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Career Readiness

Just another university of memphis blogs site, applications.

When seeking an entry level position, the first step is to complete a job application. In the last module, we have already touched on asking for a job application.  Many big companies already have these applications available online.   In fact, some stores like Target have computers set up for you to complete your application on site.

If your preference is to complete your job application online, do some research to see if there is an application available.  Make sure that you are on the genuine corporate site.  Since you will be entering sensitive information like your name and social security number the best idea is to go to the corporate site and search for career opportunities.  A quick search for McDonald’s job application took me to a site that has nothing to do with McDonald’s, so be careful!

First if you are going to ask for a copy of a job application in person, do it yourself.  Do not have a friend or family member get it for you.  The job market is competitive, and a potential employer will respect you more if you ask for the application personally.  Make sure that you are polite, groomed, and dressed appropriately.  Business casual is an appropriate way to dress for an entry level position.

Secondly, whether you are completing an application in person or online you will need to have some information at your fingertips.  Prepare yourself by having:

• your professional email address
• days of the week and hours that you are available
• your social security number
• the name of your high school
• company name
• telephone number
• dates worked
• name of your supervisor
• reason for leaving
• a list of references–people who can speak positively about you.  Have their telephone numbers and email addresses with you.
• 2 pens if you are applying for the job in person

If you do not have this information, get it before attempting to fill out an application.  Once you have gathered all of the information you are ready!  It is extremely important to be honest when filling out an application.  If you have been dishonest on your job application your employer can fire you.  Many applications can now be found online.  Some link’s to popular entry level jobs include:

For your convenience, I have provided the links to some companies who offer opportunities to young people:

Gap/Old Navy

Dollar General

The next step is to complete the application.  There are a couple of quick tips that I can offer you for this process.  Complete the application carefully.  You want to make sure that you fill in all of the information that is requested of you.  Unfortunately, incomplete applications typically wind up in the trash.  If I were a store manager and someone came in for a job and they were able to complete the application in one sitting it would be impressive to me!

Also make sure that you write neatly.  You want the employer to be able to read all of the great qualities about you and to be able to contact you.  If you are completing your application online double check your spelling.  Once again, your application speaks to your personal branding.

Never leave any questions blank, except for the experience question if  you do not have any experience from other jobs.  Employers who have entry level positions available understand that you might not have any work experience yet.   If you are asked a question about why the job should be given to you, or if you have any special skills or talents never leave that question blank.  Make sure that you have a sentence or two why you are the right person for the job.

If you do not have any work experience think about your soft skills and how you can use them to your advantage.

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University Student Cover Letter Samples & Examples That Worked in 2024

Embarking on the career path, the first step to success is creating a compelling university student cover letter . This powerful tool can unlock doors to internships, jobs, and exciting opportunities within your field of study.

And so, in this guide, we'll equip you with useful tips, real-life examples, and compelling templates, that'll help you get closer to your dream job. Read on and learn about:

• Creating a visually appealing header for your university cover letter
• Researching employers to craft a personalized cover letter
• Writing a compelling introduction as a university student
• Showcasing your best skills and accomplishments as a university student
• Completing your university student cover letter with a strong conclusion
• Finding the best job search resources for university students

1. How to create a visually appealing header for your university cover letter

To begin writing your university student cover letter, your first key step is to create a header.

A cover letter header serves two main purposes: to introduce you to the employer and to give your cover letter an appealing visual structure .

Within your header, you should include:

• Your name and professional title (if you do not have a professional title yet, you can use the title of the job you are applying for and add “Student” at the end)
• Your professional contact information
• The name of the company or organization you are applying to

Here is an example of a well-formatted university student cover letter header

Mason Wilds , Hospitality Management Student (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/mason-wilds

To: Hilton Head Hotels 1234 Street Address New York, NY

2. How to personalize your university student cover letter

One crucial step to take before beginning to write the body text of your cover letter is to research the employer beforehand. This gives you the opportunity to learn more about them and uncover key details about the company that you can reference throughout your cover letter .

Important information to look for during your research includes:

• Major projects, partnerships, or programs the company is involved in
• The company’s goals, values, and requirements for staff
• The person at the company responsible for hiring and reviewing applications

Using the third piece of information, you can create a personalized greeting that addresses this specific person by name. This lets them know immediately the effort you have put into researching and tailoring your cover letter for them specifically.

Here are 3 examples of personalized cover letter greetings

• Dear Mr. John Applewood,

Dear Hiring Manager John Applewood,

• Dear Mr. John Applewood & the Hiring Department,

3. How to write a compelling introduction as a university student

Next up, you need to begin the body text of your cover letter with a compelling introduction .

To write a strong introduction as a university student, make sure to include:

• A brief overview of your academic experience (most students will have minimal professional experience, making academic experience highly important to describe in a cover letter)
• Your specialized area of expertise (such as the degree you are working toward)
• A concise statement on why you are a great fit for the position

Here is an example of a great introduction from a university student’s cover letter

I am a junior at the University of South Carolina, with two semesters left to complete my degree in Business and Hospitality Management. As I approach my final year of school, I am seeking an internship opportunity with a major hotel chain to hone my hospitality skills and build industry connections. Having earned a spot on my university’s Dean’s List for three consecutive years, I will bring an exceptional work ethic and commitment to excellent service to this position.

Find out your resume score!

4. How to showcase your best skills and accomplishments as a university student

Once your introduction is written and you are satisfied with it, you can move on to writing the remaining body paragraphs of your university student cover letter.

In these body paragraphs, your main goal is to showcase your top skills or accomplishments that are relevant to the job you are applying for. As well as describing these qualifications , you can also use the research you did earlier to reference specific needs of the company and how your skills meet those needs.

Here are 6 examples of skills to describe in a university student cover letter

• Communication (always describe your style of communication)
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Critical thinking
• Time management
• Responsibility

Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a cover letter

As a student at the University of South Carolina, I have served as an Orientation Leader for two years, helping to bring new undergraduate students into the fold and get comfortable in their new surroundings. I recently earned the position of Head Orientation Leader thanks to my overwhelming positive reviews from new students I have mentored. Of the 300+ students I have worked with, 95% gave me a five out of five-star rating at the end of their Orientations.

5. How to complete your university student cover letter with a strong conclusion

The last step to writing your university student cover letter is to craft a strong conclusion . In this conclusion, you should include:

• The best times and days of the week to contact you
• When you are anticipating a response from the employer
• When you plan to follow up with the employer
• A formal sign-off

Here is an example of a strong conclusion from a university student's cover letter

I am honored to be considered for this position and hope to hear from you within the next week regarding this opportunity. You may best reach me at (123) 456-7890 on Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. As I am excited to learn more about this opportunity, I do plan to follow up next Monday morning if I have not heard back about this position.

Many Thanks,

[Applicant Name]

6. Useful resources for job-seeking university students

As a university student standing at the threshold of a professional career, having the right set of resources can truly empower your job hunt. Let's explore the must-haves in your arsenal:

• University career services: Your own university is a potent resource. Career Services offices often provide resume and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, and job placement assistance. Don't overlook these gems.
• Job search platforms: From LinkedIn to Indeed , these platforms teem with job opportunities perfect for recent graduates. They also offer search filters to streamline the hunt and make it less daunting.
• Field-specific job boards: Niche job boards like Idealist (for non-profits) or Dice (for tech) cater to specific fields, making your job search more focused and productive.
• Online portfolios: Platforms like Behance or GitHub , depending on your field of study, allow you to create an online portfolio showcasing your work. This can be a powerful supplement to your university student cover letter and resume.
• Networking events: Attend career fairs, industry conferences, or university alumni events to build your professional network. You never know which connection might lead to a promising opportunity.
• Internship websites: Websites like Chegg Internships or WayUp specifically cater to students seeking internships, often the stepping stone to a full-time job. 

Armed with these resources, you're ready to embark on the exciting and rewarding journey of your job search. Happy hunting!

University Student Cover Letter FAQ

How can i stand out in my university student cover letter, even if i have little to no work experience.

Draw attention to your academic achievements, any relevant coursework, and transferrable skills you’ve developed throughout your academic career. If you have undertaken internships or projects, summarize what you’ve learned from these experiences and how they can bring value to the prospective role.

How long should my university student cover letter be?

Aim to keep it concise and engaging. Typically, a cover letter should not exceed one page. Remember, it's about the quality of your words, not the quantity.

Must I write a new cover letter for each job application?

While it's fine to have a standard outline, your cover letter should always be tailored to each job application. Personalizing your cover letter for each role can show the hiring manager your genuine interest in their specific opportunity.

Should I always include a cover letter even if it's not asked for?

It's generally a good idea to include a cover letter when applying for a job. It gives you another platform to sell your skills and show your enthusiasm for the role and company.

Can I mention extracurricular activities in my cover letter?

Yes, definitely. Extracurricular activities can highlight your team skills, leadership qualities, and dedication. Remember to connect them back to the skills or qualities the job posting is seeking.

Julia Gergelova

Julia is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) and an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Career Coaches (PARWCC™). She is also a passionate translator and graphic designer. Julia holds degrees in translation and interpretation and has international work experience in various countries across Europe, as well as in China and Panama. Julia formerly taught academic writing and contributed as a graphic designer to outlets such as The Business of Business. You'll often find her with a book in one hand and a specialty coffee in the other, always on the lookout for new insights.

All student cover letter examples

• Formal Sciences Student
• High School Student
• Humanities Student
• Student Internship
• Natural Sciences Student
• Professions And Applied Sciences Student
• Social Sciences Student

All university student cover letter examples

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Cover Letters

A cover letter is a 1-page document that introduces you and your top 2-3 skills or qualifications to the employer for the specific job you are applying to. In each letter you will directly connect your past experience and transferable skills to the position with concrete, specific examples that are a more narrative description of your key experiences or skills, than on your resume.

Employers who read cover letters consider them a helpful part of the application.  A well-written, targeted letter will strengthen your application, as a generic or sloppy letter will weaken it.

Cover Letter Outline

A cover letter t ypically follows this format. For detailed information about content and structure, check out our Cover Letter Handout and Sample  (PDF).

Related Resources

Use the same header from your resume for your cover letter

Today’s date

Full name of the person you researched or title of the person reading your letter Organization name  Organization location (optional)

Dear first name and last name (unless you know the company is more casual than just first name)

Example Header

Introductory Paragraph

Hook the hiring manager with your best information and how it fits the position with the company.

Explain how your key skills or qualifications fit the position and/or organization specifically.

Write a brief statement of key traits or qualifications (no more than 3) that make you ideal for the position.

Example Hooks

As a graphic design major having just completed a marketing internship this summer, I was excited to see the Communications Assistant position at ABC Corporation in the Marketing Department.

After speaking with Juana Garcia, a Business Analyst at M Health Fairview, I was excited to learn about the Patient Coordinator position currently open in your Itasca location.

Body- Second/Third Paragraph(s)

Highlight the two or three skills that make you an ideal candidate for this position’s required qualifications and include a specific example of how you have developed each skill through past work, class or volunteer experiences. 

Closing Paragraph

Summarize why you will be an asset to their organization, if/how you will follow up, and include your contact information.

Salutation & Signature

Finish with a common sign-off (such as Sincerely, Best, Regards, Thank you) and add a real signature (save your signature as an image and insert it in the cover letter) and type your full name below the signature. Example:

Additional Resources

For more cover letter advice check out  How to Write a Cover Letter: The All-Time Best Tips from the Muse  or  Cover Letter Advice & Guidelines from ResumeGenius .

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