How to Write a Cover Letter for an Entry Level Job

When you see an entry level job advertised, you may notice that it says to send the company or hiring manager a copy of your resume along with a cover letter. While it might be tempting to create one cover letter and change only a few things, you should personalize your cover letter for each job you apply for, even if it’s an entry level job. This shows you’re serious about the job and ready to start working. Your cover letter should include information about your background and show why you’d be a good choice for the position.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Paper

Instructions

1. Date the very top of the cover letter with today’s date or the date you plan to send out the cover letter. Leave one space below the date and list the hiring manager’s name, the address of the company and an email address if you send it through email. If you don’t know the name of the hiring manager, address the cover letter to the manager.

2. Create a basic introductory paragraph detailing any information about the company you find particularly interesting. Since you may not have much work experience or experience in this particular field, you need to show that you are interested in what the company does.

3. Write your second paragraph to highlight your skills and experience. You’ll want to show why you’d be a good fit for the company and what you can bring to the table. Bring up the different aspects of your employment history and how they fit with the job description. Add any information you feel is relevant about your educational background.

4. Include a separate paragraph to inform the reader that you have enclosed a copy of your resume and another paragraph to close the cover letter. You’ll want to tell the manager that you hope to speak to them again and offer to answer any questions they might have about your resume or background.

5. Close the letter with a thank you and a respectable sign off such as "Sincerely." Underneath that you’ll want to include as much contact information as possible including your address, phone number and email address.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your cover letter to one page total. The person reading the letter will skip for the basic information and may disregard a longer letter.

• Double check the letter before you send it to look for any errors or problems in it. Check the name of the person you’re sending the letter to and make sure you use the correct job title.

• Don’t send the same cover letter for all jobs. Hiring managers receive dozens of responses every day and you want yours to look more personal to draw their attention.

• Never send a letter with serious errors in it such as spelling mistakes.