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Part-Time Job Cover Letter Examples and Writing Tips

How Do I Write an Application Letter for a First-Time Job?

What to Include in a Cover Letter for a Part-Time Job

Tips for writing a cover letter for a part-time job, printed letters vs. email messages, sample cover letter for a part-time job, part-time job email cover letter examples.

When you are applying for part-time positions, you should follow the same procedures as you would if the position was full-time. That means writing a thoughtful, well-crafted resume and cover letter.

While not all part-time jobs will require a cover letter, it is always a good idea to write one. A great cover letter will show the employer you are very interested in the job and you have what it takes to do the job well. You can also use one of these letters to apply for your first job.

When writing a cover letter, use business letter format. In the top-left corner of your letter, include your name and address, the date, and the employer’s name and address. Start your letter with a polite salutation to the hiring manager. If you know the employer or hiring manager’s name, be sure to use it.

In your first paragraph , introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. Also, explain how you heard about the job. If someone recommended you for the job, mention this.

Your second paragraph  (and maybe a third paragraph as well) is where you specify your qualifications and make connections between your skills and the requirements of the job.

Provide examples of times you demonstrated various  skills  necessary for the job. You can draw from professional, academic, or extracurricular experiences.

Include a final paragraph  with your follow-up plan. Explain when and how you will get in touch with them, or where they can reach you.

Then, end with a professional closing . Include a handwritten signature, followed by your typed signature.

(Almost) Always write one.  You should always write a cover letter unless you are specifically asked not to.

Even if an employer does not ask for a cover letter, it is a great way to take initiative and show how much you care about the position.

Keep it brief.  You always want to keep a cover letter concise. This is especially the case when applying for a part-time job for which the employer might have many applicants. Keep your letter under one page. Include a lot of white space on the page too—add spaces between paragraphs and keep the margins at least one inch wide.

Emphasize your flexibility.  If the part-time job requires shift work, consider mentioning in your cover letter your ability to work flexible hours. Employers look for shift workers who can take multiple shifts and are willing to step up whenever needed.

Edit and proofread carefully.  Whether applying for a part-time or full-time job, you need to write a professional cover letter. This means thoroughly editing your cover letter to avoid any spelling or grammar errors. A well-written cover letter will show the employer your professionalism, communication skills, and attention to detail.

Thoroughly read through the job listing to see if there are instructions on whether to send your cover letter (and other job materials) via email or by mail. If there are no directions, you can choose.

If you decide to send your cover letter via email, you can either attach it to the email as a Word document or PDF or write the letter directly into the email message.

If you're sending your cover letter in an email message, list your name and the job title in the subject line of the message. Don't list any contact information or the date at the top. Instead, start your email message with the salutation. Then, include your contact information in your email signature. You don’t need to include the employer’s contact information.

This is a part-time job cover letter example. Download the part-time job cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word), or see below for more examples.

The Balance

Sample Cover Letter for a Part-Time Job (Text Version)

Eric Anderson 123 Main Street Anytown, CA, 12345 111-111-1111 eric.applicant@email.com

April 6, 2024

Jeremy Lee Manager Sarasota Saddlery 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Lee,

I am interested in the part-time position at Sarasota Saddlery, as advertised in The Sarasotian. I have extensive equine experience as I have worked with horses for over nine years. Not only have I shown and ridden horses, but I have also assisted in multiple barns. Through working with horses, I have acquired a thorough knowledge of horses, tack, and equine apparel for both horse and rider.

While I have equine experience, I also have excellent communication skills and an aptitude for customer service. My experience as a volunteer at Sarasota Hospital made it necessary for me to focus on providing quality customer service and also enabled me to work with all types of people. I believe my communication skills, partnered with my equine knowledge, would make me an asset to your company.

Thank you for your consideration. I can be reached at 111-111-1111 or eric.anderson@email.com. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Signature (hard copy letter)

Eric Anderson

Sample Email Cover Letter for a Part-Time Job #1

Subject:  Part-Time Position – Gerald Johnson

Dear Ms. Lee,

I am interested in the part-time sales associate position at XYZ Company. I read the posting on Monster.com with interest, and I feel that my experience would be valuable to your firm. My communication skills and attention to detail are assets that I have been able to utilize in my previous sales positions.

I have extensive retail experience, having worked at small boutiques as well as large department stores. In these jobs, I was often praised for my attention to detail. I was particularly skilled at spotting items that were out of place, and quickly returning them to their appropriate locations in the store.

I also have strong communication skills. I can interact with clients in a friendly, approachable manner. In my last position, I interacted with over 50 clients daily. I was named Employee of the Month for three months in a row and was recognized for my contribution to a 10% yearly increase in sales in my department.

I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you regarding this position. I am available for flexible hours, and I believe that you would find me to be an asset to your company.

Gerald Johnson 555-555-5555 gerald.applicant@email.com

Sample Email Cover Letter for a Part-Time Job #2

Subject:  Office Assistant - April Chang

I am interested in applying for the office assistant position that was listed on CareerBuilder.

I have training in a variety of software programs and systems, including Microsoft Excel, Adobe InDesign, and more. As president of the Business Club at my school, I recently led a workshop on how to effectively use SharePoint. I am also a fast learner who is skilled at mastering computer software.

Through my extracurricular involvement, I have experience in scheduling appointments, and I am familiar with a variety of phone systems. My communication skills are excellent; I have been praised for my ability to communicate effectively on the phone, in person, and over email.

My schedule is flexible, and I would be available to work at your convenience. I hope to schedule an interview at a mutually convenient time. I look forward to speaking with you.

Thank you for your consideration.

April Chang 37 Paper Street Baytown, CT 06061 Email: april.chang@gmail.com Cell: 806-555-1245

Part Time cover letter examples

Are you looking for the perfect part-time position?

Then you need to give yourself a competitive edge with an impressive cover letter.

If you’ve been guilty of ignoring these in the past, now’s the time to fix that. Find out how to write an interview-winning application with our part-time cover letter examples below.

CV templates 

Part Time cover letter example 1

Build your CV now 

Part Time cover letter example 2

Part Time cover letter example 3

These Part Time cover letter examples provide you with some guidance and inspiration for writing a cover letter that gets noticed and ensures your CV will get opened.

But if you really want to master the art of writing a winning cover letter , then follow our step-by-step cove letter writing guide below.

How to write a Part Time cover letter

A simple step-by-step guide to writing your very own winning cover letter.

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

When you send a cover letter with a job application, you should always write your message into the body of your email – or the body of the messaging system if you are sending via a job website.

Why do this?

Simply because you want to get your message seen as soon as the recruiter opens your application.

If you attach the cover letter as a separate item, this means the recipient will have to open it before they can read it – slowing down the process and potentially causing frustration along the way.

So, write your cover note in the body of your email/message to ensure you make an instant connection with the reader.

Start with a friendly greeting

To start building rapport with the recruiter or hiring manager right away, lead with a friendly greeting.

Try to strike a balance between professional and personable.

Go with something like…

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

Stay away from old-fashioned greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very formal companies – they can come across as cold and robotic.

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 to uncover it via these methods.

• 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

After you have greeted the recruiter, it’s important to state the job you are applying to.

Recruiters are often managing multiple vacancies, so they need to know exactly which job you are referring to.

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

Here are some examples you can use;

• I am interested in applying for the role of admin assistant with your organisation.
• I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 4057393)
• I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
• I saw your advertisement for a trainee 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 bulk of your cover letter should be focused around highlighting your suitability for the job you are applying to.

Doing this will show the recruiter that you are suitable candidate and encourage them to open your CV.

The best way to do this, is by studying the job advert you are applying to, and find out what the most important skills and knowledge are.

Once you know the most important requirements, you then need to highlight your matching skills to the recruiter. In a few sentences, tell them exactly why you are a good fit for the job and what you can offer the company.

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 cover letter, add a professional signature to the bottom, giving recruiters your vital contact information.

This not only gives various means of contacting you, it also looks really professional and shows that you know how to communicate in the workplace.

Include the following points;

• A friendly sign off – e.g. “Warm 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,

Gerald Baker Senior Accountant 07887500404 [email protected] LinkedIn

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

What to include in your Part Time cover letter

Here’s what kind of content you should include in your Part Time 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.

Part Time cover letter templates

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

Hi Gabriel,

I hope you’re well.

I am excited to apply for the Part-Time Business Development Consultant position at your prestigious organisation. As a strategic and results-driven professional with over 17 years of successful experience in B2B sales and business development for software companies across the UK and Europe, I am confident that my proven track record of identifying new opportunities, maximising profitability, and driving revenue growth aligns perfectly with the requirements of this role.

During my tenure at Bubble, I established new partnerships with two world-leading software companies, resulting in the development of innovative product offerings and significant market share expansion. Additionally, I successfully implemented a new inbound sales strategy that contributed to a remarkable 22% increase in the company’s customer base in just two years.

As a passionate ISP Level 6 Business Development Professional, I am eager to bring my expertise to your organisation and contribute to its continued success. I would be delighted to discuss my qualifications further during an interview at your convenience.

Kind regards,

Nathan Clark

I am excited to apply for the Part-Time Administrator position at your esteemed recruitment firm. As a highly competent Administrative Coordinator with five years of experience providing seamless support to council and corporate offices, I am confident that my data processing expertise, meeting coordination skills, and meticulous attention to detail make me an excellent fit for this role.

My administrative skills have been proven during my tenure at Lloyds TSB, where I successfully reorganised office supplies storage, reducing accidental overordering by 60%, and streamlined the expense reporting process which led to a 20% reduction in errors.

As an IAM-certified administrator, I have consistently developed and implemented improved reporting systems to enhance efficiency. During my tenure at Coventry City Council, I was appointed as the designated meeting coordinator after successfully organising five meetings with over 50 attendees each in one week, demonstrating my exceptional organisational capabilities.

I would be delighted to discuss my qualifications further during an interview at your convenience.

Simon Teller

I am thrilled to apply for the Part-Time Shop Assistant position at your esteemed store alongside my undergraduate studies in Business Administration. As a detail-oriented Checkout Operator with over 3 years of experience in fast-paced retail environments, I am confident that my exceptional customer service skills and proficiency in cash handling make me a perfect fit for this role.

Throughout my current role my ability to manage point-of-sale systems efficiently has resulted in seamless transaction processing, and my dedication to resolving customer complaints promptly has contributed to maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction. For example, I successfully identified and reported potential stock losses, reducing inventory discrepancies by 30% in 2021. During my role as a part time Sales Assistant, I consistently surpassed daily sales targets by 15% through effective communication with customers and skilful promotion of sales promotions.

I would love to discuss my suitability further during an interview at your convenience.

Carlos Arani

Writing a strong attention-grabbing cover letter is a vital step in landing a good Part Time job.

Use the tips, strategies and examples above to get more responses from you job applications and start lining job interview up.

Good luck with your job search!

Part-Time Job Cover Letter & Writing Guide

A cover letter for a part-time job is a concise document highlighting your most notable job-related skills and accomplishments and your motivation . You should write and submit this letter to grab the attention of hiring managers, impress them with your qualifications, and maximize the chances of getting an interview.

In this article, we’ll teach you how to write an immaculate cover letter for a part-time job. You’ll learn how to format your document, get a visually pleasing layout, write each of the specific sections, and more. 

Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

A cover letter for a part-time job significantly increases the chances of leaving a positive impression on hiring managers .

The header of your cover letter is reserved for your and the recipient’s contact information .

The first paragraph should be catchy , highlighting the position you’re after and your key strengths.

The skills and experiences highlighted in your letter should be relevant to the job you’re applying for.

You can use a call to action in the final paragraph to suggest an interview or draw attention to your resume.

Do You Need to Write a Cover Letter for a Part-Time Job?

You should write a cover letter for a part-time job, as it can help you get ahead of the competition , increasing your chances of getting the role.

A well-crafted cover letter contributes to your job application in many ways. First, it shows your dedication and professionalism . By going the extra mile to write and submit it, you demonstrate that you’re serious about the job and willing to put in some extra work to get it.

Secondly, a cover letter gives you the opportunity to showcase the skills and qualifications you didn’t mention in your resume . While a strong resume summarizes your expertise, a cover letter gives you the opportunity to describe certain situations more in-depth. Plus, it allows you to highlight your unique abilities and experiences, which make you a strong candidate.

Finally, when writing a cover letter for a part-time job, you get to show your enthusiasm for the job and the company . Employers always look for driven candidates who are familiar with their organization since they are likely to be a good cultural fit for the company and perform productively from the get-go.

What to Include in a Cover Letter for a Part-Time Job

Let’s learn how to write a cover letter for a part-time job by examining each section individually . Here’s a visual guide to help you follow along:

#1. Heading

Contact information goes in the heading of your cover letter . This is a purely functional section where you should list your and the recipient’s details, along with the date and location of the writing.

You should start with your information and include the following:

Heading Mandatory Details

Phone number

Email address

Optionally, you can consider adding:

Heading Optional Details

Mailing address

Portfolio or personal website

For the recipient , you should list their name, job title, and company’s details.

Let’s see all that in an example:

Heading Example

Tiffany Williams English Language Instructor 4021 Wayback Lane Riverhead, NY 11901 631-369-1142 [email protected]

New York, 04/10/2024

John Hembree HR Manager Academia Lingua 312 Dancing Dove Lane New York, NY 10013

#2. Salutation

The salutation should be brief and polite. You want to address the reader by their name to establish a personal connection and increase the impact of your cover letter for a part-time job. That’s why it’s essential to research the company before applying to find all the relevant information.

Here’s an example:

Salutation Example

Dear Mr. Hembree,

If you can’t find the name of the recipient, you can always use their professional title or department name . However, you should avoid “ To Whom It May Concern ,” “Dear Sir or Madam,” and other generic openings.

#3. Opening Paragraph

The opening paragraph is for you to briefly introduce yourself, state the position you’re after, and highlight your key strengths. This is also a place where you can include a professional reference if you have one; that way, you’re creating an elevator pitch-style opening that grabs attention .

Here’s a good example:

Opening Paragraph Example

I am writing to express my keen interest in the part-time English Language Instructor position at Academia Lingua. I believe Ms. Jeannette Flores, who works as a senior tutor at your institution, told you about me. I am currently in my fourth year studying English literature and I have been tutoring elementary and high school students for more than three years.

#4. Skills, Qualifications, & Experiences

The central portion of your cover letter for a part-time job should explain what makes you the perfect candidate by emphasizing your relevant skills, qualifications, and experiences. Due to the concise nature of the letter, you don’t want to include all the hard and soft skills and job-related achievements that cross your mind.

Instead, focus only on those abilities and efforts that highlight how you might perform in the role you’re after . If you’re writing a cover letter for a part-time job with no experience, you should emphasize your skills. If you have a work history, you’re better off demonstrating the results of your work.

Skills, Qualifications, & Experiences

During my time as a freelance English tutor, I have developed a robust curriculum and adapted it to accommodate both native and non-native speakers. I cultivate an approach through which I aim to address the individual needs and concerns of every student. Moreover, I employ interactive and engaging learning methods to keep the students focused, which has helped me improve their grades by 27% on average.

#5. Reasons for Applying

You should point out specific reasons for applying for a part-time job to further emphasize your drive . That way, you’re demonstrating genuine passion and career goals , which employers love to see in candidates.

Here’s an example of what that looks like:

Reasons for Applying Example

I am drawn to Academia Lingua because of your commitment to fostering innovative and collaborative learning environments with an emphasis on holistic learning. This approach aligns with mine and would help me further improve my teaching skills in a professional environment.

#6. Call to Action

You can include a call to action in the final paragraph of your cover letter for a part-time job to boost the chances of a favorable outcome . To do this, you can simply suggest the reader check out your resume or portfolio, invite you for an interview, and more.

Call to Action Example

Thank you for considering my application. I’d be happy to discuss over an interview how my academic background and flexible schedule can help me contribute to your organization.

#7. Sign-Off

The established way of finishing a cover letter for a part-time job is to sign off on it with a cordial farewell . This part should be brief and polite, just like the greeting.

Let’s see what that should look like:

Sign-Off Example

Kind regards, Tiffany Williams

Cover Letter for a Part-Time Job: Examples

Let’s put everything we’ve learned into practice through some examples. We’ll give you one typical example of a cover letter for a part-time job and one written to be sent as an email body.

Here’s a complete example of a cover letter for a part-time job for a student :

Cover Letter for a Part-Time Job: Text Example

Cover letter templates

Cover letter for a part-time job: email example.

When submitting your cover letter as an email, the main difference is going to be its formatting . You should omit the contact information section in the header and only include your details after the sign-off.

Let’s see that in an example of a cover letter for a part-time retail job:

Subject : Part-Time Retail Associate Position - Maryann Brooks

I am interested in the part-time retail associate position at SkyMart. With more than five years in the retail industry, I have developed a proven ability to exceed sales targets by up to 21% within six months of joining a company.

In my previous role at 24-Seven, I consistently exceeded monthly sales goals by up to 67%. My customer service skills and ability to create and nurture meaningful relationships with buyers resulted in a 23% increase in repeat customers. Furthermore, I spearheaded an inventory management redevelopment program to use software for automation and achieve a 13% reduction in stock discrepancies.

I’d be excited to join SkyMart because of your reputation for providing exceptional customer experiences. I believe my passion and qualifications can help me contribute to your organization.

Thank you for your time. I look forward to an interview where we can discuss further how I can help your sales team. Feel free to contact me via the phone number or email listed below.

Sincerely, Maryann Brooks 697-288-2522 [email protected]

Before we wrap up this guide, here are a couple of expert tips to help you elevate your cover letter-writing skills:

3 Extra Tips for Writing a Cover Letter for a Part-Time Position

You can emphasize flexibility , which is important for part-time employees. Since working hours can vary, employers typically prefer candidates who can show up whenever needed.

You should use numbers and statistics to add measurable value to your work. Leverage them to quantify the results obtained in your previous jobs to show the exact outcomes your employers can expect when they hire you.

Even though you’re applying for a part-time position, you should take the application process as seriously as if the role were full-time . That means going the extra mile to research the job and the company and tailoring your cover letter for a part-time job to fit the employer’s requirements perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Part-time jobs have many benefits , and writing a cover letter for them is just as important as writing one for full-time employment. Highlighting your skills and experiences and adding your passion and motivation into the mix will help you tell a brief but compelling story about why you’re perfect for the role.

Follow these rules, and you’ll get a spotless cover letter for a part-time job in a restaurant, law firm, IT organization, or anywhere else. And if you combine it with a well-written resume, you’ll have a complete application package that will impress any employer and maximize your chances of landing the role!

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