Entry-level cover letter template
Your first or second professional job, with little or no full-time experience.
Dear [Hiring Manager's name],
I am writing to apply for the [Job title] position at [Company]. I recently completed my [degree] in [major] at [University], and I am looking for a role where I can apply what I have learned and keep growing.
During [a project, internship, class or job], I [what you did] using [skill 1], [skill 2] and [skill 3]. The result: [specific outcome, with a number if you have one]. Your posting asks for [requirement from the job], and that is the work I have been preparing to do.
I am drawn to [Company] because [one specific reason: a product, a project, a value]. I would be glad to bring my [strength] to your team.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I would welcome the chance to talk about the role. You can reach me at [email] or [phone].
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Internship cover letter template
Summer, fall or spring internships and co-ops while you are still a student.
Dear [Hiring Manager's name],
I am a [year] student at [University] studying [major], and I am excited to apply for the [Job title] internship at [Company] for [season and year].
In my coursework, I have worked with [skill 1] and [skill 2], and in [a class project, club or part-time job] I [what you did and the result]. I am looking for an internship where I can learn from an experienced team and take on real work, and your internship program is a strong fit for that goal.
What draws me to [Company] is [one specific reason]. I am available for [dates or hours per week] and can start on [date].
Thank you for considering my application. I would be glad to answer any questions at [email] or [phone].
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Cover letter template with no experience
You have no job history in the field. Lead with projects, coursework, volunteering and transferable skills.
Dear [Hiring Manager's name],
I am applying for the [Job title] role at [Company]. I do not have a job in this field yet, but I have spent the last [time period] building the skills the role needs, and I am ready to prove it.
Here is what I can bring:
- [Skill 1]: I used it to [project, class or volunteer example and result].
- [Skill 2]: I built [what you made or did] on my own to learn it.
- [Soft skill, such as reliability or communication]: As a [part-time job or role], I [specific example].
I learn quickly, I ask good questions, and I take feedback well. I would like to start where you need help most and grow from there.
Thank you for reading this. I can be reached at [email] or [phone].
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Career change cover letter template
You are moving from one field into another and need to connect the two.
Dear [Hiring Manager's name],
I am writing to apply for the [Job title] position at [Company]. After [number] years as a [previous job], I am moving into [new field], and I bring skills that transfer directly to this role.
In my previous work I [achievement with a number], which required [transferable skill 1] and [transferable skill 2]. To prepare for this move, I [course, certification, project or portfolio piece] and used [tool or skill from the job posting] to [what you made or learned].
I chose [new field] because [honest reason], and I chose [Company] because [one specific reason]. I understand I am new to the field, and I am ready to learn fast and contribute early.
Thank you for your consideration. I would welcome a conversation at [email] or [phone].
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Recent graduate cover letter template
You graduated in the last 12 months and are applying to new grad roles or rotational programs.
Dear [Hiring Manager's name],
I graduated from [University] in [month and year] with a [degree] in [major], and I am excited to apply for the [Job title] position at [Company].
At [University], I [capstone, research, thesis or major project] where I [what you did] and [result]. I also [internship, leadership role or job] where I [specific contribution]. These experiences gave me hands-on skills in [skill 1], [skill 2] and [skill 3], which your posting lists as requirements.
I am looking for a place to start my career where I can learn from experienced colleagues and take on responsibility. [Company]'s [program, product or value] is exactly that, and I would be proud to join the team.
Thank you for your time. I am available to start on [date] and can be reached at [email] or [phone].
Best regards,
[Your name]
Cover letter template with a referral
Someone who works at the company suggested you apply. Put their name in the first sentence.
Dear [Hiring Manager's name],
[Referrer's name], a [their job title] on your [team name] team, suggested that I apply for the [Job title] position at [Company]. After talking with [him/her/them] about [what you discussed], I am even more interested in the role.
I [brief summary of your background, e.g. "recently graduated with a degree in ..."] and have experience with [skill 1] and [skill 2]. At [place], I [achievement with a number], which is the kind of work [Referrer's first name] described for this position.
I would value the chance to talk about how I can help [team or department]. Thank you for your time and for considering my application.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Email] | [Phone]
Unsolicited (cold) cover letter template
There is no posted opening, but you want to work at the company. Keep it short and make one clear ask.
Dear [Hiring Manager's name],
I am writing to ask whether [Company] has any openings for an entry-level [job title or field]. I know you may not be hiring right now, but I admire [specific thing about the company: a product, a recent project, its approach], and I wanted to introduce myself.
I recently [graduated from University / finished a program] and have experience in [skill 1] and [skill 2]. For example, I [specific achievement or project with a result]. I think that kind of work could help your [team or department].
I have attached my resume. If there is an opening now or soon, I would be grateful to be considered, and I would also appreciate 15 minutes to learn how someone at your level of the company got started.
Thank you for your time. You can reach me at [email] or [phone].
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Email cover letter template
The application is by email, or you are sending your resume directly to a recruiter. Put the letter in the email body.
Subject: [Job title] application: [Your name]
Hello [Hiring Manager's name],
I am applying for the [Job title] position at [Company], and my resume is attached.
I am a [recent graduate / student / professional] with experience in [skill 1], [skill 2] and [skill 3]. Most recently, I [achievement with a number]. That is close to what your posting describes for this role.
I would love to talk about how I can help your team. I am available [days and times, or "any weekday this week"], and you can reach me at [phone].
Thank you,
[Your name]
[LinkedIn URL]
[Phone]
