Skip to content
Cover letter example

Kitchen assistant cover letter example

For a kitchen assistant job, the letter is short and practical. The chef wants to know when you can start, which shifts you accept and whether you have already worked in a kitchen.

A few sentences on the prep you can do and your respect for hygiene rules are enough. Many applications are also made in person, with a resume handed over before service.

Cover letter example

Replace the parts in brackets with your own details.

Subject: Application for the Aide de cuisine position, available from [date]

Dear Chef,

I saw that [Restaurant] is looking for a kitchen assistant and I would like to apply. I am available from [date], including evenings and weekends, and I live close to the restaurant.

Last summer I worked a full season as kitchen assistant at [Previous Restaurant] in [City], a [x]-cover terrace restaurant. Every morning I prepared vegetables and garnishes, portioned fish for the grill and set up the cold starters. During service I plated salads and desserts and kept the hot station supplied. On busy nights I also ran the dishwashing station.

I learned to work fast in a small space and to follow the chef's instructions without having to ask twice. I am careful with labelling and dates, I record fridge temperatures as required and I keep my station clean during service, not only at the end.

I would like to join a team where I can learn new techniques and progress towards a commis position. Your daily changing menu is the kind of kitchen where I would learn the most.

I can come in for a trial shift whenever suits you. Thank you for your time.

Kind regards,[First Name Last Name][Phone number]

What to highlight

  • Your availability: start date, evenings, weekends, season
  • Prep and plating tasks you already know
  • Respect for hygiene and cleaning procedures
  • Physical stamina and teamwork
  • Your wish to learn and progress in the brigade

Mistakes to avoid

  • Not stating availability, the first thing a chef looks for.
  • Writing a full-page letter for a role usually filled by phone or in person.
  • Claiming advanced cooking skills that a trial shift will quickly disprove.
  • Applying only by email to a small restaurant whose chef rarely checks the inbox: a call or a visit between services often works better.

Your job search, on autopilot

Start my kitchen assistant job scan

JobFast searches the major job boards for listings that fit you, scores each one out of 10 and prepares a tailored CV and cover letter. You review, you approve.

Start for free

No credit card · No account to get started

Frequently asked questions

Is a cover letter really needed for this job?

Not always. Many restaurants hire after a quick conversation or a trial shift. A short message or a few lines in the email body is often enough. Write a proper letter when applying to a hotel group, a catering company or a canteen operator, where HR filters applications.

Can I drop off my resume in person?

Yes, it is common in France. Go between services, typically mid-afternoon, never during lunch or dinner rush. Ask for the chef, keep it brief and leave a resume with your phone number clearly visible.

How should I describe a short seasonal contract?

Give the place, the dates and the volume, then two or three tasks. A season in a busy coastal restaurant is valued because it shows you can handle pressure, even if it lasted only a few months.

More cover letter examples