Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example

Putting together a cover letter for a job as a recent graduate can be difficult, especially if you don’t have any formal work or internship experience. Fortunately, it’s still possible to write a convincing cover letter that helps you land a job, no matter how much experience you have.

Here’s a breakdown of what to include in your recent graduate cover letter to wow employers and land your first job or internship out of college.

1. Briefly introduce yourself

Start your new grad cover letter by introducing yourself to your potential employers, just as you would if you were meeting them in person. Cover the basics — your name, your academic qualifications, and what position you’re applying for.

You should also mention how you discovered the job opening and if you were recommended by anyone currently working at the company. This can help you immediately establish a rapport with the hiring manager and improve your chances of getting an interview.

Here’s an example of a strong cover letter introduction paragraph for a recent graduate:

The candidate gives a concise summary of their education and qualifications, showing employers that they have the required licensure for an architect.

2. Connect your skills to the job

When applying for a job as a recent graduate, don’t worry about your lack of work experience. Instead, showcase the personality traits and soft skills you possess that make you an excellent match for the job.

First, think about all of your relevant interests and skills, or areas of work that you’re passionate about. Then, use your cover letter to connect them to the work being done at the company you want to work at.

Here’s an example of how one candidate uses their cover letter to advertise their passion for conversational Spanish:

If you’re applying for a job directly in your field of academic expertise, you can also explain what drew you to the field in the first place.

3. Highlight internship or project work experience

Your third paragraph should be the core of your recent grad cover letter. This is where you highlight your relevant experience, whether it’s from internships, extracurricular activities, or coursework. Your objective is to highlight any experience that taught you skills that are valuable in your target industry (e.g., your ability to work on a team, solve problems, or learn quickly).

Here’s an example of how one recent graduate uses the third paragraph of their cover letter to highlight their internship experience:

4. Explain why you’re a match for the job

Employers understand that as a recent graduate, you’ll likely be writing a cover letter with no work experience. What they want to see is that you’re passionate about the work and are enthusiastic to learn.

That’s why in your fourth paragraph you should take the opportunity to explain what about the position excites you. Be as specific as possible — if you’re interested in the product the company makes or even their work culture, be sure to mention it. Show that you’re interested in the specific job you’re applying to, and not just any job.

Here’s an example of how to effectively communicate your enthusiasm in a recent graduate cover letter:

This applicant comes across as eager to apply their skills to create a positive customer experience and ultimately benefit the company.

5. Finish with a clear call to action

Wrap up your new grad cover letter by strongly yet politely restating your interest in the position. Additionally, mention your interest in scheduling a phone call to discuss the job opportunity further.

This not only shows that you’re enthusiastic about the job, it also pushes the hiring manager to reach out to you.

Here’s an example of a strong closing sentence on a cover letter from a recent graduate: