How to Write an Entry Level Cover Letter

Writing an entry level cover letter can be challenging since by definition you have limited or no paid work experience. However, it is obviously possible to write a successful entry level cover letter, otherwise no one would have a job. This article offers some steps that can help.

Instructions

1. Begin your letter by expressing an interest in the job for which you are applying, and the company overall. Do not send out a generic letter, and use the same letter for every application. Research the company to determine specific things about them, and then incorporate those things into your opening paragraph to show that you have done this research. Even though you are applying to many companies, make the reader feel as though all of your enthusiasm lies in working for that particular company.

2. In your next paragraph, discuss your educational background, with an emphasis on how it applies to the job for which you are applying. Include references to any special honors that you have been awarded. If you are in college, state your majors and minors, as well as your GPA. Discuss any special work that you did at school, such as special research or products. Keep in mind that the reader is only trying to determine if you will be a valuable asset to his/her company. With that said, if nothing else, portray yourself as someone who learns quickly, and works well with others. Include any team work that you have been involved in at school.

3. In your next paragraph, discuss any volunteer work that you have done over the years. Hopefully you have done a fair amount. This goes over very well with job recruiters. Discuss how your experience in these jobs will make you an asset to the company.

4. Next, discuss any paid work experience that you have had over the years. It could be after-school jobs, or summer jobs, or doing odd-jobs for people around the neighborhood. Again, discuss the skills that you learned on these jobs, and how they will be of benefit to your potential employer. Be sure to stress anything that involves teamwork, and your ability to learn quickly. Be sure to portray yourself as someone who is flexible and easygoing, yet dedicated and self-motivated.

5. If you have any hobbies, or are a member of any clubs or groups that in any way relate to the job in question, briefly discuss this in a paragraph. Be sure that it is fully relevant. If you are applying to be a janitor at an airline, it really doesn't matter that you assembled model airplanes a child. However, if you are applying for a construction job, it might be very impressive if you were the president of some type of construction-related after-school club, or had such an internship.

6. End your letter by thanking the recipient for considering you for the position. Include another reference to your enthusiasm for the job and company, and again state that you feel that you can be a valuable asset if given the opportunity to do so.