This guide will transform your cover letter from template trash to interview gold. We’ll show you exactly how to open with impact, demonstrate your value through specific operational wins, and close with confidence. Plus, you’ll get insider tips on what Australian employers actually want to see, complete with real examples that work. Whether you’re stepping up from supervisor to manager or bringing your expertise to a new venue, we’ve got you covered.
Hospitality Manager Cover Letter Example (Text Version)
Sophie Martinez
[email protected]
0421 345 678
linkedin.com/in/sophiemartinez-hospitality
Sydney, NSW
22 March 2025
Mr Thomas Chen
General Manager
Harbourside Events & Dining
Level 2, 88 Circular Quay
Sydney, NSW 2000
Dear Mr Chen,
When I saw that Harbourside Events & Dining is expanding its premium function offerings, I knew this was exactly the challenge I’ve been preparing for. As someone who increased event revenue by 42% at Waterfront Restaurant while maintaining a 4.8-star Google rating across 300+ reviews, I’m excited about the opportunity to elevate your guest experience while driving the profitability your stakeholders expect.
Over the past six years in hospitality management across Sydney venues, I’ve consistently delivered outcomes that align perfectly with your requirements. I transformed Bayside Bistro from an underperforming suburban venue losing $15K monthly to a profitable operation generating $8K positive cash flow within nine months by redesigning the menu, retraining the 25-person team, and implementing cost controls that reduced wastage by 31%. My experience managing high-volume venues with functions, à la carte dining, and bar operations has taught me that successful hospitality management is equal parts guest satisfaction and business acumen—exactly what you need for this waterfront expansion.
What really draws me to Harbourside is your commitment to sustainable dining and local supplier partnerships. During my Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management at William Angliss, I researched farm-to-table supply chains, and I’ve since implemented relationships with 12 local producers that improved our food cost percentage from 34% to 29% while enhancing menu quality and storytelling. I’m passionate about proving that exceptional hospitality and sound business practices aren’t mutually exclusive—they’re competitive advantages in Sydney’s crowded dining scene.
I’d love to discuss how my track record of turning operational challenges into guest satisfaction and revenue growth can contribute to Harbourside’s ambitious expansion plans. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you soon.
Kind regards,
Sophie Martinez
How to Format a Hospitality Manager Cover Letter
- Length: Max 1 page (3–5 paragraphs)
- Font: Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman (10–12pt)
- Spacing: Single or 1.15 line spacing
- Margins: 1 inch on all sides
- File format: PDF
What to Include in a Hospitality Manager Cover Letter (Australia)
Your Hospitality Manager cover letter needs to follow a strategic structure that demonstrates both operational excellence and leadership capability:
- Contact Details
- Salutation (Dear Hiring Manager or name)
- Opening paragraph – your hook and intent
- Middle – why you’re the best fit (skills + experience)
- Closing – call to action + sign off
Right vs Wrong Example
Right Opening: “When Crown Melbourne announced its new luxury dining precinct opening, I immediately saw an opportunity where my experience launching the award-winning Riverside Restaurant—which achieved $2.1M first-year revenue and won Best New Venue at the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival—could drive significant impact for your ambitious culinary expansion.”
Wrong Opening: “I am writing to apply for the Hospitality Manager position that was advertised on Seek. I have several years of experience in hospitality and I believe I would be a good fit for this role at your venue.”
Entry-Level Hospitality Manager Cover Letter Tips
- Focus on supervisory experience and demonstrated leadership
- Highlight specific improvements you’ve driven in previous roles
- Show your understanding of P&L, rostering, and compliance
Entry-Level Cover Letter Sample for Hospitality Manager
Right Entry-Level Approach: “While serving as Assistant Manager at The Grand Hotel for the past three years, I successfully managed daily operations during the manager’s absence, overseeing a team of 18 staff across busy Friday and Saturday services averaging 250 covers per night. I implemented a new rostering system that reduced labour costs by 8% while improving service speed, and I personally trained 12 new staff members who all passed probation. This experience taught me that effective hospitality management combines attention to detail with people leadership—skills I’m eager to apply in a full management role.”
Wrong Entry-Level Approach: “I’ve been a supervisor for a while now and I think I’m ready to be a manager. I’m a hard worker and I’m good with customers. I really want this opportunity to prove myself and take the next step in my career. Please give me a chance.”
Top Mistakes to Avoid in a Hospitality Manager Cover Letter
- Focusing only on service without mentioning financial results
- Not addressing team leadership and development experience
- Using clichés like “passionate about hospitality” without evidence
How to Tailor Your Cover Letter to a Job Ad
- Match the venue type (fine dining, pub, hotel, events, café)
- Address specific systems they mention (POS, booking platforms, rostering)
- Reference their style, values, or recent awards and achievements
How to Sign Off Your Hospitality Manager Cover Letter
- Use “Kind regards” or “Sincerely”
- Include full name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn
Cover Letter Signature Example
Kind regards,
Marcus Johnson
[email protected]
0412 567 234
linkedin.com/in/marcusjohnson-hospitality
How to Submit a Cover Letter in Australia
- Always attach as a PDF (unless instructed otherwise)
- Label file professionally (e.g. SophieMartinez_CoverLetter.pdf)
- If submitting via Seek or LinkedIn, include a brief intro
Final Tips for Writing a Great Hospitality Manager Cover Letter
- Balance guest experience achievements with financial metrics
- Quantify your impact (revenue growth, cost savings, satisfaction scores)
- Show genuine knowledge of the venue and its market position
- Emphasize your RSA, food safety, and any relevant certifications
More Resources for Job Seekers
Ready to nail your entire application? Check out our Hospitality Manager Resume Examples for the perfect complement to your cover letter. Prepare for success with our Common Interview Questions for hospitality management roles, and explore our Selection Criteria Templates for hotel or corporate hospitality positions.
Remember, your cover letter should work alongside your resume to tell a compelling story about why you’re the hospitality leader they need. Focus on specific achievements that demonstrate both operational excellence and team leadership, show genuine interest in their venue and concept, and always emphasize how you’ll drive both guest satisfaction and profitability from day one. With Australia’s hospitality sector rebounding strongly post-pandemic and venues competing fiercely for talent and customers, employers are seeking managers who can balance exceptional service with commercial discipline. Stay connected with industry peers through Restaurant & Catering Australia and keep your skills current through Australian Hotels Association to ensure your application reflects current industry expectations.
