the title of the role, a key skill (boosting guest satisfaction), and the specific name of the company, showing enthusiasm and alignment with the targeted role.
So craft a headline that makes the hiring manager stop in their tracks, eager to read further. This is your moment to make a strong first impression.
Casting a personalized greeting in your cover letter seamlessly paves the way for an engaging conversation. It reveals that you've taken an extra step to find out who you're writing to. Addressing them by name imparts immediate familiarity and interest in your letter.
So, where do you find the hiring manager's name? Get in the detective mode:
Yet, there may be times when the hiring manager's name isn't available. In these cases, steer away from generic greetings like "To whom it may concern". Here are better alternatives:
Investing time in finding the hiring manager's name and personalizing your greeting will give your hospitality cover letter a head start. Indeed, often little details like these make a big difference.
A compelling introduction is one of the most crucial aspects of your cover letter. It grabs the reader's attention from the word go and provides a snapshot of your professional journey.
A successful introduction should include:
I'm writing to apply for the position at your hotel. I have a degree in hospitality management and have worked in a hotel before.
Why does this intro fall flat? It fails to provide specific details about the professional journey, the reasons for applying, and the name of the position or the hotel.
As an accomplished Hotel Manager with 7 years' experience in providing top-tier guest experiences, I am excited to apply for the Hospitality Manager position at XYZ Hotel. Our mutual acquaintance, Jane Doe, recommended this role to me and spoke highly of XYZ Hotel's commitment to quality service.
Why is this introduction strong? This introduction ticks all boxes; it details the experience, mentions the specific role, name-drops the hotel, explains the reason for applying, and includes a reference.
As a recent graduate in Hospitality Management from Boston University with internship experience at prestigious hotels, I am enthusiastic about bringing fresh perspectives to the Hospitality Assistant role at XYZ Hotel. My academic exposure and hands-on experience have steeled my passion for providing guests with unforgettable experiences.
Why is this intro ideal for a fresh graduate? This portrays the candidate as a keen learner ready to transition from academic to professional life. It indicates notable achievements and how they align with the role sought.
Ultimately, your introduction must demonstrate your understanding of the job requirements, your eagerness for the role, and set the tone for the rest of the cover letter.
Pouring the most captivating part of your hospitality cover letter, the body is where you showcase your skills and accomplishments. It's where you list your ingredients that make you an ideal candidate.
Format this section into two or three short paragraphs or a combination of paragraphs and bullet points, making it easier to digest.
Underline your skills that align directly with the job requirements. Here are some typical hospitality skills that shouldn’t miss in your cover letter:
You can’t go wrong in your body paragraphs if you:
At my previous position as Front Office Manager at ABC Hotel, I coordinated the team effectively, driving a 15% boost in staff productivity, which cascaded into higher guest satisfaction rates.
Fret not if you lack professional experience. Focus on transferable skills, internships, or course projects that demonstrate your capabilities and commitment.
As a recent graduate from the Hospitality Management program at XYZ University, I bring a comprehensive understanding of hospitality industry dynamics. During my internship at ABC Hotel, I successfully project-managed a campaign promoting off-season visits, resulting in a noteworthy occupancy rate lift during these traditionally low seasons.
Remember, your accomplishments and skills serve as the proof of your potential. Use them wisely and you'll have a hospitality cover letter that's tough to turn down.
Pro tip: Showcasing skills specifically tailored to the job qualifications increases chances of securing an interview. And so, highlighting hospitality skills in your cover letter that match the job description is a strategy that can significantly impact your chances of getting noticed.
Hotel Front Door Greeter Cover Letter Template 
Much like the last goodnight of a well-hosted event, the concluding paragraph of your cover letter holds vital importance. It's your final pitch, a moment to cement the positive impression you've created throughout the letter.
A powerful conclusion should:
I am enthusiastic about the prospect of bringing my unique blend of skills and experience to XYZ Hotel as the Hospitality Manager. I am confident I can make significant contributions to your team and uplift the guest experience further.
Please feel free to contact me at (123) 456-7890 or via email at john.doe@domain.com to arrange a convenient time to talk. Meanwhile, I look forward to a positive response and will follow up next week to discuss any potential next steps.
Thank you for considering my application.
In essence, the conclusion is your final opportunity to communicate your desire, readiness, and aptitude for the role. Make the most of it, and you'll be that much closer to an interview.
Even a minor mistake in your cover letter can cost you a job opportunity, so let's address some common blunders and discuss how to dodge them.
By dodging these common pitfalls, you can ensure your hospitality cover letter is error-free, compelling, and showcases you as the best candidate for the job.
In terms of earnings and job prospects, the hospitality sector presents an appealing landscape.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly earnings for professionals within the hospitality and leisure sector stood at $21.36 as of October 2023.
In terms of job prospects, the picture is incredibly promising too. As a testament to the sector's vitality, leisure and hospitality had been adding an impressive average of 79,000 jobs per month in 2022. With this steady upward trend, opportunities for career growth and development in the hospitality field are clearly abundant.
In conclusion, the hospitality sector not only offers the possibility for a stable and rewarding income but also presents a bright job outlook, making it an excellent career choice for both budding and experienced professionals.
As a job seeker in the hospitality industry, it's crucial to stay informed, and there are fantastic resources out there to help you achieve just that. Whether you're looking for job listings, industry news, networking opportunities, or career advice, here are some go-to platforms:
So dive in, soak up the wealth of information these resources offer, and accelerate towards a successful finish line in your hospitality job hunt.
No, it's best to customize each cover letter for the specific job to which you're applying. Address the unique requirements of each role to show you've thoroughly read the job description and understand what's needed.
It's generally a good idea to include a cover letter unless the job posting explicitly advises against it. A cover letter gives you another opportunity to sell yourself.
No, your cover letter and resume should complement each other, not replicate the exact same information. Your cover letter is an opportunity to explain in more detail the key professional experiences or skills listed briefly on your resume. Use it to demonstrate how these experiences or skills make you an ideal candidate for the job.
Unless the job posting specifically asks for this information, it's better to discuss salary expectations later, perhaps during an interview or job offer discussion.
It depends on what's requested in the job posting. You might attach it as a Word document or PDF, or paste it in the body of an email. Always follow the employer's instructions.
