cover letter for beginner examples

How to Write a Cover Letter [Full Guide & Examples for 2024]

After weeks of heavy job searching, you’re almost there!

You’ve perfected your resume.

You’ve short-listed the coolest jobs you want to apply for.

You’ve even had a friend train you for every single interview question out there.

But then, before you can send in your application and call it a day, you remember that you need to write a cover letter too.

So now, you’re stuck staring at a blank page, wondering where to start...

Don’t panic! We’ve got you covered. Writing a cover letter is a lot simpler than you might think. 

In this guide, we’re going to teach you how to write a cover letter that gets you the job you deserve.

We're going to cover:

What Is a Cover Letter?

• How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter, Step by Step
• 15+ Job-Winning Cover Letter Examples

Let’s get started.

A cover letter is a document that you submit as part of your job application, alongside your resume or CV.

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce you and briefly summarize your professional background. On average, it should be around 250 to 400 words long .

A good cover letter is supposed to impress the hiring manager and convince them you’re worth interviewing as a candidate.

So, how can your cover letter achieve this?

First of all, it should complement your resume, not copy it. Your cover letter is your chance to elaborate on important achievements, skills, or anything else that your resume doesn’t give you the space to cover. 

For example, if you have an employment gap on your resume, the cover letter is a great place to explain why it happened and how it helped you grow as a person. 

If this is your first time writing a cover letter, writing about yourself might seem complicated. But don’t worry—you don’t need to be super creative or even a good writer .

All you have to do is follow this tried and tested cover letter structure:

• Header. Add all the necessary contact information at the top of your cover letter.
• Formal greeting. Choose an appropriate way to greet your target audience.
• Introduction. Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph and explain your interest in the role.
• Body. Elaborate on why you’re the best candidate for the job and a good match for the company. Focus on “selling” your skills, achievements, and relevant professional experiences.
• Conclusion. Summarize your key points and wrap it up professionally.

Now, let’s take a look at an example of a cover letter that follows our structure perfectly:

New to cover letter writing? Give our cover letter video a watch before diving into the article!

When Should You Write a Cover Letter?

You should always include a cover letter in your job application, even if the hiring manager never reads it. Submitting a cover letter is as important as submitting a resume if you want to look like a serious candidate.

If the employer requests a cover letter as part of the screening process, not sending one is a huge red flag and will probably get your application tossed into the “no” pile immediately.

On the other hand, if the job advertisement doesn’t require a cover letter from the candidates, adding one shows you went the extra mile.

Putting in the effort to write a cover letter can set you apart from other candidates with similar professional experience and skills, and it could even sway the hiring manager to call you for an interview if you do it right.

Need to write a letter to help get you into a good school or volunteer program? Check out our guide to learn how to write a motivation letter !

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter

Now that you know what a cover letter is, it’s time to learn how to write one!

We’ll go through the process in detail, step by step.

#1. Choose the Right Cover Letter Template

A good cover letter is all about leaving the right first impression.

So, what’s a better way to leave a good impression than a well-formatted, stylish template?

Just choose one of our hand-picked cover letter templates , and you’ll be all set in no time!

As a bonus, our intuitive AI will even give you suggestions on how to improve your cover letter as you write it. You’ll have the perfect cover letter done in minutes!

#2. Put Contact Information in the Header

As with a resume, it’s important to start your cover letter with your contact details at the top. These should be in your cover letter’s header, separated neatly from the bulk of your text.

Here, you want to include all the essential contact information , including:

• Full Name. Your first and last name should stand out at the top.
• Job Title. Match the professional title underneath your name to the exact job title of the position you’re applying for. Hiring managers often hire for several roles at once, so giving them this cue about what role you’re after helps things go smoother.
• Email Address. Always use a professional and easy-to-spell email address. Ideally, it should combine your first and last names.
• Phone Number. Add a number where the hiring manager can easily reach you.
• Location. Add your city and state/country, no need for more details.
• Relevant Links (optional). You can add links to websites or social media profiles that are relevant to your field. Examples include a LinkedIn profile , Github, or an online portfolio.

Then it’s time to add the recipient’s contact details, such as:

• Hiring Manager's Name. If you can find the name of the hiring manager, add it.
• Hiring Manager's Title. While there’s no harm in writing “hiring manager,” if they’re the head of the department, we recommend you use that title accordingly.
• Company Name. Make sure to write the name of the company you're applying to.
• Location. The city and state/country are usually enough information here, too.
• Date of Writing (Optional). You can include the date you wrote your cover letter for an extra professional touch.

#3. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you’ve properly listed all the contact information, it’s time to start writing the content of the cover letter.

The first thing you need to do here is to address your cover letter directly to the hiring manager.

In fact, you want to address the hiring manager personally .

Forget the old “Dear Sir or Madam” or the impersonal “To Whom It May Concern.” You want to give your future boss a good impression and show them that you did your research before sending in your application.

No one wants to hire a job seeker who just spams 20+ companies and hopes something sticks with their generic approach

So, how do you find out who’s the hiring manager?

First, check the job ad. The hiring manager’s name might be listed somewhere in it.

If that doesn’t work, check the company’s LinkedIn page. You just need to look up the head of the relevant department you’re applying to, and you’re all set.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of Communication Specialist at Novorésumé. The hiring manager is probably the Head of Communications or the Chief Communications Officer.

Here’s what you should look for on LinkedIn:

And there you go! You have your hiring manager.

But let’s say you’re applying for a position as a server . In that case, you’d be looking for the “restaurant manager” or “food and beverage manager.”

If the results don’t come up with anything, try checking out the “Team” page on the company website; there’s a good chance you’ll at least find the right person there.

Make sure to address them as Mr. or Ms., followed by their last name. If you’re not sure about their gender or marital status, you can just stick to their full name, like so:

• Dear Mr. Kurtuy,
• Dear Andrei Kurtuy,

But what if you still can’t find the hiring manager’s name, no matter where you look?

No worries. You can direct your cover letter to the company, department, or team as a whole, or just skip the hiring manager’s name.

• Dear [Department] Hiring Manager
• Dear Hiring Manager
• Dear [Department] Team
• Dear [Company Name]

Are you applying for a research position? Learn how to write an academic personal statement .

#4. Write an Eye-Catching Introduction

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your job search.

Hiring managers 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 biggest problem with most opening paragraphs is that they’re usually extremely generic. Here’s an example:

• 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.

See the issue here? This opening paragraph doesn’t say anything except the fact that you’ve worked the job before.

And do you know who else has similar work experience? All the other applicants you’re competing with.

Instead, you want to start with some of your top achievements to grab the reader’s attention. And to get the point across, the achievements should be as relevant as possible to the position.

Your opening paragraph should also show the hiring manager a bit about why you want this specific job. For example, mention how the job relates to your plans for the future or how it can help you grow professionally. This will show the hiring manager that you’re not just applying left and right—you’re actually enthusiastic about getting this particular role.

Now, let’s make our previous example shine:

Dear Mr. Smith,

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 as a Sales Representative with Company X, another fin-tech company , for 3+ years, where I generated an average of $30,000+ in sales per month and beat the KPIs by around 40%. I believe that my previous industry experience, passion for finance , and excellence in sales make me the right candidate for the job.

The second candidate starts with what they can do for the company in the future and immediately lists an impressive and relevant achievement. Since they’re experienced in the same industry and interested in finance, the hiring manager can see they’re not just a random applicant.

From this introduction, it’s safe to say that the hiring manager would read the rest of this candidate’s cover letter.

#5. Use the Cover Letter Body for Details

The next part of your cover letter is where you can go into detail about what sets you apart as a qualified candidate for the job.

The main thing you need to remember here is that you shouldn’t make it all about yourself . Your cover letter is supposed to show the hiring manager how you relate to the job and the company you’re applying to.

No matter how cool you make yourself sound in your cover letter, if you don’t tailor it to match what the hiring manager is looking for, you’re not getting an interview.

To get this right, use the job ad as a reference when writing your cover letter. Make sure to highlight skills and achievements that match the job requirements, and you’re good to go.

Since this part of your cover letter is by far the longest, you should split it into at least two paragraphs.

Here’s what each paragraph should cover:

Explain Why You’re the Perfect Candidate for the Role

Before you can show the hiring manager that you’re exactly what they’ve been looking for, you need to know what it is they’re looking for.

Start by doing a bit of research. Learn what the most important skills and responsibilities of the role are according to the job ad, and focus on any relevant experience you have that matches them.

For example, if you’re applying for the position of a Facebook Advertiser. The top requirements on the job ad are:

• Experience managing a Facebook ad budget of $10,000+ / month
• Some skills in advertising on other platforms (Google Search + Twitter)
• Excellent copywriting skills

So, in the body of your cover letter, you need to show how you meet these requirements. Here’s an example of what that can look like:

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 $40,000+ . As the sole digital marketer at the company, I managed the ad creation and management process end-to-end. I created the ad copy and images, 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

Our example addresses all the necessary requirements and shows off the candidate’s relevant skills.

Are you a student applying for your first internship? Learn how to write an internship cover letter with our dedicated guide.

Explain Why You’re a Good Fit for the Company

As skilled and experienced as you may be, that’s not all the hiring manager is looking for.

They also want someone who’s a good fit for their company and who actually wants to work there.

Employees who don’t fit in with the company culture are likely to quit sooner or later. This ends up costing the company a ton of money, up to 50% of the employee’s annual salary , so hiring managers vet candidates very carefully to avoid this scenario.

So, you have to convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about working with them.

Start by doing some research about the company. 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 company’s culture like?

Chances are, you’ll find all the information you need either on the company website or on job-search websites like Jobscan or Glassdoor.

Then, pick your favorite thing about the company and talk about it in your cover letter.

But don’t just describe the company in its own words just to flatter them. Be super specific—the hiring manager can see through any fluff.

For example, if you’re passionate about their product and you like the company’s culture of innovation and independent work model, you can write something like:

I’ve personally used the XYZ Smartphone, and I believe that it’s the most innovative tech I’ve used in years. The features, such as Made-Up-Feature #1 and Made-Up-Feature #2, were real game changers for the device.

I really admire how Company XYZ strives for excellence in all its product lines, creating market-leading tech. As someone who thrives in a self-driven environment, I truly believe that I’ll be a great match for your Product Design team.

So, make sure to do your fair share of research and come up with good reasons why you're applying to that specific company.

Is the company you want to work for not hiring at the moment? Check out our guide to writing a letter of interest .

#6. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Finally, it’s time to conclude your cover letter.

In the final paragraph, you want to:

• Wrap up any points you couldn't make in the previous paragraphs. Do you have anything left to say? If there’s any other information that could help the hiring manager make their decision, mention it here. If not, just recap your key selling points so far, such as key skills and expertise.
• Express gratitude. Politely thanking the hiring manager for their time is always a good idea.
• Finish the cover letter with a call to action. The very last sentence in your cover letter should be a call to action. This means you should ask the hiring manager to do something, like call you and discuss your application or arrange an interview.
• Remember to sign your cover letter. Just add a formal closing line and sign your name at the bottom.

Here’s an example of how to end your cover letter :

I hope to help Company X make the most of their Facebook marketing initiatives. I'd love to further discuss how my previous success at XYZ Inc. can help you achieve your Facebook marketing goals. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the provided email address or phone number so that we may arrange an interview.

Thank you for your consideration,

Alice Richards

Feel free to use one of these other popular closing lines for your cover letter:

• Best Regards,
• Kind Regards,

Cover Letter Writing Checklist

Once you’re done with your cover letter, it’s time to check if it meets all industry requirements. 

Give our handy cover letter writing checklist a look to make sure:

Does your cover letter heading include all essential information?

• Professional Email
• Phone Number
• Relevant Links

Do you address the right person? 

• The hiring manager in the company
• Your future direct supervisor
• The company/department in general

Does your introductory paragraph grab the reader's attention?

• Did you mention some of your top achievements?
• Did you use numbers and facts to back up your experience?
• Did you convey enthusiasm for the specific role?

Do you show that you’re the right candidate for the job?

• Did you identify the core requirements for the role?
• Did you show how your experiences helped you fit the requirements perfectly?

Do you convince the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the company you’re applying to?

• Did you identify the top 3 things that you like about the company?
• Did you avoid generic reasons for explaining your interest in the company?

Did you conclude your cover letter properly?

• Did you recap your key selling points in the conclusion?
• Did you end your cover letter with a call to action?
• Did you use the right formal closing line and sign your name?

15 Cover Letter Tips

Now you’re all set to write your cover letter! 

Before you start typing, here are some cover letter tips to help take your cover letter to the next level:

• Customize Your Cover Letter for Each Job. Make sure your cover letter is tailored to the job you're applying for. This shows you're not just sending generic applications left and right, and it tells the hiring manager you’re the right person for the job.
• Showcase Your Skills. Talk about how your skills meet the company’s needs. And while your hard skills should be front and center, you shouldn’t underestimate your soft skills in your cover letter either.
• Avoid Fluff. Don’t make any generic statements you can’t back up. The hiring manager can tell when you’re just throwing words around, and it doesn’t make your cover letter look good.
• Use Specific Examples. Instead of saying you're great at something, give an actual example to back up your claim. Any data you can provide makes you sound more credible, so quantify your achievements. For example, give numbers such as percentages related to your performance and the timeframe it took to accomplish certain achievements.
• Research the Company. Always take time to learn about the company you're applying to. Make sure to mention something about them in your cover letter to show the hiring manager that you're interested.
• Follow the Application Instructions. If the job posting asks for something specific in your cover letter or requires a certain format, make sure you include it. Not following instructions can come off as unattentive or signal to the hiring manager that you’re not taking the job seriously.
• Use the Right Template and Format. Choose the right cover letter format and adapt your cover letter’s look to the industry you’re applying for. For example, if you’re aiming for a job in Law or Finance, you should go for a cleaner, more professional look. But if you’re applying for a field that values innovation, like IT or Design, you have more room for creativity.
• Express Your Enthusiasm. Let the hiring manager know why you're excited about the job. Your passion for the specific role or the field in general can be a big selling point, and show them that you’re genuinely interested, not just applying left and right.
• Address Any Gaps. If there are any employment gaps in your resume , your cover letter is a great place to mention why. Your resume doesn’t give you enough space to elaborate on an employment gap, so addressing it here can set hiring managers at ease—life happens, and employers understand.
• Avoid Quirky Emails. Your email address should be presentable. It’s hard for a hiring manager to take you seriously if your email address is “[email protected].” Just use a [email protected] format.
• Check Your Contact Information. Typos in your email address or phone number can mean a missed opportunity. Double-check these before sending your application.
• Mention if You Want to Relocate. If you’re looking for a job that lets you move somewhere else, specify this in your cover letter.
• Keep It Brief. You want to keep your cover letter short and sweet. Hiring managers don’t have time to read a novel, so if you go over one page, they simply won’t read it at all.
• Use a Professional Tone. Even though a conversational tone isn’t a bad thing, remember that it's still a formal document. Show professionalism in your cover letter by keeping slang, jargon, and emojis out of it.
• Proofread Carefully. Typos and grammar mistakes are a huge deal-breaker. Use a tool like Grammarly or QuillBot to double-check your spelling and grammar, or even get a friend to check it for you.

15+ Cover Letter Examples

Need some inspiration? Check out some perfect cover letter examples for different experience levels and various professions.

5+ Cover Letter Examples by Experience

#1. college student cover letter example.

Check out our full guide to writing a college student cover letter here.

#2. Middle Management Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a project manager cover letter here.

#3. Team Leader Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a team leader cover letter here.

#4. Career Change Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to a career change resume and cover letter here.

#5. Management Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a management cover letter here.

#6. Senior Executive Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an executive resume here.

9+ Cover Letter Examples by Profession

#1. it cover letter example.

Check out our full guide to writing an IT cover letter here.

#2. Consultant Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a consultant cover letter here.

#3. Human Resources Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a human resources cover letter here.

#4. Business Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a business cover letter here.

#5. Sales Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a sales cover letter here.

#6. Social Worker Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a social worker cover letter here.

#7. Lawyer Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing a lawyer cover letter here.

#8. Administrative Assistant Cover Letter

Check out our full guide to writing an administrative assistant cover letter here.

#9. Engineering Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing an engineer cover letter here.

#10. Receptionist Cover Letter Example

Check out our full guide to writing a receptionist cover letter here.

Need more inspiration? Check out these cover letter examples to learn what makes them stand out.

Plug & Play Cover Letter Template

Not sure how to start your cover letter? Don’t worry!

Just copy and paste our free cover letter template into the cover letter builder, and swap out the blanks for your details.

[Your Full Name]

[Your Profession]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Location]

[Your LinkedIn Profile URL (optional)]

[Your Personal Website URL (optional)]

[Recipient's Name, e.g., Jane Doe],

[Recipient's Position, e.g., Hiring Manager]

[Company Name, e.g., ABC Corporation]

[Company Address]

[City, State/Country]

Dear [Recipient's Name],

As a seasoned [Your Profession] with [Number of Years of Experience] years of industry experience, I am eager to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With my experience in [Your Industry/Sector] and the successes I've achieved throughout my education and career, I believe I can bring unique value and creativity to your team.

In my current role as [Your Current Job Title], I've taken the lead on more than [Number of Projects/Assignments] projects, some valued up to $[Highest Project Value]. I pride myself on consistently exceeding client expectations and have successfully [Mention a Key Achievement] in just a [Amount of Time] through [Skill] and [Skill].

I've collaborated with various professionals, such as [List Roles], ensuring that all [projects/tasks] meet [relevant standards or objectives]. This hands-on experience, coupled with my dedication to understanding each [client's/customer's] vision, has equipped me to navigate and deliver on complex projects.

My key strengths include:

• Improving [Achievement] by [%] over [Amount of Time] which resulted in [Quantified Result].
• Optimizing [Work Process/Responsibility] which saved [Previous Employer] [Amount of Time/Budget/Other Metric] over [Weeks/Months/Years]
• Spearheading team of [Number of People] to [Task] and achieving [Quantified Result].

Alongside this letter, I've attached my resume. My educational background, a [Your Degree] with a concentration in [Your Specialization], complements the practical skills that I'm particularly eager to share with [Company Name].

I'm excited about the possibility of contributing to [Something Notable About the Company or Its Mission]. I'd be grateful for the chance to delve deeper into how my expertise aligns with your needs.

Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

The Heart of Your Job Search - Creating a Killer Resume

Your cover letter is only as good as your resume. If either one is weak, your entire application falls through.

After all, your cover letter is meant to complement your resume. Imagine going through all this effort to leave an amazing first impression in your cover letter, only for the hiring manager to never read it because your resume was mediocre.

But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered here, too.

Check out our dedicated guide on how to make a resume and learn everything you need to know to land your dream job!

Just pick one of our resume templates and start writing your own job-winning resume.

Key Takeaways

Now that we’ve walked you through all the steps of writing a cover letter, let’s summarize everything we’ve learned:

• A cover letter is a 250 - 400 word document that’s meant to convince the hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for the job.
• Your job application should always include a cover letter alongside your resume.
• To grab the hiring manager’s attention, write a strong opening paragraph. Mention who you are, why you’re applying, and a standout achievement to pique their interest.
• Your cover letter should focus on why you’re the perfect candidate for the job and why you’re passionate about working in this specific company.
• Use the body of your cover letter to provide details on your skills, achievements, and qualifications, as well as make sure to convey your enthusiasm throughout your whole cover letter.
• Recap your key selling points towards the end of your cover letter, and end it with a formal closing line and your full name signed underneath.

At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you get the job you deserve every step of the way! 

Follow our career blog for more valuable advice, or check out some of our top guides, such as:

• How to Make a Resume in 2024 | Beginner's Guide
• How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae) in 2024 [31+ Examples]
• 35+ Job Interview Questions and Answers [Full List]

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• Entry-Level

Entry-Level cover letter example

When you are at the start of your career, writing a one-page cover letter might seem like a daunting prospect. You don’t have much work experience to share, so is it worth writing an entry-level cover letter at all?

A cover letter offers an opportunity to expand on the personal aspects and motivations of your application, so this is arguably more important for an entry-level candidate who is looking to share their “why.” The hiring manager won’t expect you to possess tons of experience, but they will want to hear about why you want the job.

An entry-level cover letter that is lacking personality is the first sign of an employee who doesn’t know where they are going and is likely to jump ship at the first sign of trouble.

At Resume.io, we explore the nuances of writing career documents for a wide range of professionals. Our library of cover letter examples covers a wide range of professions and is well worth a browse (depending on your desired industry). However, everyone needs to start somewhere, so this guide offers some more general advice.

How you begin your career can have a significant effect on your first decade in the workplace. Sell your potential as well as possible. In this blog, we look at

• How to format an entry-level cover letter.
• What to include in each cover letter section – structure your story.
• How to write an entry-level cover letter with absolutely no experience.
• Basic mistakes to avoid when composing the cover letter.

Best format for an entry-level cover letter

It might be said that a hiring manager could be more likely to read an entry-level cover letter than a resume. They will expect your resume to be somewhat threadbare, but your cover letter should be buzzing with personality and brimming with potential. Sure, it will read more like a career objective, but you need to get the hiring manager to buy into your dream.

Like any good sales document, you should set out your arguments into a simple format. Every entry-level cover letter should contain

• The cover letter header
• The greeting/salutation
• The cover letter intro
• The middle paragraphs (body of the letter)
• The ending paragraph of your cover letter (conclusion and call-to-action)

Rather than individual paragraphs for your motivations, personal background and future hopes, it is best to mix up your “fit” within a timeline of where you have been to where you are going. Put the potential job at the center of your arguments and think about the culture of your future employer when you share certain personality traits.

Our comprehensive cover letter guide has more information about the nuances of writing a cover letter. If you are wondering which font to use or whether your cover letter should repeat the details on your resume, it’s all there.

Check out our entry-level cover letter sample. Inspiration starts here:

Dear Mr. Vallant,

I am currently in the final year of high school and am looking for an entry-level weekend role to see me through college. I have experience in the gardening and landscaping sector and would relish the chance to serve customers at your garden center.

I am prepared to get involved and do any duties that are required of me. I understand that there is a lot of physical work involved with moving stock and arranging displays – as a keen sportsperson I would enjoy the physical challenge. 

Consulting with customers and helping them make the right decisions is something that I have witnessed during my landscaping experience. I have taken on board much of the advice and look forward to building on my knowledge. Customers come to a garden center for solutions as well as products. As a marketing student, I always seek to find the most effective method of communicating with someone.

Several of my college friends have worked at your garden center previously. From all their positive impressions, it is the mix of experience and youth amongst your staff that attracts me the most. I am keen to learn from your amazing team.

My side interest in marketing technology and software may allow me to offer some ideas in terms of how you track the needs and habits of your customers. This is a project that I know is high on your agenda and I believe that I am well-equipped to help. I would welcome the opportunity of an interview to discuss this further.

Chris Wrekin

Cover letter header

The cover letter header is the first thing that the hiring manager will notice. It should have an attractive design, but not detract from the message of your entry-level cover letter. Do not make the mistake of creating a visually stunning cover letter to mask a lack of experience.

Include your full name, email address, and phone number. You don’t have to include your full postal address (data protection issues) and you are no longer required to include the inside address of the employer. Your letter will be sent to them via email, not by post. 

Make sure to include your contact details both on your cover letter and your resume. You never know when the hiring manager might decide to invite you to an interview.

Cover letter greeting

The greeting for an entry-level cover letter should be as respectful as any formal letter. It is likely that you won’t know the hiring manager, so beginning with a “Dear Mr./Mrs. Surname” is the safest option. You may want to adopt a friendly and conversational tone if you know the hiring manager personally, but other people may read the letter so stick with this convention.

If you are not sure to whom the cover letter should be addressed, phoning to check the correct name is not the worst option. It shows initiative and offers an opportunity to have a chat with the receptionist. Don’t bug them too much, but if you feel that they are in a chatty mood, you never know what you might be able to find out if you dig a little.

The final option is to address the team. “Dear Company Team” is a warm start to a cover letter and preferable to the old-fashioned “To Whom It May Concern.”

Cover letter introduction

When it comes to the cover letter introduction, you need to lead with your greatest value to the employer. This should be something tangible from any volunteering, internship, or work placement experience. Ideally, it should be relevant to the job in question. 

While an entry-level cover letter should be packed with personality, you need to lead with something concrete to whet the hiring manager’s appetite. So many of your competitors will start by saying something fluffy and inspirational. Hopefully, you can do a little better. Pick a strong message and make the hiring manager take notice.

Dear Mr. Vallant, I am currently in the final year of high school and am looking for an entry-level weekend role to see me through college. I have experience in the gardening and landscaping sector and would relish the chance to serve customers at your garden center.

Cover letter middle part (body)

The middle part of an entry-level cover letter should set you apart from the competition. This is the only way to elevate your candidacy to the point of securing an interview. There are various ways to do this, so let’s look at the sort of content you might share.

When writing, you should consider the sorts of transferable skills that the hiring manager will be looking for. They won’t expect too much as they know that they will be taking on a student, so tailor your story to their needs. Share a mix of work experience, academic excellence, interpersonal skills, and personal stories. 

The most important thing about an entry-level cover letter is the sense that this first job is an important stepping-stone for your career. Many employers will hope that you take the next step internally, so don’t shy away from sharing your broader career aspirations. It may even be worth looking at the career progression of your potential future boss on LinkedIn. What did the early years of their career look like? Try to make connections wherever possible.

Organization and communication skills should feature prominently. Share some successes (with context) from your previous experience. Quantify your story where possible.

Make sure that you impress the ATS software.

When employers expect to receive a large volume of applications, many employ Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter the applications. This software will process your cover letter and resume, slot you into a database, and even conduct the first round of selections.

If your cover letter does not contain the required number of keywords at this stage, a hiring manager may not get to read it at all. This is not to say that you should seek to mirror the job description, but your content should not be a million miles away. Use some of the job description terms if possible – that is what the ATS system will use as its reference point.

When drafting a cover letter, don’t be surprised if you write too much for the middle part. It is easier to cut sections out than scratch your head about what else to include. When editing, always imagine yourself in the position of the hiring manager. What would impress them?

How to close an entry-level cover letter (conclusion and sign-off)

The final part of an entry-level cover letter should end with a sense that there is much more to come. There is always a certain excitement when you hire an entry-level applicant as you know that their learning curve is going to be steep. If you have demonstrated that you are a safe pair of hands, the hiring manager will expect great things.

It is therefore perfectly acceptable to share your desire to find out more about the role during a potential interview. Don’t come across as presumptuous. Something like “I look forward to a potential meeting to find out more” will be fine. Injecting a sense of urgency with such a call to action may be effective – they will know that you will be applying to other roles.

Entry-level cover letter with no experience

It is clear that an entry-level applicant will not have much work experience, but it is unlikely that you will have zero work experience. Find a balance between writing a relevant cover letter for the job in question and including every single bit of work experience from the past five years. You will have done a lot of random stuff – you don’t have to include it all. Think about the following considerations:

• How can you make your volunteering and internships relevant for the role?
• Show that you understand the areas where you need to grow.
• How will your interpersonal skills impact your performance?

The good thing with an entry-level cover letter is that the expectations will be low. If you can manage to stand out in any number of ways, your chances of securing an interview will be high. Everyone has to start somewhere.

Basic mistakes in an entry-level application letter (and how to avoid them)

When a hiring manager does not have too much to judge, the presence of any mistakes will assume even more significance. Be careful to avoid the following:

• Check your grammar with an online checker such as Grammarly. Ask a friend to proofread the text and make sure that it sounds like you.
• Make sure that the cover letter is no longer than a page, but it should also be no shorter than 300 words. A few short lines will expose your inexperience.
• Don’t be overly formal. Attempting to seem like a consummate professional will be inauthentic. Write as you would speak during an interview.

Key takeaways

• Every entry-level applicant needs a cover letter to complement their resume
• Don’t repeat the resume – focus on your personality, and objectives and manufacture a compelling fit with the role.
• Research what the hiring manager is looking for – speak directly to them
• Get the visuals spot-on with our expert cover letter templates.

Have a look at some more cover letter examples:

• Internship cover letter sample
• Scholarship cover letter example
• Graduate cover letter sample
• Student cover letter example
• Resident assistant cover letter sample

Free professionally designed templates

How to Start a Cover Letter (Examples Included)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

When you’re writing a cover letter, nailing the opening is a must. Your cover letter introduction has to draw the hiring manager in, giving them a clear reason to keep reading. That’s why learning how to start a cover letter is so vital; it’s your doorway to success.

After all, more than eight-in-10 recruiters feel that an awesome cover letter is enough to land a candidate an interview even if their resume is only a partial fit for the job. Cool, right?

So, are you ready to make sure that your cover letter opening is everything it can be? Great! Here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Cover Letter?

Alright, let’s begin with the basics. Before you can learn how to start a letter to the hiring manager, it’s helpful to know what a cover letter is in the first place.

We’ve actually taken several deep dives into the world of cover letters, including how to address a cover letter , the best cover letter format , how to end a cover letter , and a full overview of how to write a cover letter .

But the basic gist is that a cover letter is a written elevator pitch. It acts as an introduction to what you have to offer, with a bit more flavor than you can put in a resume.

In many cases, your cover letter is the absolute first impression you’ll make on a hiring manager. As they read, they get a feel for who you are, as well as what you bring to the table.

Do cover letters really matter that much? Yes, they do. Overall, 49 percent of hiring managers think that receiving a cover letter is important to the hiring process, which is a pretty good indication that they value them.

So, what are the parts of a cover letter? In most cases, a cover letter has:

• Contact Information
• Opening Paragraph
• Body Paragraphs
• Closing Paragraph
• Closing Sentiment

While that seems like a lot, it really isn’t. In most cases, you end up with about a page or so of content. After all, a cover letter isn’t an autobiography of your life; it’s a concise, tailored introduction to who you are as a professional.

Generally, when you’re trying to figure out how to start a cover letter, what you need to focus on are the salutation and the opening paragraph. Those are what make the first impression and usually play a big role in whether the hiring manager reads the whole thing or not.

You may want to dig a little deeper, making sure your opening line really packs a punch. But, really, that’s all part of creating a great opening paragraph, isn’t it? Just keep in mind that your leading sentence needs to be an attention-grabber, and you’re in good shape.

Now, is your cover letter opening more important than the rest of the letter? Well, yes and no. If your start to your letter isn’t strong, there’s a chance the hiring manager won’t finish reading it. That means a fantastic cover letter introduction is essential.

But the rest matters, too. In the end, you want your first impression to be a doozy. It’s just that, if you don’t nail the opening to your cover letter, the rest may never get a glance.

Common Mistakes When Starting a Cover Letter

Before we dive into how to start a cover letter, let’s talk about some cover letter introduction mistakes you want to avoid. After all, a misstep at this early stage can cost you the job, so you really need to make sure you get it right.

First, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is not tailoring the content to the position. When you write a cover letter, you are speaking to one particular hiring manager, not everyone who may ever want to hire you. If you don’t focus the content on that specific job, you might not connect with that hiring manager, causing them to move onto a different candidate.

Second, being too generic can come back to bite you. You want to stand out from the crowd, so you need to make sure your cover letter introduction feels a bit unique.

Third, choosing the wrong salutation – or not including one at all – can potentially lead to some trouble. If you go the wrong way, you may not connect with the hiring manager as well or could even offend them a bit. That’s no good.

Finally, spelling and grammar mistakes are a huge deal. They make it look like you lack attention to detail, and that isn’t going to win you any fans.

How to Start a Cover Letter

In many cases, figuring out how to start a letter for your job application is much easier if you take it one step at a time. It lets you tackle everything in succession and gives you a chance to focus on each critical part, increasing the odds that you’ll genuinely nail it.

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to start a letter when you’re trying o land a job:

1. Choose the Right Salutation

The salutation in your cover letter opening serves as a greeting. It’s a chance to acknowledge the reader directly, even if just for a brief second.

Ideally, you want to address the hiring manager by name, using an approach like:

Dear [Mr./Mrs./Ms./Dr.] [First Name] [Last Name]

Now, you can potentially add one more option to the list: Mx. This is a relatively new gender-neutral addition that’s favored by people who consider themselves nonbinary.

Generally speaking, you should only use “Mx.” if you are completely, 100 percent certain that it’s the hiring manager’s preferred title. You don’t want to go with it simply because you don’t know the hiring manager’s gender. Why? Well, since it’s a newer option, not everyone is familiar with it, so some hiring managers might think it’s a typo.

Additionally, people may have a variety of opinions about “Mx.,” and not all of them are positive. Since it’s a bit controversial in certain circles, you could offend a hiring manager by using it if that isn’t what they prefer.

So, what do you do if you know the hiring manager’s name but not their gender or preferred title? Worst case, go with “Dear [First Name] [Last Name]” instead. It’s a bit less formal, but it may be better than getting the title wrong.

If you genuinely don’t know the hiring manager’s name – and can’t figure it out with some research – you can try:

• Dear [Job Title/Role] – Dear Hiring Manager, Dear Operations Manager, Dear VP of Sales, etc.
• Dear [Department] – Dear IT Department, Dear Marketing Department, etc.

Those aren’t as personal, but they can do the trick. They at least speak to a particular individual, making it clear that you had a certain recipient in mind. As a result, they are much better than more generic alternatives.

What about “To Whom It May Concern?” Well, we’ve taken a deep dive into how to use to whom it may concern . But, in most cases, that isn’t your best. It feels outdated, for one. Plus, it doesn’t have a particular reader in mind, which isn’t ideal.

The same goes for “Dear Sir or Madam.” Along with being generic and incredibly old-school, it’s also a bit awkward. Plus, it makes it seem like you didn’t even try to come up with something better, and that’s never good.

2. Nail the Opening Sentence

Your opening sentence in your cover letter is what really needs to draw the hiring manager in. As a result, you want to make sure that it packs a wallop.

Usually, you have a few options that can pull this off. First, if you know someone at the company who referred you to the position, you can try name-dropping. Many hiring managers favor direct referrals, so it’s alright to make that connection clear from the beginning.

Second, you can lead off with a relevant accomplishment. This one can get a little tricky to do well. You really have to relate it to something in the role, and that isn’t always easy to manage without using a sentence or so to build in some context.

Finally, you can focus on your excitement. Hiring managers like people who seem passionate about the opportunity, so this route could let you start your cover letter on a great note.

With all of these, you want to make sure the opening sentence taps on the position you’re trying to land. It’s smart to mention the job title, department, and company, as that ensures the hiring manager knows why you’re writing. If it doesn’t fit in the first sentence, then it needs to come in on the second.

3. Round Out the First Paragraph

Generally, your cover letter opening paragraph is going to be two or four sentences long. If you didn’t get it into your opening sentence, use your second one to mention the job opening. That way, the hiring manager understands exactly why you reached out.

After that, it’s time to tap on some relevant skills. Use the job ad to identify high-priority capabilities. Next, treat them like keywords, using the exact same words and phrases to increase your odds of looking like a great match (and getting past an automated screener).

4. Quantify the Details

Numbers stand out visually in a cover letter. They actually draw the eye, as they aren’t as widely used as letters and most forms of punctuation.

By quantifying a detail or two, you create visual interest. Plus, you’re giving the hiring manager some helpful context about what you’ve achieved, something that can make you look like a stronger candidate.

3 Cover Letter Starting Samples

Sometimes, nothing helps bring some tips to life like a handy example or three. If you want to make sure you understand how to start a cover letter or are looking for some samples that you can use as a template, here are three cover letter introduction examples, each representing a different approach.

1. When You Were Referred

Dear Mr. John Doe:

During my 6 years as a sales professional, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with a number of amazing professionals, including Jane Smith, a member of your team who recommended I apply for the Account Manager opening at ABC Inc. In my last position, I managed a portfolio of 25 enterprise-level clients while also boosting sales by 15 percent year-over-year during my tenure. I believe that my penchant for strategic thinking, as well as my strong negotiation and communication skills, make me an exceptional fit for your position.

2. Leading with an Achievement

Dear IT Department:

Over the past 4 years, I’ve focused my career on the world of project management, recently earning by Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Additionally, I personally oversaw five $50k+ development projects concurrently, each of which was finished on time and within budget. I feel that my experience as a leader, as well as my expertise in risk assessment and cost management, makes me an ideal fit for the Project Manager position at XYZ Corp.

3. Going the Excitement Route

Dear Hiring Manager:

When I saw the administrative assistant opening at ABC Company, I immediately knew I wanted to apply. As an office assistant with 6 years of experience, I have honed many key skills you’re hoping to find, including scheduling, report writing, and customer service. Last year, among 50 nominated colleagues, I was even recognized as the Employee of the Year, largely because of my passion and dedication to my work, something that I would love to bring to ABC Company.

Putting It All Together

Ultimately, you should now understand how to start a cover letter off in the best way possible. Use all of the tips above, and turn to the cover letter opening samples to serve as guides. That way, you can create an introduction that captures the hiring manager’s attention and keeps them reading, giving you a chance to showcase even more about why you’re such an awesome candidate.

And as always, Good luck!

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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How to Write a Cover Letter: Your Full Guide (With Tips and Examples)

It’s a familiar cycle: You sit down to write a cover letter, open a blank document, check your email, browse cover letter examples , do some chores, watch that cursor blink a few more times, and finally Google something like “how to write a cover letter”—which hopefully brought you here. But you still might be thinking, does anyone really read cover letters? Why do they even exist?

First: Yes, we can assure you that cover letters do, in fact, get read. To some hiring managers, they’re the most important part of your job application. And regardless, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to tell prospective employers who you are, showcase why they should hire you, and stand out above all the other candidates.

To ensure your letter is in amazing shape (and crafting it is as painless as possible), we’ve got easy-to-follow steps plus examples, a few bonus tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Get that cover letter out there! Browse open jobs on The Muse and find your dream job »

What is a cover letter and why is it important?

A cover letter is a brief (one page or less) note that you write to a hiring manager or recruiter to go along with your resume and other application materials.

Done well, a cover letter gives you the chance to speak directly to how your skills and experience line up with the specific job you’re pursuing. It also affords you an opportunity to hint to the reviewer that you’re likable, original, and likely to be a great addition to the team.

Instead of using cover letters to their strategic advantage, most job applicants blabber on and on about what they want, toss out bland, cliché-filled paragraphs that essentially just regurgitate their resume, or go off on some strange tangent in an effort to be unique. Given this reality, imagine the leg up you’ll have once you learn how to do cover letters right.

How long should a cover letter be?

An ideal cover letter typically ranges from a half page to one full page. Aim to structure it into four paragraphs, totaling around 250 to 400 words, unless the job posting states otherwise. Some employers may have specific guidelines like word or character limits, writing prompt, or questions to address. In such cases, be sure to follow these instructions from the job posting.

How to write a cover letter hiring managers will love

Now that you’re sold on how important cover letters are, here are eight steps to writing one that screams, “I’m a great hire!”

Step 1: Write a fresh cover letter for each job (but yes, you can use a template)

Sure, it’s way faster and easier to take the cover letter you wrote for your last application, change the name of the company, and send it off. But most employers want to see that you’re truly excited about the specific position and organization—which means creating a custom letter for each position.

While it’s OK to recycle a few strong sentences and phrases from one cover letter to the next, don’t even think about sending out a 100% generic letter. “Dear Hiring Manager, I am excited to apply to the open position at your company” is an immediate signal to recruiters and hiring managers that you’re mass-applying to every job listing that pops up on LinkedIn.

At the same time, there’s nothing that says you can’t get a little help: Try out one of our free cover letter templates to make the process a bit easier.

Step 2: Add your contact info

At the top of your cover letter, you should list out your basic info. You can even copy the same heading from your resume if you’d like. Some contact info you might include (and the order to include it in):

• Your pronouns (optional)
• Your location (optional)
• Your email address
• Your phone number (optional)
• Your Linkedin, portfolio, or personal website URL (optional)

Note that only name and email are mandatory, and you don’t need to put a full address on a cover letter or resume anymore. A city and state (or metro area) are more than enough. So your header might look like this:

Inigo Montoya he/him Florin Metropolitan Area [email protected] 555-999-2222

If the job posting tells you to submit your cover letter in the body of an email, you can add your contact info at the end, after your name (and if you’d like to forgo the email address here, you can—they have it already). So your sign off could look like this:

Violet Baudelaire she/her [email protected] 123-123-1234

https://www.linkedin.com/in/violet-baudelaire/

Step 3: Address your cover letter to the hiring manager—preferably by name

The most traditional way to address a cover letter is to use the person’s first and last name, including “Mr.” or “Ms.” (for example, “Dear Ms. Jane Smith” or just “Dear Ms. Smith”). But to avoid accidentally using the wrong title—or worse, inadvertently misgendering someone—first and last name also work just fine.

If “Dear” feels a bit too stiff, try “Hello.” But never use generic salutations like “ To Whom it May Concern ” or “Dear Sir or Madam.”

For more help, read these rules for addressing your cover letter and a few tips for how to find the hiring manager .

Step 4: Craft an opening paragraph that’ll hook your reader

Your opening sets the stage for the whole cover letter. So you want it to be memorable, friendly, conversational, and hyper-relevant to the job you’re pursuing.

No need to lead with your name—the hiring manager can see it already. But it’s good to mention the job you’re applying for (they may be combing through candidates for half a dozen different jobs).

You could go with something simple like, “I am excited to apply for [job] with [Company].” But consider introducing yourself with a snappy first paragraph that highlights your excitement about the company you’re applying to, your passion for the work you do, and/or your past accomplishments.

This is a prime spot to include the “why” for your application. Make it very clear why you want this job at this company. Are you a longtime user of their products? Do you have experience solving a problem they’re working on? Do you love their brand voice or approach to product development? Do your research on the company (and check out their Muse profile if they have one) to find out.

Read this next: 30 Genius Cover Letter Openers Recruiters Will LOVE

Step 5: Convey why you’d be a great hire for this job

A common cover letter mistake is only talking about how great the position would be for you. Frankly, hiring managers are aware of that—what they really want to know is what you’re going to bring to the position and company.

So once you’ve got the opening under wraps, you should pull out a few key ideas that will make up the backbone of your cover letter. They should show that you understand what the organization is looking for and spell out how your background lines up with the position.

Study the job description for hints . What problems is the company looking to solve with this hire? What skills or experiences are mentioned high up, or more than once? These will likely be the most important qualifications.

If you tend to have a hard time singing your own praises and can’t nail down your strengths , here’s a quick trick: What would your favorite boss, your best friend, or your mentor say about you? How would they sing your praises? Use the answers to inform how you write about yourself. You can even weave in feedback you’ve received to strengthen your case (occasionally, don’t overuse this!). For example:

“When I oversaw our last office move, my color-coded spreadsheets covering every minute detail of the logistics were legendary; my manager said I was so organized, she’d trust me to plan an expedition to Mars.”

Step 6: Back up your qualifications with examples and numbers

Look at your list of qualifications from the previous step, and think of examples from your past that prove you have them. Go beyond your resume. Don’t just regurgitate what the hiring manager can read elsewhere.

Simply put, you want to paint a fuller picture of what experiences and accomplishments make you a great hire and show off what you can sashay through their doors with and deliver once you land the job.

For example, what tells a hiring manager more about your ability to win back former clients? This: “I was in charge of identifying and re-engaging former clients.” Or this: “By analyzing past client surveys, NPS scores, and KPIs, as well as simply picking up the phone, I was able to bring both a data-driven approach and a human touch to the task of re-engaging former clients.”

If you're having trouble figuring out how to do this, try asking yourself these questions and finding answers that line up with the qualifications you’ve chosen to focus on:

• What approach did you take to tackling one of the responsibilities you’ve mentioned on your resume?
• What details would you include if you were telling someone a (very short!) story about how you accomplished one of your resume bullet points?
• What about your personality, passion, or work ethic made you especially good at getting the job done?

Come up with your examples, then throw in a few numbers. Hiring managers love to see stats—they show you’ve had a measurable impact on an organization you’ve worked for. Did you bring in more clients than any of your peers? Put together an impressive number of events? Make a process at work 30% more efficient? Work it into your cover letter!

This might help: How to Quantify Your Resume Bullets (When You Don't Work With Numbers)

Step 7: Finish with a strong conclusion

It’s tempting to treat the final lines of your cover letter as a throwaway: “I look forward to hearing from you.” But your closing paragraph is your last chance to emphasize your enthusiasm for the company or how you’d be a great fit for the position. You can also use the end of your letter to add important details—like, say, the fact that you’re willing to relocate for the job.

Try something like this:

“I believe my energy, desire to innovate, and experience as a sales leader will serve OrangePurple Co. very well. I would love to meet to discuss the value I could add as your next West Coast Sales Director. I appreciate your consideration and hope to meet with you soon.”

Then be sure to sign off professionally , with an appropriate closing and your first and last name. (Need help? Here are three cover letter closing lines that make hiring managers grimace, plus some better options .)

Step 8: Reread and revise

We shouldn’t have to tell you to run your cover letter through spell-check, but remember that having your computer scan for typos isn’t the same as editing . Set your letter aside for a day or even just a few hours, and then read through it again with fresh eyes—you’ll probably notice some changes you want to make.

You might even want to ask a friend or family member to give it a look. In addition to asking them if they spot any errors, you should ask them two questions:

• Does this sell me as the best person for the job?
• Does it get you excited?

If the answer to either is “no,” or even slight hesitation, go back for another pass.

Cover letter examples

Here are four example cover letters that follow the advice given above. Keep in mind that different situations may require adjustments in your approach. For instance, experienced job seekers can emphasize accomplishments from previous roles, while those with less experience might highlight volunteer work, personal projects, or skills gained through education.

Example #1: Cover letter for a job application

Alia Farhat San Francisco Bay Area [email protected] 444-000-1111

Hello Danny Tanaka,

If I’m being honest, I still haven’t fully gotten over the death of my first Tamagotchi pet when I was six years old. (His name was Tommy, and I’ve gotten far more creative since then, I promise.) When I was older, I discovered NeoPets and I was hooked for years—not just on the site, but on the community that surrounded it. So when I heard about FantasyPets last year, I immediately started following news about your development process, and that’s how I saw your post looking for a marketing strategist. Not only do I have eight years of experience in digital marketing, but as a lifelong gamer with a passion for pet-focused titles who’s spent years in online communities with like-minded people, I also know exactly what kind of messaging resonates with your target audience.

You’re looking for someone to help you craft a social media marketing campaign to go along with your game launch, and I’ve been a part of three launch-day marketing campaigns for mobile and web-based games. In my current role as social media manager at Phun Inc., I proposed a campaign across Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok based on competitor research and analysis of our social campaigns for similar games to go along with the launch of the mobile game FarmWorld. Using my strategy of featuring both kids and adults in ads, we ended up driving over one million impressions and 80k downloads in the first three months.

I’ve always believed that the best way to find the right messaging for a game is to understand the audience and immerse myself in it as much as possible. I spend some of my research time on gaming forums and watching Twitch streams and Let’s Plays to see what really matters to the audience and how they talk about it. Of course, I always back my strategies up with data—I’m even responsible for training new members of the marketing team at Phun Inc. in Google AdWords and data visualization.

I believe that my passion for games exactly like yours, my digital marketing and market research experience, and my flair for turning data into actionable insights will help put FantasyPets on the map. I see so much promise in this game, and as a future player, I want to see its user base grow as much as you do. I appreciate your consideration for the marketing strategist role and hope to speak with you soon.

Alia Farhat

Example #2: Cover letter for an internship

Mariah Johnson

New York, NY [email protected] 555-000-1234

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am excited to submit my application for the software development internship at Big Tech. As a student at New York University majoring in computer science with a keen interest in social studies, I believe I would be a good fit for the role. Big Tech's mission to promote equality and a more sustainable world is deeply inspiring, and I would be thrilled to contribute to this mission.

In a recent hackathon, I demonstrated my ability to lead a team in designing and developing an app that directs members of a small community to nearby electronics recycling centers. My team successfully developed a working prototype and presented it to a panel of industry experts who awarded us second place.

I’ve also been an active volunteer at my local library for over four years. During this time, I organized book donation drives, led book fairs, and conducted reading sessions with children. This experience strengthened my presentation and communication skills and confirmed my motivation stems from supporting a good cause. I would be more than happy to bring my passion and dedication to an organization whose mission resonates with me..

Through these experiences, along with my coursework in software engineering, I am confident I am able to navigate the challenges of the Big Tech internship program. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you about my qualifications. Thank you for your consideration.

Example #3: Cover letter with no experience

Sarah Bergman

Philadelphia, PA [email protected] 1234-555-6789

Dear Chloe West,

I’m excited to apply for the entry-level copywriting position at Idea Agency. As a recent graduate from State University with a major in mass communications, I’m eager to delve deeper into copywriting for brands, marketing strategies, and their roles in the business world.

Over the past two years, I’ve completed courses in creative writing, copywriting, and essentials of digital marketing. I’ve also been actively involved in extracurricular activities, creating content and promoting student events across multiple online platforms. These experiences expanded my creativity, enhanced my teamwork skills, and strengthened my communication abilities.

As an admirer of your visionary marketing campaigns and Idea Agency’s commitment to sustainability, I’m enthusiastic about the prospect of joining your team. I'm confident that I can contribute to your future projects with inventive thinking and creative energy.

I welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further. Thank you for considering my application.

Best regards,

Example #4: Career change cover letter

Leslie Smith

Chicago, IL [email protected] 111-222-3344

Dear Paul Jones,

Over the past year, I’ve volunteered to represent my company at a local fair and there I discovered how much fun working face to face with clients would be. Everytime I sold a product for The Solar Company, I often wished it was my full-time job. Now, I'm excited to submit my application for the sales coordinator position with Bloom Sales.

After completing a degree in business administration, I decided to put my outgoing personality and strong communication skills to work as a sales specialist at The Solar Company. I’ve sharpened my presentation and critical thinking skills in client meetings and sourced more than $20,000 in new partnerships. This experience has given me an invaluable foundation, and now I’m confident it's the time to move business administration to sales coordination.

I’m comfortable seeking out new business opportunities, making cold calls, and selling potential clients on the advantages of Bloom Sales products. I attend an average of 10 in-person meetings a week, and interacting with a lot of different personalities is what excites me the most. As a detail-oriented, tech-savvy professional, I have advanced knowledge of Excel and data analysis.

I would love to learn more about your sales strategy for the second semester and discuss how my experience in business administration and client-facing sales exposure would help Bloom Sales achieve its goals. Thank you for your consideration.

Extra cover letter examples

• Pain point cover letter example
• Recent graduate cover letter example
• Stay-at-home parent returning to work cover letter example
• Sales cover letter example
• Email marketing manager cover letter example
• No job description or position cover letter example (a.k.a., a letter of intent or interest)
• Buzzfeed-style cover letter example
• Creative cover letter example (from the point-of-view of a dog)

Bonus cover letter tips to give you an edge over the competition

As you write your cover letter, here are a few more tips to consider to help you stand out from the stack of applicants:

• Keep it short and sweet: There are always exceptions to the rule, but in general, for resumes and cover letters alike, don’t go over a page. (Check out these tips for cutting down your cover letter .)
• Never apologize for your missing experience: When you don’t meet all of the job requirements, it’s tempting to use lines like, “Despite my limited experience as a manager…” or “While I may not have direct experience in marketing…” But why apologize ? Instead of drawing attention to your weaknesses, emphasize the strengths and transferable skills you do have.
• Strike the right tone: You want to find a balance between being excessively formal in your writing—which can make you come off as stiff or insincere—and being too conversational. Let your personality shine through, for sure, but also keep in mind that a cover letter shouldn’t sound like a text to an old friend.
• Consider writing in the company’s “voice:” Cover letters are a great way to show that you understand the environment and culture of the company and industry. Spending some time reading over the company website or stalking their social media before you get started can be a great way to get in the right mindset—you’ll get a sense for the company’s tone, language, and culture, which are all things you’ll want to mirror—especially if writing skills are a core part of the job.
• Go easy on the enthusiasm: We can’t tell you how many cover letters we’ve seen from people who are “absolutely thrilled for the opportunity” or “very excitedly applying!” Yes, you want to show personality, creativity, and excitement. But downplay the adverbs a bit, and keep the level of enthusiasm for the opportunity genuine and believable.

The bottom line with cover letters is this: They matter, much more than the naysayers will have you believe. If you nail yours, you could easily go from the “maybe” pile straight to “Oh, hell yes.”

Cover letter FAQs (a.k.a., everything else you need to know about cover letters)

• Are cover letters still necessary?
• Do I have to write a cover letter if it’s optional?
• Can I skip the cover letter for a tech job?
• What does it mean to write a cover letter for a resume?
• How can I write a simple cover letter in 30 minutes?
• How can I show personality in my cover letter?
• What should I name my cover letter file?
• Is a letter of intent different from a cover letter?
• Is a letter of interest different from a cover letter?

Regina Borsellino , Jenny Foss , and Amanda Cardoso contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

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Entry-Level Cover Letter Examples and Writing Tips

Why a Cover Letter Is Important

• What to Include
• Writing an Entry-Level Cover Letter
• Template to Download
• Basic Entry-Level Cover Letters
• Cover Letters Listed by Job
• Resources for Templates

When you are applying for an entry-level position, composing a cover letter can be a challenge because you may not have a lot of work experience. However, it's fine to highlight your non-employment related experience in your cover letter if it's relevant to the job. After all, interviewers for entry-level positions are aware that this may be your first position.

Here's a secret:  Writing cover letters is hard for nearly all candidates—not just entry-level applicants. So, don't be disheartened if you're feeling overwhelmed by the process.

To get the hiring manager excited enough to call you in for an interview, you need to convey not only your skills and qualifications, but also your passion for the organization and your aptitude for the specific role.

This means writing a cover letter that complements your resume, and not one that merely duplicates that information.

A good cover letter also shows off your  communication  and writing skills and proves that you know how to tell a compelling story—a bonus in almost every job, even if the job description doesn’t include writing as a requirement.

Finally, taking the time to craft a cover letter proves that you know how things are done in a professional environment and that you’re willing to play by the rules. That might sound obvious, but when you’re applying for an entry-level position, it’s important to show the hiring manager that you’re aware of what’s expected and that you won’t need to be trained in the basics of office life.

New to cover letters? Use this guide to familiarize yourself with the format and best practices for writing a cover letter that helps you get the job interview. It includes the different types of cover letters, the information that needs to be included in your letter, and the proper way to format your final draft and send it to the hiring manager.

What to Include in Your Cover Letter

The good news is that it's basically a level playing field when it comes to applying for entry-level jobs. Your competitors likely won’t have a great deal of work experience, either.

Feel free to mention volunteer experiences, internships, related classes, projects, leadership experience, extracurricular activities, and your skills that pertain to the position. Providing these details about related experience helps differentiate your application from the crowd:

Look for ways to draw connections between your non-work experience and the job and industry at hand. For instance, if you are applying for an entry-level position in publishing, you might point out your strong grades in literature classes, volunteer work at the library or in literacy programs, an internship at a publishing house, your involvement with the school newspaper, etc.

Look at the specific skills mentioned in the job description, too, and think about ways to  demonstrate that you possess these abilities . For example, if a job posting calls for someone detail-oriented and organized, your experience managing a fundraiser for your academic club is good evidence that you have those abilities.

How to Write an Entry-Level Cover Letter

Match your qualifications to the job.  Research the  job requirements  thoroughly before beginning to compose your letter. Make a list of the key qualities, areas of knowledge, skills, or experience that the employer is seeking. Review descriptions for similar titles on Indeed.com or another job site if the employer hasn’t provided a good list of requirements with the ad. Then take the time to match your credentials to the job description .

Get inside information.  Contact the career office at your school, if time permits, and request a list of alumni volunteers in your field of interest. Ask them what they would be looking for if they were hiring for the type of entry-level job which you are targeting.

Make a list of your qualifications.  Compile a list of your assets that will enable you to meet the job requirements and excel in the job.

Write a perfect opening sentence.  Compose an  opening sentence  that conveys enthusiasm for the job and summarizes why it is a good fit. Name the precise position if one is mentioned in the job announcement. For example, you might say “I am highly interested in consideration for your sales assistant vacancy since it would tap my strong customer service, organizational, and verbal communication skills.” 

Describe your skills.  Draft a sentence for each one of the assets on your list that will qualify you for the job. Briefly include a reference point in your background such as course project, leadership role, internship, or personal experience that proves that you possess that strength. You can merge more than one asset into each statement. For example, “I utilized strong persuasive skills and leadership ability to recruit and attract new members to our sorority.”

Remember that for many entry-level jobs you will be trained on the job, so eagerness to learn and the ability to learn quickly and well are often assets to emphasize.

Quantify your accomplishments.  Whenever possible, frame your statements as accomplishments and  quantify results . For example, “Attentiveness to detail and editing skills enabled me to reduce publication errors in the yearbook by 15% over the previous year.”

When to mention following up.  If you have identified a contact person and the employer has not conveyed how interviews will be arranged, then you might suggest that you will follow up to determine if they need further information and to discuss the possibility of arranging an interview.

End with a professional closing . In  closing your cover letter , reaffirm your keen interest in the job and that you are hopeful that you can meet with them to discuss the exciting opportunity further.

Proofread your letter.  Carefully review your letter for spelling and grammatical errors. Read it out loud and place your finger on each word. Have a counselor, teacher, writing tutor, or other trusted person critique your draft.

Entry-Level Cover Letter Examples

Review these sample cover letters for entry-level candidates for employment to get ideas for your own letter. You'll find both general examples, as well as sample cover letters for specific fields and positions. Don't copy the text exactly, but rather, use the samples for inspiration when writing your own personalized cover letter.

Entry-Level Cover Letter Example

Jane Gordon 7903 Harbor Street Portland, OR 97035 (000) 123-1234 jgordon@email.com

August 13, 2020

Alexander Jeffries Human Resources Manager Portland Bay Books 801 Powell Street, Suite #200 Portland, OR 97035

Dear Mr. Jeffries:

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting with Portland Bay Books’ recruiter, Sarah Smith, at the job fair held on the campus of Portland State University. As a graduating senior with a major in English and a minor in Communications, I was interested to learn about your publishing operations. Please accept the attached resume as a sign of my deep interest in becoming your next Editorial Assistant.

During my studies in the English Honors Program at Portland State University, I have honed strong analytical, writing, and grammatical skills that will serve me well in this position. For the past four years I have been a book reviewer for our department’s literary journal, Chiaroscuro, and am now serving as its Senior Editor. I thus understand how to collaborate with a team of writers, how to brainstorm engaging content, how to proofread manuscripts and perform line edits, and how to design page formats.

I am also currently completing a three-month internship as a Marketing Assistant with ABC Marketing, a role which has provided me with “real world” experience in conducting competitive market research, creating social media posts for client companies, and designing unique corporate newsletters.

My technical skills include Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, and PowerPoint) and the Adobe Creative Cloud suite of publication tools. You can view samples of my writing and design work in my online portfolio at http://JaneGordon.weebly.com.

Eager to learn more about your expectations for your next Editorial Assistant, I would welcome the opportunity for a personal interview. Thank you for your time, consideration, and forthcoming response.

Jane Gordon 

Cover Letter Template to Download

Download an entry-level cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Basic Entry-Level Cover Letter Examples

College Senior Cover Letter It can be challenging to write a cover letter when you haven’t graduated yet. Include both your academic accomplishments and work experience, if you have it. Here’s advice on how to structure your letter, what to include to get it to stand out from the crowd of entry-level applicants, as well as a sample to review.

Recent College Graduate Cover Letter The best way to show an employer you’re well qualified for a job, tips for writing a cover letter when you’re a recent graduate, and a sample letter to review.

Career Office Referral Cover Letter When you apply for a job that has been listed through your university career center, mention that in the first paragraph of your letter. Review what to write, and examples.

Email Cover Letter What to include in an email cover letter, an example of an email message sent to a hiring manager, and how to format and send an email applying for a job.

Entry-Level Cover Letter Example This letter describes the educational, extracurricular, and volunteer experience that show that the candidate has both the skills and the potential to succeed in the job.

Inquiry Letter An inquiry letter is sent to an employer who may be hiring, but hasn’t advertised job openings. Review an example, and tips for writing inquiry letters.

Entry-Level Cover Letters Listed by Job

Business Analyst Cover Letter When you’re applying for an analyst position, focus on the technical business skills you have acquired in college, during internships, or in prior positions.

Cover Letters for Teachers If you’re looking for an entry-level teaching position, review this guide on how to write a cover letter for a teaching job, with advice on how to prepare your application, and letter examples. Also review the information required to apply for a teaching job, including documents, certifications, and transcripts the employer will request.

Education Cover Letter For education-related jobs, learn as much as you can about the school or organization you’ll be working for. Then take the time to match your qualifications to the job description.

Information Technology (IT) Cover Letters IT jobs are competitive and so you need to be detailed and specific when writing a cover letter for one. It's important to show the employer you have the skills, technologies, and certifications listed in the job posting.

The closer a match you are to the ideal candidate, the better your chances of getting selected to interview.

Marketing Cover Letter In your cover letter, share examples of your related internship or job experience and describe the marketing skills you have acquired through academics or experience. Use examples to highlight the skills and attributes you have that qualify you for the job.

Scientific Research Technician Cover Letter When applying for a research job, focus on your analytical, research, and writing skills. Also share examples of any laboratory experience you’ve gained, research you've been a part of, and technical research tools you have used.

Summer Assistant Cover Letter Showcase your related academic experiences along with work experience, if you have it, when writing a cover letter for a summer position.

Writing/Marketing Cover Letter This cover letter example focuses on the applicant’s academic achievements, as well as the candidate’s skills that are a strong match for the job requirements.

Cover Letter Templates

A cover letter template is a helpful way to format and organize your letter. In general, applying for a job is a ritualized process. Some of the cover letter requirements may seem old-fashioned, but it's important to adhere to the expected cover letter style, from the greeting all the way through to your closing sign-off.

Use these templates to help you establish a framework for your cover letter so that you know what information to include and where, but be sure to personalize your letter so it reflects your qualifications and attributes.

• Cover Letter Format
• Cover Letter Template
• Email Cover Letter Template

Online Template Resources : Google Docs has a variety of templates you can use to write a cover letter or a resume. When you use a template, be sure to change the file name to your name (janedoecoverletter.doc, for example).

Double-check to be sure you’ve written over the standard information and changed the date.

If you are Microsoft Office user, you can download Word cover letter templates to use as a starting point for writing your own cover letter.

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Beginner Short Cover Letter Sample: 07 Examples Ideas

Are you wondering how to write a short cover letter? Wonder no more! In this blog post, we’re going to give you a sample of a Beginner Short Cover Letter Sample This will help you get started on your job hunt, and show potential employers what you have to offer. So read on for tips and tricks on how to knock them off their feet with your amazing skills. We hope this helps as you start writing your own letters! Remember, practice makes perfect so keep at it until the perfect letter emerges. Good luck out there!

Check out this Beginner Short Cover Letter Sample guide on how to write a short and sweet cover letter that will make employers want to learn more about you! Do you need to write a cover letter but don’t know where to start? You’re not alone. A lot of people find cover letters daunting, especially if they don’t have much experience. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this post, we’ll show you how to write a short cover letter that will make a great impression on employers. We’ll also give you some tips on what to include and what to avoid. So read on for all the details! With just a few simple tips, you can create a cover letter that stands out from the competition and gets you one step closer to an interview.

For More: 113+ Best beginner resume objective examples & Ideas

Beginner Cover Letter

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my interest in your company, and hope that you will consider my resume for your open entry-level position. I am a recent college graduate with a degree in ______________, graduating ___/___/___. Throughout college, I participated in numerous extracurricular activities including the Pre-Law Fraternity, Student Senate, and participating in my Senior thesis on ____________.

I am confident that I have the skills to be an asset to your company, but more importantly, I believe my strong work ethic will enable me to make significant contributions in a short amount of time. Thank you for your consideration and time spent reviewing my resume. My number is _____.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thank you for your time and consideration in advance!

Sincerely, Name:__________ Email:__________Address:______________Contact#:_____________ Date: _________________

Beginner Cover Letter Examples

I was checking through the vacancies advertised in this newspaper and I noticed that your organization is looking to recruit a bookkeeper. As a bookkeeper myself with five years’ experience, I believe I am an ideal candidate for your organization.

I recently completed a degree in accounting and finance at [University Name]. With my qualification and a considerable amount of experience, I believe that it would be beneficial for your company to give me a chance to work for you.

I have attached my resume for consideration. If you would like, you can contact me by phone or email so that we can discuss my suitability for the position further.

Thanking you in advance for your time. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours faithfully, Name:__________ Email:__________Address:______________Contact#:_____________ Date: _________________

Beginner Application Letter for Security guard with no experience

My name is [YOUR NAME], and I am a [DEPARTMENT] major at [COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY]. My passion for [DESCRIBE YOUR JOB INTERESTS HERE, INCLUDING THE INDUSTRY AND LEVEL OF PROFESSIONALISM (EX. entry-level, mid-level, executive)]. As a [YOUR POSITION] major, I have a strong interest in pursuing a career as an [POSITION] at your company. I was recently given the opportunity to see first-hand how it feels to be one of your employees when I served an internship with your competitor’s company,

I am very interested in learning more about your company, and I hope to have the chance to meet you in person.

Please find attached my resume for your review. I can be reached at [PHONE] or via email at [EMAIL] to arrange a time when we can discuss my qualifications in more detail. Thank you for your consideration.

Beginner First Cover Letter

Respected Sir,

I am writing this letter with the hope of securing employment in your esteemed company. I am enclosing herewith my resume for your kind perusal. My qualifications are as follows.: MSC, MBA, BCom, CAIIB.

I have done all these courses from reputed institutions. So I also have two years of experience working as an accountant.

I am good at managing accounts, apart from that I can do photocopying and typing work too. Also I am available for any kind of clerical / accounting work in your company.

Having known about your organization through the job portal, it has come to my notice that your company is in need of an accountant. I am confident that my qualifications and experience make me a very strong candidate for the position you are looking to fill; therefore, for this reason I request you to kindly give me an opportunity to work with your esteemed organization.

I thank you for your time and look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

For More: What is Cover Letter? Complete Guide To Get any Job.

No Experience Beginner Short Cover Letter Sample

Dear Mr/Mrs. Name,

I am writing to express my interest in the [position] role advertised on your website. I believe that I have the necessary skills and abilities for this position and I’m confident that I can add value to your company.

During the past three years, while working as a [job title], I have developed proven [insert soft skills] skills, which I believe will be beneficial to your company. Some of these include [insert soft skills]. Furthermore, I have a certificate in [insert relevant hard skill] issued by the [name of organization], which is attached with this application.

I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss how my qualifications can best meet your needs.

Yours sincerely,   Name:__________ Email:__________Address:______________Contact#:_____________Date: _________________

Application Letter for Beginners

Dear HR Manager,

I am writing in response to the advertisement for ([JOB TITLE]) that you recently published on [WEBSITE]. My unique skill set and experience match perfectly with what your company is looking for. Therefore I believe my education, talent, dedication and qualifications fit exactly what you are looking for. I feel that I could be a valuable asset as an ([JOB TITLE]).

I am enclosing my CV for your consideration. If you would like to discuss this position further, please contact me at [PHONE].

I look forward to hearing from you soon and wish you success in finding the right candidate.

Upwork Cover Letter Sample for Beginners

I recently saw a post on the company website for a position in your company and believe that I’ve got what it takes to succeed in this role.

My name is [your name] and I am writing to express my interest in the Sales Assistant position. I understand that you are looking to fill this position within the next two weeks and believe I would be an excellent fit. I am a novice at this, but I think my previous employment experiences (and skills) will allow me to pick up on the position quickly.

Experience:

• Expertise in customer service; I have been employed as a customer service representative for the past three years. I am proficient in managing large volumes of customers and providing solutions to their concerns. In my last position, I was rated as an “exceptional” employee.
• I have excellent written and verbal communication skills which would be beneficial in this role.
• Customer service is my passion and I would love to use my skills for this position.

I am confident that if given the opportunity, I can do an amazing job. I would greatly appreciate your time in answering any questions you may have regarding me as a candidate. Thank you for your consideration of this application.

I am extremely excited about the opportunity Beginner Short Cover Letter Sample to join your company and contribute my skills. So I believe that my previous experience, education, and skill set will allow me to make a significant contribution to your organization. I look forward to hearing from you soon and thanks for your time. Have you ever hired someone without meeting them in person? Let Me know in the comments below!

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Cover letter examples

Data Scientist

David has opted for the sleek Otago template, adeptly showcasing his talents and extensive experience. This cover letter follows simple style and professional format, keeping it concise and tailored to the job.

"I’m writing to express my interest in the Data Scientist position at AIsphere, which was recommended to me by a friend, Sarah Johnson, who speaks highly of your team and the exciting projects you work on."

Table of contents

How to Write a Data Scientist Cover Letter (Guide & Examples)

Writing a cover letter might seem as tricky as solving a complex algorithm, but it’s often the final key to unlocking your dream job. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, your cover letter should effectively communicate your expertise in data analysis, problem-solving, and your ability to turn data into actionable insights. In this article, we guide you through each section explaining how to align it with your CV and ensure it's ATS-friendly .

Grab a cup of tea and let's get started!

In this step-by-step guide, we cover :

Examples of data scientist cover letters tailored for different IT sectors

Key sections to include in your cover letter

Industry-specific tips on how to tailor your application for B2B or B2C SaaS company

Tips for landing an entry-level job with no experience.

Explore our collection of cover letter templates to complement your CV. 

Data scientist cover letter example

Download this data scientist cover letter sample in PDF

This example features David, an aspiring data scientist with a background in AI and statistics demonstrates how to leverage academic projects and relevant skills to ensure alignment with the job requirements. The cover letter is simple , concise, and specifically tailored to the data scientist role Alex is applying for.

Check out our matching data scientist CV example to help you streamline your application.

Customise this data scientist cover letter example

How to write a data scientist cover letter with no experience.

Whether you are a school leaver or looking for a part-time role, your education and enthusiasm become your strongest assets. Talk about your degree, relevant coursework, and any projects you've done. If you've studied maths, statistics, computer science, or a related field, you're already on the right track. Additionally, companies want to see that you're genuinely interested in data science, not just looking for any job. Mention any data-related hobbies and interests or projects you've done in your spare time.

To increase your chances of success, consider enrolling in boot camps or accredited courses to quickly build your skills. Here are some reputable options in the UK:

General Assembly

Pragmatic Data

Code Nation.

Cover letter example for data scientist internship

Dear Hiring Manager, I'm writing to express my keen interest in the Data Analyst Internship at Analytica Ltd. As a final-year Data Science student at the University of Edinburgh, I'm eager to apply my skills to real-world challenges. My coursework has given me a strong foundation in statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualisation. I've applied these skills in projects such as predicting bus arrival times using public transport data, achieving 85% accuracy through time series analysis and machine learning. I'm particularly drawn to Analytica's commitment to leveraging data for social good. Your recent project on optimising food bank distributions aligns perfectly with my passion for using data to make a positive impact. While I may be at the start of my data science journey, I bring a fresh perspective, strong analytical skills, and an insatiable curiosity. I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute to your projects and grow under the guidance of your experienced team. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to Analytica's mission of driving innovation through data-driven decision-making. Yours sincerely, Fiona McTavish

If a boot camp isn't in your budget, don't worry! There are plenty of free resources to upskill yourself:

Coursera : Offers many free data science courses from top universities.

edX : Similar to Coursera, with courses from institutions like Harvard and MIT.

DataQuest : Offers some free content to learn data science skills.

Kaggle : Great for practical experience. They offer free courses and data science competitions.

FreeCodeCamp : Offers a free data analysis course with Python.

Check out our related blog article on how to write a CV with no experience for more tips and examples.

What to include in a data scientist cover letter? 

Think of your cover letter as the 'executive summary' of your career - it needs to be concise and impactful and leave them wanting more. Whether you're aiming for a junior data analyst role or aiming for the chief data scientist position, you'll want to highlight your key skills and accomplishments that make you perfect for the job.

Contact information : Include your name, phone number, email, and location

Salutation : Address the hiring manager by name ‘Dear (Last Name)”, if possible

Opening paragraph : Show enthusiasm and mention a person who's referred you to the job, if applicable.

Body paragraph(s) : Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and achievements from recent jobs.

Closing paragraph : Reiterate interest in the job and desire to discuss your application further in a follow-up interview.

Sign-off : Use professional closing, such as ‘Sincerely’ or ‘Best regards’, followed by your full name.

For more insights on each section, check our related blog article on how to structure your cover letter .

1. Introduction: Hook them from the start

Your opening paragraph needs to grab attention faster than a viral cat video on TikTok. Here's how:

Mention the specific role you're applying for (it shows you can read, always a good start)

Specify who recommended you to apply or how you found out about this job (e.g., "As recommended by Dr. Jane Smith...")

Show your enthusiasm (but maybe dial it back from 'I've dreamed of working at DataCorp since I was in nappies')

Briefly mention your most recent qualifications or experience.

Senior data scientist cover letter example

As a seasoned data scientist with over five years of experience in fintech, I was thrilled to come across the Senior Data Scientist position at Quantum Analytics. Your recent work on fraud detection using graph neural networks particularly caught my attention, as it aligns perfectly with my expertise in network analysis and anomaly detection.

Recent data science graduate cover letter example

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Junior Data Scientist role at EcoTech Solutions. As a recent graduate from the University of Edinburgh with a First-Class Honours in Data Science, I am excited about the prospect of applying my skills in machine learning and sustainability analytics to support your mission of promoting eco-friendly technologies.

Data science career change cover letter example

I am reaching out regarding the Data Analyst position at HealthCare Innovations. With a background in nursing and a recent completion of an intensive data science boot camp, I bring a unique blend of healthcare domain knowledge and cutting-edge analytical skills that I believe would be invaluable to your team efforts in improving patient outcomes through data-driven decisions.

Check out our related blog article on how to change careers as a data scientist or IT professional.

To build your skills, focus on these key tools and platforms:

Python : The most widely used programming language in data science. Learn it on platforms like Codecademy or DataCamp.

SQL : Essential for working with databases. W3Schools offers a good free course.

Jupyter Notebooks : Great for data analysis and sharing your work. Google Colab offers free access.

Pandas and NumPy : Python libraries for data manipulation. The official documentation is a good place to start.

Scikit-learn : For machine learning in Python. Their tutorials are excellent.

Tableau : For data visualisation. They offer a free version for students.

Git and GitHub : For version control and sharing your projects.

For more information on who to address a cover letter to, refer to our blog article on how to start a cover letter .

2. Body: Show off your superpowers

This is where you get to shine. Use one or two paragraphs to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Remember, it's not just about listing what you can do - it's about showing the impact you've had.

Use specific examples and quantify your achievements where possible

Match your skills to their requirements (this shows you've read the job description)

Don't just list technologies - explain how you've used them to solve real problems

For more information, refer to the most sought-after skills employers look for articles for more practical insights.

Here are some must-have skills to sprinkle through your cover letter:

Machine learning : specify supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement learning

Statistical analysis : mention your proficiency in A/B testing, hypothesis testing, etc.)

Programming : include Python, R, SQL - and don't forget to mention any relevant libraries like pandas, scikit-learn, or TensorFlow)

Data visualisation : tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even good old matplotlib

Big data technologies : tools like Hadoop, Spark, or cloud platforms like AWS or Azure)

Problem-solving : you should include it because let's face it, half the job is figuring out why your code isn't working)

Communication : you need to explain your findings to people who think 'regression' is about going backwards)

Junior data scientist cover letter example

In my current role at Merkezi, I spearheaded a project that leveraged ensemble learning techniques to predict customer churn. By combining gradient boosting and neural networks, and implementing feature selection using SHAP values, we improved our prediction accuracy by 25%. This directly led to a targeted retention campaign that reduced churn by 18%, saving the company an estimated £2 million annually.

See our related article on the CV for the first job for more useful insights

Retail data scientist cover letter example

My experience in the retail sector has honed my ability to translate complex analytical findings into actionable business insights. At ShopSmart, I developed an interactive Tableau dashboard that visualised customer segmentation derived from k-means clustering. This tool empowered our marketing team to tailor campaigns more effectively, resulting in a 30% increase in campaign ROI. My ability to bridge the gap between data science and business strategy has been crucial in driving data-informed decision-making across the organisation.

Check out our r etail CV and retail cover letter examples to learn more.

Data scientist internship cover letter example

During my internship at XI have been proactive in building relevant skills. I recently completed a Kaggle competition on housing price prediction, where I ranked in the top 15%. This experience allowed me to apply my knowledge of feature engineering and regularised regression techniques to a real-world problem. Additionally, I have been contributing to an open-source project that uses natural language processing to analyse sentiment in product reviews, further developing my Python and NLP skills.

For more tips, refer to our related internship CV and internship cover letter examples.

3. Conclusion: Leave them wanting more

Finish off your cover letter with a powerful call to action, reiterating your motivation for the position and showing your willingness to discuss your expertise further. Thank the reader for their time and consideration, and provide brief personal information for further communication.

Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role

Summarise why you're a great fit

Include a call to action

Refer to the article on how to end a cover letter for more details.

Experienced data scientist cover letter example

I am excited about the possibility of bringing my expertise in predictive modelling and team leadership to InnovateAI. I am confident that my track record of delivering impactful data science solutions, combined with my passion for mentoring junior data scientists, makes me an ideal fit for your growing team. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my experience aligns with your vision for pushing the boundaries of AI innovation.

Entry-level data scientist cover letter example

I am enthusiastic about the chance to start my data science career at DataCorp and contribute to your mission of making data accessible to all. My strong foundation in statistical analysis, coupled with my eagerness to learn and adapt in this rapidly evolving field, would make me a valuable addition to your team. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and passion for data science align with your needs.

Supply chain data scientist cover letter example

I am excited about the opportunity to apply my expertise in time series analysis and forecasting to enhance supply chain operations at LogiTech. With hands-on experience using ARIMA models and Prophet, I’m eager to contribute to your team’s efforts in demand forecasting. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the chance to discuss how we can collaborate to drive efficiency through advanced analytics.

Check out our supply chain CV and data analyst cover letter for more examples and tips.

Key takeaways

Remember, your cover letter is your chance to show that you're not just a collection of technical skills, but a real person who's passionate about data science and would be a great addition to their team. So let your personality shine through, showcase your skills, and most importantly, show them why you're the data scientist they've been looking for!

Here are the key points to bear in mind:

Tailor your letter to the specific job and company

Show enthusiasm and personality but keep it professional

Use concrete examples to demonstrate your skills and impact

Keep it concise - aim for about 300-400 words

Proofread carefully - nothing says 'I lack attention to detail' like a typo in your cover letter.

Next steps?

To help you create an outstanding CV, explore our services below:

CV builder : Explore our diverse cover letter examples and CV examples designed to align with your writing career objectives. 

Cover letter builder : Apply for a job with a matching cover letter template, ensuring a clear layout so you can easily personalise and adjust it to your career goals.

CV Writing service : Contact one of our experts for feedback and quick, professional advice on tailoring your CV to a specific job. 

Blog : Read our guides and brief articles to educate yourself on the best strategies to improve your job prospects. 

For more information, visit CVMaker for more detailed information on all the available resources and tools.

Take a look at one of our blog articles for more inspiration:

How to send a CV via email

How to write a LinkedIn profile

Job opportunities for international students

How technical should my data science cover letter be?

It depends on the role and the company. For more technical positions, don't be afraid to get into the nitty-gritty of the algorithms and technologies you've worked with. For roles that emphasise business impact, focus more on the results of your work. When in doubt, strike a balance - show that you know your stuff technically, but also that you can explain it to non-experts.

Refer to our related developer cover letter and engineering cover letter for more tips on how to include your technical knowledge.

Should I mention my GitHub/Kaggle profile in my cover letter?

Absolutely! If you have a strong presence on GitHub or have performed well in Kaggle competitions, definitely mention it. It's a great way to showcase your practical skills and passion for data science. Just make sure your profiles are up-to-date and presentable before you direct potential employers to them!

How do I address the cover letter if I don't know the hiring manager's name?

If you can't find the name of the hiring manager (and you've looked - LinkedIn is your friend here), you can use something like "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear Data Science Team". Avoid outdated salutations like "To Whom It May Concern" - they're about as fresh as using COBOL for your data analysis.

How long should a data science cover letter be?

A data scientist cover letter should be no more than two pages long. Aim for clarity and conciseness to make a strong impression without overwhelming the reader.

Refer to our guide that delves into the ideal cover letter length .

What is the best cover letter for a data entry job?

While data entry isn't exactly data science, it can be a good stepping stone. The best cover letter for a data entry job should emphasise your attention to detail, typing speed, and familiarity with relevant software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets). Highlight any experience with data cleaning or validation, as these skills are valuable in both data entry and data science roles. Showcase your ability to work efficiently and accurately, and mention any relevant certifications or typing tests you've completed.

Refer to our data entry CV example for more tips.

How to write a cover letter with no experience but willing to learn?

Emphasise your transferable skills , such as problem-solving, attention to detail, ability to adapt

Highlight relevant coursework, personal projects, or online courses you've completed

Show eagerness to contribute to the field and the specific company

Mention any relevant tools or programming languages you're learning

Emphasise your willingness to learn and grow in the role

If you have any relevant volunteer work or internships , even if not directly in data science, mention those experiences

How should I format my data scientist cover letter?

Use a clean and professional font like Times New Roman or Arial. Stick to a font size of between 10 and 12 points. Ensure consistent margins and spacing. Proofread your cover letter carefully for any errors before submitting it to your desired company.

Consult our related blog articles on the best font and short cover letter to learn more.

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Waitress Cover Letter with No experience Sample

When you’re trying to land your first job as a waitress with no prior experience, crafting a well-thought-out cover letter can make all the difference. I’ve helped many friends and clients write successful cover letters for waitress positions, even when they had no experience in the role. The trick lies in highlighting your transferable skills, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to write a waitress cover letter with no experience, share three unique templates, and give you tips from my personal experience. By the end, you’ll feel confident in writing a cover letter that stands out to potential employers.

Waitress Cover Letter Generator

Disclaimer: This is a basic cover letter generator to help you draft a Waitress cover letter. Please ensure you review and customize it to match your specific experience and job application.

Key Takeaways

• What You’ll Learn : How to write a standout cover letter for a waitress position, even without direct experience.
• Who It’s For : Job seekers with little or no waitressing experience looking to impress employers.
• Main Points Covered : Key structure of the letter, important transferable skills, and examples of enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
• Real-Life Tips : How I’ve successfully helped others land waitress jobs without experience.
• Bonus : 3 free templates tailored to different types of restaurants and job settings.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Waitress Cover Letter with No Experience

1. start with a strong introduction.

The first paragraph should hook the reader. Even if you don’t have any experience, your enthusiasm and eagerness to learn should shine through. For example:

“Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name], I am excited to apply for the waitress position at [Restaurant Name]. While I do not have formal experience in waitressing, I bring a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a passion for providing excellent customer service that will make me a valuable addition to your team.”

This intro is all about capturing attention with enthusiasm and a can-do attitude. Remember, restaurant managers are often looking for people who are eager to learn and have a good attitude over someone with experience but a poor mindset.

2. Highlight Transferable Skills

Though you may lack direct waitressing experience, you likely possess relevant skills from other areas of life, such as volunteering, school projects, or even other jobs. Skills like communication, multitasking, and handling stressful situations are invaluable in the waitressing world.

From my experience, I’ve often emphasized transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and the ability to handle fast-paced environments when helping friends and clients with no experience land waitressing jobs.

Here’s a list of skills to focus on:

3. Emphasize Your Willingness to Learn

Restaurants want someone who is trainable, and this can be your biggest asset. Show that you are ready to absorb knowledge, take on responsibilities, and grow with the team. 

Mention any instances where you’ve quickly learned new skills or adapted to new environments, whether it’s from school, volunteer work, or personal projects.

For example:

“Although I do not have direct experience in waitressing, I am confident that my ability to learn quickly, adapt, and work well under pressure will make me a strong fit for the role.”

4. Explain Why You’re a Good Fit for That Specific Restaurant

Personalize your cover letter for the job you’re applying to. Research the restaurant, understand its vibe and clientele, and tailor your cover letter accordingly. Are they a fast-paced diner, a high-end restaurant, or a cozy café? Show that you’ve done your homework and explain why you would thrive in their environment.

“I am particularly drawn to [Restaurant Name] because of its reputation for excellent customer service and its welcoming environment. I believe my strong communication skills and my passion for making guests feel at home would align well with the values of your restaurant.”

5. Close with Confidence

End your cover letter by expressing enthusiasm for the position and suggesting a potential follow-up.

“I would love the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team and bring value to [Restaurant Name]. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon.”

Real-Life Examples from My Experience

When helping a friend secure her first waitressing job at a local diner, I advised her to focus on her experience working in her college’s event planning team. 

Though she had no waitressing experience, she was used to dealing with people, coordinating tasks under pressure, and working as part of a team—all of which made her an appealing candidate. This approach worked, and she got the job despite stiff competition.

Template 1: General Waitress Cover Letter with No Experience

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am excited to apply for the waitress position at [Restaurant Name]. While I may not have formal experience in waitressing, I have strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and a passion for delivering excellent customer service. My ability to multitask, work in a fast-paced environment, and learn quickly makes me confident that I can thrive in this role.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to your team.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Template 2: Waitress Cover Letter for a High-End Restaurant

I am writing to express my interest in the waitress position at [Restaurant Name]. Though I am new to waitressing, I bring a commitment to exceptional service and professionalism that aligns with your restaurant’s values. My experience in volunteer event coordination has taught me how to remain calm under pressure, manage multiple tasks, and always put the guest first.

I would love the opportunity to join your team and contribute to the memorable dining experiences your guests expect.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Template 3: Waitress Cover Letter for a Casual Café

I am writing to apply for the waitress position at [Café Name]. While I do not have direct waitressing experience, I have always thrived in fast-paced, customer-facing environments. My part-time job as a cashier has given me strong communication skills, and I pride myself on my ability to create a welcoming atmosphere for customers.

I would be thrilled to contribute to the friendly environment at [Café Name] and help ensure that every guest leaves with a smile.

Thank you for considering my application.

Final Thoughts

Writing a cover letter for a waitress position when you have no experience might seem daunting, but with the right approach, it can actually be an advantage. Employers often value attitude and willingness to learn over experience. 

By following the steps in this guide, you can create a strong, persuasive cover letter that will help you stand out in the hiring process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: how do i write a “waitress cover letter with no experience”.

Answer: I focus on highlighting transferable skills such as communication and teamwork, which are valuable in any job. Then, I emphasize my eagerness to learn and my passion for delivering great customer service.

Q: What should I include in a “waitress cover letter with no experience”?

Answer: I include a strong introduction, mention skills I’ve gained from other jobs or volunteering, and explain why I’m excited about working at that specific restaurant. This approach has worked for many people I’ve helped write cover letters.

Q: Can I get a job with a “waitress cover letter with no experience”?

Answer: Absolutely! I’ve seen friends and clients get hired based on a strong cover letter that showcases their enthusiasm, adaptability, and readiness to learn, even without direct experience.

Q: How can I make my “waitress cover letter with no experience” stand out?

Answer: I personalize the letter for the restaurant, showing that I’ve researched their style and values, and focus on my ability to work well in fast-paced environments. I always make sure to reflect genuine enthusiasm for the role.

Q: What transferable skills should I mention in a “waitress cover letter with no experience”?

Answer: I always highlight skills like multitasking, communication, and handling pressure, as these are crucial for a waitressing job. For example, working in retail or as a cashier has many overlaps with serving in a restaurant.

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