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Fast Food Cover Letter for a 16-Year-Old

A short, friendly cover letter helps fast food managers understand why you care about their restaurant and how quickly you will learn. Use this template to introduce yourself, highlight the most relevant parts of your resume, and ask for an interview. Keep the tone confident but approachable, and personalize every paragraph with details from the location you are targeting.

The letter is structured to hook a reader in three paragraphs: why you are applying, how your experience translates, and what you will contribute in the first weeks on the job. Replace the placeholders with your own school, community, or extracurricular examples. Mention the exact position title and reference any positive interactions you have had at the restaurant to show that you understand their service standards.

Attach this letter to online applications, bring a printed copy to walk-in visits, and pull language for follow-up emails. Combining a thoughtful cover letter with your resume and availability grid shows you are serious about representing the brand.

Copy-ready sections

Opening Paragraph

Hello [Manager Name], I am a 16-year-old student at [School Name] and I am excited to apply for the [Position Title] role at [Restaurant Name]. I visit your location frequently with my family, and I admire how your team keeps the line moving while greeting every guest with a smile. I would love to bring that same energy to your shifts after school and on weekends.

Experience Paragraph

In my current roles, I focus on being reliable, organized, and friendly. I help run concession stands for our basketball games, which means prepping toppings, managing cash, and wiping stations between customers. I also volunteer at the community center, where I check in families, offer refreshments, and keep tables clean. These experiences teach me to follow food safety rules, respond quickly when supplies run low, and stay positive even when a crowd forms.

Value Paragraph

If hired, I will bring punctuality, teamwork, and clear communication to every shift. My teachers describe me as someone who takes initiative and plans ahead; I have already organized transportation so I can arrive early for evening shifts and stay through closing. I am comfortable memorizing recipes, practicing scripts, and helping teammates catch up when orders stack up.

Closing Paragraph

Thank you for reviewing my application. I would appreciate the chance to discuss how I can support your team during after-school and weekend rushes. I am available most weekdays after 4:00 p.m., Fridays after school until close, and Saturdays throughout the day. Please let me know if there is a convenient time to meet; I can bring references and my availability grid to our conversation.

Signature

Sincerely, [Your Name] [Phone Number] [Email Address]

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Export this template, paste it into applications, or pair it with your availability grid. Every call-to-action below opens a builder flow so you can finalize the packet in minutes.

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Frequently asked questions

How long should my cover letter be?Show

Keep it to three short body paragraphs and a signature. Managers skim quickly, so aim for 225 to 275 words. Use concise sentences, and avoid repeating every bullet from your resume.

Do I need the manager's name?Show

It helps. Check the store's About page, call during off-peak hours, or ask politely during a visit. Using the manager's name shows you are serious about the opportunity.

Can I reuse the same letter for different restaurants?Show

Start with this template, but customize the opening paragraph and specific examples for each location. Reference something unique about the store, like their community events or favorite menu items.

Should I mention limited availability during finals?Show

Yes. Be transparent about temporary schedule changes and propose solutions. Managers appreciate teens who communicate early and offer to cover weekends or additional shifts before exams begin.

Where do I attach the cover letter online?Show

Look for an optional documents section in the application portal. If there is no upload field, convert the letter to PDF and bring it to your interview or email it to the manager after applying.