Trouble Finding You, as I Have Been

¶ … trouble finding you, as I have been interested in your restaurant for well over a year now. In fact, one of the things I noticed first about your establishment is that you are in a central location that attracts a lot of new customers. Also, your restaurant is popular and most people in the community either know about it or eat there regularly.

I heard about the position through word of mouth, actually. I frequently visit to restaurant to eat or have drinks with friends. One day, our server had casually mentioned that the manager was leaving. At the time I didn't think anything of the comment but later I realized that I missed working in the restaurant industry and it might be the perfect opportunity to be a part of something I believed in.

At the moment I am pursuing my undergraduate studies at the university and am working part-time as a research assistant in one of the university departments. I enjoy the work: it is intellectually stimulating and I learn new things every day, just as I do in class. The job is fairly casual, and I work mainly one-on-one with the professors, who are conducting research into various historical issues. My responsibilities include accuracy and thoroughness, as I am an integral part of the professors' research process at this point. While research doesn't seem to correspond at all with restaurant management, the demands on my concentration and development of decision-making skills do pertain to both positions.

4. Frankly I haven't left my job as research assistant. If you do accept my application, I will continue to work one day per week for the department or as much as I can handle. The research position is, as I have said, a casual position and I can set my own hours. Plus, the quiet work of research assistance will be an optimal counterpart to the high-stress situations I will face as a restaurant manager.

5. There are numerous skills and talents I have acquired throughout the past several years that make me an ideal candidate for this position. Most of the related skills I obtained when I worked at one restaurant in my hometown for five straight years. I started as a bus boy and eventually became assistant manager. I really loved that job and probably wouldn't have left if I didn't move. I learned the ins and outs of the restaurant industry because I worked closely with the managerial staff as well as the owner, both of whom often consulted me to ask for my opinions on various matters. I learned everything from human resources/hiring practices to menu changes to marketing. Because of this, I will channel what I know into this business to help you grow and thrive.

6. As I mentioned earlier, I really miss the restaurant industry. My college major is business administration with a minor in hospitality. As you can see, I am already focused on the service industry as a career and professional path. I love working with the public and have a good feel for the restaurant industry in particular because we all like to eat out.

7. I offer you a uniquely intuitive sense of what works and what doesn't in the restaurant industry. I don't know why but I have an uncanny sense for what customers look for.

8. From my last job as an assistant manager in a restaurant, I bring experience and ability to deal with stressful situations. Nothing will shock me. From my current research assistance job, I bring high levels of concentration and decision-making skills.

9. In my old restaurant I once handled a difficult customer with care. She was irate because she was accidentally overcharged. She accused the server of purposely padding the bill. I had to calm down both the server, who was insulted and prepared to hurl insults at the customer, and calm down the customer and ensure that she would not remain angry. I offered her a free entree the next time she came in.