How to Write an Impressive Cover Letter for Entry Level Positions
Learn how to create an impactful entry level cover letter that gets noticed. Includes templates, statistics, and expert tips for first-time job seekers.
On This Page
Template Information
Keywords
Popularity
Last Updated
Ready to Create Your Cover Letter?
Use our AI-powered tool to create a professional cover letter in minutes.
Get StartedIntroduction
Entering the job market for the first time can feel like standing at the edge of a vast ocean—exciting yet intimidating. Your entry level cover letter serves as your personal ambassador, making that crucial first impression before you ever step foot in an interview room. While your resume lists your qualifications, your cover letter tells your story—explaining your passion for the industry, your eagerness to learn, and why you're worth taking a chance on despite limited professional experience. In today's competitive job market, this document can be the difference between your application being noticed or overlooked.
The significance of a well-crafted entry level cover letter cannot be overstated. Hiring managers reviewing applications for entry level positions are specifically looking for potential, transferable skills, and enthusiasm—qualities that shine through in a thoughtfully written cover letter. Even without extensive work history, your academic achievements, internships, volunteer work, and relevant projects can demonstrate your capabilities when presented effectively. A compelling cover letter transforms you from just another applicant into a promising candidate who deserves serious consideration, bridging the gap between your current qualifications and the experience employers typically seek.
Key Statistics
Application Success Rate
Higher with customized cover letters
Hiring Manager Preference
Expect cover letters even when 'optional'
Application Rejection Rate
Higher for applications without cover letters
Key Components of an Effective Cover Letter
A well-structured cover letter should include several essential elements to make a strong impression on potential employers. Here are the key components you should include:
1. Compelling Introduction
Your introduction must immediately grab the hiring manager's attention and clearly state which position you're applying for. This section should convey enthusiasm while briefly mentioning how you discovered the position and why you're interested in both the role and the company specifically.
Avoid generic openings that could apply to any company; instead, demonstrate that you've done your research and are genuinely excited about this particular opportunity.
Example:
As a recent graduate with a degree in Marketing from State University and an active member of the Digital Marketing Club, I was thrilled to discover the Junior Marketing Associate position at TechStart Solutions through your company's presentation at our campus career fair last month. Your company's innovative approach to helping small businesses develop their digital presence aligns perfectly with my academic focus and personal passion.
2. Relevant Skills Showcase
This component should highlight your most relevant skills that directly relate to the job description, even if they were developed through academic projects, internships, or volunteer work. Focus on transferable skills that demonstrate your potential value to the employer, using specific examples to illustrate each skill rather than simply listing them.
Quantify your achievements whenever possible to provide concrete evidence of your capabilities.
Example:
During my internship at Campus Marketing Group, I managed our social media campaigns that increased student engagement by 27% over one semester. Additionally, my senior project involved creating a comprehensive digital marketing strategy for a local nonprofit, which they implemented resulting in a 15% increase in online donations within three months.
3. Educational Achievements
For entry level positions, your educational background takes on greater significance in the absence of extensive work experience. Highlight relevant coursework, academic achievements, special projects, and extracurricular activities that demonstrate skills applicable to the position.
Focus on aspects of your education that show initiative, leadership, or specialized knowledge that sets you apart from other recent graduates.
Example:
Throughout my Computer Science degree, I maintained a 3.8 GPA while specializing in data structures and algorithms. My capstone project involved developing a mobile application that streamlined campus event scheduling, which was subsequently adopted by the Student Activities Office. Additionally, as President of the Coding Club, I organized weekly workshops that introduced programming concepts to over 50 non-technical students.
4. Company Knowledge and Fit
This section demonstrates that you've researched the company thoroughly and understand its values, culture, and industry position. Explain specifically why you want to work for this particular company and how your background and aspirations align with their mission or goals.
This personalization shows genuine interest beyond just needing a job and helps employers envision how you might fit into their organization.
Example:
Innovate Tech's commitment to sustainable technology solutions, as highlighted in your recent partnership with Green Future Initiative, resonates deeply with my own values. During my environmental science minor, I focused on the intersection of technology and sustainability, even developing a research paper on reducing carbon footprints in tech companies that was published in our university journal. I'm particularly excited about your upcoming project to help small businesses implement eco-friendly IT solutions.
5. Enthusiasm and Growth Mindset
Express your eagerness to learn and grow within the organization, acknowledging your entry level status while emphasizing your potential. This section should convey your willingness to put in the effort required to succeed, adaptability to new challenges, and commitment to professional development.
Employers hiring for entry level positions value candidates who show initiative and a desire for continuous improvement.
Example:
While I am at the beginning of my professional journey, I bring an insatiable curiosity and commitment to excellence that drives me to quickly master new skills. During my customer service position at University Bookstore, I voluntarily completed three additional training modules beyond requirements, which enabled me to take on inventory management responsibilities within just two months. I'm excited about the opportunity to bring this same dedication and growth mindset to the Marketing Assistant role at Creative Solutions.
Tips for Writing a Great Cover Letter
1. Emphasize Transferable Skills
Focus on skills from coursework, internships, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities that directly apply to the job requirements. For example, leadership roles in student organizations demonstrate management abilities, while group projects showcase teamwork and collaboration skills.
Use specific examples to illustrate how you've successfully applied these skills in real situations, even if they weren't in professional settings.
2. Quantify Your Achievements
Numbers add credibility to your claims and help employers understand the scope and impact of your accomplishments. Even in academic or volunteer contexts, look for metrics you can include such as percentages, amounts, frequencies, or numbers of people affected.
For instance, rather than stating you 'helped organize events,' specify that you 'coordinated 5 campus events with an average attendance of 200 students and managed a budget of $3,000.'
3. Address Employment Gaps Proactively
If you have gaps in your educational timeline or limited formal work experience, address these constructively by highlighting what you learned or accomplished during these periods. Discuss relevant skills developed through self-study, online courses, volunteer work, or personal projects that demonstrate initiative and continuous learning.
Frame these experiences positively as opportunities that contributed to your professional development rather than as deficiencies in your background.
4. Customize for Each Application
Tailor each cover letter to the specific job description by analyzing the key requirements and explicitly addressing how you meet them. Research the company thoroughly and reference specific aspects of their mission, culture, recent projects, or news that resonate with you.
This level of personalization demonstrates genuine interest and helps hiring managers envision you as part of their team, significantly increasing your chances of getting an interview compared to sending generic cover letters.
Language Tips for Cover Letters
Power Words to Strengthen Your Cover Letter
Including these powerful words and phrases can make your cover letter more impactful and memorable:
Achievement Words
- Achieved - Shows results and completion
- Delivered - Demonstrates fulfillment of goals
- Increased - Shows growth and improvement
- Transformed - Indicates significant change
Leadership Words
- Spearheaded - Shows initiative and leadership
- Orchestrated - Coordinated complex activities
- Pioneered - First to implement or create
- Mentored - Guided others to success
Skill Words
- Analyzed - Shows analytical abilities
- Streamlined - Improved efficiency
- Collaborated - Worked well with others
- Innovated - Created new solutions
Phrases to Avoid
These common phrases can weaken your cover letter. Use the alternatives instead:
| Avoid | Use Instead | Why |
|---|---|---|
| "To Whom It May Concern" | Research the name of the hiring manager | Shows lack of research and effort |
| "I think I would be a good fit" | "My experience in X has prepared me to excel in Y" | Sounds uncertain; be confident instead |
| "This job would help me" | "I would bring value to your team by..." | Focus on what you can offer, not what you'll gain |
| "I'm a hard worker" | Specific example of your work ethic | Generic claim without evidence |
Additional Tips
Do's
- Do mention relevant coursework, academic projects, internships, and volunteer experiences that demonstrate applicable skills
- Do research the company thoroughly and reference specific aspects that attracted you to the position
- Do acknowledge your entry level status while emphasizing your potential and eagerness to learn
Don'ts
- Don't apologize for lack of experience or use phrases that undermine your candidacy
- Don't use the same generic cover letter for multiple applications
- Don't exceed one page in length—be concise and focused
Cover Letter Template
Entry Level Cover Letter Template
Header
Date
Recipient
Salutation
Opening
Body Paragraph 1
Body Paragraph 2
Closing
Signature
Ready to Create Your Professional Cover Letter?
Use our templates to create a standout cover letter that gets you noticed by employers and makes a strong first impression.