Why a Cover Letter Is Important
Here’s a secret: Writing cover letters is hard for nearly all candidates—not just entry-level applicants. So, don’t be disheartened if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process. This means writing a cover letter that complements your resume, and not one that merely duplicates that information. A good cover letter also shows off your communication and writing skills and proves that you know how to tell a compelling story—a bonus in almost every job, even if the job description doesn’t include writing as a requirement. Finally, taking the time to craft a cover letter proves that you know how things are done in a professional environment and that you’re willing to play by the rules. That might sound obvious, but when you’re applying for an entry-level position, it’s important to show the hiring manager that you’re aware of what’s expected and that you won’t need to be trained in the basics of office life. New to cover letters? Use this guide to familiarize yourself with the format and best practices for writing a cover letter that helps you get the job interview. It includes the different types of cover letters, the information that needs to be included in your letter, and the proper way to format your final draft and send it to the hiring manager.
What to Include in Your Cover Letter
The good news is that it’s basically a level playing field when it comes to applying for entry-level jobs. Your competitors likely won’t have a great deal of work experience, either. Feel free to mention volunteer experiences, internships, related classes, projects, leadership experience, extracurricular activities, and your skills that pertain to the position. Providing these details about related experience helps differentiate your application from the crowd: Look for ways to draw connections between your non-work experience and the job and industry at hand. For instance, if you are applying for an entry-level position in publishing, you might point out your strong grades in literature classes, volunteer work at the library or in literacy programs, an internship at a publishing house, your involvement with the school newspaper, etc. Look at the specific skills mentioned in the job description, too, and think about ways to demonstrate that you possess these abilities. For example, if a job posting calls for someone detail-oriented and organized, your experience managing a fundraiser for your academic club is good evidence that you have those abilities.
How to Write an Entry-Level Cover Letter
Match your qualifications to the job. Research the job requirements thoroughly before beginning to compose your letter. Make a list of the key qualities, areas of knowledge, skills, or experience that the employer is seeking. Review descriptions for similar titles on Indeed.com or another job site if the employer hasn’t provided a good list of requirements with the ad. Then take the time to match your credentials to the job description. Get inside information. Contact the career office at your school, if time permits, and request a list of alumni volunteers in your field of interest. Ask them what they would be looking for if they were hiring for the type of entry-level job which you are targeting. Make a list of your qualifications. Compile a list of your assets that will enable you to meet the job requirements and excel in the job. Write a perfect opening sentence. Compose an opening sentence that conveys enthusiasm for the job and summarizes why it is a good fit. Name the precise position if one is mentioned in the job announcement. For example, you might say “I am highly interested in consideration for your sales assistant vacancy since it would tap my strong customer service, organizational, and verbal communication skills.” Describe your skills. Draft a sentence for each one of the assets on your list that will qualify you for the job. Briefly include a reference point in your background such as course project, leadership role, internship, or personal experience that proves that you possess that strength. You can merge more than one asset into each statement. For example, “I utilized strong persuasive skills and leadership ability to recruit and attract new members to our sorority.” Quantify your accomplishments. Whenever possible, frame your statements as accomplishments and quantify results. For example, “Attentiveness to detail and editing skills enabled me to reduce publication errors in the yearbook by 15% over the previous year.” When to mention following up. If you have identified a contact person and the employer has not conveyed how interviews will be arranged, then you might suggest that you will follow up to determine if they need further information and to discuss the possibility of arranging an interview. End with a professional closing. In closing your cover letter, reaffirm your keen interest in the job and that you are hopeful that you can meet with them to discuss the exciting opportunity further. Proofread your letter. Carefully review your letter for spelling and grammatical errors. Read it out loud and place your finger on each word. Have a counselor, teacher, writing tutor, or other trusted person critique your draft.
Entry-Level Cover Letter Examples
Review these sample cover letters for entry-level candidates for employment to get ideas for your own letter. You’ll find both general examples, as well as sample cover letters for specific fields and positions. Don’t copy the text exactly, but rather, use the samples for inspiration when writing your own personalized cover letter.
Cover Letter Template to Download
Download an entry-level cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples. August 13, 2020 Alexander JeffriesHuman Resources ManagerPortland Bay Books801 Powell Street, Suite #200Portland, OR 97035 Dear Mr. Jeffries: Last week I had the pleasure of meeting with Portland Bay Books’ recruiter, Sarah Smith, at the job fair held on the campus of Portland State University. As a graduating senior with a major in English and a minor in Communications, I was interested to learn about your publishing operations. Please accept the attached resume as a sign of my deep interest in becoming your next Editorial Assistant. During my studies in the English Honors Program at Portland State University, I have honed strong analytical, writing, and grammatical skills that will serve me well in this position. For the past four years I have been a book reviewer for our department’s literary journal, Chiaroscuro, and am now serving as its Senior Editor. I thus understand how to collaborate with a team of writers, how to brainstorm engaging content, how to proofread manuscripts and perform line edits, and how to design page formats. I am also currently completing a three-month internship as a Marketing Assistant with ABC Marketing, a role which has provided me with “real world” experience in conducting competitive market research, creating social media posts for client companies, and designing unique corporate newsletters. My technical skills include Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, and PowerPoint) and the Adobe Creative Cloud suite of publication tools. You can view samples of my writing and design work in my online portfolio at http://JaneGordon.weebly.com. Eager to learn more about your expectations for your next Editorial Assistant, I would welcome the opportunity for a personal interview. Thank you for your time, consideration, and forthcoming response. Sincerely, Jane Gordon
Basic Entry-Level Cover Letter Examples
College Senior Cover LetterIt can be challenging to write a cover letter when you haven’t graduated yet. Include both your academic accomplishments and work experience, if you have it. Here’s advice on how to structure your letter, what to include to get it to stand out from the crowd of entry-level applicants, as well as a sample to review. Recent College Graduate Cover LetterThe best way to show an employer you’re well qualified for a job, tips for writing a cover letter when you’re a recent graduate, and a sample letter to review. Career Office Referral Cover LetterWhen you apply for a job that has been listed through your university career center, mention that in the first paragraph of your letter. Review what to write, and examples. Email Cover LetterWhat to include in an email cover letter, an example of an email message sent to a hiring manager, and how to format and send an email applying for a job. Entry-Level Cover Letter ExampleThis letter describes the educational, extracurricular, and volunteer experience that show that the candidate has both the skills and the potential to succeed in the job. Inquiry LetterAn inquiry letter is sent to an employer who may be hiring, but hasn’t advertised job openings. Review an example, and tips for writing inquiry letters.
Entry-Level Cover Letters Listed by Job
Business Analyst Cover LetterWhen you’re applying for an analyst position, focus on the technical business skills you have acquired in college, during internships, or in prior positions. Cover Letters for TeachersIf you’re looking for an entry-level teaching position, review this guide on how to write a cover letter for a teaching job, with advice on how to prepare your application, and letter examples. Also review the information required to apply for a teaching job, including documents, certifications, and transcripts the employer will request. Education Cover LetterFor education-related jobs, learn as much as you can about the school or organization you’ll be working for. Then take the time to match your qualifications to the job description. Information Technology (IT) Cover LettersIT jobs are competitive and so you need to be detailed and specific when writing a cover letter for one. It’s important to show the employer you have the skills, technologies, and certifications listed in the job posting. Marketing Cover LetterIn your cover letter, share examples of your related internship or job experience and describe the marketing skills you have acquired through academics or experience. Use examples to highlight the skills and attributes you have that qualify you for the job. Scientific Research Technician Cover LetterWhen applying for a research job, focus on your analytical, research, and writing skills. Also share examples of any laboratory experience you’ve gained, research you’ve been a part of, and technical research tools you have used. Summer Assistant Cover LetterShowcase your related academic experiences along with work experience, if you have it, when writing a cover letter for a summer position. Writing/Marketing Cover LetterThis cover letter example focuses on the applicant’s academic achievements, as well as the candidate’s skills that are a strong match for the job requirements.
Cover Letter Templates
A cover letter template is a helpful way to format and organize your letter. In general, applying for a job is a ritualized process. Some of the cover letter requirements may seem old-fashioned, but it’s important to adhere to the expected cover letter style, from the greeting all the way through to your closing sign-off. Use these templates to help you establish a framework for your cover letter so that you know what information to include and where, but be sure to personalize your letter so it reflects your qualifications and attributes.
Cover Letter Format Cover Letter Template Email Cover Letter Template
Online Template Resources: Google Docs has a variety of templates you can use to write a cover letter or a resume. When you use a template, be sure to change the file name to your name (janedoecoverletter.doc, for example). If you are Microsoft Office user, you can download Word cover letter templates to use as a starting point for writing your own cover letter.
