Writing a cover letter as a new grad can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach and some useful tips, you can craft a winning cover letter that will impress potential employers. In this article, we’ll provide some new grad cover letter examples, along with tips and tricks to help you write an effective cover letter that showcases your skills and experience.
New Grad Cover Letter Examples
Cold Contact Cover Letter
Greeting: Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]
Paragraph 1: Introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in the company. Mention any relevant experience or skills you have that make you a good fit for the position.
Paragraph 2: Explain why you’re interested in the specific role and how it aligns with your career goals. Highlight any relevant coursework or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your qualifications.
Complimentary Close: Sincerely,
Referral Cover Letter
Greeting: Dear [Referral’s Name]
Paragraph 1: Mention your referral and thank them for recommending you for the position. Introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in the company and role.
Paragraph 2: Highlight your relevant skills and experience, and explain how they make you a good fit for the position. Provide specific examples of projects or achievements that demonstrate your capabilities.
Complimentary Close: Best regards,
Job Posting Response Cover Letter
Greeting: Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]
Paragraph 1: Mention the position you’re applying for and where you found the job posting. Introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in the role.
Paragraph 2: Highlight your relevant skills and experience, and explain how they make you a good fit for the position. Provide specific examples of projects or achievements that demonstrate your capabilities.
Complimentary Close: Thank you for your consideration,
Internship Cover Letter
Greeting: Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]
Paragraph 1: Introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in the internship. Highlight any relevant coursework or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your qualifications.
Paragraph 2: Explain why you’re interested in the company and how the internship aligns with your career goals. Highlight any relevant skills or experience that make you a good fit for the position.
Complimentary Close: Sincerely,
Career Change Cover Letter
Greeting: Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]
Paragraph 1: Explain why you’re interested in making a career change and how your skills and experience are relevant to the position. Highlight any transferable skills or experience that make you a good fit for the role.
Paragraph 2: Explain why you’re interested in the company and role, and how they align with your career goals. Provide specific examples of how your skills and experience can benefit the organization.
Complimentary Close: Best regards,
Entry-Level Cover Letter
Greeting: Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]
Paragraph 1: Introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in the company and role. Highlight any relevant skills or experience that make you a good fit for the position.
Paragraph 2: Explain why you’re interested in the specific role and how it aligns with your career goals. Provide specific examples of projects or achievements that demonstrate your capabilities.
Complimentary Close: Thank you for considering my application,
Tips for Writing a New Grad Cover Letter
Now that you’ve seen some examples of effective cover letters, here are some tips to help you write your own:
1. Customize your cover letter for each job
Take the time to tailor your cover letter to the specific job you’re applying for. Highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the role, and explain how they make you a good fit for the position.
2. Keep it concise and focused
Your cover letter should be no more than one page long. Keep your sentences short and to the point, and avoid including irrelevant information.
3. Use keywords from the job posting
Incorporate keywords from the job posting into your cover letter to demonstrate that you understand the requirements of the position and have the necessary skills and experience.
4. Showcase your achievements
Use specific examples of your achievements to demonstrate your skills and experience. This will help you stand out from other applicants and show that you have what it takes to succeed in the role.
5. Proofread and edit carefully
Before submitting your cover letter, make sure to proofread it carefully for any errors or typos. Ask a friend or mentor to review it as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in my cover letter?
Your cover letter should include a brief introduction, a summary of your skills and experience, and an explanation of why you’re interested in the company and role. You should also provide specific examples of your achievements and explain how they demonstrate your qualifications for the position.
How do I address my cover letter?
Use the hiring manager’s name if possible, or address it to “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Recruiter.”
How long should my cover letter be?
Your cover letter should be no more than one page long.
What should I do if I don’t have much experience?
Highlight any relevant coursework or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your qualifications for the position. You can also showcase any transferable skills or experience you have.
Should I include my GPA in my cover letter?
Only include your GPA if it’s above 3.0 and you’re applying for an internship or entry-level position.
How do I follow up on my application?
Wait at least a week after submitting your application, then send a polite follow-up email to inquire about the status of your application.
Conclusion
Writing a new grad cover letter can be challenging, but with the right approach and some practice, you can create a cover letter that showcases your skills and experience and impresses potential employers. By customizing your cover letter for each job, highlighting your achievements, and proofreading carefully, you can increase your chances of landing an interview and getting hired.