An effective entry-level cover letter shows a hiring manager you’re passionate about the position and proves you have what it takes to succeed.
Entry-level cover letter example
Here’s a professionally written entry level IT-cover letter example:
Entry-level cover letter sample (text version)
Sep 28, 2019
Robert Jacobson
19 16th St.
New York, NY 10005
(781) 182-1110
Robert.Jacobson@gmail.com
Dear Mr. Jacobson,
As a long-term admirer of the impressive work being done by the team at Mayflower Technologies, I’m delighted to submit my application for the entry-level IT technician position posted on Indeed.com. As a recent graduate from the University of Rochester with a B.S. in Computer Science, I’m confident that my knowledge of Linux systems, experience in backend coding, and precise attention to detail would make me an asset to the team at Mayflower.
In my former role as a student worker at the University of Rochester’s Technical Services department, I was responsible for troubleshooting a variety of technical issues for staff, assisting with server maintenance, and installing a wide range of equipment. While employed there, I assisted in the development and rollout of new department practices, and helped improve our ticket response time by 12%. I’m sure that this experience will help me hit the ground running at Mayflower.
I also understand that Mayflower is seeking to expand their cloud computing services. While at the University of Rochester, I specialized in and completed my thesis on cloud computing. The IT technician position at Mayflower would be an exciting opportunity for me to bring my educational background to the table, and learn more about a growing industry.
I’ve attached my resume, which further details my skills and educational background. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about my background. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you further; thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Marianne Zhong
This entry-level cover letter sample stands out because the candidate convincingly markets their strengths. From the start, they emphasize their enthusiasm about the job opportunity and call attention to their relevant skills.
Showing this passion tells the hiring manager that the candidate has the basic skills to excel, has researched the position, and cares about the company’s work.
Entry-level cover letter templates
We’ve designed four easy-to-use templates for entry-level applicants:
Apprentice cover letter template
Novice cover letter template
Single column cover letter template
Work cover letter template
How to write an entry-level cover letter with no experience
A general cover letter shows the relevant skills you learned at previous jobs and how your work experience makes you qualified.
However, if you’re writing a cover letter with no experience in your field, filling up space with irrelevant accomplishments won’t do you any favors.
Here’s what you need to do in your entry-level cover letter to show the hiring manager you’re a good fit:
1. Address your cover letter correctly
Address your cover letter correctly to set a professional tone for your application. If your entry-level cover letter isn’t addressed to the right person or company, your application risks rejection before you show why you’re the right candidate.
If possible, address the hiring manager directly using their title and last name. Sometimes, however, you might not know the hiring manager’s name. In this case, do some research on LinkedIn and the company website to try to find out who they are.
If you’re still unable to find a name, you have a few different options. You can address your cover letter with:
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear Human Resources Director,
- Dear [Department Name] Hiring Team,
- Dear [Company Name] Hiring Team
2. Open with a strong introduction
Write an introduction that grabs the reader’s attention immediately.
An effective entry-level cover letter introduction should include:
- An opening line showing real enthusiasm for the company’s work
- The position you’re applying for
- A short blurb regarding your background
- A brief introduction to your accomplishments or talents
The introduction is also where you should mention any contacts you have at the company. This helps add context, and immediately builds rapport with the hiring manager (assuming those contacts are in good standing where they work).
3. Include important skills for an entry-level employee
Every company has specific requirements and preferences for their ideal candidate.
If you don’t have work experience, highlighting your skills helps you stand out to employers.
If you’re a recent graduate, you’ve likely picked up some highly sought after transferable skills from school or extracurricular activities. Some examples of transferable skills include:
- Analysis
- Communication
- Time management
- Verbal communication
- Written communication
- Research
- Presentation
- Active listening
- Prioritization
Scan the job posting to find some essential skills and include them in your cover letter to demonstrate that you have the baseline knowledge necessary to excel in the role.
Additionally, if there are certain skills you don’t have but seem important to the position, use your cover letter to emphasize your enthusiasm for learning them.
Many hard skills can be learned while on the job. If you’re just starting out, emphasize your soft skills to show employers you’re a worthwhile investment.
4. Show interest in the company
Tailor your entry-level cover letter to the job by thoroughly researching the company.
First, read up on the company’s history, its products, goals, and any challenges it’s facing. Researching gives you a better understanding of the qualities the hiring manager wants in new employees.
Then use your cover letter to address specifics about the position, like why you think you’re suited for it, and how it plays a role in your long-term goals.
By showing an interest in the company’s goals, this candidate comes across as both excited, knowledgeable, and well prepared to get involved in one of the company’s upcoming projects.
5. End with a call to action
Your final paragraph should end with a call to action to show the hiring manager you’re serious about the job and want an interview.
Here’s an example of a call to action on a cover letter for an entry level job:
I’ve attached my resume, which further details my skills and educational background. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about my background. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you further; thank you for your time and consideration.
The candidate clearly conveys their interest and shows initiative by indicating that they are willing to further discuss why their specific set of skills and qualifications make them well suited for the role at an interview.
6. Maintain visual consistency with your resume
To present a unified professional brand, your cover letter should mirror the visual style of your resume. Use the same font selection, font size, and margin settings across both documents.
When an employer opens your application, the transition from your resume to your cover letter should feel seamless, signaling that you are organized and pay close attention to detail.
Entry-level cover letter examples by industry
Here’s a list of specific entry-level cover letter examples by industry if you’re looking for more helpful resources and examples:
























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