Fresh graduates, we know you are facing the daunting task of building your 'job seeker toolkit' and might question the relevance of the cover letter in today's application landscape. With recruiters often overwhelmed by a massive influx of resumes, does that extra page even get read?
The answer is yes - but keep it really short. When first impression matters, a succinct cover letter is your key to capturing a recruiter's fleeting attention and inviting them to find out more about you.
In our comprehensive guide on cover letter recommendations, we cover the A to Z of what to include. From using AI responsibly to including a clear call to action, we’ll explore just what you need to write a cover letter that helps you bag the interview you want, including persuasive cover letter examples.
why should I care about writing a cover letter?
What is a cover letter? A cover letter for a job application is a personalised write-up, either in the form of an email or as an additional section at the top of your resume, serving as your direct explanation of your motivations and why you are the perfect fit for the position.
It’s your platform to:
- address skills or experiences that make you a standout candidate
- articulate your interest in the job
- highlight key achievements and motivations
Being a fresh graduate might mean you don't have extensive work experience, and that's perfectly fine; this actually creates a fantastic opportunity to highlight what truly motivates you and how you look forward to growing yourself professionally.
Your cover letter is an opportunity to demonstrate your potential, fit, and enthusiasm to employers. You can highlight relevant coursework or projects to show how your knowledge and skills align with the job requirements. Your extracurricular activities, such as volunteer work and internships, can also prove your capabilities and readiness for the role.
Despite work inexperience, a cover letter can make a compelling case for fresh graduates to be hired. Furthermore, a well-crafted cover letter also exhibits professional writing ability, a valuable skill in any job.
negotiate for the best salary or ace your next interview with our job seeker toolkit.
1. cover letter format
Your cover letter should contain the following information:
- introduction
- why you’re the right fit
- why you want to work for the company
- call to action
Start strong with a strong introduction. If you’re wondering how to express passion in a cover letter, keep reading for our tips on what to include.
Address the hiring manager by name if possible. Use the job advertisements, LinkedIn and your network to find out who they are. If you are still unsure after researching, you may use "Hi Hiring Manager".
Next, state the role and your reason for applying. For example, "Excited by the prospect of contributing my problem-solving abilities and passion for design, I am applying for the UX/UI Designer role at [Company Name]."
You should also highlight any relevant skills and experience with context because passion alone will not get you the interview. Employers want to know that you have basic knowledge to be trained in the role.
Then, clearly state why you want to work for the company. Mention specific aspects of the company, such as their values, mission, or culture that aligns with your career goals and interests. It could be about your motivation to drive innovation and sustainability. It could also be about you wanting to leverage your socialising skills to refine your communication and stakeholder management skills, which will be important for a sales or business development role.
Make sure to tailor this part of your cover letter for each company that you’re applying to, as it shows that you’ve done your research for the company.
Finally, end with a concise call to action and a thank you. For example, "I look forward to discussing more in an interview."
And, always remember to attach your resume.
2. a cheatsheet for preparing a cover letter
cover letter cheatsheet
cover letter templates for fresh graduates
Staring at a blank document? We’ve prepared some templates for you to get you started.
cover letter template: standard
Hi Wayne,
I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. As a recent graduate in [Your Degree] from [Your University], I look forward to applying my academic knowledge and understanding how they can come to life.
A creative individual who is always pushing my boundaries, I thrive in environments that encourage innovation and collaboration. I’ve developed strong [1 - 2 relevant skills] through my school projects and internships that I am eager to further build my capabilities in.
Recent projects from your company like [1 - 2 product or services] piqued by interests as they reflect the kind of innovative approach I admire and aspire to be a part of. I am excited by the idea of contributing to such impactful initiatives and learning from a team that is at the forefront of innovation in this industry.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team. Please let me know of a date and time that you are available for us to take this forward.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
cover letter template: career change
Hi Elizabeth,
I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].
As a recent graduate in [diploma/degree programme], I have developed [1 - 2 skills] skills that I am eager to bring into the [industry] field which greatly interests me.
I understand that it may not be the natural course of progression, but I am someone who loves a challenge, especially when it concerns my career future. My project and internship experiences have taught me critical transferable skills like [1 - 2 transferable skills] that I believe are essential in building a career in [industry]. I have also managed [relevant student projects], where I’ve [1 - 2 achievements].
I am committed to learning and growing in this new direction and believe my adaptability will help me succeed. I would like to have an opportunity to share more about my motivations and excitement with you during an interview to discuss how I can proactively contribute to your team’s success.
Thank you for considering my application. Please let me know of a date and time that you are available for us to take this forward.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
cover letter template: a gap year after graduation
Hi Zoe,
I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the [Job Role] position at [Company Name].
As a graduate of [Institution Name] with a [Degree Name], I am eager to leverage my academic foundation and the invaluable experiences gained during my recent gap year to contribute to your team.
My studies in [Field of Study] provided me with a strong understanding of [1 - 2 knowledge topics], equipping me with both analytical and practical skills. Following my graduation, I embarked on a planned gap year dedicated to [briefly describe the nature of your gap year, e.g. international travel and cultural immersion, volunteer work, personal development].
This experience significantly enhanced my [skills gained, i.e. adaptability, problem-solving], and reinforced my clear focus on pursuing a career in [Relevant Industry/Field].
I am particularly drawn to your company because of its commitment to [mention a value, project, or aspect of the company that excites you]. I am confident that my unique combination of academic knowledge and real-world experience will allow me to make a positive impact as part of your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how I can add value to your team. Please let me know of a date and time that you are available for us to take this forward.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
cover letter template: incomplete diploma or degree programme
Hi Marcus,
I am writing to express my interest in [Job Title] position as [Company Name].
While I have not yet completed my studies in [diploma/degree programme], I am eager to begin my professional career journey.
During my studies, I have developed some foundational knowledge in [knowledge topics]. I have also gained some work experience in [other means: internships, part-time work, volunteering], which has allowed me to acquire and apply new skills like [1 - 2 soft and transferable skills].
I am particularly interested in [1 - 2 specific areas of the job], and I am excited about the prospects of contributing while continuing to develop my abilities. I am confident that my practical skills, determination, and willingness to learn will allow me to make immediate contributions to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can support your team. Please let me know of a date and time that you are available for us to take this forward.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
If you have not yet completed your diploma and degree programme, working in several internships will eventually help you find a full-time job. Your cover letters and resumes will gradually detail more of your work experience, which will make you an equally valuable candidate in the long-run.
how to use AI efficiently and safely to optimise your cover letter
It's not realistic to carefully craft a new cover letter for every job that you’re applying to as that will take too much time. You won’t want to be spending your entire weekend writing cover letters!
To save time, you can consider using AI-powered tools like ChatGPT or Gemini to customise your cover letters for each job application. You can upload the job requirements and your resume into these tools to ask for a short cover letter.
Remember to exercise caution and do not share sensitive information like your residential address, social security number or mobile phone number. Most importantly, do not use AI-generated responses as they are. Just because it is generated by AI does not mean that it is always correct or accurate.
AI tools use information from all types of sources and may unintentionally include information from other countries that is not at all relevant to the job that you’re applying for. It may also sometimes embellish your cover letter with information that is not true.
just graduated? let us help you find your first job.
If you’re just graduated, congratulations! Whether it is to build your financial abilities or to pursue your career goals, we understand that you may feel a rush to find a job. However, it is important to take the time to find a job with an employer that you love working with so that you can lead a happier and more fulfilling life. We hope this article has helped you learn how to write a letter to join a company.
Besides applying for jobs via LinkedIn and job boards, you can also create an account with Randstad. Our specialised recruiters will take a look at them as soon as you apply for a job through our website, and will be in touch with you if you’re suitable for it. If not, keep looking!
Job seeking is all about perseverance and we are here to help.