how to write a cover letter for a hotel job

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How to Write a Hospitality Cover Letter (with Examples)

Last Updated: March 19, 2024 Fact Checked

Hotel Cover Letter Template

Researching the position for the cover letter, starting the letter, completing the body of the letter, closing the letter.

This article was co-authored by Melody Godfred, JD . Melody Godfred is a Career Coach, Entrepreneur, and Founder of Write In Color, a full-service resume and career development company that specializes in developing compelling personal narratives and brands. With over ten years of experience, Melody has worked with clients at entertainment and media companies including Apple, Disney, Fox, Netflix, Riot Games, Viacom, and Warner Bros, among others. The Muse invited Melody and Write In Color to serve as one of its 30 trusted career counselors (out of 3,000) to provide one-on-one coaching and resume services to the platform's more than four million active users. Melody earned a JD from Loyola Marymount University and BS from the University of Southern California. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 126,938 times.

If you love to help people feel at home, a job in hospitality just might be for you. Before you interview, it's essential to draft a great cover letter that shows off your skills and what you'll bring to the job. We'll help you write one that'll catch any hotel employer's eye, from researching the hotel to opening and closing your letter.

How do you write an application letter for a hotel job?

• Start your letter with your contact information. Then, introduce yourself and say why you want to work at the hotel.
• Include any relevant skills or experience from your resume in your cover letter, emphasizing those found in the job description.
• Close the letter by thanking the hiring staff for their time, and reiterating your enthusiasm for the position.

• What the hotel will require will vary by position. For instance, if you're at the front desk, you'll need good people skills, as well as good organizations skills. If you're in housekeeping, you'll need good time management skills.

• Another way you can research the hotel is to walk around the hotel. Try to observe the employees in the department you'll be working and watch how they interact with each other. Pay attention to what the environment is like. Is it relaxed? Frantic? Take mental notes for later. [5] X Research source

• For example, maybe you've noted the hotel has a relaxed culture and that most employees enjoy having lunch together. That hotel is probably looking for someone who works well with others and can enjoy the company of coworkers.

• Your date should look like the following example: December 3, 2015

• As an example, you could write, "My name is Joe Jeffries, and I heard about this front desk position on Indeed.com. I'm excited to be applying for it, as I have read how much Rattle Hotels values customer service and I am a people-person who loves putting the customer first."
• This paragraph, as well as the last paragraph, are good places to include bits of information connected to what you found out about the culture. For instance, if you noticed that the people working at the hotel are close-knit, you could write, "I can see your hotel values its employees, as well, and I look forward to working with this great group of people."

• For instance, maybe you've noted that one of the required skills is interpersonal skills. You could write, "In the past, I've worked with many different types of people at a variety of retail jobs, which helped to develop my interpersonal skills. I learned to stay calm when dealing with stressful situations by taking a deep breath and thinking about the best possible solution to the problem, which I think will be a huge asset when working the front desk at Rattle Hotel."

• As an example, you could write, "I have noticed that you encourage a professional culture, and my experience as a front desk clerk in Regalia Hotels has given me the needed experience to be the professional you need at the front desk. I would be a good fit for your hotel, and I request that you give me the chance to prove that in person at an interview."

• You can use other closings, such as "Thank you," or "Yours truly," to end your letter instead.

Community Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/how-to-make-a-resume-with-examples
• ↑ Melody Godfred, JD. Career Coach. Expert Interview. April 19 2020.
• ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/dailymuse/2014/01/09/how-to-show-you-get-the-company-culture-in-your-cover-letter/
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/types-of-work-environments
• ↑ https://www.training.com.au/ed/hospitality-cover-letter-example/
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/hospitality-cover-letter
• ↑ https://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/jobs-and-careers/applying-for-a-job/what-is-a-cover-letter/how-to-write-a-cover-letter
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-end-a-letter/

About This Article

When writing a cover letter for a hotel job, make yourself stand out by researching the position and connecting your skills to the job description. Read the job description carefully and highlight the keywords, such as “self-starter,” “enthusiastic,” and “hard worker.” Then, research the hotel by looking at their website, mission statement, and any recent news stories about them. After you’ve done your research, start your cover letter by writing your header with your current contact information. Open your letter with an introduction that explains why you’re interested in the hotel and what you know about it. In the body of the letter, explain what skills you have and why you’d be a good match for the position. Include some of the keywords from the job posting as well to stress your compatibility. Conclude your letter by summarizing why you’re a good fit for the job and expressing your desire for an interview. To learn how to format your cover letter, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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3 Hospitality Cover Letter Examples for the Job in 2024

• Hospitality Cover Letter
• Hotel Front Desk Receptionist Cover Letter
• Concierge Cover Letter
• Write Your Hospitality Cover Letter

Optimizing customer experiences is where you shine. Whether answering questions, applying food safety protocols, or planning events, you ensure companies get results that keep customers coming back.

Now, it’s time to create a cover letter that’s top-notch and enhances the reviewing experience for hiring managers so your skills stand out.

We’ve created a free cover letter builder and our hospitality cover letter examples based on what works in the industry today to get you back to providing excellent guest service that makes a difference in people’s lives.

Hospitality Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

Why this cover letter works

• The pro tip here is to fortify your professional experiences with familiarity with industry-relevant platforms. You could highlight how IDeaS Revenue Management System enhanced room booking efficiency or how Expedia and Cloudbeds simplified different tasks. That paints a picture of a tech-savvy professional who understands the industry’s dynamics.

Pair Your Cover Letter with a Matching Hospitality Resume

or download as PDF

Level up your cover letter game

Relax! We’ll do the heavy lifiting to write your cover letter in seconds.

Hotel Front Desk Receptionist Cover Letter Example

• Begin your piece with a touch of personal flair that grabs attention right off the bat and conclude by painting an inviting picture of what you bring to the table. While articulating your professional experiences, start with the most recent moving backward.

Concierge Cover Letter Example

• Perhaps you facilitated multilingual communication to break language barriers. Or your swift handling of reservations or your cultural awareness earned guests’ admiration. No doubt, managerial prowess is integral, but your knack for creating delightful experiences proves your worth even better.

Related cover letter examples

• Hospitality resume
• Housekeeping

How to Write an Effective Hospitality Cover Letter

Every hospitality role will have varying needs. For example, a travel-related position may require you to help plan itineraries, whereas a hotel may need you to help coordinate cleaning schedules.  

The best way to ensure success will be to review each hospitality job description and customize your cover letter based on the skills and experiences they’re seeking, such as customer service or vendor relations. 

Make a great first impression with the intro of your hospitality cover letter

You know first impressions matter. When someone walks into a hotel or restaurant, the friendliness of the staff and cleanliness of the space can make or break an experience. The same is true for your cover letter, so tailoring the intro to the customer service skills an organization is seeking and its mission will be crucial.

An added touch that’ll help you stand out is greeting a specific hospitality hiring manager by name, which you can often find in job descriptions or on the company’s website. It’s similar to the impact that learning your regular customers’ names will have so you can greet them each time they come in.

The opener below is a decent start, but it lacks some important details about specific skills the restaurant is seeking in a manager or how the applicant connects with their mission.

Try to make more of a connection than this! 

Having worked in the fine dining industry for some time, I’m eager to be applying for your restaurant manager position. I believe my skills will be a great fit for your company’s needs.

The opener below does a much better job outlining the applicant’s multilingual and diverse service skills that will make them a great fit for the concierge role at Mokara Hotel & Spa.

A great opener with tailored hospitality skills! 

Dear Mr. Miller,

The unison of the hospitality industry and multilingual communication forms an intriguing partnership. This interdependence, demonstrated by companies such as Mokara Hotel & Spa to ensure a tailored experience for their diverse clientele, is truly applause-worthy. To engage further with this intersection of service and language, I’m eagerly applying for the concierge position at Mokara Hotel & Spa.

Provide the right details in your hospitality cover letter’s body

With customer satisfaction being such a high priority, the results you achieve in hospitality roles matter a lot. 

You can emphasize your abilities in the body of your hospitality cover letter by including metrics-based examples of what you achieved in previous roles. 

For example, you could write about how you implemented a new training program that reduced service response times by 56%.  

A top-tier body paragraph with hospitality achievements! 

At Windsor Suites, I streamlined the email communication system and efficiently managed 230+ daily inquiries, reducing response time by 29%. I also spearheaded hotel-wide training on email etiquette and management, leading to improved guest communication and feedback rating.

Add the right finishing touches as you close your hospitality cover letter

Think of the closing of your cover letter like you’re wrapping things up with a guest where you want to ensure you’ve covered all their needs. 

In the form of a cover letter, this would include rephrasing how your top skills and connection to the company’s mission make you a great fit. For example, you could write about how you’ll use your email customer service skills to ensure efficient responses to all inquiries. 

Then, wrap things up by saying thank you and use a call to action, such as “I’m looking forward to discussing further how my customer service and supply management skills will fit in with your needs.” 

The example below is a decent start, but the applicant could add more details about the skills they bring as a receptionist and the spa’s mission that would help them stand out.

This sounds too generic! 

I’m eager to discuss further how my skills will make me a great receptionist at your spa. Thank you for your consideration. 

A closer like the one below that displays the applicant’s passion for customer service and knowledge of Philadelphia’s hospitality industry will work much better. 

A great closer connected to the hotel’s mission! 

At the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown Hotel, I aspire to synergize my experience with your high service standards, creating an unforgettable experience for guests. My commitment to exceptional service and extensive knowledge of Philadelphia’s hospitality industry align me perfectly with your institution’s ethos. If you require any further information, do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you.

Isabella Bianchi

There are still ways you can stand out with minimal hospitality experience. You could include achievements from transferable experiences, such as other jobs involving skills like inventory management or customer service. Or, include educational achievements from obtaining a degree in hospitality management or related fields.  

Trying to match the tone of each job description will work best. It’ll show how you fit in with the culture and service standards of each hospitality organization, such as how you’ll provide upbeat service at a family-friendly restaurant. 

While you can use the same template, you should customize the details for each hospitality job you apply to. It’ll help you stand out when one organization needs you to help with catering, and another will have you focused on monitoring inventory records. 

4 Hospitality Cover Letter Examples

Hospitality professionals excel at creating welcoming environments, anticipating needs, and delivering exceptional experiences that leave lasting impressions. Similarly, your cover letter is your chance to create a warm introduction, anticipate the needs of the employer, and leave a memorable impression of your skills and dedication. In this guide, we'll delve into the best cover letter examples for Hospitality professionals, ensuring your application stands out and leaves a lasting, positive impression.

Cover Letter Examples

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The best way to start a Hospitality cover letter is by addressing the hiring manager directly, if their name is known. If not, "Dear Hiring Manager" is a suitable alternative. Begin by introducing yourself and stating the position you're applying for. Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for the role and the hospitality industry. For example, "I am excited to apply for the Front Desk Manager position at your esteemed hotel. With my extensive experience in customer service and passion for creating memorable guest experiences, I am confident I can contribute significantly to your team." This approach immediately establishes your interest and relevant skills.

Hospitality professionals should end a cover letter by summarizing their interest in the role and their relevant skills or experiences. They should also express enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the company. A strong closing might be, "I am excited about the possibility of bringing my unique skills and experiences to your team and am confident that I can contribute to the continued success of your establishment. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team." This ending is polite, shows eagerness, and invites further conversation. Always remember to end with your full name and contact information.

A cover letter for a hospitality position should ideally be about one page long. This length is enough to succinctly present your qualifications, experiences, and skills relevant to the job without overwhelming the hiring manager with too much information. Remember, the goal of the cover letter is to entice the reader to look at your resume for more details. It should be concise, well-structured, and tailored specifically to the role you're applying for in the hospitality industry.

Writing a cover letter with no experience in the hospitality industry can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Here's how you can approach it: 1. Start with a Strong Introduction: Begin your cover letter by introducing yourself and expressing your enthusiasm for the hospitality industry. Mention the specific role you're applying for and where you found the job listing. 2. Highlight Relevant Skills: Even if you don't have direct experience, you likely have skills that are relevant to the hospitality industry. These could include customer service, communication, problem-solving, or multitasking. Use specific examples from your past experiences (school, volunteer work, other jobs) to demonstrate these skills. 3. Show Your Passion: Hospitality is all about providing excellent service to guests. Show your passion for this by talking about why you're interested in the industry. This could be anything from a love of travel to a desire to create positive experiences for others. 4. Research the Company: Show that you've done your homework by mentioning something specific about the company that appeals to you. This could be their mission statement, their reputation for customer service, or even a specific initiative they've undertaken. 5. Close Strong: In your closing paragraph, reiterate your interest in the role and your eagerness to bring your skills to the job. Thank the employer for considering your application and express your hope for the opportunity to further discuss your qualifications. 6. Professional Format: Remember to keep your cover letter professional. Use a standard business letter format, check your spelling and grammar, and keep it to one page. Remember, everyone starts somewhere. Even without direct experience, your enthusiasm and transferable skills can make a strong impression.

Related Cover Letters for Hospitalitys

Hospitality cover letter, leasing agent cover letter.

Property Manager Cover Letter

Operations Manager Cover Letter

Logistics Cover Letter

Supply Chain Manager Cover Letter

Hospitality Manager Cover Letter

Hospitality management cover letter, hotel experience cover letter, related resumes for hospitalitys, hospitality resume example.

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Hospitality cover letter examples

Do you have what it takes to provide customers or guests with the best possible experience?

Of course, you do. But working with the public isn’t always easy and you need to prove you’ve got what it takes to juggle responsibilities, be helpful and communicate effectively.

To help you get all of these details into just a few short paragraphs, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide, complete with multiple hospitality cover letter examples.

CV templates 

Hospitality cover letter example 1

Hospitality cover letter example 2

Hospitality cover letter example 3

These 3 Hospitality cover letter examples will provide you with some good ideas on how to format a cover letter, along with the type of message you should be trying to put across to recruiters .

To further understand exactly how you can write a cover letter that will get you noticed, check out our further guidance.

How to write a Hospitality cover letter

Here’s how to write your own winning Hospitality cover letter

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

Type the content of your cover letter directly into the email you are sending, or if you are applying via a job board, directly into their messaging system.

The reason for doing this it to ensure that your cover letter gets seen instantly and you can start connecting with the recruiter as soon as they open your message.

If you attach your cover letter as a separate document, the recipient will have to open up the document, which will slow the process down, or make them less likely to even open your cover letter – which could mean your application gets skipped over.

Start with a friendly greeting

Start you cover letter with a greeting that is professional but friendly.

This will build rapport with the recruiter whilst showing your professionalism.

• Hi, hope you’re well
• Hi [insert recruiter name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Avoid overly formal greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very traditional companies.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try these methods to find it.

• Check out the company website and look at their  About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
• Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

After you have greeted the recruiter, it’s important to state the job you are applying to.

Recruiters are often managing multiple vacancies, so they need to know exactly which job you are referring to.

Be as specific as possible and use a reference number if you can find one.

Here are some examples you can use;

• I am interested in applying for the role of admin assistant with your organisation.
• I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 4057393)
• I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
• I saw your advertisement for a trainee project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The main purpose of your cover letter is to excite recruiters and make them eager to open your CV. And you achieve this by quickly demonstrating your suitability to the job you are applying for.

Take a look at the job adverts you are applying for, and make note of the most important skills being asked for.

Then, when you write your cover letter, make your suitability the focal point.

Explain how you meet the candidate requirements fully, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.

This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider your application.

Keep it short and sharp

When sending a job application to a recruiter or hiring manager, it is important to remember that they will normally be very busy and pushed for time.

Therefore, you need to get you message across to them quickly (in a matter of seconds ideally). So, keep your cover letter short and to-the-point. A long waffling cover letter will overwhelm recruiters when they are running through hundreds of emails in there inbox, but a concise one will get their attention.

So, keep your cover letter to just a few sentences long, and save the extensive detail for your CV.

Sign off professionally

To round of your cover letter, add a professional signature to the bottom, giving recruiters your vital contact information.

This not only gives various means of contacting you, it also looks really professional and shows that you know how to communicate in the workplace.

Include the following points;

• A friendly sign off – e.g. “Warm regards”
• Your full name
• Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
• Email address
• Profession title
• Professional social network – e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Gerald Baker Senior Accountant 07887500404 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip : To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application email, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate document that you could copy in.

What to include in your Hospitality cover letter

So, what type of information should you write about in your Hospitality cover letter?

The specifics will obviously depend on your profession and the jobs you are applying to, but these are the key areas you should be covering.

• Your industry experience – Tell recruiters the types of companies you have been working for and the roles you have held in the past.
• Your qualifications – Highlight your most important relevant qualifications to show employers you are qualified to do the roles you are applying for.
• The impact you have made – Demonstrate the positive impact you have made for employers in previous jobs. Have you saved money? Improved processes? Made customers happy?
• Your reasons for moving – Employers will want to know why you are leaving your current/previous role, so provide them with a brief explanation here.
• Your availability – When will you be able to start a new job ? Check your current contract to find out your notice period if you are in a position already.

Hospitality cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Hospitality cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

Hope you’re well. I am writing to express my keen interest in the position of Hospitality Manager at InterContinental Hotels Group, as advertised on LinkedIn. With a strong background in hospitality management and a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences, I am thrilled about the opportunity to contribute my expertise to the esteemed team at your establishment.

With a BBA from the University of London, I bring 8 years of experience in coordinating diverse hospitality operations. My journey in the industry has allowed me to cultivate a keen understanding of the importance of delivering outstanding service while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

Throughout my career, I have held key leadership roles, including my most recent position as an Assistant Hospitality Manager at Travelodge. Under my guidance, I boosted customer satisfaction ratings by 24%, implemented strategies that led to a 65% increase in revenue, and enhanced staff performance by 20% through introducing novel training initiatives.

I am excited about the opportunity to further discuss how my skills could add value to your department, and I am available to meet you at your earliest convenience.

Kind regards

Thomas Hatton ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

Hope you’re well. I am thrilled to apply for the position of Hospitality Food and Beverage Assistant at Hilton Worldwide as advertised on your website. With a strong passion for the hospitality industry and a keen eye for delivering exceptional dining experiences, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my expertise and enthusiasm to the esteemed F&B team at your organisation.

In my current role as a Server at Marriott International, I have cultivated a deep appreciation for the art of culinary service and a commitment to exceeding business expectations. My hands-on experience in F&B operations, combined with my ability to work effectively in fast-paced environments, has enabled me to consistently provide top-notch service to guests. Some of my accomplishments here include upselling menu items which increased YoY F&B revenue by 40%, contributing to a 20% decrease in health violations through enforcing strict health and safety guidelines, and achieving an average guest satisfaction score of 9.5 (out of 10) based on customer surveys.

I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my career aspirations align with your objectives. I am available for an interview at your convenience.

Lisa Abraham ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

Good morning, Jessica

I hope this email finds you well. I am excited to apply for the position of Server at Best Western Hotels & Resorts, as advertised on LinkedIn. With a genuine passion for delivering exceptional customer service and a commitment to creating memorable dining experiences.

Throughout my career as a hospitality professional, I have had the privilege of working in diverse restaurant settings, from upscale dining to casual bistros. My experiences have solidified my belief in the art of hospitality and my dedication to ensuring that each guest leaves with a smile.

As a Server at Britannia Hotels, I provide personalised service and maintain a welcoming atmosphere. I take pride in my excellent communication skills, which enabled me to increase the average check size by 20% through effective upselling techniques. I also trained new servers towards improving their performance by 10%, as well as contributing to the success of parties where £30K+ profits were generated.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of joining your department and I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Alex Maddison ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

Writing a strong attention-grabbing cover letter is a vital step in landing a good Hospitality job.

Use the tips, strategies and examples above to get more responses from you job applications and start lining job interview up.

Good luck with your job search!

Professional Hospitality Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your hospitality cover letter should immediately highlight your passion for providing outstanding customer service. Emphasize your ability to create memorable guest experiences that define the essence of hospitality. Demonstrate your flexibility and problem-solving skills, which are crucial in the fast-paced hospitality industry. Show them that you are ready to go above and beyond to meet and exceed guest expectations at every turn.

Cover Letter Guide

Hospitality Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Hospitality Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Crafting a hospitality cover letter can be a daunting task, especially if you're already jumping through the hoops of job applications. Remember, your cover letter isn't a rerun of your resume; it's your chance to spotlight that one major achievement that you're incredibly proud of. Maintaining a formal tone while steering clear of worn-out phrases is key, and brevity is your friend—stick to one page to make a lasting impression without overwhelming your potential employer.

• Write a hospitality cover letter that helps you stand out (and get the job);
• Understand how to start and end your hospitality cover letter with the appropriate greeting;
• What to include in the body of your hospitality cover letter to put your best foot forward;
• Your most important achievements - how to present them as part of your hospitality cover letter.

And if you want to make your life even easier, simply drag and drop your hospitality resume into Enhancv's AI cover letter generator, and it will write your cover letter for you in just a few moments.

If the hospitality isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

• Hospitality resume guide and example
• Hotel Bartender cover letter example
• Line Cook cover letter example
• Front of House Manager cover letter example
• Catering cover letter example
• Nightclub Bartender cover letter example
• Server Bartender cover letter example
• Bar Manager cover letter example
• Fine Dining Bartender cover letter example
• Bartender cover letter example
• Cocktail Bartender cover letter example

Hospitality cover letter example

OLIVER DAVIS

Houston, Texas

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Quantifiable Achievements: The cover letter effectively highlights quantifiable achievements, such as the "25% reduction in delivery errors" and "40% increase in compliance," which provide concrete evidence of the candidate's ability to create positive outcomes.
• Relevant Experience: Mentioning the specific role of "Senior Dietary Aide" helps to establish the candidate's relevant work experience within a similar healthcare setting, reinforcing their suitability for the Nutrition Services Manager position.
• Initiative in Process Improvement: Describing the initiative to overhaul the meal tracking system showcases the candidate's proactive approach and ability to lead projects that enhance the department's operations and patient care.
• Alignment with Organizational Values: The cover letter demonstrates how the candidate's professional philosophy aligns with the company's commitment to excellence and patient-centered care, suggesting a cultural fit with the potential employer.

The format of your hospitality cover letter: structure, fonts, margins, and more

Your hospitality cover letter should include a header (with your name, position, and date); a greeting and introductory paragraph; a body and closing paragraphs; and an optional signature.

Remember that you're writing your hospitality cover letter for recruiters - as the Applicant Tracker System won't scan this content.

Here are a few more tips and tricks to keep in mind when formatting your hospitality cover letter:

• Use the same font in your hospitality cover letter and resume . We recommend modern fonts, e.g. Lato and Rubik, to help you stand out, instead of the stereotypical Arial and Times New Roman.
• Each paragraph should have single spacing, which is already set up for you in our cover letter templates .
• Our cover letter builder follows industry standards for your hospitality cover letter formatting - with a one-inch margin, surrounding your content.
• Always export your hospitality cover letter in PDF to ensure the image or text quality stays the same and your writing isn't moved about.

The top sections on a hospitality cover letter

• Header: Include your name, contact information, and the date to ensure the recruiter can easily identify and reach out to you for follow-up correspondence.
• Greeting: Address the letter to a specific person if possible, showing attention to detail and a personalized approach, which are both important in hospitality roles.
• Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and state the position you're applying for, emphasizing your passion for the hospitality industry and your desire to provide exceptional guest experiences.
• Body: Divide this into two or three paragraphs where you detail your relevant experience, achievements, and skills, focusing on how they align with the requirements of the hospitality role and how you can contribute to the guest's satisfaction and the establishment's success.
• Closing: Conclude with a proactive statement, thanking the recruiter for considering your application and expressing eagerness to discuss how your expertise aligns with their team, reinforcing your commitment to guest service excellence.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

• Exceptional customer service skills: Recruiters look for candidates who demonstrate the ability to provide outstanding service and create memorable experiences for guests.
• Strong communication abilities: Effective verbal and written communication is crucial in hospitality to ensure clear information exchange with guests, colleagues, and management.
• Flexibility and adaptability: The hospitality industry demands the ability to handle diverse situations and quickly adjust to changing guest needs or unexpected issues.
• Attention to detail: Recruiters prioritize individuals who are meticulous and can maintain high standards in all aspects of their work, from guest interactions to maintaining facilities.
• Teamwork and collaboration: Hospitality roles often require working with other staff members, requiring a cooperative spirit and the ability to work well as part of a team.
• Cultural sensitivity and language skills: Being able to engage with guests from different backgrounds and potentially communicate in more than one language is highly valued in the hospitality industry.

How to greet recruiters in your hospitality cover letter salutation

As the saying goes, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression."

Write your hospitality cover letter salutation to be more personalized to the actual hiring manager, who is set to assess your profile by:

• greeting them on a first-name basis, if you have previously communicated with them (e.g. "Dear Sam,");
• using their last name, if you have more formal communication or haven't spoken to them (e.g. "Dear Mr. Harrows" or "Dear Ms. Marshall");
• writing "Dear HR Team" or "Dear Hiring Manager", if you have no clue about who's recruiting for the role.

Search on LinkedIn, Google, or the company website to find information as to the recruiter's name.

In any case, avoid the impersonal "Dear Sir or Madam".

List of salutations you can use

• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear [Company Name] Recruiter,
• Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
• Dear Search Committee,
• Dear Talent Acquisition Team,
• Dear Human Resources Director,

The hospitality cover letter introduction: focusing on your unique value, with a creative twist

You are not the only one wondering how to start your hospitality cover letter. Those first two sentences introduce your profile and should be memorable.

No pressure.

When beginning your hospitality cover letter , immediately point out the unique value of working with you. In other words, what you promise to bring to the role by using your past track record of success.

Start your hospitality cover letter with a creative twist by telling a joke or stating something relatable. Select this type of introduction only if it aligns with the company culture.

How to write an achievement-focused hospitality cover letter body

We've got the intro and greeting covered. Now, comes the most definitive part of your hospitality cover letter - the body .

In the next three to six paragraphs, you'd have to answer why should recruiters hire you.

What better way to do this than by storytelling?

And, no, you don't need a "Once upon a time" or "I started from the bottom and made it to the top" career-climbing format to tell a compelling narrative.

Instead, select up to three most relevant skills for the job and look back on your resume.

Find an achievement, that you're proud of, which has taught you these three job-crucial skills.

Quantify your accomplishment, using metrics, and be succinct in the way you describe it.

The ultimate aim would be to show recruiters how this particular success has built up your experience to become an invaluable candidate.

Closing paragraph basics: choose between a promise and a call to action

You've done all the hard work - congratulations! You've almost reached the end of your hospitality cover letter .

But how do you ensure recruiters, who have read your application this far, remember you?

Most hospitality professionals end their cover letter with a promise - hinting at their potential and what they plan on achieving if they're hired.

Another option would be to include a call for follow-up, where you remind recruiters that you're very interested in the opportunity (and look forward to hearing from them, soon).

Choose to close your hospitality cover letter in the way that best fits your personality.

Keep this in mind when writing your zero experience hospitality cover letter

Even though you may not have any professional experience , your hospitality cover letter should focus on your value.

As a candidate for the particular role, what sort of skills do you bring about? Perhaps you're an apt leader and communicator, or have the ability to analyze situations from different perspectives.

Select one key achievement from your life, outside work, and narrate a story that sells your abilities in the best light.

If you really can't think of any relevant success, you could also paint the picture of how you see your professional future developing in the next five years, as part of the company.

Key takeaways

Writing your hospitality cover letter doesn't need to turn into an endless quest, but instead:

• Create an individual hospitality cover letter for each role you apply to, based on job criteria (use our builder to transform your resume into a cover letter, which you could edit to match the job);
• Stick with the same font you've used in your resume (e.g. Raleway) and ensure your hospitality cover letter is single-spaced and has a one-inch margin all around;
• Introduce your enthusiasm for the role or the company at the beginning of your hospitality cover letter to make a good first impression;
• Align what matters most to the company by selecting just one achievement from your experience, that has taught you valuable skills and knowledge for the job;
• End your hospitality cover letter like any good story - with a promise for greatness or follow-up for an interview.

Cover letter examples by industry

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• Content tailored to the job posting you're applying for
• ChatGPT model specifically trained by Enhancv
• Lightning-fast responses

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Hotel Manager Cover Letter Samples & Examples That Worked in 2024

Crafting your hotel manager cover letter doesn't have to be complicated. Certainly not with our painstakingly researched guide! We've gathered all the best tips, examples, cover letter templates, and samples to help make your writing process as easy as can be. So, without further ado, dive in!

In this guide, we teach you everything you need to know about writing a cover letter as a hotel manager. Keep reading to learn how to:

• Give your hotel manager cover letter structure with a header & headline
• Personalize your hotel manager cover letter for a specific company
• Craft an attention-grabbing hotel manager cover letter introduction
• Highlight your best skills & accomplishments as a hotel manager
• Finish your hotel manager cover letter with a persuasive conclusion
• Access top resources for job-seeking hotel managers

1. Give your hotel manager cover letter structure with a header & headline

The very first thing on your cover letter writing to-do list as a hotel manager is to give your letter structure . To accomplish this, you need to create a header and headline.

Your cover letter header holds vital information, such as:

• Your name and professional title
• Your professional contact information
• The name of the hotel & department you are applying to
• The hotel’s address

Here is an example of a well-formatted hotel manager header

Mary Mills , Hotel Manager

(123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/mary-mills

To: Quality Inn Hotels Management Department 1234 Street Address Savannah, GA, 31302

Next up, you will write an engaging cover letter headline that attracts the employer’s attention . This headline should include a keyword related to the position, an eye-catching number or trigger word , a powerful adjective or verb, and a promise to the employer that the letter is specifically for them.

Here is an example of a well-written hotel manager headline

My Efficient Hotel Management Style & How It Can Satisfy and Delight Your Guests

Trigger Word/Number: My Management Style Keyword: Hotel Management Adjective/Verb: Efficient, Satisfy, Delight Promise: Your Guests

Still looking for a job?  These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.

Create your cover letter fast with artificial intelligence.

2. personalize your hotel manager cover letter for a specific company.

To make your hotel manager as compelling as possible to employers, you need to personalize both the content and greeting for the specific employer you are sending it to. This will require you to research the company beforehand , looking for key details such as:

• What the hotel looks for and values in employees
• What guests like and dislike about the current management of the hotel
• The specific person who will review your cover letter

This last detail is what you will use to create a personalized greeting that addresses this specific person by name, showing that you have done your due diligence.

Here are 3 examples of personalized cover letter greetings

• Dear Hotel Supervisor John Doe,

Dear Supervisor John Doe,

• Dear Mr. John Doe,

3. Craft an attention-grabbing hotel manager cover letter introduction

To really grasp the attention of an employer , you need to write an impressive introduction that includes vital information, such as:

• A concise summary of your professional history (years of experience, specializations, etc.)
• A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
• A mutual acquaintance (when possible)

Pro Tip: Always include a mutual acquaintance when possible, as this builds rapport and trust with the employer. To gain more mutual acquaintances that you can reference in future job applications, use LinkedIn to expand your professional network.

Here is an example of an effective hotel manager cover letter introduction

I am a seasoned hotel manager with 8+ years of experience working in 5-star, luxury establishments. As a long-time admirer of your hotel’s commitment to creating unique guest experiences, I was delighted to hear about this opening. I am acquainted with your hotel’s head of hospitality – Ms. Jane Green – who recommended I apply.

Find out your resume score!

4. Highlight your best skills & accomplishments as a hotel manager

With your introduction in place, your next task is to write the body paragraphs of your cover letter. You should aim to include between 2 to 4 body paragraphs that offer insights into your best skills and accomplishments as a hotel manager.

As you describe these qualifications, remember that the information you include should be:

• Relevant to the position you are applying to
• Contextualized with information such as your responsibilities within a previous role
• Quantifiable with verifiable facts, data, and statistics that make the information more valuable and insightful to employers

Here are 6 hotel management skills that are excellent to describe in a cover letter

• Strong leadership style for managing hotel staff
• Excellent customer communication and service
• Proficiency in creating staff and maintenance schedules
• Budgeting and financial management
• Knowledge of hotel safety practices
• Event planning and coordination

Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a hotel manager cover letter

As a hotel manager at [Former Employer], I helped raise the hotel’s overall bookings by 30% by sourcing a new marketing firm for the hotel to partner with. Additionally, I planned more than 30 events at the hotel, leading to more than 500 guests attending the events and a 15% increase in overall hotel revenue.

5. Finish your hotel manager cover letter with a persuasive conclusion

To conclude your hotel manager cover letter , you need a strong closing statement that persuades the employer to contact you for an interview.

This closing statement should include:

• An enthusiastic sentence saying you are looking forward to hearing from them
• An additional sentence stating you will follow up, including how you will contact them or how they can contact you
• A formal sign-off

Here is an example of a persuasive conclusion from a hotel manager's cover letter

As your new hotel manager, I am confident I can help you attract more guests and maintain a beautiful and welcoming space. I would love to speak directly within the next week and am best reached at (123) 456-7890 on weekdays between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. I plan to reach back out next Monday in regards to my application if I have not yet heard back.

Sincerely Yours,

[Applicant Name]

If you have ever wondered how a cover letter differs from a resume,  this article will tell you everything about the key differences between the two .

6. Top resources for job-seeking hotel managers

Have you already found a job posting that speaks to you? You haven't? Don't worry, we've got you covered. You can try searching for interesting work opportunities through any of these resources: 

• Industry-specific job boards: To look for work opportunities with websites that focus specifically on the hospitality industry is the most straightforward option. Use websites such as Hcareers , Hospitality Online , and HotelCareer . 
• General job boards: Platforms like Indeed , Glassdoor , and SimplyHired aggregate a vast number of relevant job listings. Using specific keywords related to hotel management and filtering by location to narrow down our search. 
• LinkedIn : Not only can you find job postings with LinkedIn, but you can also find opportunities for networking, or learn about the latest industry news. 
• Professional associations: Besides providing job opportunities, associations like the European Hotel Managers Association (EHMA), the Institute of Hospitality , or the International Hotel & Restaurant Association (IH&RA) can bring you closer with fellow industry professionals, industry news, training programmes, and specialized publications. 
• Hospitality agencies: Agencies like Patrice & Associates , Gecko Hospitality , or Hospitality Search International (HSI) can connect you to relevant job opportunities that fit your expertise and skills level.
• Continuous learning: In case you feel that you’d benefit from further training, you can look for appropriate certifications and courses with platforms such as: eHotelier , hsmai Academy , Coursera , or edX . 

Remember that finding the work opportunity that may lead to your dream job is just the first step! To truly capture the attention of the hiring manager, you'll need a persuasive and engaging cover letter. So, make your count!

Hotel Manager Cover Letter FAQ

You should highlight your leadership experience, understanding of hotel operations, customer service excellence, and any achievements that demonstrate your ability to enhance guest satisfaction and operational efficiency. Basically anything that is relevant to the job posting you're currently applying for and that shows your qualifications.

Always custom tailor each and every cover letter you send. It shows that you've taken the time to get to know the institution and that you understand their needs and values. Next, use specific examples of your achievements, like increasing guest satisfaction scores or improving operational efficiency. If you can, support these accomplishments by specific quantifiers to better show your impact.

Some of the common pitfalls include: NOT customizing your cover letter, being too generic, reiterating your resume, typos and grammatical errors. Also, make sure you address your cover letter to the right person. Always double check the recipient's name - just to be sure and avoid any faux pas.

You can, for example, discuss your experience with front desk management, housekeeping oversight, budget management, and any special projects or renovations you’ve managed. This will serve as a testimony to your comprehensive understanding of hotel operations.

Certainly! Expressing your genuine passion for hospitality can significantly strengthen your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to the industry and how your personal values align with providing exceptional guest experiences. This can help demonstrate your motivation and commitment to the role that goes beyond your professional qualifications.

Martin Poduška

Martin is a resume expert and career advice writer at Kickresume. In his five years at Kickresume, he has written hundreds of in-depth, painstakingly researched resume advice articles and, as chief editor, he has also edited and revised every single article on this website. Tens of thousands of job seekers read Martin’s resume advice every month. He holds a degree in English from the University of St Andrews and a degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Amsterdam .

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How to Write a Cover Letter That Will Get You a Job

I ’ve read thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of cover letters in my career. If you’re thinking that sounds like really boring reading, you’re right. What I can tell you from enduring that experience is that most cover letters are terrible — and not only that, but squandered opportunities. When a cover letter is done well, it can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, but the vast majority fail that test.

So let’s talk about how to do cover letters right.

First, understand the point of a cover letter.

The whole idea of a cover letter is that it can help the employer see you as more than just your résumé. Managers generally aren’t hiring based solely on your work history; your experience is crucial, yes, but they’re also looking for someone who will be easy to work with, shows good judgment, communicates well, possesses strong critical thinking skills and a drive to get things done, complements their current team, and all the other things you yourself probably want from your co-workers. It’s tough to learn much about those things from job history alone, and that’s where your cover letter comes in.

Because of that …

Whatever you do, don’t just summarize your résumé.

The No. 1 mistake people make with cover letters is that they simply use them to summarize their résumé. This makes no sense — hiring managers don’t need a summary of your résumé! It’s on the very next page! They’re about to see it as soon as they scroll down. And if you think about it, your entire application is only a few pages (in most cases, a one- or two-page résumé and a one-page cover letter) — why would you squander one of those pages by repeating the content of the others? And yet, probably 95 percent of the cover letters I see don’t add anything new beyond the résumé itself (and that’s a conservative estimate).

Instead, your cover letter should go beyond your work history to talk about things that make you especially well-suited for the job. For example, if you’re applying for an assistant job that requires being highly organized and you neurotically track your household finances in a detailed, color-coded spreadsheet, most hiring managers would love to know that because it says something about the kind of attention to detail you’d bring to the job. That’s not something you could put on your résumé, but it can go in your cover letter.

Or maybe your last boss told you that you were the most accurate data processor she’d ever seen, or came to rely on you as her go-to person whenever a lightning-fast rewrite was needed. Maybe your co-workers called you “the client whisperer” because of your skill in calming upset clients. Maybe you’re regularly sought out by more senior staff to help problem-solve, or you find immense satisfaction in bringing order to chaos. Those sorts of details illustrate what you bring to the job in a different way than your résumé does, and they belong in your cover letter.

If you’re still stumped, pretend you’re writing an email to a friend about why you’d be great at the job. You probably wouldn’t do that by stiffly reciting your work history, right? You’d talk about what you’re good at and how you’d approach the work. That’s what you want here.

You don’t need a creative opening line.

If you think you need to open the letter with something creative or catchy, I am here to tell you that you don’t. Just be simple and straightforward:

• “I’m writing to apply for your X position.”

• “I’d love to be considered for your X position.”

• “I’m interested in your X position because …”

• “I’m excited to apply for your X position.”

That’s it! Straightforward is fine — better, even, if the alternative is sounding like an aggressive salesperson.

Show, don’t tell.

A lot of cover letters assert that the person who wrote it would excel at the job or announce that the applicant is a skillful engineer or a great communicator or all sorts of other subjective superlatives. That’s wasted space — the hiring manager has no reason to believe it, and so many candidates claim those things about themselves that most managers ignore that sort of self-assessment entirely. So instead of simply declaring that you’re great at X (whatever X is), your letter should demonstrate that. And the way you do that is by describing accomplishments and experiences that illustrate it.

Here’s a concrete example taken from one extraordinarily effective cover-letter makeover that I saw. The candidate had originally written, “I offer exceptional attention to detail, highly developed communication skills, and a talent for managing complex projects with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and multitask.” That’s pretty boring and not especially convincing, right? (This is also exactly how most people’s cover letters read.)

In her revised version, she wrote this instead:

“In addition to being flexible and responsive, I’m also a fanatic for details — particularly when it comes to presentation. One of my recent projects involved coordinating a 200-page grant proposal: I proofed and edited the narratives provided by the division head, formatted spreadsheets, and generally made sure that every line was letter-perfect and that the entire finished product conformed to the specific guidelines of the RFP. (The result? A five-year, $1.5 million grant award.) I believe in applying this same level of attention to detail to tasks as visible as prepping the materials for a top-level meeting and as mundane as making sure the copier never runs out of paper.”

That second version is so much more compelling and interesting — and makes me believe that she really is great with details.

If there’s anything unusual or confusing about your candidacy, address it in the letter.

Your cover letter is your chance to provide context for things that otherwise might seem confusing or less than ideal to a hiring manager. For example, if you’re overqualified for the position but are excited about it anyway, or if you’re a bit underqualified but have reason to think you could excel at the job, address that up front. Or if your background is in a different field but you’re actively working to move into this one, say so, talk about why, and explain how your experience will translate. Or if you’re applying for a job across the country from where you live because you’re hoping to relocate to be closer to your family, let them know that.

If you don’t provide that kind of context, it’s too easy for a hiring manager to decide you’re the wrong fit or applying to everything you see or don’t understand the job description and put you in the “no” pile. A cover letter gives you a chance to say, “No, wait — here’s why this could be a good match.”

Keep the tone warm and conversational.

While there are some industries that prize formal-sounding cover letters — like law — in most fields, yours will stand out if it’s warm and conversational. Aim for the tone you’d use if you were writing to a co-worker whom you liked a lot but didn’t know especially well. It’s okay to show some personality or even use humor; as long as you don’t go overboard, your letter will be stronger for it.

Don’t use a form letter.

You don’t need to write every cover letter completely from scratch, but if you’re not customizing it to each job, you’re doing it wrong. Form letters tend to read like form letters, and they waste the chance to speak to the specifics of what this employer is looking for and what it will take to thrive in this particular job.

If you’re applying for a lot of similar jobs, of course you’ll end up reusing language from one letter to the next. But you shouldn’t have a single cover letter that you wrote once and then use every time you apply; whatever you send should sound like you wrote it with the nuances of this one job in mind.

A good litmus test is this: Could you imagine other applicants for this job sending in the same letter? If so, that’s a sign that you haven’t made it individualized enough to you and are probably leaning too heavily on reciting your work history.

No, you don’t need to hunt down the hiring manager’s name.

If you read much job-search advice, at some point you’ll come across the idea that you need to do Woodward and Bernstein–level research to hunt down the hiring manager’s name in order to open your letter with “Dear Matilda Jones.” You don’t need to do this; no reasonable hiring manager will care. If the name is easily available, by all means, feel free to use it, but otherwise “Dear Hiring Manager” is absolutely fine. Take the hour you just freed up and do something more enjoyable with it.

Keep it under one page.

If your cover letters are longer than a page, you’re writing too much, and you risk annoying hiring managers who are likely sifting through hundreds of applications and don’t have time to read lengthy tomes. On the other hand, if you only write one paragraph, it’s unlikely that you’re making a compelling case for yourself as a candidate — not impossible, but unlikely. For most people, something close to a page is about right.

Don’t agonize over the small details.

What matters most about your cover letter is its content. You should of course ensure that it’s well-written and thoroughly proofread, but many job seekers agonize over elements of the letter that really don’t matter. I get tons of  questions from job seekers  about whether they should attach their cover letter or put it in the body of the email (answer: No one cares, but attaching it makes it easier to share and will preserve your formatting), or what to name the file (again, no one really cares as long as it’s reasonably professional, but when people are dealing with hundreds of files named “resume,” it’s courteous to name it with your full name).

Approaching your cover letter like this can make a huge difference in your job search. It can be the thing that moves your application from the “maybe” pile (or even the “no” pile) to the “yes” pile. Of course, writing cover letters like this will take more time than sending out the same templated letter summarizing your résumé — but 10 personalized, compelling cover letters are likely to get you more  interview invitations  than 50 generic ones will.

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Money Report

Did ChatGPT write your resume and cover letter?: How to answer the most obvious job interview AI question

By emily larcher,cnbc • published 5 hours ago • updated 5 hours ago.

• Studies show that a significant number, though by no means a majority, of job hunters are using artificial intelligence like ChatGPT to write resumes and cover letters.
• The use of gen AI in the job hunt is especially prevalent among younger workers.
• AI can be a valuable writing partner, but job seekers will need to be prepared to explain how and why they used it in the job application process.

Recent surveys show that artificial intelligence is playing a greater role in the job application process. Use of generative AI tools like ChatGPT is becoming more common as a writing partner for resumes and cover letters.

It's no surprise. It may be a good idea. Submitting materials as part of the job application process is a task that can cause anxiety and which people have an inclination to put off. Many job seekers fear their resume may not stand out from the crowd, or may include embarrassing errors that even after proofreading they somehow missed in a rush to apply. AI can ease some of these concerns and be a productive writing partner.

So far, the surveys suggest that roughly one-fifth of job seekers are relying on AI. A survey out this week from ResumeTemplates found that 22% of Gen Z job applicants used ChatGPT to create a resume or cover letter. An earlier survey conducted by ResumeBuilder found that in the past year, 18% of U.S. job seekers say that they used ChatGPT to craft resumes and cover letters, as well as prepare for interviews. In its survey, usage dips to 9% among job seekers in the 45 to 54 year-old age bracket.

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Use of AI to write resumes and cover letters remains controversial. Some career experts say the big problem is that job seekers are using tools like ChatGPT the wrong way. As a hiring manager and founder of a career development business recently told CNBC Make It , "no matter how exciting this new technology is, humans are still in charge of the hiring process. Which is why having a robot write   your resume is a recipe for disaster."

There is a risk that use of ChatGPT and similar tools leads to the production of resumes and cover letters that all start to look exactly the same .

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Importantly, the ResumeTemplates survey found that 77% of job seekers who used AI said they made edits to what ChatGPT provided.

In the end, the situation is similar to what's happening in education. Banning use of ChatGPT and other gen AI among students is a losing battle for teachers. Better to help students understand how to use AI as a tutoring tool to improve their own unique performance. Editing a first draft of a resume or cover letter produced by an AI — the same way that a student might an essay — is an important step. But even if a job seeker is successful in creating a resume or cover letter with an AI that stands out, that still won't prepare them for the final step: when human resources or a hiring manager asks them point blank whether they used AI in the job application process.

Here's how career experts say you should handle that.

Career expert advice on using AI to get hired

ChatGPT can in fact help you land a job, according to those who have used it. The first thing to know is that fear that hiring firms will look down upon use of AI is not a given, by any stretch. The recent ResumeBuilder survey found that over half (55%) of job seekers stated that potential employers lauded their use of AI during job interviews. Only 29% of job seekers said they believed their use of AI with prospective employers led them to not be hired.

Any job interview question about AI should be seen as a chance to pivot the conversation. When HR or a hiring manager asks about use of AI in production of a cover letter or resume, the onus is on the job seeker to pivot the AI conversation to make a more compelling point, says Marissa Morrison, v.p. of people at ZipRecruiter. Applicants should have a talking point prepared to show that their use of AI is an example of their familiarity with, and embrace of, technology trends. Morrison said job seekers that are open about their AI use for "administrative and automated tasks" can demonstrate they are prepared to create new avenues of productivity on the job — a key goal of organizations in AI adoption. 

Don't deny use of AI, and be knowledgeable about how a hiring firm uses it. Vicki Salemi, career expert for Monster.com, says job seekers should start with honesty — denying the use of AI won't get you anywhere. She also focused on how to pivot the AI conversation. Specifically, ahead of any interview, job seekers should research and be knowledgeable about a specific company's scope of AI use, and bring an AI conversation with HR or hiring managers back to that company-specific case. 

Be skeptical of working for any company that is dismissive of AI . Job seekers should be on the lookout for companies that may be a bad fit — any organization that is dismissive of AI may not be where a worker wants to grow in a career long-term. Julia Toothacre, resume and career strategist for ResumeBuilder, said no matter how much a job seeker may need a position, this is not a red flag to be ignored given where most of the market is going with AI deployment. As with the other experts, Toothacre says job seekers should practice talking about how they not only embrace, but "own" AI and are prepared to leverage it in "understanding job efficiency standards." 

Most important of all: Never use AI as a "crutch." What ChatGPT, or any other AI tool, should not be is a "crutch" to generate resumes and cover letters tailored to job postings, says Katie McGinnis, vice president of human resources at online learning company Udacity. Employers can easily spot when an applicant relied solely on AI for resumes and cover letters. McGinnis says to be as specific as possible during job interviews about AI skills, "just as you would any other technical skills."

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