Cover letter for fresh graduates, with an example
How to write a cover letter when you have little experience, with a complete example you can adapt for your first job application.
Focus on potential and proof
Without work experience, your cover letter should show three things: you understand the role, you have relevant skills from your studies and activities, and you are motivated to learn. Back each one with a short example.
The structure
- Greeting: to a named person if possible, otherwise "Dear Hiring Manager".
- Opening: the role, where you saw it, and your degree.
- Evidence: one or two examples from projects, internships or activities.
- Motivation: why this company.
- Close: your availability and a thank you.
An example
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am applying for the Graduate Trainee role in your marketing team, advertised on LinkedIn. I recently graduated with a BBA in Marketing, and I am keen to start my career in a company known for building strong consumer brands.
During my final year, I led a group project that surveyed 300 students about snack buying habits and presented recommendations to a local brand. I also completed an eight-week internship in trade marketing, where I visited retailers with the field team and helped prepare weekly sales summaries in Excel.
Your programme's rotation across sales and brand teams is exactly the grounding I am looking for, and I admire how your brands reach customers in smaller cities as well as large ones.
I am available to start immediately and would welcome the chance to discuss how I can contribute. Thank you for considering my application.
Yours sincerely,
Ayesha Raza
Tips
- Keep it under one page.
- Use the company name and job title from the advert, and check them before sending.
- Do not repeat your whole CV; pick your best evidence.
- Match the letter's design to your CV for a polished look. The "Match my CV" design in CVfor99 does this for you.