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university student cover letter example

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Student Cover Letter Examples

How to craft a great student cover letter.

A cover letter is the first thing an employer will look at in a submitted application and it will determine whether they’ll consider calling you back for an interview.

Cover letters remain an important component of any job application that gives you the opportunity to get ahead of the competition.

And so, whether you’re at the beginning or nearing the end of your academic journey, a great student cover letter presents the ideal introduction and an extended interpretation of your experience.

Software Engineering Intern Cover Letter Example

The purpose of a great student cover letter

While your official resume contains a condensed account of your previous work positions, skillset, and other relevant accomplishments, a cover letter offers a more detailed interpretation of your experience and applied competencies.

Although not often required, attaching a cover letter to your resume will demonstrate professionalism and a preview of what you could eventually bring to the role.

In a single page, you’ll be able to explain what makes you a perfect candidate for the role and the skillset you can bring to the table.

Having a hard time getting started? This simplified guide offers a few simple steps to ensure an impressionable cover letter for any recruiter.

1. Start your student cover letter with a proper greeting

A cover letter should always include a heading that contains your name, address, and date in a similar format as other professional letters.

Most LinkedIn job posts will include the name of the hiring manager to whom the letter should be addressed to, so make sure you obtain this information from the get-go.

Here are 2 examples of personalized student cover letter greetings

If a name is not provided, start your letter with Dear Hiring Manager , or Dear Sir or Madam .

In this day and age, the outdated To Whom It May Concern phrasing is no longer acceptable, so make sure to do your research!

2. Open your student cover letter with a strong introduction

Your introduction should be strong and captivating in as little as one to three sentences.

Express your enthusiasm for the role and why you would be an ideal candidate. Some companies may have multiple job postings at a time, so make sure to address the specific position you are applying to within the first sentence.

As a good rule of thumb, make sure to submit an original, tailored-made cover letter to each job you are applying to.

Here are a few examples of strong student cover letter introductions

As a highly motivated student with over 3 years of experience in the digital arts, I am excited to apply to [insert role name].

As a third-year undergraduate student with an extensive background in accounting, I am eager to pursue the [insert role name] at your organization.

3. Mention what attracted you to the role

Before applying to a job, it is best practice to commit some time to researching the company or organization you are applying to.

What is their mission? Do their values align with yours? What attracts you to their particular industry? Is there something you admire about their line of work?

This information will offer a bit of insight into your interests and will help recruiters determine if you fit into their company culture . Include this information within your introductory paragraph.

Here’s an example to get you started

I am eager to take part in your company’s mission to provide high quality products while advancing sustainable, eco-friendly home solutions.

4. Detail your previous work and academic experience in a student cover letter

The second paragraph of your cover letter should be devoted to explaining what makes you a great candidate for the role.

Detail the relevant experience that you’ve gained from previous jobs, internships, or volunteer positions concisely. Don’t be modest. Even that three-month administrative internship at your local library taught you an array of customer service and organizational skills.

Detail your most recent, and most impressive accomplishments first and avoid being redundant.

Tailor your responses to the specific skills and experience the recruiter is looking for in any specific job post.

Here are a few examples of how to detail your previous experience

At my previous sales associate role, I leveraged customer service skills and time management to help achieve our daily sales goals.

At my previous role of editor for the student-run newspaper, I gained valuable skills in writing, proofreading, time management and communication.

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5. Highlight your hard and soft skills in a student cover letter

What’s the difference between hard and soft skills? Hard skills are learned by experience, either through training, education, and previous job positions.

Here are a few examples of hard skills to mention in your student cover letter

On the other hand, soft skills are those that come naturally and can vary by individual.

Here are a few examples of soft skills to mention in your student cover letter

Make sure to add a little bit of both to your second paragraph as a means to enhance your range and versatility.

Feeling stuck? It’s always good practice to refer to the original job post to see pinpoint the specifics skills required for the role and highlight those you already possess.

6. End your student cover letter with a strong concluding statement

The concluding paragraph is almost as important as the introductory paragraph. The goal is to leave a memorable impression that stands out from other applicants.

In a few sentences, summarize your experience and enthusiasm for the role and remind them why they should consider you for the role.

Don’t be afraid to ask for an interview and make sure to thank the recruiter for their time and consideration. Include the best way for the recruiter to contact you, whether it be your phone number, email address, or both.

At the end, use a professional sign-off phrase like “ Sincerely ” or “ Best Regards .”

Here’s an example of an effective concluding statement for your student cover letter

Finally, I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss my qualifications in further detail. I can be reached at 555-555-55555 or via email at [email protected] Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to speaking with you in the near future.

[Applicant Name]

Martin Poduška — Editor in Chief / Resume Writer

Martin Poduška

Martin is a resume expert and career advice writer at Kickresume. In his five years at Kickresume, he has written nearly 100 in-depth, painstakingly researched resume advice articles and, as chief editor, he has also edited and revised every single article on this website. Tens of thousands of job seekers read Martin’s resume advice every month. He holds a degree in English from the University of St Andrews and a degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Amsterdam .

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Home Cover Letter Examples College Student Cover Letter

College Student Cover Letter Example

July 27, 2022 | By the Resume Genius Team | Reviewed by Conrad Benz

Writing a cover letter without professional experience can be tough. Download our free, customizable college student cover letter example and use our writing tips to get started.

College Cover Letter Example Template

If you want another design, check out the other cover letter template styles in our library.

Additional Templates & Samples Like a College Student Cover Letter

Stay at Home Mom Cover Letter

College student cover letter template (text format).

Make sure your cover letter is correctly formatted to give it a polished look.

[Today’s Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name] [47 Company Address] [Company City, State xxxxx] [(xxx) xxx-xxxx] [[email protected]]

Dear [Mr./Mrs./Ms.] [Manager’s Name],

My name is [Name] and I’m pleased to be applying for the position of [Position] at [Company Name]. I was ecstatic to find this opening at [Website/Job Board] and feel that my skills and studies make me a perfect fit for the role.

As a senior at UCLA in the English department, I have a wealth of experience in conducting research and compiling written reports and analyses of my findings. My time studying abroad in the UK allowed me to hone my interview, research, and writing skills, culminating in the approval of a 6,500-word thesis. Furthermore, my work as a tutor required extensive time management and collaboration efforts, preparing me for the deadlines and team demands of [Position] at [Company].

Some highlights from my relevant experiences include:

What draws me most to [Company] is your work in the international publishing field. Having studied the effects of literature overseas, I believe I can lend some expertise to your efforts to research and development new techniques for breaking into international markets.

I’ve enclosed my resume, which further details my education and experience. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my skills and qualifications in person at your earliest convenience. Please reach me by email at [Email Address] or by phone at [Phone Number]. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

College Student Cover Letter Tips

Learning how to put together a cover letter for the specific job(s) you want will help you land more interviews.

Whether you’re writing a resume as a college freshman or have a couple of years as an undergraduate , having limited work experience is an obstacle as you search for jobs.

But even if you don’t have much experience to highlight, you likely possess valuable hard and soft skills that employers are looking for.

Showcase these skills — and your passion to succeed — in a well-written cover letter.

Our in-house expert, Chloe, provides some tips on how to write a college student cover letter (also known as a resume cover page ) that’ll secure you an internship or your first job offer out of college:

And here are some more in-depth tips about writing a college cover letter with no experience:

1. Highlight the skills you gained in college

Even if you have little or no work experience, you still probably have skills for your resume that employers are looking for.

Whether it’s from a part-time job , volunteer work , relevant coursework , or college clubs, you’ve picked up a variety of transferable skills as a student (whether you realize it or not).

Here are some of the skills you might’ve gained throughout your academic career that you can include on your college student cover letter:

Provide examples of when you used these skills in your cover letter, but only include accomplishments that illustrate why you’re a good candidate for your target role.

For example, if you’re writing an entry-level hair stylist cover letter , talk about how you loved giving your friends and family makeovers when you were growing up, like this candidate did:

When you lack experience, emphasizing your passion about the industry and relevant skills you’ve picked up elsewhere improves your chances of landing a job.

2. Use a proper cover letter format

Formatting your cover letter properly ensures you make the best first impression for what may be your first job.

A disorganized or unprofessional cover letter won’t impress hiring managers, especially if they have dozens of other applications to choose from instead.

A well-written cover letter indicates you know how to be professional despite lacking work experience. It also shows employers you’re serious about the job since you’ve taken the time to make your application look as professional as possible.

Here are tips on how to format your cover letter properly:

3. Open with a strong introduction

Knowing how to write a compelling cover letter introduction is especially important for entry-level cover letters . Because you have less industry-specific experience to highlight, summarize your skills and explain why they’ll help you adapt to your first job out of college.

Here are some tips for how to write a cover letter introduction :

The following is a good example of how to combine these elements to create a strong cover letter introduction:

In this example, the candidate demonstrates their excitement at the opportunity of working for the company and highlights the qualities that make them a good fit.

Want even more cover letter, resume, and CV examples related to a college student cover letter?

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Student Cover Letter Example

Student Cover Letter Example

So it’s time to tackle what might just be your very first cover letter, eh? You might have been under the impression that resumes and cover letters were only for getting jobs in the adult world. As it turns out, students need cover letters for a variety of reasons as well. Whether it’s for a program, leadership position, internship, scholarship or your first job, a great cover letter can help you stand out from the competition and tell your story in a passionate and convincing way. In both high school and college, competition among talented students can be fierce. And test scores and report cards can only tell so much. A great cover letter can be your secret weapon to excel past students who have perfect grades but lack the charisma and character that differentiates one candidate from another.

A highly-polished cover letter is usually only one part of a complete application. If you haven’t created an exceptional resume yet, that’s a great place to start. Check out resume.io’s guides specifically for high school and college students. You can also browse our resume examples for hundreds of professions – great for in-depth information when applying to jobs and internships. Our templates and general resume writing guide can help you make sure your formatting and visual presentation is spot-on. Now it’s time to dive into the inner workings of a cover letter that portrays your passion, motivation and eagerness to learn. You may not have a lot of professional experience, but that doesn’t mean your cover letter can’t shine with all the qualities that make you unique. This guide, along with an effective cover-letter example will:

Student cover letter sample and general info

The purpose of a student cover letter.

A cover letter can sometimes be called a letter of motivation, application letter or letter of interest. Whatever form it takes, the objective is simple: introduce you, your goals and your experiences to a potential employer, scholarship committee or any other type of decision-maker. Whereas a resume’s potential for creativity is limited to just a few lines of profile summary, a cover letter offers much more room for freedom of expression. A resume’s format is geared towards dates and job titles, which can be daunting for students who are just entering the professional sphere. A cover letter allows you to focus on just one or two positions or even your top personality traits and expand on the skills you already have to convince the reader that you’re worth a shot.

Hard vs. soft skills

A student may have not yet accumulated all the hard skills needed to succeed in his or her industry, but these types of concrete abilities aren’t the only ones that count. A study of recent business graduates conducted across four European countries found that students need more professional development when it comes to soft skills. Employers were impressed with the business students’ analytical abilities but found them lacking when it came to communication and presentation.

So what does that mean for your cover letter? Even if you haven’t amassed much technical knowledge, showing off your professionalism, drive and ability to make a personal connection can go a long way – no matter which industry you work in.

As a student, you should keep your cover letter between 200-400 words, or the length of one page including your heading and closing items (more on that soon). Students often try to make up for lack of experience by creating long, rambling cover letters that address every topic imaginable. In fact, a concise and pointed letter that focuses on just a handful of great qualities is much more effective. Styling is also an important part of a strong cover letter. In general, it’s best to stick to an 11-point font size in one of the more common sans serif fonts like Georgia, Helvetica, Arial, Calibri or Open Sans. For more information on precise formatting, check out this overall guide on cover letters .

Making your own opportunity

Whether from parents, peers or teachers, students face a lot of pressure to excel and win opportunities. Sometimes it can feel impossible to compete. The great thing about a cover letter is that it helps to level the playing field. Anyone can learn the secrets to writing an effective letter that gives them a leg up on the competition – yes, even when your opponent is that one kid who hasn’t missed a day of school since the 2nd grade.

You may face a situation where the position or scholarship you’re applying for doesn’t specify whether or not you need a cover letter. This is your moment to get it right where a lot of other candidates may not. Unless an application specifically asks you NOT to submit a cover letter, you should always write and send one even if it’s not mentioned in the materials list. A cover letter is an opportunity to convince an employer or committee that you’re reliable, hard-working and destined for success. Why would you throw that opportunity away? Each material you prepare increases your odds of getting the thing your after, so make sure to give your cover letter all you’ve got.

The importance of tailoring your cover letter

If you’re writing your first cover letter in advance just to be prepared – way to be proactive! When it comes time to submit it, though, you’ll want to be sure you make a few changes. Each cover letter should serve a unique purpose that aligns with the mission of the company or organization that will be reading it. Hiring managers and scholarship committees can tell if you’ve created a generic letter – or worse, copy and pasted one – and topped it off with their name. This type of letter shows that you didn’t take the time to research the company and didn’t care to put in the effort to meet their needs.

Luckily, you can easily avoid this mistake with a little planning. Read the job description or call for applicants a few times to pick out the most important attributes the organization is looking for in their candidates. Use your cover letter to highlight your successes in these areas or expand on coursework and relevant experience that match the specific job and type of employee the company is looking for. That’s the best way to maximize your chances.

Student - Student cover letter structure

Best format for a student cover letter

As a student, you’ll probably be using your cover letter for a variety of purposes – after tailoring it to each one, of course! Luckily, a professional cover letter structure is much the same regardless of industry or job position. This framework also works for scholarships, programs and any other type of application you may need to complete. Here are the key components:

The student cover letter sample below can be used for inspiration or adapted for your own needs.

Dear Ms. Tanako,

I moved to Seattle from Japan at age 13 and have long held a passion for everything related to my homeland. Having recently graduated with a 3.75 GPA in Japanese and Chinese studies, I am seeking to pursue my dual passions: transcreation and gaming.

Legendary Sitendo titles such as Manual Crossing have accompanied me through my teenage years into adulthood, and I have always been fascinated by the way in which the original language and culture is translated from the source. The language that they use should retain its cultural undercurrents and that is why translation of any dialogue plays such a crucial role in its international success.

During my studies, I worked part-time doing Japanese-English localization for various app developers and estimate that 80,000 of my words have found their way onto people’s smartphones. In the richer universe of video games, the potential for making an impact with language is far higher. A year living in Japan again reconnected me with the roots of your gaming community and I now feel ready to take my first professional step in translation.

I have been building towards this opportunity for the past four years of study:

On a technical note, my thesis was written around the future of artificial intelligence in our industry. Finding a balance between art and science has never been more important.

I am a conscientious, energetic and creative member of any team and hope to have the opportunity of understanding how I might find become your newest translation “villager.”

Cover letter header

Once upon a time, people sent applications (and cover letters) in the mail. Now, the majority of your applications will be online. A cover letter heading once meant formal letter heading, which you should still use on the off chance you have to send something the old-fashioned way. Otherwise, a cover letter heading serves one primary purpose: identify the document as belonging to you. Beyond that, it also keeps your phone number, email, LinkedIn and other contact information at a recruiter’s fingertips in case the letter floats around a large office. It’s a smart idea to keep your header concise to leave you more room for convincing an employer that you’re the one.

The goal of this section: Make sure everyone who comes in contact with your letter knows who it belongs to and has your information to get in touch.

Your cover letter header also plays a role in the formatting of your letter. Here is the one place where you may be able to add a splash of color or a stronger text element depending on the industry and organization you’re applying to. One thing you can do to appear even more polished is to align your document styles. That means using the same header across your student resume, cover letter and any other application materials. A template can make things much easier by helping you find the right balance of professionalism and creativity.

Cover letter greeting

Your greeting is one of the shortest sections of your cover letter but it serves a big purpose in making sure you make a great first impression. Your greeting sets the tone for the rest of the letter and should convey respect and professionalism. In most cases, there’s no need to go overboard with the formality, though. “Dear” followed by the proper salutation and a last name can work well in a variety of situations.

The goal of this section: Create a polite opening that properly and professionally addresses the reader.

It’s been scientifically proven that people love to hear their own names. You can use this golden tidbit to your advantage by making sure to address your cover letter to the person who will be reading it. In many cases, employers and organizations who work with students will leave the contact person’s name on the call for applications. Sometimes, this can also serve as a test to see which students are paying enough attention to incorporate it into their letter.

In the instance where any number of people in a large organization could be reading your letter, there’s no need to go to extreme lengths to find a specific name. In that case, it’s best to avoid the cold and outdated “To Whom It May Concern.” Instead, try to include the company name in your greeting followed by a collective noun like “Team” or “Committee.”

Cover letter introduction

The introduction is the hook of your letter. The opening paragraph is your chance to grab the reader’s attention with an interesting anecdote, bold statement or energetic opening line. Companies and organizations often enjoy working with students for their creative approaches and fresh ideas. Don’t put your reader to sleep with a halfhearted opening like “I am writing to inquire about your vacancy for…” Instead, encourage them to keep reading into the body of your letter by offering a taste of your best qualities in the introduction.

The goal of this section: Create a bold and attention-grabbing first paragraph that makes a reader want to continue.

Cover letter middle part (body)

Your body paragraphs make up the bulk of your student cover letter. Here is where you can dive deep into your successes, milestones and perspectives. If the body section feels too free-form, you may opt to divide it into two subsections. In the first, you can use the STAR method to explain a Situation, Task, your Action and the positive Result it had. Remember to limit each anecdote to just a few lines in order to keep your reader’s attention throughout the whole document. In the second section, you can dive into your relevant skills, extracurricular activities and work experience. Make sure to relate each of these things to the position at hand to show why you’d be a great fit within the organization.

The goal of this section: Offer details on your unique qualities and previous experiences and give specific examples of your problem-solving and collaborative capabilities.

Student - Use the STARR method

How to close a student cover letter (conclusion and sign-off)

Congratulations on making it to the conclusion of your cover letter! All you’ve got to do now is write a closing paragraph that’s polite and encourages the reader to get in touch to learn more about what a fabulous candidate you are. The best way to do this is via a Call to Action. This line shows that you’re eager to take the conversation further and invites the reader to contact you. You’ll want to sound confident and determined without coming across as cocky or presumptive. Then, sign off your letter with a standard greeting like “Sincerely,” “Best,” or “Best regards.”

The goal of this section: End the letter on a strong and positive note and create an effective call to action that politely and professionally encourages the reader to get in touch.

Customer service representatives handle client requests, product issues and represent companies at the most basic level. Today’s job market is more technological and competitive than ever. Use our Customer Service resume example & guide to boost your chances of getting a great position!

Customer Service Representative Resume Example & Writing Guide

Writing psychology – cover letter tools and strategies

As a student, there are some general qualities that you can convey in your cover letter regardless of the type of application: Professionalism and maturity: Many students assume that they don’t need to have a *perfect* cover letter given that they are just starting out. While it’s true that your reader may be used to dealing with students, it’s not an excuse to write whatever comes to mind. An HR rep or scholarship committee will be impressed by a student who can show discipline and focus despite their young age.

Motivation: Demonstrating that you have goals and have taken concrete steps to achieve them is one of the best ways to show that you’re a student worth investing in. The STAR method listed in the body section of this guide can help you succinctly explain the ways you take action.

Willingness to learn: No matter how much you think you’ve learned, a student who comes across as arrogant or entitled will be an automatic “no, thank you” in the eyes of many internship coordinators, program leaders and scholarship committees.

Passion: Many of your other positive traits are likely to spring from the passion you have for your subject matter, for school or for the path you are pursuing. Explaining the source of your passion can help you develop a personal connection with your reader.

Bringing value, even as a student

As a student, your focus is on learning, gaining new skills and growing your understanding of a field or industry. All of these goals will help lead you to a successful future. While these ambitions are a natural and normal part of being a student, they often lead to one common cover letter mistake: talking too much about how an opportunity will benefit you. “Of course I’m applying to this job/scholarship/internship/program because it will benefit me!” you might be saying to yourself. That’s true, but so is every other candidate actively preparing their application at this moment. In the professional world – and it holds true for students – companies want to know what you can offer them. Your employment or selection is generally not an act of goodwill on behalf of the company. You will be performing a job or service for them, even as a student.

It may be hard to think of how you can bring value to a company where dozens of other people have years of career experience. While it’s true that your hard skills may not be as fully formed as professional employees, don’t think that you have nothing to offer. Seasoned workers get tired. They lose the motivation to innovate. They don’t embrace new technologies. They’re so focused on getting home at the end of the day that they don’t bring the passion that drives success. You might not have all of the hard skills needed to do their jobs, but your youth is a huge advantage to a company. Without insulting the company or its employees, focus on the ways that you can bring your motivation and passion to this workplace or program. In a respectful tone, convey that you’re a bright young mind with the soft skills needed for that particular job and industry. Instead of coming across like a desperate student begging for a shot, you’ll appear confident and poised to do great things. You’ll be in demand.

The fact is, there’s going to be a lot of other people with your same resume applying for the exact positions that you want. It’s an unfortunate and inevitable part of being a student.

Your cover letter is how you stand out.

Unfortunately, many students incorporate this knowledge into their cover letter by taking a presumptive and over confident tone. Finding the balance between asserting your best qualities and appearing humble can be difficult, but it’s essential to not put off your reader. As a student, you will be working in a junior position. You’re still learning, even if you have great traits that can benefit the company. Just remember – nothing is ever guaranteed until you sign the contract.

Student cover letter common mistakes

Here are some cover letter tips to help you avoid common pitfalls:

Key takeaways

With resume.io, you can create a perfect cover letter in just a few minutes. No uncertainty, no hassle. Go out there and win!

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Cover Letter Examples for Students and Recent Graduates

The Balance / Luyi Wang

What to Include in Your Cover Letter

College graduate cover letter example, student / recent graduate cover letter templates, student and recent graduate cover letter samples, how to write a cover letter, cover letter format and presentation tips.

If you're a student or a new grad, you may not have much experience in the workforce. This can make building a resume and writing a cover letter challenging. After all, if you haven't worked previously, what information can you include in these two documents?

Fortunately, on-the-job experience is not the only thing that shows your abilities. Here's guidance on what to include in your resume and cover letter, along with cover letter examples and cover letter templates are designed especially for high school students, as well as for college students and recent graduates seeking employment.

Academic Achievements and Extracurricular Activities

You can mention volunteer work, academic achievements, participation in clubs or activities (particularly those in which you held leadership roles), and internships. Your academic background is also an asset. Include details that are relevant to the position you want (use the job description as your guide to the qualities and training the employer seeks).

GPA and Honors

If you are an honors student with a GPA higher than 3.5, it is a good idea to mention this on a cover letter as well, along with any honors societies you have been inducted into.

Skills and Abilities

Other things you can mention are soft skills—interpersonal “people” skills like creative thinking, communication, teamwork, or time management that will help you to adapt easily to the people and clients or customers you will be working with.

Your goal in this cover letter is to show how you would be an asset to the company, describing the skills you bring that would allow you to perform well in the position.

Below, you'll find a list of student cover letters, listed by position and level of experience, to help you develop your own cover letter.

Watch Now: 7 Tips for Finding Your First Job

You can use this sample as a model to write a college graduate cover letter. Download the template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online), or read the text version below.

university student cover letter example

College Graduate Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

Lucy Applicant 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345

555-555-5555 lucy.applicant@email.com

October 18, 2021

Eric Lee Media Director Kansai Collaborative Arts 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

I am writing to you to express interest in the graphic design position as advertised on Indeed.com. As a recent graduate with experience in 3-D animation software and the Adobe suite of software, I believe I am a strong candidate for a position at Kansai Collaborative Arts.

During my time at the University of Northern State, I was awarded the top prize in the student design competition for my version of an app that would allow students to learn Japanese characters on their own time.

In addition to graduating with a 3.75 GPA, I spent a semester at a university in Japan, and I have strong conversational skills in the Japanese language. I believe this would be an asset, as I know your studio does a lot of collaborations with major design studios in Japan.

Although I am a recent college graduate, my maturity, artistic skills, ability to work with others, and knowledge of the Japanese language and culture will make me an asset to your studio.

I have enclosed my resume and will email you within the next week to see if we can arrange a time to speak further. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Signature (hard copy letter)

Before you can begin writing your cover letter, it's important to know the guidelines governing these letters. Unlike a casual email to a friend, there are set standards for how to greet recipients, organize the letter's content, and much more. That's where templates can help: they allow you to know what information to put where, and they help you format your letter correctly. Review the templates below:

These lists of cover letters include both general examples that will help you format your letter, as well as sample cover letters used to apply for specific positions, such as roles as a nanny or a marketing assistant.

Do not copy these sample letters—instead, use them as a guide to help you know what kind of information to include, and how to format your letter.

Entry-Level Cover Letters

Have a look at these samples to see how best to present your experience when applying for an entry-level job.

Student Cover Letters

As a student, the information you should emphasize in your cover letter will vary depending upon your level of education. Here are examples of effective cover letters created for students at the high school, college, and graduate levels.

Job-Specific Cover Letters

These cover letter samples target specific career fields. They demonstrate how to incorporate industry-specific keywords into your narrative.

Cover Letters for Summer and Part-Time Jobs

Being able to write an enthusiastic and informative cover letter will set you apart from your competition when you apply for summer or part-time jobs while you’re still in school.

Make sure you send your cover letter and resume as soon as possible after a job is announced—these opportunities are snatched up quickly.

These samples can be modified to both summer and part-time work.

This guide to writing a cover letter will walk you through everything you need to know to write a cover letter, including what to include in the letter, how to write it, and the proper cover letter format. Plus, find out about how to write a targeted cover letter and browse through additional cover letter samples and examples.

Here are cover letter tips and techniques for writing top-notch cover letters to send with your resume, including information about cover letter format and presentation, choosing a type of cover letter, writing custom cover letters, and cover letter examples and templates.

university student cover letter example

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College Student Cover Letter: Sample & Writing Guide [+ Tips]

College Student Cover Letter: Sample & Writing Guide [+ Tips]

No experience? No problem. We make writing a college student cover letter as easy as making ramen. With expert tips and examples, we've got you covered.

Jacques Buffett, CPRW

Life at college can be great. New people. Parties. Travels. But sometimes, it's tough to have a good time without money. And if you don’t belong to the Rockefeller family, you probably need a job to get it.

You scrambled a pretty good resume, but now you wonder—do recruiters want cover letters, too? Yes! They do. But no worries, we’ll help you write a college student cover letter that proves you’re a great candidate.

This guide will show you:

Want to write your cover letter fast? Use our cover letter builder. Choose from 20+ professional cover letter templates that match your resume. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.

Create your cover letter now

college student resume and cover letter set

Sample cover letter for a resume— See more cover letter examples and create your cover letter here .

You’ll need a best in class resume to go with your college student cover letter. See our guide: College Student Resume

Want to learn more about why you need a cover letter? Check out our blog post: Are Cover Letters Still Necessary?

College Student Cover Letter Sample

1839 Murray Ave

Pittsburgh, PA 15217

[email protected]

Head of Research

3703 Forbes Ave

Pittsburgh, PA, 15213

As a recent graduate of Penn State with a B.S. in Chemistry majoring in biochemistry, I’m applying for the position of clinical research associate with Prosthenics. I developed a particular passion for the interaction of electrodes with biological tissue and clinical research skills which I am confident can contribute to Prosthenics’ increasing focus on neuroprosthetics. I believe I can help with implementing cutting edge prosthetic solutions as a clinical research associate whilst continuing to expand my knowledge in the field. Working with you would be an incredible first step in my research career, as in my opinion you’re the gold standard in this profession.

In addition to my required course work, I volunteered as a lab assistant in my university’s biochemistry research facility where I had the privilege to work with leading lights in the field of bionics. I worked on a broad range of research projects such as creating a bionic hand electrode that improved nerve signal efficiency by 50%.

This opportunity excites me more than I can say. Your reputation in the field of bionics is unequalled and the developments led by your team are consistently world first. Your dedication to improving the lives of people who use prosthetics is incredible and perfectly reflects my own passion for this field of research.

Could we arrange a call to discuss how my experience working with biosignal sensors could contribute to your goal of continually optimizing performance in prosthetics?

P.S. I’d also love to discuss how I consolidated three legacy databases into a single system and reduced data entry time for senior researchers by 50%.

Now let’s get that college student cover letter written.

Use the Best College Student Cover Letter Templates

Your first lesson of cover letter writing 101 ?

Structure matters.

Ace it with a clean, ordered template that’ll get hiring managers excited to read your cover letter.

Bonus. Get this right and you’ve nailed the biggest single factor employers are focussing on for graduate candidates, whatever the career sector. What is it?

82% of employers in 2019 were looking for solid writing skills. And this didn't get lower with time. Write your letter well and you’ve got that covered before they even look at your resume. Here’s a template you can use:

Sample Cover Letter for a College Student—Structure Checklist

It’s that simple.

But before you start writing make sure you get your formatting right. If you want your letter to be read it’s got to be easy on the eye.

Cover Letter Sample for College Student—Formatting Basics

For more advice on cover letter formatting check out our guide: Cover Letter Format: Complete Guide

Don’t know how to find out the hiring manager’s name? See our guide: How to Address a Cover Letter

Get the Basics Right With the Correct Header and Salutation

You’ll see many cover letter templates for many a career. To get an interview for the position you want the rule is the same for all of them. Follow professional letter layout rules. It’s an easy win that many students forget about. The first thing you’ll be writing is the header, that’s the part with the contact details. Always include:

Here’s an example.

College Student Cover Letter—Header Template

College student cover letter—salutation.

Salutation is just a fancy word for the little part of your letter that says “Dear (hiring manager’s name).” It’s a formal piece of writing so always kick off with “Dear” and never anything casual like “Hi.” That’s fine for a casual email not when applying for jobs.

Also, we’ve mentioned using the hiring manager’s name. This is a great trick because it actually activates your brain in a powerful way. But what if you really can’t find a name?

We recommend you use “Dear Hiring Manager.” Or even better name the department or team you’re applying to, as in “Dear Sales Associate Hiring Manager.” You don’t know the name but you’ve personalized it just enough to catch their attention.

Lastly, if you want an interview then don’t start with “To Whom It May Concern.” It’s too old-fashioned, a hiring manager sees that and their first thought will be “OK Boomer.”

See more examples of how to format your cover letter heading: Cover Letter Heading: Format & 4+ Header Examples

So that’s the end of the beginning, onto the good stuff.

Start Your College Student Cover Letter Right

You’ve got to start strong. Grab their attention and keep it with a killer opening paragraph.

But don’t just show off.

Think. What do you have to offer the employer? The job advertisement was posted with specific business goals and challenges in mind.

Be the one who’ll help meet those goals and solve those challenges.

So read the job description and use it to tailor your intro to the job.

There’s a lot of ways of crafting your opening paragraph. Let's look at some of the best for a sample cover letter for college students.

Show off an Accomplishment or Your Impressive Background

Sure, this is tough when you’re a college student with limited experience. But you have achievements that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

This is a good tactic for recent graduates. Highlight your academic achievements and extracurricular activities to show you’re a well-rounded candidate.

College Student Cover Letter Examples [First Paragraph]

Why does the first college student cover letter example work? There’s knowledge and skills that are specific to the company and the job. Clearly, the writer has done their research about the company's goals.

The second sample. It shows what you’ve done but there are no numbers or achievements to back it up.

Worse, there are no skills and no focus on the role being applied for.

It’s too generic for hiring managers who see 250 applications for each job opening.

This might not work so well if you haven’t graduated or haven’t got impressive achievements and numbers to highlight.

Pro Tip: Don’t mention your GPA unless it’s 3.5 or higher. Don’t be tempted to lie, better to leave it out entirely and think of other achievements to mention.

Here’s another tactic.

Show Excitement, Enthusiasm and Passion

This job has got you as excited as a cheerleader at the end of an undefeated football season. Show that passion and wow the hiring manager with your sheer enthusiasm.

Sure, if you’re still studying, chances are you’ve not got any paid experience. Don’t just give it the old college try though. Even without experience you can still write a professional cover letter.

College Student Cover Letters With No Experience—Introduction

Nice. That positively screams passion. It shows you’ve done your research about the business too. You can bet that Mike will read your resume.

Eager, but a little cringe-worthy. It lacks professionalism and doesn’t offer any noticeable skills.

Just be aware this approach won’t work for more formal college student jobs. Great for a barista, not so good for a graduate job with BCG.

These aren’t the only ways of writing an opening paragraph. Here are some more examples of ways to start a cover letter.

Whatever you do, make it compelling and make it specific to the job you’re applying for.

Discover more cover letter openings in our guide: How to Start a Cover Letter

So what's next?

Write an Incredible College Student Cover Letter Middle Paragraph

Now we’ve come to the meat in the sandwich. Don’t get the hiring manager excited with a stunning opener then disappoint with lackluster middle.

Keep their attention. Here’s how.

First, you need a paragraph where you outline your relevant experience and achievements.

Then follow it with a paragraph where you show your motivation and explain why you want this particular job.

Here’s an example for the science graduate we talked about earlier.

Cover Letter Examples for a College Student—Middle Paragraph

This one is hitting all the right notes.

Write a middle paragraph like that and your foot is already in the door.

Write one like this though and the door stays shut.

Yes, it’s eager and passionate. But there’s no substance, no evidence and no proof of understanding the requirements of the job.

How about our bold barista?

College Student Cover Letter Examples—Body

Now that’s a god shot.

That’s way too eager. You’ve convinced Mike that you love coffee but it offers precious little else.

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When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.

Regardless of the position you are applying for, make sure your college student cover letter doesn’t get too long. Check out our guide: Cover Letter Length: How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?

Close Your College Student Cover Letter With a Call to Action

Your cover letter is near perfect, so why aren’t you getting invited to interviews?

Could it be that you didn’t ask?

But don’t just write, “Please interview me.” Give the hiring manager that little something extra.

College Student Cover Letter Samples—CTAs

Nice. You’ve finished off with yet another example of how you meet the hiring manager’s requirements. There’s also additional juicy achievements.

This doesn’t work. It’s dull, old-fashioned, and doesn’t offer anything in return. It’ll go down about as well as Donald Trump running for Student Body President.

Pro Tip: See the “P.S.” in the first example? That’s cover letter dynamite. It’s as attention-grabbing as free beer during freshman orientation. Use it to add another great achievement and get the hiring manager sold on your application.

Don't forget to use the right formal closing, too. “Sincerely” works fine, but there are alternatives.

Here’s five of the best formal closings.

College Student Cover Letter Closing Salutations

Can’t think of a great offer to finish your college student cover letter? Using enthusiasm and eagerness can work too. Read our guide: How to End a Cover Letter

Looking for more tips for recent graduates? Check out our guide: Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example

Key Takeaways

Here’s how to write the perfect cover letter for a college student:

Need more advice? Struggling to write a cover letter for a college student with no experience? Ask away in the comments section. We’re here to help.

Jacques Buffett, CPRW

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COMMENTS

University Student Cover Letter Example
My name is Cheng Kun and I am pleased to be applying for the Software Intern job at your company. As a Computer Science student, I possess various skills and
Student Cover Letter Examples
Finally, I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss my qualifications in further detail. I can be reached at 555-555-55555
College Student Cover Letter Example
My name is [Name] and I'm pleased to be applying for the position of [Position] at [Company Name]. I was ecstatic to find this opening at [
Sample Cover Letters and Resumes
Examples of resumes and cover letters used by A&S graduating students in a variety of fields. Advertising & Public Relations. Cover letter sample (.doc
How To Write a College Student Cover Letter (With Template)
I would love to get an interview and talk about how I can contribute to the success of your organization. I have enclosed my resume. You can
Student Cover Letters With Template and Example
Student cover letter template ... Dear [Hiring manager's name or title],. [Introduce yourself and state the position you are applying for. Explain
Student Cover Letter Examples & Expert tips [Free]
As a student, you should keep your cover letter between 200-400 words, or the length of one page including your heading and closing items (more on that soon).
Cover Letter Examples for Students and Recent Graduates
I am writing to you to express interest in the graphic design position as advertised on Indeed.com. As a recent graduate with experience in 3-D
College Student Cover Letter: Sample & Writing Guide [+ Tips]
I'd absolutely love to work at Mike's Beans. I'm the biggest fan of your coffee and I drink it almost every day. It's that good. Your
Cover Letters for Academic Positions
The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself and to demonstrate the ... Champaign, and fully expect to complete my PhD degree requirements by May