cover letter for new graduate

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

Written by James Vandersmith

April 20, 2023.

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

Create an Impactful Recent Graduate Cover Letter Header.

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

Connect Your Qualifications And Relevant Skills to the Job Position.

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

Draw Attention to Soft skills and Attributes.

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

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

• Problem-solving: quick, troubleshooting, analytical skills

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

• Adaptability: open-mindedness, adaptability to changing conditions

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

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

• Language fluency (if relevant).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maximizing Your Recent Graduate Cover Letter

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

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

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

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

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

Conclude your Recent Graduate Cover Letter in an Impressive Way.

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

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

New Graduate Cover Letter FAQs

Do fresh graduates need cover letters.

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

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

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

How important are recent graduate cover letters?

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

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

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

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

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

How long should a cover letter be for a graduate?

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

Electrical Engineer Cover Letter Example

Dear Hiring Manager,

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

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

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

Thank you for your consideration.

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Table of Contents

• Search Search Please fill out this field.
• Career Planning
• Finding a Job
• Cover Letters

Sample Cover Letters for a Recent College Graduate

Tips for Writing a Strong Cover Letter

• Cover Letter Example & Template

How to Send an Email Cover Letter

Email cover letter example.

For recent graduates newly on the job market, writing an effective cover letter is just as important as crafting a strong resume . In a cover letter, you'll build a case for your candidacy and pitch yourself to the employer. If your cover letter is a success, you’ll receive a follow-up from the recruiter, human resources person, or hiring manager.

As a recent grad, it can sometimes be hard to know how to prove you will be an excellent candidate since you probably do not have a ton of on-the-job experience. However, between summer jobs, campus jobs, internships, campus involvement, and volunteer work, you likely have more experience than you think.

There are two things to consider when writing a cover letter. The first is the content of the letter:

• What will you write to show that you are a strong candidate for the job? Do not copy the information in your resume precisely; instead, cherry-pick your most relevant experience and skills. Read the job ad carefully to get a sense of what the employer is looking for in candidates. It's always best if you can personalize your cover letter — explain to the hiring manager why you would like to work at this company specifically.

The second factor in a cover letter is the format. Whether you send a hard copy cover letter or an email one, it's important to format your letter correctly:

• Review the essential elements of the cover letter , including the salutation , cover letter body, closing, and signature. Then, follow these formatting tips to help your letter stand out.

Your message should be in a formal business-letter format and be targeted to the job to which you’re applying.

Sample Cover Letter and Template

This is an example of a cover letter for a recent college graduate. Download the college graduate cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Sample Cover Letter for a Recent College Graduate (Text Version)

Susan Sharpe 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 susan.sharpe@email.com

September 1, 2018

Chloe Lee Director, Human Resources Acme Publishing 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Ms. Lee,

I would like to express my interest in a position as an editorial assistant for your publishing company. As a recent graduate with writing, editing, and administrative experience, I believe I am a strong candidate for a position at the Acme Publishing Company.

You specify that you are looking for someone with strong writing skills. As an English major, a writing tutor, and an editorial intern for both a government magazine and a college marketing office, I have become a skilled writer with a variety of experience.

Working as an office assistant at the Career Services Office at Acme College has given me the skills necessary to perform various administrative tasks required of an editorial assistant. My job has helped me gain experience in making phone calls, performing ordinary office duties, and executing numerous tasks that involve computer programs such as Microsoft Access and Excel. For three years I have carried out these responsibilities and others with organization, speed, and accuracy, and I know I will be able to apply these abilities to a position with your company.

Although I am a recent college graduate, my maturity, practical experience, and eagerness to enter the publishing business will make me an excellent editorial assistant. I would love to begin my career with your company and am confident that I would be a beneficial addition to the Acme Publishing Company.

I have enclosed my resume and will call within the next week to see if we might arrange a time to speak together. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Signature [hard copy letter]

Susan Sharpe

1. Choose the appropriate subject line . If you're sending your cover letter via email, list your name and the job title in the subject line of the email message, e.g.: “Barbara Smith – Graphic Designer.”

2. Keep your message brief and to the point. Attention spans are short, especially when the reader is trying to get through a packed inbox. Aim for three paragraphs, max, and mention the important information right up front. For example, if you’ve been referred for a job, say that in the first paragraph.

3. Include your contact information in your email signature. That will make it easy for hiring managers to get in touch with you.

4. Proofread and test your message before sending it. Make sure your cover letter is typo-free and formatted correctly.

Subject: Alicia Sanchez - Marketing Assistant Position

Dear Ms. Roberts,

George Markowitz recommended that I contact you to express my interest in the role of marketing assistant, which you’ve recently advertised on Elemenco’s jobs page.

I interned with George for two years at Z-Ray before he joined your team, and he can speak to my passion for developing and supporting marketing strategies. In my current role, I work closely with the senior content team to develop campaigns and monitor the success of our programs. I believe my experience makes me an excellent candidate for the job at Elemenco. I have:

Two years of experience as a marketing intern

•  A bachelor’s degree in Marketing & Advertising
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Advanced Google Analytics, Marketo, and Microsoft Office skills

I’d love to speak with you more about your requirements for the role. I hope you’ll contact me at your convenience to set up an interview.

Alicia Sanchez 123 Main Street XYZ Town, NY 11111 Email: Alicia.Sanchez@email.com Cell: 555-123-4545

• Internships
• Career Advice

Cover Letter Tips for Recent Graduates

Published: Jun 27, 2023

Searching for your first job after graduation can seem daunting, but with the right tools, like a polished cover letter , you can stand out from other candidates. Here are five tips to craft an impressive cover letter as a recent graduate.

1. Showcase relevant academic achievements

Don't worry about having limited professional experience. What you can do instead is mention important academic achievements you’ve cultivated that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. Of course, in your cover letter, you can talk about any internships you've had, but you can also talk about relevant coursework or projects from college related to the position.

For example, if you're applying for a marketing role and you led a successful fundraising campaign for a club or organization in college, highlight how this experience equipped you with hands-on knowledge of campaign planning, execution, and team management.

2. Leverage practical experiences

When crafting your letter, think about your time participating in clubs or associations, volunteer work, or fieldwork. Then think about the skills, hands-on experience, and industry exposure that you acquired through your involvement in these activities.

It’s important when discussing your practical experiences in your cover letter that you don't forget to spotlight any notable accomplishments you've earned. Did you fill a leadership position, win an award, or gain recognition for your work? Ensure that you list this information, as well as the skills that you gained along the way. If you were part of a debate team, for example, share how it enhanced your persuasive communication skills and how this characteristic would be beneficial for roles in sales or consulting.

3. Highlight soft skills

Your academic years have certainly provided you with skills that can translate to your professional career. So, as you put together your cover letter , point out the skills that you gained from your practical experiences and how they translate to the position you want. When doing so, elaborate more on your soft skills that were developed indirectly as a result of your academic work. Think about when you collaborated on projects or worked in a team, and highlight any teamwork skills, leadership skills, problem solving skills, and conflict resolution skills you gained as a result. And if you coordinated tasks in a group project, this is an opportunity to show off your project management skills.

4. Demonstrate passion and enthusiasm for the industry

It’s important that your cover letter conveys your excitement for the field you’re entering. So, you might discuss experiences that ignited your passion for the field and helped you decide which way you want to go in your professional career. For instance, if attending a technology conference sparked your interest in artificial intelligence and led you to take additional courses, be sure to include it.

In addition, showing your genuine interest in continuing to learn and grow in the field is a great way to make a positive impression on the recruiter reading your cover letter. So, you might mention what you’re looking forward to in the future to continue your professional development in the field. This could mean talking about a graduate degree or just a single class you want to take to boost your industry-specific skills.

5. Use keywords and tailor them to the job description

As you plan out your cover letter, hop on job sites and go over descriptions from similar roles. Take note of important key words or phrases that you see in multiple job posts so that you can bring them up in your cover letter. For example, if you notice that data analyst roles often list Python, SQL, or Tableau, and you have experience with these, include them in your cover letter. Tailoring your letter in this way shows that you understand the job requirements and have the skills to meet them.

Also, while it might seem tiresome, personalizing your cover letter for each role or company you apply to is incredibly effective. When applying to two different companies for similar roles, you’ll likely have skills that overlap. Even so, emphasize the skills that are more important for each specific role or company. This personalization demonstrates why you’re a good candidate for the position that you’re applying for and that you took the time to research the role and explain why you’d be an excellent fit.

Eva Chan is a Career Counselor and Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) at Resume Genius , and has a background in the education management industry. Eva graduated from the University of British Columbia with a bachelor’s degree in English. She’s since coached a variety of people at different stages of their career paths: interns, undergraduate and graduate students, managers, and C-suite executives.

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Applying for your first job as a fresh college graduate?

While you may have spent days on end drafting a perfect resume for job applications, sending out your resume alone may not be enough to impress the recruiters.

To up your chances of getting shortlisted, you need to leverage your recent education that is up to par with the latest industry trends and tell the recruiters how you can utilize this knowledge to benefit the company.

But since your resume doesn’t allow you to narrate this, a cover letter can do just that.

What’s more?

Including a cover letter in your application shows your enthusiasm, work ethic, and allows the recruiters to have a better understanding of your candidacy.

Read on to learn more about a cover letter for a recent graduate and the following related FAQs:

• What is a cover letter for a recent graduate?
• What should a cover letter for recent graduate include?
• How to write a cover letter for recent college graduate
• What is a cover letter example for a recent graduate?

What is a Cover Letter for a New Graduate?

A cover letter for a recent graduate is a document that supports your job application.

The purpose of a cover letter is to serve as an extension of your resume, presenting your skills and knowledge in more detail.

A recent graduate cover letter must be a page long and should be written with a particular employer in mind.

Given the fact that 26% of employers read and consider cover letters to be influential in their decision to hire candidates, writing a compelling cover letter for a recent graduate can increase your chances of getting an interview callback.

Also read: How to write a cover letter for a recent nursing graduate?

What Should a Recent College Graduate Cover Letter Include?

As opposed to repeating the same details that are already in your resume, your recent graduate cover letter must help recruiters see how your skills and knowledge meet their requirements in the bigger picture.

And unlike a professional cover letter that highlights a candidate’s work experience and professional achievements, a cover letter for a recent graduate must talk about the following:

• Relevant extracurricular activities
• Volunteer work experience
• Academic accomplishments (awards & scholarships)
• Abroad education (if applicable)
• Relevant coursework and skills
• Vocational training and certifications

Whatever aspects of academic experience you choose to highlight in your recent graduate cover letter, ensure that it is relevant to the job profile you are targeting and is tailored according to the job listing.

Also read: How to write a cover letter?

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Recent Graduate?

Although the context of a cover letter for a recent graduate is different than that of an experienced professional, the basic format and guidelines remain the same.

Here are some tips that will help you write an impressive recent graduate cover letter:

Choose a Suitable Format

Not only must your new grad cover letter have compelling content, but it must also look appealing to the recruiters.

Ensure that your cover letter has the following elements:

• 1” margin on four sides
• Double spaces between paragraphs
• 1/1.5 line spacing
• Left-aligned content
• 10-12 points font size

Also, make sure that the font style you choose looks professional and doesn’t have any special characters.

Personalize Your Graduate Cover Letter

Even though you may be sending out multiple applications to different companies at once, you need to personalize your cover letter for each company.

When you put in the effort to research the company and find out the name of the hiring manager for your recent graduate cover letter, it will reflect your genuine interest and attention to detail.

Plus, not a lot of candidates follow this approach, making your application stand out from the rest.

Also, if the hiring manager is a female, avoid using “Mrs.”. Instead, use “Ms.” or “Miss”.

If the hiring manager has a professional title like “Dr.” or “Prof.”, use that title instead.

Take a look at this sample of a personalized recent graduate cover letter salutation:

Also read: How to address a cover letter without a name?

Introduce Yourself and State Your Intent

The first paragraph of a cover letter for a recent graduate should include the following information:

• A brief introduction to yourself (along with your college major, certifications, etc)
• The position you’re applying to
• The source’s name where you found the job listing from
• Mention of referrals (if any)

Write your cover letter concisely to avoid boring the recruiters and deliver all the essential information promptly.

Also read: How to start a cover letter?

Highlight Relevant Information

The body of your new grad cover letter must highlight the best of your academic achievements and knowledge.

Tell the recruiters how the skills and knowledge you have acquired through your education can help you contribute to the company’s growth.

If you received academic scholarships and awards based on your performance, emphasize that. Those are your proven track record of potential and abilities.

Focus on talking about coursework that is in line with the job profile. If you have relevant certifications in the same field, highlight those in the given manner:

“After completing my English degree at XYZ University, I took a certificate course on technical writing that helped me develop the skills and technicality required for writing manuals, documents, and white papers.”

Link Yourself to the Company

Read the job listing thoroughly to understand the requirements of the recruiters and show how your qualifications allow you to meet the company prerequisites.

You must also state your reasons for wanting to work for that particular company.

Beyond the monetary factors, why do you want to work for them? Is it because they offer flexible working schedules? Or is it due to the company’s work culture?

Depending on what you identify with, mention the same in your recent graduate cover letter. Doing so will show your sincerity as a potential employee and will make the recruiters want to shortlist you.

End with a Call to Action

Rather than opting for a generic line like “Thank you for your consideration.”, wrap up your recent graduate cover letter with a strong call to action.

Here’s what you can write:

“I would be delighted to further discuss my qualifications and suitability with you on call or in person. I’m available at 999-9999-9999.”

Also read: How can you draft a stellar accounting internship cover letter?

Sample Cover Letter for Recent College Graduate with No Experience

Also read: What are some samples for great cover letters?

Key Points from the Blog

• A cover letter for a recent graduate is an extension of your resume that gives the recruiters a better understanding of your candidacy.
• Your new grad cover letter must show recruiters how your qualifications and skills make you the perfect candidate for the job.
• Always personalize your salutations and cover letter address to show your attention to detail.
• Highlight your most notable academic achievements like scholarships and awards in your recent graduate cover letter.
• If you completed your degree from a university abroad, mention that in your recent graduate cover letter.
• The format of your recent graduate cover letter must be professional and easy to read.
• State your reasons for wanting to work for a particular company and use the job listing as a reference to tailor your new grad cover letter.
• End your graduate cover letter with a call to action .

Simplify your graduate cover letter writing process by using Hiration's AI-powered cover letter builder .

If you have any questions, you can direct them to [email protected] .

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