cover letter for graduate trainee application

Graduate cover letter examples

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

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

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

CV templates

Graduate cover letter example 1

Graduate cover letter example 2

Graduate cover letter example 3

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

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

How to write a Graduate cover letter

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

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

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

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

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

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

Start with a friendly greeting

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

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

Go with something like…

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

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

How to find the contact’s name?

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

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

Identify the role you are applying for

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

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

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

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

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

Highlight your suitability

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

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

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

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

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

Keep it short and sharp

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

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

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

Sign off professionally

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

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

The information to add should include:

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

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Jill North IT Project Manager 078837437373 [email protected] LinkedIn

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

What to include in your Graduate cover letter

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

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

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

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

Graduate cover letter templates

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

I hope you’re well.

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

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

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

Kind regards,

Leila Marker ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

Dear Frances,

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

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

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

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

Giles Stevens ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

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

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

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

Mason Harley ¦ 07777777777 ¦ [email protected]

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

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

Good luck with your job search!

Cover Letter For Graduate Trainee Application

"I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the Graduate Trainee position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Job Board/Company Website]. As a recent graduate with a [Your Degree] in [Your Major] from [Your University], I am eager to embark on a rewarding career journey and believe that [Company Name] provides the ideal platform for my professional development. My academic background, combined with my passion for [Industry/Field], has equipped me with a strong foundation in [Relevant Skills or Knowledge], and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and dedication to [Company Name]'s dynamic team. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, [Company Name] aligns perfectly with my career aspirations, and I am eager to explore how my abilities can complement your organization's goals."

Template General Graduate Trainee Cover Letter

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Your Email Address] [Today's Date]

[Employer's Name] [Company Name] [Company Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Employer's Name],

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Graduate Trainee position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Job Board/Company Website]. As a recent graduate with a [Your Degree] in [Your Major] from [Your University], I am excited about the opportunity to begin my career and develop my skills with a dynamic and reputable organization like [Company Name].

During my academic journey, I acquired a solid foundation in [Relevant Skills or Knowledge], which I believe will serve as a strong basis for my contributions as a graduate trainee. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of your commitment to innovation and excellence in [Industry/Field]. I am eager to learn from your experienced team, contribute my enthusiasm, and help [Company Name] maintain its position as a leader in the industry.

My coursework and internships have provided me with practical experience in [Relevant Skills], including [Specific Skill 1] and [Specific Skill 2]. Additionally, my strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, as well as my effective communication skills, will enable me to adapt quickly and make valuable contributions to [Company Name]'s projects.

I am impressed by [Company Name]'s dedication to professional growth and development. Your structured graduate trainee program aligns perfectly with my career goals, and I am excited about the prospect of participating in it. I am confident that my passion for [Industry/Field] and my drive to excel will make me a valuable asset to your team.

Enclosed is my resume, which provides further details about my academic background and experiences. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and enthusiasm align with [Company Name]'s goals during an interview. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] to schedule a convenient time for us to connect.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the success of [Company Name] as a Graduate Trainee.

[Your Name]

Template Graduate Trainee Cover Letter for Marketing

I am excited to apply for the Graduate Trainee position in Marketing at [Company Name], as advertised on [Job Board/Company Website]. As a recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from [Your University], I am eager to start my career in the dynamic world of marketing and believe that [Company Name] is the perfect place to do so.

During my academic journey, I honed my marketing skills and developed a deep understanding of consumer behavior, market trends, and digital marketing strategies. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of your innovative marketing campaigns and reputation for pushing boundaries in the industry.

My coursework and internships have equipped me with practical experience in areas such as social media marketing, content creation, and data analysis. I am confident that my creativity, attention to detail, and analytical thinking will allow me to contribute effectively to [Company Name]'s marketing initiatives.

I am impressed by [Company Name]'s commitment to fostering talent through its graduate trainee program. Your program's focus on mentorship and hands-on experience aligns perfectly with my career goals. I am excited about the prospect of working alongside your experienced marketing team and learning from the best in the field.

Enclosed is my resume, which provides further details about my academic background and experiences. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and passion for marketing align with [Company Name]'s objectives during an interview. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] to schedule a convenient time for us to connect.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the success of [Company Name] as a Graduate Trainee in Marketing.

Template Graduate Trainee Cover Letter for Finance

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Graduate Trainee position in Finance at [Company Name], as advertised on [Job Board/Company Website]. With a Bachelor's degree in Finance from [Your University], I am eager to embark on a career in finance and believe that [Company Name] offers an ideal environment for my professional growth.

My academic background has provided me with a strong foundation in financial analysis, risk management, and investment strategies. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of your reputation for financial excellence and your commitment to delivering value to clients.

During my studies, I undertook internships where I gained practical experience in financial modeling, data analysis, and market research. My attention to detail, quantitative skills, and ability to analyze complex financial data will enable me to contribute effectively to [Company Name]'s finance team.

I am impressed by [Company Name]'s dedication to developing talent through its graduate trainee program. Your program's emphasis on mentorship and real-world exposure aligns perfectly with my career aspirations. I am eager to work alongside your experienced finance professionals and contribute to [Company Name]'s continued success.

Enclosed is my resume, which provides further details about my academic background and experiences. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and passion for finance align with [Company Name]'s goals during an interview. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] to schedule a convenient time for us to connect.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the success of [Company Name] as a Graduate Trainee in Finance.

Template Graduate Trainee Cover Letter for Information Technology

I am excited to apply for the Graduate Trainee position in Information Technology at [Company Name], as advertised on [Job Board/Company Website]. With a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from [Your University], I am eager to launch my career in IT and believe that [Company Name] offers an excellent platform for my professional development.

My academic journey has equipped me with a strong foundation in programming, network administration, and software development. I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of your cutting-edge technology solutions and your reputation for innovation in the IT industry.

During my studies, I gained hands-on experience through internships where I worked on IT projects, solved technical issues, and developed software applications. My problem-solving skills, programming proficiency, and ability to adapt to emerging technologies make me well-suited to contribute to [Company Name]'s IT team.

I am impressed by [Company Name]'s commitment to nurturing talent through its graduate trainee program. Your program's focus on mentorship and exposure to diverse IT projects aligns perfectly with my career goals. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with your skilled IT professionals and learn from the best in the field.

Enclosed is my resume, which provides further details about my academic background and experiences. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my technical skills and passion for IT align with [Company Name]'s objectives during an interview. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] to schedule a convenient time for us to connect.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the success of [Company Name] as a Graduate Trainee in Information Technology.

We are delighted to extend our professional proofreading and writing services to cater to all your business and professional requirements, absolutely free of charge. Should you need any email, letter, or application templates, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at englishtemplates.com. Kindly leave a comment stating your request, and we will ensure to provide the necessary template at the earliest.

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Graduate Cover Letter
Career Advice

Graduate Cover Letter Template

If an employer requests a CV to apply for a vacancy you should always include a graduate cover letter. This is your opportunity to introduce yourself and explain your suitability for the role. You must take time over your cover letter and make sure they are immaculate. Spell checkers are not enough. Be sure to use the cover letter examples provided to give you the best chance of grabbing your dream job!

Writing a graduate cover letter

What is a cover letter? It's an accompanying document to your graduate CV and often they are an important method of communication. They can provide an informal and friendly view of personal events to people, or they can be formal documents offering factual information to people you have not met. This is your chance to tell them what skills you have and why you want to work specifically for that company. Unlike email, letters are tangible and layout is as important as content.

Graduate cover letters have a standard format and this is shown in the cover letter examples attached. If you are writing to a named person then it is 'Yours sincerely', if you write 'Dear Sir/Madam' the correct ending is 'Yours faithfully'.

A graduate cover letter should:

Introduce them to your personality and your commitment to them
Give compelling examples of your suitability to the company as well as the role
Make references to key requirements they look for
Suggest there is even more to learn about you over a call or in person
Make the employer want to talk to you
Demonstrate your written communication skills

cover letter for graduate trainee application

Some golden rules

Never put anything in your cover letter that cannot be backed by your graduate CV or application form. The human resources staff will look for discrepancies and for any mistakes that show a lack of attention to detail. Also anything you write can be brought up during graduate interviews , so make sure you can back up what you write with good examples. Don’t forget it is actually a criminal offence to lie on your cover letter for a CV, so always be honest but convincing about what you know or the skills you have.

There are some conventions about letters of application. Generally letters sent with CVs or graduate job applications should:

be addressed to a named person;
state why you are writing, what you are applying for and what you are currently doing;
flag up the most important/relevant thing you want the employer to know about you;
use eye catching key words that the employer is likely to be looking for. You can work it out by thinking about the job spec and by doing your research;
refer the reader to your CV or job application form;
show that you know something about the company;
make a connection between your skills and abilities, and company needs or wants;
identify the career you are seeking;
be reasonably brief.

Remember if the covering letter for a job application is poor, the employer may not bother to read your CV. This also applies to application forms as well so remember this keeps you in the race for the job, it is essential to not stumble at the first hurdle.

Attached are two examples of cover letters of a job application. Both are acceptable. Use these examples only as a guideline; your covering letter should show your originality and if you are serious about working for a particular company it should not be difficult to adapt these examples. Our cover letter guide is to help you start writing your own letter, so yours should be bespoke to the company. You're telling them you want to work for them specifically and anything generic will only decrease your chances. Remember, you will have to justify what you say and why you said it at a job interview.

Format of a graduate cover letter:

Personal statement.

The personal statement can be used as a heading to a CV or as an additional statement on an application form.

The personal statement is not solely for telling the employer what a great person you are, it is about telling the employer what you hope to achieve in the future, that you will fit into their structure and you have transferable skills which will be useful for them. This is your chance to show what you have found out about the company and why you want to work for them. Even more important is to show why you would be a good asset for the team. For example:

"My career objective is to enter research in the ... industry. I have demonstrated strong research skills during university project work and much of my experience has been within a team environment. I am able to take responsibility for my own work as well as being able to demonstrate leadership when required. Meeting deadlines has been a consistent part of my academic and working life and I have learned how to communicate with people in situations which require tact. My academic skills have given me the ability to communicate effectively on paper as well as through presentations."

Personal profile

The personal profile reflects the type of person you are. It offers the employer a taste of your character and your goals, and many CVs use a skills profile. Show why you think this role is perfect for you. For example:

"I am an outgoing person who can talk to people at all levels and have been complimented on my ability to listen to other people. I can take responsibility for my own work and my own goals, but I also enjoy working with other people to reach a common goal. Reflection is an important part of my personality and this has led me to develop a strong feeling for detail without losing sight of the whole picture. ... holds strong fascination for me and my objective is to work in research within this field."

"My academic and work experience has taught me to work well with other people and to take responsibility for my own work. I have an outgoing personality and am keenly interested in good health through exercise and diet. One of my most important assets is my ability to listen to people."

Skills profile

Skills profile identifies your competence in a variety of skills and these can be shown through bullet points or by a short sentence linked to specific skills. Keep this concise, but include everything relating to the job spec. They will want to see as many directly relatable skills to the job as possible. For example:

"During my academic study and work experience I have developed skills such as:

problem solving
time management (etc)"

Or you might support them with a short sentence, for example:

"Problem solving

My university project work has demanded that I undertake investigation into a specific topic and analyse the information before putting recommendations forward in a presentation."

"Time management

During my time at university I have undertaken full-time study, part-time paid work and enjoyed my sport with the basketball team. I have prioritised each of these activities successfully."

The best skills to write about are the ones that have achieved something positive. Any examples you have that a skill you applied to hit a target or anything positive will stand out on a cover letter. The main thing is that it must be concise. Let them see why they should want meet you, so make it personal and tailored towards their business. Whatever style you adopt remember what you say in your profile is open for questioning at an interview.

Email cover letters

When submitting a cover letter for a job applications there are a few things that you must remember to check. Firstly check that your cover letter and CV, for that matter, is attached. Be careful and check the formatting of the email and cover letter. Ensuring the font is the same all the way through. Try to keep the font consistent throughout your CV, cover letter and email. This will just look more professional. Make sure your read the job specification when applying; they may want something specific in the email subject.

The final advice

make your graduate cover letter tailored to the company.
make it concise.
make it persuasive and eye catching.
proof read. Read it once, then read it again and then read it again. If possible get someone else to read it for you to catch every little typo or grammatical error.
use an appropriate format; it must look professional i.e. for business purposes.
make it generic.
waffle! Think about what is relevant to the company and particularly the actual position/role.
make it more than one side of A4.
leave errors that will make it easy for the company to reject your application.
forget to put the address of the company at the top of the cover letter and to sign it with you name. It is a formal letter so it must be in the correct format.

Opt for a creative approach

It is diffiuclt to make your application stand out from the crowd. However, in some instances you could opt for a creative approach! Take this example bellow of an applicant using a spotify playlist to apply! This may not be appropiate to use in some applications however it is some food for thought.

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How to write a cover letter for a graduate job.

Ruairi Kavanagh

5 Oct 2023, 09:35

Although the majority of graduate employers now use online application processes, ome jobs require that you apply with the traditional CV. However, CV’s need a compelling cover letter to accompany them. Think of it as an introduction to yourself and follow our helpful tips. Remember, you need to stand out from the crowd.

Graduate writing an application cover letter

What to include in a cover letter

A CV cover letter should be no more than one page long – around four or five brief paragraphs.

Always include the name of the person, not 'Dear Sir/Madam'. This is particularly important when you're making speculative applications because you want your letter to reach someone who can act on it.

Specify why you are writing (eg in response to an advertisement or on a speculative basis). If it's about an advertised job, state the job title you are applying for (and reference number, if there is one) and where you saw it advertised.

State briefly why you want to work for this particular organisation and why they should employ you. Don’t repeat what is in the CV, but highlight your ‘unique selling points’. Be as specific as possible about how your experience matches the job. (If the letter is accompanying an application form rather than a CV, this is not always necessary as you will have used the form to make these points.) Also, make sure you have done your research and found some key facts about the organisation that you can refer to an emphasise your suitability in working for them.

Give details of your availability for interview. If relevant (eg if the employer has several different graduate schemes), state which other positions with the organisation you would also like to be considered for.

Finish with a keen but professional sign-off.

Your name and address

Put your contact details at the top of the letter – right-justified (i.e. lined up against the right-hand margin) or centred. Include your postal address, telephone number and email address.

The recipient's name and address

This is usually left-justified (i.e. lined up against the left-hand margin).

Leave one line space below the recipient’s address, then put the date you are writing the letter.

The greeting

Always start ‘Dear’ followed by the person’s title (Mr, Ms, Dr etc) and surname, eg ‘Dear Mr Smith’.

If you don’t know their name, start ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ (NOT ‘Madame’ – that means something different!). But it is always best to find out the name of the person who you want to read your letter, which in today's online world is easier than it's ever been, but don't be afraid to pick up the phone and ask someone in the organisation if needs be.

Get the insights and skills you need to shape your career journey with Pathways. We’ll show you exactly what goes into a convincing cover letter, so you can give yourself the best chance of getting to the next stage of the application process.

The subject

Leave one line space below the salutation, then put the subject of your letter, underlined. For example ‘Application for graduate trainee position’. Include the job reference number if there is one. This makes life easier for the HR person reading the letter. In an email, this will go in the subject line.

The body text

Write clearly and succinctly. It's vital that you don't go overboard on the thesaurus, clarity is key and don't write in words that you would never use verbally. There is no need for extra embellishments.

Normally, a formal letter should not be more than one side of A4. Structure your letter with a beginning, a middle and an end.

Use business-like language: this should be closer to the essays you write at college than the letters you send to your parents.

Signing off

Finish the letter ‘Yours sincerely’. Leave a space for your signature, then type your name. If you can create a digital signature or insert an image of your signature it can add a nice touch.

‘Yours sincerely’ is traditionally used when you don’t know the name of the person you are writing to, but is becoming less common.

Cover letter checklist

Are your contact details up to date?
Have you spelled the employer's name correctly?
Have you included the job title, reference number and where you saw the advertisement?
Have you kept a copy?
Have you kept it to one page where possible?

Cover letter overview

1. do your research.

Find out something about their organisation that makes you want to work and say why.

2. Know the job spec

Write about why this job is perfect for you and use examples. This is an opportunity for you to show employers that you have done your homework. You should also match it with your CV. Highlight your most relevant experience in the cover letter and then the recruiter can read the details in the CV.

3. Short and sweet

When it comes to cover letters, keep it to one page and no more than three to four paragraphs. Remember to include the date and a proper formal greeting. You can use a person’s first name if you have introduced yourself previously.

4. Be yourself

Don’t go overboard on the thesaurus. Instead use simple, clear language. Give specific reasons why you want the job and why you are the right person for the job. Remind the employer at the end of the letter that you would very much like to hear from them for an interview.

Visit the career advice section of gradireland.com for more practical tips.

gradireland editorial advice

This describes editorially independent and impartial content, which has been written and edited by the gradireland content team. Any external contributors featuring in the article are in line with our non-advertorial policy, by which we mean that we do not promote one organisation over another.

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Best Graduate Trainee Cover Letter

What is the Graduate Trainee cover letter?

Why do Graduate Trainee cover letters matter?

Structure of the Product Manager cover letter

How to write a great Graduate Trainee cover letter?

Graduate Trainee Cover Letter Example Tips

Whenever a job seeker applies for a Graduate Trainee role in a new company, he/she must signal their value through multiple mediums. While the Graduate Trainee resume will be the most well-known part of the Graduate Trainee job application, but, do consider the Graduate Trainee cover letter equally important for landing a job. Writing a great Graduate Trainee cover letter plays an important role in your job search journey.

Many employers no longer ask for cover letters these days, whereas, many employers still ask for cover letters from job seekers. And if you are sending an email to the recruiting team to apply, your email itself acts as a cover letter.

An engaging Graduate Trainee cover letter can help you grab an employer's attention, which can lead to landing an interview for a job. Before creating a job-winning cover letter that really works for you, you need to know what content and format are to be used. Check out our perfect Graduate Trainee cover letter example and start creating one for you on our easy to use cover letter builder.

When writing a Graduate Trainee cover letter, always remember to refer to the requirements listed in the job description of the job you're applying for. Highlight your most relevant or exceptional qualifications to help employers see why you stand out from other candidates and are a perfect fit for the role.

CV Owl's Graduate Trainee cover letter example will guide you to write a cover letter that best highlights your experience and qualifications. If you're ready to apply for your next role, upload your document on CV Owl for a review service to make sure it doesn't land in the trash.

Here we will discuss what a cover letter is, how to write a cover letter, why it matters for your job search, and what its structure should look like.

Must Read: How to Write a Cover Letter & Cover Letter Writing Tips explained

A cover letter is a narrative about who you are and why the recruiter should invest time in evaluating you, rather investing in other candidates. You need to showcase that you're the right fit for that specific job opening. It's important to always remember that the role of the cover letter is to share a narrative which is completely different from a resume for your job application.

Whereas, the Graduate Trainee resume should highlight all your quantitative values where you need to prove your worth through concrete numbers. Your Graduate Trainee cover letter should be different from your resume where you need to demonstrate a story about yourself in a way that your resume will never be able to do so. Alternatively, students who study web development can ask for Python assignment help at AssignmentCore whose experts handle various projects in Python language.

Your resume acts as a demo video for employers, which includes quick hits and stats on why you are the best solution whereas your cover letter acts like a customer testimonial white paper. Make it sound like an in-depth discussion with a couple of concrete and impactful experiences that bring you to life as a human being.

Check out professional cover letter templates at CV Owl's cover letter directory and you can use those templates for free for creating your Graduate Trainee cover letter using our professional cover letter builder.

Must Read: How to Get Your Cover Letter Noticed by Employers

The cover letter is kind of a test for you. It tests to see whether you can craft a compelling narrative about yourself. By testing your cover letter writing abilities, the company is trying to assess whether or not you would be able to craft compelling narratives on behalf of that company in the future.

Many companies will let you optionally attach a cover letter along with your application. If you take this as a challenge for yourself and do so, it will showcase your firm commitment to the company, and allows you to tell a story about yourself as a leader and as a collaborator. A solid cover letter will leave a long-lasting impression in the recruiters mind and will help make you stand out from other candidates.

And here's the most important reason of all: the process involved is more important than the output. When you get into the cover letter writing process, you're compelled to figure out the story about yourself, and how you are the best solution for the company's pain.

You're advised to conduct pre-interview research about the company so that you know exactly what you're meant to tackle, and you know exactly how to position yourself throughout the interview. Once you've written your Graduate Trainee cover letter, you'll have a mental reference point about how you want to talk about yourself across all of your interviews, and that's incredibly valuable!

Must Read: Things you need to know before start writing a Cover Letter

Structure of the Graduate Trainee cover letter

The most effective and impact making cover letters consists of three core parts.

The first part is the introduction. The first paragraph should include the following key details: which company you're applying to, what role you're applying to, and a summary of how you will add value to the company.

Many cover letters fail to mention either the job title or the name of the company. This provides a clear indication to the employer that you're using the same cover letter for many companies, which further indicates that you aren't serious enough or you don't care enough about making a good impression. If this is the case, it's better to not write a cover letter at all! And, always make sure you're sending the right cover letter to the right company.

Most of the time, applicants take advantage of cover letter examples or cover letter samples , and forget to clean it up. You need to ensure that you've put in all the hard work in personalization of your cover letter - be professional!

It shouldn't really be about you - rather, it should be about how you're excited about what the company is doing, and about how you're the perfect fit to solve their needs. And if you feel that you can't directly address the job requirements on the company website, you may need to consider applying for a different role instead.

The second part is the narrative. The second paragraph includes your story where you tell about yourself, and where you showcase that your past experiences have made you capable enough to be the best suited candidate available for that specific position.

Use it to address questions that might come up in an interview, such as “what was your proudest moment”, “how did you overcome failure”, and “tell us about a time when you took an initiative from start to end successfully.”

Always remember to customize your cover letter to the specific employer and the specific role that you're applying for rather than using a standard one for all which lands in the bin.

Finally, the last part is the conclusion. In the last & closing paragraph, summarize what value addition you'll bring to the company and why you're the perfect fit for the specific role. Express your excitement about being a part of the team in the near future. Remind them that they should reach out to you to schedule an interview so that they can learn more about how you're the best person to solve their problems.

With a cover letter created with the above structure, you're definitely gonna leave a solid impression that will grab the attention of hiring managers which significantly increases your chances of getting a job interview.

Must Read: Tips for Customizing your Cover Letter

Before you write a single word of your cover letter, you must first prepare your thoughts and pen down on a blank paper.

Ask questions to yourself like: What are your strengths? Where do you stand as a Graduate Trainee? Which of your work experiences is the best so far for the companies you've worked with?

Similarly, conduct research on the company . What is their product, their competitors, their mission, and what is their culture? What problem statement are they trying to solve with the Graduate Trainee role that you're applying to?

So now you must be having 2 stories - one for you and the other of the company. Write down both the stories on a paper. Review your two stories and your pre-interview research, and use that to hammer out your introduction and your conclusion. !

Now bring the whole thing down to a single page eliminating all the unnecessary and unrequired stuff. When the hiring managers assess your cover letter or your resume, they do not evaluate you on the basis of your sum of your experiences but on the average of your experiences. Hence, try to eliminate or cut out every single irrelevant word you've put in as it's gonna bring down the averages of your experience.

One of the simple ways to make sure that your cover letter stands out from the numerous other candidates' cover letters is to personalize your cover letter which helps you grab the hiring manager's attention. Express your enthusiasm about the job showcasing why you're the perfect fit for that specific role and how excited you are to be the part of the team.

Make use of the job description to which you are applying for which will help you to write a cover letter that clearly demonstrates how your skills, experience, or background make you the best available candidate to be a Graduate Trainee for the company. You should demonstrate exactly how much you are interested in the organization and the position, showing that you are able to meet the needs of the company.

Don't forget to learn about the organization. Take some time out to peruse the company's website and learn their values, mission, and then incorporate that information in your cover letter. Let the recruiters know how you came across this position and detail how your ideals are in line with the organization's goals and how your plans for your career can benefit their objectives.

Always make sure you only focus on the skills in the cover letter which the organisation demands and have highlighted in their job description. Specifically, the ones that are listed as being required separately, do not forget to put them in. Give a brief on these skills by offering concrete examples of how you are using or have used them with any success story(if any).

Proofreading & Iterating - Once you're finished writing your cover letter, edit your cover letter and ask for the feedback from your friend or of you have any consultant/mentor, and repeat this process until you and your reviewer agree and are satisfied that you are the best fit for the job from all other candidates that are applying. Learn to use grammarly .

Key points to remember - don't worry too much about the salutation or the greeting. It doesn't matter whether you use "dear sir or madam" or "dear hiring manager" or "to whomsoever it may concern" - the ultimate goal is to demonstrate that you're the stand out candidate out of everyone who's applying for that job posting. Just focus on the core value that you're bringing to the company! If you experience difficulty in composing your cover letter professionally, you can hire an essay writer at CustomWritings to have your cover letter or job application paper written from scratch.

Must Read: Things to remember while sending a Cover Letter

Even with a use of a cover letter sample or template, sometimes it can get even more trickier to make a perfect cover letter. Below listed are some tips to keep in mind when writing your Graduate Trainee cover letter.

Use a proper cover letter format (one-inch margins, line spacing of 1.15, and an 11pt or 12pt classic font).
Always have an attractive yet professional cover letter header.
Show you're the best for the position and explain why you want to be part of the company and the value you will bring.
Always remember to provide your contact information (e.g. phone number and email address), and if possible add a link to your LinkedIn profile which brings more professionalism.
Do not add or share other social media links such as Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
Always proofread your cover letter before sharing with hiring managers. Double check for any typos or grammatical errors. Spell check is your best friend here! Use grammarly!

Make note of these key points and remember that you're selling yourself to not only the hiring manager but also the company.

Must Read: Avail Professional Cover Letter Writing Services

Your Graduate Trainee cover letter is an opportunity for you to tell your story, without being stuck in the formatting constraints of the Graduate Trainee resume. Make use of this chance and let the hiring managers know why you're the best fit for the role!

Start with an attention grabbing introduction, followed by your key narratives as you were answering an interview question . Make sure that your key narratives focus on the pain of the company and how you can take them out of it. Conclude with a conclusion summarizing your value proposition and expresses your excitement about the role.

Notice how your cover letter answers multiple Graduate Trainee interview questions. It should answer the questions “tell me about yourself,” “what are your strengths”, “tell me about a time when you led an initiative”, and “tell me about a time when you overcame a challenge.” If you know how to write a good cover letter , you know how to crack a solid portion of the interview process too!

As you write more and more cover letters, you'll find that you've become better at positioning yourself as a product.

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