Cover Letter Examples and Tips for Recent Graduates

Learn how to write a compelling cover letter for an entry-level graduate role. Use our intuitive cover letter builder tool to get started and secure your dream job!

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The Best Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example

You’ve graduated, and you’re finally free to kickstart your career in your dream job. The problem is that you face stiff competition from thousands of other graduates.

Writing a strong cover letter is your way to stand out from the crowd and get your foot in the door. Even without much experience, there are trusted tips you can follow to secure a job interview.

This guide will show you:

How to structure a graduate cover letter
An example of an effective cover letter
Key information to include in your cover letter

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Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example

Use the cover letter example below as a starting point and source of inspiration for your graduate cover letter.

[Today’s Date]

[XYZ Company Address]

[Phone Number]

[HiringManagerEmail@xyzcompany.com]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s name],

I am writing to express my interest in the Junior Marketing Assistant role at [XYZ Company]. As a recent marketing graduate with first-class honors, I am eager to break into the industry and further develop my skills. With a strong theoretical grounding and hands-on experience through several internships, I know I would make a great addition to your team.

During my studies, I undertook industry placements at two of New York’s most established marketing agencies. In my role as Digital Marketing Intern at [ZYX Company], I was responsible for the planning, writing, and editing of SEO-optimized website copy for several core clients. I also contributed to a paid social media campaign that achieved more than 47,000 impressions across all channels. As a Research Intern at [YZX Company], I assisted in the market research and audience segmentation stages of content delivery for numerous print and broadcast clients. My exposure to both traditional and digital marketing forms will serve as a strong foundation from which to expand my skills in the role of Junior Marketing Assistant.

Throughout my years at [Your University], I sought to make the most of the learning opportunities available to me. My BA Marketing degree has provided me with a detailed understanding of best marketing practices across a variety of areas, including consumer behavior, branding, and business analytics. I was also selected alongside several other marketing majors to assist in the university’s external communications strategy, which involved writing the copy for the annual prospectus. Professors have commended me on my positive attitude and willingness to learn. These qualities will be key to my continued development at your company.

With my existing experience working in an agency environment, I am certain I will hit the ground running in the role of Junior Marketing Assistant. I am available to discuss the role and my skills in greater detail at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

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Tips for Writing Your Recent Graduate Cover Letter Using This Example

Use these cover letter tips to write the perfect cover letter for an entry-level job:

1. Tailor your cover letter to the job description.

Your cover letter should change with every new role you apply to. Each job opportunity will have different requirements, and you must tailor your cover letter accordingly.

To do this, read through the job description and pick out some of the listed skills and responsibilities to discuss in your cover letter. For example, if the job emphasizes working with SEO, mention any experiences in this area, as this cover letter sample does.

2. List your biggest strength in the first paragraph.

Spare the lengthy introductions. Once you’ve opened with a formal salutation and registered your interest in the vacancy, mention your key selling point as a candidate.

It’s important to do this in the first paragraph to hook the hiring manager’s attention. This will encourage them to continue reading to learn more about your skill set.

In the example above, the candidate references their internship experience as their biggest strength.

3. Use examples from your studies and work experience.

Personalize your cover letter by including real-life examples, case studies, and statistics. These will add context to your accomplishments and help distinguish you from other candidates.

In the college graduate cover letter above, the candidate quotes the number of impressions a social media campaign they were involved in made. This presents them as a results-driven worker with a clear understanding of industry-specific KPIs.

4. Close with a call to action.

Before you sign off, reiterate your interest in the position and sum up why you think you’ll be a good fit. Then conclude with a call to action, such as a request for a phone call to discuss the role in greater detail.

5. Include your contact details in the header.

Don’t forget to add your contact information to the resume header. This should include your:

Full name
Professional email address
Phone number

You may also choose to include a link to your professional profile, such as a LinkedIn profile, in this section.

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FAQ: Recent Graduate Cover Letter Example

Q: Do I really need a cover letter to get a graduate job?

Unless the job posting explicitly states not to, always include a cover letter as part of your job application. As a new grad lacking relevant experience, the cover letter is your opportunity to describe your key skills in detail and explain why you’re the best person for the job.

Q: How long should my cover letter be to get a graduate job?

Your cover letter should fill about 3/4 of a page. This is roughly 250–400 words. Select a cover letter template from the Cover Letter Builder to get started. Our cover letter formats will provide you with a set structure that’s proven to get results. All you need to do is fill in the words.

Q: Does this cover letter example work if I don’t have a lot of experience?

If you don’t have any experience as a volunteer or intern, then you can still use the cover letter sample above as a template. Place greater emphasis on your studies, and provide details of key exams and coursework as well as your biggest accomplishments as a student. If you’re still struggling to fill the page, then discuss relevant extracurricular activities.

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