new graduate cover letter

Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example & How-To (2023 Guide)

Written by James Vandersmith

April 20, 2023.

As a recent graduate, you’re likely looking for ways to take your education and skill set into the professional world. One of the most important steps in this process is crafting an effective cover letter that highlights your strengths, experience, and qualifications. To help you get started, we created a comprehensive guide on how to write a recent graduate cover letter.

Create an Impactful Recent Graduate Cover Letter Header.

When you’re on a job search and you found the job posting that fits you, it’s important to start your cover letter off on the right foot. The header of your document should include your contact information and be formatted correctly so that the hiring manager can easily get in touch with you. Be sure to include your name, address, phone number, and email address in the header of your recent graduate cover letter .

Connect Your Qualifications And Relevant Skills to the Job Position.

Your recent graduate cover letter should demonstrate why you’re the perfect candidate for the job. To do this, make sure to clearly outline your qualifications and skills in relation to the specific position you are applying for. Highlight experiences from internships or past positions that show how you can contribute to the company’s success.

Draw Attention to Soft skills and Attributes.

Along with technical abilities, hiring managers often look for soft skills when hiring someone for a position. Make sure to draw attention to qualities such as communication, problem-solving, creative thinking, and adaptability in your recent graduate cover letter– these are all important aspects of any successful employee. Here are some examples of soft skills with attributes:

• Communication: excellent written and verbal communication, ability to listen and comprehend instructions

• Problem-solving: quick, troubleshooting, analytical skills

• Creative Thinking: creative solutions to problems, outside-the-box thinking

• Adaptability: open-mindedness, adaptability to changing conditions

In addition to technical qualifications and soft skills, you’ll want to mention any skills that are important for the position you’re applying for. This can include:

• Knowledge of specific software, such as Photoshop or Excel.

• Language fluency (if relevant).

• Experience with working remotely and/or leading virtual teams.

Showcase Your Achievements and Get the Advantages You Bring as a Fresh Graduate.

As a recent graduate, you have unique advantages that other applicants may not. Be sure to highlight them in your cover letter ! Discuss the courses and topics you’ve studied that are applicable to the job – this can demonstrate why you’re a great fit for the position. Additionally, don’t be afraid to mention any awards or accomplishments from school or during internships. This will show the hiring manager how talented and driven you are as a recent graduate.

Don’t forget to add any other relevant details when writing your recent graduate cover letter. Be sure to mention any volunteer work or extracurricular activities you’ve engaged in that are related to the job you’re applying for. Showcase your worth on your cover letter by featuring significant achievements like a high GPA or involvement in clubs.

Showcase your Eagerness and be Passionate in your Recent Graduate Cover Letter.

As a recent graduate, you’re probably eager to get started with your career. This enthusiasm can be a great asset when applying for jobs! Be sure to emphasize your passion and readiness in your recent graduate cover letter. Talk about why the company interests you and what motivates you to work hard. Demonstrate that you have the drive and skills necessary to excel at this job.

Show Them Why You’re the Top Choice for the Position in your Recent Graduate Cover Letter.

Finally, remember to let your personality shine through in your recent graduate cover letter. A well-written cover letter will make you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate why you’re the perfect choice for the job. Use this opportunity to show off your unique strengths and skills, and be sure to keep it professional but passionate!

As a freshly graduated job seeker, you have the unique opportunity to leverage your knowledge and make a valuable impact on the company where you’re applying. Showcase here how your recent graduate aptitudes are perfectly suited to fulfill this role’s core requirements while highlighting other qualities that demonstrate why you would be an ideal fit for this particular position.

Maximizing Your Recent Graduate Cover Letter

Once you have a draft of your recent graduate cover letter written, there are several steps you can take to ensure that it stands out above the rest. First, double-check all of the information included in the letter to make sure it is accurate. Additionally, proofread your cover letter for typos and grammatical errors – a single mistake can be enough to turn an employer off from your application.

Understand the Company You’re Applying for by Taking Doing In-Depth Research.

Before sending off your recent graduate cover letter, make sure you checked the job description and you took the time to research the company. This will give you important insight into the organization and its goals, as well as allow you to tailor your cover letter to best fit their needs.

By taking the time to write a thoughtful, personalized cover letter and do in-depth research on the company, you’ll demonstrate why you’re the perfect candidate for this position.

Present yourself as the ideal pick for this role by utilizing evidence of your qualifications. Highlight any awards or recognitions you’ve earned while studying, demonstrate familiarity with relevant products/services, and make an impactful argument that establishes why you should be hired despite being a recent graduate.

Conclude your Recent Graduate Cover Letter in an Impressive Way.

Finally, ensure that you close your cover letter in an impressive way. Express appreciation to the hiring manager directly for their time and consideration as well as confidence in your ability to fulfill the position. Give them a call-to-action, such as asking for an in-person meeting or further discussion of your qualifications.

By taking the time to write a standout recent graduate cover letter, you can show employers why you’re an ideal fit for their job and set yourself up for success in the hiring process. Good luck!

New Graduate Cover Letter FAQs

Do fresh graduates need cover letters.

Yes. While a resume outlines your skills and experience, writing a cover letter essential in presenting yourself as an ideal candidate for the job. A cover letter gives you the opportunity to showcase why you are a great fit for the role and how your skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm make you stand out from the competition.

What should I avoid when writing a recent graduate cover letter?

When it comes to writing your recent graduate cover letter, it is important to avoid any unprofessional language. Keep your tone professional and formal, and double-check all of the information you include for accuracy. Additionally, don’t forget to proofread your cover letter for any typos or grammar errors before sending it off.

How important are recent graduate cover letters?

Cover letters for new grads are incredibly important, as it is your opportunity to demonstrate why you would be an ideal fit for the role. A well-written cover letter can set you apart from other applicants and give employers a greater insight into who you are and what skills and experience you bring to the table.

How do I write a cover letter for a recent graduate with no experience?

When writing a recent graduate cover letter with no experience, focus on your transferable skills and any awards or recognitions you’ve earned during your studies. Additionally, research the company you’re applying for in order to demonstrate familiarity and an understanding of their needs. Finally, close your letter with confidence and appreciation for their time.

How to write a cover letter for an unadvertised job for fresh graduate?

When writing a cover letter for an unadvertised job opportunity as a recent graduate, be sure to emphasize your enthusiasm and how you would make an impact in the role. Highlight any awards or recognitions you’ve earned during your studies, but also focus on transferable skills that demonstrate why you are a great fit for the company and the job. Follow up your cover letter with a tailored resume and portfolio that showcases your qualifications and skills, and be sure to do plenty of research on the company before sending it off.

How long should a cover letter be for a graduate?

When writing a cover letter as a recent graduate, strive to keep your letter concise and to the point. Aim for an overall length of no longer than one page, making sure that all of the information you include is relevant to the role and paints you in the best light possible.

Electrical Engineer Cover Letter Example

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Electrical Engineering position at ABC Company. As a recent graduate of XYZ University with a degree in Electrical Engineering and three years of intern experience, I believe I have the qualifications and applicable skillset necessary to excel in this role.

Throughout my studies and internships, I developed strong analytical skills that have enabled me to troubleshoot complex problems quickly and efficiently. My expertise in circuit design, microprocessors, and robotics has been further enhanced through practical work such as building electronic prototypes for various projects. During my time at XYZ University, I was also recognized for my leadership capabilities by being chosen as Lead Engineer on various team-based projects.

I am confident that my enthusiasm and knowledge of electrical engineering, combined with my collaborative nature, would make me an asset to ABC Company. I look forward to having the opportunity to discuss my qualifications in more detail.

Thank you for your consideration.

Make Your Fresh Graduate Letter More Personalized With AI

Outshine your competition and write a unique, stand-out cover letter for fresh graduates with YourCoverLetter’s AI Cover Letter Builder ! This convenient tool enables you to craft an eye-catching resume in no time — simply add relevant skills and company details, et voila! You’ll have the perfect document tailored just for the job. Don’t miss this chance to shine — use YourCoverLetter today and get noticed faster than ever before!

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Recent Graduate Cover Letter

Sure that a recent graduate cannot compete with a skilled professional? You just do not know all the possibilities of a cover letter! It's time to get things right!

Colleges and universities promise you widely open doors in your adult life after graduation. Nevertheless, hunting down an awesome job for newly graduated students can be a cruel challenge. While trying to stand out with your candidacy on the labor market, you’ll face intense professional competition and stereotypes about the incompetence of graduates.

You should be prepared for the fact that you might have to choose between low-paying jobs right after you graduate school. In most cases, a career starts off as an assistant, intern, or junior employee. But if you have enough motivation, you can gain a foothold and become a successful worker in your chosen sphere.

The other challenge is job hunting. Just imagine the total amount of new grad cover letters the hiring managers need to get familiar with every year. This is really enormous! Of course, some labor market issues often depend on the demand for a particular profession at a given moment. But is there an effective recipe for how to increase the chances of your job application not being ignored by recruiters? There is! And we want to share it with you in our guide and tips for writing a great cover letter.

How to Write a Cover Letter for Recent College Graduate

Always respect your reader! You don’t need to make a literary masterpiece out of your cover letter, as it has more informative and less aesthetic functions. Despite the fact that the cover letter is a free-form statement, its writing still has some conventions and laws. The main ones are the presence of mandatory points and a traditional structure. Let's cover what the cover letter for a fresh graduate student should consist of!

Of course, you shouldn’t create your cover letter based on only one template. The main thing is that it must be well-structured and include a set of obligatory document elements. So what are the parts a good cover letter should contain? The GetCoverLetter platform provides a classic, effective recipe for job application document:

Job skills description

Workstyle description

Personal qualities

Introduction

The first paragraph of the university or college graduate cover letter should answer the question, who are you. The other blocks should explain why you are the perfect candidate for the position. Start by introducing yourself to your potential employers, just as you would if you were meeting them in person during your future job interview.

Professional Strengths

Here you should mention all the work-related aspects you are really good at. Add examples that show you are hard-working, result-orientated, professionally courteous and attentive to detail. Think about which job skills are the most valued by your future company and focus on those. Don’t be modest! Sell yourself as the best candidate!

Previous Experience

Since you are just starting out your professional career and have very little professional experience, you can put some accents on the achievements of your internship or student projects in your cover letter for fresh graduates without experience. Youngblood employees often achieve success during their first years in the company due to their fresh view of the working process. Represent your youth and energy as advantageous features!

Personal Features

As long as people continue to hire people for jobs, they will always value the mindset and personal skills that a candidate can offer to the company. Even with no professional background, you still have enough life experience to understand which of your strong personal features will be most appreciated by others. In this paragraph, you can point out traits like your great communication skills, natural empathy, problem-solving mindset or your passion for innovations.

Call-to-Action

A powerful closing paragraph is a must for a cover letter for a fresh graduate student. It should contain a clear call-to-action for the reader. Make it a confident statement that will interest your employer.

Sample Cover Letter for Fresh Graduate

For a clearer understanding of the cover letter composing and structuring principles, we have provided you with a couple of examples below. Both letter examples display the applications for entry-level positions and apply for jobs in information technology and healthcare spheres. The samples include the acceptable variants of headers and footers and all required structural elements.

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter for New Graduate

Recent grad cover letters often contain a set of common mistakes. That is to be expected, as for some of the recent graduate students it can be the first time they have ever composed a cover letter. Let’s point out some important elements to pay special attention to!

Remember that a resume and a cover letter are two different documents! The resume just lists the facts, but the cover letter has to be written in your own voice, speaking directly to your prospective employers and telling them why you’re the best candidate for the position. So don’t just use a reworded variant of resume as your cover letter! There is no need to duplicate the information to the other document.

Aim to tailor the cover letter to the individual job description as much as possible. To prepare yourself to impress the hiring manager, do research on the employer’s web resources and social media. The most successful way to impress is to include keywords from the job description in your cover letter for a recent graduate and use matching language to that used by the company in its official communication.

Be cautious of incorrect addressing in your letter. Among other strictly prohibited words and phrases used in fresh graduate cover letters, the awful spelling construction “To whom it may concern...” is the worst! You can get more information about how to address a cover letter from the useful article for the GetCoverLetter blog dedicated to the art of written appeals.

Beware of the size of the document and manner of speaking! Keep your cover letter short, crisp and to the point. It should be no longer than a single page. Avoid cliches, buzzwords and unprofessional vocabulary. Make sure it is formatted correctly. Always proofread your cover letter for any typos and mistakes before sending it.

Let’s structure our tips and see what’s important:

1. Don’t be ashamed of your lack of working experience.

2. Don’t be too formal in the expression of your thoughts.

3. Keep your cover letter short and crisp.

4. Cater the cover letter to match the job for which you are applying.

5. Avoid cliches, buzzwords, and strictly prohibited phrases.

6. Always proofread your cover letter for typos.

The GetCoverLetter editor is open to any goal of the applicant. Whether it be a presentation of a craft professional with a great list of achievements or a cover letter for fresh graduates without experience.

Our cover letter builder will help you make the writing easy and fast. You’ll also discover tips and guides for various professions, templates for job application documents, and useful informative articles in our blog. The start of your career is one of the most significant moments of your life. Take the first steps up your career with confidence!

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Graduate cover letter examples

Try the CV builder 

As a recent graduate, you need to effectively showcase your degree and relevant skills on your CV and cover letter.

But when you’re just starting out in your career, it can be tough to know where to begin.

In the guide below, we’ll teach you how to create a clear, concise and professional application using our graduate cover letter examples and handy top tips.

CV templates 

Graduate cover letter example 1

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Graduate cover letter example 2

Graduate cover letter example 3

These 3 Graduate cover letter examples will provide you with some good ideas on how to format a cover letter, along with the type of message you should be trying to put across to recruiters .

To further understand exactly how you can write a cover letter that will get you noticed, check out our further guidance.

How to write a Graduate cover letter

Here’s how to write your own winning Graduate cover letter

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

When writing your Graduate cover letter, it’s best to type the content into the body of your email (or the job site messaging system) and not to attach the cover letter as a separate document.

This ensures that your cover letter gets seen as soon as a recruiter or employer opens your message.

If you attach the cover letter as a document, you’re making the reader go through an unnecessary step of opening the document before reading it.

If it’s in the body of the message itself, it will be seen instantly, which hugely increases the chances of it being read.

Start with a friendly greeting

To kick your cover letter off, start with a friendly greeting to build rapport with the recruiter instantly.

Your greeting should be personable but professional. Not too casual, but not too formal either

Go with something like…

• Hi [insert recruiter name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Avoid old-fashioned greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very formal companies.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try these methods to find it.

• Check out the company website and look at their  About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
• Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

Once you’ve opened up the cover letter with a warm greeting to start building a relationship, it is time to identify which role you want to apply for.

Recruiters are often managing multiple vacancies, so you need to ensure you apply to the correct one.

Be very specific and use a reference number if you can find one.

• I am interested in applying for the position of *Graduate position* with your company.
• I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 406f57393)
• I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
• I saw your advert for a junior project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The sole objective of your cover letter is to motivate recruiters into to opening your CV. And you achieve this by quickly explaining your suitability to the roles you are applying for.

Take a look at the job descriptions you are applying to, and make note of the most important skills and qualifications being asked for.

Then, when crafting your cover letter, make your suitability the central focus.

Explain why you are the best qualified candidate, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.

This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider you for the job.

Keep it short and sharp

A good cover letter is short and sharp, getting to the point quickly with just enough information to grab the attention of recruiters.

Ideally your cover letter should be around 4-8 sentences long – anything longer will risk losing the attention of time-strapped recruiters and hiring managers .

Essentially you need to include just enough information to persuade the reader to open up your CV, where the in-depth details will sit.

Sign off professionally

To round of your CV, you should sign off with a professional signature.

This will give your cover letter a slick appearance and also give the recruiter all of the necessary contact information they need to get in touch with you.

The information to add should include:

• A friendly sign off – e.g. “Kindest regards”
• Your full name
• Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
• Email address
• Profession title
• Professional social network –  e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Jill North IT Project Manager 078837437373 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip: To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate documents that you could copy in.

What to include in your Graduate cover letter

Here’s what kind of content you should include in your Graduate cover letter…

The exact info will obviously depend on your industry and experience level, but these are the essentials.

• Your relevant experience – Where have you worked and what type of jobs have you held?
• Your qualifications – Let recruiters know about your highest level of qualification to show them you have the credentials for the job.
• The impact you have made – Show how your actions have made a positive impact on previous employers; perhaps you’ve saved them money or helped them to acquire new customers?
• Your reasons for moving – Hiring managers will want to know why you are leaving your current or previous role, so give them a brief explanation.
• Your availability – When can you start a new job ? Recruiters will want to know how soon they can get you on board.

Don’t forget to tailor these points to the requirements of the job advert for best results.

Graduate cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Graduate cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

I hope you’re well.

I am excited to apply for the Graduate Structural Engineer position at Stainton Energy and I believe my strong academic background and onsite experience makes me a suitable candidate for this role.

Throughout my master’s degree at the University of Glasgow, I have engaged in large-scale installation projects, feasibility studies, and audits for civil and renewable energy construction companies. Notably, I contributed to a site audit that identified a significant submerged rock area, leading to critical modifications in project plans. Additionally, my Certified AutoCAD Professional status has enabled me to implement cost-effective materials and conduct comprehensive end-to-end component design. Throughout my academic journey, I excelled in modules encompassing Feasibility Study, Geotechnical Design, Renewable Energy Systems, and more. My final project, “A digital model of soil mechanics in an urban environment,” showcased my prowess in complex data analysis and computer modelling.

I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and eager to discuss how my skills can contribute to the company’s success. Thank you for considering my application.

Kind regards,

Leila Marker ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

Dear Frances,

I am excited to apply for the Graduate Research Chemist position at Helmer Laboratories as it perfectly aligns with my passion for analytical chemistry and expertise in organic synthesis.

As a detail-oriented Chemistry graduate currently pursuing my master’s in Analytical Chemistry, I possess technical proficiency in HPLC and GC-MS, enabling precise quality checks and chemical identification. My problem-solving skills and meticulous approach have streamlined workflows in a professional research laboratory and, during my internship at Lab Solutions Ltd, I contributed to significant cost savings through process optimisation and validation of an in-house HPLC method.

Throughout my academic journey, I excelled in modules covering Analytical Techniques, Advanced Organic Synthesis, and Chemical Analysis and Quality Control. My forthcoming thesis, ‘Analysis of Drug Metabolites in Urine using GC-MS,’ demonstrates my commitment to cutting-edge research.

I am confident that these collective skills make me and asses for your team and I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience to discuss them further.

Giles Stevens ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

I am writing to apply for the Graduate Software Developer position at your esteemed organisation, as it presents an exciting opportunity to leverage my passion for programming and problem-solving.

As a Computer Science graduate, I possess a strong background in object-oriented design principles and technical solution development. My proficiency in Java, C++, and Python has allowed me to develop and deploy software updates for enterprise-level applications, ensuring seamless user experiences. During my undergraduate studies I excelled in modules covering Software Development, Data Structures and Algorithms, and Artificial Intelligence. During my summer internship at Sky Blue Solutions, I collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality software products. I also successfully implemented a new update deployment process, improving efficiency by 14%, and contributing to the development of an e-commerce application, increasing user engagement by 23%.

I am excited about the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications and how my skills can contribute to your organisation’s success. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Mason Harley ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

Writing an impressive cover letter is a crucial step in landing a Graduate job, so taking the time to perfect it is well worth while.

By following the tips and examples above you will be able to create an eye-catching cover letter that will wow recruiters and ensure your CV gets read – leading to more job interviews for you.

Good luck with your job search!