How To Write an Entry Level Cover Letter

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How to Write an Entry-level Cover Letter

A great cover letter for an entry-level position should touch all the necessary points to make a good first impression on the hiring manager for a job posting, even when you have limited or no work experience. Our cover letter builder and career advice will help you write a perfect cover letter for an entry-level position.

Entry Level Cover Letter Example

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What To Consider Before Writing Your Cover Letter For An Entry-Level Position

If you are looking for an entry-level position, how can you make your job application appealing and effectively demonstrate your communication skills? Use our cover letter tips and cover letter sample below, along with an updated resume template and an entry-level cover letter template, to stand out to hiring managers and help you to get the position you want.

Header

The cover letter must begin with your name, along with the job position you are applying for and your contact information below the name. The contact information should include your phone number, your professional email address, and professional links (if available), such as your LinkedIn profile.

Salutation

In the salutation, add the name of the hiring manager or the name of the head of human resources. If you don’t know their name, then you can use “Dear Hiring Manager” as a placeholder instead.

Opening Paragraph

The first paragraph should contain some kind of hook that tells the hiring recruiter about a particular skill you have that fits the job, or an explanation of your interest in the company. In case a person referred you for this job position, you should mention that here.

Middle Paragraph(s)

The middle paragraph(s) should highlight your educational qualifications, any previous work experience, including details on accomplishments and skills from those experiences that show you’re the right fit for the job. You can also include any relevant extracurricular activities here.

Closing Paragraph

You should end your cover letter with a professional final paragraph where you thank the hiring manager for their time, and suggest a follow-up conversation or job interview. You can cap it off with a formal closing such as "Kind Regards," "Best Regards," or "Sincerely."

Do's and Don'ts

Tell the hiring manager how you can benefit the company. If you have any previous professional experience that shows off similar skills, mention it in the cover letter.
Briefly mention your skills. You can also talk about the skills you gained through internships or volunteer experiences.
Look through the job description and pinpoint skills and other qualifications that you should address in your letter.
Be honest while mentioning skills in the entry cover letter, as the recruiter may follow up on these if you are able to land a job interview.
Always proofread your cover letter before submitting it, as this will assist you in finding small spelling mistakes and sentence structures in the cover letter format.

Simply repeat what your resume says. Use your cover letter to give more detail about your background and how you can fit the job.
Mention the skills you don’t have or skills where you fall short. Focus on skills in the job description that best match your own qualifications.
Neglect checking out other cover letter examples and templates – they can be a guide to helping you create a professional letter of your own.
Make your cover letter over-lengthy; keep it to a page. The cover letter should highlight your top-selling skills and not explain every skill.
Forget a call to action. You should also say thank you to the hiring manager for spending their time reading your cover letter.

FAQ: Entry-Level Position Cover Letter

How do you write an entry-level cover letter?

When you’re applying for an entry-level job, your cover letter should be tailored to the company and position you’re applying for. Research the company and find out what they value in their employees. Then, highlight how your skills and experiences match those values. This shows that you’re right for the job, even if you don’t have much experience.

Can you write a cover letter for a job that isn’t listed on job sites?

This type of cover letter is typically called a letter of interest, and it’s a unique option for anyone who has a very specific set of skills that they want to advertise directly to a company. If you’re planning to write a letter of interest, look at the company’s website to see whether they have any cover letter guidelines. If they don’t have guidelines, keep it short and sweet, typically around half a page. Introduce yourself, explain why you’re interested in the company, giving details on the skills and qualifications you can bring to the table. Finish the letter by asking for an opportunity to speak with someone about the position.

How do I tie my cover letter in with my resume?

Your cover letter shouldn’t just go over all the information in your resume. It should instead be a great added component. In your cover letter, you can go into more detail about elements of your resume that you didn’t get a chance to talk much about, including what made you interested in this position, some of your biggest achievements, and why you’re a great fit for this specific company. Additionally, overlapping design elements can be a great way to tie together the cover letter and resume.

Learn How to Write an Attractive Entry Level Cover Letter