entry level work cover letter

Write An Entry-Level Cover Letter (Examples, Tips & Template)

So, you’re applying to an entry-level job and wondering where a cover letter fits in the application package.

Is an entry-level cover letter a requirement? If so, what should you write in your entry-level cover letter to really improve your employment chances?

Should it be the same as a normal cover letter, or should it include some specific information that can serve an entry-level job? Yeah, there are quite a few questions on the topic—and for good reason. After all, who doesn’t want their application to be as perfect as possible?

In this article, we’re going to teach you everything you need to know about entry-level cover letters.

What’s an Entry-level Cover Letter and Why It Matters
Entry-level Cover Letter Format
Tips & Examples on Writing an Entry-Level Cover Letter

Entry-level Cover Letter Template

...and more!

Ready? Let’s dive in!

What Is An Entry-Level Cover Letter?

An entry-level cover letter is a cover letter that you write when you’re applying for an entry-level job.

As such, you will need to write an entry-level cover letter on these occasions:

As a college senior on a job hunt.
As a recent college graduate looking to land his first job.
As a professional who has changed industries/career paths.

In any of these cases, an entry-level cover letter is an essential part of the application.

One could even argue that entry-level cover letters are even more beneficial to your resume than your average cover letter.

Here’s why:

As a college senior/graduate or someone changing careers, chances are, your resume might not be that rich in terms of practical work experience.

So, in addition to your resume, your cover letter is your second-best chance to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the job!

What Should an Entry-Level Cover Letter Include

Before we get into the specifics of writing an entry-level cover letter, let’s go over the basics.

Namely, the format .

If you don’t know how to properly “set up” your letter, it will end up being disorganized and confusing .

Entry-Level Cover Letter Format

So, what should your entry-level cover letter contain? Here are all the details.

Header with contact information. In addition to your name, your contact information should contain your email (a professional email, that is), your phone number, and (optionally) LinkedIn profile. Underneath your contact info comes the date and then the receiver’s information: manager’s name and title, company name, and the company’s street address.
Addressing the hiring manager. How you address the cover letter is important. Preferably, you want to include the hiring manager’s name/professional title or the name of the department head doing the hiring.
Opening statement. Your opening paragraph should be professional, but at the same time personal and attention-grabbing. The best way to achieve that is by tailoring your introduction to the job application.
The body. The body of your entry-level cover letter should consist of 2-3 paragraphs highlighting your skills, accomplishments, and education.
Closing paragraph. To end your cover letter, you need a professional closing paragraph. You can mention that you will be following up the cover letter, wrap up anything you couldn’t in the previous paragraphs, or just simply thank the recruiter for their time.
Formal salutation. Formal closings include salutations such as “best regards,” “kind regards,” “sincerely,” and “thank you.”

How to Write an Entry-Level Cover Letter With No Experience (Tips & Examples)

Ready to get into the knits and grits of writing an entry-level cover letter?

Great! Let’s get to it.

#1. Write a Strong (But Professional) Opening

The first thing you want to do is write an attention-grabbing opening paragraph.

Recruiters receive hundreds of applications daily, so you can probably imagine how limited their time is. This leaves you with one goal—to make your cover letter worth reading, right from the get-go.

One thing is for sure, you’ll never achieve this by writing a generic, one-fits-all kind of introduction, like the one below:

My name is Samantha and I’d like to apply for the Sales Representative entry-level position at your company. I am a recent Marketing graduate, so I believe I would be a great fit for the role.

See, you could use this kind of introduction to apply for any entry-level position in sales. And though it’s not bad, per se, it’s not memorable either.

Instead, you want your opening paragraph to be custom-made for the entry-level job you’re applying for. Bonus points if you can mention an achievement or two in the opening paragraph to show the recruiter how you stand out from the rest of the candidates.

Here’s what a well-written entry-level cover letter would look like:

My name is Samantha and I’d like to become part of XYZ Inc. by applying my newly acquired marketing knowledge to your Sales Representative position. I am confident that my excellent university results and the practical knowledge gained during my academic internship at Company X, where I was trained in sales, make me the right candidate for the job.

#2. Include Relevant Employee Skills

After you prepare the ground with an attention-grabbing introduction, you should use the body of your cover letter to show exactly how your skills, achievements , and education make you the right fit for the job.

In light of your limited work experience, your skills are your second-best chance to prove your worth and showcase your strengths.

Start by listing skills that are relevant to the job by doing the following:

Scan the job description to find what the required skills are for the position.
Explain how your skills can benefit the company.
Optionally, you can mention that you are eager to learn required skills that you may not have to get better at the job.

For example, an entry-level journalism position may require that you:

Know how to apply the AP Stylebook rules
Are up to date with media law and ethics
Are an effective communicator
Can meet deadlines.

Here’s how you could highlight those skills:

As a recent Journalism and Mass Communication graduate from X University, I am up to date with the 55th Edition of the Associated Press Stylebook and all media law and ethical reporting standards. Being Editor-in-Chief of the university’s newspaper taught me how to be an effective communicator while being in charge of publishing the newspaper each week improved my attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.

#3. Do Some Research

Research is one of your best friends when it comes to cover letters, as it can give you valuable information on what the recruiters are looking for in a candidate.

After thoroughly researching the company’s history, products/services, goals, and even challenges, you can mention exactly how:

You fit in the position
You stand out from your competition
You can be of use to the company

Say, for example, that you’ve previously worked as a proofreader and you’re now going into magazine editing. After some research, you find out the magazine you’re applying to puts great attention to producing quality content.

Here’s how you can work that to your advantage:

I have read the content your magazine produces and I think it’s extremely well-researched, reader-friendly and grammatically correct.

During my 5-year experience as a proofreader, I have mastered editing and writing and I am confident that this experience can further improve your magazine quality.

#4. Quantify Your Achievements (When Possible)

The best practice, whenever achievements are involved, is to quantify them and back them up with concrete examples.

Imagine you’re a recruiter and you’re on the fence about two candidates for an entry-level customer service position. They have almost-identical resumes in terms of education and they claim to have customer support experience from past internships.

So, you jump to their cover letter. This is how each candidate has described their achievements:

Candidate 1

As a Client Services intern, I was required to contact and ask clients for feedback daily, I supported the management team in improving customer services based on clients’ comments and I provided suggestions to teams from other departments to improve overall client satisfaction.

This is not horrible. However, compared with the second candidate’s much more detailed description, it lacks substance. Take a look for yourself.

Candidate 2 As a Customer Services intern at Company X, I helped raise customer satisfaction by speaking to and collecting our clients’ feedback and working with teams from different departments to address their dissatisfaction and implement relevant suggestions. After one year, we ran a survey that showed customer experience had improved by 50%. This result was backed by a 30% increase in profit within that same year.

Sure, the first candidate “improved customer services,” but this opens up a lot of questions:

How well did they improve the customer services?
Over what timeframe?
What kind of impact did this have on the company’s bottom line?

The 2nd candidate, though, mentions all this information, and as such, their cover letter is a lot more impactful.

#5. Highlight Your Education

Your education can very well replace what you lack in work experience when it comes to entry-level jobs. It can convincingly back up your skills and achievements, as well as help you demonstrate some of your strengths.

Now, when we tell you to highlight your education, we don’t mean mentioning the title of your diploma and calling it a day.

Instead, what you need to do to reinforce your skills and strengths is to mention relevant group projects and classwork, extracurricular activities and school clubs, published work, or independent research.

Highlighting your education can be just as effective if you’re changing career paths.

Did you take classes on your newly-found passion when you were in college? Or maybe you got to practice it as part of a club. No matter the case, make sure to highlight it, as this is exactly the part of your education that will make a difference in your cover letter.

Now, let’s say you’re a college senior thinking ahead and looking for a graphic design job for when you graduate. To improve your chances of getting that entry-level job, here’s how you can highlight your education:

My passion for visually communicating a message began alongside my work at InFocus Magazine, our university’s photography and graphic design magazine, where I am Head of Design. I mainly work with Adobe InDesign and Illustrator, but I am now also learning to use Canva and Crello in my Design & Illustration class.

#6. Don’t Forget a Call to Action

Finally, it’s time to wrap up your entry-level cover letter with a conclusion.

For your entry-level cover letter’s final paragraph, you want to do the following:

Mention anything you couldn't during the previous paragraphs. If you think you left something important out (something that could help you get hired), this is your chance to say it.
Thank the recruiter. You can use the closing paragraph to thank them for their time. This is a chance to be formal, but make sure you don’t sound like you’re trying to get to the recruiters’ good side.
Include a call to action. As a call to action, you can mention to the recruiter that you will be following up (if they haven’t specified the interviewing procedure) to inquire about the application or ask them to take some action.

And here’s what this would look like on a cover letter:

To conclude, let me first thank you for considering my application. I believe I can help your company improve its customer satisfaction by putting to use all the experience I’ve gained from my past jobs in customer service. I’d love to discuss in length how I can help you improve one-on-one customer service at your stores.

#7. Conclude with a Professional Closing

Once you’ve written your closing paragraph, all you have to do is sign off your cover letter.

Your “goodbye” should be formal and include only your name and signature.

Any of the following is an acceptable way to sign off your cover letter:

Best Regards,
Kind Regards,
Sincerely,
Thank you,

Want to know other ways to conclude your cover letter memorably? Head over to our guide on how to end a cover letter for additional info!

#8. Proofread Your Letter

And you’re finally done!

Make sure to proofread your cover letter before attaching it to your job application. Any effort you might have put into it will lose value if your cover letter has mistakes.

You can either give it to a friend to proofread it or use editing software like Grammarly and Hemingway .

Want to Make Things Easy? Use a Cover Letter Builder

The way you design your cover letter matters!

Sure, you can go for a generic text in a Word Document, but having a well-designed cover letter that matches your resume in style will help you stand out much more in a sea of applicants.

Well, Novoresume makes that easy for you! Just pick any of our matching cover letters and resume templates and leave a lasting impression!

[First Name and Last Name]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

[LinkedIn/Website]

[Date of Writing]

[Manager’s Name]

[Manager’s Job Title]

[Company Name]

[Company’s Street Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

[Addressing the hiring manager]

[Write your attention-grabbing opening paragraph]

[Write 2-3 paragraphs where you include skills that are relevant to the position you are applying for, where you quantify your achievements (when possible), and where you highlight your education.]

[Conclude by saying thank you and by making a call to action.]

[Sign off your letter professionally]

Key Takeaways

And that’s a wrap! We hope that you feel more confident about your entry-level cover letter knowledge and writing after reading this article.

Now let’s go over the main points we covered:

An entry-level cover letter is a cover letter that you write for an entry-level job. You may need to use it as a college senior or recent college graduate or as a professional changing career path.
Your entry-level cover letter should follow the following format: header, addressing the recruiter/company, opening paragraph, body, closing paragraph, formal salutation.
To write a good entry-level cover letter you should write an attention-grabbing opening, include some relevant skills, highlight your education, and make a call to action.
Use a cover letter builder to make sure your cover letter meets recruiters’ standards and to save your time.

How to Write a Cover Letter With No Experience (Examples Included!)

Writing a cover letter with no experience might feel like an intimidating task. The anxiety of facing a blank page—often with that inner voice whispering you may not be qualified enough—can indeed be paralyzing. But guess what? We’ve all been there, and trust me, you can do it too.

Everyone who has a job today started with no experience and had to write their first cover letter . Some of us even did it in a time when technology wasn’t around to help out (thankfully, things have changed!).

Need some guidance on writing yours? Here is everything you need to know to craft a cover letter with no experience, plus examples to guide you through the process.

What is a cover letter?

First things first: A cover letter is a document that you send to introduce yourself when applying for a job or internship. It complements your resume, providing more insight into who you are and the skills and qualifications that make you perfect for the role.

Think of it like a virtual handshake with the hiring manager. It’s your first interaction and your chance to quickly introduce yourself to secure an interview. Together with your resume , the cover letter is your opportunity to make a strong impression.

Why should you write a cover letter

Writing a cover letter, even if you lack experience, can set you apart from other candidates. It gives you space to delve more deeply into the skills and qualifications mentioned on your resume.

“Rather than focusing on what you have not accomplished yet in your career, focus on what you bring to the table: your skills, competencies, personality traits, and the values that you have developed in your life and education,” says Eloïse Eonnet , career coach and communication skills expert.

How to write a cover letter with no experience: 7 tips

When writing your cover letter, keep in mind your goal: leaving a positive first impression on the reader. It should include relevant information for the position you're applying for and maintain a professional yet engaging tone.

That’s your chance to convince the recruiter that you are the right person for the job and schedule an interview. “So, make sure you are clear on what skills and competencies you bring, and what personality traits make you a great fit,” says Eonnet.

If you still feel stuck and don’t know where to start, here's our seven-step guide on how to write a cover letter with no experience:

1. Check the company and job description

The first step in crafting a well-written cover letter is to research the company where you want to work. Carefully review what the organization shares about its values and culture on social media or its website to understand how you can relate to it in your letter.

The job description should also be examined closely because it typically includes keywords that you can incorporate into your cover letter when explaining your skills and competencies.

2. Include contact details

Mastering the cover letter format is as important as the content itself. Traditionally, a cover letter begins with your name and contact details—ensuring that if the recruiter decides to interview you, the information will be visible and easy to find.

And below your information, right before your opening paragraph, should be the hiring manager contact details. This format is considered more professional and is what is typically expected from candidates.

For example:

[Your First and Last Name]

[Phone number]

[Optional, unless it’s asked for: Your address]

[Date you're sending the letter]

[Hiring managers First and Last Name]

3. Begin with a friendly yet professional greeting

Remember, a cover letter is your initial interaction with the hiring manager, but in a virtual setting. Like in the real world, you begin with a greeting and then proceed to introduce yourself.

Choose a formal greeting such as “ Dear First and Last Name” , avoiding casual words like “ Hi” or “ Hey” to keep a professional tone. After that, you can start your first paragraph by introducing yourself and stating the position you are applying for.

Dear Lucia Carter,

My name is Alana Reeves, and I’m excited to apply for the Copywriter position at ABC Agency, which I discovered on LinkedIn. As a recent graduate from Columbia University, I’d be thrilled to work for a company that aligns with [Company’s values and/or culture].

4. Highlight relevant qualifications

Now, it’s time to showcase that you have what it takes to fulfill the desired position. When writing a cover letter with no experience, the key is to emphasize any relevant skills and competencies, detailing how they were developed.

“If a candidate has no work experience to pull from, I suggest that they talk about projects they completed at school, courses they took, extracurricular activities and community based projects they focused on, and even personal life events and projects they have experienced,” says Eonnet.

Filter what’s most relevant to the role you’re applying for and create a link between your skills and the job description.

“ Since my first semester at school, I’ve cultivated a passion for producing digital content for companies and institutions. I acted on this by creating a blog for the Mass Communication's website, where I wrote stories that captured the daily lives of the students on campus and the Columbia University culture. I also created a series providing recommendations of books, websites, films and TV shows relevant to a Mass Communication graduate.”

5. Showcase hard and soft skills

At this point, you’ve probably heard about hard and soft skills , right? Hard skills are technical abilities or knowledge that you can acquire through education, work experience, or training, whereas soft skills are linked to behavior and interpersonal relationships.

Recruiters seek candidates with a good mix of both types of skills, and the second and third paragraphs of your cover letter are perfect to show that you have what they are looking for.

“Show, do’’t tell! Rather than list your traits, they need to be in context of your past experience, even if it’s not official ’work experience,’” says Eonnet. So, use what you know about the company to show why you’re a good fit—be sure to explain how your skills match their needs.

“ During my four years as a blog content creator, I developed a strong understanding of SEO strategy, creative copywriting, and data analysis using Google Analytics, attracting approximately 1000 monthly visitors to the blog. I also applied my communication and self-management skills by interviewing students and managing the content by myself.”

If you have any top accomplishments, whether personal or academic, you can also include them in this section of your cover letter.

6. Close professionally

Wrap up your cover letter by reiterating your interest in the position and closing with a professional sign-off . You can use an engaging and friendly tone—and even ask for an interview—but don’t go overboard. Avoid overly casual language like “See you soon” or “Cheers”.

“I’m impressed by ABC Agency’s culture and creative approach to copywriting. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview.

Thank you for considering my application.

Best regards,

Alana Reeves”

7. Proofread carefully

This should go without saying, but make sure to submit a flawless letter free from grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors. Unfortunately, even great candidates can be overlooked if their cover letter or resume has too many mistakes.

To avoid this, take time to proofread your writing before submission. Remember, you’re not the only one job hunting, and recruiters probably go through tons of cover letters and resumes daily. Anything less than impeccable could be a deal-breaker.

Cover letter examples with no experience (but willing to learn!)

Ready to see these tips in action? Check out two examples of cover letters with no experience to guide you.

1# Sample cover letter for internship with no experience

Alana Reeves

123-456-7890

[email protected]

February 26, 2024

Lucia Carter

123 Payne St.

[email protected]

I’m excited to apply for the marketing internship position at ABC Agency. As a recent graduate from Columbia University, I’m eager to delve deeper into marketing strategies and their role in the business world.

In addition to my commitment to college studies, over the past year, I’ve completed courses in digital marketing essentials and inbound marketing. I’ve also been actively involved in extracurricular activities, creating content and promoting student events across multiple platforms. These experiences have not only expanded my creativity but also enhanced my teamwork skills.

I’m enthusiastic about the prospect of joining your marketing team, as I’m an admirer of your creative marketing campaigns and ABC Agency’s commitment to social responsibility. I'm confident in my ability to contribute to your growth by offering innovative solutions and fresh perspectives for the business.

I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

2# Sample cover letter for job with no experience

My name is Alana Reeves, and I’m writing to express my interest in the entry-level social media management position at ABC Agency, which I discovered on LinkedIn. As a recent graduate with a major in Mass Communication from Columbia University, I am eager to apply my education in a dynamic and innovative company like yours.

During my four years of undergraduate studies, I initiated and managed a TikTok and Instagram page to share my study routine. I was successful in creating a community of 5,000 followers, including students from Columbia University and other universities nationwide.

This experience equipped me with a robust understanding of content creation, image and video editing, community management, and social media analytics. I strengthened my self-management and organization skills, effectively balancing my academic responsibilities with this project.

Being an admirer of ABC Agency’s creative and humorous content, I am enthusiastic about the prospect of contributing to your team. I believe I can bring fresh ideas and an innovative approach to enhance your social media presence.

What to avoid when writing your cover letter

Understanding what not to say is also helpful when crafting a cover letter without experience. Here are two things to steer clear of:

Don’t be too apologetic

It’s easy to fall into the trap of downplaying your past experiences just because they weren’t formal jobs. However, you should—or at least try to—avoid this negative and overly apologetic approach at all costs.

“I would definitely avoid qualifying any past experience (school projects, odd jobs, internships, community service, personal projects) as ’not work experience.’ I see candidates use an apologetic tone sometimes, which is counterproductive.” says Eonnet.

Don’t focus on your lack of experience

If you’re searching for tips on how to write a cover letter with no experience, examples and such, chances are you're applying for an entry level position. In this case, avoid dedicating too much space in your letter to the fact that you haven’t had a traditional job.

“Recruiters who are looking to fill an entry-level role do not expect you to have a bunch of full-time work experience. Rather, they’re looking for candidates who are self-aware, ready to work, and interested in the position.” says Eonnet.

1 Entry Level Cover Letter Example

Entry Level positions are the stepping stones to a flourishing career, providing the opportunity to learn, grow, and prove one's mettle. Similarly, your cover letter is your first step towards making a lasting impression, showcasing your potential, eagerness to learn, and commitment to the role. In this guide, we'll delve into the best cover letter examples for Entry Level positions, helping you to craft a narrative that highlights your readiness to embark on a professional journey.

Cover Letter Examples

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The best way to start an Entry Level cover letter is by addressing the hiring manager directly, if their name is known. If not, use a professional greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager". Then, introduce yourself and state the position you're applying for. It's also beneficial to mention where you found the job posting. Most importantly, make sure your opening paragraph grabs their attention. You can do this by briefly mentioning a key qualification or achievement that aligns with the job requirements. This shows you're a serious candidate right from the start.

Entry Levels should end a cover letter by summarizing their interest in the role and the value they can bring to the company. This can be done by reiterating key points from the body of the letter, such as relevant skills or experiences. It's also important to express enthusiasm for the opportunity to interview and discuss further. For example, "I am excited about the possibility of bringing my unique skills and experiences to your team and am confident that I can contribute significantly to your company's success. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my application further." Finally, always end with a professional closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your full name. Remember to thank the reader for their time and consideration. This shows respect and appreciation for the opportunity.

An entry-level cover letter should ideally be about one page long. This length is enough to succinctly present your qualifications, express your interest in the position, and demonstrate how you can contribute to the company. Remember, hiring managers often have to go through numerous applications, so keeping your cover letter concise and to the point is crucial. It's important to focus on quality over quantity, ensuring you highlight key skills and experiences relevant to the job you're applying for, rather than trying to fill up space.

Writing a cover letter with no experience can seem challenging, but there are ways to highlight your skills and abilities that make you a strong candidate for the position. Here's how you can do it: 1. Start with a strong introduction: Begin your cover letter by introducing yourself and expressing your enthusiasm for the position. Mention where you found the job posting and why you're interested in the role. 2. Highlight your relevant skills: Even if you don't have direct experience, you likely have skills that are applicable to the job. These could be soft skills like communication, teamwork, or problem-solving, or hard skills you've learned in school or through hobbies. Be sure to provide examples of how you've used these skills in the past. 3. Discuss your education: If you're a recent graduate, your education is a significant part of your experience. Discuss relevant courses, projects, or internships that have prepared you for the job. 4. Show your enthusiasm and willingness to learn: Employers understand that entry-level candidates may not have a lot of experience. They're often looking for someone who is eager to learn and grow. Express your excitement about the opportunity and your willingness to learn and adapt. 5. Close with a strong conclusion: Reiterate your interest in the position and your eagerness to contribute to the company. Thank the employer for considering your application and express your hope for further discussion. 6. Proofread: Make sure your cover letter is free of errors. This shows that you pay attention to detail and take the application process seriously. Remember, the goal of a cover letter is to show how you can add value to the company, even if you don't have direct experience in the field. By focusing on your skills, education, and enthusiasm, you can create a compelling cover letter that stands out to employers.

Related Cover Letters for Entry Levels

Entry level sales rep cover letter.

Student Cover Letter

Data Entry Cover Letter

Entry Level Cover Letter

Related Resumes for Entry Levels

Entry level resume example.

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Entry-level Cover Letter Example

Breaking it down: what goes into a good cover letter, other entry-level cover letter writing tips, how to write an entry-level cover letter (example).

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Writing an entry-level cover letter — when you have little to no work experience — can be confusing and stressful. What do you write when you feel like you don’t have work to talk about? How do you show a company you want to work there when you haven’t worked much before? Here’s your step-by-step guide for writing an impressive, successful entry-level cover letter.

Harriet Spacemen Brooklyn, NY 123-456-7890 [email protected]

February 7th, 2024

Kate Norman Engineering Lead Example Company New York, NY

I’m writing to express my interest in the junior software engineer position at Company X. I’ve recently graduated with a computer science degree, and my technical skills and demonstrated passion for equity in health care make me an ideal candidate for this role.

During my time at Sample University, I deepened my understanding of software development through coursework in front-end engineering, programming, and quality assurance . In my senior year, I combined my advocacy for health care access and engineering skills by creating a web application — using Python and SQL — that helps patients find available doctor’s appointments near them that accept their insurance. Outside of my coursework, I volunteered at the local hospital and job shadowed a nurse, giving me insight into hospital administration and patient pain points.

My experience working directly with health care patients and my passion for improving this sector give me an empathetic, patient-first focus in my engineering work. This focus aligns with your company’s mission, and I believe my engineering approach would be an asset to your team. I look forward to meeting with you and further discussing my qualifications. Thank you for your consideration.

Best, Harriet Spacemen

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The header of your cover letter contains all your crucial contact information: your name, number, and email. It should also include the date you’re sending in your application.

In addition, the header should contain information about the company. You want to include the company name and the hiring manager’s name (if you have it — more on how to find that in the next section).

Many cover letter examples also include addresses for both the applicant and employer. However, including a full address is optional, especially if you’re applying for a remote role. You can include it in the header if you’re applying for a position that requires you to be in a particular city or state. (There’s no need to include your full street address — just your city and state should do.)

For the greeting, you’ll want to use a professional salutation like “Dear,” and address the hiring manager by name.

“If the job description states the title of the person you’d be reporting to, you can try to find their name from the company’s LinkedIn page,” Daniel Catalan, professional resume and cover letter builder, says. “You can click on a list of all of the employees and put the manager’s title into the filters.”

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If you’ve done your due diligence and still can’t find the hiring manager’s name, Catalan recommends not using the traditional “to whom it may concern.” Instead, he suggests addressing the letter to “Team X at Company Y.”

You want to show the hiring team you’ve done your research right from the start.

First Paragraph: Share Your Enthusiasm

Use the opening paragraph of a cover letter to express your excitement about this role. However, this is not just about flattering the employer. You also want to show them why you’re specifically excited about the opportunity and how it aligns with your experience and interests.

“Candidates need to explain why they want the job and what experience, volunteer work, or education they have that is relevant,” says Wendy Reimann, owner and writer at Lighthouse Writing, a writing and editing services company. “It confuses managers and recruiters when someone with a major in biology applies for a job in marketing . Tell them why.”

Second (and Third) Paragraph: Show Your Skills

In this next section, expand on the experience and interests you mentioned in the first section. Don’t worry if you don’t have years of experience behind you.

“Recruiters don’t expect entry-level applicants to have a wealth of professional experience,” Tim Toterhi, CHRO and ICF certified career coach , says. “We do, however, expect you to be adaptable , teachable, and able to solve problems . Volunteer work, school projects, even hobbies can help you demonstrate your skill set.”

Consider how all your experiences, whether professional or not, have prepared you for this role and what hard and soft skills you’ve learned. Remember, this cover letter complements your resume, so you don’t need to worry about stuffing every experience and skill into a paragraph or two. Instead, focus on what’s most relevant to the company and its goals.

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“Read up on what the company is actively working on and show you can bring unconventional solutions,” Catalan says.

Closing Paragraph: Call to Action

The last paragraph of an entry-level cover letter is meant to restate your qualifications for this role, discuss the next steps, and thank them for their time. In the first sentence or two, summarize why you’re excited about the role and what makes you specifically right for the position.

Then, mention next steps with a call to action. For example, you might say that you look forward to meeting with them in an interview or remind them how they can best reach you to discuss your application.

Finally, thank the reader for their time reviewing your application. It’s essential to end on a high note, so make sure you share some gratitude.

You’ve made it to the last (and perhaps easiest!) part of the cover letter! Your signature should include a professional sign-off and your full name.

>>MORE: Learn eight professional email sign-offs to use and six to avoid with How to End an Email Professionally (With Examples) .

Write to the specific employer. It’s better to customize a cover letter for each application rather than use a general one. “Taking the time to write a targeted letter to a specific employer about a specific job demonstrates sincere interest,” Toterhi says. “Just be sure to keep it short and focused on how you can meet their needs. Remember, recruiters commonly receive hundreds of applicants for each open role. There’s no time to sift through fluff.”
Don’t copy your resume . “Let the resume do its job and use the space in the cover letter to introduce yourself,” Reimann says. Your cover letter should expand on the achievements you’ve listed in your resume and demonstrate your relevant skills.
Keep it short. While a cover letter is about sharing more in-depth details about your skills and experience, keep it concise. A single page (without fonts that are too small to read!) is standard. “If the text is too long or monotonous, it’ll lose the reader’s attention,” Catalan says.
Stay positive. Your cover letter isn’t for over-explaining a gap in your resume. “Don’t bring up anything negative or over-explain work gaps or educational mistakes such as making a D in a single class or taking a semester off for illness,” Reimann says. “Focus on the positive only and let your qualities speak for themselves.”

Ready to create a stellar resume? Try a step-by-step guide for including the right skills and experience with Forage’s Resume Masterclass .

What are my work values quiz, how to find your dream job (plus, a free quiz), what is my purpose in life quiz, upskill with forage.

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Entry-Level

Entry-Level cover letter example

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best format for an entry-level cover letter

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dear Mr. Vallant,

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

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

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

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

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

Chris Wrekin

Cover letter header

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

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

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

Cover letter greeting

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

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

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

Cover letter introduction

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

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

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

Cover letter middle part (body)

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

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

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

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

Make sure that you impress the ATS software.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Entry-level cover letter with no experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key takeaways

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

Have a look at some more cover letter examples:

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

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5 Entry-Level Cover Letter Examples for the Job in 2024

Entry-Level Cover Letter
Entry-Level Cover Letters by Industry
Write Your Entry-Level Cover Letter

You’re detail-oriented, knowledgeable, and dedicated to providing high service levels. Any company would benefit from having you on their staff.

Are you prepared to create a cover letter that effectively accompanies your entry-level resume as you start your career?

Many entry-level candidates can struggle with their cover letter when they don’t have much experience. That’s why we created our entry-level cover letter examples backed by research and proven effective in today’s job market. Incorporate our free cover letter generator to complement these examples, enhancing your ability to present yourself as the ideal candidate even with limited experience.

Entry-Level Web Developer Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

Copy this text for your entry-level web developer cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Hartford, CT 06114 (123) 456-7890

July 5, 2023

Noah Smith VLink 123 Fictional Avenue Hartford, CT 06114

Dear Mr. Smith:

VLink’s reputation for excellence, backed by 17 years of experience, a clientele of over 200 businesses, and multiple industry recognitions, is truly admirable. The customer-centric approach VLink keenly adapts resonates with my philosophy as an inspiring web developer. With skills in WordPress, UI/UX design, and more, I am eager to leverage budding talents to help VLink serve a broader range of businesses.

Recently, I worked as an intern at Red Wall Marketing. Collaborating cross-departmentally with a tight-knit team allowed us to produce high-caliber websites that were visually striking and highly functional. In one project, I actively contributed to a team that redesigned a local bakery’s website, resulting in a 19% increase in online orders and an 8.9% uptick in overall customer satisfaction ratings.

Web Design is not only about aesthetics but also about creating a seamless user experience. As part of my final university project, I built a fully responsive WordPress site for a local nonprofit organization that streamlined its content and volunteer management. This overhaul saw an increase of 128 new sign-ups in their first month after launch and a reduction in administrative work by 7%.

For VLink, I am eager to apply my creative expertise and technical skills in web development to make substantial contributions to your projects. I genuinely believe in VLink’s mission of delivering top IT services, and I am confident that my ability to create engaging, performance-driven websites perfectly aligns with that. Thank you very much for considering my application. I am eager to discuss further the potential of us innovating together to create better online experiences for your diverse clientele.

Luca Bianchi

Enclosures: Resume Application 2 letters of recommendation W3Schools CSS Certificate

Why this cover letter works

In addition, emulate how Luca quantified the impact of hard skills unique to this role (think UX/UI design and WordPress) in organizations he interned at.

Level up your cover letter game

Relax! We’ll do the heavy lifting to write your cover letter in seconds.

Entry-Level Engineering Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your entry-level engineering cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue San Mateo, CA 94404 (123) 456-7890

Kaleb Brown Sony Corporation 123 Fictional Avenue San Mateo, CA 94404

Dear Mr. Brown,

Eager to innovate, fueled by an engineering background, and excited to solve problems, I’m ready to tackle engineering challenges across various domains. This is a prime opportunity to employ my growth in MATLAB/Simulink, statistical analysis, robotics, and more to meet Sony Corporation’s goal of delivering cutting-edge technology and exceptional customer experiences in the entertainment and electronics industry.

During my undergraduate years, my first-hand experience as an intern designing and implementing automation systems allowed me to help reduce production line errors by 17% at Tula Technology. Moreover, my passion for problem-solving within a team was tested in a university-wide robotics competition, where I led my team in strategizing and manufacturing an autonomous robot in a record 6-month period.

Continuing along these lines of initiative, I leveraged my analytical abilities while interning at SolarCity to engineer innovative solutions for complex automation issues. I assisted our team in identifying and ironing out bottlenecks within the automation process. As a result, we experienced a 27 percent drop in system downtime for four months.

Sony’s dynamic team environment and commitment to impactful innovation align well with my diligent approach to engineering for problem-solving. I welcome the opportunity for further discussion on how I can contribute to Sony Corporation’s ambitious vision. Thank you for considering my application.

Sakura Suzuki

But don’t just list the above keywords and phrases in your entry-level engineering cover letter. Weave in the skills within quantified wins in your internship roles to add punchiness and interest to your application.

Entry-Level Nursing Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your entry-level nursing cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Tampa, FL 06114 (123) 456-7890

Dear Ms. Ava Johnson:

As an aspiring nurse, I am dedicated to offering safe, quality patient care, an ethos that Tampa General Hospital embodies. Your success stories of providing top-tier medical services fueled my aspiration to join your healthcare team. I am convinced that Tampa General Hospital upholds the values of commitment, safety, and compassion. As an entry-level nurse at your hospital, I aspire to inspire my fellow nurses, develop comprehensive health plans, and work closely with the staff to enhance patients’ experience.

Solidifying my ability to perform under pressure was my term as a trainee at St. Joseph’s Hospital. During a flu outbreak, I assisted in treating 27 patients suffering from high fever and dehydration. As the assistant to the primary caregiver, I collaborated with the team to administer Intravenous (IV) Therapy, performed urinary catheterization as required, and utilized basic life support (BLS) protocols. All patients stabilized and recovered within three days—an achievement observed in 92% of the cases I handled.

Moreover, at Coral Reef Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, I provided dedicated care to patients receiving post-surgery treatment, consistently adhering to stringent healthcare regulations. I specialized in wound care and physical rehabilitation. At the end of their recovery plan, 88% of my patients reported excellent satisfaction with my care, 94% reported a notable improvement in their condition, and 72% went on to live fully functional lives without extensive follow-up care.

My exposure to demanding healthcare scenarios has equipped me with solid time management skills, a deep understanding of patient care, and exceptional teamwork abilities. These skills, coupled with my determination and commitment, enable me to contribute meaningfully to the patient’s well-being, create impactful health plans, and educate and empower patients to proactively participate in their healthcare journey. I would be thrilled to discuss how I can add value to your esteemed team of healthcare professionals.

Fatima Khalifa

As with the above entry-level nursing cover letter, don’t hesitate to brag about how you used your skills to bring good tidings to patients under your care.

Entry-Level Customer Service Cover Letter Example

Entry-level customer service cover letter template

Copy this text for your entry-level customer service cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Kansas City, MO 64101 (123) 456-7890

July 5, 2024

Emily Lewis Walmart 123 Fictional lane Kansas City, MO 64101

Dear Ms. Lewis:

With a background in customer service and sales, enthusiasm runs high for the opportunity to contribute to Walmart’s continued success as a retail sales associate. My fervent passion for the retail sector, coupled with a distinguished history of amplifying customer satisfaction and propelling sales performance, positions this opportunity as a thrilling endeavor. I’m keen to integrate my competencies into Walmart, aiming to cultivate significant relationships with customers while championing the company’s objectives.

While interning at Liberty Verizon, I prioritized engaging with customers cordially and offering immediate, informed support. This commitment was evidenced by achieving a remarkable 99.7% customer approval rating and consistently surpassing weekly sales targets by 8% through tailored recommendations and a comprehensive understanding of our products.

As a co-founder of the Triton Toastmasters Club at the University of Missouri, I honed my interpersonal and organizational talents by orchestrating over 12 events and steering club initiatives. This experience accentuated the critical nature of collaboration and effective communication in realizing shared objectives. Moreover, my prowess in retail operations, encompassing merchandising and inventory oversight, equips me to contribute to a streamlined and appealing store ambiance.

Poised to bolster your team’s triumphs and enrich the consumer journey, I look forward to exploring how my background and Walmart’s requirements converge.

Thank you for your consideration,

Felix Larsen

For example, the statement, “This commitment was evidenced by achieving a remarkable 99.7% customer approval rating and consistently surpassing weekly sales targets by 8% through tailored recommendations and a comprehensive understanding of our products” from Felix’s cover letter alludes to excellent salesmanship.

Entry-Level IT Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your entry-level IT cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Buffalo, NY 14202 (123) 456-7890

Amelia Martin Kaleida Health 123 Fictional Lane Buffalo, NY 14202

Dear Ms. Martin:

The prospect of becoming part of the Kaleida Health team as a help desk technician fills me with enthusiasm. With a solid track record in technical assistance and troubleshooting acumen, I’m keen to bring my expertise to Kaleida Health’s noble cause. I’m equipped with the competencies required to tackle IT challenges and maintain smooth operations, and I’m excited about the possibility of joining your team and demonstrating how my abilities can serve your establishment.

Part of my portfolio includes taking charge of Agile project management efforts at Loomis Armored US. By crafting and instituting effective troubleshooting manuals, I managed to slash the time it took to resolve tickets by 48%, markedly boosting client satisfaction and the operational flow.

At ADP, I handled complex service tickets, where I accomplished an impressive 84% drop in cases of acute escalations. Through refining SQL queries and scripting, I delivered a smoother workflow, translating into a 28% decrement in outstanding work tickets. My concerted efforts in debugging equally led to a 31% dip in network disruptions, underscoring my forward-thinking approach and high-level technical skills.

My professional journey has also seen me hone my skills with internships at Two Sigma and Capital One, where I managed user queries, pinpointed issues plaguing networks/software, and sustained system reliability. Crafting solutions that led to a 12% reduction in installation errors and a lowering of ticket averages by 39%, I was able to elevate user contentment via robust communication and swift resolution of tech hurdles.

I’m eager to apply my seasoned troubleshooting and problem-solving prowess towards your organization’s success. Thank you for your consideration.

Whether detailing an internship or college project, don’t even think about cooking up metrics or other deets about your skills and work experience to puff up your entry-level IT cover letter; otherwise, you might end up setting yourself up for a faceplant.

Related cover letter examples

Software Engineer
Graphic Designer
Career Change

Writing an Effective Entry-Level Cover Letter

Salesperson pops out of computer screen to depict outselling the competition with sales cover letter

Many entry-level candidates wonder if using just one cover letter for all job applications is sufficient. However, that’s probably not the best idea to stand out since every company has a different mission and requirements for the tasks you’ll be performing.

Instead, tailor it to the job description for each position you apply to. For instance, if you’re applying to an entry-level retail position, you could emphasize how you connect with the company’s mission to provide a great in-store experience for every customer.

Write an entry-level cover letter greeting and intro that stands out

Hiring managers formulate first impressions quickly when reviewing entry-level cover letters, usually in about six to eight seconds. Therefore, you should hook them in by immediately addressing a specific person and connecting with company-specific information.

Also, state why you’re the right fit for the job. For instance, if you’re applying to an entry-level sales position, you could explain how previous retail customer service experience or your education in marketing has equipped you to perform effectively on the job.

What you don’t want to do is not address anyone specific and use a lot of generic information that many other applicants are also writing, like the example below.

Needs to be more job-specific!

I’m applying for your entry-level sales position. I think this looks like a great company to work for, and I have a passion for sales, so I believe I’m the right fit for your needs.

Instead, aim for an opener like the one below that is highly specific to VLink’s focus on a customer-centric approach and the applicant’s skills in UI/UX that the position is seeking.

A highly job-specific opener for the win!

Dear Mr. Smith,

How to showcase your abilities in the body of your entry-level cover letter

Many entry-level candidates can struggle to showcase their skills and previous achievements in the body of a cover letter when they don’t have much work experience.

A great place to start can be your education. For instance, an entry-level engineering applicant could explain how their education equipped them to perform AutoCAD and system design effectively.

Most entry-level jobs also take transferable skills into account, like customer service or data entry, so any previous experiences that helped you develop those types of abilities are ones you could write about.

A great body paragraph full of detailed information

Solidifying my ability to perform under pressure was my term as a trainee at St. Joseph’s Hospital. During a flu outbreak, I assisted in treating 27 patients suffering from high fever and dehydration. As the assistant to the primary caregiver, I collaborated with the team to administer Intravenous (IV) Therapy, performed urinary catheterization as required, and utilized basic life support (BLS) protocols. All patients stabilized and recovered within three days, an achievement observed in 92% of the cases I handled.

Write a strong closing and sign off for your entry-level cover letter

When you’ve completed class presentations, you’ve probably learned that a strong conclusion helps solidify the information you presented. The same is true for entry-level cover letters .

Ideally, you want to revisit the skills you presented and your connection to the company’s mission. For instance, an entry-level nursing candidate may summarize their abilities in IV administration and recording vital signs while emphasizing how high-level patient care is important to them.

It’s also a great idea to end by saying thank you with a light call to action like “I look forward to hearing from you soon” to solidify your interest in the position, just like you would after you finished helping a customer to show you appreciate them shopping at your store.

What you shouldn’t do is leave off without relating back to any of your skills or why you’d like to work for the company, like the example below.

Needs more details!

I believe my skills and experience make me a great fit for this role. I appreciate you reading my cover letter and hope to hear from you soon.

Jennifer Smith

Instead, go for a closer like the one below that emphasizes the applicant’s connection to Sony Corporation’s mission of impactful innovation and how their engineering problem-solving abilities fit in.

An excellent closer aligned with the company’s mission!

Sony’s dynamic team environment and commitment to impactful innovation align well with my diligent approach to engineering problem-solving. I welcome the opportunity for further discussion on how I can contribute to Sony Corporation’s ambitious vision. Thank you for considering my application.

Aim to fill up an entire page for your entry-level cover letter. If you’re struggling to find enough information, discussing how your education equipped you for the role or non-traditional work like volunteering will help. For instance, volunteering for a youth tutoring organization could help show how an entry-level teacher would succeed in their role.

Try to tailor the tone to each company’s style and culture based on the job description . For instance, a marketing firm with a business-casual tone and innovative work environment would respond well to you matching that energy and explaining how you connect with their innovations to build a strong team environment.

Even if the cover letter is listed as optional, you should still include one. It’ll help solidify your interest in the position and show how you connect with the company. Think about how an entry-level IT applicant would stand out if they submit a cover letter talking about how they connect with the company’s mission to provide effective technological solutions compared to other applicants who don’t.

The entry-level job cover letter that will get you noticed

A guide, with examples, to writing a cover letter for your first job.

Despite the minimal experience required, entry level positions can be quite competitive. You won’t be the only one applying. There’s a good chance that many students with similar experiences and educational backgrounds will apply to the same position(s) you’re considering. Additionally, the nature of the position predisposes the company to some risk. It’s as new of a venture for the company as it is for you.

Your cover letter needs to go beyond simply persuading the hiring manager. It needs to speak to their need of a candidate ready for a smooth transition. It needs to assuage any doubts they may have about you as an outside hire. A cover letter that hooks and satisfies the reader’s needs will go a long way in differentiating you as a prospect.

Format is crucial when writing a strong entry level job cover letter. It should be in business letter format , which means:

All text is left justified
The top should include your name, phone number, and email
Then the date of application
Then the information for the job you’re applying to
Every body of text that follows should be separated by one line
Your end closure and signature should be separated by four lines

Your intro format should look like:

Mark Étienne

(xxx) xxx-xxx

[email protected]

June 6, 2019

Marketing Assistant

Job ID: 5467382

NTN Marketing

Take the time to find out who the hiring manager for the role is. While listing the position as the recipient in this letter is sufficient, you’ll score bonus points for your diligence if you can cater the letter to that person. It’s worth the effort when you can include recipient information.

If there’s one portion of the cover letter that shouldn’t stand out, it’s the greeting. Keep it simple. Keep it professional. Dear Emily, is ideal. If the hiring manager has a doctorate (PhD or equivalent) address them respectively (i.e., “Dear Dr. Simmons,”). If you don’t have a name, you can use “ Dear Hiring Manager .”

You may have heard the common datum on attention span, that the average is no more than 8 seconds. You should assume the same for hiring managers sifting through hundreds of applications. If your opener isn’t compelling enough, your cover letter may end up in the wrong pile. Stick to a style that garners attention, such as:

My previous internship experience taught me that a marketing assistant is more involved than just analyzing and compiling customer data. Coffee and breakfast in hand, I spent my mornings compiling comprehensive competitive analyses based on our available data. My afternoons, looking for supplemental data to provide a stronger analysis. Every deliverable contained the necessary information to help the marketing team develop a better product for their clients. I took pride in my work, knowing that I was a part of the team that helped the company retain 80% of its clientele.

You’ll notice several elements in this paragraph that help keep the reader engaged, and also add value to the application.

The narrative is written in a conversational, yet formal tone
It contains some imagery and strategically paints a scenario
There is data; something that reflects the writer’s involvement in their past internship’s success

Your next task is to garner interest from the reader. Give them an idea of your potential and what you may be capable of while working for them.

One year of internship experience at XYZ Branding has granted me the skills necessary to hit the ground running on day one. If given the opportunity, your company can benefit from the intern who previously:

Provided written marketing ad materials boasting a minimum 11% conversion rate
Helped design focus group environments that maximize accuracy and data reliability
Helped conduct the in-depth market research in the industry

Data is everything. Be specific in any projects you worked in that led to any significant results. Use detailed percentages wherever possible. Also notice the lack of I statements . This is the easiest section to fall into an “I” trap. The more you say “you” and express how you can benefit the company, the less you have to try to convince them with the things “I” did.

Simply put, your hiring manager will want to know how you fit in their company. They want to know that you will be intrinsically motivated in doing your work , without needing significant direction. Research the company, really understand their needs, and take the following approach to instill desire in your talent:

As a passionate, results-driven individual, I am as dedicated as a company needs their best employee to be. I am aware that NTN Marketing is one of the leading marketing brands in the North East. And a company like yours can help create a mutually beneficial relationship with an employee who is ready for any undertaking.

If the job description goes out of its way to request hard-working, reliable candidates, then don’t sell yourself short. Let them know that you’ll be a great fit for the unique working environment they provide.

The call to action

Always end your cover letter with a strong call to action. Reminding the reader to reach out to you is crucial to ending up on the shortlist.

I would love to have the opportunity to further discuss my potential in working at NTN Marketing. Can we schedule a future date to discuss how I can help with your clients X Imaging, Y Tiling, and Z Construction?

The call to action is also a great space to namedrop on any specific information you may have researched about the company. Letting them know how you can benefit them in one of their existing projects, for example, shows that you are ready to start right away.

Gratitude is powerful and can go a long way. Thank the reader for taking the time to read the 100th cover letter for the day. They’ll remember that. It can be similar to:

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

Kind regards,

Mike Étienne

Full example:

See below for the cover letter example you can use when starting your own from scratch.

Dear Dr. Rojas,

Find the right jobs for you. Get hired.

How To Write An Entry-Level Cover Letter (With Examples)

Cover Letter Examples
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Cover Letter With No Experience
Short Cover Letter Examples
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How To Write A Cover Letter For A Job With No Experience In That Field

Find a Job You Really Want In

If you’re an entry-level jobseeker, your cover letter is your best friend. Your cover letter is an opportunity to stand out as an entry-level candidate – because sadly, your resume probably won’t. Most people applying for the position will have fairly similar resumes, trying to make the best out of their limited experience . And like their similarly limited work experience and resumes, many of those other entry-level candidates make a lot of the same mistakes in their cover letters. But a cover letter that’s tailored to the specific position you’re looking for will open doors for you – even when your resume alone won’t. Key Takeaways: Entry-level cover letters should be between 250 and 300 words. Do not go over 400 words. Entry-level cover letters should be crafted for a specific position. Address what position you’re applying for, how you will fulfill the job’s responsibilities, and a bit of your personality. Specifically address your cover letter if you can and avoid generalizations in your opening. Make your cover easy to read and quantify your accomplishments. In This Article Skip to section What Is an Entry-Level Cover Letter? How to Structure an Entry-Level Cover Letter Elements of an Entry-level Cover Letter Common Mistakes in Entry-Level Cover Letters Entry-Level Cover Letter Tips Examples of Entry-Level Cover Letters Entry-Level Cover Letter FAQ Final Thoughts Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs Show More What Is an Entry-Level Cover Letter?

An entry-level cover letter is a document expressing your interest and qualifications for a job that qualifies as “entry-level.” Entry-level jobs typically don’t require much (if any) prior experience, so job-seekers can be at a loss for how to summarize their suitability for a job they have no background in.

Alongside your resume , your cover letter is the first impression a hiring manager or recruiter will have of you. Unlike a resume, a cover letter gives you a chance to explain why you’re interested in the role and how you’ll perform it.

The best cover letters will land you interview requests , so make sure you’re hitting your most impressive skills , experiences, and qualities.

Even without formal experience, everyone has a background that served to prepare them for success. The trick is understanding how your background fits into what the employer wants .

How to Structure an Entry-Level Cover Letter

The average amount of time hiring managers spend reading cover letters is six seconds. That means that they’ll spend as much time reading your cover letter as you spent reading this two-sentence introduction.

We’re even giving you the benefit of the doubt here on your reading speed.

You want to get their attention quickly and spend 250 words – but no more than 400 – showing the hiring manager:

What position you’re applying for

How you will fulfill the job’s responsibilities

A bit of your personality

Meanwhile the structure of a cover letter should be:

Contact information

Closing and signature

Elements of an Entry-level Cover Letter

Contact information.

There’s not too much to say here, except don’t get it wrong. You wouldn’t be the first person to accidentally leave old company information and dates on a reworked cover letter.

Your contact information goes near the top left margin. Put a space between theirs, space then the date, and then a space and the salutation. That’s how to address your cover letter :

City, state, zip code

Phone number

Break it up with a space, then:

A big caveat here is that if you’re sending an email cover letter, you put your personal contact info in the email signature. Also, remove the contact information for the person you’re contacting.

You should make your subject line informative and brief, something like “Bilingual Creative Writer seeks content creation position.” Or just use your name and the position title.

Salutations

Keep in mind that they’ll be skimming, so anything that screams “this is from a template” gets the boot pretty quickly.

No “Dear Sir or Madam:” and no “To Whom It May Concern:” – this just shows that you didn’t figure out who you’ll be addressing the letter to .

You may have forgotten, but “Mrs.” indicates marriage, so play it safe on the title – “Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]”

If you can’t figure out someone’s gender based off of their name, don’t guess. “Dear [Full Name]” is the safest road

You can use either a comma or colon – we prefer commas.

Do what you can to figure out who will be reading your letter. If it’s not in the posting, try searching the company website and LinkedIn . You might have success calling and asking the human resources department .

But if you’ve truly exhausted your search options, don’t fret. Some companies keep it on the down-low to keep people like you from spamming their inboxes with follow-up emails – “Dear Hiring Manager” or one of its variations will do.

The Opening Sentence(s)

Hiring managers read a lot of cover letters, and plenty of those are from people who don’t care much about landing that particular job.

So don’t open with “My name is [name] and I am applying for the [position] at [company] because [I need money].” You’ve given them your contact info and you’re applying for a job – they already know all of that. Start your cover letter off right.

Remember that you’re fighting to get noticed at this stage, so anything that they’ve already read from you – and other applications – makes their eyes glaze over.

Examples of Opening Sentence(s)

A solid opening statement can accomplish the three goals from earlier in one move:

Tell them what you want

How you’ll do it

Show them personality

Let’s look at some examples:

“I’ve wanted to work in broadcast journalism since a reporter interviewed me for winning my third grade spelling bee. The realization that I’m responsible for thousands of people’s “truths” resonated with me then, even if the truths were just how to spell prestidigitation.”

Why it works: So here the writer has announced that she wants a job as a broadcast reporter, she was an academic achiever (sort of), and that she has an appreciation for the solemnity of the profession. And it’s kinda cute.

Cute’s good; just don’t be too cute.

‌“My approach to management was drilled into me during my military training: be the kind of leader you want to follow.”

Why it works: This example identifies the job, obliquely mentions military experience , and also tells the reader that the writer knows what separates good bosses from bad ones.

“It didn’t land me on the cover of Forbes, but my college laundry delivery startup did teach me this: in sales, if you don’t measure it with reliable data, you can’t manage it reliably. Also, raise your prices before student loan checks arrive.”

Why it works: And here we know the writer is applying for a sales position, appreciates the value of metrics, is entrepreneurial, and has a sense of humor.

Be careful with the jokes though. You don’t have any idea what your hiring manager’s sense of humor is going to be like. If your joke doesn’t land, you’ll waste precious space and seem nonsensical – or worse, you’ll be deemed unfunny.

These examples have two important things in common: you don’t need experience to write them and they don’t explicitly state the job title.

Describing the job in the first sentence is a convention that can be done without — odds are that the reader will know what position you’re applying for, and if they don’t then you can more or less tell them in the introduction .

The Cover Letter Body

The biggest offense entry-level candidates make is handing over another version of your resume minus the bullets. Think of your resume as the “who-what-where-when” and the cover letter as the “how and why.”

The goal in the body of your cover letter isn’t just to tell them that you’re qualified; it’s to tell them that you’re the most qualified. And like the introductory statement, implication is a key element to the rest of the body. You’ll presumably have done research on the company and the job description – resist the urge to list them off in paragraph form.

The goal is to connect the dots for the reader without writing a sentence that sounds like this: “I’m a recent graduate of [your university] with [skill from posting #1], [skill from posting #2], and [skill from posting #3] skills.”

If the job posting describes someone who is a multi-tasker that meets deadlines, mention your time writing for your school paper while balancing a part-time job and schoolwork.

If they want someone who’s detail-oriented and a team player , bring up that fundraiser you organized for your fraternity. If they want someone who takes the initiative, tell them you unplug the thing and plug it back in before you call IT.

Volunteer experiences , internships , related classes , projects, leadership experience, extracurricular activities, and your skills that pertain to the position you’re applying for all can be mentioned in your cover letter. Just make sure to relate them to the job.

Don’t beg and don’t be overly effusive in your thanks. Even if it’s your dream job , you still want to make it seem like they’re offering you a business deal, not charity.

We’re fans of a standard closing :

I’d love to discuss the role with you further, and I appreciate the opportunity to tell you how my skills and ideas can benefit [company]. Thanks again for your consideration and I hope to hear from you soon. Many thanks, [Sign here if it’s a hard copy] [Name]

If it’s an email, just close with your email signature that includes contact information.

Common Mistakes in Entry-Level Cover Letters

And after all of that stuff that you should do, here’s a big list of things you shouldn’t do – because I hate to break it to you, but hiring managers normally have so many applicants that they look for reasons not to advance past cover letters.

Don’t send generic cover letters. You shouldn’t give employers an easy reason to move you into the reject pile. It’s not your fault that you don’t have much experience, but it is if you don’t look like you’re even trying.

Don’t forget about the reader. It might be your cover letter, but it’s their job to fill. Make it about how you’ll do the job well.

Don’t use too much jargon or difficult vocabulary. Give them something that they can read naturally and easily.

Don’t be too modest. This isn’t the time to sell yourself short .

Don’t go over 400 words. Ideally, your cover letter should be between 200-300 words. Just remember, keep it short , honest, and – of course – real.

Entry-Level Cover Letter Tips

Now that we’ve got the basic cover letter formatting down, let’s turn to some tips that apply to every entry-level cover letter:

Include universally-important skills. It’s good practice to incorporate skills from the job description into your cover letter. However, you should also take time to note your strongest transferable skills . These are mostly soft skills , like your interpersonal abilities, communication skills , and attention to detail.

You can also incorporate skills you’re learning or discuss areas where you have a baseline knowledge but wish to develop further.

Research the company. While you’re researching to find the hiring manager’s name, also look into the company. Identify their values, their way of doing things, their competition, and their primary short and long-term goals . Then, you can use that information to make your cover letter pop by showcasing what a great cultural fit you are.

Emphasize education. This one holds more true for recent college graduates than career-changers, but it’s important nonetheless. Without much formal, professional experience, you’ll need to rely on your educational excellence to carry your application.

You can mention relevant coursework, but it’s even better if you can discuss specific projects you worked on and had an impact on. Group projects, research, and any relevant extracurriculars are all fair game, as long as they tie into the job’s duties somehow.

Quanitfy accomplishments . This goes for school and any professional experience you have. If you don’t think you can quantify your achievements, try harder; think of things like frequency, scale, time, money, percentage changes, time saved, etc.

For example, instead of saying “answered phones,” say “responded to an average of 25 customer inquiries each day.”

Proofread. This is probably the most important tip for all of your professional correspondence. Use a spell-check tool, read your cover letter aloud, and have a trusted friend look it over for you. If you have the time, let your cover letter sit for a day so you can read it with fresh eyes.

A cover letter with even a single error tells recruiters and hiring managers that you don’t care very much about this job prospect.

Examples of Entry-Level Cover Letters

John Brown 123 Brook Ln. Towne, MD 123-456-7890 [email protected] 08/24/2020 Ashley Smith Senior Analyst 456 Technology Way Landon, MD Dear Ms. Smith, As a senior sports management student at Roothers State College, I was excited to see your posting for equipment interns. Within my degree program, I have been able to gain experience working with athletes across football, basketball, and baseball. I have been one of only four students to successfully complete rotations in all three sports in four semesters. I have maintained a 3.8 cumulative G.P.A throughout my academic career, while also being active in several campus recreational leagues. I have found that participating in sports gives operations staff a unique perspective when it comes to working with athletes. This has also helped me to interact with diverse groups of people and maintain a working knowledge of each sport. I know how to organize, coordinate, and assist with all aspects of equipment management due to my experience. It has been a dream to work for a professional sports team, but the Maryland Tigers is a franchise that I truly believe in. I have watched as the organization supports young players and always gives back to the local community. Being that I have also volunteered with little league teams, I know that the core values of the organization align with my own. I am confident that I would make an ideal candidate for the equipment intern role. Whether assisting coaches with drills or maintaining inventory, I can be an asset to the team. I look forward to learning more about the internship and discussing my qualifications in detail. I have provided my contact details for your convenience. Best regards, John Brown

Subject Line: Amy Grant – Junior Copywriter Dear Mr. Jones, At a recent Job Fair, I had a great conversation with ABC’s recruiter Doris Kelly about the Junior Copywriter positions opening up. As a graduating student of English, I was ecstatic to learn more about the content marketing strategy ABC is currently implementing. As an English student at UVM, I have strong written communication skills that I have developed through writing 10 undergraduate research papers for the Honor’s program, including my 20,000-word undergraduate thesis that won an award for excellence. I’ve also worked as a team to develop marketing for three different English-department-sponsored fundraising drives. Additionally, I’ve mentored fellow students by working at UVM’s writing center since my sophomore year. Since the Junior Copywriter position involves working together with the product, design, and marketing teams, my background working with people from different backgrounds would be an asset. I also know the importance of deadlines, and never missed an assignment deadline in my undergraduate experience. I’m proficient with Microsoft Office and Google Suites and have a working knowledge of WordPress developed from working on my personal blog and UVM’s writing center website. I appreciate you considering me for the role of Junior Copywriter at ABC, and I look forward to speaking more with you about the position. Sincerely, Beverly Brown [email protected] 555-654-3210 www.bevbrownwrites.com

Entry-Level Cover Letter FAQ

Do entry-level jobs require cover letters?

Yes, entry-level jobs require cover letters. Crafting a cover letter for an entry-level job is especially important because it can help you stand out to your potential employers and help you land your first job after school.

What do you write in a cover letter if you have no experience?

When writing a cover letter with no experience, be sure to highlight the soft skills you may have acquired through hobbies, educational courses, or volunteer work. Soft skills are especially important to discuss in your cover letter with no experience because they can be difficult to teach.

These skills are typically naturally developed throughout your life, whereas hard skills can be taught on the job. Additionally, it’s a good idea to include how passionate you may be to learn new skills for the job you’re applying for.

Do employers read cover letters?

Yes, employers read cover letters. This is especially true when a cover letter is specifically required for your application.

A recent Career Builder study suggests that almost half of HR managers consider a cover letter the second best thing to give your resume a boost during the candidate selection process.

How do you start an entry-level cover letter?

Start an entry-level cover letter by enthusiastically describing why you’re interested in the role. The first paragraph of your cover letter is your opportunity to make a strong impression on the hiring manager.

Final Thoughts

Writing a cover letter without much experience can be difficult. Just remember that everyone has skills, passions, and success stories. The important part is distilling those things down into a half-page document that paints you as the ideal candidate for a job.

Follow these cover letter tips, and you’ll have hiring managers and recruiters calling you for interviews in no time.

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David Luther was the Content Marketing Editor for the Zippia Advice blog. He developed partnerships with external reporting agencies in addition to generating original research and reporting for the Zippia Career Advice blog. David obtained his BA from UNC Chapel Hill.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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How To Write An Entry Level Cover Letter

Professional Entry Level Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your entry level cover letter needs to make a strong first impression. Highlight your eagerness and passion for the role clearly. Demonstrate your potential to grow and your willingness to learn. Show them why you're the right fit for an entry-level position.

Cover Letter Guide

Entry Level Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Entry Level Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Writing an entry-level cover letter can be daunting, especially if you're diving into job applications and realize one is required. It's not just an echo of your resume; it's your chance to highlight a singular achievement that showcases your professional pride—without resorting to overused clichés. Keeping it to a page, you need to blend formal tone with a touch of personality, ensuring you stand out. Let's tackle this challenge together and craft a cover letter that opens doors.

Including all the must-have paragraphs in your structure for an excellent first impression;
Learning how to write individual sections from industry-leading cover letter examples;
Selecting the best accomplishment to tell an interesting and authority-building professional story;
Introducing your profile with personality, while meeting industry standards.

And, if you want to save some time, drag and drop your entry level resume into Enhancv's AI, which will assess your profile and write your job-winning cover letter for you.

If the entry level isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

Entry Level resume guide and example
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Product Manager Intern cover letter example
MBA Graduate cover letter example
Human Resources Intern cover letter example
MBA Student cover letter example

Entry Level cover letter example

New York, NY

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

Highlighting measurable achievements: The cover letter mentions specific percentages to quantify improvements made, demonstrating tangible success in previous roles—a powerful way to illustrate impact and competence.
Matching skills to job requirements: The candidate aligns their skills (e.g., problem-solving and classroom management) directly with the needs of the school which shows a good understanding of the role and its requirements.
Showing passion and enthusiasm: Expressing a keen interest in contributing to the academic environment exhibits a genuine passion for teaching and a proactive attitude, which can be appealing to employers.
Expressing role-specific contributions: By detailing how they improved efficiency and teaching effectiveness, the candidate shows an understanding of the broader impacts of their role on the educational institution.

Designing your entry level cover letter: what is the best format

Let's start with the basics, your entry level cover letter should include your:

Introduction
Body paragraph
Closing statement
Signature (that's not a must)

Next, we'll move to the spacing of your entry level cover letter, and yes, it should be single-spaced ( automatically formatted for you in our cover letter templates ).

Don't go for a old-school font (e.g. Arial or Times New Roman), but instead, pick an ATS-favorite like Chivo, Volkhov, or Raleway, to stand out.

Our cover letter builder is also set up for you with the standard one-inch margin, all around the text.

Finally, ensure your entry level resume and cover letter are in the same font and are submitted in PDF (to keep the formatting in place).

P.S. The Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't be assessing your [job] cover letter, it's solely for the recruiters' eyes.

The top sections on a entry level cover letter

Header: This includes your contact information, the date, and the employer's details, ensuring that your cover letter appears professional and provides easy reference for the recruiter.
Greeting: A personalized greeting to the hiring manager demonstrates that you've done your research and are serious about the position. Avoid generic phrases like "To whom it may concern."
Introduction: Here, state the job you're applying for and give a snapshot of your most relevant qualifications and your enthusiasm for the role, to grab the recruiter’s attention.
Body: In one or two paragraphs, align your skills and experiences with the job description, showing why you are the ideal candidate and how you can add value to the company.
Closing: End your cover letter with a call to action, such as expressing your eagerness to discuss the role in an interview, and a courteous sign-off, reinforcing your interest in the position.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

As the job title was not specified in the question, I'll provide general qualities, experiences, and traits often prioritized by recruiters for an entry-level role. If you have a specific job title in mind, please provide it for more tailored guidance.

Educational background relevant to the role: Demonstrates foundational knowledge and a commitment to the field.
Internship or project experience: Shows practical application of skills and a proactive attitude in gaining real-world experience.
Adaptability: Ability to adjust to new environments and tasks, important in entry-level roles where responsibilities can evolve.
Technical skills: Proficiency in job-specific software or tools required for the role, signifying job readiness.
Communication skills: Essential for teamwork, client interactions, and effectively conveying ideas.
Eagerness to learn: Indicates a growth mindset and the potential for future development within the company.

What matters most when tailoring your entry level cover letter salutation

Your entry level cover letter greeting should feel welcoming to recruiters.

Use their first name (e.g. "Dear Marshall" or "Dear Sara"), if you've previously been in touch with the hiring manager and are on a more friendly basis.

If this is the first time you're contacting the recruiters, start your entry level cover letter with:

their last name (e.g. "Dear Ms. Ali" or "Dear Mr. Stevens") - look up who's the hiring manager for the role on social media or the company website;
generalized greeting (e.g. "Dear HR Team") - just don't use "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam".

List of salutations you can use

Dear Hiring Manager,
Dear [Department Head's Name],
Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr.] [Last Name],
Dear Selection Committee,
Dear Recruiting Team,
Dear Human Resources Director,

How to start your entry level cover letter introduction

The opening paragraph of your entry level cover letter can seem like a real enigma.

Where do you start writing ?

In your entry level cover letter introduction, focus on yourself by stating what:

gets you motivated and excited about the role;
you like best about the company, from culture to awards.

Write no more than two sentences, which are both authentic and show your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

How to select your best achievement for the middle, or the entry level cover letter body

You probably feel exhausted by this point in your application: you've dived into all the details of your success and skills in your entry level resume.

What else can you include in your entry level cover letter body ?

Well, for starters, the next three to six paragraphs should show you further value as a professional. Or, why should recruiters choose you?

Think back on a noteworthy achievement that answers key job requirements and dive deep.

Structure your entry level cover letter middle as you'd a story: following chronological logic and highlighting outcomes, thanks to skills.

At the end of the day, you'd want recruiters to be able to see you as the best candidate for the role and understand more about who you are and what makes your success unique (and valuable to the role).

Thinking about the closing paragraph of your entry level cover letter

Before your signature, you have extra space to close off your entry level cover letter .

Use it to either make a promise or look to the future.

Remind recruiters how invaluable of a candidate you are by showing what you plan to achieve in the role.

Also, note your availability for a potential next meeting (in person or over the telephone).

By showing recruiters that you're thinking about the future, you'd come off as both interested in the opportunity and responsible.

Is it beneficial to mention that you have no experience in your entry level cover letter?

Lacking professional experience isn't the end of the world for your entry level cover letter .

Just be honest that you may not have had roles in the industry, but bring about so much more.

Like, your transferable skills, attained thanks to your whole work and life experience (e.g. the skills your summer spent working abroad taught you).

Or, focus on what makes you, you, and that one past success that can help you stand out and impress recruiters (think of awards you've attained and how they've helped you become a better professional).

Alternatively, write about your passion and drive to land the job and the unique skill set you would bring to enhance the workplace culture.

Key takeaways

Summarizing the most important aspects in writing your entry level cover letter, remember to:

Create a personalized entry level cover letter for each role you apply for, that includes the recruiter's name in the salutation;
Format your entry level cover letter with single-spacing, one-inch margins, and a modern, yet ATS-friendly font;
Always start off your entry level cover letter with two sentences that reflect what is most important about your application;
Your entry level cover letter body should feature your biggest accomplishments and the job-relevant skills it has taught you;
Instead of opting for the "Sincerely yours" ending, close your entry level cover letter with a nod to the future with what you aim to achieve in this potential role.

Cover letter examples by industry

AI cover letter writer, powered by ChatGPT

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Content tailored to the job posting you're applying for
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Lightning-fast responses

Should You Use "Dear Sir or Madam" on Your Cover Letter?

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COMMENTS

How To Write an Entry-Level Cover Letter (With Examples)
Here are six steps to help you write a strong entry-level cover letter: 1. Address your letter professionally. Because your cover letter will be part of your candidate portfolio, use a professional format to address the letter. Begin with your contact information written in the top left-hand corner.
Write An Entry-Level Cover Letter (Examples, Tips & Template)
What Should an Entry-Level Cover Letter Include Entry-Level Cover Letter Format How to Write an Entry-Level Cover Letter With No Experience (Tips & Examples) #1. Write a Strong (But Professional) Opening #2. Include Relevant Employee Skills #3. Do Some Research #4. Quantify Your Achievements (When Possible) #5. Highlight Your Education #6.
Entry-Level Cover Letter: Examples & Guide
What makes this entry-level cover letter sample stand out is how the candidate convincingly markets their strengths. From the start, they emphasize their enthusiasm about the job opportunity, and call attention to the relevant job skills they bring to the table. While they don't have any full-time work experience, the candidate still highlights the experience they do have, and connects their ...
How to Write an Entry-Level Cover Letter + Examples
Having a solid closing on a cover letter is just as critical as an attention-grabbing beginning. Read this for more examples: How to End a Cover Letter. 6. Add a Postscript to Your Entry-Level Cover Letter. Before you berate me for saying you're done and then giving you one more, hear me out just a sec, if you will.
How to Write a Cover Letter With No Experience + Examples
1. Check the company and job description. The first step in crafting a well-written cover letter is to research the company where you want to work. Carefully review what the organization shares about its values and culture on social media or its website to understand how you can relate to it in your letter.
How to Write an Entry Level Cover Letter
Here are 4 steps to writing a cover letter for a job when you have little or no experience: 1. First Paragraph: Clearly introduce yourself. The first paragraph is your opportunity to make a strong first impression on the employer. This section should explain.
1+ Entry Level Cover Letter Examples (with In-Depth Guidance)
1 Entry Level Cover Letter Example - Teal
How to Write an Entry-Level Cover Letter (Example)
The last paragraph of an entry-level cover letter is meant to restate your qualifications for this role, discuss the next steps, and thank them for their time. In the first sentence or two, summarize why you're excited about the role and what makes you specifically right for the position. Then, mention next steps with a call to action.
Entry-Level Cover Letter Examples & Expert Tips
Adaptable cover letter introduction example. Dear Mr. Vallant, I am currently in the final year of high school and am looking for an entry-level weekend role to see me through college. I have experience in the gardening and landscaping sector and would relish the chance to serve customers at your garden center.
How to Write an Entry-Level Cover Letter (With Examples)
How to write a cover letter for entry-level positions. Here are the steps you can take to help you write an entry-level cover letter: 1. Provide contact information. When writing your cover letter, make sure you have accurate contact information for both you and the hiring manager. If you don't have the hiring manager's contact information, you ...
5 Entry-Level Cover Letter Examples for the Job in 2024
Examples for the Job in 2024. Stephen Greet August 28, 2024. Entry-Level IT. Entry-Level Web Developer. Entry-Level Engineering. Entry-Level Nursing. Entry-Level Customer Service. You're detail-oriented, knowledgeable, and dedicated to providing high service levels. Any company would benefit from having you on their staff.
Entry-Level Cover Letter Examples, Tips & Writing Guide
3. Start Your Entry-Level Cover Letter with a Good Intro. Entry-Level Cover Letter First Sentence—Sample. 4. Add Achievements to Your Entry-Level Cover Letter. 5. End a Cover Letter for Entry-Level Jobs with a Call-To-Action. 6. Win Them Over With a Postscript at the End of Your Entry-Level Cover Letter.
The entry-level job cover letter that will get you noticed
Format. Format is crucial when writing a strong entry level job cover letter. It should be in business letter format, which means: All text is left justified. The top should include your name, phone number, and email. Then the date of application. Then the information for the job you're applying to.
Entry-level Cover Letter Examples, Samples & Tips for 2024
Free entry-level cover letter example. Even if you don't have a great deal of formal work experience, you can still put together a great cover letter that gets your foot in the door. Here's an example of an entry-level cover letter you can use. Dear Mr. Smith, I discovered my passion for human resources in college.
Entry-level Cover Letter Examples, Templates & Writing Tips
Why this entry-level cover letter works: Professional template. A professional template with the right balance of simplicity and visual appeal gives this cover letter a polished and modern feel. Appropriate tone. A cover letter needs to be confident but humble. It should never read as pushy or aggressive.
Cover Letter With No Experience: Example & How to Write
Entry-Level Cover Letter Sample (Text Version) Text Format. Dear Mrs. Shirazi, My name is Bart and I'm a recent graduate of Swarthmore College with a B.A. in Communications. As a fan of the exciting work being done by those at Link Broadcasting, I'm thrilled to submit my application for the production assistant position.
Cover Letter for Entry-Level Jobs (2024 Template and Examples)
A cover letter for entry-level jobs is a document that you provide to hiring managers when applying for jobs. Employers typically require you to submit a resume along with your cover letter. For entry-level jobs, your cover letter can focus on your skills, rather than your work experience. Most cover letters contain three paragraphs and fit on ...
How To Write An Entry-Level Cover Letter (With Examples)
Entry-level cover letters should be between 250 and 300 words. Do not go over 400 words. Entry-level cover letters should be crafted for a specific position. Address what position you're applying for, how you will fulfill the job's responsibilities, and a bit of your personality. Specifically address your cover letter if you can and avoid ...
Entry-Level Cover Letter: Strong Examples & Tips for Freshers
Here are the 5 key takeaways about entry-level cover letters: Entry-level cover letters are needed when applying for entry-level positions. Stand out in a good way, and stay professional throughout the entire cover letter. 3 strengths of the entry-level cover letter: Start, connect & end strong.
Professional Entry Level Cover Letter Examples for 2024
Professional Entry Level Cover... Your entry level cover letter needs to make a strong first impression. Highlight your eagerness and passion for the role clearly. Demonstrate your potential to grow and your willingness to learn. Show them why you're the right fit for an entry-level position. Create a Cover Letter.
Write an Entry-Level Cover Letter (Examples, Format, Tips)
An entry-level cover letter is a document sent to potential employers in conjunction with a resume while applying for such positions. A cover letter aims to introduce you to the employer and highlight your motivations for pursuing a career in the field you are applying for. ... This work not only sharpened my design and planning skills but also ...
Entry Level Cover Letter: How to Write (10 Best Examples)
Sample letter 1. Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to express my interest in the entry-level position at Zenith Enterprises. As a recent graduate with a degree in Business Administration from Springfield University, I am eager to bring my academic knowledge and fresh perspective to your esteemed organization.
How to Write an Entry-Level Cover Letter: Samples & Guide
2. Address Your Entry-Level Cover Letter the Right Way. 3. Start Your Entry-Level Cover Letter with a Good Intro. Entry-Level Cover Letter First Sentence—Sample. 4. Add Achievements to Your Entry-Level Cover Letter. 5. End a Cover Letter for Entry-Level Jobs with a Call-To-Action.
5 Tips for a Great Cover Letter (and samples)
3.) Don't be tempted to send "generic" letters. Each cover letter you write should be different, because each job and company you're writing to is different. Make it easy for the reader to see the relevance of your qualifications to the job in question. 4.) Be sure to proofread each new cover letter you create so that it is free of ...

Write An Entry-Level Cover Letter (Examples, Tips & Template)

Entry-level Cover Letter Template

What Is An Entry-Level Cover Letter?

What Should an Entry-Level Cover Letter Include

Entry-Level Cover Letter Format

How to Write an Entry-Level Cover Letter With No Experience (Tips & Examples)

#1. Write a Strong (But Professional) Opening

#2. Include Relevant Employee Skills

#3. Do Some Research

#4. Quantify Your Achievements (When Possible)

#5. Highlight Your Education

#6. Don’t Forget a Call to Action

#7. Conclude with a Professional Closing

#8. Proofread Your Letter

Want to Make Things Easy? Use a Cover Letter Builder

Key Takeaways

How to Write a Cover Letter With No Experience (Examples Included!)

What is a cover letter?

Why should you write a cover letter

How to write a cover letter with no experience: 7 tips

1. Check the company and job description

2. Include contact details

3. Begin with a friendly yet professional greeting

4. Highlight relevant qualifications

5. Showcase hard and soft skills

6. Close professionally

7. Proofread carefully

Cover letter examples with no experience (but willing to learn!)

1# Sample cover letter for internship with no experience

2# Sample cover letter for job with no experience

What to avoid when writing your cover letter

Don’t be too apologetic

Don’t focus on your lack of experience

1 Entry Level Cover Letter Example

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Entry-level Cover Letter Example

Table of Contents

Career Readiness

Building Your Personal Brand

First Paragraph: Share Your Enthusiasm

Second (and Third) Paragraph: Show Your Skills

Build skills

Closing Paragraph: Call to Action

Related Posts

Entry-Level cover letter example

Best format for an entry-level cover letter

Cover letter header

Cover letter greeting

Cover letter introduction

Cover letter middle part (body)

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

Entry-level cover letter with no experience

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

Key takeaways

Free professionally designed templates

5 Entry-Level Cover Letter Examples for the Job in 2024

Entry-Level Web Developer Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your entry-level web developer cover letter!

Why this cover letter works

Entry-Level Engineering Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your entry-level engineering cover letter!

Entry-Level Nursing Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your entry-level nursing cover letter!

Entry-Level Customer Service Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your entry-level customer service cover letter!

Entry-Level IT Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your entry-level IT cover letter!

Related cover letter examples

Writing an Effective Entry-Level Cover Letter

Write an entry-level cover letter greeting and intro that stands out

Needs to be more job-specific!

A highly job-specific opener for the win!

How to showcase your abilities in the body of your entry-level cover letter

A great body paragraph full of detailed information