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letter with job application?

post #1 of 6
5/12/08 at 2:55pm
Thread Starter 
hello im looking to get a job in a kitchen to get experience before i go to culinary school. Should i write a letter? i think i should and here is what i have so far. What do you think, what should i change or add.

Hello, my name is #%@$ $%%@#$. I am currently a junior at $&$@$ High School. In the fall of 2009, after my high school graduation I am planning on attending a culinary institute to get a degree in the culinary arts or baking and pastry. I would like a job at your restaurant to see if I like the culinary experience, to improve my knowledge of the kitchen and hopefully learn a thing or two about what it takes to be a chef. I hope you consider me when looking for workers and hopefully we can be working together in the future
Thank you,
$#^#$^$$^@
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post #2 of 6
5/12/08 at 3:18pm
I wouldn't bother with a letter. It will get buried in a stack of invoices, or tossed out, and most likely forgotten -- not held onto until you are ready to work.

Look around your area for restaurants you think you might want to work at, go over to each one, and ask to speak to the chef or kitchen manager (If it's a chain). Explain what you say in the letter, and ask if there are any openings. By presenting yourself well, you can make a good impression, and the chef is more likely to remember you as an interested person when there is an opening than if she or he just got a piece of paper. You might get a dishwasher or prep job, but those are good places to start, so long as you keep your eyes and ears open.

Just remember that the best time to go is mid-afternoon, not during a dinner rush. :eek: And if you do that now -- to work during the summer full-time and maybe after school next year, understand that the restaurant may have to follow state or local regulations on your hours.

But if you really want to try it, GO FOR IT LIVE! :D
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post #3 of 6
5/12/08 at 5:31pm
I would absolutely write a cover letter, make an appointment and show up dressed very nicely. (suit if you own one).
Bring a protfolio of your work and letters of reference.

Regardless of wheater or not any of this is seen, go professional all the way.
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post #4 of 6
5/12/08 at 8:03pm

Congratulations!

Most young professionals have no idea of the protocol and manners of a job search. By having sharp manners, you will set yourself apart from other canididates and you will be considered for the more serious positions.
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post #5 of 6
5/13/08 at 12:09am
This is always a good approach.

One thing I would change in the letter would be the "to see if I like the culinary experience" bit. To me, that implies that you might bail out on me on a whim. I wouldn't want to spend the money to train you and have that happen, so I would probably not hire you.
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post #6 of 6
5/13/08 at 4:42am
Cover letters are a "must". Especially if there are lots of people applying for a particular position(s).

I agree with Greg, leave out the part "to see if...". If you're planning on going to culinary school, you've already taken the step "to see if you like...".

I would change the letter a bit and concentrate on demonstrating your "forward thinking skills". I would tell him about attending culinary school (exactly which one if you already have picked one).


doc
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