cover letter for recruiter position with no experience

Sample Cover Letter With No Experience in Field (And How to Write Yours)

By Biron Clark

Published: November 10, 2023

Cover Letters | Recent Grads

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

Writing an articulate cover letter is challenging for all job seekers. But if you have little or no work experience in a field, the stakes are higher. It’s more challenging to prove your value when you don’t have a series of professional accomplishments to back up your assertions. On the bright side, you probably have more to offer an employer than you realize. You just have to package your strengths the right way.

In this article, you’re going to learn how to write a cover letter for a job with no experience in that field. And we’ll look at a full sample after going through the steps.

Let’s get started…

How to Write a Cover Letter With No Experience

1. the main purpose of your cover letter with no experience.

The purpose of a cover letter is to complement your resume and convince more employers to interview you. You may refer to your resume when writing a cover letter for a job application, but you must expand upon points made in the resume when writing the cover letter.

The cover letter should breathe life into the points made in the resume, and create a compelling—or even emotional—narrative around your career hopes and aspirations . It’s your chance to tell your story and show that you have the passion and the drive to come into a job and make a difference.

And at the end, it should ASK for the interview. We’ll talk about that coming up. Let’s get started by going through how to write a cover letter with no experience, step-by-step…

2. Cover Letter Contact Information

When beginning a cover letter for a job application, start with your contact details in the top left-hand corner of the page. Include your name, city of residence, phone number, and email address. (To preserve your privacy, do not include your physical address). You should also include your LinkedIn URL. Next, write the name of the company you’re applying to, and its city of residence.

3. Your Salutation

Ideally, you address your reader by name in your salutation. Internet sleuthing may reveal the name of the hiring manager. If you can’t find a name, you have two options: call the organization and ask to learn more about the position, or write “Dear ” or “Dear Hiring Manager.”

This isn’t ideal, though. You should really only be sending a cover letter if you know the hiring manager’s name and have some specific information about the position. So if you know nothing specific about the hiring manager or job, and the company hasn’t asked for a cover letter specifically, then you probably don’t need to send it .

4. Cover Letter Introduction

Use this section of your cover letter to introduce yourself and share your enthusiasm and why you applied for the position .

Start with your name and provide some background on your strengths. Always identify the position you’re seeking and how you learned about it. If someone at the company told you about the job, then mention that person’s name (only after asking their permission, though). Aim for one to two sentences in your Introduction—keep it short, sweet, and precise.

Example Cover Letter Introduction with No Experience in the Field:

“Hello, my name is Grace Addington, and I’m a goal- and detail-oriented civil engineering graduate from Petaluma College. I was excited to learn about the Junior Engineer internship at Bay Area Rapid Transportation through my former classmate Katie Heinz.”

5. Body Paragraphs

Here comes the most critical part of writing a cover letter with no experience. The purpose of your body paragraphs (one to two brief paragraphs, tops) is to prove that you’re the best candidate for the position. Seeing as how you have little or no previous professional work experience to fall back on, you’ll want to place emphasis on soft skills —attributes of a personal nature that say a lot about your work ethic and ability to work in sync with others. Or, if you have job-related skills (AKA hard skills) from another type of role, point out how those skills will help you transition into this next job and succeed quickly.

That’s what hiring managers are looking for! So while it’s great to write about soft skills and put together a cover letter talking about how you’re willing to learn their job… it’s much better to point out any hands-on experience that you have. So if you’re able, always highlight that first and foremost.

For example, if you had an internship, worked in an unrelated field, did a few academic projects while studying, gave a presentation, etc., those are still valuable pieces to put on your resume AND in your cover letter.

Your resume likely already consists of part-time jobs or school activities or memberships in school associations that maybe aren’t 100% related to the job you’re going after.

Look closer, though—you’ve probably garnered skills in these experiences that can carry over to the job you’re applying for. Below are two examples of cover letter body paragraphs that hone in on two key phrases noted in a job advertisement as requirements: “strong interpersonal skills” and “positive work ethic.” You should be able to figure out pretty quickly which example hits the mark.

Let’s look at two sample paragraphs now from cover letters with no experience in a field:

“I am Twig & Twine’s ideal office manager. As my resume states, I served as an RA at my dorm. I know how to manage an array of things.”

“You’re looking for a candidate with strong interpersonal skills and a positive work ethic. While serving as an RA at Porter College’s main dormitory, I planned monthly social events for over 200 students, settled two to five student disputes per week, and mentored a select group of students in Composition. The experience taught me, rather quickly, how to efficiently multi-task, and how to effectively settle conflicts of all types in a calm, level-headed manner. I feel confident stating that I can bring these talents to Twig & Twine’s office manager position.”

The second example takes the duties that likely appeared in the RA position on the resume and then digs deep, illustrating how the tackling of those duties turned into accomplishments, and led the applicant to grow the crucial skills needed for the office manager position.

One last thing about body paragraphs—remember to frame your message around the employer’s needs, and not yours. Focus on what you can bring to the job, and how your talents will translate into success for the company. That’s important in any cover letter, and becomes even more crucial in a cover letter with no previous work experience.

6. Concluding Your Cover Letter

End your cover letter by reiterating why you’re the best candidate and express your interest once again in the position. And ask them for the interview! It’s surprising but most job seekers don’t do this, and it’s been shown to improve your chances of getting a call to come in for an interview!

So conclude your cover letter by thanking the reader for the time they took to review your application, and tell them you’d like to find a time to meet for an interview to see if it might be a good fit to work together. To close, sign off formally. Try “Respectfully yours” or “Sincerely.”

7. Proofread Everything

Before sending out your new cover letter, read it out loud to catch errors quickly. Ask a trustworthy person to read it as well. Nothing stops you from getting interviews faster than an obvious typo or error in your cover letter or resume, and you only have to check once, but make sure you’re checking it thoroughly!

8. Save it as a PDF

Once the content is finalized, save it as a PDF and title it “ Cover Letter” to prevent confusion. Voila! You’re done. If you follow the tips above, you’ll have a great cover letter with no experience so you can get interviews and job offers in this new field!

Sample Cover Letter With No Experience in Field:

Next, let’s look at a full sample of a cover letter that explains why you’d fit well in a role ( and why you chose to apply for this type of role ):

Dear Name, I’m writing to you regarding the Sales Associate job posting, which I believe reports to you. I can offer 5+ years of experience working directly with customers over the phone and in person, primarily in customer support. Although I haven’t worked directly in sales, my customer support experience has helped me build skills in communication, persuasion, and problem-solving, which I believe will translate well into selling software subscriptions for your firm. I’m motivated to transition into sales to continue challenging myself and growing in my career, and I’ve always enjoyed a challenge, which I think working in sales will provide me. I’ve attached my resume for your review. If any of the above sounds interesting, I’d welcome the chance to talk on the phone this week. Thanks for considering my note today. Best regards, Your Name

This cover letter is upfront and clear that you have no experience in the field of sales, but shows that you’re willing to learn and excited to learn this new job. That’s essential!

You don’t JUST want to say you’re willing to learn, though. You want to PROVE that you’ll be able to learn. That’s why this letter also mentions the experience you have that is most similar. In the case of the example above, it’s the customer service experience and communication skills.

While this person may not have sold anything to customers, they still interacted with customers directly, which will be seen as a plus.

One other thing you should always point out if possible: Experience working in the same industry. So if you’ve never done sales, but you did customer support in the exact same industry as the employer, that’s a huge plus… because it means you’ll have less learning needed on the job!

Other Articles That May Help You:

• 3 more tips for writing a cover letter that stands out.
• General tips for how to get a job with no experience.
• How to write the perfect resume “Summary” section with no experience.

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This really helped me

Thanks for this! Really helpful for me as a new graduate and non native English speaker. I’ve started using the steps here and am planning on sending a lot of applications this week to see how it works.

Thank you for the examples. I hav ea little bit of experience so I’m not writing the cover letter with absolutely no work experience but this still is helpful and seems to work for me.

One hiring manager told me that the reason they chose to call me was my cover letter.

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How to Write a Cover Letter with No Experience in 7 Steps (+Examples)

• Julia Mlcuchova , 
• Updated December 19, 2023 13 min read

You're probably thinking "how on earth to write a cover letter with no work experience!"

Whether it be applying for entry-level jobs or internships, we often think of cover letters as the necessary evil . But when the “previous work experience” section of your resume remains empty, a well-written cover letter can actually be your best friend.

Knowing how to write a cover letter with no experience is definitely a great skill to have, especially when you're new to the job market.

If this scenario resembles your current situation all too well, you're in the right place. The following article will help you overcome this initial hurdle and launch a successful career in the industry of your choice. 

In this guide you'll learn: 

• What is a cover letter and why it matters; 
• Step-by-step guide on how to write one;
• What mistakes to avoid;
• Discover c over letter with no experience examples.

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

What is a cover letter and why bother at all?

How to write a cover letter with no experience in 7 steps, step 1: do your research, step 2: catch their eye with a recognizable header, step 3: start with appropriate salutation, step 4: hook them with your first paragraph, step 5: show them what you bring to the table, step 6: finish in a memorable way, step 7: say goodbye (professionally)., final tips for how to write a cover letter with no experience, key takeaways: how to write a cover letter with no experience.

In short, a cover letter (not to be mistaken with motivation letter ) establishes the first contact between you and the hiring manager . Unlike a resume, which is more concerned with facts and figures, cover letter allows you to showcase your personality and individuality. It gives you a unique opportunity to stand out from the other applicants.

The million-dollar question is – how to get noticed if you can't impress them with any previous work experience?  

Well, you can still charm them with your enthusiasm, passion for the role, your interest in their company, as well as your desire to learn and grow professionally.

Not to mention all the knowledge you've acquired during your studies!

Also, don't underestimate the transferable skills you've picked up along the way either.

The point of a cover letter is to persuade the hiring manager that you can handle the workload and become a valuable member of their company . 

That's why hiring managers should find answers to the following questions in your cover letter:

• Who are you? 
• Why are you interested in working for their company?
• Why are you the best fit for the job opening?
• How can you enrich their company?

In order for a cover letter to be truly effective, it has to be persuasive but not too pushy; confident but not arrogant; composed but not too casual.

It's not exactly simple. But that's why you're reading this guide, wink.

Following these steps on how to write a cover letter with no experience will make it much easier. 

Firstly, have a look at their LinkedIn , their website, or any mentions on social media. - What recent achievements or milestones has the company celebrated? - Who are the key players in the company, and what can their backgrounds tell you about the company's culture? - And how does the company position itself in terms of innovation and industry trends?

Place your contact information ( including: your name; professional email address; phone number; link to your web page/portfolio/social media accounts if relevant) in the top section of your cover letter. Make sure these visually stand apart from the rest of the text.

If you can find the name of the hiring manager, simply greet them with “ Dear [full name] ,” or “ Dear Mrs/Mr [last name] ,” . If not, you can address the letter more generally to “Dear Hiring Manager,” or “Dear Recruitment Office,” .

There are three ways to do this if you have no previous experience yet: 1. Point to your academic achievements. 2. Name-drop a person the recruiters will know. 3. Share a personal story. Relevant to the job, of course.

Even without work experience, you still have a lot to draw from. Focus on your: - Academic achievements - Relevant coursework - Dissertation project - Extracurricular activities - Certificates - Volunteering - Membership in relevant societies

This is where you put your company research into practice. Show your affinity to this particular company.  When did you first hear about the company? What made you interested? Were you impressed by their latest achievement or venture? Was it your dream job for a while perhaps?

Finally, in the closing statement you should: 1. Reiterate your desire to work for the company, 2. Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration, 3. Include a call for action, 4. Sign off professionally.

Now, let's look at each step more closely and include some examples of cover letters with no experience along the way.

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Before putting the metaphorical pen to paper, make sure to thoroughly research all about the company you're interested in. 

For example, visit their web page, LinkedIn, or social media profiles to learn about the company values and interests.

• What are the most recent projects the company's carried out?
• Is the company involved in any charity work?
• Are they interested in green energy? Sustainability? Cryptocurrency? 

Demonstrating knowledge about the company which goes beyond the scope of their work competences lets the recruiters know that you took the time to learn not only what the company does, but also what it stands for.  

Showing genuine interest and enthusiasm goes a long way. After all, recruiters want to hire people that will fit right in with other employees. Company culture matters!

Start your cover letter by listing your contact details :

• professional email address;
• phone number;
• link to your web page/portfolio/ social media accounts if relevant.  

Don't forget to also mention the company's contact information or that of its hiring manager. Just as if you were writing a regular letter. 

Make sure these visually stand apart from the rest of the text. Just by the first glance, recruiters must know how to reach you. 

Place your contact information in the top section of your cover letter like so:

This particular cover letter was created using one of Kickresume's cover letter templates , which does the work of visually separating a header for you.

Cover letter falls into the category of formal writing. This means that there are certain conventions to be observed – like greeting the recipient of your letter.  

Ideally, the name of the hiring manager will be mentioned in the job posting. But that's not always the case. Sometimes, you'll have to do a bit of detective work. To do that, visit the company's web page and search in the “management” or “personnel” section. Additionally, you can take a look at their LinkedIn profile . 

• If successful, simply greet the hiring manager with “ Dear [first name] [last name] ,” or “ Dear Mrs/Mr [last name] ,” .
• If not, you can address the letter more generally to “ Dear Hiring Manager ,” or “ Dear Recruitment Office ,” .

It’s always better to address the recruiters by their names . This establishes a personal connection between the two of you. It also helps you demonstrate your attention to details.

As mentioned before, cover letter is all about catching the attention of the hiring manager. This is especially true when it comes to the first paragraph of your cover letter .

Here, you should briefly introduce yourself and your interest in the position/company. 

So, make sure to hook the reader from the very beginning. There are several strategies to achieve this.

Let's have a look at three examples:

• Point to your academic achievements. Have you been awarded a prize/recognition for your academic performance pertaining to the job opening? If so, use it to your advantage! Consider this example: 

“As recipient of the Zaha Hadid prize for the best student project in the category of Urban Architecture, I´d like to bring my knowledge and passion for creating greener urban spaces to your team.”

• Name-drop a person the recruiters will know. For example, did you learn about the job offer from a person who's already working for the company? Alternatively, do any of your high school/college/university tutors have ties to the company (collaboration on projects or lectures)? Mention it! An impactful referral can be your golden ticket to land a job interview. Just remember to get their consent first. Here's an example:

“During my internship under Dr. Jane Smith, who frequently collaborates with your research team, I developed a keen interest in your innovative approaches to environmental biotechnology.”

• Share a personal story. If the above examples don't apply to you, don't be afraid to take on the role of a storyteller. Show your passion. Make it personal. Just read this: 

“My first introduction to the fashion world was a beautiful pair of quilted gray Tory Burch Reva ballet flats my mother bought when I was in middle school. It was from there I became hooked on the eclectic detailing and colorful prints that have branded Tory Burch as the highly revered American lifestyle brand it is today. Being that I owe my penchant for beautiful products to Tory Burch, you can imagine my ecstatic reaction when I saw the Summer 2016 Internship Program listed on your website.”

See how this applicant managed to compliment the company while also highlighting their love and dedication for the industry? If you were a hiring manager, wouldn't you want to keep reading and learn more about them?   

When it comes to the introductory paragraph, there really isn't just one correct way to do it. The choice is yours. Be creative; be yourself; be memorable. 

Normally, this is the part where applicants would present both hard and soft skills they'd acquired throughout their professional life. But what can you do? 

Even without work experience, you still have a lot to draw from. Focus on your:

• Academic achievements
• Relevant coursework
• Dissertation project
• Extracurricular activities
• Certificates
• Volunteering
• Or membership in relevant societies

Take a look at this example:

Cover letter with no experience example

This cover letter sample was provided by a real person who got hired with Kickresume’s help.

What's so good about this cover letter with no experience example?

• Apart from outlining specific skills , this applicant manages to convey an image of a confident, passionate and highly motivated candidate.
• Next, their emphasis on self-taught skills , together with their pursuit of additional certificates, informs the recruiters about the applicant's willingness to continue learning beyond their studies.
• Moreover, their tendency to “ seek out projects ” outside of their comfort zone makes the applicant come across as proactive and conscientious.

This is exactly the effect your cover letter should have. 

But how to know what skills to focus on? 

Don't just start listing them at random. Keep the recruiter in mind.

Remember, the point of cover letter is not to present the hiring manager with EVERYTHING you can do. But rather to show that you can do exactly what they are searching for .

Here's how you do that:

• Review the job posting it and see what skills are the most sought after .
• Look at job postings for the same or similar position published by other companies .
• Search for any recurring phrases and keywords . 

Always try to connect your skills (hard and soft) to the target company's needs. Be deliberate! 

The last paragraph of your cover letter should show the hiring manager why working for their company is so important to you. Why them? 

This is when your initial research comes really handy! 

Show your affinity to this particular company . 

In this part, you can get personal again. For example, you can point out your shared interest in charity, volunteering, or sustainability. Establish a connection between yourself and the firm that goes beyond sheer financial gain. 

In other words, show that for you, it's not just about the work. Show that you are in harmony with the company's culture. And, of course, don't shy away from flattery.  

This applicant, for instance, made it crystal clear that working for CohnReznick has been their dream job for quite some time:

Cover letter with no experience example 2

To see more examples, browse through our cover letter examples database . 

If you came this far, there is just one last thing missing from your cover letter – a proper sign off. 

In the final statement you should:

• Reiterate your desire to work for the company. You can also restate the most important parts of your cover letter. But be brief.
• Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration. Be sure to always remain grateful and humble. 
• Include a call for action. Express your desire for a personal meeting to discuss the next steps.
• Sign off professionally. Depending on how you greeted the recipient of your cover letter, you can sign off with either “ Yours sincerely ,” or “ Yours faithfully ,”. If you addressed the recruiter by their name, sign off with the former; if not, use the latter. 

If you want more inspiration, here are 8 more great cover letter endings .

• Use the right tone. Though tempting, refrain from trying to sound funny. The problem with humour is this – it's very subjective. You never know what the person reading your cover letter is like. Plus, you may come across as unprofessional.
• Proofread. Nothing can irritate hiring managers more than receiving a cover letter riddled with spelling mistakes and typos. If you don't proofread your text, recruiters won't see you as a serious candidate. Additionally, they'll get the taste of how bad your attention to detail really is.
• Don't be afraid of white space. The last thing recruiters want to see when opening your cover letter is a wall of text. Divide your text into smaller paragraphs – it'll make it more inviting and easier to digest.
• Length. It's important that your cover letter doesn't overstay its welcome. If it's too long, you are actively trying not to get hired. Resist the urge to write an essay. Keep your cover letter to one page, no more. Anything longer will only discourage the hiring manager from ever reading it.
• No job application is complete without a resume. Finally, even if you have no experience, creating a resume is vital. A resume, paired with your cover letter, forms a complete picture of why you are the ideal candidate for the job. Using our AI resume writer can make this process less stressful. 

Writing a cover letter without experience might seem daunting, yet it's an excellent opportunity to shine.

Firstly, use it to express your passion for the industry. Then, highlight your eagerness to learn and grow. Also, share any related studies or activities that showcase your interest.

Remember, it's less about listing achievements and more about demonstrating your enthusiasm and potential. In conclusion, a thoughtful cover letter can significantly impact your job application, even if you're just starting out.

Finally, while a well-crafted cover letter is crucial, there is something even more essential: a resume . Here's how to write the perfect no experience resume .

FAQ: How to write a cover letter with no experience

When work experience is sparse or non-existent, shift the focus of your cover letter. Instead of achievements and skills, emphasize your passion for the industry. Additionally, highlight any relevant educational pursuits, training, workshops, or even personal projects that align with the industry.

Here's how you write a cover letter with no job experience in 7 steps:

1. Do your research. Look at their website or LinkedIn profile. 2. Add a recognizable header including your contact info. 3. Start with appropriate salutation like Dear Mrs/Mr [last name] . 4. Hook them with your first paragraph.  5. Show them what you bring to the table (e.g. proactive nature). 6. Finish in a memorable way (get personal). 7. Sign off professionally.

Learn more in the ultimate guide which includes examples. 

1. My professional experience may be limited, but my commitment to learning and excelling is not. I am a quick learner, eager to contribute and grow in [industry/field]. I have demonstrated this through...

2. Despite lacking direct experience in the field, I possess a keen willingness to learn and a strong commitment to developing the necessary skills. My academic background and proactive approach to self-education have equipped me with a solid understanding of [industry/field], and I am excited to translate this into practical application.

3. I am aware that my professional experience is limited, but I am highly motivated to bridge this gap through hard work, continuous learning, and a dedicated pursuit of excellence in all tasks. My adaptability and passion for [industry/field] make me a quick learner, ready to contribute meaningfully to your team.

Here are 4 alternative ways to phrase "no work experience" in a more positive light: - My professional experience may be limited - While I am just beginning my professional journey - I am at the early stage of my career - As someone early in their professional path

Julia has recently joined Kickresume as a career writer. From helping people with their English to get admitted to the uni of their dreams to advising them on how to succeed in the job market. It would seem that her career is on a steadfast trajectory. Julia holds a degree in Anglophone studies from Metropolitan University in Prague, where she also resides. Apart from creative writing and languages, she takes a keen interest in literature and theatre.

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How To Write a Cover Letter With No Experience in 9 Steps [2024]

• December 11, 2023
• In Resumes & Cover Letters

Writing the perfect cover letter is a challenge even for seasoned professionals. But when you are writing a cover letter with no experience, the stakes are even higher. Demonstrating your value without any professional experience is more challenging. To ensure you stand out from the sea of applicants, you should focus on the value you can provide and the skills that make you the ideal candidate.

How to write a cover letter with no experience

1.  Read the job description and research the company 2. Use a professional cover letter template 3. Share your contact information at the top of your letter 4. Greet the hiring manager and introduce yourself 5. List your relevant achievements and skills 6. Explain what makes you the ideal candidate 7. Ask for an interview 8. Proofread for grammar and spelling issues 9. Save your cover letter as a PDF and submit it

When writing a cover letter with no experience, you should focus mainly on the relevant soft skills you possess. Regardless of whether you obtained them through education, training, or volunteering, they are your most valuable assets in the job hunt. Additionally, hiring managers appreciate a strong set of soft skills because they are hard to teach. Apart from featuring your soft skills, show your ability to learn and adapt. This is crucial if you are entering the job market with minimal experience.

How to write a cover letter with no experience in 9 steps

Step 1: read the job description and research the company.

Before writing your cover letter, ensure that you are focusing on skills relevant to the company and position you are applying to. Carefully read through the job listing and the company’s website to assess which skills you have. Then, use these key skills as keywords throughout your resume and explain how they may help you succeed on the job. Remember to also review the company’s values and culture. You can integrate these into your cover letter by explaining how they align with your personal values.

Step 2: Use a professional cover letter template

A cover letter template is a great way to get started when writing a cover letter with no experience. Essentially, a template will help you with the layout and overall design of your cover letter. First, find a template that looks professional, polished, and easy to read. Then, copy and paste it into a word processing software and start filling in your information and text. Stick to the general layout of the template for the body of your cover letter as well as your details. This will make your cover letter more professional and easier to scan.

Step 3:  Address the recipient by name

To make sure the hiring manager knows how to get in touch with you, list your name, email address, and telephone number in the top left corner. Also, you can add a date and the company or employer’s name and address. If you have professional social media profiles, link to them and your online portfolio at the top of your cover letter as well.

Step 4:  Show enthusiasm in the opening paragraph

When writing a cover letter it’s important to convey your genuine interest in the position and the company. Here are a few examples of opening sentences that showcase enthusiasm for a cover letter when you have no work experience:

Step 5: List your relevant achievements and skills

In this section, explain your greatest strengths and why they are valuable for the position. When writing a cover letter with no experience, you can highlight the skills you gained through education or casual jobs. For example, if you led a school club, explain how this allowed you to develop leadership and communication skills. Most importantly, explain how these skills and experiences would be beneficial to the company.

Step 6: Explain what makes you the ideal candidate

In the body of your cover letter, you should convince the hiring manager that you are the best fit for the position. To do this, go the extra mile and show that you did your research. Mention the values or goals you share with the company or bring up a recent project you liked. This will show your dedication and interest in the position. To reiterate your passion for the role, you can also outline some of the key responsibilities and why you are excited to take on them. Very often, passion for the job and commitment to learning can outweigh professional experience in the hiring manager’s eyes. Hence, express your honest interest and passion for the job, as this can make you stand out.

Step 7: Ask for an interview

In the last paragraph, you should summarize your main points and reiterate your interest in the role. Be enthusiastic about the opportunity and ask for an interview straight away. This can often increase your chances of getting a callback, so don’t skip this step. Finally, thank the hiring manager for the opportunity as well as their time. To sign off, use “Sincerely,” followed by your full name at the end of your cover letter.

Step 8: Proofread for grammar and spelling issues

Once you have finished these steps, it is time to polish your cover letter up. Read through the document a few times to ensure there are no spelling or grammar mistakes. Also, check if the writing is continuous, simple to understand, and clear. It can be helpful to get a second opinion, so try sending your cover letter to a friend or a family member for proofreading.

Step 9: Save your cover letter as a PDF and submit it

Once your cover letter is ready to be sent, check if the formatting is consistent and edit it if necessary. Then, save it as a PDF, unless the job posting requires another specific format. Some employers prefer the cover letters to be emailed to HR, while others may let you attach it to your application file. So, always check whether the job posting specifies this.

Read more:  “9 Cover Letter Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Sample cover letter with no experience

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am reaching out to convey my sincere enthusiasm for the [Job Title] opportunity at [Company Name]. As a recent graduate with a passion for [relevant field or industry], I am eager to contribute to the innovative work being done at [Company Name].

During my academic pursuits, I have developed a solid foundation in [relevant skills or coursework], which I believe will be valuable in the [Job Title] role. Additionally, my dedication to [specific quality or skill] has been recognized by my instructors, and I am confident in my ability to apply these skills to support the goals of [Company Name].

I am particularly drawn to [specific aspect of the company or role], and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [specific project or goal]. I am confident that my strong work ethic, coupled with my enthusiasm for learning, will make me a valuable addition to the [Company Name] team.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the possibility of discussing how my background, skills, and enthusiasm can contribute to the continued success of [Company Name]. Please find my resume attached for your review.

[Your Name]

Cover letter with no experience for internship example

By following these steps, you will be able to create the perfect cover letter. Remember that the key to writing an impactful cover letter with no experience is to focus on the valuable skills and experience you have. Follow these 9 easy steps, and you will end up with a cover letter that will get your application noticed and help you land your dream job.

FAQ – Cover Letter With No Experience

How do i format a cover letter with no experience.

To format a cover letter with no experience, follow these steps:

• Use a professional format : Format your cover letter like a formal business letter. Include your contact information at the top, followed by the date and the employer’s contact information.
• Include a proper salutation : If possible, address the cover letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter. If you don’t have a name, you can use a generic salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager.”
• Write a compelling introduction : Start your cover letter with a strong and attention-grabbing opening sentence. Introduce yourself and mention the position you’re applying for.
• Highlight your skills and strengths : In the body of the cover letter, focus on your transferable skills, relevant coursework, internships, volunteer work, or other experiences that demonstrate your qualifications for the position. Explain how these experiences have prepared you for the role.
• Show enthusiasm and motivation : Express your genuine interest in the company and the position. Explain why you are passionate about the field or industry and how you are eager to learn and grow in the role.
• Tailor the letter to the job : Customize your cover letter for each job application. Research the company and the job requirements to identify specific skills or qualities they are seeking. Highlight those skills and explain how you can contribute to their organization.
• Close the letter professionally : Thank the employer for considering your application and express your interest in further discussing your qualifications. End the letter with a professional closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name and contact information.

What tone should I use in a cover letter with no experience?

When writing a cover letter with no experience, it’s important to strike the right tone to make a positive impression on the employer. Here are some tips on the tone you should use:

• Professional tone : Maintain a professional tone throughout your cover letter. Use clear and concise language, and avoid using overly casual or informal language.
• Enthusiastic tone : Show your enthusiasm and eagerness to learn and contribute to the company. Highlight your passion for the industry or field and your motivation to succeed.
• Professional and polite language : Use polite and respectful language in your cover letter. Avoid using slang or jargon that may not be familiar to the employer.

Popular related posts:

• How to Write a Great Cover Letter in 6 Steps
• Cover Letter Format: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2024
• Do I Need a Cover Letter? When is a Cover Letter Necessary?
• Cover Letter Examples [To Get Inspired in 2024]
• 10 Common Cover Letter Questions Answered

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5 Recruiter Cover Letter Samples & Writing Tips in 2024

• Recruiter Cover Letter
• Entry-Level Recruiter
• HR Recruiter
• Technical Recruiter
• Senior Recruiter
• Writing Your Recruiter Cover Letter

It might seem ironic for you to have to write a cover letter since recruiters usually read everyone else’s! But now, you’ll have to show how you’re qualified to find top talent.

You’re essential to the success of any company, serving as gatekeepers who develop an eye for the greatest additions to the company team. Recruiters also do their fair share of paperwork like drafting contracts, non-disclosure agreements, and other documents for the employment process.

You’re probably not pumped about writing a cover letter to complement your recruiter resume , but a recruiter needs to demonstrate their  job skills  like any other professional! Fortunately, we’ve assembled five example recruiter cover letters for your inspiration. Coupled with our AI cover letter generator , you’ll be off to a great start.

Recruiter Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

Why this cover letter works

• Anytime you can show you already embody the qualities listed in the job description, do so! Then, quantify them with examples and metrics to provide credibility in your recruiter cover letter.
•  Dig through the  recruiter job description  and company website for flecks of gold that align with your own experiences, such as a program you’re great with, a soft skill you naturally exemplify, or a goal similar to one you’ve previously met.

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Entry-Level Recruiter Cover Letter Example

• Capture that experience like Lila does—detail what skills you applied (in this case, data analysis and reporting), tools you employed (cue Tableau), and the accomplishments and lessons you gathered along the way.

HR Recruiter Cover Letter Example

• Dedicate a line or two of your HR recruiter cover letter’s experience sections to how you used those software programs to effect improvement in the recruitment phases across different workplaces in your career journey. An example could be how Hugo shaves off 32% of onboarding time using DocuSign.

Technical Recruiter Cover Letter Example

• Mind the job description’s tone and mirror it while you present your overlapping personal traits and qualifying abilities. It’s not just about the job—it’s also about the interpersonal workplace dynamic.
• If you’re applying as a technical recruiter, researching the company and studying the job ad is imperative. Your selling points lie in your alignment with industry specifics.

Senior Recruiter Cover Letter Example

• This letter establishes personal connections before presenting the hard qualifications necessary to land a senior role. There’s much to condense, so choose your words wisely!
• Picking which details to include in your senior recruiter cover letter can be intimidating since your professional history is undoubtedly extensive. The key is to research the company and examine the job description for specific needs you can fulfill.    

Is Your Recruiter Resume Ready to Wow?

As a recruiter, you know your resume is the most important document in your job application. Follow our  resume tips  and start building yours now with this easy, breezy interactive resume that you can edit. 

or download as PDF

Beat the Competition with Your Recruiter Cover Letter

Now that you’ve looked at three recruiter cover letter samples, let’s get into some of the broader themes that make them great: Customize your cover letter to the particular job and company, go in-depth with your biggest couple of achievements, and polish your tone.

Step 1: Knowledge is power

Oh, how many generic letters get tossed aside with a sigh. But you want yours to dazzle, and the quickest means to that end is tailoring your cover letter to the  recruiter job listing . Your cover letter shouldn’t read like it could apply to any recruiter position: You want the company to know that you want to work for  them .

A great start is taking some notes while combing through the job description. Jot down anything you find that makes you think, “That’s me!” so that you’ll have a handy list to refer to once you start writing your first draft. Look for specific needs you can fill. Also, research the company—especially its mission statement—so you can show you’re a great fit in that area.

Step 2: Leverage your success

Many people jump into writing their cover letters, only to wind up repeating what they’ve written in their resume—but your potential employer has already skimmed it in bullet-point form.

Instead of repeating your resume’s bullet points, go beyond them to explain why they matter. For good measure, revisit Step 1 to pick the accomplishments most relevant to where you’re applying.

Your recruiter cover letter should explain how one or two accomplishments benefitted your previous company.

• Your resume might mention that you onboarded 5 employees—but how did that increase revenue? 
• Did your work impact retention rates, showing that you improved the work environment? 
• Did you lead an impressive workplace strategy overhaul that left employees quantifiably happier in their positions?

Make sure you shine a spotlight on these sorts of accomplishments!

Step 3: Presentation is key

Imagine you’re conducting an interview with someone to help place them in a job role, and they have good experience and qualifications—but when they talk about themselves, they sound like they don’t even care.

What you say is important, but  so is  how  you say it . The tone and overall message of your recruiter cover letter are well worth the time it takes to refine them.

Not to sound like a broken record—but, once again, referring to the company website and job description will help you. Does the company come across as corporate and formal? Or is it more laid-back, emphasizing employee familiarity and a creative work environment? Company culture is your key to nailing the right tone.

What you say is important, but  so is  how  you say it .

Ensure your overall message is ideal, too—even if that means switching out an accomplishment that isn’t as relevant as you first thought. Your letter should be no more than a page and should send the message that you already know the company’s job role and exactly how you’ll fit in. Don’t skimp on proofreading, editing, revising, and rewriting to get this right.

A Simple Outline for Your Recruiter Cover Letter

It’s time for you to take a crack at writing your recruiter cover letter, so keep those last three tips in mind as you think about each section. You may or may not have found a  resume outline  helpful, but chances are, a cover letter outline will really help yours take shape. 

How to start a recruiter cover letter

Your contact info:  Include your name, address, phone number, and email address (along with your LinkedIn or other professional social media) if you’re using a cover letter template.

• Formatting : Leave your name out of your address if you’re using a block format.

190 Fictional Court Wilson, NC 27893 (123) 456-7890

Date:  This should reflect the exact submission date of your application materials.

February 3, 2023

• Formatting : The date should reflect the submission date of your application materials.

Inside address:  The inside address is just the address where you’re sending your cover letter! Make sure you research and use the person’s real name and company role, shunning generic phrases like “Dear Sir or Madam.”

Eloise Kemper Electronic Arts Hiring Manager 209 Redwood Shores Parkway  Redwood City, CA 94065

• Formatting : Each part of the address should be on a fresh line. Double-space between the inside address and greeting—it looks much nicer!

Greeting:  Your greeting, or salutation, is crucial in making the right first impression. Always   do your homework and find out the name of the person you’re writing to (hint: LinkedIn will help ya!).

Dear Ms. Irwin, Dear Ms. Kemper:

• Formatting : Colons are more formal, so you’ll usually default to these. However, if the company culture is more friendly and casual, you can use a comma to reflect that.

How to write your recruiter cover letter

Body:  Your cover letter’s body should include 3-4 paragraphs that show your interest in the recruiter position, your credentials that make you the ideal hire, and your excitement for future contact.

• Formatting : Keep text single-spaced within body text but double-spaced between paragraphs.

Opening paragraph:  Many cover letters run together with nothing that makes them stand out. Make sure yours isn’t one of them by putting in the effort to make it unique to the job position and company!

I love video games. Especially arena games. And I’ve worked as a recruiter for other companies before, so I’d fit in well with you guys.

Why It’s Bad:  While leading with a personal connection is good, this applicant over-stresses the gamer aspect at the expense of their qualifications—where are those? Also, the company culture is laid-back, but this tone takes informality too far.

With 6 years of well-rounded experience as a recruiter—and gamer—plus a background of rapid growth fueled by my finance degree and knack for managing high-volume interview funnels, I would love to use my overarching communication and strategy skills as your senior recruiter to set the roadmap for successful, inclusive hiring. I pride myself on being inquisitive and would love to help Electronic Arts by recruiting top talent to provide games, online services, and worlds with infinite possibilities. 

Why It’s Good:  This applicant has a lot of info to cover in a limited space for a senior role! They make a quick mention of their gaming connection and then move on to the skills that qualify them for the job, wrapping up with a direct reference to the company’s mission statement. Perfect! 

Paragraphs 2-3:  Now’s the time to show that your opening paragraph wasn’t full of empty claims! Use this space to provide examples of your best accomplishments, keeping each section focused on a single achievement.

You don’t have much room, so stick to that one time you drastically improved time-to-hire or that prestigious strategy overhaul you led multiple departments through.

While documenting employee data and feedback, I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was room for improvement. So, I researched and fine-tuned a new employee benefits package that improved current employees’ satisfaction by 8%—and then I pushed things further by creating and streamlining data management plans inspired by my educational background. These infrastructures optimized employees’ processes and boosted satisfaction rates by 14%. 

Why It’s Good:  Taking the opportunity to demonstrate growth within your career is smart! This one’s a winner for highlighting various skills and two metrics that come together to further the same core goal, maintaining the paragraph’s focus while demonstrating ambition and versatility.

Closing paragraph:  It’s time for your grand finale! Summarize how your qualifications and values align with the needs specified in the job listing and the company’s vision statement. Finally, provide a call to action that blends seamlessly with the rest of your paragraph and invites further communication.

Can’t wait to work for your company. Helping people find their ideal jobs sounds good, and I’m qualified to help them navigate. Contact me for more info if needed.

Why It’s Bad:  The choppy sentence structure is informal, abrupt, and disinterested. We also see a lack of detail and an indifferent call to action.

I care about clients’ well-being and have the self-motivated management and interpersonal skills to make it count. I would love to use this people-focused outlook to proactively reach clients who view me as the long-term solution as they let me know what they’ll need next. I’d love to meet soon to share more about how my ability to juggle performance objectives and hiring needs can empower TalentCare’s teams—and clients. 

Why It’s Good:  The enthusiasm here is genuine. This applicant feels passionate about the recruiter job role and is eager to use their position to help others, which the company values. Additionally, the references to the job description’s wording and the warm call to action reinforce compatibility.

How to end a recruiter cover letter

Signature:  If you didn’t thank the reader for their time in your closing paragraph, then there’s no time like the present! Once you say “thank you,” sign off with your real name.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration, 

Tomas Zepeda

• Formatting :  If you’re presenting hard copies of your recruiter cover letter, quadruple space in order to sign your name by hand in blue/black ink.

Enclosure(s):  This part of your cover letter is important since it signals that there’s more to your application package! For example, a recruiter would include their job resume and any needed certifications.

Enclosures: Resume Application IPMA-CP certificate 

• Formatting : Make sure you use the proper singular or plural form of “enclosure,” depending on how many items you’re enclosing.

Secure Your Next Recruiter Role with a Resume That Wins

You’re so close—congratulations on investing in your cover letter! But before you call it a day, it’s essential to take this opportunity to write or  review your resume  and cover letter to ensure that your entire application package is thoughtfully put together, polished, and impressive.

Pro tip: It’s actually easier to write your cover letter once you’ve completed (or at least drafted) your resume! When you  build your resume , you get to see all your bullet-point accomplishments laid out in one place so that you can pick out the finest achievements to address in more depth.

And don’t worry if you’re not sure where to start. We have a treasure trove of versatile  resume templates  you can use to start writing your own, including this one here. 

Technical Recruiter Resume

Need a resume to pair with your technical recruiter cover letter?

We want to make it as easy as possible for you to get your next recruiting role as you use our resources and tools. We’re rooting for you every step of the way, so you can get to finding and retaining the best talent at your next dream job.

While what you write in your cover letter should be customized for each job, using a template can be extremely helpful to speed up the process and present a consistent, professional look for each one. Think about how you were probably impressed when prospective employees you were recruiting handed in cover letters that were well laid out. It’ll help you stand out to hiring managers and show you know how to approach hiring when making those key decisions yourself.

Standing out as a recruiter can feel like a tough task. After all, the other applicants are also very knowledgeable in the hiring process, just like you are. A great way to stand out is by using key metrics from your achievements and being very specific to the needs of each role you apply to. For instance, if the company wants to reduce turnover after hirings, you could explain how improving recruiter job descriptions in your last position helped boost candidate satisfaction rates post-hiring by 58%.

Your cover letter shouldn’t be longer than one page. Think about how many applicants you’ve generated during recruiting. It can be tough to manage all the information about each candidate, so concisely focusing on key abilities like social media recruiting and job boards will help those primary skills grab attention.

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Essential parts of a cover letter for recruiter

Your future recruitment colleagues know firsthand what type of candidate is worthy of joining their ranks. Therefore, their professional advice carries a particular weight when creating a cover letter for a recruiting manager. Give credence to the tips below, and your search will be crowned with success soon.

How to deal with experience?

If you are an expert with an extensive background in HR, first mention employment in the related industry. In short, if it is an IT company, then the adjacent experience will show that you have basic technical knowledge and understanding of the criteria for evaluating applications. But if you are an entry-level specialist, then the recruiter cover letter with no experience should prove your potential to start a career.

Communication is a perfect raw talent

If your resume is not overcrowded with previous employers, then advanced interpersonal skills in your cover letter for the recruiter position with no experience will bring you at least an internship. Both an expert and a college graduate must demonstrate the ability to build contact with clients and applicants to meet the requirements and expectations of both stakeholders interested in hiring.

Do not neglect analytical skills

Analytical thinking can rightfully be attributed to the necessary qualifications of the recruiter. Its coverage in the appeal will show that you are ready for a thorough study, selection, and evaluation of candidates for the position under the proposed and out-of-the-box criteria for this role. Thus, analytics will help you find the right person among a variety of profiles.

Decision-making is a daily ritual

Whether you are an in-house or staffing agency recruiter, you are still the first link in the decision-making process. Your sample cover letter for the recruiter position is a suitable occasion to tell about your readiness for such responsibility. Note that only applicants approved by you will have access to the next stages of the hiring position.

If it seems to you that you need to change something, so it is

And it’s worth starting with a simple but equally important step as a cover letter.

Sample cover letter for recruiter position

Despite the many recruiter cover letter examples available online, few of them meet the accepted norms of your industry. The following case was created based on questions to insiders about a document that they will never disregard.

Matthew Lorman Recruiter 33 Flower Street 8543-654-765 / [email protected]

Mary-Kate Willson HR Director “Soft Universe,”

Dear Mary-Kate, Any employee is a part of an enterprise that influences everyday affairs and goals. My mission as a recruiter is to make this impact positive through the right people selection for each position.

My IT experience allowed me to identify general recruitment trends and particular criteria for each role in completing a capable team. I did not just fill vacancies. I found promising people for long-term cooperation, which explains the reduction in the company’s personnel leakage by 30 percent. My interpersonal skills make it possible to identify and advantageously combine the needs of the applicant and the employer. Analytical skills allow me to manage all hiring tools competently with an individual approach to each candidate. As a result, I’m not just hiring people. I’m looking for talents, considering all the factors from hard skills to compatibility with the work environment and the company’s corporate culture.

I make decisions as eagerly as I will take responsibility for each of them. I see the search for candidates more as trust than duty, which plays a crucial role in decisions and makes me weigh them in more carefully. I know of the high standards of the “Soft Universe”. Rest assured, if you decide that I meet them, I guarantee that the employees selected by me will meet them no less.

Best regards, Matthew.

The recruiting cover letter will go through only three stages, from draft to finished copy in your email.

Put in some information about yourself.

Choose the design of your cover letter.

Print, email, or download your cover letter in PDF format.

Your cover letter for the recruiter job is well-handled

GetCoverLetter will show dedication through many and unique bonuses prepared so that the process of drawing up a document becomes interactive and fast.

Thanks to a preliminary study of industry criteria, we know how to turn an ordinary person into an ideal candidate.

We provide a wide selection of hard and soft skills, among which it is impossible for you not to get recognized.

We know everything and then some about the format of the perfect copy, so the recruiter will immediately identify you as a colleague.

It is better to try than to regret later

Do the math, the process of creating a document takes a few minutes, and the search for a new opportunity can take several months.

Template of the best cover letter for recruiter

Besides impeccable content, our online builder is ready to help you with the design because this factor strikes first. Put your text in the layout and enjoy the last days in the applicant's role.

They are good judges of employment!

These people are from different states and have various competitive advantages, but GetCoverLetter unites all of them.

“As a recruiter, I can call letters from GetCoverLetter platform professional. Sure, I knew that employers wanted to see in my cover letter, but additional side advice was not redundant. Moreover, such a seemingly painstaking document cost less than half an hour.”

“GetCoverLetter convinced me of the importance of the letter because everyone sends a resume, but it does not answer the question “why me?” completely. The senior recruiter told me that this document further testified about my motivation.”

“GetCoverLetter does not just offer to choose strengths but makes you conduct your professional self-analysis. And it’s great! After that, I understood what distinguishes me from the other candidates and passed the interview successfully.”

“Despite the extensive range of skills and personal qualities, I was confident in my choice as they were all recommended by recruiters. After receiving the finished copy, I realized how limited my capabilities were by sending a resume only.”

Frequently Asked Questions

The more unique the knowledge you get, the more space for new questions. Do not be affraid to miss some aspects of creating your excellent cover letter. Here we took into account the most popular doubts to save your time and arm you with basic information.

• What should my a recruiter cover letter contain? The main purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself, mention the job you’re applying for, show that your skills and experience match the needed skills and experience for the job.
• How to properly introduce yourself in a cover letter? Greet the correct person to which your cover is intended for. Introduce yourself with enthusiasm.
• How many pages should my cover letter be? Your cover letter should only be a half a page to one full page. Your cover letter should be divided into three or four short paragraphs.
• Don't focus on yourself too much
• Don't share all the details of every job you've had
• Don't write a novel

It seems too good to be true

But in fact, it is too achievable to hesitate. One-click and your idea of a cover letter will never be the same.

Other cover letters from this industry

Your industry offers a variety of career opportunities, and your task is to choose the best one. Below, we have compiled effective cover letter samples for related positions. Feel free to check each of them and apply for different vacancies successfully.

• Recruiting Coordinator
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• HR Coordinator
• HR Generalist

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Junior Recruiter Cover Letter Example

Writing an effective cover letter as a junior recruiter is an important step towards landing a job in the recruitment industry. It is often the first contact a potential employer has with an applicant and can be used to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the job. This guide aims to provide you with insight into the basics of writing an effective cover letter for a junior recruitment position, as well as an example of a well-crafted letter to get you started.

If you didn’t find what you were looking for, be sure to check out our complete library of cover letter examples .

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Junior Recruiter Cover Letter Sample

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am writing to apply for the position of Junior Recruiter at [Company Name]. With my degree in Human Resources and two years of experience in the recruitment field, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your team.

My experience in recruitment has taught me the importance of finding the right fit for each position, and I am committed to doing so for [Company Name] as well. I am well- versed in the use of several different recruiting platforms and have a knack for networking with potential candidates. I am also knowledgeable in the most effective techniques for screening and interviewing candidates.

I am organized, dependable, and results- driven. I am confident that my experience and skills make me an ideal fit for the role of Junior Recruiter. My ambition drives me to strive for excellence, and I am more than willing to learn and grow in the field.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking further about this opportunity.

[Your Name]

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What should a Junior Recruiter cover letter include?

A junior recruiter cover letter should include the following components:

• A brief introduction of yourself, including your name and contact information.
• Your experience in recruiting, including any related courses or certifications you may have earned.
• An explanation of why you are interested in working in the recruiting field, and what makes you an ideal candidate for the job.
• An overview of the skills and qualifications you possess that align with the requirements of the position.
• Examples of recruitments you have completed in the past, and the results of those recruitments.
• A summary of the qualities you could bring to the company, and how those qualities would benefit the organization.
• An explanation of how your skills would allow you to be successful in the role of a junior recruiter.
• A closing statement expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

Junior Recruiter Cover Letter Writing Tips

Writing a cover letter for a junior recruiter role can be a daunting task. However, there are a few tips to help make a great impression with your application. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Research the Company: Before you start writing your cover letter, do some research on the company you’re applying to. Find out the company’s mission, values, and culture. This will help you tailor your cover letter to the company and give you a better chance of getting hired.
• Highlight Your Recruiting Experience: When you’re writing your cover letter, be sure to highlight your recruiting experience. Explain any recruitment- related tasks you’ve done and how you can use those skills to benefit the company.
• Show Enthusiasm: Showing enthusiasm for the role shows the hiring manager that you’re passionate about the job and will be a great asset to the team. Include an example of a past success and explain why you’d be excited to work for the company.
• Proofread: Once you’ve written your cover letter, take the time to proofread it. Double- check for typos and grammar errors, and make sure the letter is easy to read.

Writing a cover letter for a junior recruiter role doesn’t have to be difficult. Just remember to research the company, highlight your recruiting experience, show enthusiasm, and proofread your letter. With these tips, you’ll be able to write a great cover letter and impress the hiring manager.

Common mistakes to avoid when writing Junior Recruiter Cover letter

Writing a junior recruiter cover letter can be a daunting task. It’s your chance to show hiring managers why you’re the ideal candidate for the position. You want to make sure you’re making the right impression, so it pays to be aware of potential mistakes that can cost you the job. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a junior recruiter cover letter:

• Not Tailoring it to the Company: A generic cover letter won’t make the cut. You need to customize your cover letter to the job you’re applying for, highlighting why your skills and qualifications are the perfect fit for the role.
• Not Including Keywords: Many companies use software to scan cover letters and resumes. You need to make sure that you include relevant keywords related to the job and industry.
• Making it Too Long: You want to keep your cover letter concise and to the point. Avoid rambling or including unnecessary information. Your cover letter should be no longer than one page.
• Not Highlighting Your Achievements: You should make sure to include a few lines about why you’re the ideal candidate for the position. This could be your experience in the field, your qualifications or any awards or achievements you’ve earned related to the job.
• Not Proofreading: This is one of the easiest mistakes to make and it can be costly. Always make sure to read through your cover letter and check for grammar, spelling and other mistakes.

By avoiding these mistakes and taking the time to craft a thoughtful, tailored cover letter, you’ll be sure to make the right impression and stand out from other applicants.

Key takeaways

Writing a great cover letter as a Junior Recruiter is key to showing employers that you have what it takes to be successful in the role. A well- written cover letter should demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role, as well as provide employers with an understanding of your skills and experience. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind when writing your Junior Recruiter cover letter:

• Show enthusiasm and passion for the role: When writing your cover letter, make sure to express your enthusiasm and passion for the role. Employers want to know that you are passionate about the position and that you are willing to put in the hard work and dedication necessary to succeed.
• Highlight relevant experiences: Tailor your cover letter to the role and highlight any relevant experiences that you have for the job. Make sure to include any industry experience or knowledge that you have that is applicable to the role.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills: As a recruiter, you will need to demonstrate strong communication skills. Use your cover letter to show employers that you are efficient and effective in communication, and that you are confident in your ability to build relationships with potential candidates.
• Show your ability to multi- task: As a Junior Recruiter, you will need to be able to multitask and handle multiple tasks at once. Show employers your ability to do this by highlighting any relevant experiences or skills that demonstrate that.
• Express your commitment and dedication: Employers want to know that you are dedicated and committed to the role. Let them know that you are willing to put in the time and effort necessary to build relationships and source potential candidates.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.how do i write a cover letter for an junior recruiter job with no experience.

Writing a cover letter for an entry- level Junior Recruiter job with no experience can be a daunting task. However, with the right approach and guidance, you can create a letter that will help you stand out from other applicants.

First, start your letter by introducing yourself and explain why you are the ideal candidate for the position. Be sure to mention any relevant skills or knowledge you have gained through past experiences that make you a great fit for the job. Additionally, make sure to highlight your problem- solving skills and communication abilities, as these qualities are essential for any recruiter.

Also, take this opportunity to explain why you are passionate about the position and why you would be a great fit. Describe how you would approach the job and emphasize the strengths you would bring to the role. Finally, make sure to thank the hiring manager for considering you as a potential candidate.

2.How do I write a cover letter for an Junior Recruiter job experience?

When writing a cover letter for a Junior Recruiter job with experience, it is important to emphasize your skills and experience. Start by describing your background in recruitment and mention any additional skills or experience that you have gained that make you a great fit for the job.

Be sure to explain how your previous experience has prepared you for the position and why you would be an asset to the company. Additionally, mention any awards or recognition you have received in the past and any unique accomplishments that you are proud of.

Finally, thank the hiring manager for their time and make sure to explain why you are interested in the job and why you would make a great fit.

3.How can I highlight my accomplishments in Junior Recruiter cover letter?

When writing a Junior Recruiter cover letter, it is important to highlight any accomplishments that demonstrate you are a great fit for the role. For example, if you have achieved any awards or recognition in the past, make sure to mention them. Additionally, if you have been successful in finding, interviewing, and hiring candidates, make sure to mention that.

It is also important to emphasize any unique skills that make you stand out from other applicants. For example, if you are fluent in a second language or have expertise in recruitment technologies, make sure to include that information in your cover letter.

4.What is a good cover letter for an Junior Recruiter?

A good cover letter for an Junior Recruiter should focus on your qualifications and experience that make you an ideal candidate for the job. Start by introducing yourself and explain why you are interested in the position. Be sure to mention any relevant skills or knowledge you have gained through past experiences that make you a great fit for the job.

In addition to this, be sure to check out our cover letter templates , cover letter formats ,  cover letter examples ,  job description , and  career advice  pages for more helpful tips and advice.

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20 ways to showcase your skills to employers when you have little to no work experience was originally published on College Recruiter .

For as long as people have been searching for jobs, some of those people have understandably complained about employers refusing to hire them because they have no experience yet the only way to get experience is to get hired.

What we’ve learned over the years is that everyone has experience and that it is the job seeker who needs to find a way to showcase those experiences to prospective employers. You may not have experience as a customer service representative when applying to work as a customer service representative, but chances are that you can point to experiences you’ve had that will satisfy at least one employer’s need to verify that you have enough experience that the risk of hiring you is low and the upside high.

We recently asked 20 thought leaders to each share one or two key elements individuals with limited work experience should prioritize on their resumes to effectively showcase their skills and potential to prospective employers.

Highlight Skills and Tangible Achievements

Avoid ai-generated resume style, relevant experience over work history, emphasize skills and relevant engagements, prioritize transferable skills and personal projects, demonstrate long-standing industry interest, quantify non-work achievements, emphasize niche projects and transferable skills, highlight interpersonal skills from service roles, showcase fast-learning and adaptability, customize cv for each job application, detail leadership in academic settings, feature relevant educational background, incorporate industry-specific keywords, showcase skills, education, and training, highlight communication and flexibility, leverage cover letter to share your story, start with a compelling summary statement, use a skills-based resume format, showcase potential through diverse experiences.

Individuals with limited work experience should prioritize showcasing their relevant skills and achievements, such as academic projects, internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities. Highlighting tangible results or accomplishments from these experiences can demonstrate their capabilities and potential to prospective employers. Additionally, emphasizing soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities gained from various activities can further enhance their appeal to employers, showcasing their readiness to contribute positively to the workplace despite limited professional experience.

GARRISON LEYKAM , Certified Professional Career Coach, Garrison Leykam, LLC

Without significant work experience, ensuring your resume doesn’t appear AI-generated is crucial. Hiring managers and HR professionals are overwhelmed by clearly AI-generated resumes, which often feel robotic and impersonal. Although this might be overlooked for applicants with plenty of relevant experience, for those without, expect your resume to be scrutinized closely. Therefore, I strongly recommend taking some time to understand what AI-generated resumes look like and actively avoid mimicking their writing style. Not only does this convey to the employer that you won’t cut corners, but it also demonstrates that you take this application seriously, making a great first impression with the employer.

Chloe Yarwood , HR Manager, Test Partnership

Candidates with limited work experience can still write effective resumes that impress hiring managers. 

If you’re a recent graduate, try changing your ‘Work Experience’ section to a ‘Relevant Experience’ section. That way, you can detail any experiences that have equipped you with the necessary skills for the position you want, including internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities. It’s also a good idea to make your education section longer than it would be on a standard resume. Include your GPA if it’s over 3.5, and list any relevant honors, awards, or certifications. If your degree is related to your target job, you can also add information about your coursework to show that you have the skills the employer is looking for. 

If you’re transitioning careers and lack experience in your new field, consider using a functional resume format. Unlike chronological resumes, which focus primarily on work history, functional resumes highlight the transferable skills and accomplishments most relevant to your target role. This approach allows you to showcase how the qualifications and expertise you’ve gained through previous jobs, volunteer work, or your education align with the requirements of the job you’re applying for.

Eva Chan , Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Senior Content Specialist, Resume Genius

For individuals with limited work experience, emphasizing key elements on their resumes is crucial to making a strong impression in a competitive job market. Firstly, prioritize a well-crafted “Skills” section highlighting both technical and soft skills relevant to the desired position. This provides a quick snapshot of your capabilities and allows prospective employers to gauge your potential impact.

Secondly, focus on showcasing any relevant internships, volunteer work, or academic projects. While traditional work experience may be limited, these experiences demonstrate your practical application of skills, initiative, and commitment. Clearly articulate the specific responsibilities, achievements, and skills developed during these engagements.

Moreover, include any coursework or certifications relevant to the job, underscoring your commitment to continuous learning. Highlight academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and leadership roles to showcase a well-rounded skill set and a proactive approach.

Crafting a compelling resume narrative that emphasizes potential, adaptability, and a strong work ethic is vital. Tailor each application to align with the specific job requirements, and use your resume as a platform to convey not just your skills but also your enthusiasm and dedication to contributing meaningfully to the prospective employer’s objectives.

Steven Mostyn , Chief Human Resources Officer, Management.org

For job seekers with limited work experience, the most effective resumes prioritize two key elements: transferable skills and personal projects.

Highlight transferable skills like communication and problem-solving through examples from academics, volunteering, or extracurricular activities. This demonstrates your potential to thrive professionally.

Showcase personal projects to provide tangible evidence of your initiative and abilities. Whether it’s a coding side-hustle or a leadership role in a student organization, this shows your passion and drive.

Package these elements to tell a compelling story about who you are and what you bring to the table. Use clear language and quantify achievements. Let your personality shine through.

By prioritizing transferable skills and personal projects, you can level the playing field and position yourself as a strong contender. Remember, potential is just as valuable as proven expertise—it’s all about framing it effectively.

Lou Reverchuk , Co-Founder and CEO, EchoGlobal

Try to show an interest in the position, industry, or company. One of the big fears of hiring someone without prior experience is that they might try the role, decide it is not for them, and leave—which is a huge waste of time and money. If you can convince an employer that you have a long-standing interest in this job and it is really what you want to do, they are much more likely to take a chance on you.

Rhys Morgan , Director, Kepler Search

Wherever possible, candidates should quantify their achievements, even in non-work-related experiences. This could include metrics such as the percentage increase in social media engagement from a university club’s campaign they led, or the amount of funds raised during a volunteer project. In my opinion, quantifying accomplishments makes them more tangible and relatable to potential employers, illustrating the candidate’s impact in various roles.

Phil Strazzulla , Founder, SelectSoftware Reviews

First off, bringing emphasis to any relevant projects or personal initiatives you have taken part in that demonstrate your skills in your niche can gain their favor. These could include notable class assignments that required you to develop a marketing plan, manage a digital campaign, or maybe even create content for a specific audience. These experiences are there to illustrate your hands-on knowledge and proactive approach to learning. Additionally, spotlight transferable skills that are indispensable in our industry, such as creativity, strategic thinking, effective communication, and the ability to collaborate. Crafting your resume with these strategies not only highlights your existing competencies but also your eagerness to grow and adapt—qualities that are highly sought after in the dynamic field of digital marketing and content creation.

Shawn Manaher , Founder, The Content Authority

For candidates with experience in customer service roles, highlighting developed interpersonal skills can be particularly effective. These positions often require problem-solving, communication, and conflict-resolution abilities. In my view, describing situations where these skills were applied and led to positive outcomes can provide insights into a candidate’s ability to handle customer relations, a valuable asset in many industries.

Chad Sultana , Founder, Chad Sultana

Their skill and experience as fast learners are significant assets. It is a popular saying that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. In an increasingly competitive yet ever-demanding innovative job market, the truth is that individuals with limited or no work experience have an advantage that others do not. Not only does their limited work experience serve as motivation for their readiness to learn quickly, but the fact that their skills can be shaped and molded to perfectly fit the business and the vacant role also makes them attractive, as they are ready and better at learning and adopting new methods. Approaching the job market with limited work experience really shouldn’t be a cause for worry, provided the individual is able to sufficiently prove through their skills and experience, either in extracurricular activities or volunteer work, that they have a history of being a willing learner.

The truth is, today’s mode of business operations is fast-evolving (though in some industries more than others), and recruiters are mostly interested in finding applicants who can quickly adjust to their changing business operations. Being a fast learner is one advantage that individuals with limited work experience can leverage to improve their competitive chances, especially in today’s job market. The experience and skills section of their resume presents a great opportunity to showcase and draw attention to their potential and their ability to pay careful attention to details and carry out innovative thinking, which strongly emphasizes their fast-learning potential.

Andrew Johnson, General Manager, Drughelpline

Customizing your CV for each job you apply for allows you to emphasize your qualifications. This means that you should research the company, the industry, and the position to identify the relevant keywords, competencies, and qualifications. Next, you should use the same language and vocabulary from the job description in your CV, aligning it with those requirements. 

This will help you demonstrate that you have the skills the employer is looking for and that you are aware of their needs and expectations. For example, if the job description states that they are seeking someone with experience in social media marketing, you could highlight any projects or activities where you used social media platforms, tools, or techniques.

Creating a unique resume for every job application is essential. A resume that is generic or cookie-cutter should not exist. Carefully analyze the job description and requirements to tailor your resume. This will help you recognize your credentials and give you the chance to showcase your transferable skills as well. While hiring managers can quickly spot a generic resume, they also appreciate and recognize the time and effort that goes into customizing a resume for a specific role.

Tristan Harris , Demand Generation Senior Marketing Manager, Thrive Digital Marketing Agency

The key element I recommend is detailing leadership roles and collaborative projects in academic settings; it can be a powerful way to demonstrate soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication. Whether it was leading a group project, serving as a class representative, or organizing a student event, these experiences reflect abilities to lead, negotiate, and work as part of a team—all highly valued in professional settings.

Hardy Desai , Founder, Supple Digital

I highly recommend that candidates with limited work experience prominently feature their educational background, especially coursework directly relevant to the target job. Projects, presentations, and research highlighting applicable skills and knowledge are crucial. Including academic awards or distinctions can further emphasize a commitment to excellence. This detailed educational focus enables employers to gauge a candidate’s potential and readiness for the role, clarifying how academic achievements have laid a foundation for professional success.

Grant Aldrich , Founder, Preppy

Candidates with limited work experience should strategically incorporate industry-specific keywords and terminology into their resumes. I recommend aligning their language with the job description and sector expectations, as they signal a strong understanding of the field’s demands and nuances. This approach not only helps in passing through applicant tracking systems but also demonstrates to hiring managers that the candidate is well-versed in industry language and concepts, making them a potentially seamless addition to the team.

Bert Hofhuis , Founder, Every Investor

For individuals with limited work experience, emphasizing skills and competencies, education, and training on their resumes is crucial. Focus on showcasing relevant hard and soft skills tailored to the job you’re applying for, and highlight any projects, volunteer work, or internships that demonstrate these abilities. Additionally, detail your educational background, including degrees, certifications, and any relevant courses or workshops. This approach, combined with mentioning continuous learning efforts, can effectively illustrate your potential and commitment to professional development, making a strong impression on prospective employers even with minimal work experience.

Rachel Weiner , Senior Technology Consultant, EC1 Partners

In my experience of coaching and hiring team members for entry-level roles, I’ve always observed that individuals with great communication skills and those flexible in their choice of projects are better equipped to make a strong impression. In the ever-evolving VUCA world, individuals who are adaptive, hands-on, and resilient are the ones who strive to make the most of their circumstances. In my opinion, it is always best for those with limited experience to be more open to trying out different avenues than being rigid about their choices.

In their resumes, they can highlight these skills by writing about the diverse projects or initiatives they’ve been a part of, to emphasize their ability to be flexible and open to change.

In the last eight years, I’ve observed that candidates who join the workforce with a more generalist approach tend to have better clarity to specialize later when their career paths become more defined.

Tanisha Guin , Education and Career Development Specialist

We all have to start somewhere, but that start can feel almost impossible when every job opportunity you read says ‘such-and-such experience’ even for entry-level positions. So how do you really stand out? You focus in on you. 

Your resume may not stack up against other more experienced candidates, so you want the potential hirers to fall in love with you before they even get there. This is where your cover letter can take center stage, and you can tell your story of what you have done, but also who you are and why this opportunity would mean a lot to you. 

Hirers are humans at the end of the day, and while I’m not suggesting you make up a sob story to pull at their heartstrings, sharing more of you as a person can give you a far stronger chance of getting further in the process and being seen as somebody who they would like to be part of their team, even if it might mean some extra training.

Brett Downes , Founder, Haro Helpers

To attract an employer’s attention and communicate your career goals, start your resume with a compelling summary or objective statement. You can express your objectives and your excitement for the position in this part.

Paul Phelps , Managing Director, Solent Power

A skills-based resume, also known as a functional resume, prioritizes skills over chronological work history. This type of resume highlights bold headings for skills and accomplishments, along with explanations of how those skills were acquired and utilized in previous roles. 

It is particularly beneficial for recent graduates with limited job history or individuals transitioning careers. In a skills-based resume, the focus is on the resume summary or introduction and the skills section, emphasizing relevant qualifications for the desired position.

Travis Willis , Director of Customer Success, Aspire

Individuals with limited work experience can craft a compelling resume by highlighting transferable skills gained from diverse experiences beyond traditional employment. This strategy showcases their potential and adaptability, qualities highly valued by employers. Instead of focusing solely on a limited work history, prioritize showcasing relevant skills and achievements gained through internships, volunteer work, freelance projects, and even significant extracurricular activities. By strategically listing these experiences, individuals demonstrate initiative, adaptability, and a commitment to learning—all indicators of future success in the workplace. Additionally, considering the lack of extensive work experience, prioritize the education section by placing it strategically at the top of your resume. This draws immediate attention to your academic qualifications and any relevant coursework or projects that align with the desired position.

Kimberley Tyler-Smith , VP of Strategy and Growth, Resume Worded

Is a Cover Letter Necessary in 2024?

Published: April 03, 2024

Writing a cover letter can be daunting.

I’ll never forget my college career coach, who made writing a cover letter look easy. Even with her tips, I’ve always found it incredibly difficult to talk about myself and hype up my accomplishments.

While it acts as a letter of introduction, I’ve wondered if a cover letter is necessary in 2024. To find out, I spoke with two recruiters and gained insights on how to write the best cover letter for any job application.

How important is a cover letter?

Is a cover letter necessary, when to skip a cover letter, when to include a cover letter, tips for writing a cover letter, what if the cover letter is optional.

Cover letters are short letters of introduction that you include with job applications.

Typically, they are your chance to go into deeper details about your accomplishments that you might not have highlighted or had room to mention on your resume.

Tiffany Hall, a professional resume writer and founder of Resume911 , says cover letters are an important part of the job application process.

Hall says, “Cover letters can be very important. It’s supposed to sell why you, of all applicants, should get the job. The issue is that applicants use them to regurgitate what’s on their resume, and that’s not what it’s for. It should speak to what isn’t easily explained with your resume.”

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For example, if your resume says you’re skilled at building web pages, your cover letter is a great place to name-drop companies that you’ve worked for to create their websites.

Matthew Muehleisen, a corporate recruiter , thinks a cover letter is also a great place to show you’ve done your homework and researched a company.

Muehleisen says, “It can be what sets you apart from other candidates and applicants and is a good opportunity to show that you’ve done research on the position and company to further showcase your interest in the role.”

Knowing the importance of a cover letter still begs the question: Is a cover letter necessary in 2024?

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While a cover letter can help demonstrate your knowledge of the company you’re applying to and highlight more of your achievements, both Hall and Muehleisen agree that a cover letter isn’t entirely necessary.

Muehleisen says, “Unless it’s a requirement of the application, I wouldn’t say it’s necessary to include a cover letter. There are some roles (usually in content creation and marketing) that will ask for a cover letter as a form of a writing sample. In these instances, make sure your letter is polished and focused.”

If Hall had her way, she would eliminate the cover letter entirely, focus more on the resume, and ask for a link to an applicant’s LinkedIn profile.

According to Hall, “Most cover letters either repeat the resume or they speak to why the applicant isn’t a good fit. Neither is the purpose of a cover letter.”

Nevertheless, 74% of hiring managers still prefer applications to include a cover letter. So, it is definitely worth considering including one — even if the application says it’s optional.

If you’re looking for a new role, writing a cover letter can be time-consuming — especially if you take the time to personalize every letter you send to a hiring manager.

Although a cover letter does serve a legitimate purpose, and 83% of hiring managers read it, there are a few situations where you shouldn’t include a cover letter. Let’s take a look at those scenarios.

If You Only Have a Template of a Cover Letter

I get it. Writing an effective cover letter takes a significant amount of time.

But consider not sending one if you only have time to plug your information into a cover letter template without personalizing it before hitting submit on an application.

Don’t get me wrong. A cover letter template is a great starting point to write your cover letter. Templates often remind you to include pertinent information like the hiring manager’s title, name, and your contact information.

However, if you don’t take the time to edit the body of the cover letter and personalize it with research and your relevant experience, you risk sending the same letter as another candidate.

And considering that 48% of hiring managers spend anywhere from 30 seconds to two full minutes reading each cover letter, the chances are high that your hiring manager can spot a form letter a mile away.

Don’t send it if you don’t have the time to personalize a cover letter.

If Your Cover Letter Is Full of Critique

A cover letter is meant to explain why you’re the best candidate for the open position. However, a cover letter is not a place for you to share your ideas of how the company can improve.

Sure, every company likely has areas of improvement, and the job you’re applying for might be the role that gets a say in that, but a list of improvements might read as a critique.

You don’t want to potentially offend a hiring manager before you even get an interview. A bad cover letter can hurt a strong candidate, according to 33% of hiring managers .

Before you submit your cover letter, read through it several times to make sure it’s not a critique. If it does sound like a critique, throw it out.

If It’s Not Required

There are other instances where you shouldn’t send a cover letter. For example, if the application’s instructions specifically state that you do not need to submit a cover letter for consideration for the job.

In fact, sending a cover letter anyway can signal to the hiring manager that you don’t follow instructions. Not following instructions is also a great way to land your application in the trash bin.

The bottom line is this: If the application specifically states not to send a cover letter, don’t send it.

Of hiring managers, 74% prefer to see job applications with a cover letter apart from the resume. Knowing this, if you have the time to include a cover letter with your job application, don’t skip it.

Here are three instances when you should send a cover letter with your application.

Send a cover letter if you’re very interested in the role.

Think of your cover letter as your time to shine. Use it as a place to highlight your experiences and the qualifications that make you a great fit for the position.

Hall says, “If you can speak to why you’re a good candidate without copying your resume in paragraph form, include a cover letter.”

In other words, don’t use bullet points in your cover letter to describe your previous employment history.

Instead, talk about what you learned on the job and how your skills will help you excel in the role you’re applying for.

Send a cover letter when there’s a gap in your resume or you’re transitioning industries.

If you’re looking to transition to another industry, you should definitely include a cover letter with your application.

Speaking from personal experience, if I had only submitted a resume to my school district when I applied to be a Spanish teacher, the hiring manager would have just seen my experience in Public Health and would not have known about my skills and success in tutoring students in Spanish.

Muehleisen puts it this way, “If you’re looking to transition to a new industry or if there is a position and company you’re really excited about pursuing as an opportunity, these are the best instances to include a cover letter so that you can possibly give yourself an advantage.”

A cover letter can also help explain any gaps in your resume — especially if the gap in your employment history is beneficial to the role you’re applying for.

For example, maybe you volunteered in South America, and the role you’re applying for is for a position in Global Operations.

It never hurts to include positive, pertinent information in your cover letter.

Send a cover letter when it’s required.

The most obvious time to include a cover letter with your application is when it is required. Just like not including a cover letter when it’s not required, it shows you can follow directions.

Include a cover letter when the application asks you to submit one, which shows you can follow directions.

Plus, if the application asks for a cover letter, you can bet the hiring manager will look for it. If no cover letter is included, well, you’re sabotaging your chances of getting an interview.

Only 13% of hiring managers will consider giving a candidate an interview if they don’t attach a required cover letter to an application.

Writing a cover letter is not as painful as it sounds. There are great templates you can use as a starting point for your cover letter.

The trick with a template, though, is to make sure you always personalize the letter to your own experiences and qualifications.

Here are five expert tips to write a winning cover letter.

1. Tailor your cover letter to the job description.

When writing a cover letter, especially if you use a cover letter template, you should tailor the letter to match the job description and meet the requirements of the application.

For example, if the application asks you to attach a short cover letter, keep it brief. Your best bet is one to two short paragraphs detailing why you’re a great fit for the position.

You’ll also want to reference keywords from the job description in your cover letter. Many recruiters use applicant tracking systems that scan application packets for the best fit.

Often, hiring managers review the applications that match the keywords first.

Now, that doesn’t mean to stuff your cover letter with keywords. Instead, use them in a natural way as you discuss your qualifications.

2. Be personable with your greeting.

You might have seen the advice telling you to use “To Whom It May Concern” instead of the hiring manager’s name. This is good advice, but only if you do not know the hiring manager.

Before resorting to a generic greeting to start your cover letter, take the time to look on the company’s website and LinkedIn to find out who makes hiring decisions.

If you have contacts in your network who are familiar with the company, ask them. Taking the time to research the hiring manager and the company shows you care about the details — a quality many hiring managers look for in a candidate!

If you’re still unsure after researching the company, consider using “Dear Sir or Madam” as your greeting.

3. Be yourself.

While a cover letter is a formal introduction of yourself to a potential employer, it doesn’t need to be lacking in personality. Hall suggests sprinkling your personality in your cover letter to spark connections with the hiring manager.

Hall says, “Be your best professional self. I’m a foodie and will include references to food on my LinkedIn, and I’ve done it in a cover letter. I’ve had managers reference them, and we had a chuckle. I am also very clear about aligning myself with companies whose mission and goals I respect and can contribute to. I make sure to speak to that in the cover letter.”

Take Hall’s advice. Showcasing your vibrant personality in your cover letter can help break the ice in your interview!

4. Proofread your cover letter.

Once you’ve written your cover letter and before you hit “send,” double-check that it is free from spelling and grammar errors and that the company you referenced is the company you are applying to.

Muehleisen says skipping proofreading your cover letter is a big mistake — and it could cost you the job!

Muehleisen says, “Make sure that you are proofreading prior to sending. If the cover letter feels like it is a simple cut/paste or if the job title and company name are incorrect, it may do more harm than good. So, be sure that what you’re sending is pertinent.”

5. Be cautious of AI.

AI tools, like ChatGPT or Claude, are great for helping draft content. You might be tempted to ask generative AI to write your cover letter for you. However, both Hall and Muehleisen say to proceed with caution when it comes to AI.

Hall says, “AI is coming along in amazing ways, so it may come as a surprise that my best tip didn’t include AI. I tell my clients when they’re stuck to look to their peers. You can search people by job title on LinkedIn. See how they describe themselves and pull from there. Or, hire a resume writer or career strategist to help you.”

Muehleisen agrees with her. He says, “I would hesitate to use a tool or service for a cover letter as the point should be to show your authenticity. If you are going to use AI for assistance, make sure to put your own words in as well.”

However, when you write your cover letter, whether using a template or generative AI, personalizing it is key to standing out from the competition.

If the job description says a cover letter is optional, should you send one, or can you get by without it?

That can be tricky, considering 72% of recruiters still expect a cover, even if it’s optional.

According to Muehleisen, sending a cover letter is not a bad idea. He says, “I’ve never heard of a cover letter hurting an applicant’s chances; just make sure the one you’re including is specific to the job description and posting.”

Check out these cover letter examples for more inspiration.

Experiment With Your Cover Letters

Writing a cover letter is a breeze once you get the hang of it. With today’s challenging job market, sending a cover letter with your application can make a difference in whether you get called for an interview.

I can’t make promises that your cover letter will dazzle hiring managers each time, but for the right position for you, it will.

Remember Hall and Muehleisen’s advice when you craft your cover letter. Personalization is key to success!

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