cover letter student with experience

Student cover letter examples

Getting a job while you’re a student can be a great way to earn extra cash. The trouble is, you often have little experience behind you, which can make your CV look rather sparse.

That’s where your cover letter comes in. This gives you a chance to go into more detail about your interests, studies and what makes you a good fit for the role.

Find out how to write a persuasive and engaging application, no matter how much experience you have, with our step-by-step guide and student cover letter examples below.

CV templates 

Student cover letter example 1

Student cover letter example 2

Student cover letter example 3

The example cover letters here should give you a good general idea on how your Student cover letter should be formatted and written.

The rest of this guide gives more specific guidance on how to create your own cover letter in this format, and even includes some templates you can copy and paste.

How to write a Student cover letter

A simple step-by-step guide to writing your very own winning cover letter.

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

When you send a cover letter with a job application, you should always write your message into the body of your email – or the body of the messaging system if you are sending via a job website.

Why do this?

Simply because you want to get your message seen as soon as the recruiter opens your application.

If you attach the cover letter as a separate item, this means the recipient will have to open it before they can read it – slowing down the process and potentially causing frustration along the way.

So, write your cover note in the body of your email/message to ensure you make an instant connection with the reader.

Start with a friendly greeting

To kick your cover letter off, start with a friendly greeting to build rapport with the recruiter instantly.

Your greeting should be personable but professional. Not too casual, but not too formal either

Go with something like…

• Hi [insert recruiter name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Avoid old-fashioned greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very formal companies.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try these methods to find it.

• Check out the company website and look at their  About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
• Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

Once you’ve opened up the cover letter with a warm greeting to start building a relationship, it is time to identify which role you want to apply for.

Recruiters are often managing multiple vacancies, so you need to ensure you apply to the correct one.

Be very specific and use a reference number if you can find one.

• I am interested in applying for the position of *Student job* with your company.
• I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 406f57393)
• I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
• I saw your advert for a junior project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The sole objective of your cover letter is to motivate recruiters into to opening your CV. And you achieve this by quickly explaining your suitability to the roles you are applying for.

Take a look at the job descriptions you are applying to, and make note of the most important skills and qualifications being asked for.

Then, when crafting your cover letter, make your suitability the central focus.

Explain why you are the best qualified candidate, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.

This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider you for the job.

Keep it short and sharp

It is best to keep your cover letter brief if you want to ensure you hold the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers. A lengthy cover letter will probably not get read in full, so keep yours to around 3-6 sentences and save the real detail for your CV.

Remember the purpose of your cover letter is to quickly get recruiters to notice you and encourage them to open your CV, so it only needs to include the highlights of your experience.

Sign off professionally

To finish off your cover note, add a professional signature to the bottom, stating your important contact details and information.

This not only provides recruiters with multiple means of contacting you, but it also adds a nice professional appearance to the cover letter, which shows that you know how to conduct yourself in the workplace.

Include the following points;

• A friendly sign off – e.g. “Warm regards”
• Your full name
• Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
• Email address
• Profession title
• Professional social network – e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Aaron Smith Customer service professional 075557437373 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip : To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate document that you could copy in.

What to include in your Student cover letter

Here’s what kind of content you should include in your Student cover letter…

The exact info will obviously depend on your industry and experience level, but these are the essentials.

• Your relevant experience – Where have you worked and what type of jobs have you held?
• Your qualifications – Let recruiters know about your highest level of qualification to show them you have the credentials for the job.
• The impact you have made – Show how your actions have made a positive impact on previous employers; perhaps you’ve saved them money or helped them to acquire new customers?
• Your reasons for moving – Hiring managers will want to know why you are leaving your current or previous role, so give them a brief explanation.
• Your availability – When can you start a new job ? Recruiters will want to know how soon they can get you on board.

Don’t forget to tailor these points to the requirements of the job advert for best results.

Student cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Student cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

Good morning, Jon

I would like to submit my application for the Finance internship at CF Finance, where I believe my skills in financial analysis and investment strategies can make a valuable contribution.

As a highly driven Finance undergraduate student at Bristol University, I possess a strong track record of analysing complex financial data and making informed recommendations, evident from my selection for the prestigious JPMorgan 2-week intensive programme. In my current part time job at Lloyds TSB, I have honed my attention to detail, ensuring a 99% accuracy rate in cash balancing and implementing a new cash management system that reduced discrepancies by 30% within the first quarter.

Additionally, my experience working with the team at JPMorgan allowed me to develop financial models and reports, leading to the implementation of an automated financial reporting system that reduced reporting time by 5%.

I am eager to continue learning and to have the opportunity to work alongside the team at CF Finance. I am available for an interview at your convenience to further discuss my qualifications. Thank you for considering my application.

Kind regards,

Shana Johnson

I am an enthusiastic student in my first year of sixth form with excellent time management skills, seeking to apply for the retail assistant job at White Stuff.

In my current role as a Shop Assistant at Clarkson Newsagents, I serve up to 50 customers per shift and my proactive problem-solving approach has garnered 40 named positive feedbacks in the last six months, reflecting my dedication to exceptional customer service. Balancing academic responsibilities with work commitments, I have maintained excellent grades and actively participate in school fundraisers and community service projects. Organising events such as quiz nights and completing a sponsored half marathon showcase my passion for teamwork and strong work ethic.

I am excited to contribute my customer service skills and attention to detail to your retail team. I am available for an interview from 22nd March, and I am eager to discuss how my skills can benefit your shop’s success.

Thank you for considering my application.

Rachel Blake

I hope you are well. I am a highly motivated and detail-oriented Chemistry student at the University of Newcastle, specialising in organic synthesis with technical expertise in using HPLC and GC-MS for quality checking and chemical identification, and I am writing to express my interest in your master’s program.

With a proven track record of streamlining laboratory workflows during group projects, I am passionate about delivering accurate and efficient results in my research. During my time as a Peer Tutor at UNSU, I took on the responsibility of assisting freshman chemistry students, providing one-on-one tutoring and conducting revision workshops. Through these efforts, I successfully elevated the average test scores by an impressive 15% within just two years, showcasing my ability to effectively communicate complex concepts and support students in their academic journey. I am keen to further hone my analytical skills and contribute to cutting-edge research projects, and the research topics and innovative environment of your university laboratory aligns perfectly with my career aspirations.

I sincerely appreciate your consideration of my application and I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

All the best,

Fraser Bleaker

Writing a strong attention-grabbing cover letter is a vital step in landing a good Student job.

Use the tips, strategies and examples above to get more responses from you job applications and start lining job interview up.

Good luck with your job search!

Cover Letter Examples for Students and Recent Graduates

The Balance / Luyi Wang

• Cover Letters
• Skills & Keywords
• Salary & Benefits
• Letters & Emails
• Job Listings
• Job Interviews
• Career Advice
• Work-From-Home Jobs
• Internships

What to Include in Your Cover Letter

College graduate cover letter example, student / recent graduate cover letter templates, student and recent graduate cover letter samples, how to write a cover letter, cover letter format and presentation tips.

If you're a student or a new grad, you may not have much experience in the workforce. This can make building a resume and writing a cover letter challenging. After all, if you haven't worked previously, what information can you include in these two documents?

Fortunately, on-the-job experience is not the only thing that shows your abilities. Here's guidance on what to include in your resume and cover letter, along with cover letter examples and cover letter templates are designed especially for high school students, as well as for college students and recent graduates seeking employment.

Academic Achievements and Extracurricular Activities

You can mention volunteer work, academic achievements, participation in clubs or activities (particularly those in which you held leadership roles), and internships. Your academic background is also an asset. Include details that are relevant to the position you want (use the job description as your guide to the qualities and training the employer seeks).

GPA and Honors

If you are an honors student with a GPA higher than 3.5, it is a good idea to mention this on a cover letter as well, along with any honors societies you have been inducted into.

Skills and Abilities

Other things you can mention are soft skills—interpersonal “people” skills like creative thinking, communication, teamwork, or time management that will help you to adapt easily to the people and clients or customers you will be working with.

Your goal in this cover letter is to show how you would be an asset to the company, describing the skills you bring that would allow you to perform well in the position.

Below, you'll find a list of student cover letters, listed by position and level of experience, to help you develop your own cover letter. 

Watch Now: 7 Tips for Finding Your First Job

You can use this sample as a model to write a college graduate cover letter. Download the template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online), or read the text version below.

College Graduate Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

Lucy Applicant 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345

555-555-5555 lucy.applicant@email.com

October 18, 2021

Eric Lee Media Director Kansai Collaborative Arts 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Lee:

I am writing to you to express interest in the graphic design position as advertised on Indeed.com. As a recent graduate with experience in 3-D animation software and the Adobe suite of software, I believe I am a strong candidate for a position at Kansai Collaborative Arts.

 During my time at the University of Northern State, I was awarded the top prize in the student design competition for my version of an app that would allow students to learn Japanese characters on their own time.

In addition to graduating with a 3.75 GPA, I spent a semester at a university in Japan, and I have strong conversational skills in the Japanese language. I believe this would be an asset, as I know your studio does a lot of collaborations with major design studios in Japan.

 Although I am a recent college graduate, my maturity, artistic skills, ability to work with others, and knowledge of the Japanese language and culture will make me an asset to your studio.

 I have enclosed my resume and will email you within the next week to see if we can arrange a time to speak further. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Signature  (hard copy letter)

Before you can begin writing your cover letter, it's important to know the guidelines governing these letters. Unlike a casual email to a friend, there are set standards for how to greet recipients, organize the letter's content, and much more. That's where templates can help: they allow you to know what information to put where, and they help you format your letter correctly. Review the templates below: 

• Cover Letter Format
• Cover Letter Template
• Email Cover Letter Template
• Email Cover Letter Sample
• Cover Letter Sample: General
• Cover Letter Sample: Block Format
• Microsoft Word Cover Letter Templates

These lists of cover letters include both general examples that will help you format your letter, as well as sample cover letters used to apply for specific positions, such as roles as a nanny or a marketing assistant.

Do not copy these sample letters—instead, use them as a guide to help you know what kind of information to include, and how to format your letter. 

Entry-Level Cover Letters

Have a look at these samples to see how best to present your experience when applying for an entry-level job.

• Entry Level Inquiry Letter
• Cover Letter Sample: Entry-Level

Student Cover Letters

As a student, the information you should emphasize in your cover letter will vary depending upon your level of education. Here are examples of effective cover letters created for students at the high school, college, and graduate levels.

• Recent College Graduate Sample #1
• Recent College Graduate Sample #2
• Response to Job Posting
• College Senior
• Graduate Student
• Networking Letter

Job-Specific Cover Letters

These cover letter samples target specific career fields. They demonstrate how to incorporate industry-specific keywords into your narrative.

• Email Cover Letter - Psychology Job
• Internship Cover Letter
• Finance Internship Program
• Entry Level Marketing

Cover Letters for Summer and Part-Time Jobs

Being able to write an enthusiastic and informative cover letter will set you apart from your competition when you apply for summer or part-time jobs while you’re still in school.

Make sure you send your cover letter and resume as soon as possible after a job is announced—these opportunities are snatched up quickly.

These samples can be modified to both summer and part-time work.

• Part-Time Job
• Summer Assistant Job
• Email Summer Job
• Summer Job #1
• Summer Job #2
• Summer Job Email Message
• Camp Counselor
• Email Editorial Assistant
• Sales Associate
• Summer Camp

This guide to writing a cover letter will walk you through everything you need to know to write a cover letter, including what to include in the letter, how to write it, and the proper cover letter format. Plus, find out about how to write a targeted cover letter and browse through additional cover letter samples and examples.

Here are cover letter tips and techniques for writing top-notch cover letters to send with your resume, including information about cover letter format and presentation, choosing a type of cover letter, writing custom cover letters, and cover letter examples and templates.

• Student Resume Examples, Templates, and Writing Tips
• Marketing Cover Letter Example and Writing Tips
• Recommendation Letter Examples, Templates, and Tips
• Sample Professional Letter Formats
• Reference Letter Examples
• Goodbye Letter Examples and Writing Tips
• Professional Letter and Email Examples
• Types of Professional Business Letters
• Sample Cover Letters for a Career Office Job Posting
• Business Letter Format With Examples
• Retail Cover Letter Examples and Writing Tips
• Teaching Assistant Cover Letter Samples
• Resume and Cover Letter Examples Listed By Job
• Speech Pathologist Resume and Cover Letter Examples
• Consulting Cover Letter Samples and Writing Tips
• Admissions Counselor Cover Letter and Resume Examples

Student Cover Letter Example

Cover letter examples, cover letter guidelines, how to format an student cover letter, cover letter header, cover letter header examples for student, how to make your cover letter header stand out:, cover letter greeting, cover letter greeting examples for student, best cover letter greetings:, cover letter introduction, cover letter intro examples for student, how to make your cover letter intro stand out:, cover letter body, cover letter body examples for student, how to make your cover letter body stand out:, cover letter closing, cover letter closing paragraph examples for student, how to close your cover letter in a memorable way:, pair your cover letter with a foundational resume, key cover letter faqs for student.

Starting a student cover letter involves introducing yourself, stating the position you're applying for, and briefly explaining why you're interested in the role. It's crucial to make a strong first impression. For instance, you could start with "My name is [Your Name], a [Your Major] major at [Your University]. I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]." Then, mention something that drew you to the company or role, such as a shared value or mission, or a unique aspect of the job that aligns with your career goals. This shows that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the position.

The best way for students to end a cover letter is by expressing gratitude and showing enthusiasm for the potential opportunity. A closing statement like, "Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to your team and look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your needs" would be appropriate. This not only shows politeness but also eagerness and confidence. After the closing statement, students should end with a formal closing like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by their name. It's also important to include contact information, such as an email address or phone number, for easy follow-up.

Students should include the following elements in a cover letter: 1. Contact Information: At the top of the cover letter, students should include their name, address, phone number, and email address. If applicable, they can also include their LinkedIn profile or professional website. 2. Salutation: The cover letter should start with a professional greeting. If possible, students should address the letter to the specific person who will be reading it. 3. Introduction: In the first paragraph, students should introduce themselves and state the position they are applying for. They can also mention how they learned about the job opening. 4. Body: This is the main part of the cover letter where students should highlight their skills, experiences, and achievements that are relevant to the job. They should explain why they are a good fit for the position and the company. It's important to provide specific examples that demonstrate these qualifications. 5. Conclusion: In the closing paragraph, students should reiterate their interest in the position and thank the employer for considering their application. They can also indicate their availability for an interview. 6. Signature: The cover letter should end with a professional closing like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by the student's full name. In addition to these elements, students should remember to tailor each cover letter to the specific job and company. They should do some research about the company and use this information to explain why they are interested in working there. The cover letter should be concise, well-organized, and free of spelling and grammar errors. It's also a good idea to include keywords from the job description to show that the student is a good match for the position.

Related Cover Letters for Student

Related resumes for student, try our ai-powered resume builder.

15 internship & entry level cover letter templates

Make a professional cover letter to land the perfect internship or entry-level job with these free easy to use templates.

When applying for a job, a well-written cover letter can be just as important as a strong resume. A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume and provides additional context for your qualifications, experience, and interest in the position you are applying for. In this article, we will explore what a cover letter is and why it is an essential part of the job application process.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document that serves as an introduction to your resume. It is typically addressed to the hiring manager or HR representative and provides additional information about your qualifications, experience, and interest in the position. A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and showcase why you are the best candidate for the job.

Why is a Cover Letter Important?

A cover letter is important for several reasons. Firstly, it provides an opportunity to introduce yourself to the hiring manager and explain why you are interested in the position. This can help to establish a personal connection and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job. Secondly, a cover letter allows you to highlight your relevant skills and experience, which may not be immediately apparent from your resume alone. Finally, a well-written cover letter can help to demonstrate your writing skills and attention to detail, both of which are valuable qualities in any job.

What Should be Included in a Cover Letter?

A cover letter should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for and should include the following elements:

• Introduction: Begin by introducing yourself and explaining why you are interested in the position.
• Body: The body of your cover letter should provide additional information about your qualifications and experience, as well as specific examples of how your skills align with the requirements of the job. Use this section to highlight your relevant accomplishments and demonstrate your understanding of the position.
• Closing: End your cover letter by thanking the hiring manager for their time and consideration, and expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity to interview for the position. Be sure to include your contact information so that the hiring manager can easily reach you if they have any further questions.

In conclusion, a cover letter is an important part of the job application process. It provides an opportunity to introduce yourself to the hiring manager, highlight your relevant skills and experience, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job. By taking the time to craft a well-written cover letter, you can increase your chances of standing out from other applicants and securing the job of your dreams.

Cover letter templates for internships

Software development internship.

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP Code] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] [Today's Date]

[Hiring Manager's Name] [Company Name] [Company Address] [City, State ZIP Code]

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I am writing to apply for the Software Development Internship at [Company Name]. As a computer science student with a passion for programming, I am excited about the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in this field.

[In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. In the second paragraph, highlight any relevant coursework or programming experience. In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the internship and provide your contact information.]

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]'s software development initiatives.

[Your Signature] [Your Name]

Data Science Internship Template

I am writing to apply for the Data Science Internship at [Company Name]. As a computer science student with a strong interest in data analysis, I am excited about the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in this field.

[In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. In the second paragraph, highlight any relevant coursework or data-related experience. In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the internship and provide your contact information.]

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]'s data science initiatives.

Cybersecurity Internship Template

I am writing to apply for the Cybersecurity Internship at [Company Name]. As a computer science student with a strong interest in cybersecurity, I am excited about the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in this field.

[In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. In the second paragraph, highlight any relevant coursework or cybersecurity-related experience. In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the internship and provide your contact information.]

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]'s cybersecurity initiatives.

Marketing Internship Template

I am writing to apply for the Marketing Internship at [Company Name]. As a [Your degree program or field of study] student with a passion for marketing, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.

[In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. In the second paragraph, highlight any relevant coursework or extracurricular activities. In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the internship and provide your contact information.]

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to learn and grow with [Company Name].

Finance Internship Template

I am writing to apply for the Finance Internship at [Company Name]. As a [Your degree program or field of study] student with a strong interest in finance, I am excited about the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in this field.

[In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. In the second paragraph, highlight any relevant coursework or finance-related experience. In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the internship and provide your contact information.]

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]'s financial initiatives.

Journalism Internship Template

[Hiring Manager's Name] [Publication Name] [Publication Address] [City, State ZIP Code]

I am writing to apply for the Journalism Internship at [Publication Name]. As a [Your degree program or field of study] student with a passion for journalism, I am excited about the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in this field.

[In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. In the second paragraph, highlight any relevant coursework or journalism-related experience. In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the internship and provide your contact information.]

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [Publication Name]'s editorial team.

[Your Signature] [Your Name]Template for a Design Internship

Technology Internship Template

I am writing to apply for the Technology Internship at [Company Name]. As a [Your degree program or field of study] student with a strong interest in technology, I am excited about the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in this field.

[In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. In the second paragraph, highlight any relevant coursework or technology-related experience. In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the internship and provide your contact information.]

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]'s technology initiatives.

Public Relations Internship Template

I am writing to apply for the Public Relations Internship at [Company Name]. As a [Your degree program or field of study] student with a passion for communication, I am excited about the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in this field.

[In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. In the second paragraph, highlight any relevant coursework or communication-related experience. In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the internship and provide your contact information.]

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]'s public relations initiatives.

Education Internship Template

[Hiring Manager's Name] [School Name] [School Address] [City, State ZIP Code]

I am writing to apply for the Education Internship at [School Name]. As a [Your degree program or field of study] student with a passion for teaching, I am excited about the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in this field.

[In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. In the second paragraph, highlight any relevant coursework or teaching-related experience. In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the internship and provide your contact information.]

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [School Name]'s educational initiatives.

Cover letter templates for entry level jobs

Basic entry-level template.

I am writing to apply for the [Position Name] role at [Company Name]. As a recent [Your degree or educational program], I am excited to begin my career in [Industry] and believe that this position would be an excellent opportunity to do so.

[In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and explain your interest in the position. In the second paragraph, highlight your relevant coursework, internships, or extracurricular activities. In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the position and provide your contact information.]

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name].

Entry-Level Marketing Template

I am writing to apply for the [Position Name] role at [Company Name]. As a recent graduate with a degree in Marketing, I am excited to begin my career in this field and believe that this position would be an excellent opportunity to do so.

[In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and explain your interest in the position. In the second paragraph, highlight any relevant coursework or internships. In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the position and provide your contact information.]

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]'s marketing initiatives.

Entry-Level Human Resources Template

I am writing to apply for the [Position Name] role at [Company Name]. As a recent graduate with a degree in Human Resources, I am excited about the opportunity to begin my career in this field and believe that this position would be an excellent opportunity to do so.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]'s HR initiatives.

Entry-Level Graphic Design Template

I am writing to apply for the [Position Name] role at [Company Name]. As a recent graduate with a degree in Graphic Design, I am excited to begin my career in this field and believe that this position would be an excellent opportunity to do so.

[In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and explain your interest in the position. In the second paragraph, highlight any relevant coursework or design projects. In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the position and provide your contact information.]

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]'s design initiatives.

General Cover letter templates

Job application template.

I am writing to express my interest in the [Position Name] role at [Company Name]. As a [Your current or most recent position] with [Number of years of experience], I am confident that I possess the skills and qualifications necessary to excel in this position.

[In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. In the second paragraph, highlight your relevant experience and skills. In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the position and provide your contact information.]

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

Career Change Template

I am writing to express my interest in the [Position Name] role at [Company Name]. Although my background is in [Your previous career or industry], I am eager to pursue a new career path in [New career or industry] and believe that this position would be an excellent opportunity to do so.

[In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and explain your career change. In the second paragraph, highlight your transferable skills and any relevant experience. In the final paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the position and provide your contact information.]

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

Find the right jobs for you. Get hired.

Related stories, most recent stories.

Made for everyone, powered by RBC

How to Write a Cover Letter for Students

You’ve found a dream job posting and worked hard to create a polished resume. But before you submit your application, you need to write a cover letter. It’s an essential written document that accompanies your resume and showcases how your skills and work experience match up with the key requirements listed in the job description.

Of course, writing the thing is easier said than done, especially when it comes to creating a cover letter for students. Luckily, we’ve talked to the pros and got the 411 on cover letters. This article will cover how to address a cover letter to striking the right professional cover letter format to how to write a cover letter with no experience. Dive in and learn how you make the best first impression to a prospective employer.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a one-page written introduction to a prospective employer, which is submitted with your job application. Consider it the sidekick to your resume : it briefly explains why you’re applying for the position and gives you a chance to sell your skills.

“It sends out a call for action for them to call you for an interview,” says Christine VandeGraaf, General Manager of Employment, Training and Settlement Services at the YMCA of Hamilton. 

These days, debates rage about whether the cover letter is dead , and the jury is still out on the verdict. While it’s true that some employers are phasing it out, a cover letter can nonetheless give you a leg up in the job application process. 

“The potential employer is seeing dozens of other resumes along with yours,” says Cheyene Shuart and Abby Russell from the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario. “So your cover letter is your chance to start a conversation with the employer and show them who you really are and why you would be a good fit for the position.”

Do you need a cover letter as a teenager?

The unanimous answer from the experts is… yes! Teenagers should always include a cover letter with their resume, even if a job posting doesn’t explicitly state that one is required. Consider it a best practice that can help you stand out above the rest, and if yo u have limited work experience, the experts say it can especially give you a competitive edge. 

“It can be intimidating to find work when you haven’t had much (or any) work experience, especially when most positions are looking for previous experience,” says Shuart. “Sometimes resumes aren’t enough to prove to the employer that you would be a good fit for the position,” adds Russell. 

“Cover letters are meant to highlight a little bit of your experience and skills, but they are mostly used to explain how that experience and skills relate to this exact position, which is what matters the most to potential employers.” 

Read more: 14 best part-time jobs for teens . 

What should a high school cover letter include?

Whatever you do, don’t draft a saga of all the things you’ve ever done in your life and why it makes you great. When it comes to writing a cover letter, brevity is your BFF: Recruiters generally spend six seconds reviewing the average candidate . Make every word count! Here’s what should make the cut in your cover letter, including how to address a cover letter.

Your contact information

Your contact information should appear first. Typically, this section sits in the left-hand corner at the top of the page and includes your name, address, email address, website, LinkedIn URL, and phone number in a listicle format.

By the way, now is the time to create a professional email address. Keep it simple: use your name ([email protected]) or create a generic address ([email protected]). 

Hit the enter button twice and write the date in full [DAY/MONTH/YEAR].

The employer’s contact information

Next, include all the employer’s contact information two lines after the date. List the hiring manager/employer’s name, company name, company address, and any other contact information pulled from the job posting.

Start with a polite greeting, such as “Dear [Ms./Mr./Dr./Professor/etc.] [LAST NAME].” If you aren’t sure of the hiring manager’s gender or wish to avoid gendered greetings altogether, you can enter their full name (“Dear FIRST NAME/LAST NAME”).

Avoid using “To whom it may concern” if you can, as some experts say this greeting is starting to feel a little tired .

First paragraph: Introduce yourself 

Right off the bat, the first paragraph should cover the basics: who you are, what position you’re applying for, how you heard about the position, why it interests you, and what makes you an ideal candidate.

 “This should be no more than three or four sentences and should just be a quick snapshot to capture the reader’s attention,” says Shuart and Russell.

Second paragraph: Your qualifications 

The next paragraph should describe your credentials as it relates to the job description. Specifically, describe how your relevant education, work/volunteer, and skills or training experience make you a good fit for the job. But keep it short: Focus on how your accomplishments match the job requirements and leave the nitty-gritty details for your resume. This section should be no more than five to seven sentences. 

“When writing sentences about your skills and how they apply to the job, always explain when you used the skill, how you used it, and what the end result was,” says Shuart and Russell. “This shows the employer that you did your homework on what they are looking for and helps to illustrate why you would be a good fit.”

For example, if the job posting is asking for “excellent communication skills,” you could talk about your experience as a student council representative: “As student council secretary, I am responsible for producing an online newsletter that is distributed monthly to over 700 students—an experience that has given me the opportunity to build and apply my excellent communication skills.” 

Depending on the job, you may also want to highlight other strengths or “selling features” that could help get you onto the interview list.

“For a young person, it may include phrases such as availability (evenings/days/weekends) driver’s license and access to a car, WHMIS certifications, or how the experience will fit into their future career goals,” says VandeGraaf. 

The bottom line: Explain how your qualifications directly relate to the position and use concrete examples.

Closing paragraph: Wrap up and thank you 

In your final paragraph (around three to five sentences), wrap up with a brief conclusion about why the skills you highlighted make you a good fit for the job. Shuart and Russell also say to “be bold” and include a call to action—such as requesting a job interview —as well as restate how you can be contacted (“I can be reached by mobile phone or email”). Last but not least, don’t forget to thank the employer for their time and consideration. 

“They have lots of resumes to get through, so a little appreciation can help them remember you better!” they add.

End on a professional note: “Finish strong with a polite, formal closing, such as “Sincerely, [YOUR FULL NAME]”.

Learn more: Job interview questions for teens and sample answers .

Tips for writing a cover letter for a student with no work experience 

No work experience under your belt? You’ve got this! Here are a few tips for how to write a cover letter with no experience. 

Read the job posting

“The job posting tells you what skills and experience the employer is looking for, so you should show the employer how you measure up to their needs,” says Shuart and Russell. It also gives away keywords to use in your cover letter and resume.  

Prove your skills

Make a list of the key skills required for the position (e.g., excellent communication, time management, problem-solving abilities). Then, think of examples of when you accomplished something using those desired skills. “Whether it was work, volunteer, or academic experience, the most important part is proving you have the skill,” says Shuart and Russell. “You also can relate it to the position: ‘My communication skills would help me build a strong rapport with customers.’” If you’re struggling to make the connection, ask a friend or family member to help you brainstorm. 

Think outside the box

If you’ve never had a job, draw on your lived experience to illustrate putting your skills into practice. Were you a volunteer tennis coach for kids last summer? Did you organize a climate justice rally that 500 people attended? Did you teach your grandma how to use Microsoft Office on a weekend? “Any experience is good experience!” says Shuart and Russell. “You don’t have to have previous work experience to have good communication. Can you use a volunteering or academic example?”

Use keywords

If the job is asking for “excellent customer service skills,” include that phrase somewhere in your cover letter. “Some employers use software that searches for the keywords they are looking for, so your cover letter could be screened out if you don’t have the keywords noted in the job posting,” says Shuart and Russell. “The other benefit of using these keywords is showing the employer you read carefully through their job posting. It’s a great, subtle way to show you pay attention to details as well!”

Use “action” words to paint a picture

Use descriptive language to showcase your skills and experience, as well as your accomplishments. Instead of simply saying you did something, use “action” verbs such as led, researched, created, managed, delivered, resolved, founded, developed, tracked, collaborated, grew, or promoted. Put your thesaurus to work! 

Keep it simple

A cover letter should be easy-to-read and not cluttered with text. Keep it simple and don’t bedazzle it with fancy colours and graphics. “Most employers prefer to see simple, easy-to-follow applications,” say Shuart and Russell. “Keep most of your text left-aligned and keep it professional-looking.”

Run a spelling and grammar check. Read your cover letter out loud to catch any long-winded sentences or awkward transitions. Get a parent or friend to proofread for typos. Double-check that the hiring manager’s name is spelled correctly. Your cover letter should be as clean as a whistle before you hit send.

Learn more: Best summer jobs for teens in Canada .

Sample cover letter or high school student

Need inspo to write a killer cover letter? Here’s a sample cover letter for high school students.

Jennifer McGee

1000 Fairyland Blvd

Toronto, Ontario

(416) 111-4444

[email protected]

January 1, 2023

Theresa Wright

Head Librarian

Toronto Public Library – Palmerston Branch

560 Palmerston Ave

Toronto, ON M6G 2P7 

Dear Ms. Wright,

Please accept my application for the position of Library Page at the Toronto Public Library, Palmerston Branch. As an avid reader and regular library patron, I was very excited to learn about the available position, which is currently posted on your organization’s website. My professionalism, work ethic, and understanding and appreciation for public service make me an ideal candidate for this position. 

As student council secretary, I am responsible for producing an online newsletter that is distributed bi-weekly to over 700 students—an experience that has given me the opportunity to apply my excellent communication skills in action. Most recently, I completed a twelve-week co-op experience at FoodShare Toronto, where I worked in the community garden and supported food literacy workshops in schools. The experience gave me an opportunity to interact with the public in a professional manner, as well as complete tasks independently and part of a team. My values for hard work and continuous learning allowed me to complete the co-op with a grade of 95%. My time management skills were also demonstrated when I had to juggle three essays and two exams during last semester. I used my superior organizational skills to ensure that I prioritize my school work based on difficulty level and deadline, while balancing my hobbies of tennis and piano. As a result of my efforts, I achieved Honour Roll status and a good work-life balance. 

The Toronto Public Library values teamwork and public service, both of which align with my skills, experience, and values. I also get enormous satisfaction in serving the public and have a passion for promoting literacy. Based on my qualifications, I believe I would be a strong member of the team at the Palmerston Branch. I would love to discuss my candidacy further in an interview with you. I can be reached by phone or email. Thank you so much for your time and for considering my application. 

Sincerely, 

Last word about how to write a cover letter like a pro 

The task of writing a cover letter can feel daunting when you’re facing a blank screen. But there’s only one way to overcome that hurdle: start writing! Using these expert tips, kick off your letter by formally introducing yourself and then outlining how your skills and experience make you suited to the job. Use concrete examples that are action- and results-oriented, showing (not just telling!) how you’re a great candidate. 

If you’ve never had a job, remember that your lived experience is equally valuable, and no employer expects you to have a plethora of job experience at this stage in your life. Avoid padding your cover letter with overblown achievements, and focus on sharing what you have to offer. 

Download the Mydoh app to help your tweens and teens gain real-life experience managing their money.  

This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While the information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.

Teach Your Kids How To Earn, Spend & Save Money

with the Mydoh App & Smart Cash Card .

Add up to five kids and two parents on one account.

Sign up for our newsletter

By providing your email, you agree to receive promotional emails from Mydoh . You must be 18 years or older, and can unsubscribe at any time.

Related articles

How to Make Money on YouTube as a Kid

Seeing kids unboxing the newest toys, makeup and video games, or creating communities with hundreds—even thousands—of adoring fans can be tough to resist. It’s no wonder making money on YouTube as a kid has hit the mainstream.

What Teens Need to Know About Getting an Internship in Canada

Here’s seven tips to help you land your first internship!

20 Ways to Make Money as a Teen

No job? No problem! Here are 20 money-making ideas for teens and kids.

How to Prepare Your Teen for Their First Job Interview

Has your teen asked you how to prepare for a job interview? From how to dress to what interview questions to expect, we’ve got tips to help you help them.

How Kids and Teens Can Make Money on TikTok

There’s more than one way kids and teens can run a money-making TikTok account. Here are six ways they can earn money from this social media app.

5 Ways to Encourage Your Kids to Start Their Own Business

If you think kids aren’t natural entrepreneurs, here’s the proof: the popsicle, trampoline, swimming flippers, even the ear muff were all invented by kids. Find out how you can encourage their entrepreneurial spirit.

Kid Entrepreneurs: Meet Sweet August

More kids and teens are becoming entrepreneurs and starting their own business. We spoke with Augie Balcers about his baking business, Sweet August.

14 Best Part-Time Jobs for Teens

Are you a teen thinking about applying for your first job? Here’s a list of the most popular part-time jobs for teens and tips on how to balance work with school.

How to Make Money as a Kid Online in 2024

There’s plenty of opportunities for kids to embrace the latest startup trends and make money online. Here are seven savvy online business ideas for your kids.

How to Become a Professional Gamer

Interested in becoming a professional gamer? Here’s what you need to know about esports and making money playing Fortnite.

Explore Career articles

Unlock Free Tips for Raising Money Smart Kids

Sample Cover Letter With No Experience in Field (And How to Write Yours)

By Biron Clark

Published: November 10, 2023

Cover Letters | Recent Grads

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

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.

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

Continue Reading

How to Write a Graphic Designer Cover Letter (3 Examples)

How to write a paralegal cover letter (2 examples), how to write a medical assistant cover letter (3 examples), how to write a research assistant cover letter (3 examples), how to write a software engineer cover letter (3 examples), how to write a hr cover letter (4 examples), how to write a data analyst cover letter (3 examples), how to write a bartender cover letter (3 examples), 3 thoughts on “sample cover letter with no experience in field (and how to write yours)”.

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.

Letter Templates & Example

Cover Letter Examples for Students with No Experience: Tips and Samples

Hey there! Are you a student with no work experience looking to make a great first impression when applying for a job or internship? Look no further than these cover letter examples tailored specifically for students like you. We understand that finding the right words to express your skills and eagerness to learn can be overwhelming, especially when you’re just starting out. That’s why we’ve compiled a selection of cover letter examples that you can use as inspiration and customize to fit your unique qualifications and personality. With these examples, you’ll be able to showcase your strengths and convince potential employers that you’re the right fit for the job. So what are you waiting for? Start browsing our cover letter examples for students with no experience today, and take the first step towards your dream career!

What is the best structure for cover letter examples for students with no experience?

When you are a student with little to no working experience, applying for jobs can be pretty daunting. One of the crucial parts of the job application process is crafting an effective cover letter. The cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself to the hiring manager, explain why you are the best fit for the job, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position.

To create a winning cover letter, it is essential to organize your thoughts and follow a clear structure. The best structure for cover letter examples for students with no experience is as follows:

1. Introduction: Begin with a strong introduction that grabs the reader’s attention. Start with a captivating statement, mention the job you are applying for, and explain why you are interested in the company.

2. Body paragraph 1: In the first body paragraph, introduce yourself and provide a brief overview of your education and academic achievements. Mention any relevant coursework, skills, or extracurricular activities that make you a suitable candidate for the job.

3. Body paragraph 2: In the second body paragraph, highlight your transferable skills and relevant experiences. Even if you do not have previous working experience, think about the skills you have developed through volunteering, internships, or school projects. Highlight how these skills can help you succeed in the position you are applying for.

4. Body paragraph 3: In the third body paragraph, demonstrate your passion for the company and the position. Research the company and find out what makes them unique. Explain why you want to work for them and how your skills can contribute to their success.

5. Closing: End the cover letter with a call to action and express your eagerness to interview for the position. Thank the hiring manager for considering your application and provide your contact information.

In summary, the best structure for cover letter examples for students with no experience is an introduction that grabs attention, three body paragraphs highlighting your education, transferable skills, and passion for the company, and a closing that expresses enthusiasm and provides contact information. Keep the tone professional yet friendly, and make sure to proofread for grammatical errors. Good luck on your job search!

Cover Letter Samples for Students with No Experience

Sample 1: applying for part-time job.

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the part-time position available at your company. Even though I do not have any work experience, I am a dedicated and hardworking student with excellent time-management skills. As an active member of several clubs in school, I have honed my communication skills and developed a knack for working in a team.

I am confident that my positive attitude and willingness to learn will make me a valuable addition to your team. I am excited to have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while also contributing to the growth and success of your organization. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sample 2: Applying for Internship

Dear Internship Coordinator,

I am a current college student studying [Major] and I am writing to express my interest in an internship position at your organization. Although I have no previous professional experience in this field, I am enthusiastic about learning the skills necessary to succeed and eager to take on new challenges.

My educational background and extracurricular activities have helped me develop relevant skills such as research, organization, and time management. I am confident that I will be able to contribute to your organization and gain valuable experience during my internship.

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

Sample 3: Request for Recommendation

Dear Professor [Last Name],

I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my graduate school application. While I have not yet had any professional experience, I have enjoyed your courses and excelled in them. I believe that your recommendation would greatly strengthen my application.

I appreciate the time you have taken to guide me through my academic journey and I hope that I have demonstrated a dedication to my studies and a willingness to learn that you will be able to speak to in your letter.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please let me know if you require any further information from me.

Sample 4: Request for Volunteer Opportunity

Dear Volunteer Coordinator,

I am writing to express my interest in volunteering at your organization. While I have not yet had the opportunity to gain any professional experience, I am eager to contribute my time and skills to a worthwhile cause.

As a student, I have been involved in various community service projects, including volunteering at a local soup kitchen and tutoring struggling students. These experiences have taught me the value of teamwork, time management, and the importance of making a positive impact.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your organization and learn from this experience.

Sample 5: Request for Scholarship

Dear Scholarship Committee,

I am writing to express my interest in applying for the [Name of Scholarship] scholarship. While I have not yet had any professional experience, I am a dedicated student who has demonstrated strong academic performance throughout my academic career.

The scholarship will provide me with an opportunity to pursue my academic and professional goals without the financial burden that comes with college. This will help me to focus on my studies and to strive for excellence, not only in my academic work but also in my extracurricular activities.

Thank you for your kind consideration. I would be honored to receive this scholarship and will do my utmost to make the most of this opportunity.

Sample 6: Request for Informational Interview

Dear [Professional Name],

I am a college student currently studying [Major] and I am writing to request an informational interview with you. Although I have not yet had any professional experience in the field, I am eager to learn more about the industry and potential career paths.

I am impressed by your success and achievements in the field and I hope to gain valuable insights and advice from someone with your experience and expertise. I would be grateful for any guidance you could offer on succeeding in this field.

Thank you for your time and consideration, I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sample 7: Request for Mentorship

I am a college student studying [Major] and I am writing to request your mentorship. While I have not yet had any professional experience, I am eager to learn from someone with your experience and expertise in the industry.

I am particularly impressed by your work, achievements, and contributions to the industry. I believe that you can offer me invaluable guidance and support as I navigate my academic and professional journey.

Thank you for your consideration. I would be honored to work with you and learn from you in this mentorship program.

Cover Letter Tips for Students with No Experience

As a student without any professional experience, writing a cover letter may seem like a daunting task. However, it’s essential to remember that a cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your skills, passion, and potential to the employer. Here are some tips to help you craft a cover letter that stands out:

• Research the company: Begin by researching the company and understanding its mission, values, and culture. Look for ways to align your skills and passion with the company’s goals and demonstrate how your contributions can benefit the company.
• Focus on your strengths: Since you don’t have prior work experience, it’s crucial to highlight your strengths, skills, and achievements in academics or extracurricular activities that are relevant to the job position. Use concrete examples to showcase your achievements and demonstrate how they can add value to the company.
• Keep it concise: Your cover letter must be concise and to the point, with no more than three paragraphs. Avoid repeating information that’s already in your resume and focus on why you’re the best candidate for the job. Make sure to proofread your cover letter and eliminate any errors in grammar or spelling.
• Include a strong opening sentence: The opening sentence of your cover letter is crucial, and it should capture the employer’s attention and encourage them to keep reading. Be creative, enthusiastic, and personal in your opening sentence.
• Use an appropriate tone: Your cover letter should be professional but also showcase your personality and enthusiasm for the job position. Avoid using cliches or jargon and instead, use a conversational tone that highlights your strengths and potential.
• Close with a call to action: End your cover letter with a call to action, encouraging the employer to respond to your application and offering to discuss your credentials further. This demonstrates your strong interest in the job position and your willingness to take the initiative.

When writing your cover letter, remember to focus on your strengths, showcase your passion, and demonstrate your potential to the employer. With these tips, you’ll be able to craft a winning cover letter that highlights your strengths, stands out from the crowd, and increases your chances of landing your dream job.

FAQs about Cover Letter Examples for Students with No Experience What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a one-page document that accompanies a resume and provides additional information about your skills and experience that align with the requirements of the job you are applying for.

Do I need a cover letter as a student with no experience?

Yes. A cover letter provides an opportunity for you to introduce yourself to potential employers and showcase your enthusiasm and willingness to learn, even if you don’t have previous work experience.

What should I include in my cover letter?

Your cover letter should include your contact information, the recipient’s contact information, an introduction, a body paragraph highlighting your relevant skills and experience, and a closing statement expressing your interest in the job and request for an interview.

How should I format my cover letter?

Your cover letter should be one page, with a clear and concise introduction, body, and closing statement, using a professional tone and font size 12. Make sure to proofread for any spelling or grammar errors.

Should I mention my lack of experience in my cover letter?

No. Instead of focusing on your lack of experience, highlight your transferable skills and enthusiasm for the job. Emphasize your willingness to learn and grow in the position.

Where can I find cover letter examples for students with no experience?

You can find cover letter examples for students with no experience online, on job search websites, and in career center resources at your school. Make sure to tailor the example to match the job you are applying for.

Can I use the same cover letter for every job application?

No. Each cover letter should be tailored to the specific job and company you are applying for, highlighting the skills and experience that align with their requirements and showing that you have researched and are genuinely interested in their company.

Thanks for reading through these cover letter examples for students with no experience! Remember, a strong cover letter can set you apart from other candidates and help you land your first job. Don’t be afraid to personalize each letter and highlight your unique skills and qualifications. And if you need more guidance, be sure to check out some of the helpful resources mentioned in this article. Good luck with your job search, and don’t forget to visit us again for more helpful tips and advice!

Internship Letter Format for Students from Company: Tips and Examples How to Write a Strong Motivation Letter Example for Internship Top 10 Cover Letter Templates for Internship 2021: Craft a Winning Cover Letter now! Top Tips for Crafting a Winning Resume Cover Letter for Internship 10 Good Cover Letter Examples for Internship to Get Your Dream Position The Ultimate Cover Letter Template for Internship: Stand Out from the Crowd

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.

Create your Europass Cover Letter

Europass helps you to develop a structured, consistent and professional cover letter guiding you through each step. You can create new cover letters or edit existing ones using the Europass tool to create and edit cover letters.

How does Europass help?

Europass will guide you step by step through the process to help you create a good cover letter with all the essential information. You can create, store and share cover letters in 31 languages , choose from different templates to customise your application and share them easily from your Europass Library . 

Create your Europass

How to write a good cover letter

A cover letter should highlight your motivation to apply for a specific job or opportunity, and demonstrate why you consider yourself to be the best candidate. Your cover letter should refer to particular examples in your CV and describe why these are relevant for the job vacancy you are applying for.

Read carefully

Read the vacancy notice carefully and highlight the skills that relate to the requirements of the position in your cover letter.

Use keywords

Use the keywords when you list your soft skills as mentioned on the vacancy notice (punctual, organised, team-player and so on).

Have short and clear paragraphs that show different aspects clearly.

Get to know the employer

Take time to research the employer to gain valuable insights into the culture of their organisation and make references in your cover letter to one or two key points.

Keep it short

You cover letter should not be longer than one page.

• First paragraph - why you are motivated to apply for the position,
• Second paragraph - how you are the most suitable candidate for the position, and
• Third Paragraph - why the company is a good match for you.

Use formal tone

Use a formal, polite tone and make sure there are no spelling mistakes.

Use simple fonts

Use simple non-decorative font styles, normal font-sizes (11-12) and optimal spacing (1 or 1.5).

Helpful EU services

Eures - the european job mobility portal.

Find jobs from all over Europe

Working abroad in other EU countries

Information, help and advice on EU rights related to work

Education and training in other EU countries

Information, help and advice on EU rights related to learning

You may be interested to read

Create your Europass CV

Europass and data privacy

Plan your career with Europass

Share this page.

• Accessibility Options:
• Skip to Content
• Skip to Search
• Skip to footer
• Office of Disability Services
• Request Assistance
• 305-284-2374
• High Contrast
• School of Architecture
• College of Arts and Sciences
• Miami Herbert Business School
• School of Communication
• School of Education and Human Development
• College of Engineering
• School of Law
• Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science
• Miller School of Medicine
• Frost School of Music
• School of Nursing and Health Studies
• The Graduate School
• Division of Continuing and International Education
• People Search
• Class Search
• IT Help and Support
• Privacy Statement
• Student Life

University of Miami

• Division of University Communications
• Office of Media Relations
• Miller School of Medicine Communications
• Hurricane Sports
• UM Media Experts
• Emergency Preparedness

Explore Topics

• Latest Headlines
• Arts and Humanities
• People and Community
• All Topics A to Z

Related Links

• Subscribe to Daily Newsletter
• Special Reports
• Social Networks
• Publications
• For the Media
• Find University Experts
• News and Info
• People and Culture
• Benefits and Discounts
• More Life@TheU Topics
• About Life@the U
• Connect and Share
• Contact Life@theU
• Faculty and Staff Events
• Student Events
• TheU Creates (Arts and Culture Events)
• Undergraduate Students: Important Dates and Deadlines
• Submit an Event
• Miami Magazine
• Faculty Affairs
• Student Affairs
• More News Sites

Jumping into the job hunt

By News@TheU 04-05-2024

There’s no time like the present.

For students graduating this spring, the job market is ripe with opportunity, experts at the University of Miami’s Toppel Career Center shared, but students who have yet to start applying need to set aside time and energy to be successful.

“From an early talent perspective, recruiting is robust,” said Christian Garcia, associate dean and executive director of Toppel Career Center. “While there may be some reductions in workforce happening, especially in tech, that tends to be at higher level positions, so that bodes well for students looking for entry-level jobs.” 

Garcia and his staff of career coaches encourage all ’Canes to take advantage of the many tools that are available at Toppel, both in person and on their website, to find jobs and internships.

“It has never been easier in the history of society to apply for a job,” Garcia said. “All you have to do is push a button, but often we take that for granted.”

Students must carve out time to look for a job or internship, and ideally, seniors looking to enter the workforce should have started the process by now.

“Students need to be in the driver’s seat,” Garcia added. “They need to have a plan, and be strategic, organized, and want to do it because this is one of those things no one can do for you.”

There are many tools he recommends taking advantage of during the job search process. First, search for jobs in your chosen industry using the University’s job search tool, Handshake . Then, Garcia said students can tailor their resume to the job descriptions they are interested in using AI tools such as Jobscan , available through the Toppel website . They can also use generative AI tools to help draft a cover letter. 

Once they have applied for a job, students should track their own progress with each position by using a spreadsheet, like this one , or others on Handshake, Garcia added. And when students start the interview process, there are practice programs available too.

But most of all, students looking for a job or internship this summer simply need to begin. 

“There are plenty of jobs out there, so if students haven’t started looking, they need to do it now,” he said. “You can’t get a job if you don’t apply for it.”

Here are some other tips about navigating the job search from Toppel staff:

What are the industries thriving the most today?

One of the best ways for students to identify the top industries for job opportunities is to take a look at internship and job postings. For example, Handshake has more than 8,000 positions currently posted for the health care industry, which is a very stable field for students to consider. Education, government, and internet and software are a few other industries with over 1,000 openings right now. Keep in mind that every industry offers a range of positions and requires a variety of skills. For example, health care needs accountants, IT professionals, communications specialists, and more.  —Carly Smith, Toppel’s director of career education

Look into employment trends across your preferred career paths. The  Job Market Data Tool  gives you an overview of the number of jobs in a career field for the past two years, the current year, and projections for the next 10 years. You can look into employment trends nationwide, by state, or by county. Lastly, to help identify the best industries for you, I recommend you explore your values, needs, and interests. Our  Career Explorer’s career test  can help you explore these topics and match them to careers. This assessment can be taken on your own or at Toppel.  —Keashla Marengo, Toppel’s associate director of career readiness

Which are the best job search sites?

Handshake and LinkedIn are the best job sites that I would recommend for students to find jobs, internships, or to just connect with their field of interest. With Handshake, Toppel can verify the kind of jobs and companies available to students and be able to meet with those employers throughout career fairs and events each semester. LinkedIn is also a great tool to connect with employers and to find opportunities that might not be available on Handshake.  —Valentina De Gennaro, Toppel career coach and biomedical engineering major

Get familiar with your career's industry-specific job sites and ask your peers or professors to get in that loop. For example, an education major will have more success finding a solid, high-paying position on the Chronicle of Higher Education, rather than a general Indeed search. —Peter James, career education graduate assistant, M.M. in Studio Jazz Writing

How can you help your resume move to the top of the digital “pile” or set yourself apart as a candidate?

Make sure that you are looking at the job description and using the same skills mentioned there on your own resume. Your resume should be customized to each individual job by using industry keywords. If a job says it wants strong communication skills, your resume should be referencing that also. —Joba Odediran, Toppel’s assistant director of coaching and outreach

Take extra steps beyond just submitting your resume online. Identify UM alumni at the organization by using LinkedIn or Cane2Cane. Then, initiate connections or request introductions with the goal of getting your resume in front of the hiring manager. —Ali Rodriguez, Toppel’s executive director of employer engagement

Are cover letters or cover emails necessary? And if so, can you offer some tips?

Yes! If you've ever avoided submitting a job application because it required a cover letter, you are not alone. Cover letters may seem tedious, but it's a great opportunity to connect the dots for employers, express your interest in the organization, and help you stand out. Stay prepared with a master cover letter and tailor it for specific applications. Be sure to include a short introduction, relate the position to your career goals, and leave your contact information.  —Marlon Bermudez, Toppel’s assistant director of internships

Definitely necessary! Your resume is a quick insight into your qualifications, but it's not what makes you stand out. You always want to put your best foot forward and market yourself as the perfect fit. Your resume says, 'Yes, I can do this job,' but your cover letter says, 'Not only can I do this job, but I want to do this job, and you should want me to work for you.' —Mary Gorski, Toppel career coach and architecture major

How can candidates elevate themselves to be noticed by recruiters?

Students should maintain a strong online presence by having updated and active professional profiles like on LinkedIn and Handshake. Messaging recruiters via email or through LinkedIn and Handshake also significantly increase a student's chances of getting noticed along with participation in networking events as often as possible. —Justin Vallardes, Toppel career coach majoring in philosophy, political science, and economics

Candidates should start by researching companies they're interested in to prepare ahead of career fairs, information sessions, interviews, etc. LinkedIn is also a powerful networking tool. It's important to create a strong profile and connect with professionals you meet. This is an easy way to stay updated and connected. Candidates can also utilize  Cane2Cane  to find a career mentor and connect with University alumni. It's estimated that over 85 percent of jobs are found through networking and the “hidden job market.” You never know who someone is connected to, so treat every conversation as an opportunity! —Bermudez, assistant director of internships

Are there specializations, certifications, or micro credentials that students should pursue?

Each discipline and industry has top specifications, so it depends on your career goals. However, some top specifications for 2024 include project management, data analytics, user experience (UX) design, digital marketing, and AI (artificial intelligence). A few resources to help you gain skills and certifications across these areas include Forage (free job simulations), LinkedIn Learning (free for all University of Miami students), and Google Certificates. I recommend you identify the top skills (technical skills and core competencies) associated with your career of interest by utilizing resources like the  Job Market Data  tool. —Marengo, Toppel’s associate director of career readiness

Specializations or skills will depend on the student's field of study as well as the field of interest. However, try to avoid basic skills such as Microsoft Word or Excel. Instead, programming languages such as C++, Java, and Python are encouraged as well as industry-specific skills, whether that'd be project/product management skills like risk management or budget planning. For marketing or design, you can include platforms like Photoshop, social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram), or Adobe.  —De Gennaro, Toppel career coach and biomedical engineering major

Should you include a headshot with your resume?

Unless you are asked to include one because it's related to the role, don’t do it. There are a good number of employers who frown upon using photographs on a resume. Besides, your resume is supposed to be a snapshot of your knowledge, skills, and accomplishments, so adding a photo wastes space you should really be using to sell your achievements. —Smith, Toppel’s director of career education

• Coral Gables , FL 33124
• 305-284-2211 305-284-2211
• UM News and Events
• Alumni & Friends
• University Hotline

Tools and Resources

• Academic Calendar
• Parking & Transportation
• social-facebook
• social-twitter
• social-youtube
• social-instagram

Copyright: 2024 University of Miami. All Rights Reserved. Emergency Information Privacy Statement & Legal Notices Title IX & Gender Equity Website Feedback

Individuals with disabilities who experience any technology-based barriers accessing the University’s websites or services can visit the Office of Workplace Equity and Inclusion .

A letter from Mark Sikes, dean of students

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Copy address link to clipboard

Mark Sikes, dean of students. Photo by Mary Desmond for Virginia Tech.

Dear Hokies,

I am writing to express my heartfelt concern and support for those affected by the destructive earthquake in Taiwan. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to all those impacted by this natural disaster and its aftermath, including the families and friends of those who have lost their lives as well as those who have been injured or displaced from their homes.

If you or someone you know is struggling with the emotional effects of this event, Virginia Tech offers several options for care and support. The Dean of Students Office is prepared to assist, along with staff from Cook Counseling Center, Cranwell International Center, and Hokie Wellness.

During times of instability it is important we continue to come together as a community and create an environment of care and support for one another.

S. Mark Sikes Dean of Students

Those in the Virginia Tech community who need assistance or counseling support may contact:

• Cook Counseling Center  at 540-231-6557
• Cranwell International Center  at 540-231-6527
• Dean of Students Office  at 540-231-3787
• Anthem at 855-223-9277   
• Aetna at 888-238-6232
• Kaiser Permanente at 866-517-7042
• Optima Health Vantage HMO at 866-846-2682
• Graduate Life Center  at 540-231-6691
• Hokie Wellness  at 540-231-2233 (students) or 540-231-8878 (employees)
• Housing Services  at 540-231-6205
• Office of Inclusion and Diversity  at 540-231-3811
• Residential Well-being
• Women’s Center at Virginia Tech  at 540-231-7806
• Campus Experience
• Division of Student Affairs
• Graduate Students
• International Students
• Student Life
• Student Wellness

Related Content