application letter to a company with no experience

Writing an articulate cover letter is challenging for all job seekers. But if you have little or no work experience in a field, the stakes are higher. It’s more challenging to prove your value when you don’t have a series of professional accomplishments to back up your assertions. On the bright side, you probably have more to offer an employer than you realize. You just have to package your strengths the right way.

In this article, you’re going to learn how to write a cover letter for a job with no experience in that field. And we’ll look at a full sample after going through the steps.

Let’s get started…

How to Write a Cover Letter With No Experience

1. the main purpose of your cover letter with no experience.

The purpose of a cover letter is to complement your resume and convince more employers to interview you. You may refer to your resume when writing a cover letter for a job application, but you must expand upon points made in the resume when writing the cover letter.

The cover letter should breathe life into the points made in the resume, and create a compelling—or even emotional—narrative around your career hopes and aspirations . It’s your chance to tell your story and show that you have the passion and the drive to come into a job and make a difference.

And at the end, it should ASK for the interview. We’ll talk about that coming up. Let’s get started by going through how to write a cover letter with no experience, step-by-step…

2. Cover Letter Contact Information

When beginning a cover letter for a job application, start with your contact details in the top left-hand corner of the page. Include your name, city of residence, phone number, and email address. (To preserve your privacy, do not include your physical address). You should also include your LinkedIn URL. Next, write the name of the company you’re applying to, and its city of residence.

3. Your Salutation

Ideally, you address your reader by name in your salutation. Internet sleuthing may reveal the name of the hiring manager. If you can’t find a name, you have two options: call the organization and ask to learn more about the position, or write “Dear ” or “Dear Hiring Manager.”

This isn’t ideal, though. You should really only be sending a cover letter if you know the hiring manager’s name and have some specific information about the position. So if you know nothing specific about the hiring manager or job, and the company hasn’t asked for a cover letter specifically, then you probably don’t need to send it .

4. Cover Letter Introduction

Use this section of your cover letter to introduce yourself and share your enthusiasm and why you applied for the position .

Start with your name and provide some background on your strengths. Always identify the position you’re seeking and how you learned about it. If someone at the company told you about the job, then mention that person’s name (only after asking their permission, though). Aim for one to two sentences in your Introduction—keep it short, sweet, and precise.

Example Cover Letter Introduction with No Experience in the Field:

“Hello, my name is Grace Addington, and I’m a goal- and detail-oriented civil engineering graduate from Petaluma College. I was excited to learn about the Junior Engineer internship at Bay Area Rapid Transportation through my former classmate Katie Heinz.”

5. Body Paragraphs

Here comes the most critical part of writing a cover letter with no experience. The purpose of your body paragraphs (one to two brief paragraphs, tops) is to prove that you’re the best candidate for the position. Seeing as how you have little or no previous professional work experience to fall back on, you’ll want to place emphasis on soft skills —attributes of a personal nature that say a lot about your work ethic and ability to work in sync with others. Or, if you have job-related skills (AKA hard skills) from another type of role, point out how those skills will help you transition into this next job and succeed quickly.

That’s what hiring managers are looking for! So while it’s great to write about soft skills and put together a cover letter talking about how you’re willing to learn their job… it’s much better to point out any hands-on experience that you have. So if you’re able, always highlight that first and foremost.

For example, if you had an internship, worked in an unrelated field, did a few academic projects while studying, gave a presentation, etc., those are still valuable pieces to put on your resume AND in your cover letter.

Your resume likely already consists of part-time jobs or school activities or memberships in school associations that maybe aren’t 100% related to the job you’re going after.

Look closer, though—you’ve probably garnered skills in these experiences that can carry over to the job you’re applying for. Below are two examples of cover letter body paragraphs that hone in on two key phrases noted in a job advertisement as requirements: “strong interpersonal skills” and “positive work ethic.” You should be able to figure out pretty quickly which example hits the mark.

Let’s look at two sample paragraphs now from cover letters with no experience in a field:

“I am Twig & Twine’s ideal office manager. As my resume states, I served as an RA at my dorm. I know how to manage an array of things.”

“You’re looking for a candidate with strong interpersonal skills and a positive work ethic. While serving as an RA at Porter College’s main dormitory, I planned monthly social events for over 200 students, settled two to five student disputes per week, and mentored a select group of students in Composition. The experience taught me, rather quickly, how to efficiently multi-task, and how to effectively settle conflicts of all types in a calm, level-headed manner. I feel confident stating that I can bring these talents to Twig & Twine’s office manager position.”

The second example takes the duties that likely appeared in the RA position on the resume and then digs deep, illustrating how the tackling of those duties turned into accomplishments, and led the applicant to grow the crucial skills needed for the office manager position.

One last thing about body paragraphs—remember to frame your message around the employer’s needs, and not yours. Focus on what you can bring to the job, and how your talents will translate into success for the company. That’s important in any cover letter, and becomes even more crucial in a cover letter with no previous work experience.

6. Concluding Your Cover Letter

End your cover letter by reiterating why you’re the best candidate and express your interest once again in the position. And ask them for the interview! It’s surprising but most job seekers don’t do this, and it’s been shown to improve your chances of getting a call to come in for an interview!

So conclude your cover letter by thanking the reader for the time they took to review your application, and tell them you’d like to find a time to meet for an interview to see if it might be a good fit to work together. To close, sign off formally. Try “Respectfully yours” or “Sincerely.”

7. Proofread Everything

Before sending out your new cover letter, read it out loud to catch errors quickly. Ask a trustworthy person to read it as well. Nothing stops you from getting interviews faster than an obvious typo or error in your cover letter or resume, and you only have to check once, but make sure you’re checking it thoroughly!

8. Save it as a PDF

Once the content is finalized, save it as a PDF and title it “ Cover Letter” to prevent confusion. Voila! You’re done. If you follow the tips above, you’ll have a great cover letter with no experience so you can get interviews and job offers in this new field!

Sample Cover Letter With No Experience in Field:

Next, let’s look at a full sample of a cover letter that explains why you’d fit well in a role ( and why you chose to apply for this type of role ):

Dear Name, I’m writing to you regarding the Sales Associate job posting, which I believe reports to you. I can offer 5+ years of experience working directly with customers over the phone and in person, primarily in customer support. Although I haven’t worked directly in sales, my customer support experience has helped me build skills in communication, persuasion, and problem-solving, which I believe will translate well into selling software subscriptions for your firm. I’m motivated to transition into sales to continue challenging myself and growing in my career, and I’ve always enjoyed a challenge, which I think working in sales will provide me. I’ve attached my resume for your review. If any of the above sounds interesting, I’d welcome the chance to talk on the phone this week. Thanks for considering my note today. Best regards, Your Name

This cover letter is upfront and clear that you have no experience in the field of sales, but shows that you’re willing to learn and excited to learn this new job. That’s essential!

You don’t JUST want to say you’re willing to learn, though. You want to PROVE that you’ll be able to learn. That’s why this letter also mentions the experience you have that is most similar. In the case of the example above, it’s the customer service experience and communication skills.

While this person may not have sold anything to customers, they still interacted with customers directly, which will be seen as a plus.

One other thing you should always point out if possible: Experience working in the same industry. So if you’ve never done sales, but you did customer support in the exact same industry as the employer, that’s a huge plus… because it means you’ll have less learning needed on the job!

Other Articles That May Help You:

• 3 more tips for writing a cover letter that stands out.
• General tips for how to get a job with no experience.
• How to write the perfect resume “Summary” section with no experience.

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This really helped me

Thanks for this! Really helpful for me as a new graduate and non native English speaker. I’ve started using the steps here and am planning on sending a lot of applications this week to see how it works.

Thank you for the examples. I hav ea little bit of experience so I’m not writing the cover letter with absolutely no work experience but this still is helpful and seems to work for me.

One hiring manager told me that the reason they chose to call me was my cover letter.

Comments are closed.

What Is a Cover Letter?

Can you write a cover letter with no experience, how to write a cover letter with no experience in 5 steps, when you’re done writing your cover letter with no experience, frequently asked questions, final thoughts, cover letter examples with no experience (with templates to use).

Updated November 20, 2023

Unsure about how to write a cover letter with no experience? Sometimes, the best way to grasp the concept is through practical examples.

Composing a cover letter can be a daunting task, especially when you lack work experience. However, there are effective strategies for showcasing your pertinent skills or accomplishments that can pique the interest of the hiring manager. Articulating how your skills can contribute to the employer's needs is the key to setting your cover letter apart from the competition.

In this guide, we delve into the art of crafting a cover letter with no experience, providing you with a template and a real-life example to aid you in constructing a compelling cover letter with no experience.

When you apply for a job, it is best practice to include a cover letter, along with your resume and/or application form.

If you are interested in how to approach writing a cover letter when you have no experience, read on for tips, advice and examples.

A cover letter is a letter that you send to potential employers when you are applying for work or enquiring about job vacancies. It is usually accompanied by your resume.

You might write a physical cover letter or send one electronically as an email or as a separate file, such as a PDF. Your cover letter needs to include your contact details and some information about the job you are applying for, why you want it and why you are a good fit for the role.

A cover letter is an initial chance to showcase a bit of your personality, interests and work ethic to your potential employer.

You may be asking yourself ‘How do I get hired with no experience?’ – the answer is simple:

A well-written cover letter will help you to stand out from other applicants and persuade the hiring manager to take a chance on you.

If you are new to the world of working for a living, you will likely be wondering how to write a cover letter with no experience and whether you need a cover letter to complement your resume at all.

The short answer is yes , you certainly do.

If you lack direct experience, it is true that it may be more difficult to think of relevant and persuasive information that may help to win the hiring over and secure an interview.

However, the chances are that you do already have some experience, even if it has not been directly gained from the workplace.

Most jobs require you to have strong organizational skills , so you could mention a time when you organized an event within your school, at church or within your community.

If you are trying to draft a no experience retail cover letter, you could talk about how you love fashion and helping people find the right color combinations to make them look and feel good.

Teamwork is vital to most job roles and is a key skill that managers look for in recruits. You can demonstrate your ability to work as part of a team in sports that you play or tasks that you have completed with classmates.

Many jobs require cash handling or other types of payment transactions to be performed accurately.

If you have strong numerical reasoning skills, this makes you a good candidate and you should find a way to mention this; perhaps you recently excelled on a test or have won an award for math.

Cover Letter for Job with No Experience: What to Include ?

When applying for a job, your cover letter will often vary depending on the position. However, there are some basics to keep in mind that every cover letter should have.

Later on in the article, you will find some short cover letter examples with no experience.

However, you should always include the following core elements in your cover letter:

Your Name and Contact Information in the Header

If you are shortlisted for an interview, the hiring manager needs to know how to contact you.

Don’t rely on them extracting the information from your resume – they might get hundreds of applications so make it easy for them to get in touch.

At a minimum, you should include a cell number, email address and city/town, if not your full address.

A Friendly Opener/Greeting

Keep it professional. You will usually open with ‘Dear (insert name of hiring manager)’, assuming that you know it.

In some circumstances, you may also write ‘Dear Sir/Madam,’ or ‘Dear Hiring Manager’.

You can check the job advertisement for details on who to address your cover letter to.

Mention the Position That You Are Applying For

If you are responding to an ad for a job vacancy, you should mention the job title that you are applying for.

You might be writing an no experience entry level cover letter, simply enquiring if there is anything at all available.

In this case, you can list a few relevant jobs that the company may have, for example ‘I am writing to enquire if you have any jobs available as a server, dishwasher or cashier’.

A Clear Paragraph Structure

Your cover letter should be coherent and clear. If it is jumbled, rambling, too long or makes no sense, it is likely to be cast aside.

A Professional Conclusion

As you come to the end of writing your cover letter with no experience, you will want to conclude it and sign off in a professional way.

Thank the person reading for taking the time to read it and sign off with either ‘Yours sincerely’ and your name or ‘Kind Regards’ and your name; the former being more professional, the latter more friendly.

In addition to the advice above, whether you are an experienced professional applying for a new role or writing a cover letter with no experience, you should always keep in mind the following:

• Use a sensible font – Preferably the same font that you have used on your resume, in black text on a white background. Avoid bright colors, emojis or clip art.
• Your cover letter should look clear and professional – A greeting at the start, a few paragraphs of text and a sign off at the end. Additionally, make sure there is a line break between paragraphs: more white space makes it easier to read.
• Check your spelling, punctuation, and grammar – Failing to do this might make you appear to lack attention to detail.
• Use a professional (but friendly) tone and correct wording – Avoid slang or abbreviations.

During your career, there may be a time when, although you have work experience, you decide to apply for a position in a completely new industry and will have to write a cover letter for your application.

In this instance, you may wonder how to approach writing a cover letter with no direct experience. You should focus on your transferable skills, which might include:

• Organization
• Good communication – Verbal and written
• Timekeeping
• Solid work ethic
• High standards
• Problem solving

These skills are highly sought after across the board and are benchmarks of a good employee.

Below is a guide on how to write a cover letter with no experience in 5 simple steps.

In the next part of the article, you will explore some cover letter examples with no experience.

Step 1 . Read the Job Posting Carefully

If you are sending a cover letter with no experience in response to a job advertisement, make sure to read and review the original advert carefully.

While you write, keep checking that your letter aligns with the job posting and that you sound like the ideal candidate (as far as possible).

This will also help you to prepare for questions once you reach the interview stage .

Step 2 . Research the Company You Are Applying to and the Job Role That You Want

It is important to know the company that you are applying to and to be able to talk about what it is they do and possibly how their goals or values align with yours. Remember, the purpose of your cover letter is to demonstrate that you are the right person for the role and a good fit for the company.

Step 3 . List Your Relevant Skills and Accomplishments

You may not have direct work experience, but it is highly likely that you will have gained some important transferable skills throughout your life, education or extra-curricular activities.

In particular, try to think about how you can demonstrate key skills that all jobs require such as organization, good timekeeping and a good work ethic. Hiring managers always like to hear about a time you overcame an obstacle or solved a difficult problem.

Step 4 . Discuss How You Fit the Role

Try to make yourself sound like the ideal candidate for the role (without being overtly untruthful) and, even better, try to convey how the role fits with your aspirations for the future.

Even if you are applying for an entry level position to help you through school or college, try to talk about how you want this valid work experience and strive to work your way up the ladder after learning key skills that only an entry level role could offer.

Step 5 . Directly Ask for an Interview Opportunity

In your cover letter, you can appeal directly to the hiring manager or business owner and say that you are looking forward to discussing the job role further at interview stage . This shows that you are a genuine and serious candidate.

Cover Letter Examples with No Experience

You will want to adapt and personalize your no experience cover letter depending on the role you are applying for, but you can use the below some cover letter examples with no experience for inspiration.

Here, you’ll find a cover letter with no experience samples.

Cover Letter Template with No Experience – Generic Sample

Your name Your contact info [Address, cell phone and email address] Date [optional] [Employer’s Name/Business Name] [Employer’s mailing address] Dear [Name of hiring manager] I am writing to express my interest in [insert name of role]. During my time at [Name of school/college], I have won several awards/organized events, etc., and I am currently working towards [insert relevant credentials]. I have an [X] GPA. The job role for [insert job title] at your company especially caught my eye because [list a couple of relevant skills that show you fit the role well]. I am very keen to build on my skills in [X] and feel that this role could help me to utilize my talents and develop my skills further. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter, and I look forward to discussing the job with you further at the interview stage. Your sincerely, [Your signature (optional)] [Your name]

Cover Letter for Receptionist with No Experience – Sample

Karly Simpson 555 666 4231 [email protected] Simone Batts Jade Tanning and Beauty Memphis, TN. Dear Ms. Batts, I saw that you have an opening for a receptionist at your beauty salon, and I would like to apply for the role. I realize that you will want someone who is friendly, organized and reliable – luckily, I am all three! During my time at Central High School I have mastered all aspects of using Microsoft Office and even won an award as part of our Girls Can Code program for some of my IT work. I am highly organized and love working with computers and all kinds of tech. I know how valuable reliability is; I think I can show my commitment to reliability with the fact that I hand in all of my work on time and have not been marked late or absent once all semester. I love helping others and have given up my Saturday mornings for the last year to coach my cousin’s softball team, leading them to their first-ever win, which was so exciting. This is soon coming to an end, giving me greater availability for work. I am also passionate about fashion and beauty and have had my nails done several times at your store in the past – I am really looking forward to being part of the team and helping you all to stay organized and offer the best customer service possible. Looking forward to talking this through further at the interview stage. Yours Sincerely, Karly Simpson

Cover Letter for Internship With No Experience – Sample

If you need to write a cover letter for an internship with no experience, you can use the above information, but rather than talking about the job role, you would mention an internship at the company.

You would then go on to spend some extra time discussing why you want to do your internship at that particular place.

You would need to sell yourself to make the company want to accept you over all of the other potential interns.

Consider mentioning how you could save the company money or improve their productivity: quantify this if possible.

I have been working on an app that could reduce admin costs by at least 10% by offering customers the chance to schedule repeat orders where they are not locked into a contract and can pause at any time. After studying your website, I feel that this could potentially benefit your business model.

Remember not to lie – if shortlisted for an interview, you may be expected to have some tenable numbers and projections ready.

You would open and sign off your internship cover letter with no experience in the same way as in the other examples.

To see an example in practice, you can search for ‘cover letter sample for students with no experience’ online.

Here is a full example:

[Your Name] [Your Address] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date] Dear [Recipient's Name] I am writing to express my strong interest in an internship opportunity at [Company Name]. As a [current or recent] [college/university] student majoring in [Your Major], I am eager to apply my skills and knowledge in a practical setting that aligns with my career aspirations. While I may not have direct experience in the field, I am a highly motivated and ambitious individual with a strong desire to learn and contribute to [Company Name]. After extensively researching your company and its values, I am particularly drawn to [Company Name]'s innovative approach to [specific aspect of the industry]. The opportunity to be part of a team that drives positive change and creates innovative solutions greatly appeals to me. During my academic journey, I have acquired a solid foundation in [relevant coursework or skills]. Additionally, I have been actively involved in [mention any extracurricular activities, clubs, or projects relevant to the internship]. Through these experiences, I have developed exceptional [specific skills or qualities] that I believe will enable me to make a valuable contribution to your organization. Moreover, I have recently been working on a personal project that could potentially benefit [Company Name]. I have developed an app that offers customers the flexibility to schedule repeat orders without being locked into a contract, thus allowing them to pause their orders at any time. By implementing this app, I believe that [Company Name] could reduce administrative costs by at least 10% while enhancing customer satisfaction. The potential impact of this innovation on your business model further fuels my enthusiasm to be part of your team. I would be delighted to contribute my dedication, strong work ethic, and enthusiasm to assist [Company Name] in achieving its goals. The opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals in a supportive and challenging environment would provide me with invaluable knowledge and growth. Enclosed is my resume, which provides additional details about my qualifications. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how my skills and passion align with the goals of [Company Name] during an interview. Thank you for considering my application. Yours sincerely, [Your Name]

Once you have a draft cover letter that is almost ready to send, you should pause and check it over for the following to make sure it is of the highest standard possible:

Always proofread your work for any spelling , grammar or other errors – attention to detail is key if you want to stand out from other applicants, even for an entry-level role.

Check you have included a mention of your relevant skills . This will get easier once you have experience, however, you need to try to highlight at least a couple of relevant skills (even if they are not workplace-related) and link these back to the role in question.

Save it in the correct format . Most companies like files sent as PDFs, but in some cases another format may be suitable, such as a Microsoft Word document or a Google Doc. Sometimes you might send a cover letter in the body of an email or even as a physical piece of paper. Whichever format you use for your no experience cover letter, it should be professional, clear, and well written.

Delete any unnecessary information . Your cover letter should be concise with just the relevant details included. Hiring managers do not have the time to read your full life story or read any unnecessary filler words or information.

Do I need a cover letter for my resume if I have no experience?

You should always include a cover letter along with your resume even if you have no experience. Your cover letter can help to highlight why you are deserving of an interview over other candidates and why you are a good fit for a vacancy.

What is the best way to start a cover letter with no experience?

You should begin your cover letter with a friendly but professional opening such as ‘Dear (name of hiring manager),’ followed by an opening paragraph that mentions the role you are interested in and why.

How likely is it for my cover letter with no experience to be considered by the employer?

A professional-looking and well-written cover letter can help you to get noticed by an employer even if you have no experience. Most employers will understand that everyone has to start somewhere.

How long should my cover letter be?

Your cover letter needs to cover key information such as your name and contact details, relevant skills and why you are a good fit for the job role, but it should be short and without unnecessary information. Your cover letter should ideally be only a few hundred words long and fit onto a side of 8.27 by 11.7 inch piece of paper.

Where can I get more samples of cover letters with no experience?

You can search for ‘cover letter examples no experience’ online, including a ‘cover letter sample for students with no experience’ or ‘how to draft an internship cover letter with no experience’.

How do I end a cover letter with no experience?

Whether you have experience or not, you should write a short and professional cover letter. The final sentence should thank the person reading for their time and mention that you look forward to speaking to them further at the interview stage. End with a sign off such as ‘Yours Sincerely’ or ‘Kind Regards’ followed by your name.

Can I lie on my cover letter if I have no experience?

It is not a good idea to lie when you are applying for a job on your cover letter or resume .

Often, you will be found out and this can lead to your job offer being withdrawn. Instead of lying on your cover letter, consider applying for jobs that fit with your goals and skills.

How do I get hired with no experience?

To get hired with no experience, you should show that you are a willing and able worker. Send a well written and professional looking resume and cover letter that highlights your skills, experience and achievements. If you lack experience, don’t let this put you off, everyone has to start their career somewhere.

Should I apply for a job if I don’t meet all qualifications?

If you have seen a job that you really want but do not meet all of the qualifications, you should go for it.

Use your cover letter as an opportunity to persuade the hiring manager to take a chance on you. Showcase yourself as a potential asset to the company and mention how you are willing to work towards any further qualifications needed whilst on the job.

Writing a good cover letter is arguably even more important when you have no experience. Your cover letter is the first opportunity you have to showcase yourself in the best light and give the hiring manager the confidence to take a chance on you.

Use your cover letter to demonstrate your skills and aspirations and follow the steps above to help you to create a succinct, persuasive and successful cover letter.

Remember, at some point everyone had to take the first step in their career. Write your no experience cover letter with charisma and confidence and aim to persuade anyone who reads it that they would be missing out if they failed to secure you as an employee.

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You might also be interested in these other Psychometric Success articles:

Or explore the Application Advice / Job Applications sections.

How To Write a Cover Letter With No Experience in 9 Steps [2024]

• December 11, 2023
• In Resumes & Cover Letters

Writing the perfect cover letter is a challenge even for seasoned professionals. But when you are writing a cover letter with no experience, the stakes are even higher. Demonstrating your value without any professional experience is more challenging. To ensure you stand out from the sea of applicants, you should focus on the value you can provide and the skills that make you the ideal candidate.

How to write a cover letter with no experience

1.  Read the job description and research the company 2. Use a professional cover letter template 3. Share your contact information at the top of your letter 4. Greet the hiring manager and introduce yourself 5. List your relevant achievements and skills 6. Explain what makes you the ideal candidate 7. Ask for an interview 8. Proofread for grammar and spelling issues 9. Save your cover letter as a PDF and submit it

When writing a cover letter with no experience, you should focus mainly on the relevant soft skills you possess. Regardless of whether you obtained them through education, training, or volunteering, they are your most valuable assets in the job hunt. Additionally, hiring managers appreciate a strong set of soft skills because they are hard to teach. Apart from featuring your soft skills, show your ability to learn and adapt. This is crucial if you are entering the job market with minimal experience.

How to write a cover letter with no experience in 9 steps

Step 1: read the job description and research the company.

Before writing your cover letter, ensure that you are focusing on skills relevant to the company and position you are applying to. Carefully read through the job listing and the company’s website to assess which skills you have. Then, use these key skills as keywords throughout your resume and explain how they may help you succeed on the job. Remember to also review the company’s values and culture. You can integrate these into your cover letter by explaining how they align with your personal values.

Step 2: Use a professional cover letter template

A cover letter template is a great way to get started when writing a cover letter with no experience. Essentially, a template will help you with the layout and overall design of your cover letter. First, find a template that looks professional, polished, and easy to read. Then, copy and paste it into a word processing software and start filling in your information and text. Stick to the general layout of the template for the body of your cover letter as well as your details. This will make your cover letter more professional and easier to scan.

Step 3:  Address the recipient by name

To make sure the hiring manager knows how to get in touch with you, list your name, email address, and telephone number in the top left corner. Also, you can add a date and the company or employer’s name and address. If you have professional social media profiles, link to them and your online portfolio at the top of your cover letter as well.

Step 4:  Show enthusiasm in the opening paragraph

When writing a cover letter it’s important to convey your genuine interest in the position and the company. Here are a few examples of opening sentences that showcase enthusiasm for a cover letter when you have no work experience:

Step 5: List your relevant achievements and skills

In this section, explain your greatest strengths and why they are valuable for the position. When writing a cover letter with no experience, you can highlight the skills you gained through education or casual jobs. For example, if you led a school club, explain how this allowed you to develop leadership and communication skills. Most importantly, explain how these skills and experiences would be beneficial to the company.

Step 6: Explain what makes you the ideal candidate

In the body of your cover letter, you should convince the hiring manager that you are the best fit for the position. To do this, go the extra mile and show that you did your research. Mention the values or goals you share with the company or bring up a recent project you liked. This will show your dedication and interest in the position. To reiterate your passion for the role, you can also outline some of the key responsibilities and why you are excited to take on them. Very often, passion for the job and commitment to learning can outweigh professional experience in the hiring manager’s eyes. Hence, express your honest interest and passion for the job, as this can make you stand out.

Step 7: Ask for an interview

In the last paragraph, you should summarize your main points and reiterate your interest in the role. Be enthusiastic about the opportunity and ask for an interview straight away. This can often increase your chances of getting a callback, so don’t skip this step. Finally, thank the hiring manager for the opportunity as well as their time. To sign off, use “Sincerely,” followed by your full name at the end of your cover letter.

Step 8: Proofread for grammar and spelling issues

Once you have finished these steps, it is time to polish your cover letter up. Read through the document a few times to ensure there are no spelling or grammar mistakes. Also, check if the writing is continuous, simple to understand, and clear. It can be helpful to get a second opinion, so try sending your cover letter to a friend or a family member for proofreading.

Step 9: Save your cover letter as a PDF and submit it

Once your cover letter is ready to be sent, check if the formatting is consistent and edit it if necessary. Then, save it as a PDF, unless the job posting requires another specific format. Some employers prefer the cover letters to be emailed to HR, while others may let you attach it to your application file. So, always check whether the job posting specifies this.

Read more:  “9 Cover Letter Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Sample cover letter with no experience

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am reaching out to convey my sincere enthusiasm for the [Job Title] opportunity at [Company Name]. As a recent graduate with a passion for [relevant field or industry], I am eager to contribute to the innovative work being done at [Company Name].

During my academic pursuits, I have developed a solid foundation in [relevant skills or coursework], which I believe will be valuable in the [Job Title] role. Additionally, my dedication to [specific quality or skill] has been recognized by my instructors, and I am confident in my ability to apply these skills to support the goals of [Company Name].

I am particularly drawn to [specific aspect of the company or role], and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [specific project or goal]. I am confident that my strong work ethic, coupled with my enthusiasm for learning, will make me a valuable addition to the [Company Name] team.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the possibility of discussing how my background, skills, and enthusiasm can contribute to the continued success of [Company Name]. Please find my resume attached for your review.

[Your Name]

Cover letter with no experience for internship example

By following these steps, you will be able to create the perfect cover letter. Remember that the key to writing an impactful cover letter with no experience is to focus on the valuable skills and experience you have. Follow these 9 easy steps, and you will end up with a cover letter that will get your application noticed and help you land your dream job.

FAQ – Cover Letter With No Experience

How do i format a cover letter with no experience.

To format a cover letter with no experience, follow these steps:

• Use a professional format : Format your cover letter like a formal business letter. Include your contact information at the top, followed by the date and the employer’s contact information.
• Include a proper salutation : If possible, address the cover letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter. If you don’t have a name, you can use a generic salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager.”
• Write a compelling introduction : Start your cover letter with a strong and attention-grabbing opening sentence. Introduce yourself and mention the position you’re applying for.
• Highlight your skills and strengths : In the body of the cover letter, focus on your transferable skills, relevant coursework, internships, volunteer work, or other experiences that demonstrate your qualifications for the position. Explain how these experiences have prepared you for the role.
• Show enthusiasm and motivation : Express your genuine interest in the company and the position. Explain why you are passionate about the field or industry and how you are eager to learn and grow in the role.
• Tailor the letter to the job : Customize your cover letter for each job application. Research the company and the job requirements to identify specific skills or qualities they are seeking. Highlight those skills and explain how you can contribute to their organization.
• Close the letter professionally : Thank the employer for considering your application and express your interest in further discussing your qualifications. End the letter with a professional closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name and contact information.

What tone should I use in a cover letter with no experience?

When writing a cover letter with no experience, it’s important to strike the right tone to make a positive impression on the employer. Here are some tips on the tone you should use:

• Professional tone : Maintain a professional tone throughout your cover letter. Use clear and concise language, and avoid using overly casual or informal language.
• Enthusiastic tone : Show your enthusiasm and eagerness to learn and contribute to the company. Highlight your passion for the industry or field and your motivation to succeed.
• Professional and polite language : Use polite and respectful language in your cover letter. Avoid using slang or jargon that may not be familiar to the employer.

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How to Write a Cover Letter When You Have No Experience

A s a job seeker, a cover letter is your chance to make a great first impression. It can help you stand out and show your potential as a valuable addition to the team.

Writing a persuasive cover letter without prior work experience can be challenging. But with the right approach, you can make a compelling case for why you're the perfect fit for the job. In this article, we'll help you write an effective cover letter that leaves a lasting impression on your potential employer.

1. Begin With a Strong Opening Statement

Your opening statement should be attention-grabbing and highlight your interest in the position. Start with a brief introduction about yourself and why you're applying for the job. Avoid generic or cliché openings, such as "I am writing to apply for the job opening at your company."

Instead, try to show your personality and interest in the position. If you know someone at the company or have a connection, mention it in the opening statement. For example, "I'm excited to hear about this opportunity from a friend in your marketing department."

Your opening statement should be no more than two to three sentences long. Remember, the goal is to get your potential employer to keep reading and learn more about you.

2. Highlight Your Education and Relevant Coursework

When writing a cover letter, you may want to highlight your education and relevant coursework. Your education provides a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that can be applied to a job. While doing so, mention your degree and any relevant coursework you have completed.

For instance, if you're applying for a marketing role, showcase any relevant marketing coursework or projects. You can also highlight relevant accomplishments. It's important to note that not all achievements will be relevant to every job application.

If your academic achievements are relevant to the position, mention them in your cover letter. Provide specific examples of how they showcase your strengths and potential as a candidate.

3. Focus on Your Strengths and Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are skills that can be applied across different jobs and industries. While demonstrating transferable skills on your CV helps, including them in your cover letter can further enhance your job application.

Common transferable skills include teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, time management, and more. Instead of listing your transferable skills, give specific examples. Share experiences from any team activities where you tackled challenges and found solutions.

4. Mention the Company Values That Align With You

Organizations often emphasize cultural fit during the hiring process. By highlighting your alignment with the company values, you provide evidence of your potential cultural fit for the work environment and team dynamics.

Research the company and identify its important values that resonate with you. Start by visiting the company's official website. Look for sections like "About Us," "Mission and Values," or "Our Culture." You can also check the social media profiles, employee testimonials, or any press releases that highlight the company’s values.

Once you've identified the company values you want to highlight, provide specific examples to support them. Share anecdotes or experiences that showcase how you have lived out these values. For instance, if one of the company values is "collaboration," mention a successful team project where you collaborated.

5. Use Keywords From the Job Description

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen and filter resumes and cover letters. These systems often scan for specific keywords to identify qualified candidates. By adding the right keywords, you can increase the chances of your cover letter aligning with the employer's requirements.

Pay attention to the specific words and phrases in the job description and mirror them in your cover letter. For instance, if the description mentions "attention to detail" as a required skill, use similar wording to describe your attention to detail in previous projects or assignments.

While it's essential to add relevant keywords, avoid excessive repetition or keyword stuffing. Aim for a natural flow in your writing. Focus on showcasing your skills and experiences rather than forcefully inserting keywords without proper context.

6. Express Your Enthusiasm

Next, as you end your cover letter, show your enthusiasm for the role and the company. It will show your potential employer that you are passionate about the opportunity. Highlight specific aspects of the company or the position that excites you. Refer to the company’s recent projects, initiatives, or achievements that have caught your attention.

While it's important to express enthusiasm, remember to maintain a professional tone in your cover letter. Strike a balance between enthusiasm and professionalism to show your interest and suitability for the role. Use a positive tone throughout your cover letter. Avoid generic phrases and opt for more specific and vivid descriptions that showcase your interests.

7. Proofread Your Cover Letter

After completing your cover letter, take a break before proofreading. This break helps you approach the proofreading process with fresh eyes, making it easier to spot areas that need improvement. Consider using the best spelling and grammar-checking tools or seeking help from a trusted friend or colleague.

Here's an Example of a Cover Letter

Dear [Employer's Name],

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Position] role at [Company Name]. I was thrilled to learn about this opportunity from my friend, [Friend's Name], who works in your marketing department. From my research and conversations, I have come to admire [Company Name]'s commitment to innovation and its positive impact on the industry.

As a recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in [Your Field of Study] from [University Name], I have developed a solid foundation in [relevant coursework or major subjects]. Through my coursework, I have gained a deep understanding of [specific concepts or skills relevant to the position], which I believe will contribute to my success in the [Position] role at [Company Name].

At [University Name], I had the privilege of working on various projects that required strong teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication skills. In my marketing research course, I led a team project where we conducted extensive market analysis. We developed a comprehensive marketing strategy that resulted in a 30% increase in customer engagement for a local business.

Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how my qualifications align with the goals and vision of [Company Name].

Once again, I appreciate your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of joining the exceptional team at [Company Name] and contributing to its continued success.

[Your Name]

Stand Out With a Compelling Cover Letter

With a well-crafted cover letter, you can convey your potential and convince employers to consider you for the position. Remember to tailor each cover letter to the specific job and company, highlighting the most relevant aspects of your background and showcasing your interest in the opportunity.

Administrative Assistant with no experience Cover Letter Example

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You should start your cover letter by addressing the hiring manager directly, if possible. Then, introduce yourself and express your interest in the Administrative Assistant position. Even though you don't have direct experience, highlight relevant skills or experiences that make you a strong candidate. For example, you could say, "As a recent graduate with a degree in Business Administration, I have developed strong organizational and project management skills that I believe would make me an asset to your team." This shows that you've done your research about the role and the company, and that you're enthusiastic about the opportunity.

The best way for an Administrative Assistant with no experiences to end a cover letter is by expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity to interview and learn more about the company. You can say something like, "I am eager to bring my strong organizational skills and dedication to this role, and I am confident that I can contribute positively to your team. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this opportunity with you further." This shows that you are proactive and interested in the position. Also, remember to thank the employer for considering your application. Finally, end with a professional closing like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your full name.

An Administrative Assistant with no experiences should include the following in a cover letter: 1. Introduction: Start with a brief introduction about yourself and why you are interested in the administrative assistant position. 2. Transferable Skills: Even without direct experience, you likely have transferable skills that would be beneficial in an administrative role. These could include organization, communication, problem-solving, or customer service skills. Highlight these skills and provide examples of how you've used them in past roles or academic projects. 3. Education: If you have relevant education or training, such as a degree in business administration or a certification in office management, be sure to mention it. 4. Eagerness to Learn: Show your enthusiasm for the role and your willingness to learn. Employers often value a positive attitude and a strong work ethic over direct experience. 5. Knowledge about the Company: Show that you've done your research about the company and explain why you're interested in working there. This shows your initiative and interest in the role. 6. Closing: End your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering your application and expressing your interest in the opportunity to discuss your qualifications further. Remember, the goal of your cover letter is to convince the employer that you have the potential to be a successful administrative assistant, even without direct experience. Highlight your strengths and show your enthusiasm for the role.

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Try our AI Cover Letter Generator

Sample Application Letters for Any Position With & Without Experience

There is nothing wrong with writing a job application without any specific position. Whenever you find difficulty in finding a specific job then it is better to do any available job. It will help you financially until you get your favorite job.

Here are the sample application formats which you can submit to companies to know vacancies in any positions.

Sample Application Letter for Any Position without experience

To HR Manager, Company Name, Address.

Sub: Job application.

Dear Sir/Madam,

My name is [your name] , completed my [education], looking for any job opportunity in your organization. I am ready to do any job.

I am hardworking and a quick learner, therefore I can adapt to any job role. 

Kindly find an enclosed resume along with this letter and please give me an opportunity to work at [company name] .

Thanking you.

Sincerely, Your name. Mobile no.

Sample Application Letter for Any Position with Experience

To The HR Manager, Company name, Address.

Sub: Application for any job position.

I am [your name],  writing this letter to apply for any available job positions at [company name] .

I have __ years of experience as a [previous job] and my educational qualification is ______ but I am willing to accept any job opportunity irrespective of my previous work experience and my education.

Therefore kindly inform me if there are any job opportunities. Please find my enclosed resume with this letter.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks in advance.

Regards, Your name. Mobile no.

Simple Application Letter for Any Vacant Position

Sub: Application for vacant job positions.

My name is [your name] and I have studied [course name]. I am writing this letter to know about any open job positions in your organization.

I am ready to do any kind of job regardless of my academic qualification.

So kindly let me know if there are any vacant job positions.

Sample Email for Any Available Job Vacancy.

My name is [your name] , I wrote this email to inquire about any vacant job positions at your organization.

My educational qualification is [your education] and I have work experience as [your previous job role ] . But irrespective of my education and experience I am willing to do any job.

Please find my resume attached to this email, and please let me know if there are any available job vacancies.

I hope you help me in this regard.

How to Write an Application Letter without any Specific Position

• Address the application letter to the Human Resource (HR) department, because they will deal with the recruiting process in most of the companies.
• Simply write a subject line as “ Job application ”, don’t mention any specific position in subject line.
• Express your willingness to accept any job offer regardless of your education and experience.
• Mention your education and experience details, so that the HR manager will decide whether they have any suitable job positions for you (or) at least they will try to fit you in any right job.
• Finally attach your resume with the letter and close the letter with your signature.

Recommended:

• Application letters for the post of teacher.
• Employee job joining letter formats in Word

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Home » Internship Tips » Tips & Tricks » How to Write a Cover Letter for Internships?: For Candidates with No Experience

How to Write a Cover Letter for Internships?: For Candidates with No Experience

Are you a recent graduate who finds it difficult to get an internship or job opportunity because you do not have experience? Well, how about compensating for the lack of experience in your resume with an appealing cover letter that piques the interest of your potential employer? This blog will explore different examples to help you learn how to write a cover letter for an internship with no experience.

Table of Contents

Cover Letter: Overview

A cover letter is a short letter submitted along with the resume when applying for a job. It contains a brief introduction and highlights the skills and experience of the candidate. This letter is a great way for you to advocate why you are the best candidate for the internship role. 

You should write a cover letter when it is explicitly mentioned in the internship post or if you feel there is some information that is not clear from your resume.

How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship with No Experience

A cover letter for an internship is different from that for a job. When you apply for an internship, it is assumed you have no or less prior experience. In such a scenario, what do you write about in your cover letter? There are two things you can replace work experience with within your cover letter- your soft skills and your willingness to learn.

Soft skills developed during your academic journey or through extracurricular activities can set you apart from the competition. Your motivation to learn more and dedication to the internship role can help recruiters identify you as a viable candidate. With this in mind, you can write an appealing application letter for an internship with no experience.

Cover Letter for Internship Template

The template below will help you understand the format of a student’s cover letter for an internship with no experience. 

Example of Cover Letter for Internship with No Experience

To help you better understand how the internship application letter with no experience is written, here are a few examples:

1. General Cover Letter for Internship

The following is an example of a standard cover letter for an internship when the candidate has no experience. 

2. Social Media Marketing Internship Cover Letter

The following is a sample cover letter for an internship with no experience for a social media marketing internship:

3. Teaching Internship Cover Letter

If you are applying for teaching internships or entry-level jobs in Hyderabad , you can refer to the following sample cover letter:

4. Career Change Cover Letter

If you are applying for an internship or job vacancy to change your field, you can refer to this cover letter example:

Formatting Tips for Cover Letter

Simple formatting can make your cover letter appear professional. Here are some tips to format your cover letter:

• Add a professional-looking header in the letter.
• The content should be left-aligned. 
• Set all the margins to 1”
• Use double line spacing between paragraphs and 1 to 1.15 line spacing within paragraphs.
• Use simple fonts (Times New Roman or Arial) and set it to 11 points to ensure the text is readable. 

Now you know how to write a cover letter for an internship with no experience. You can customize the above-given examples to suit the internship role you are applying for and draft a professional cover letter. Did you find this blog helpful? Share your opinion with us in the comments section below. Learn more about writing a cover letter with this cover letter format guide .

To prepare yourself for your next job, pursue this internship and job preparation course .

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Shailja Kaushik has been an Editor with Internshala since March 2023. She loves creative writing and experimenting with different forms of writing. She has explored different genres by working with journals and radio stations. She has also published her poems and nano tales in various anthologies. She graduated at the top of her class with Bachelor's in English and recently completed her Master's in English from the University of Delhi. Her experiments with writing continue on her literary blog.

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Cover letters and resumes are the introductory documents that help an employer form their first impressions about a future employee. Thus, it is very important to draft the perfect documents

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4 Resume Mistakes to Avoid When You Don’t Have Much Experience

• Irina Cozma

A good resume can set you apart and help you land that interview.

Understanding the common mistakes job candidates make on resumes, and how to overcome them, can set you apart from your competitors. The first mistake is including irrelevant work experience. Instead, only add roles that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. The second is customizing your resume. While it’s in your benefit to adjust your resume to better match the job description, over-tuning your resume for every application can be a waste of time — and end up slowing down your search. This is especially true if you’re focused on securing a particular position that has a standard job title like “marketing coordinator” or “sales associate.” The third is overdesigning your resume. Recruiters only spend a few seconds scanning it, so keep the format simple and straightforward. The fourth is coming off as a novice. For example, don’t use an ancient email address — update it to something that sounds more professional, and give your resume a specific name so it’s easier to identify.

Resumes. Love them or hate them, you will probably need one when you apply for a job. The resume has a specific tactical role to play in your search — to get you the interview. You need to make sure it checks a few boxes to do that work because, even if you take advantage of your network, sooner or later, you will need to share your resume with the hiring manager.

• Irina Cozma , Ph.D., is a career and executive coach who supports professionals to have better career adventures. She coached hundreds of Fortune 500 executives from global organizations like Salesforce, Hitachi, and Abbott. Irina also coaches startups and the Physicians MBA at the University of Tennessee. Download her free career guide to help you prepare for your next career adventure.

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Amazon Interview Experience for SDE 2 (L5) Hyderabad April 2024 [got the Offer letter]

Introduction, in february to april 2024, i had the chance to interview with amazon for the sde 2 (l5) role. with 2.8 years of previous experience as an sde 3 at a p-based recruiters mnc, i was eager to explore this new opportunity. here’s a detailed account of my interview journey., application and initial contact.

One of the Amazon recruiters reached out to me on LinkedIn and requested me to share my resume over email. Within a week, received the online assessment link followed by 4 round of interview over the P-based next 2 months.

Company: Amazon

Position: SDE 2 (L5)

Interview Dates: Feb – March 2024

Offer Date: 2nd week of April 2024

Online Assessment

Question 1:

• Return the longest decreasing subsequence in a linked list.
• Similar to the Longest Increasing Subsequence

Question 2:

• Given two categories of movies with start time and duration.
• Find the minimum time by which you can finish watching at least 1 movie of each category.

Round 1: Low-Level a Design (1 hr.)

• Introduction and Leadership Principles: We started with introductions, followed by a couple of leadership questions like give a situation where you had to deep dive in code.
• Design Question: Design a Chat Messenger Like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger

Round 2: Coding (1 hr.)

• Introduction and Leadership Principles: We started with introductions, followed by a couple of leadership questions like give a situation where you aimed for long term goal rather than short term.

Given a matrix containing blue and white balloons, where on any given day, all the white balloons surrounding the blue ones in four directions (up, down, left, right) are converted to blue ones. Return the minimum number of days required to convert all balloons to blue.

How to get the number of blue balloons at any given day (0 to MAX_DAY)

Explanation:

Approach: BFS

• Amazon Provides a locker service for packages
• Design a function which returns the locker to be open when a package is received
• Design a function to retrieve the package of a given customer

For simplicity, assume packages can be of 3 sizes: small, medium and large.

Verbally discussed the algorithm and data structures due to lack of time.

Round 3: Hiring Manager, High Level Design (1 hr.)

Introduction and Leadership Principles: We started with introductions, followed by a couple of leadership questions and discussion on my project.

• Question: Design Auto Complete / search recommendations in Amazon Search
• Assumption: Given a ranking algorithm which returns the search priority.

Target: Show top 5 searches.

Round 4: Bar Raiser, Coding (1 hr.)

Introduction and Leadership Principles: We started with introductions, followed by a couple of leadership questions.

• Question 1: Given a Binary Tree, return the maximum sum of the subset such that no two nodes in any subset are adjacent.
• Question 2: Print the subset for last question

I completely solved question 1 with a dry run and discussed verbally how to improve the algorithm for printing the subset. I received the hiring feedback within a week, and the compensation details were finalized the following week.

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National Project Coordinator - Market Systems Development NOB (DC)

Grade: NOB 

Vacancy no.:  DC/DAR/NO/2024/03 Publication date: 15 May 2024 Application deadline (midnight local time Dar es salaam, Tanzania): 28 May 2024

Job ID: 11961  Department: RO-Africa  Organization Unit: CO-Dar es Salaam  Location: Nairobi    Contract type: Fixed Term 

Contract duration:  1 year (12 months) renewable 

Under article 4.2, paragraph (e) of the Staff Regulations, the filling of vacancies in technical cooperation projects does not fall under Annex I of the Staff Regulations and is made by direct selection by the Director-General.

In order to support the best informed process in the filling of the above-mentioned vacancy by direct selection, the ILO invites interested candidates to submit their application online by the above date.

The following are eligible to apply:

• ILO Internal candidates in accordance with paragraphs 31 and 32 of Annex I of the Staff Regulations.
• External candidates* 

*The recruitment process for National Officer positions is subject to specific local recruitment and eligibility criteria.

The ILO values diversity among its staff and welcomes applications from qualified female candidates. We also encourage applicants with disabilities. If you are unable to complete our online application form due to a disability, please send an email to [email protected] .

Technical cooperation appointments are not expected to lead to a career in the ILO and they do not carry any expectation of renewal or conversion to any other type of appointment in the Organization. A one-year fixed-term contract will be given. Extensions of technical cooperation contracts are subject to various elements including the following: availability of funds, continuing need of the functions and satisfactory conduct and performance.

*Conditions of employment for external candidates: In conformity with existing ILO practice, the appointment of an external candidate will normally be made at the first step of this grade. The entry level salary for this position is 7,142,238 (Kenyan Shilling) yearly.

The ILO with catalytic financial support from Sida in Kenya has been implementing project titled ‘Inclusive Growth in the Great Rift Valley since May 2018.Due to the project’s positive impact, a second phase has been designed to ensure the continuity of the project for additional period of 48 months starting July 2024. Phase 2 of the project will therefore be based on a market systems development (MSD) approach, combined with interventions aiming at systemic change in skills development and lifelong learning services, while, to the extent possible, building on the partnerships established during Phase 1.

The overarching aim of the programme is to contribute to the inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development of the Great Rift Valley where the overall development objective is a contribution to employment creation and economic development through three outcome areas namely: a)enhanced employability and job access through vocational education and skills development, b)inclusive job opportunities in growing sustainable enterprises and value chains, and; c)enhanced community engagement towards inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development. 

The ILO is recruiting a National Programme Coordinator for Market Systems Development. He/she will be responsible for planning and coordinating the implementation of the systemic interventions in the selected sectors, sub-sectors and value chains in the framework of promoting decent jobs for the vulnerable communities.

Reporting Lines

The position works under the supervision of the Project Manager (PM) for Inclusive Growth through Decent Work in the Great Rift Valley. The overall technical backstopping will be done by the Employment Specialist based in CO Dar es salaam, the specialists for Skills Development and Lifelong Learning and for Sustainable Enterprises, Productivity and Just Transition, DWT Pretoria.

• In coordination with the Project Manager, provide programming, organizational, and administrative support to activities, including workshops for sectoral training bodies and vocational training centres.
• Conduct consultations with line-Ministries, central and county government departments; employers’ and workers’ organizations, private sector, development agencies on enterprises development issues particularly on enterprise development.
• Support the coordination of project  implementation  including  through  discussions  with  project implementing partners, field visits, development and analysis of progress reports, and participation in reviews and evaluations determining targets delivery.
• He/she will facilitate enterprise development, enhance the capacity of service providers and value chain actors, explore enterprise opportunities and solutions, and provide technical support for business plan development.
• Prepare briefs, periodical reports, and data on status of project activities to ILO Dar es Salaam Country Office, Decent work country team Pretoria, Regional office and Headquarters.
• Ensure visibility of the project activities by drafting news items, taking quality pictures etc. and sharing them with the office communication unit Dar es salaam, Pretoria, regional office, and HQ.
• Assist in the capacity building of selected implementing partners to facilitate knowledge, awareness and smoother implementation of Market systems approach and enterprise development strategies; working closely and collaboratively with them to implement project activities.
•  Undertake missions to relating to project implementation.
• Ensures that program targets benefit from enhanced supporting and core market systems, identify and prioritize systemic issues/constraints, and promotes value addition activities through stakeholder consultations.
• Provide inputs for budget preparation and other administrative related matters, including preparing relevant documentation for responsible ILO entities.
• Collaborate closely with relevant ILO programmes and projects, ILO units and responsible ILO offices and DWT as appropriate, to obtain technical inputs and share best practices and lessons learned.
• Prepare background information, programme briefs, periodical reports, gender analysis and related technical reports and  statistical  data  on  status  of  programme activities  for  internal  and  external distribution.
• Perform other duties as requested by the immediate supervisor and ILO Country Office Director.

First level university degree in economics, public policies, development studies or a relevant field. An advanced degree on studies on Market Systems development would be a strong advantage.

At least three years of work experience of programme/project implementation around market systems development, enterprise development, entrepreneurship, business development services, monitoring and evaluation, micro finance, applied research, or social work.   Experience in implementing development projects funded by donors is an asset. Experience in working with Governments, Employers and Workers organizations will be an advantage.

Technical requirements: Proven experience of Market System approach and facilitation, including extensive knowledge of local economic development, particularly market systems development, value chain development, private sector development and entrepreneurship in Kenya context.

Excellent command in English. Working knowledge of Kiswahili is required.

• Experience in implementing a market systems development (MSD) project
• Knowledge of project and budget, project administration, and evaluation concepts and procedures, and of the mandate and structure of labour market institutions in Kenya.
• Knowledge of the office’s financial rules and regulations. 
• Good knowledge of the context and challenges for the project areas of expertise.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to justify requirements and approaches to problem resolution, and good drafting skills.
• Good ability to interpret project information and to identify and analyze problems with implementation
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to clarify information
• Demonstrate collaborative and team work experience and ability to work effectively with a multicultural and interdisciplinary team, as well as to work on his/her own initiative.
• Ability to work independently, quickly, precisely, and take initiative and responsibility.
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet the deadline.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, web-browsers and database applications. 
• Ability to deal with people with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and gender-sensitive behaviour and attitudes are also required.  

Recruitment process

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application form. To apply, please visit the ILO Jobs website . The system provides instructions for online application procedures.

Assessed candidates who will be considered as appointable but not selected for this position can also be offered to be assigned on another temporary position at the same or at a lower grade provided that said candidates possesses the minimum qualifications for this position

The ILO values diversity among its staff and welcomes applications from qualified female candidates. We also encourage applicants with disabilities.  

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