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How to Write a Job Application Cover Letter
Writing a cover letter is essential when applying for jobs. This is the perfect way to express how your specific skills are relevant to the open position. Wow your future employer with this simple cover letter example format.
Write a First Draft
Writing a first draft makes your letter concise and professional, states The Balance Careers. Organize your thoughts by making a list of what you’re trying to convey. Make sure you prioritize certain aspects like your previous job experience and why you would be a good fit for the position. Clearly state what position you’re interested in and why. Think about why you’re applying and what caught your eye about this specific position. Your cover letter will be easier to write after your thoughts are collected and organized.
Customize Your Salutation
When writing a salutation, make sure you know who you are writing to. Is this person the owner of the company or a Human Resources administrator? If you’re not sure, research the company to find out. Addressing your cover letter to a specific person shows initiative and attention to detail. After your salutation, start your letter with a short introduction of yourself. This gives future employers insight into who you are and the purpose of your cover letter.
Write Intentionally
Your cover letter should be no more than one page, so keep your points brief. Clearly state what position you are interested in and why. Explain why you are a good fit for the company because of your past job experience. If you have no similar job experience, let the employer know why you are changing career paths. Expand on your skills and give specific examples of how that skill set helped you at your last position. Name projects you’ve worked on and show results.
Close Your Letter
End your cover letter with a brief sentence and sign off. Thank the employer for their time and express your interest towards the job again. Let them know you’ll follow up with them if you do not hear back within a week and leave your contact information. Sign off with a professional farewell and leave room for a signature if sending a hard copy.
Edit and Proofread
As you finish writing your cover letter, make sure you take time to edit and proofread your document. Make sure it’s structured in a professional format with the company’s information, the salutation and introduction, the body of the letter, a brief closing sentence and farewell. Check for spelling and grammar mistakes to ensure a formal result. Make sure all names are spelled correctly, as well.
MORE FROM QUESTIONSANSWERED.NET
Sample cover letters for fresh graduates (HR, Marketing, Sales)
We know it’s not easy to write a cover letter. You have spent almost two decades of your life in education, for some actively involved in sports, school activities, clubs, associations and others. And then there are those who have experience in internship, part-time jobs , industrial training and others. So how to cramp that much in a one-page cover letter?
What is a cover letter, you ask? As explained by the balance , a cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on your skills and experience. It acts like a sales pitch document that allows you to ‘sell’ to the hirer on why you are qualified for the job you are applying for.
Cover Letter Sample 1 (HR, print version)
▪How to nail a video job interview: Tips and commonly asked questions
▪ Decoding HR talk: Things employers say and what they really mean
Cover Letter Sample 2 (Marketing, email version)
▪7 tips to help you prepare for a job interview in English
▪ Interview hacks: Top 5 topics to avoid at a job interview
Cover Letter Sample 3 (Sales, without internship experience, print version)
NOTE: These application letter samples are for reference only. All information provided should be considered as fictional.
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Graduate Cover Letter Example
Congratulations on finishing your college degree! Patience, determination and years of hard work have culminated in this moment of success. Now, it’s time for your next challenge: landing a job, fellowship or other opportunity.
One of the first tools you’ll need for success as a recent grad is a highly-polished resume and the knowledge of how to write an exceptional graduate cover letter. If you haven’t finished perfecting your resume, we’ve got you covered. Check out resume.io’s tips and tricks in our profession-specific resume examples , templates and general resume writing guide .
Once you’ve got your resume in top shape, this guide will show you how to knock your cover letter out of the park. We’ll focus primarily on the right qualities to convey for entry-level positions and how to beef up your resume when you’re just starting out. Since “recent graduate” isn’t actually an occupation, it’s a good idea to check out our other profession-specific cover letter guides for even more useful tips in your field of interest. This guide, along with an effective cover-letter example will:
- Explain the importance of creating a knockout cover letter when it comes to landing your first position
- Outline the details of professional cover letter formatting and provide free examples, samples and templates to work from
- Teach you how to use persuasive psychology to boost the body of your letter
- Help you convey the personality traits applicable to entry-level jobs in ANY field.
What is the purpose of a fresh graduate cover letter?
A cover letter for a fresh graduate, also called an application letter or letter of interest, is one of the most commonly requested job application materials. The primary purpose of your graduate cover letter is to work alongside your resume to create a complete picture of personality, experience and strengths as a candidate.
Whereas a resume has clearly defined sections that are constructed based on your actual education and work history, a cover letter is a bit looser. While this can be overwhelming for some recent grads, flexibility is one of the application letter’s biggest advantages. You’re encouraged to discuss your goals, perspectives and successes and let your charisma shine.
One of the biggest challenges recent graduates face when applying for positions is a lack of concrete or relevant work experience. It can be hard to convince an employer that you have the skills for the job if you don’t have much on your resume to prove it. That’s where an exceptional cover letter can work wonders. A well-organized and deliberate application letter for a fresh graduate lets you highlight the qualities you do have to convince an employer that you’re worth a shot.
A few writing rules
A cover letter is usually between 200 and 400 words long, or the length of one page. Recent graduates often try to make up for a lack of resume experience by writing long, expounding cover letters that dive into every possible corner of their educational journey. Unfortunately, this can be an automatic “out” in the eyes of many employers.
Instead, focus on creating a strong argument by selecting only a handful of convincing points and carrying these themes throughout the letter. It’s also very important to adhere to the right formatting and font principles when drafting your cover letter. Stick to trusted font styles like Georgia, Calibri, Helvetica and Arial with a size between 10 and 12 points. A whimsical font like Comic Sans might seem tempting, but it’s a big no-go. You can find more details about style in this general cover letter writing guide.
Remember, at the end of the day a cover letter is all about maximizing your chances. Any spelling or grammar errors, wacky fonts or messy formatting will distract a hiring manager from your main purpose and bring down the likelihood of landing the position.
Do I NEED a cover letter?
We’ve all been there – an online application offers a spot to upload a cover letter, but the description doesn’t specify whether it’s truly a requirement. Technically, you could just upload your resume and move on with your life, right? That would be a big mistake.
If you truly want a position, why would you throw away one of your biggest chances to make a great first impression for success? Unless a posting specifically asks you NOT to submit a cover letter, you should always write and send one. You never know – your letter just might make all the difference when it comes time for a hiring manager to make some decisions.
It takes the average recent grad three to six months to find a job after graduation. Moving back home with your parents might seem cliché, but a lot of other graduates are in the exact same position. Today’s recent graduates are more likely to be underemployed (i.e. working at a job that doesn’t require a college degree) than they were in 1990, according to the Harvard Business Review . Recent grads are also more likely to be clustered in certain roles, primarily as advertising managers, actuaries, news reporters and law clerks. Add to that the fact that the average starting salary in 2020 was more than $5,000 below that of 2019, CNBC found , and it may look bleak. It doesn't help that hat figure has risen 2.5 percent in 2022, much lower than the rate of inflation, according to a National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) survey .
But there’s also some positive news: More and more students are opting to major in creative fields and fields that interest them. And people with college degrees are much better protected against economic recessions than their degree-less counterparts. This data points to two things: 1. you’re not alone in this potentially confusing post-grad phase and 2. the job search hunt, especially for fresh graduates, takes patience and positivity. A strong cover letter and resume are essential tools to landing not just any job, but the job YOU want.
Best format for a graduate cover letter
The good news is that no matter which field you studied or plan to work in, the format for a great graduate cover letter is roughly the same. While an application letter might seem structureless, these sections can help you stay on track and make the most of your one-page allowance.
Plus, these are the sections hiring managers expect to see so you can rest assured you haven’t thrown the employer any curveballs. Key components include:
- The cover letter header
- The greeting
- The introduction
- The letter body
- The conclusion
- The signature
Let’s take a look at each of them, but first, here is a graduate cover letter example to give you an idea of how to write your own letter:
Dear Mrs. Lastwell,
As a recently graduated biotechnology major at the University of California, I am excited for the opportunity to work with you at PreGen. My university biotech assignments centered around the food production industry and I firmly believe that technology will help to feed the world of the future. After leaving with a GPA of 3.8 from Jefferson College, I immersed myself in the academic side of college life. We enjoyed close research links with the local agritech community, and I undertook five separate work placements. I was fascinated by molecular diagnostics and even worked part-time on a project to improve crop yields in Kenya. Your international focus is exactly where the world needs to be focusing its efforts right now. A junior research associate role with you would provide an ideal starting point. Your track record of developing the brightest of young scientific minds is unmatched in the industry and I yearn to follow in the footsteps of your award-winning agritech magicians. My education and work experience have combined to give me a solid understanding of laboratory procedures and industry best practice including greenhouse operations and the maintenance of research and chemical application equipment. I saved one work experience employer over $240k by creating a unified operational manual for all employees. I have spent years immersing myself in the theory of genomics and I look forward to putting my knowledge to use. I enclose a portfolio of my academic research work and have over 20 letters of recommendation from the scientists that I have assisted. I can’t wait to hear about the potential projects where my contribution may make a difference – an interview to explore the possibilities would be a dream. Yours sincerely, Christine Holtz
Cover letter header
The header can be one of the most challenging sections for recent graduates. It can be difficult to decide what information is necessary. When mailing a letter, the name and address of the company and date the letter was written are essential. For online applications, including your graduate cover letter, brief is better.
The more you pack into your header, the less space you have to convince an employer of your unique qualities in the rest of the letter. Keep in mind that the primary purpose of the header in an online application will be to identify the document and keep your contact information at the hiring manager’s fingertips.
In large companies, an applicant’s folder can circulate within the HR department, making the header even more important. In the past, headers contained the applicant and company address. Now, information like your email, phone number and even your LinkedIn account is much more useful.
Getting creative with your header
In addition to conveying your identifying information, the header also serves a role in the formatting of your document. It allows for some white space so the letter doesn’t start abruptly at the top of the page.
If you want to present an even more polished look, you might opt to use a cover letter template. A template has the advantage of being professionally designed, and can even allow you to align the formatting of your resume and cover letter for maximum visual appeal.
The goal of this section: Identify the document, keep your name and contact info easily accessible and create visually appealing formatting.
Cover letter greeting
As a fresh graduate, you’ll most likely start your career by working your way up from junior level positions. That means you’ll need to use a greeting in your graduate cover letter that is respectful and mindful of the organization’s hierarchy.
There are some exceptions, however. A growing number of youthful brands and startups are opting for a more familiar tone both internally and externally. In these rare circumstances, it may be appropriate to use a greeting like “Hi” or “Hello” along with a first name instead of the more traditional “Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms” Informal greetings often work much better if you’re submitting your cover letter via email.
The goal of this section: Start the letter off right with a warm and friendly salutation greeting that’s also professionally appropriate for your field and experience level.
When you have a name – and when you don’t
Addressing the recipient by name is one of the best strategies for catching a hiring manager’s attention right from the start of your letter. Many job postings even list the name of the hiring manager or contact person giving you every reason to include it in your letter.
However, in some large companies or organizations hiring is done by a large team and it may be impossible to figure out who will be reading your letter. In this case, you might have to opt for a general greeting like “Dear XYZ Company Hiring Manager.” “Team” can also be a great non-specific word to use when a name is not an option.
After a few minutes poking around the internet searching for the hiring manager’s name, you might be tempted to throw your hands up in the air and go with “To Whom It May Concern:” However, this greeting is not just impersonal, it feels outdated and even cold. Using the company name, even in a general greeting, conveys that you are a human being speaking to other real people.
Cover letter introduction
Getting your graduate cover letter introduction off to an attention-grabbing start is one of the best things you can do to set your application up for success. By using a personal anecdote, emotive sentence or definitive statement, you’ll be miles ahead of candidates who opted for “I am writing to inquire about your recent vacancy for…”
You get the idea – if you haven’t already fallen asleep.
One of the biggest advantages a company gains when hiring recent grads is the creativity and innovation that comes from young minds. Simply put, a boring introductory paragraph introduction is selling yourself short. Convey your personality, spunk and unique qualities, just make sure to keep the tone professionally appropriate for your field and prospective employer.
The goal of this section: Introduce yourself in a unique and exciting way, set yourself up for success in the body section.
Dear Mrs. Lastwell, As a recently graduated biotechnology major at the University of California, I am excited for the opportunity to work with you at PreGen. My university biotech assignments centered around the food production industry and I firmly believe that technology will help to feed the world of the future.
Cover letter body (middle part)
The body section of your graduate cover letter is the meat and potatoes. It should provide enough detail that the hiring manager feels satisfied after reading it, but it should also leave them wanting to get in touch to take the conversation further.
What you choose to highlight in the body of your cover letter will depend somewhat on the most desirable skills and experiences in your field. However, a good strategy is to use the STAR/CAR method (Situation, Task, Action, positive Result) to convey your successes in previous work experiences. As a recent grad, you’ll likely need to talk about your previous internships and on-campus experiences. Focus on the most professionally-relevant activities and responsibilities to convey just how transferable your skills are.
There are some skills that are applicable across entry-level jobs. The ability to take feedback and learn from others and your mistakes is invaluable in any job. Depending on the position, teamwork may also be of the essence.
The goal of this section: Use anecdotes and examples of your strengths and skills, as related to your field, to highlight your professional competence. Prove that you have the right personality traits to be a good listener, quick learner and great team member.
After leaving with a GPA of 3.8 from Jefferson College, I immersed myself in the academic side of college life. We enjoyed close research links with the local agritech community, and I undertook five separate work placements. I was fascinated by molecular diagnostics and even worked part-time on a project to improve crop yields in Kenya. Your international focus is exactly where the world needs to be focusing its efforts right now. A junior research associate role with you would provide an ideal starting point. Your track record of developing the brightest of young scientific minds is unmatched in the industry and I yearn to follow in the footsteps of your award-winning agritech magicians. My education and work experience have combined to give me a solid understanding of laboratory procedures and industry best practice including greenhouse operations and the maintenance of research and chemical application equipment. I saved one work experience employer over $240k by creating a unified operational manual for all employees.
How to close a recent graduate cover letter (conclusion and sign-off)
You’ve written the bulk of your letter, but how do you close the letter professionally? You want to be memorable without making the assumption that you will land the interview. The closing paragraph of your graduate cover letter can be more challenging than it appears.
As you move through the body section, think about how you’ll bring your themes back together in a way that leaves a hiring manager feeling optimistic and confident about your abilities. Then, it’s time for the call to action. This writing technique invites a hiring manager to get in touch and continue the conversation. Your tone should be respectful and polite, but also approachable and friendly. The call to action should be a natural extension of the rest of the letter. “Sincerely,” “Best regards” or simply “Best” are some of the most popular sign-offs that can work with a variety of situations or companies.
The goal of this section: Create a natural and friendly call to action that entices the hiring manager to get in touch, close the letter with an appropriate good-bye.
I have spent years immersing myself in the theory of genomics and I look forward to putting my knowledge to use. I enclose a portfolio of my academic research work and have over 20 letters of recommendation from the scientists that I have assisted. I can’t wait to hear about the potential projects where my contribution may make a difference – an interview to explore the possibilities would be a dream. Yours sincerely, Christine Holtz
Writing psychology – cover letter tools and strategies
Getting the tone right.
As a recent graduate in any major, you’ll want to express a few key personality traits that will make you a valued coworker across the board.
- Trustworthiness: younger coworkers often develop a bad reputation when they can’t keep office gossip or even private work-related information to themselves. Highlighting your professionalism when it comes to demeanor and speech will build trust with a hiring manager right from the start.
- The ability to receive criticism: A junior employee who can not only take feedback well but implement it into their future performance will rise quickly through the ranks. If you can, show how you managed this in previous positions and how it led to even better outcomes.
- The right balance of confidence and humility: This is one of the trickiest parts of writing your first cover letters as a fresh graduate. You don’t want to brag but there’s no point in being so modest that a hiring manager can’t figure out the benefit of having you at their company. Assert yourself as a leader and hard worker who’s also willing to learn.
The laws of specificity
In their book, “Made to Stick,” brothers Chip and Dan Heath discuss the principles and strategies behind ideas that linger in our minds. These principles have a variety of applications and purposes, including in marketing, writing and persuasion. One area where recent grads struggle when crafting a convincing cover letter is credibility. With limited years of hands-on experience, how can a hiring manager be sure you truly have the skills for the job? That’s where the Heath brothers’ principle of specificity comes into play. Hiring managers know that it is much easier to write sweeping statements about your personality traits and perspectives than it is to show solid facts about how you initiated and effectuated a positive change.
That’s why specific examples, quantifiable statements and concrete numbers give you the best chance of impressing a hiring manager and landing an interview. Specificity doesn’t just have to come in the form of results. You can also use this principle, for example, in naming an industry-leading company you interned for. You might include the size of a team you led, the name of the published project you worked on or the location of your foreign language training. A sprinkling of the most relevant, specific details helps you make up for the credibility you might lack as a recent graduate and keeps a manager interested in what you have to say.
Recent graduate cover letter common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Some good news: The more cover letters you write, the easier they get. You can give yourself a leg up on other recent grads by checking out these cover letter tips: avoiding these common pitfalls:
- The one-size-fits-all letter. Every company and job opportunity is a unique opportunity and your cover letter should reflect an understanding of this fact. What’s more, hiring managers are hardly fooled when candidates simply swap out one company’s name for another without tailoring the content of the letter. While you might create a basic letter to work off of, you’ll need to make sure you customize each letter for the specific position, using skills and information from the company website and job description.the exact skills needed for the job at hand.
- Generic and fluffy wording. Hiring managers know that you’re a recent grad. It’s no use trying to cover up that fact with elevated language that boils down into nothingness. Plus, no one ever said you shouldn’t have a personality. Proofread your As long as your grammar and spelling. As long as there are no typos is correct, it’s OK to be yourself.
- Too much or irrelevant information. If you don’t know what to talk about when seeking your first job, you might find yourself going a little overboard. Instead, try to keep the conversation friendly, but geared strictly toward your professional experience, activities and coursework and experiences. There will be a time and place for the fact that you developed the university’s first ping-pong club, but your cover letter probably isn’t it.
- Formatting errors. It can be tricky to hit the right balance of professionalism and individuality when it comes to cover letter format formatting. Odd or childish fonts can throw off a reader and misaligned formatting can come off as amateur. One way to avoid these all-too-common problems is with a professional formatting tool, like this one from resume.io.
Key takeaways
- An exceptional cover letter is one of the best ways to make yourself stand out from the competition by expressing your personality and unique advantages.
- It’s important to follow the expected cover letter length and style conventions to present a professional image and avoid taking a hiring manager by surprise.
- Numbers, facts and figures can help you build credibility and make up for any gaps in experience.
- Don’t try to fight against your recent grad status with fancy wording and eccentric formatting. It’s always a better idea to keep your letter clean, professional and error-free.
Now it’s time to get started on your exceptional cover letter. Land your dream job Get the job done right with resume.io’s professionally designed templates and easy-to-use builder tool . Go out there and win!
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Home Cover Letter Examples Recent Graduate Cover Letter
Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example
October 24, 2022 | By the Resume Genius Team | Reviewed by Conrad Benz
Writing a cover letter for your first job after graduation can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. With our recent graduate cover letter example and writing tips as a guide, it won’t be long before you’re part of the workforce.
Not happy with how this cover letter looks? We have many other cover letter template designs available.
Additional Templates & Samples Like a Recent Graduate Cover Letter
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Recent Graduate Cover Letter Template (Text Format)
Using the right formatting for your cover letter ensures employers take your application seriously.
24 October 2022
Dana Johnston
2518 Lilac Ave
North Charleston, SC, 29405
[email protected]
Dear Ms. Johnston,
My name is James Amore, and I’m excited to apply for the position of Junior IT specialist at the French Central Inn, Charleston. I’m a recent graduate (December YYYY) in Management Information Systems (MIS) from Charleston Southern University, and I’m eager to enter the workforce. I meet all of the academic requirements mentioned in your job posting.
Growing up, I took a liking to all things tech and digital, which led to me picking MIS as my major. Apart from all the tech courses during my MIS studies, I thoroughly enjoyed and excelled at the psychology courses, as the intersection of tech and humanity (specifically, how people respond to and adapt to technological changes) is a passion of mine. It’s one that I discuss frequently on my tech blog: techfacts.com.
During my final year of university, I interned at Safe Homes Inc., a vendor providing an array of home security systems. I worked on both the hardware and software side, installing physical equipment as well as configuring the requisite software, and involved elements of IoT.
What excites me most about this position is that the role involves extensive work with the Internet of Things (IoT). As a leader in combining IoT and hospitality, working at your inn would be a fortuitous coming together of passion, competence, and opportunity.
I look forward to putting my knowledge and skills to use as a productive member of your IT department, and learning from the best in the industry. In an interview, I’d love to discuss my short- and long-term career goals and how they align with the French Central Inn’s tech vision. I await your call.
James Amore
5 recent graduate cover letter tips
Learning how to put together a cover letter for the specific job(s) you want will help you land more interviews.
Putting together a cover letter for a job as a recent graduate can be difficult, especially if you don’t have any formal work or internship experience. Fortunately, it’s still possible to write a convincing cover letter that helps you land a job, no matter how much experience you have.
Here’s a breakdown of what to include in your recent graduate cover letter to wow employers and land your first job or internship out of college.
1. Briefly introduce yourself
Start your new grad cover letter by introducing yourself to your potential employers, just as you would if you were meeting them in person. Cover the basics — your name, your academic qualifications, and what position you’re applying for.
You should also mention how you discovered the job opening and if you were recommended by anyone currently working at the company. This can help you immediately establish a rapport with the hiring manager and improve your chances of getting an interview.
Here’s an example of a strong cover letter introduction paragraph for a recent graduate:
The candidate gives a concise summary of their education and qualifications, showing employers that they have the required licensure for an architect.
2. Connect your skills to the job
When applying for a job as a recent graduate, don’t worry about your lack of work experience . Instead, showcase the personality traits and soft skills you possess that make you an excellent match for the job.
First, think about all of your relevant interests and skills, or areas of work that you’re passionate about. Then, use your cover letter to connect them to the work being done at the company you want to work at.
Here’s an example of how one candidate uses their cover letter to advertise their passion for conversational Spanish:
If you’re applying for a job directly in your field of academic expertise, you can also explain what drew you to the field in the first place.
3. Highlight internship or project work experience
Your third paragraph should be the core of your recent grad cover letter. This is where you highlight your relevant experience, whether it’s from internships , extracurricular activities , or coursework . Your objective is to highlight any experience that taught you skills that are valuable in your target industry (e.g., your ability to work on a team, solve problems, or learn quickly).
Here’s an example of how one recent graduate uses the third paragraph of their cover letter to highlight their internship experience:
4. Explain why you’re a match for the job
Employers understand that as a recent graduate, you’ll likely be writing a cover letter with no work experience . What they want to see is that you’re passionate about the work and are enthusiastic to learn.
That’s why in your fourth paragraph you should take the opportunity to explain what about the position excites you. Be as specific as possible — if you’re interested in the product the company makes or even their work culture, be sure to mention it. Show that you’re interested in the specific job you’re applying to, and not just any job.
Here’s an example of how to effectively communicate your enthusiasm in a recent graduate cover letter:
This applicant comes across as eager to apply their skills to create a positive customer experience and ultimately benefit the company.
5. Finish with a clear call to action
Wrap up your new grad cover letter by strongly yet politely restating your interest in the position. Additionally, mention your interest in scheduling a phone call to discuss the job opportunity further.
This not only shows that you’re enthusiastic about the job, it also pushes the hiring manager to reach out to you.
Here’s an example of a strong closing sentence on a cover letter from a recent graduate:
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- English (UK)
- Cover Letter Examples
- New & Recent Graduate Cover Letter Samples & Proper Format
New & Recent Graduate Cover Letter Samples & Proper Format
You’ve just graduated. Time to find your first full-blown job. But how will you outperform all other candidates? Write a perfect cover letter for a recent grad. Here’s how.
As seen in:
In 5 minutes, you’ll know how to write the best recent graduate cover letter out there.
But shall we play a round of Cards Against Humanity first?
Research shows new grads find it difficult to land their first jobs due to ______.
- Increased competition.
- Lack of sufficient networking possibilities.
- Crippling debt.
- A jar full of human teeth and mayonnaise.
- Career service departments not connecting with students.
Yeah, that would be a tough pick.
Seriously, though, looking for jobs as a recent grad is daunting. But for you, it doesn’t have to be.
Let me hand you your weapon X : a perfect cover letter for a recent graduate.
This guide will show you samples of recent graduate cover letters, plus the best tips on how to write a new grad cover letter that stands out like a lighthouse in a sea of boring.
Want to write your cover letter fast? Use our cover letter builder. Choose from 20+ professional cover letter templates that match your resume. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.
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Sample fresh graduate cover letter and a matching resume made with our builder: See other cover letter examples and create your cover letter here .
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Create a Cover Letter for Fresher Like a Pro
- Updated on
- Nov 21, 2022
A cover letter is a document that provides the information to the prospective employer about your educational qualifications, career goals , projects, and other key details in a very crisp manner. It is a document which quickly and directly communicates the position you are looking for in the organization so that the recruiter does not confuse two candidates who have the same qualifications. Also termed as a ‘ Job Application Letter ’, a cover letter for fresher must highlight one’s exceptional academic records and educational qualifications. Read this blog to find the best cover letter for job fresher, sample cover letters, format as well as free templates.
Our Top Read: How to Craft a Perfect MBA Fresher Resume?
This Blog Includes:
How to write a cover letter for fresher, cover letter for fresher: sample #1, cover letter for fresher: sample #2, cover letter for fresher: sample #3, cover letter for an engineering fresher: sample #4 , cover letter for a teacher: sample #5.
- Cover Letter for an MBA Fresher: Sample #6
Cover Letter for Job Application for Fresher: Sample #6
Cover letter for job application for fresher: sample #7, email cover letter for fresher: sample #8, tips and tricks to write the perfect job application letter.
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While building a perfect cover letter, the candidate should follow the chronology to make it systematic and clear for the employer to have a glance on. Your potential recruiter will take around 5 to 6 seconds to scan through your resume, which means you need to sincerely work on your cover letter to serve as the opening act. Given below are the different components of a cover letter for fresher:
- Name of the employer/organization and the person to be contacted should be mentioned at the top-left corner of the page.
- Date of the application.
- Now comes the reference line or the subject of the cover letter which must contain the position you are applying for. For example, “Application for the position of Public Relation Officer .”
- Greet the employer directly by writing their name (example: Dear Mr X) instead of writing, “To whomsoever, it may concern”.
- After the greeting, start the body of the cover letter by introducing yourself to the reader.
- The second paragraph should highlight your educational background and your skills and qualities in a very crisp manner.
- Conclude the body of the cover letter by talking about “why should you be hired.”
- Lastly, thank the employer and mention your name and contact details.
Here’s our exclusive guide on Resume Format for Fresher !
A well-written cover letter for fresher can help the employers pick out the most suitable candidate for the job. Thus, we have come up with a sample to help you write that perfect cover letter and get the recruiter’s attention.
Mr. Kapoor Brainside Link Road, Andheri, Mumbai,-400053 (xxx)xxxxxxx [email protected]
Subject: Application for the Counselor Position at Brainside
Dear Recruiter’s Name, I am excited to write this letter about the job opening as a counselor at Brainside. I chanced upon your company’s opening at LinkedIn and upon reading the required qualities, I certainly believe I meet those requisite skills.
I completed my M.A in Psychology from KC College, Mumbai, and have also completed various certificate courses in REBT and CBT which add to my field of expertise. I hold a CGPA of 7.0 and have maintained above-average scores consistently throughout my masters. Being passionate about my subject, I also invested considerable time in assisting senior psychologists and learning from them at every step.
I have also attached my resume and certainly believe that my skills and education qualifications make me fit for the position of counsellor. I assure you that I’ll put my best foot forward and conform with the team.
I’m grateful for this opportunity and waiting in anticipation for discussing the position in detail. My contact details are mentioned above for your reference.
Thank you. Respectfully, Rishi Sharma
Aarushi Jain [email protected] 98765432129876543210
June 24th, 2021
Mr. Shinde Planet Research C-14 Gurugram, Haryana, 110038 (xxx)xxxxxxx [email protected]
Subject: Application for the Engineer Position at Planet Research
Dear Mr. Shinde,
I am very eager to apply for the Engineer post at Planet Research. This particular position fully encapsulates everything I aspired to achieve as an engineer when I began my career. Your company’s work is intriguing, and I’ve read extensively about the cutting-edge technology that’s being used. This employment would put me on the proper track to achieving my professional objectives.
I learnt to work in multidisciplinary teams that encompassed both technical and non-technical fields during my prior position as an intern at ABC Tech. Here, I was able to thrive as an excellent communicator, ensuring that all stakeholders’ demands were both properly conveyed to the team and satisfied to the greatest degree of customer satisfaction.
I was able to adopt a new testing method that reduced our beta testing period by up to 18%, allowing our clients to see a completed prototype weeks before our competition. In addition, I am presently preparing for my Fundamentals of Engineering test, which will put me on the route to becoming a Professional Engineer. I aim to improve as a Planet Research employee and as a professional in this job. In my new position, I am eager to work hard to fulfil the demands of the firm and to become a valuable member of the team as soon as possible.
Thank you for your thoughts and time. I’m excited to learn more about the Engineer role and Planet Research. My past experience qualifies me for this role, and I want to be given the opportunity to demonstrate to the team personally what a valuable contribution I can be. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank You Best Regards, Aarushi JainAarushi Jain
Aarushi Jain [email protected] 98765432129876543210
Mrs Ram, The Indian School C-77 Green Park Extension New Delhi, 110016 (xxx)xxxxxxx [email protected]
Subject: Application for 7th grade Mathematics teacher Position at The Indian School.
Dear Mrs Ram,
I am writing to apply for the post of 7th grade Mathematics teacher at The Indian School. I acquired considerable student teaching experience with students while studying elementary education at the University of Delhi. I think that my commitment to teaching in urban settings, as well as my enthusiasm for assisting students who do not find Mathematics enjoyable, uniquely qualifies me to fill this role and contribute to The Indian School’s mission of shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
My nearly five years of studying Mathematics and 6 months of student teaching experience as an intern have properly equipped me to teach Mathematics to students with a distinct mentality and approach. I have considerable expertise with major digital teaching platforms, and I am dedicated to assisting students in mastering Mathematics in order to better prepare them for future and other competitive tests. I am also fluent in English and Hindi, so I can interact successfully with the bulk of the school’s student population.
As a teacher, I am deeply devoted to helping children to learn new skills and expand on their own unique abilities. I have a Master’s degree in Mathematics as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Education . I’m certified in bilingual education, technological education, and mathematics. I am now pursuing further certifications in Vedic Mathematics.
I would welcome the chance to meet with you in person to discuss this 7th grade Mathematics teacher vacancy. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I’m looking forward to conversing with you more.
Thank You Best Regards, Aarushi Jain
Cover Letter for an MBA Fresher: Sample # 6
Aarushi Jain [email protected] 9876543210
Mr Ahuja, ABS Consultancy Services A/77 Malviya Nagar New Delhi 110017 (xxx)xxxxxxx [email protected]
Subject: Application for the position of Recruitment Assistant.
Dear Mr Ahuja,
I’m writing to convey my enthusiasm for the post of Recruitment Assistant at your prestigious organisation. I have just completed my Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a major in Human Resource Management from ZXY University and would like to contribute my knowledge, talents, and dedication to excellence to your company’s creative atmosphere.
Throughout my schooling, I’ve gained the information required for the role, such as manpower recruiting, workforce organisation, personnel training and pay, as well as legal provisions and other labour problems.
My internship at JK Brothers&Company also provided me with valuable experience working with some of the top experts in the recruiting and human resources industries. During my four-month internship, I acquired an excitement and love for human resources, and the experience convinced me that human resource management is my genuine calling.
Among my accomplishments during my internship was serving as the project lead for the company’s sports engagement programme. I also collaborated with other interns, and we successfully organised an outing for 150 employees, for which we earned a 90 percent ‘good to outstanding’ grade from the post-event survey comments.
Please see my résumé, which is attached to this letter, for further information on my qualifications and experience. Thank you for considering this application; I look forward to hearing from you.
Subject: Application for ________ position
Dear Mr/Ms/Mrs (Manager’s Name)
My name is _______. I came across the recent opening for _______(job position) on LinkedIn and I believe that the role describes me perfectly. I have always been interested in the workspace that your organisation is known to have in the market. I am seeking a challenging, competitive yet friendly environment and I truly believe that working at your organisation will be an enriching experience.
I have studied ________ (course) at _______ (university/college name) and I have recently completed a 3-month internship at _______ where I was a part of _______ team. It helped me learn about the type of roles and responsibilities in the field of ______, the work ethics that need to be followed as well as deadlines that need to be adhered to. I possess excellent communication and team working skills.
I have attached my resume along with the cover letter which contains my educational and professional qualifications. I will give a call to your office the next week to know more about the job profile. You can also reach out to me at the contact details mentioned in the resume.
Sincerely,
A job application e-mail is quite similar to a cover letter since you have to elaborate on your educational and professional qualifications, skills as well as how well you fit the job role. Here is a job application email sample for freshers:
Subject: Application for the Role of Junior Editor- Content (Job Role) at Headspace (Company Name)
Dear Mr./Miss ______ (Name of the Recruiter or Manager),
I recently came across the opening of Junior Editor – Content at Headspace on LinkedIn and I wanted to apply for this role. The job role fits my qualifications and skills thus making me a perfect fit for this position.
I recently graduated with a first-class honors degree in English Literature from the University of Delhi and have also worked as a magazine editor of my college magazine during my undergraduate studies. Further, I have also worked as an editorial intern at Rupa Publications assisting the team of head editors and managing editors for over 6 months. I believe that I have the requisite qualifications and skills required for this role.
Please find attached my CV and cover letter with this email. I look forward to hearing back from you.
Thanks and Regards, Ritu
Writing a cover letter is not as easy as you think it to be. It takes a great deal of patience and self-introspection to formulate a cover letter which proves your worthiness and makes your job application outshine other applications. Let us have an insightful look into the different tips to keep in mind while creating a cover letter for fresher:
- Never restate anything that you have already mentioned in your resume.
- Since you are a fresher, all you have as an asset is your education and your skills. Highlight these two factors in the most graceful and clever way possible.
- After you draft your cover letter, make sure there are no grammatical errors.
- Avoid making your cover letter too long and keep it limited to one page.
- Never be dishonest at any point or brag about your qualities.
- Think of a good conclusion and sign off with words such as, “Thanking You,” “Best Regards,” “Sincerely,” etc.
- When writing a cover letter for fresher, be specific to the job role and description.
In the 1st Paragraph- Clearly introduce yourself. In the 2nd Paragraph- highlight your relevant skills, work experiences, achievements, and accomplishments. In the 3rdParagraph- Highlight your best qualities and explain why you’re a good fit for an XYZ company or organization. In the 4th Paragraph- Conclude with a call to action.
Examine the job posting carefully and do some research on the company’s website. At the start of the paper, include your contact information. Introduce yourself and greet the reader. Explain your relevant abilities and achievements for the role. Remind them why you’re the ideal candidate for the job.
A well-written cover letter for a fresher can assist companies in selecting the best applicant for the position.
Your cover letter should accomplish four goals: Introduce yourself as a strong prospect to the possible employer. Include your reasoning for why the employer should hire you. Make a pleasant and lasting first impression on the company as a candidate.
There are 3 types of cover letters are: the application cover letter, the prospecting cover letter, and the networking cover letter.
As a fresher, job hunting can be a tedious task and creating a resume or a cover letter for fresher are equally important. There are certain things we tend to miss out – when we lack work experience. But do not worry, our experts at Leverage Edu can help you in developing a job-winning resume with perfection. Give us a follow on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn . Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.
Team Leverage Edu
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Fresh Graduate Cover Letter Sample
September 15, 2021
Over 20+ cover letter samples developed by our experts for various industries and job functions in Singapore. Scroll down to explore and download.
Fresh graduate cover letter [full sample].
- Fresh Graduate Cover Letter Writing & Job Search Guide
Here’s a sample Cover Letter we recently produced for a Fresh Graduate in Singapore.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- About the Fresh Graduate Role
- What Hiring Manager Look For In Fresh Graduate Cover Letter
Fresh Graduate Job Opportunities
Job hunting tips from our resident headhunter.
Here’s a full Fresh Graduate Cover Letter sample, which we wrote for a client recently.
[If you know the name of the Hiring Manager, personalise your application by addressing the person directly. Job ads on LinkedIn, for example, display the name of the person posting the ad.]
It is with great enthusiasm that I submit my application for the position of Advertising Account Executive at ABC Agency . With 6 months’ experience in internship programs, I’ve developed extensive client servicing skills through supporting key accounts across food services, FMCG and aviation sectors. Besides acquiring deep understanding of client relations and brands’ marketing needs, I’ve also gained first-hand experience coordinating campaigns, and oversaw entire campaign lifecycles from conceptualisation to delivery. Being a fast and proactive learner, I am positive that working at ABC Agency will be a great opportunity for me to continue growing my expertise. [Identify your best skills that fit the job ad and role, and include this in your overview of your internship stints. Detail key responsibilities that are also reflected in the ad.]
- I am currently a fresh graduate from the Singapore University’s Communications and New Media programme, actively seeking opportunities to kick-start my career in advertising. Through my passion and experience, I was appointed Marketing Lead of my university’s student-run magazine Z Magazine , and have successfully led multiple marketing campaigns for fundraisers. I am most proud of initiating a partnership with local NGO JKL Organisation, working closely with JKL’s marketing team to manage a social media campaign that raised MYR15K within 1 week. [You can also highlight co-curricular and other school activities, if they are relevant to job requirements. Include metrics, if available, to show impact of your achievements! These help you stand out and compel recruiters to read on.]
- My most notable internship experience was working with Saatchi & Saatchi , where I managed a budget of up to MYR50K and oversaw smooth execution of 6 print campaigns for international airline Emirates. Significantly, I played a key role in bringing Cadbury’s “Flying License” TVC to life, with active involvement in pre-production, production, and post-production. [Focus again on your top skills as required by the role. Highlight key internship or working experiences and achievements that are directly relevant to the target role. Include metrics to show context and scale for your contributions.]
ABC Agency is globally known for its award-winning creative work, and unmatched roster of prominent clients including McDonald’s and Johnson & Johnson. My strong academic background in Communication & New Media, focused on Advertising and Marketing, coupled with practical experience from my internship programs, will allow me to contribute effectively to ABC Agency’s continued growth and performance, particularly by generating out-of-the-box ideas for distinctive and impactful campaigns, and developing fruitful relationships with clients. [Address the company, explain why they matter, and mention how your skills and experiences can contribute to their success. You may also highlight academic modules and motivations that add value to your application. This shows your initiative and enthusiasm as a promising candidate.]
I am thrilled at the possibility of being part of such a renowned organisation and would love the opportunity to meet with you and discuss the value I can bring to ABC Agency . I appreciate your time and kind consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you. Please feel free to contact me at any time via mobile at +65 1234 5678 or by email at [email protected] [Always end your Cover Letter with a call-to-action. Show excitement to meet the potential recruiter and offer ways you can be contacted.]
Yours sincerely, Monica
About Applying for Roles as a Fresh Graduate
Congratulations, you’ve reached a major life milestone!
It’s now time to officially begin your first career!
Fresh graduates often spend hours labouring over their resume to make sure it’s perfect, but treat their Cover Letter as an afterthought.
They cannot be more wrong!
You need BOTH your resume and a stellar Cover Letter to stand out.
The Cover Letter leaves a lasting impression – it allows the recruiter to get to know you on a deeper level, and emphasises the value you can bring to your new company.
It may seem tricky to craft an impactful entry-level Cover Letter with limited working experience, but there are ways to highlight your strengths and potential, and show that you’re the ideal candidate for the job.
What Hiring Managers Look for in a Fresh Graduate Cover Letter
- Work and Internship Experiences: Definitely include these, if you have them! Talk about what you’ve learnt from these stints, key skills you’ve developed, and major projects you were part of. If possible, weave in metrics to establish context for your work, and show the impact of your contributions.
- Demonstrable Skills and Experiences: If you don’t have prior work experience, fret not! Make sure you include your co-curricular activities/achievements, community service and other significant pursuits that are relevant to the role you’re applying, or where you can demonstrate essential abilities such as leadership and communication skills.
- Relevant Academic Modules and Coursework: Consider highlighting relevant coursework or modules you’ve done in university to demonstrate your interest and theoretical foundation in these areas – particularly if you don’t have prior work experience.
- Transferable or Technical Skills: You can always highlight transferable skills you’ve used or picked up at university, such as auditing, marketing, writing, data entry, graphic design, coding, etc.
- Ability to Work with Various Stakeholders : You might not be able to show your experience working in large corporate environments, but you can talk about how you’ve worked with different types of people – your professors, community leaders, other students etc. These speak to skills such as leadership, communication skills, teamwork, time management, creative problem-solving, and so on.
- Always customise your Cover Letter! Don’t distribute the same Cover Letter to every recruiter. You MUST show that you know the company, and tailor your CV towards it. This personalised approach helps you stand out from other applicants and shows your eagerness regarding the opportunity.
- Join LinkedIn groups or follow companies you wish to work for to keep abreast with new job openings.
- Alternatively, you can reach out to these headhunters in Singapore to learn about any vacancies they may be trying to fill out.
- Create a winning cover letter and send it along your resume. The cover letter will serve as an introduction about yourself and is a great venue to answer the question “Why should we hire you?”
- Be active on social media, particularly on LinkedIn . Make sure to create a strong online profile that represents you and you professional experiences. Here’s our comprehensive guide on writing a great LinkedIn profile .
Before You Go…
Before you start sending out applications, send us your resume for a free CV feedback analysis from our team. We’ll review your CV in detail, share personalised feedback on its strengths and weaknesses, and show you how you can improve it.
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Job Application Letter Sample for Fresh Graduates
How to write a cover letter for a fresh graduate, cover letter tips for fresh graduates without experience, extra cover letter tips for 5 different new graduates, how to send an application letter for fresh graduates by email.
Aside from a well-prepared resume, we all know that a cover letter is required for applying for a job. But what is a cover letter in precise? What is the significance and how important is it?
📝 A cover letter is a single-page document that showcases your professional skills, achievements, personality, and your suitability for the desired job position. Overall, a cover letter guides recipients to screen through your job application and examine your suitability.
Therefore, an outstanding cover letter can undoubtedly distinguish you from many others applying for the job.
As a fresh graduate, you may not have formal experience in the work field. Therefore, a job application letter for fresh graduates becomes an important role in making the first impression on the hiring manager.
We will provide paragraph-by-paragraph writing guides and tips in composing a persuasive job application letter for fresh graduates that helps you land a job, regardless of how much experience you have.
Mark Spence
0955-555-555 No. 56, Section 678, Zhongshan Road, Banqiao District, New Taipei City, 220 [email protected]
Ms. Ling Mei Shuan No.6, Lane 876, Songshan Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City,110
Dear Ms. Ling,
I am Mark Spence, a graduate of National Taiwan University with a Bachelor Degree in International Business and a Masters of Management from University of Michigan.
I am writing to express my interest in applying for the marketing position in your esteemed company. As a recent graduate of University of Michigan, I'm eager to bring my knowledge, skills, and commitment to excellence to your company's innovative environment.
During my studies, I acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to develop and implement solid marketing strategies. My six-month internship in the StarTech Company's Marketing Department taught me how to analyze target audiences' needs, conduct precision marketing, and respond to competitors' tactics. More importantly, I learned how to pitch marketing proposals to executives and how to set prices to maximize profit and sales volumes from experienced professionals.
Additionally, I have been involved in many academic and extracurricular activities in school, which helped me develop my communication and leadership skills, both of which are vital for success in the workplace.
As it would be my first time working in an office environment, I am confident that I can learn quite quickly and contribute immediately to your team and company.
Thank you for reviewing my application. I would appreciate the chance to speak with you in person and show you how my skills can assist your company in achieving its goals.
Yours sincerely, Mark Spence
Now you have a rough idea from the cover letter sample for fresh graduate students, let's look into more details.
Cover Letter Header
The cover letter header is the heading that appears at the top of the fresh graduate cover letter.
The header includes:
- Contact information
- Email address
- Date of writing
Your professional information will be immediately identifiable if you add a header to your fresh graduate cover letter.
Salutation
Begin with the phrase "Dear [Hiring Manager's Name]," to demonstrate politeness and sincerity. Usually you would be able to find the hiring manager's name and title on the company's website. If not, LinkedIn can come into handy.
To start off the opening paragraph for the cover letter for fresh graduates, greet your hiring manager by introducing your name, the position you’re applying for, and your academic qualifications.
You should also mention how you came across the job position and if you were recommended by anyone currently working at the company.
💡 Note: Your chance of getting an interview will increase when you specify your connection with the company.
In this part of the job application letter for fresh graduates, you should express your interest and point out your reason for applying for the job position. Evident reasons will illustrate a clearer idea of your goals and visions for joining the company.
Nonetheless, it is a perfect opportunity to showcase your knowledge of the company and your commitment to supporting its culture, mission, and values.
Key Qualifications
The qualification part is the main body of your fresh graduate cover letter. In this section, you should demonstrate both your capability and eligibility for the role to the hiring manager.
1. Identify the qualifications and skills required for the job you are applying for.
For example, the required skills for a marketing manager role are:
- Customer Value analysis
- Brand Positioning
- Marketing research
2. Showcase the valuable skills and experiences you possess by relating them to the required skills.
The next step is to connect your skills to the job requirements. You can do so by highlighting your past experiences.
Let’s say we're composing the application letter for marketing fresh graduates. Perhaps you have conducted customer value analysis for Starbucks in a marketing course or master’s thesis. This relevant experience can serve as an evidence of your eligibility and capability for the position.
3. Mention any academic awards, extracurriculars, and certifications.
In the fresh graduate cover letter, do mention academic awards, extracurriculars, and certifications that highlight your hard and soft skills relevant to the job match.
4. Quantify the information with numbers and statistics.
Consider numbers and statistics that will clarify what you can bring to the table in terms of performance and value.
Additional Information
In order to attract the potential employer's attention, you should demonstrate passion for the job and a desire for continuous learning. Thus, the fresh graduate cover letter should include a statement describing why the position appeals to you.
💡 Tip : Be specific about why you are interested in working at the company, including the job aspects, its products, or culture. Show in the cover letter that you’re interested in the specific job you’re applying to, and not just any job.
In addition, outline any factors that could help you succeed in the position, including your qualifications, certifications, personal projects, volunteer work, personality, family history, etc.
Wrap up your fresh graduate application letter for employment by restating your interest in the position and your anticipation of an interview in the future.
In addition, do mention your interest in scheduling a phone call to further discuss the job position. This will not only demonstrate how initiative you are in terms of opportunities, it also shows your enthusiasm towards the job.
In closing, thank the hiring manager for spending time reading your cover letter. Also, don't forget to mention if there is any portfolio or relevant certificate attached. Finally, sign your full name at the end of the letter. Then you’re all set!
Here are some tips on writing a fresh graduate cover letter with no experience:
#Tip 1: Incl ude keywords in your cover letter for fresh graduates.
Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to review and screen applications. They can utilize software like this by typing in specific keywords ( such as "degree" or "management experience") as search criteria, so they can retain only those cover letters that meet their needs. Therefore, the keywords and phrases you use in the job application letter for fresh graduates have the potential to make you stand out from the rest.
#Tip 2: Tailor the fresh graduate cover letter to the job and company.
It is important to meet the criteria of the job description. Therefore, you should carefully examine the keywords and phrases listed in the job description in order to tailor your cover letter based on your skills.
- Read the job description carefully
- List down the required skills and keywords
- Relate these required skills and responsibilities to your academic performance, relevant coursework and skills
- Elaborate on the performances and skills you’ve acquired
#Tip 3: Highlight specific skills.
When it comes to a lack of work experience, it is crucial to highlight your skills. The skills that you possess directly reflect your capability.
💡 Tip : Getting hired requires both hard and soft skills that are depicted in the right way.
To start with, hard skills are the technical and practical ability that fits the job. Hard skills are normally measurable, and transferable through courses and books. Soft skills, on the other hand, are abilities not particular to any jobs. Soft skills are used in communication, teamwork, or project management, just to name a few.
Below listed the top 10 most-in-demand hard skills and soft skills to mention in your cover letter for a fresh graduate. Feel free to customize your list to meet the specific job requirements:
#Tip 4: Proofread.
When you've finished writing the fresh graduate cover letter, reread it carefully before you send it to a prospective employer. It is the little things that count when it comes to making a good first impression.
- Ensure that the address, company name, and hiring manager's name are spelled correctly.
- Check for content-related errors, such as inaccurate work experience, unrelated skills, or missing materials.
- Make use of software tools to fix grammatical errors.
- Avoid informal language and punctuation.
#Tip 5: Be honest.
When writing a fresh graduate cover letter, be honest about your level of expertise. You can show your confidence and capability, but don't oversell yourself. Knowing something about a subject doesn't mean you are an expert; it isn't necessary to claim that you are; learning through experience can always gain more insights and credibility.
Finally, as a fresh graduate, do you know how to create websites and social media campaigns? Are you familiar with a foreign language? Are you passionate about any related field that requires soft skills? Be sure to include these in your fresh graduate cover letter if they are stated in the job requirements.
Fresh Graduate Nurses
Accounting fresh graduates, fresh graduate engineers, fresh graduate teachers, fresh graduates of business administration .
The ultimate key to writing a convincing job application letter for fresh graduates is to tailor the content based on the respective fields of profession. Therefore, the content you compose should always meet the requirements and aspect of the job.
A key component to being a good nurse is to have empathy towards your patients. Moreover, you need to show patience, tenderness, and be gentle when handling situations. If you possess these abilities and traits, do not neglect to tell the hiring manager in your application letter.
You can do so by explaining why you would be a good hire in the cover letter for fresh graduates.
💡 Tip : Elaborate on the interpersonal skills you possess that can lead to improved patient experiences, thus leveraging the business.
As for writing a cover letter for an accounting job as a fresh graduate, it’s essential to outline your unique experience and hard skills. Do mention any accountancy skills you possess.
List down your areas of expertise in detail, for example:
- Payables and receivables management
- Confirm and reconcile goods and services invoices
- Payroll tax and budget management
For a cover letter for fresh graduate engineers, start off by emphasizing your technical expertise.
- Develop lightweight materials, and performs structural tests and analyses results to identify areas of weakness
- Follow meticulous construction notes throughout production to maintain uniform standards
- Integrate production goals into the design while maintaining structural integrity
Likewise cover letters for fresh graduate nurses, it is vital to provide not only your technical skills. Many engineering companies look favorably on accomplishments and experiences outside of the field.
Below is a list of the most common soft skills to include in fresh graduate cover letters for engineering jobs:
- Problem-solving
- Detail-focused
- Structure analysis
- Industry knowledge
🔖 Reminder: Be sure to mention any skills you have. Make sure to let the potential employers know what skills you possess by illustrating why you are a good fit for engineering jobs.
No matter if it's an application letter for english teacher or an application letter for an elementary teacher,the application letter for teacher fresh graduates should highlight professional and academic experience that add credibility to the application.
Therefore, do mention the following details in your cover letter:
- Credentials: If you are applying for your first teaching position, focus more on your academic credentials than on your limited professional experience. Include any certificates you have earned, too.
- Relevant soft skills : Mention any relevant soft skills such as organization, patience, and leadership skills that would come in handy in a number of different situations.
- Technical skills: Discuss any teaching techniques relevant to enhancing student performance, such as syllable selection and learning plan management.
- Tools for teaching : Highlight any technology tools you are proficient with that can demonstrate your capability in teaching.
Apart from a persuasive degree and certificate, fresh graduates of business administration should possess strong operating skills to conduct high demand tasks such as:
- Develop objectives, procedures, and policies for the department or organization
- Budget and oversee the financial affairs of an organization
- Consult with directors, managers, and executives regarding operations
- Perform an analysis of financial statements and sales reports
- Identify chances for reducing costs and improving policy and program performance
- Establish department KPIs while demonstrating strong cross-departmental integration and communication skills
As a result, these are the abilities that you should emphasize in a cover letter for business administration fresh graduates. If you do not have any prior experience, you may propose ideas and concepts related to the tasks, aiming to enhance the company's management and performance.
You can send your fresh graduate cover letter in two ways: as an attachment or in the body of the email.
Here's how you can do it:
➡️ Send as an attachment.
- First, do check what kind of file format is required from the job company. Overall, it is common practice to attach PDF files. Thus if your fresh graduate application letter for employment is a Word document, save it as a PDF file by selecting "File, Save As, PDF(.pdf).
- Next, please label the file with your name to prevent it from mixing with other applicants’, e.g. markspencecoverletter.doc.
- Finally, attach it in the email where you mention your attachment as follows: "Attached is my cover letter for your review and consideration."
➡️ Send as the body of the email.
Some employers do not accept attachments. Therefore, you can paste your fresh graduate application letter for employment into your email message to send it as the body.
Do keep in mind with several adjustments :
- Make the font simple and remove any fancy formatting
- Omit cover letter header. You do not need a cover letter header in this case.
- Add the subject line. The subject line not only indicates the subject of the cover letter, but also helps the recipient decide whether he or she should spend time reading it.
- Provide an email signature. In a professional email signature, you should include your name and contact information.
- Subject : Your Name - The Position Title - the company name - Job ID(if any)
- Signature : Mark Spence | 0955-555-555
--- Originally written by Vivian Chen ---
With the intention of helping job seekers to fully display their value, CakeResume creates an accessible free resume/CV/biodata builder, for users to build highly-customized resumes. Having a compelling resume is just like a piece of cake!
Here are a few links that may be helpful
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21+ Cover Letter Examples in 2023 [For All Professions]
No matter where you are in your career, or what job you’re applying for, submitting a cover letter with your resume is a must .
Done right, a cover letter will effectively complement your resume and explain to the hiring manager in more detail why you’re the right person for the job.
Writing a cover letter, however, is easier said than done.
You have to effectively demonstrate that you’ll be able to perform the responsibilities listed in the job description and that you’d be a better fit for the company compared to other candidates.
And unless you’re a professional writer, this can be a very hard task.
Fortunately, we created these cover letter examples to inspire you and help you get started with your own cover letter!
Let’s dive in!
21 Cover Letter Examples
#1. career change cover letter example .
Here’s what this cover letter does right:
- Has an ideal length. This cover letter includes all the relevant information for the hiring manager without getting into too much detail.
- Relevant introduction. The candidate explains that they’re changing careers and why they want to work in this new field from the get-go.
- Explains their related experience. The candidate explains how their previous experience in retail sales can help them succeed in PR.
Want to learn how to write a career change resume that’s on par with your cover letter? Check out our guide!
#2. Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example
- Personally greets the hiring manager. The candidate has taken the time to find the hiring manager’s name and address them by it, which makes the opening of the cover letter much more personal.
- Wraps up with a call to action. The candidate wraps up the cover letter by suggesting a meeting with the hiring manager, which makes them more memorable.
- Explains why the candidate is the right person for the internship. In this cover letter for an internship , the candidate explains how they’ve previously interned in a different firm, which gives them the experience to succeed in this role.
Have you just graduated from college? Make sure to check out our guide on writing an entry-level cover letter from start to finish!
#3. Middle Management Cover Letter Example
- Use of bullet points. The candidate presents the information in a concise and reader-friendly way, making it easy for the hiring manager to find their key achievements.
- Formal closing. The candidate has used a formal and polite tone to conclude their cover letter, which combined with a call to action makes them look professional and passionate about getting the job.
- Explains how the company would benefit from hiring them. The candidate outlines exactly what they could do for the company, which not only highlights their skills but also shows they’ve done their research on the company’s needs.
#4. Business Manager Cover Letter Example
- Detailed header. In addition to the must-have contact details, this candidate has also included their professional Twitter and LinkedIn profiles, making it easy for the hiring manager to look more closely into their career.
- Concise and to the point. This candidate has used short paragraphs and bullet points to make the cover letter easy to skim through.
- Wraps up with a call to action. By letting the hiring manager know they’ll be contacting them soon, they’re more likely to make an impression.
Check out this article for a complete writing guide and an inspiring business manager resume sample.
#5. Ph.D. Cover Letter Example
Here’s what this cover letter does right:
- Attention-grabbing introduction. In the opening paragraph, this candidate explains why they’re passionate about pursuing a Ph.D. in great detail.
- Explains the candidate’s qualifications in detail. The candidate builds on their passion by explaining how they’re also qualified for the degree because of their education history and academic achievements.
#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example
- Professional and minimalistic template. This senior executive has used a professional but minimalistic template that lets their work experience do the talking.
- Achievement-oriented opening paragraph. Right from the get-go, this candidate explains what makes them so good at their job, effectively grabbing the hiring manager’s attention.
- Wraps up with a call to action. By suggesting to have a meeting and discussing how they can help the company meet its goals, the candidate stands more chance to make a positive lasting impression.
#7. Architect Cover Letter Example
- Modern resume template. This architect has picked a template that perfectly matches his industry, as it is professional and modern at the same time.
- A personal greeting to the HR. They address the hiring manager by their first name, which helps make a better first impression.
- Measurable achievements. By quantifying their achievements, the candidate proves their achievements instead of just claiming them.
Struggling with your architect resume ? Check out our full guide!
#8. Business Analyst Cover Letter Example
- Detailed contact information. The candidate has listed both their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles, providing the HR manager an opportunity to learn more about the candidate.
- Mentions what the candidate can do for the company. This cover letter doesn’t just explain why the job would be great for the candidate, but also how the candidate would benefit the company. Win-win, right?
- Error-free and reader-friendly. It’s super important for the cover letter to have no spelling or grammatical errors and be reader-friendly. This candidate made sure they did both.
Need a resume alongside your cover letter? Check out our guide on how to write a business analyst resume .
#9. Consultant Cover Letter Example
- Professional cover letter template. Being an experienced consultant, this candidate has picked a professional template that doesn’t steal the spotlight from their achievements.
- Experience and achievement-oriented. The candidate has effectively elaborated on their top achievements relevant to the job.
- Highlights the candidate’s passion. To show they want the job, this candidate has also explained how passionate they are about their profession.
For more advice on landing a job as a consultant, check out our guide to writing a consultant resume .
#10. Digital Marketing Cover Letter Example
- Creative cover letter template. This digital marketer highlights their originality by picking a creative cover letter template.
- Lists the candidate’s awards. The candidate has taken advantage of the cover letter to list their most noteworthy awards in the industry.
- Concludes with a call to action. As they used a call to action to conclude their cover letter, the HR manager will be more likely to remember them.
Want to take your digital marketing resume to the next level? Check out our guide!
#11. Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example
- Detailed contact information. The candidate has included additional contact information such as their website link, as well as their LinkedIn and Twitter profiles.
- Ideal length. This cover letter is concise, which means that the HR manager is more likely to read it from start to finish.
- Draws attention to the candidate’s strong points. Although this candidate is a recent college graduate, they’ve managed to effectively show that they have enough knowledge and experience to do the job right.
Read this guide to write a graphic designer resume that’s just as good as your cover letter!
#12. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Example
- Minimalistic cover letter template. The candidate picked a well-designed but minimalistic template for their cover letter.
- Focused on skills and achievements. This cover letter is packed with the candidate’s skills and achievements, proving he can be an excellent employee.
- Formal closing. Politeness can go a long way and the candidate has used this to their advantage to make an impression.
Our article on how to write an administrative assistant resume can help you take your job application to the next level.
#13. Front Desk Cover Letter Example
- Modern cover letter template. This template incorporates memorable colors and clear lines, which make the cover letter very visually appealing.
- Attention-grabbing introduction. Using an attention-grabbing intro, the candidate is more likely to make an impression.
- Calls the HR to action. By including a call to action, the candidate is reminding the HR of their immediate availability.
#14. Human Resources Cover Letter Example
- It is concise and to the point. The candidate doesn’t dwell on unimportant details the HR won’t be interested in.
- Uses a traditional cover letter template. The cover letter design is more on the conventional side, which fits the industry better.
- Highlights the candidate’s strong points. The candidate has rich work experience and they use the cover letter to elaborate on it.
This HR resume guide can help you get your resume just right.
#15. Sales Agent Cover Letter Example
- Attention-grabbing cover letter template. As a salesperson, this candidate knows how important first impressions are, so they’ve picked a catchy cover letter template.
- Has an ideal length. At the same time, they’ve also made sure to keep their cover letter at just the right length.
- Lists the candidate’s career highlights. The candidate has made perfect use of the space by mentioning their most impressive professional achievements.
Check out this sales agent resume guide to create an attention-grabbing sales resume .
#16. Receptionist Cover Letter Example
- Modern but minimalistic cover letter template. The template’s design hints the candidate is creative but professional at the same time.
- Uses a catchy introduction. The candidate has used an attention-grabbing opening paragraph to catch HR’s attention.
- Concludes the cover letter formally. The candidate proves that they’re polite and well-spoken, a quality very much important for the role they’re applying for.
Take your receptionist resume to the next level with this receptionist resume guide .
#17. Information Technology Cover Letter Example
- Mentions measurable achievements. Numbers make an impact, which is why this candidate has included measurable achievements.
- Lists both soft and hard skills. The candidate has mentioned a great mix of soft and hard skills, showing how well-rounded they are.
- Contains relevant contact information. The candidate’s GitHub, website name, LinkedIn, and Twitter profiles are all great additions to the resume.
Looking for tips to help you write a great IT resume ? Check out our guide!
#18. Real Estate Cover Letter Example
- Ideal length. Short and to the point, this cover letter is bound to get noticed by the HR manager.
- Wraps up with a call to action. This candidate reinforces the HR to call them back through a final call to action.
- Mentions the right skills. On top of their sales accomplishments, the candidate touch upon important soft skills such as customer service and communication .
This real estate resume guide will help you take your resume from good to great.
#19. Teacher Cover Letter Example
- Mentions relevant contact information details. This candidate has included optional (but relevant) contact information details, such as their LinkedIn, Quora, and Medium profiles.
- Achievement-oriented. The candidate has elaborated on their achievements in more detail throughout their cover letter.
- Highlights the candidate’s passion. For some jobs, being passionate is much more important than for others. Teaching is one of these jobs, which is why this candidate explains their passion for the job.
Our guide on how to write a teacher resume has all the tips you need to land the job.
#20. Project Manager Cover Letter Example
- Leverages a catchy introduction. Through a catchy introductory paragraph, this candidate is sure to grab the HR’s attention and get them to read the rest of their cover letter.
- Lists measurable accomplishments. This candidate explains exactly what they’ve achieved using numbers and hard data.
- Personally greets the HR. A personal greeting sounds much better than “Dear Sir/Madam,” and the candidate knows this.
This guide on how to write a project manager resume can help you perfect your appication.
#21. Paralegal Cover Letter Example
- Minimalistic cover letter template. This cover letter design looks good but doesn’t steal the show from the candidate’s abilities.
- Mentions the candidate’s academic achievements and extracurricular activities. Although the candidate is a recent graduate, they’ve used the cover letter to explain they have enough skills and achievements to do the job.
- Lists measurable achievements. The candidate proves they did well in their internship by mentioning quantifiable achievements.
Check out this paralegal resume guide to perfect yours.
What is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume .
Its purpose is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, your cover letter should be from 250 to 400 words long .
A good cover letter can give the hiring manager more insight into what makes you a good candidate and help them make up their mind about whether they should invite you for an interview. A bad cover letter, though, will get ignored (at best) and lose you the job (at worst).
So, to make sure this doesn’t happen, it’s essential to know how to write a convincing cover letter.
The first thing to remember is that a cover letter is a supplement to your resume, not a replacement. Meaning, you shouldn’t just repeat whatever is mentioned in your resume and call it a day.
Optimally, you should use your cover letter to shed more light on your skills and qualifications, as well as explain anything you didn’t have space for in your resume (e.g. a career gap or why you’re changing careers).
If you’re writing a cover letter for the first time, though, putting all this together might seem pretty tough.
Fortunately, you can follow our tried-and-tested format to make the experience much easier:
- Header - Input your contact information.
- Greeting the hiring manager - Open the cover letter with a “Dear Sir or Madam,” or use the hiring manager’s name if you know what that is.
- Opening paragraph - Grab the hiring manager’s attention by getting straight to the point. Mention what your professional experiences are, and what role you’re applying for.
- The second paragraph - Explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job. Mention your top 2-3 achievements, your top skills, why you want to work in that specific industry, and whatever else is relevant.
- The third paragraph - End your cover letter with a call to action. E.g. “I would love to meet personally and discuss how I can help Company X.”
- Formal closing - Something like this: “Thank you for your consideration. Best, John Doe.”
Here’s what this looks like in practice:
9 Tips to Write a Cover Letter (the Right Way)
Now that we've covered the basics, let's talk about cover letter tips . Below, we'll give you all the knowledge you need to take your cover letter from "OK" to "great."
#1. Pick the right template
A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.
And what’s a better way to leave a good impression than through a professional, well-formatted, and visual template?
You can simply pick one of our tried-and-tested cover letter templates and you’ll be all set!
#2. Add your contact details on the header
The best way to start your cover letter is through a header.
Here’s what you want to include there:
- Phone Number
- Name of the hiring manager / their professional title
- Name of the company you’re applying to
Optionally, you can also include the following:
- Social Media Profiles - Any type of profile that’s relevant to your field. Social Profiles on websites like LinkedIn, GitHub (for developers), Medium (for writers), etc.
- Personal Website - If you have a personal website that somehow adds value to your application, you can mention it. Let’s say you’re a professional writer. In that case, you’d want to link to your content portfolio site or blog.
#3. Greet the hiring manager the right way
Once you’ve listed all your relevant contact information, it’s time to address the hiring manager reading your cover letter.
A good practice here is to find the hiring manager’s name and address them directly instead of using the traditional “dear sir or madam.” This shows that you’re really invested in the company and that you took your time to do some research about the job.
So, how can you find out the hiring manager’s name?
One way to do this is by looking up the head of the company’s relevant department on LinkedIn. Let’s say you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novoresume. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Office.
Or let’s say you’re applying for the position of server at a restaurant. In that case, you’d be looking to find out who the restaurant manager is.
If this doesn’t work, you can also check out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.
If you still can’t find out the hiring manager’s name, here are several other greetings you can use:
- Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
- Dear Hiring Manager
- To whom it may concern
- Dear [Department] Team
#4. Create an attention-grabbing introduction
Recruiters get hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of applications. Chances are, they’re not going to be reading every single cover letter end-to-end.
So, it’s essential to catch their attention from the very first paragraph.
The problem with most cover letter opening paragraphs, though, is that they’re usually extremely generic, often looking something like this:
Hey, my name is Jonathan and I’d like to work as a Sales Manager at XYZ Inc. I’ve worked as a sales manager at MadeUpCompany Inc. for 5+ years, so I believe that I’d be a good fit for the position.
As you can probably tell, this opening paragraph doesn’t tell the hiring manager anything other than that you’ve worked the job before - and that’s not really helpful in setting you apart from other candidates.
What you want to do, instead, is start off with 2-3 of your top achievements to really grab the reader’s attention. Preferably, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.
For example:
My name’s Michael and I’d like to help XYZ Inc. hit and exceed its sales goals as a Sales Manager. I’ve worked with Company X, a fin-tech company, for 3+ years. As a Sales Representative, I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month (beating the KPIs by around 40%). I believe that my previous industry experience, as well as my excellence in sales, makes me the right candidate for the role of X at Company Y.
The second example shows how the candidate is a top performer. The first just shows that they’ve worked a sales job before.
Which one are YOU more likely to invite for an interview?
#5. Show you’re the perfect person for the job
One great thing about cover letters is that they allow you to expand more on the top achievements from your resume and really show the hiring manager that you’re the right person for the job.
A good way to do that is to first read the job ad and really understand what skills/experiences are required, and then to ensure that your cover letter touches upon the said skills or experiences.
In my previous role as a Facebook Marketing Expert at XYZ Inc. I handled customer acquisition through ads, managing a monthly Facebook ad budget of $20,000+. As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. This means I created the ad copy and images, as well as picked the targeting, ran optimization trials, and so on.
Other than Facebook advertising, I’ve also delved into other online PPC channels, including:
- Google Search
#6. Explain why you’re a great company fit
The HR manager doesn’t only look at whether you’ll be good at the job or not. They’re looking for someone that’s also a good fit for the company culture.
After all, employees that don’t fit in are bound to quit, sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary .
To convince the hiring manager that you’re a great company fit, do some research on the company and find out what it is you like about them, or about working there. You want to know things like:
- What’s the company’s business model?
- What’s the company's product or service? Have you used it?
- What’s the culture like? Will someone micro-manage your work, or will you have autonomy on how you get things done?
Then, turn your top reasons for liking to work there into text and add them to your cover letter!
#7. Wrap up with a call to action
To make the end of your cover letter as memorable as possible, you want to:
- Wrap up any points you couldn't in the previous paragraphs. Mention anything you’ve left out that you think could help the hiring manager make up your mind.
- Thank the hiring manager for their time. After all, it never hurts to be polite.
- Finish the cover letter with a call to action. A call to action is a great way to make your cover letter ending as memorable as possible.
#8. Write a formal closing
Once you’re done with the final paragraph, all you have to do is write down a formal “goodbye” and you’re good to go.
Feel free to use one of the most popular conclusions in a cover letter:
- Best Regards,
- Kind Regards,
#9. Proofread your cover letter
Last but not least, make sure to always proofread each and every document that you’ll be including in your job application - cover letter included.
The last thing you want is to be claiming you’re a great candidate for the job with a cover letter full of typos!
For an even more comprehensive guide on how to write an impactful cover letter , check out our article !
Cover Letter Writing Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have some questions about cover letters? Check out the answers below:
1. How do I write a simple cover letter?
To write a cover letter that’s simple but also professional, make sure to include a header with your personal information, a formal greeting to the hiring manager, an attention-grabbing opening paragraph, a second paragraph explaining why you’re a good candidate for the job, and a formal closing (preferably with a call to action).
2. What are the 3 parts of a cover letter?
The three parts of a cover letter are:
- The introduction , namely the header, the greeting to the hiring manager, and the opening paragraph.
- The sales pitch is usually the body of the cover letter.
- The conclusion involves a formal closing and a signature line.
3. What makes a great cover letter?
A great cover letter should be personalized for each job you’re applying for, instead of being overly generic. It’s also preferable to address the hiring manager by their name and not use the overly-used “Dear Sir/Madam.”
To make a great first impression, you should mention 1-2 of your top achievements in your opening paragraph - the more job-specific they are, the better. Also, don’t stop at showing the hiring manager why you’re a great candidate for the job. Make sure to also talk about how you’re a good culture fit for the company.
Last but not least, wrap up your closing paragraph with a call to action to give the hiring manager a little extra something to remember you by.
4. When is a cover letter necessary?
Unless the job ad specifically states otherwise, you should always include a cover letter with your job application .
Even if the hiring manager doesn’t read it, you will look more professional simply by including one.
And that’s a wrap! We hope our cover letter examples and writing tips will inspire you to write a cover letter that will land you your next job.
If you’re looking for more invaluable career advice and articles, make sure to check out our career blog , or any of these related articles:
- How to Make a Resume in 2023
- Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
- Cover Letter Format (w/ Examples & Free Templates)
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