sample of cover letter for college student

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• Cover Letter Examples
• College Student Cover Letter Example & Writing Guide

College Student Cover Letter Example & Writing Guide

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Life at college can be great. New people. Parties. Travels. But sometimes, it's tough to have a good time without money. And if you don’t belong to the Rockefeller family, you probably need a job to get it. 

You scrambled a pretty good resume, but now you wonder—do recruiters want cover letters, too? Yes! They do. But no worries, we’ll help you write a college student cover letter that proves you’re a great candidate.

This guide will show you:

• A college student cover letter example better than 9 of 10 others.
• Best tips on how to write a college student cover letter step-by-step.
• How to sell yourself on a cover letter for college students to get any job you want.

Want to write your cover letter fast? Use our cover letter builder. Choose from  20+ professional cover letter templates  that match your resume. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.

Create your cover letter now

Sample cover letter for a resume— See more cover letter examples and create your cover letter here .

You’ll need a best in class resume to go with your college student cover letter. See our guide: College Student Resume

Want to learn more about why you need a cover letter? Check out our blog post: Are Cover Letters Still Necessary?

College Student Cover Letter Sample

1839 Murray Ave

Pittsburgh, PA 15217

(412) 522-6163

[email protected]

Carrie Connors

Head of Research

Prosthenics

3703 Forbes Ave

Pittsburgh, PA, 15213

Dear Carrie,

As a recent graduate of Penn State with a B.S. in Chemistry majoring in biochemistry, I’m applying for the position of clinical research associate with Prosthenics. I developed a particular passion for the interaction of electrodes with biological tissue and clinical research skills which I am confident can contribute to Prosthenics’ increasing focus on neuroprosthetics. I believe I can help with implementing cutting edge prosthetic solutions as a clinical research associate whilst continuing to expand my knowledge in the field. Working with you would be an incredible first step in my research career, as in my opinion you’re the gold standard in this profession.

In addition to my required course work, I volunteered as a lab assistant in my university’s biochemistry research facility where I had the privilege to work with leading lights in the field of bionics. I worked on a broad range of research projects such as creating a bionic hand electrode that improved nerve signal efficiency by 50%.

This opportunity excites me more than I can say. Your reputation in the field of bionics is unequalled and the developments led by your team are consistently world first. Your dedication to improving the lives of people who use prosthetics is incredible and perfectly reflects my own passion for this field of research. 

Could we arrange a call to discuss how my experience working with biosignal sensors could contribute to your goal of continually optimizing performance in prosthetics?

Best Regards,

P.S. I’d also love to discuss how I consolidated three legacy databases into a single system and reduced data entry time for senior researchers by 50%.

Now let’s get that college student cover letter written.

Use the Best College Student Cover Letter Templates

Your first lesson of cover letter writing 101 ? 

Structure matters.

Ace it with a clean, ordered template that’ll get hiring managers excited to read your cover letter.

Bonus. Get this right and you’ve nailed the biggest single factor employers are focussing on for graduate candidates, whatever the career sector. What is it?

82% of employers in 2019 were looking for solid writing skills. And this didn't get lower with time. Write your letter well and you’ve got that covered before they even look at your resume. Here’s a template you can use:

Sample Cover Letter for a College Student—Structure Checklist

• Your contact info in a sharp header
• The company’s contact info
• Dear (hiring manager’s name)
• Paragraph #1: introduction and an achievement that’s tailored to the job
• Paragraph #2: key skills and why you fit the job
• Paragraph #3: your passion + why you want in
• Paragraph #4: your call to action (CTA)
• Best regards + your name
• PS: add value

It’s that simple.

But before you start writing make sure you get your formatting right. If you want your letter to be read it’s got to be easy on the eye.

Cover Letter Sample for College Student—Formatting Basics

• One-inch margins on all sides. White space improves readability.
• Left-align your letter, it’s easier to read. Don’t use justification, it’s against the standard rules of business letter formatting.
• Speaking of business letter format, use the correct spacing: 1 or 1.15.
• Double space between paragraphs. More white space to frame your content.
• For a professional flourish, use a digital copy of your handwritten signature in your sign-off (optional).
• Save in PDF format . It’s the best cover letter file format because it keeps the layout intact. Keep a copy in another format though because some employers won’t accept PDF.

For more advice on cover letter formatting check out our guide: Cover Letter Format: Complete Guide

Don’t know how to find out the hiring manager’s name? See our guide: How to Address a Cover Letter

Get the Basics Right With the Correct Header and Salutation

You’ll see many cover letter templates for many a career. To get an interview for the position you want the rule is the same for all of them. Follow professional letter layout rules. It’s an easy win that many students forget about. The first thing you’ll be writing is the header, that’s the part with the contact details. Always include:

• Your address.
• Your phone number.
• Your email address—line break.
• Name of person you’re sending it to.
• Their title/position.
• Their address.

Here’s an example.

College Student Cover Letter—Header Template

College student cover letter—salutation.

Salutation is just a fancy word for the little part of your letter that says “Dear (hiring manager’s name).” It’s a formal piece of writing so always kick off with “Dear” and never anything casual like “Hi.” That’s fine for a casual email not when applying for jobs.

Also, we’ve mentioned using the hiring manager’s name. This is a great trick because it actually activates your brain in a powerful way. But what if you really can’t find a name?

We recommend you use “Dear Hiring Manager.” Or even better name the department or team you’re applying to, as in “Dear Sales Associate Hiring Manager.” You don’t know the name but you’ve personalized it just enough to catch their attention.

Lastly, if you want an interview then don’t start with “To Whom It May Concern.” It’s too old-fashioned, a hiring manager sees that and their first thought will be “OK Boomer.” 

See more examples of how to format your cover letter heading: Cover Letter Heading: Format & 4+ Header Examples

So that’s the end of the beginning, onto the good stuff.

Start Your College Student Cover Letter Right

You’ve got to start strong. Grab their attention and keep it with a killer opening paragraph.

But don’t just show off. 

Think. What do you have to offer the employer? The job advertisement was posted with specific business goals and challenges in mind.

Be the one who’ll help meet those goals and solve those challenges.

So read the job description and use it to tailor your intro to the job.

There’s a lot of ways of crafting your opening paragraph. Let's look at some of the best for a sample cover letter for college students.

Show off an Accomplishment or Your Impressive Background 

Sure, this is tough when you’re a college student with limited experience. But you have achievements that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

This is a good tactic for recent graduates. Highlight your academic achievements and extracurricular activities to show you’re a well-rounded candidate.

College Student Cover Letter Examples [First Paragraph]

Why does the first college student cover letter example work? There’s knowledge and skills that are specific to the company and the job. Clearly, the writer has done their research about the company's goals.

The second sample. It shows what you’ve done but there are no numbers or achievements to back it up. 

Worse, there are no skills and no focus on the role being applied for. 

It’s too generic for hiring managers who see 250 applications for each job opening.

This might not work so well if you haven’t graduated or haven’t got impressive achievements and numbers to highlight.

Pro Tip: Don’t mention your GPA unless it’s 3.5 or higher. Don’t be tempted to lie, better to leave it out entirely and think of other achievements to mention. 

Here’s another tactic.

Show Excitement, Enthusiasm and Passion

This job has got you as excited as a cheerleader at the end of an undefeated football season. Show that passion and wow the hiring manager with your sheer enthusiasm.

Sure, if you’re still studying, chances are you’ve not got any paid experience. Don’t just give it the old college try though. Even without experience you can still write a professional cover letter.

College Student Cover Letters With No Experience—Introduction

Nice. That positively screams passion. It shows you’ve done your research about the business too. You can bet that Mike will read your resume.

Eager, but a little cringe-worthy. It lacks professionalism and doesn’t offer any noticeable skills.

Just be aware this approach won’t work for more formal college student jobs. Great for a barista, not so good for a graduate job with BCG.

These aren’t the only ways of writing an opening paragraph. Here are some more examples of ways to start a cover letter.

• Name-drop by mentioning you know someone internal.
• Show knowledge of the company’s news or current events.
• Specifically target the hiring manager.
• Create a belief statement.

Whatever you do, make it compelling and make it specific to the job you’re applying for.

Discover more cover letter openings in our guide: How to Start a Cover Letter

So what's next?

Write an Incredible College Student Cover Letter Middle Paragraph

Now we’ve come to the meat in the sandwich. Don’t get the hiring manager excited with a stunning opener then disappoint with lackluster middle.

Keep their attention. Here’s how.

First, you need a paragraph where you outline your relevant experience and achievements. 

Then follow it with a paragraph where you show your motivation and explain why you want this particular job.

Here’s an example for the science graduate we talked about earlier.

Cover Letter Examples for a College Student—Middle Paragraph

This one is hitting all the right notes.

Write a middle paragraph like that and your foot is already in the door.

Write one like this though and the door stays shut.

Yes, it’s eager and passionate. But there’s no substance, no evidence and no proof of understanding the requirements of the job.

How about our bold barista?

College Student Cover Letter Examples—Body

Now that’s a god shot.

That’s way too eager. You’ve convinced Mike that you love coffee but it offers precious little else.

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check . Start building a  professional resume template here for free .

When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and our resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better.

Regardless of the position you are applying for, make sure your college student cover letter doesn’t get too long. Check out our guide: Cover Letter Length: How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?

Close Your College Student Cover Letter With a Call to Action

Your cover letter is near perfect, so why aren’t you getting invited to interviews? 

Could it be that you didn’t ask?

But don’t just write, “Please interview me.” Give the hiring manager that little something extra. 

College Student Cover Letter Samples—CTAs

Nice. You’ve finished off with yet another example of how you meet the hiring manager’s requirements. There’s also additional juicy achievements.

This doesn’t work. It’s dull, old-fashioned, and doesn’t offer anything in return. It’ll go down about as well as Donald Trump running for Student Body President.

Pro Tip:  See the “P.S.” in the first example? That’s cover letter dynamite. It’s as attention-grabbing as free beer during freshman orientation. Use it to add another great achievement and get the hiring manager sold on your application.

 Don't forget to use the right formal closing, too. “Sincerely” works fine, but there are alternatives.

Here’s five of the best formal closings.

College Student Cover Letter Closing Salutations

• Best regards,
• Kind regards,
• With best regards,

Can’t think of a great offer to finish your college student cover letter? Using enthusiasm and eagerness can work too. Read our guide: How to End a Cover Letter

Looking for more tips for recent graduates? Check out our guide: Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example

Key Takeaways

Here’s how to write the perfect cover letter for a college student:

• Follow the right format. It makes your letter more readable and helps to nail the employer’s need for written communication skills.
• Start with a big achievement or energetic eagerness. But don’t make it all about you. Be relevant to the hiring manager’s needs.
• Prove your worth in the college student cover letter middle. Show off your achievements and experience, always staying relevant. Then explain why you want this job
• Finish with a CTA. Ask the question and offer something in return. Get your resume read and get that interview.
• Put in a P.S. as the icing on the cake.

Need more advice? Struggling to write a cover letter for a college student with no experience? Ask away in the comments section. We’re here to help.

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines . We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

• https://www.odu.edu/content/dam/odu/offices/cmc/docs/nace/2019-nace-job-outlook-survey.pdf
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1647299/
• https://www.glassdoor.com/employers/blog/50-hr-recruiting-stats-make-think/

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College Student Cover Letter Example (w/ Tips for 2024)

Navigating college, you've aced your exams, written A++ research papers, and delivered exciting presentations.

Your academic journey has shaped you into a specialist in your domain, and the world is eager to see what you bring...

Yet, the challenge of writing a college student cover letter feels more daunting than that trigonometry class you dreaded in your sophomore year.

Here's the good news: We've got your back!

By the end of this article, you'll know exactly what you have to do to write your student cover letter. Here’s what we’re going to cover:

• A Perfect College Student Cover Letter Example (to Inspire You to Write Yours)
• 5 Steps to Writing an Effective Student Cover Letter
• 3 Tips to Take Your Cover Letter from “Good” to “Great”

Let's dive in!

College Student Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect College Student Cover Letter

You've just witnessed what a job-winning cover letter looks like. Now, it's your turn to craft one!

Just follow these 5 steps, and you’ll be as good as gold!

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

When crafting your college student cover letter, it's essential to kick things off with your contact details . Just like on your resume, these should sit in the header of your cover letter.

Here's a breakdown of what to include:

• Full Name. Your first and last name should proudly sit at the top of the page.
• Intended Job Title. Match the job title on your cover letter to the specific position you're seeking. (E.g.: If you’re applying for the job of “Junior Marketing Manager,” use those exact words and not “Marketing Specialist" or “Advertising Executive.”)
• Email Address. Choose an email address that's professional and straightforward. A combination of your first and last name is a safe bet. (e.g.: [email protected] is good but [email protected] is not.)
• Phone Number. Ensure your provided phone number is accurate so that the hiring manager can reach you. If you're applying for a job in another country, add the international dial code.
• Location. Your city and state will suffice, no need to mention the address. However, if you're seeking a remote position or planning to relocate, be sure to mention it.
• Relevant Links (optional). If you have any relevant websites or social media profiles, such as LinkedIn, feel free to include them.

Once your own contact information is in place, it's time to add the hiring manager's details:

• Company Name. Clearly state the company you're applying to.
• Hiring Manager's Name. If you can find the name of the hiring manager for the specific department you're interested in, include it.
• Location. Specify the city and state or country of the company, especially if it's a global organization.
• Email Address (optional). If you manage to find the hiring manager's email address, it's a nice touch to include it.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you've got all your college student cover letter's contact info in place, the next step is addressing your letter properly.

You can always go for something generic like "To Whom It May Concern,” but if you want to stand out, you’re better off addressing the hiring manager directly .

Start by doing a bit of research. Take a look at the job listing, the company's website, or even their LinkedIn profiles. This will help you find the name and email address of the person who'll be reading your cover letter.

Next, address them in a formal but friendly way. You can use "Ms." or "Mr." followed by their last name. If you're unsure about their gender or marital status, just use their full name. Here are some examples:

• Dear Ms. Rodriguez
• Dear Alex Rodriguez

If you can't find any specific info about the hiring manager or the department head, it's okay to address your letter to the department or the company in general. Just keep it friendly and professional:

• Dear Marketing Department
• Dear Marketing Team
• Dear Human Resources
• Dear Hiring Team

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

Hiring managers typically spend around seven seconds evaluating a college student's application before deciding whether to read it thoroughly. So, making a strong first impression in your cover letter is vital.

In the opening paragraph, be sure to introduce yourself and explain why you're interested in the position. Expressing your enthusiasm for the industry or the specific job can grab the hiring manager's attention.

Doing a bit of research on the company can be very helpful here. The more you know about the employer, the better you can emphasize how well you'd fit into their work culture. This demonstrates that you're not just applying to random companies but are genuinely interested in this particular role.

You can also kick off your cover letter by mentioning a noteworthy achievement or showcasing the skills that make you an ideal candidate. Keep this paragraph short, though. The goal is to spark the hiring manager's interest and encourage them to read into your cover letter's details.

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

The body of your college student cover letter is your chance to provide in-depth details that truly showcase why you're a perfect fit for the job.

Discuss courses, projects, or experiences that have given you skills relevant to the role. Additionally, share any extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or internships that align with the position.

For instance, if you're applying for a marketing role and you managed a social media campaign for a college club, that would be perfect to mention. It's also beneficial to highlight any soft skills, such as communication or teamwork, and give examples of when you've put them to use.

Next, demonstrate that you've done your research by mentioning something specific about the company that resonates with you, whether it's their mission, a product, or a recent accomplishment. 

It's important to show how the company’s values or goals align with your experiences or aspirations. Every cover letter should be tailor-made for the job you're applying for, so make sure to emphasize experiences and skills that match the job description. 

It can also be helpful to incorporate keywords from the job posting, especially if the company uses applicant scanning software for initial screening.That said, avoid the temptation to simply rehash your college resume - your cover letter should be a supplementary document, not a copy-paste.

Want to learn what a great cover letter looks like in different fields? Check out our cover letter examples !

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Wrapping up your college student cover letter is the final touch that can leave a lasting impression.

It's essential to conclude on a strong note, ensuring that your conclusion reinforces why you're an excellent fit for the role.

In your conclusion, confidently recap your qualifications and the skills that set you apart from other candidates in the college student industry. Reiterate how your experiences align perfectly with the job.

Following your conclusion, it's time to include a call to action. Encourage the hiring manager to take the next step, such as initiating a discussion about your application. This proactive approach can significantly increase your chances of securing an interview.

Finally, select an appropriate closing line and follow it with your full name to end your letter like a pro. 

Please feel free to contact me at the provided email or phone number to arrange an interview. I eagerly await the opportunity to discuss my application at your earliest convenience.

Warm regards,

Jodie Sawkins

And finally, if you prefer to explore alternative sign-offs to "Warm regards," here are some options:

• Best regards,
• Respectfully,
• Thank you for your consideration,

3 Essential College Student Cover Letter Tips

You've got the basics of cover letters down, and now it's time to take your college student cover letter to the next level with some essential tips . 

#1. Match Your Resume

When you're a college student applying for a job, it's important to maintain a consistent application style.

Make sure your cover letter's format and layout closely mirror your resume template to create a professional and organized impression. 

Align your text and contact details neatly on the page, keep font styles and sizes uniform, and set appropriate margins and line spacing. 

By doing this, you'll present a polished and cohesive application while ensuring your cover letter stays on a single page.

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Don't want the hassle of starting from scratch? We've got you covered! Our cover letter templates are designed to save you time and ensure your cover letter pairs perfectly with your resume. 

Crafted with insights from the world’s leading hiring managers, our templates meet industry standards and look fantastic.

#2. Focus on Extracurricular Activities & Internships

Chances are, as a student, you don’t have a lot of hands-on professional work experience.

That doesn’t mean you lack valuable experience that can impress potential employers.

Extracurricular activities and internships can play a pivotal role in showcasing your skills, dedication, leadership, and adaptability.

Participating in clubs, organizations, or sports can demonstrate skills like teamwork, leadership, time management, and problem-solving. For instance, if you were the captain of a sports team, it suggests leadership and dedication. If you were part of a debate club, it shows strong communication and critical thinking skills.

#3. Proofread the Final Draft

Proofreading your final draft is a crucial step when polishing your college student cover letter. Typos and bad grammar can quickly sabotage a great first impression. 

First off, run your cover letter through Grammarly or any other online tool to find any mechanical errors.

Then, re-read it yourself carefully to make sure that the tool didn’t miss something important.

Finally, get a friend to give it a final review to make sure the cover letter is objectively good.

Key Takeaways

Hopefully, by now, you know all you need in order to create an effective college student cover letter.

Before you go and start applying for jobs, here’s a quick recap of everything we’ve covered in this article:

• Your cover letter is often the first introduction to a potential employer. Ensure it's polished, professional, and captures your qualifications effectively.
• Extracurricular activities, internships, and academic achievements can be valuable assets. Don't shy away from showcasing these experiences.
• One size doesn't fit all. Customize your cover letter for each position, emphasizing how your skills align with the job requirements.
• Hiring managers often skim through applications due to volume. Aim for clarity and brevity, getting straight to the point.
• Minor errors can be detrimental. Use online tools, seek feedback, and meticulously review your content before submission.
• Let your passion shine through. Employers value candidates who are not only qualified but also genuinely interested in the role and the company.

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How To Write A College Student Cover Letter (With Examples)

• Cover Letter Examples
• Best Cover Letters
• Cover Letter For Internship
• General Cover Letter Templates
• Career Change Cover Letter
• Promotion Cover Letter
• College Student Cover Letter
• Entry Level Cover Letter
• Legal Cover Letter
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• Cover Letter With No Experience
• Short Cover Letter Examples
• How To Send An Email Cover Letter
• How To Write A Cover Letter For A Job With No Experience In That Field

Find a Job You Really Want In

Writing a cover letter can be difficult, especially if you’re a college student who may not have written one in the past. An excellent cover letter can help convince a hiring manager that you are the best person for the job. This is why you should know how to write a college student cover letter.

If you’re a college student who needs to write the best cover letter, stick around. In this article, we’ll go over how to write a college cover letter, provide some student cover letter examples, and give you some tips to keep in mind when writing your letter.

Key Takeaways

Your cover letter should include an achievement-driven introduction, your key skills and qualifications, and a call to action.

Research the company you’re applying to so you can tailor your cover letter to them and follow any guidelines they lay out.

Include your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, honors, and soft skills in your cover letter.

How to write a cover letter as a college student

What to include in your cover letter, cover letter examples for college students, 7 tips for writing your college student cover letter, how to write a college student cover letter faq.

• Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs

When writing a cover letter as a college student, you should start by greeting the recipient of the letter by name and give an achievement-driven introduction. The formatting for both a resume and a cover letter is quite similar. Here is an overview of how to lay out your letter:

Add your contact information in a header. At the top of your letter, you want to list out your contact information . This should include your name, phone number, and email address. Including your home address is also an option.

Maria Smith 215-888-5252 [email protected] 16 West Street New York, NY , 10001 9/1/2020

Add the company’s contact information. Up next you should add the contact details for the company . You should put the hiring manager’s name, company address, and phone number. Typically, this information can be found within the job posting or by doing some digging on the website.

Tim Cook Apple, Inc. One Apple Park Way Cupertino, CA 95014

Include a greeting. Your salutation should be tailored to the hiring manager, i.e. “Dear Mr. Smith”. You want to avoid saying phrases such as “To whom it may concern” which are not as personal. If you cannot find the correct hiring manager to address the letter to , it is also acceptable to use “Dear Hiring Manager” as your greeting.

Dear Mr. Cook ,

Give an achievement-driven introduction. The introduction to your cover letter should be a way for the recruiter to get to know you right away. Discuss how your education has made you a strong candidate and what you have learned. Lead with a special accomplishment that relates to the position that you are applying for. This gives the hiring manager an immediate sense of who you are and is a great segue into the next component of your letter.

My name is Maria Smith and I’m pleased to submit my application for Marketing Research Intern at Apple, Inc. I was thrilled to read this job description on Indeed and feel as though my education and skills are a perfect fit for this exciting team.

Cover key skills and why you fit the job. With your introduction setting the tone, the next section of your letter should dive deeper into your relevant qualifications. As a college student this is where you can describe experiences or organizations that you were involved in that helped you to acquire certain skills. These experiences and transferable skills should align with some of the key duties that were outlined in the description of the job. Show your passion and why you want the role.

This area of your cover letter should speak directly to why you want to work for the organization. You should express enthusiasm and a knowledge of the company. A tip is to research any notable accomplishments of the company, such as philanthropic work that you would also be interested in. Let the employer know that your personal values and goals align with those of the company.

As a senior at Penn State University in the Marketing department planning to graduate in May with a 3.6 GPA, I have accumulated a broad range of skills in market research and spent over 150 hours compiling reports of various findings on different subjects. I recently conducted a significant focus group for the university, where we gathered feedback regarding the perception and satisfaction of campus life.

Provide a call-to-action (CTA). One of the first rules of advertising is to always have a call to action, and when marketing yourself to a prospective employer the same rule applies. Be direct in that you know you are a good fit and that you would like to move forward. You can request a follow-up to further discuss your credentials and learn more about the role. This will be the conclusion paragraph of your letter, tying everything mentioned earlier together.

As an individual who fights for inclusion and diversity, I can say that not only do your values align with my own personal ones, but I feel as though I could make a significant difference through the value of research on this team if given the opportunity. Enclosed, please find my resume with further details about my education and previous experience. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for this exciting new position and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Please reach me by email at [email protected] or via phone at 215-888-5252.

Give your best regards and add your name. End your cover letter with a farewell statement such as “Best regards” or “Sincerely” followed by your first and last name underneath.

Best regards, Maria Smith

When writing your cover letter as a college student, you should include your academic achievements, any extracurricular activities, or your high GPA. Here is a more detailed list of the things to include in your cover letter:

Academic achievements. If your senior project earned the award for the best in your graduating class, say so. If you worked on a project that was successfully implemented in the real world, talk about that too.

Extracurricular activities. Talking about the clubs you were a part of (or led), the volunteer work you did, or the other activities you participated in can help give hiring managers a better idea of all that you bring to the table.

Honors or high GPA. If you graduated with honors or with a GPA higher than 3.5, mention that in your cover letter. While grades certainly aren’t everything when it comes to getting a job, if you have good ones, they’re worth mentioning.

Soft skills. Being a college student requires many of the same skills that being an employee does, especially when it comes to soft skills like communication, time management, and problem-solving. Highlight these in your cover letter by giving examples of how you’ve used them.

Student cover letter example

John Brown 123 Brook Ln. Towne, MD 123-456-7890 [email protected] 08/24/2020 Ashley Smith Senior Analyst 456 Technology Way Landon, MD Dear Ms. Smith, As a senior sports management student at Roothers State College, I was excited to see your posting for equipment interns. Within my degree program, I have been able to gain experience working with athletes across football, basketball, and baseball. I have been one of only four students to successfully complete rotations in all three sports in four semesters. I have maintained a 3.8 cumulative GPA throughout my academic career, while also being active in several campus recreational leagues. I have found that participating in sports gives operations staff a unique perspective when it comes to working with athletes. This has also helped me to interact with diverse groups of people and maintain a working knowledge of each sport. I know how to organize, coordinate, and assist with all aspects of equipment management due to my experience. It has been a dream to work for a professional sports team, but the Maryland Tigers is a franchise that I truly believe in. I have watched as the organization supports young players and always gives back to the local community. Being that I have also volunteered with Little League teams, I know that the core values of the organization align with my own. I am confident that I would make an ideal candidate for the equipment intern role. Whether assisting coaches with drills or maintaining inventory, I can be an asset to the team. I look forward to learning more about the internship and discussing my qualifications in detail. I have provided my contact details for your convenience. Best regards, John Brown

Email cover letter example

Subject Line: Social Media Manager Application — Sam Smith Dear Mr. Williams, My name is Sam Smith and I believe I would be an excellent for your Social Media Manager position. As a recent Yune University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in social media management and a member of the Media Communications Society, I am an expert across several major platforms. During my time as a board chairman, I successfully increased engagement by 86% on Facebook during my final campaign to increase enrollment. During my four years at Yune University, I maintained a 3.9 GPA while holding leadership positions across several campus organizations. Being involved in multiple groups taught me how to not only lead but also how to communicate effectively. During the time period that I managed the Instagram and LinkedIn accounts for the university’s English department, I led a team of six other students. I know that at Social Ink, collaboration, creativity, and social awareness are highly valued. Last year, the company ran a Pets Go Social campaign that raised more than $75,000 for dog shelters. This reminds me of an initiative I led across Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube that resulted in an increase of 250 followers and 25 pets getting adopted within 48 hours. I am passionate about getting involved in the community, and Social Ink would give me the opportunity to use my social media skills for that purpose. I believe that my academic history as well as my experience running successful social media campaigns would make me an ideal candidate. I would like to further discuss my resume and overall qualifications in more detail. Please reach out at your earliest convenience regarding the Social Media Manager position with Social Ink. Sincerely, Sam Smith

College student cover letter template

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Your Email Address] [Your Phone Number] [Date] [Employer’s Name] [Company Name] [Company Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] Dear [Employer’s Name] I am writing to express my interest in the [job title] at [company name] as advertised on [job posting] and to share my enthusiasm for joining your team. As a highly motivated and adaptable college student studying [your major] at [University name], I am eager to contribute my skills and learn from the amazing opportunities your organization offers. Throughout my academic journey, I have developed a solid foundation in [relevant skills or qualifications] which I believe make me a great fit for this role. During my time at [University name], I developed abilities in [mention a few key skills relevant to the position]. I am particularly drawn to [company name] because of its impressive track record and for the diverse group of professionals who share my passion for [industry or field]. Your company’s emphasis on [company’s focus] and its commitment to innovation make it an ideal environment for a proactive learner like me. Enclosed is my resume which provides more details about my academic achievements and relevant experiences. I welcome the opportunity to discuss in more detail how my background aligns with your needs. Please feel free to reach out to me at [your phone number] or [your email address] to schedule an interview or discuss my application further. Thank you for considering my application Sincerely, [Your name]

Before writing your letter, do your research on the prospective employer and find out their name and contact information. You should also follow any guidelines the company may have for their cover letters. Here are some more tips to keep in mind when writing your letter:

Do your research. Before you begin writing your cover letter, start researching the prospective employer. This goes beyond knowing when the company was first founded or the name of the current CEO. Find out what the work culture is like, what initiatives the organization has spearheaded, and what some of the current goals are. LinkedIn is one of the best resources for digging deeper when it comes to doing your homework on a company.

Follow the guidelines . Sometimes we can get wrapped up in the overall picture and overlook the small details. When it comes to applying for a job , you want to ensure that you are following the instructions exactly as they are given. If the internship or job posting asks for the cover letter to be saved in a certain format for email or be addressed to a specific person, make sure to follow the guidelines.

Provide up-to-date contact details. Make sure that you give the hiring manager your current contact information. This is a more common issue when the same cover letter template is reused, but this also is another reason why tailoring your letter is important. Clearly articulate to the hiring manager that they can reach you at any of the provided contact methods.

Confirm the recipient’s contact information. We already covered including the hiring manager’s contact information at the top of your letter but want to reiterate that you should verify these details. You should also confirm the email address when submitting electronically. If you send your resume and cover letter to the wrong recipient, you will miss out on the opportunity. You can always find the proper contact information within the job listing.

Add a subject line. This is a tip specifically for emailing your college cover letter. Every proper email needs a subject line that informs the intended recipient of what the message will be regarding. For your subject line, keep it simple with the position or internship that you are applying for, and your name.

Perfect your cover letter. Look at your cover letter and make sure that you have covered all of the basic structural elements . Did you start with a strong introduction to who you are? Did you highlight your education and how it has prepared you for the position? Will the reader be able to see your passion for their organization? Ask yourself if the hiring manager can get a definite sense of why you would be the best fit for the job.

It is always a good idea to reread your cover letter several times and have at least one other person look it over. Many students and alumni will have access to career service professionals or counselors who can assist with feedback. If not, having a trusted friend or family member with a strong sense of detail is also an excellent option.

Remember to show gratitude. It’s important to show your gratitude at the end of your letter. It shows that you are professional and appreciative of the hiring manager’s time.

Do college students need a cover letter?

Yes, college students should write a cover letter because it can be just as important as your resume. Your cover letter should address the recipient and show off your academic achievements. It’s also a great way to introduce yourself to potential employers.

What is a college student’s cover letter?

A college student’s cover letter is a cover letter that accompanies your resume when you apply for positions. This is similar to a regular cover letter, but you will include any academic achievements, GPA, or extracurriculars you are involved in that would be relevant to the job.

Harvard Extension School – Resume and Cover Letters

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Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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