Dedicated and talented

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Chondra Harper and I am writing because I am interested in a management position within your company in order to further my skills and techniques in customer service and the hospitality industry. As noted in my resume, which is attached, I have had over twelve years formal culinary training and some management experience in various companies and capacities. I was employed full time at Amtrak as a chef. I was previously employed at Wolfgang Puck Café as a line cook as well as the Hyde Park Cooperative Society Markets as Head Chef for 3 years. While there, I produced dishes and was in charge of product development in the Gourmet Creations Catering Company and Gourmet Deli as well as assisted in serving and education customers and fellow employees in the use of our vast array of products.

In addition to completing a 16-week chef training program at the Chinese American Service League, I also have completed a 12-week large quantity-cooking course with Chicago's Community Kitchen, which services over 1500 children in after school programs with hot meals daily. While in this program, I completed a 2 week internship at Renaissance Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center where I was solely responsible for the production of two home cooked meals from scratch for 300-450 staff and patients daily.

I feel I would bring many various skills to your company such as but not limited to: extensive customer service skills, a vast knowledge of computers, and a dedication to exceptional customer service. In addition I have an exceptional attitude, am dependable to get the job done quickly and accurately, as well as a willingness to learn and a desire to grow within a company such as yours.

I have had extensive training in the food service industry, and have become efficient and diligent in my work developing an excellent work ethic, while maintaining a positive attitude. I am an exceptionally dedicated employee, who is focused on improving my abilities. I'm frequently ready to work on a moments notice. I'm flexible with my hours and can handle the long tedious ones well. While I demonstrate consistency in food quality and presentation, by applying the skills I have developed through previous work experience, I am resourceful and assiduous. Taking pride in the quality of my workmanship insures my performance is professional at all times. I follow direction admirably, and work considerably well within a team, or with little to no supervision. My intention is to satisfy both guests and co-workers, while employed within your company. Along with an excellent customer service repertoire and diverse and extensive and various talents and skills, my eagerness to learn, grow, and succeed in your organization will constantly show through in my work. I would greatly appreciate your consideration in reference to a management position in your organization.

Sincerely,

Chondra Harper

Chondra Harper

*************@*****.***

Objective: Obtain and succeed in a position in the culinary arts and hospitality industry that will utilize and expand my food service and management skills.

Professional Experience

05/2008-10/2008Amtrak Chicago, IL.

Chef

Produced dishes for passengers and crew. Responsible for all aspects of kitchen operations. Ordered and maintain stock, calculate levels of stock needed. Responsible for health and maintenance of all kitchen staff and equipment.

11/2007-05/2008 Wolfgang Puck Café Chicago, Il.

Line Cook

Expediting production line.

Making salads and sandwiches, cooking on the grill, using the pizza oven to cook certain ingredients for some salads, maintaining a specific amount of stock, prepped as needed.

04/2005-01/08 Hyde Park Co Op Markets and Express Chicago IL

Head Chef

Developed recipes for Gourmet Creations Catering and gourmet deli.

Prepared and packed dishes for stores and catering events. Assisted manager in product development and implementation for catering and gourmet deli.

Made deliveries for catering events and set up displays for stores and events.

Assist in service and education of employees and customers of various products.

10/2002 - 05/2003 Bank One Chicago IL

Telephone Banker

Respond to and resolve customer deposits and loan inquiries or transactions requests via inbound telephone calls.

Provided information and support for promotions.

06/2001 - 05/2002 City Year Chicago IL

Service Leader

Managed team of 10 corps members.

Developed and implemented after-school programs, community service projects, and workshops promoting literacy and diversity.

Procured and disbursed donations of funds, materials, and volunteers for community service projects.

1/2001 - 7/2001 Xando Cosi Chicago IL

Lead Sandwich Cook/Baker

In charge of preparation of signature sandwiches and salads.

In charge of preparation and prepared signature bread and pizzas by following exact recipes.

Prepared and packed food for catering events, and made deliveries.

Opened and closed store daily

1/2000 - 6/2000 Burger King Naperville IL

Shift Lead

Lead and managed team of 26 employees on various shifts.

Worked with owners and employees to ensure efficient service and quality food.

Recruited, trained and supervised employees.

Handled money from registers and safes and made deposits. Stocked and prepared food.

Education

 Chinese American Service League: Chef Training Certificate

 Chicago Community Kitchen, Greater Chicago Food Depository Chef Training/Large Food Production Certificate

 Cooking and Hospitality Inst. of Chicago: Some College Coursework

 Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago Culinary Arts Program: Some College Coursework

 North Central College-Naperville, IL. Business Management, Psychology

Some College Coursework

Summary of qualifications:

Enthusiastic and highly effective leader and team member who works well in a team.

Highly energetic and competent professional; able to work independently

Resourceful, self-confident, and effective trouble-shooter; can be counted on to get the job done.

References: Available upon request

Contact this candidate