Graduate
Graduate
This cover letter example features Dexter, a graduate seeking to kickstart career in marketing. He has strategically opted for the modern Erasmus template to showcase his relevant skills and qualifications.
Start now"I'm reaching out to express my keen interest in the entry-level Digital Marketing position at Brightwave, as advertised on Reed. Recently graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Bristol University, I am eager to apply my strategic and creativity skills to assist your team in reaching your marketing targets."
Dexter Saunders - Graduate
Table of contents
How to Write a Graduate Cover Letter (Examples)
Whether you’re a recent graduate or embarking on your career, creating a good cover letter is crucial to making a positive impression on potential employers. Unlike seasoned professionals, young professionals often struggle with showcasing their academic achievements and internships into professional credentials that resonate with hiring managers.
This step-by-step guide outlines the essential steps to create an effective cover letter. It includes practical examples and tips tailored to different fields of study.
In this article, we cover:
Examples of graduate cover letters.
What to include in a graduate cover letter.
Tips for landing entry-level jobs even with no experience
Explore our diverse range of cover letter templates to help you speed up your job search.
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Graduate cover letter example
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This graduate cover letter example features Dexter, a graduate seeking to kickstart his career in digital marketing. He has opted for the modern Erasmus template to showcase his relevant experience and qualifications. He strategically displays his strong skills in SEO, SEM, and content marketing, presenting himself as an all-around candidate with an impressive track record of driving campaigns, performing data analysis, and using creative thinking to solve problems.
Do you need a CV? Explore our matching graduate CV example to help you submit a complete application.
What to include in a graduate cover letter?
Like a good CV, a well-crafted cover letter should be concise yet impactful, providing insight into your qualifications, experiences, and enthusiasm for the role. Here's what to include:
Contact Information
Salutation
Opening Paragraph
Body Paragraph(s)
Closing Paragraph
Sign-off.
For more details, check out our related blog article on how structure cover letter.
1. How to start a graduate cover letter
Similar to a personal profile on a CV, your introduction is your opportunity to make a strong first impression. Start with an eye-catching opening statement that shows your enthusiasm for the role and briefly outlines your qualifications. Ensure to address your hiring manager by name or use 'Dear Hiring Manager' if the name is unknown.
Clearly state the job title and company name.
Provide a brief summary of your qualifications.
Mention any relevant work or internship experience.
Express your enthusiasm for the role and company.
Keep the introduction concise and positive.
Architect graduate cover letter example
I am keen to apply for the junior Architect position at Foster Partners, as advertised on Indeed. With a master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Bath and hands-on experience in sustainable design, I am eager to bring my expertise to your innovative projects.
Check out our architecture CV example and architect cover letter example for more valuable insights about the job requirements and ways to succeed.
Graduate assistantship cover letter example
I am writing to apply for the Graduate Assistantship role in the psychology faculty at the University of Oxford. With a master’s degree in Psychology and extensive research experience, I am enthusiastic about contributing to academic and research initiatives.
If you looking to get involved with education and/or research, check out our related teacher CV example and teaching assistant cover letter for more insights.
Accountant graduate cover letter example
I am excited to submit my application for the entry-level Accountant position at Deloitte. As a recent graduate holding a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Manchester, coupled with my internship experience at PwC, I am convinced in my skills to make a positive contribution to your esteemed team.
Explore our accountant CV and accounting cover letter to help you streamline your application.
To learn more about who to address a cover letter to, refer to our related blog article on how to start a cover letter.
2. How to write the body of a graduate cover letter
The body gives a glimpse into your qualifications, experiences, and skills. Here's what to include to help you set yourself apart from others.
Highlight specific experiences and skills that match the job description.
Provide examples of projects or tasks you’ve worked on.
Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your impact.
Relate your experience to the company’s goals and ongoing projects.
Keep the content focused and relevant.
Engineering graduate cover letter example
As a Mechanical Engineering graduate from Imperial College London, I have a solid foundation in engineering principles, advanced mathematics, and project management. My final-year project, which involved creating an energy-efficient cooling system, was highly praised and was executed in the university’s research labs. My internship at Siemens equipped me with hands-on experience in using CAD software and managing large-scale projects, which I believe would be a great addition to Rolls-Royce’s innovative engineering solutions.
Refer to our engineering CV and engineering cover letter examples for more valuable tips.
Computer Science graduate cover letter example
With a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Bristol, I have honed strong programming skills in languages such as Java, Python, and C++. During my internship at IBM, I worked on developing a machine learning model to improve customer service algorithms, leading to a 20% reduction in response time. I am particularly keen to bring my technical expertise and problem-solving abilities to the entry-level IT specialist position at Accenture, where I can bring data-driven solutions to your problems.
For more tips, see our computer science CV example.
Graduate finance with no experience cover letter example
As a recent finance graduate from the London School of Economics, I have gained a strong foundation in financial markets, investment strategies, and risk management. I have completed several finance projects, such as a comprehensive analysis of the impact of Brexit on UK stock markets. My part-time role as a treasurer for the university’s investment club provided me with practical experience in managing budgets and analysing financial data, which I am eager to apply at Goldman Sachs.
Refer to our finance CV and finance cover letter to learn more.
3. How to end a graduate cover letter
Close off with a strong closing statement that reiterates your interest in the role and expresses your eagerness to contribute to the company's success. Here's how to end effectively:
Reiterate your interest in the position and company.
Express gratitude for considering your application.
Invite further discussion or action, such as scheduling an interview.
Keep the close-off professional and courteous.
To learn more, refer to our related blog article on how to end a cover letter.
IT graduate body cover letter example
I appreciate your consideration of my application for the junior data analyst position at Rolls-Royce. I am eager to contribute to your team and am confident that my background makes me a strong candidate for this role. I look forward to discussing my qualifications during a job interview.
Explore our IT CV for more examples and tips.
Graduate nurse cover letter example
Thank you for reviewing my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and enthusiasm align with your needs.
Refer to our nurse CV and nursery assistant cover letter examples to learn more.
How to write a graduate cover letter with no experience
If you have little to no experience or have no idea how to start your job search, here's a quick solution. Switch the focus to your achievements, transferrable skills, side jobs, and volunteer work. Additionally, ensure to include strong action verbs at the beginning of each sentence when listing your duties and achievements.
Graduate software developer with no experience cover letter example
I am excited to apply for the entry-level Software Developer position at Microsoft. As a recent Computer Science graduate from the University of Bath, I have developed strong coding skills in Java, Python, and JavaScript. My final-year project involved developing a web application that received positive feedback for its innovative features and user-friendly design. Additionally, I volunteered to create an app for a local charity, which enhanced my problem-solving skills and ability to work under tight deadlines. I am eager to bring my enthusiasm and technical expertise to your team.
Take a look at our developer CV and developer cover letter example articles for more tips on how to get a job even with no experience.
Graduate data analyst with no experience cover letter example
During my studies, I completed a project analysing consumer behaviour patterns using Python and R, which resulted in actionable insights that were praised by my professors. Additionally, my proficiency in SQL and experience with data visualisation tools like Tableau have equipped me to handle large datasets and present findings clearly. Although I have limited formal work experience, my academic background and passion for data analysis make me a well-rounded candidate for this role.
Explore our data analyst CV and data analyst cover letter examples for more insights on how to present your IT skills.
CV tips for writing a graduate cover letter with no experience:
Prioritise your education section and place it on top of your CV detailing your highest level of education, relevant courses, and grades above 8.
Mention your transferrable skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and leadership that you gained through side jobs, part-time jobs, or volunteering.
Focus on internships, apprenticeships, traineeships, and extracurricular activities, showcasing how your additional background aligns with the job description.
Even if you lack experience, be sure to maintain a professional tone and concise language to convey your areas of expertise and qualifications in easy-to-read language.
Check out our related blog article on how to write a CV with no experience.
How to write a cover letter for a graduate scheme?
It's crucial to research the company and the specific graduate scheme. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences, explain your motivation for applying, and demonstrate how your career goals align with the company’s objectives.
What are graduation schemes?
They refer to structured training programmes offered by many large UK organisations. They provide recent graduates with exposure to various business aspects and professional skill development, often lasting one to three years with department rotations.
For more information about graduation schemes, refer to the National Career Service website.
Key takeaways
Ensure your cover letter is error-free to ensure clarity, increasing your chances of success.
Apply to multiple positions or send a cover letter, also referred to as a letter of interest, to increase your chances of landing a role.
Customise your cover letter for each job you apply for, highlighting your areas of expertise and
Seek advice from experienced professionals or friends to review and improve your cover letter.
Address your cover letter to a specific person and state your reasons for applying as early as possible.
Next steps?
Refer to our wide range of personalised CV templates and cover letter examples designed to suit your career goals. Alternatively, check out our extensive list of CV examples for additional inspiration. If you need further support, our CV Writing Service streamlines the process for you.
Additionally, take a look at one of our related blog articles to help you streamline your application:
FAQ
Do fresh graduates need a cover letter?
It is optional, but we highly recommend that job applicants include a cover letter. It allows you to elaborate on your CV, showcase your enthusiasm for the role, and explain why you are a good fit for the position.
For more tips, refer to our short cover letter article.
How long should a graduate cover letter be?
It should be brief and straightforward, generally no longer than one page. If you have an extensive track history or writing an academic CV, you could also opt for a two page CV.
For more information, check out our related blog article on how long should a cover letter be.
How to write a cover letter with no experience but willing to learn?
Focus on your transferable skills, academic achievements, and any relevant projects or internships. Highlight your willingness to learn and adapt, and explain how these attributes make you a strong candidate.
Check out our related blog article on how to enter the workforce after graduation to improve your job prospects.
How to say you graduated with honours in a cover letter?
Include your honours degree in the education section of your cover letter. For example, you could say 'I have graduated with a Master of Arts (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering at University of Manchester.'
See our step-by-step guide on how to list your education on a CV for more valuable advice.
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