Introduction
Maybe you have rummaged through the internet and pinned the dream job you have been looking for. You have perfected your resume and applied for the position. Even a friend has assisted you in polishing all the interview questions out there. But suddenly, before submitting the resume, you remember you have skipped an important step that can hinder you from crafting the perfect cover letter for fresh graduates.
To cast away your woes, in this article, we provide you with a bunch of advice on how to pen down an eloquent document, along with a few cover letter samples for fresh graduates.
So keep reading.
1. Understanding the Purpose of a Cover Letter
Simply put, these letters are personalised documents that accompany your resume. It serves as an introduction, providing context to your application and highlighting your interest in the specific position. The cover letter for fresh graduates is your prime opportunity to showcase your enthusiasm skills and how they align with the requirements of the job.
Personalisation plays a key role in making a strong impression with your cover letter. Not only demonstrate your interest in the job role but also build a rapport with the potential employer.
However, at times, people tend to mix up between a cover letter and a resume; here is a quick review of the difference.
| Feature | Cover letter | Resume |
| Purpose | Introduces you, highlights qualifications, and expresses interest | Summarise your work history, skills, and education |
| Tone | Personal and persuasive | Objective and concise |
| Content | Focuses on specific job requirements and how you meet them | List your accomplishments and qualification |
| Format | Usually, a single page | It can be multiple pages |
2. Key Elements of an Effective Cover Letter
Landing your dream job can be made easy in a few simple steps. Writing a concise cover letter for fresh graduates is the second step you must take after crafting a winning resume. A well-drafted document not only allows you to express your unique skills but is also easily scannable. According to a report in Qureos, nearly 66% of hiring managers say that they are more likely to hire someone with a customised cover letter than others. Here are a few elements that will make your cover letter stand out.
2.1 Contact Information
Here is what you must provide:
Applicant’s details
- Your name
- Your email ID
- Your phone number
- Your LinkedIn profile
Employer’s details
- Company name
- Hiring manager’s name
- Company address
2.2 Salutation
Start the letter by using formal language such as “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name].” To get a detailed idea of what we are talking about, head out to the cover letter sample for the fresh graduate section of this article.
2.3 Introduction
While penning down a cover letter for a fresh graduate, briefly state your name and the deposition you are applying for. Clearly state the specific job title you are interested in and grab the reader’s attention with a compelling statement.
2.4 Body Paragraphs
Generally, a cover letter for a fresh graduate must comprise three paragraphs. The first one will highlight your relevant experience and education. Explain how your academic background and coursework have prepared you for the role.
Whereas the second paragraph will display your skills and achievements. Using quantifiable examples to demonstrate your abilities will make you stand out. Finally, explaining your fit for the company culture is crucial for the recruiter to consider your application. To shine, you must research the organisation’s mission and explain how your values align with theirs.
2.5 Conclusion
Reiterating your interest in the position and the company is crucial when you conclude the letter. You must request an interview or express your willingness to provide further information. Finally, sign off by thanking the managers for their time and consideration.
To get a taste of what we are talking about, head on to the cover letter sample for the fresh graduates section.
3. Tips for Writing an Effective Cover Letter
Although writing a cover letter for a fresh graduate might seem pretty intuitive, a few tips and tricks up your sleeve are not going to hurt. Here is what you must keep an eye out for:
- Research the company and tailor your cover letter for the specific job. Highlight how your skills match the organisation’s requirements.
- Showcase your strength and distinguish yourself from the other applicants. Using metrics to demonstrate your achievements is a good idea.
- Keep the letter concise and within a page. Around 70% of hiring managers prefer shorter letters, as the Resume Now stats reveal. Focus on the most relevant qualifications to make your letter more persuasive.
- Analyse the job description and use relevant keywords. Incorporating these terms naturally into the cover letter shows up in the ATS.
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a handful of pitfalls that you must keep an eye out for while crafting a cover letter for a fresh graduate.
- Avoid sending the same cover letter to multiple companies. Tailoring your letter to each specific job and organisation is highly encouraged.
- Overselling is a trend that 85% of recruiters do not like. You must not exaggerate your skills and be honest while providing accurate information.
- Avoid complaining about past jobs or experience, and focus on the positive qualities you have garnered.
- User professional font and consistent formatting while compiling cover letters for fresh graduates. Otherwise, it might be low-performing. Additionally, ensure that there are no spelling or grammatical errors.
- Demonstrate your knowledge of the company and specific job by mentioning relevant details. Such trivial information shows that you are really excited about the position.
- Avoid using technical jargon that may not be understood by hiring managers.
- Finally, after submitting your application, if you have not heard back after a reasonable time, follow up politely.
5. Cover Letter Template and Samples for Fresh Graduates
A good cover letter is not only a piece of document that conveys your academic proficiency and other skills. It is also a way to gauge the potential employee’s ability to write crisp and error-free messages. Therefore, crafting a well-written letter is of paramount importance. Here is a generic template that you can follow.
5.1. Header:
Include all the necessary contact details in the top section of your cover letter.
It might include your details as well as the company’s details for which you are applying.
5.2. Salutation:
Start the cover letter for fresh graduates by using a formal salutation like “dear”. Use the recipient’s full name or their last name while addressing them to create a personalised approach.
5.3. Introduction:
The opening of the letter must be crisp yet warm, like a handshake. It must clearly demonstrate a simple yet clear professional tone without using excessive industry jargon. A clean format will ensure that the recruiters go through your cover letter easily.
- State the intent of the letter
By clearly mentioning the aim of the cover letter, you will be easily able to grab the reader’s attention and quickly summarise your agenda. Additionally, a brief introductory statement will convey your interest in the position.
- State the job role you are seeking and how you learned about the opening
A personalised cover letter must contain the position you are applying for and where you found the job.
5.4: Body:
Once you complete the introduction, discuss why you want to apply to this company and why their values align with your career goals. You can use numerous ways to convey your interest. Here is a prominent example you can use.
“Having reviewed the job role in the [website], I learnt more about your organisation’s values and missions, I am eager to learn further.”
- Summarise your skills and coursework
Discuss the proficiencies you have garnered while taking up your degree course. Explain how these skills will be relevant for the job role and how they can benefit the organisation. Highlight any workshops or internships you have taken part in to showcase your eligibility. These details will help you stand out from the crowd.
- Connect your qualifications to the position
Reiterate how your qualifications make you a valuable candidate in the eyes of the recruiter. Make sure to emphasise your skills and your academic success to shine.
5.6: Conclusion:
Conclude the cover letter conveying gratitude and a call to action. Make sure to ask for an interview and mention the documents you have attached along with your cover letter.
5.7: Additional checks:
Before submitting the final letter, ensure that your letter has high readability and is not unnecessarily cumbersome. Besides the ease of reading, ensure that the font and formatting are also professional. Finally, a grammar check and proofreading are mandatory to make a great first impression.
If this is your first time writing a cover letter for a fresh graduate, crafting a letter all by yourself might seem complicated. However, you do not have to be a super creative writer to crack your dream job. Without a doubt, you can bank on these tried and tested letter structures.
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Here are 3 examples of cover letters for fresh graduates:
Sample 1: General job application
| [Your name] [Your email] [Your phone number] [YourLinkedIn profile] [Date] [Hiring manager’s name] [Company name] [Company address] Dear [hiring manager’s name],This is in response to your advertisement in [source] for the [job role] position. I would like to apply for this opening and can join immediately as summoned. [Elaborate about the skills and qualifications you have garnered from your degrees]. These experiences have equipped me with the essential tools to excel in a dynamic environment. [Company name]’s [company value] perfectly aligns with my phone career goals, and I have been specifically impressed by your work [mention a project]. Based on my skills and knowledge, I believe my perspective will be a valuable asset to your team. Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume herein, which further describes my qualifications and experiences. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and passion can benefit [company name]. Regards, [Your name] |
Sample 2: Industries specific application: Marketing
| [Your name] [Your email] [Your phone number] [YourLinkedIn profile] [Date] [Hiring manager’s name] [Company name] [Company address] Dear [hiring manager’s name], I am writing this letter to express my interest in the [job role] position posted on [source]. Over the past [number] years, I have gained significant academic qualifications, working arm-in-arm with leading multi-disciplinary teams while delivering actionable results in the form of marketing reports, segmentation, insights, and more. I am competitive in my approach and have honed my skills to handle complex situations from both a tactical and strategic perspective. [Additionally, talk about your relevant skills in detail and showcase your track record of success, if any] I would be grateful for the opportunity to display my abilities further at a personal interview. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience. Sincerely, [Your name] |
Sample 3: Role-specific application
| [Your name] [Your email] [Your phone number] [YourLinkedIn profile] [Date] [Hiring manager’s name] [Company name] [Company address] Dear [hiring manager’s name], I am writing to express my strong desire for [job role position] at [company name] as advertised on [website]. With a [mention your degrees] and a solid foundation in [relevant sector], I am eager to contribute my skills and dedication to the exceptional services provided by [company name]. During my academic journey, I fully understood [mention disciplinary values and practices]. I am particularly drawn to your organisation due to your commitment and vision [mention], as it resonates with my professional aspirations. Mention your skills and talk about your dedication to the position I am eager to bring my passion for service, solid academic foundation, and hands-on experience to [company name]. My commitment to excellence and academic achievements make me a strong candidate for [position]. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing the position with you in a face-to-face interview. Regards, [Your name] |
Conclusion
Crafting a well-written cover letter for fresh graduates can be a walk in the park if you follow these templates. However, equal attention must also be given to your resume, as it is the heart of your job search. With a little bit of self-confidence and an eloquent cover letter, you can surely land your dream job.
FAQs on Cover Letter for Fresh Graduates
Q1: Do fresher graduates need a cover letter?
A1: A cover letter for fresh graduates must be present along with the resume to make them stand out.
Q2: What questions should a cover letter answer?
A2: It must include details about you, Your intention for writing the cover letter
Explain why you are interested in the job role and how you have come across the opening, etc.
Q3: Should I list my entire academic history in the cover letter?
A3: Providing the relevant academy history will be enough while drafting a cover letter. Although the latest degree will be enough, you can also mention other relevant courses that you have taken. Internships, freelancing, accolades, or awards can also be highlighted to make your cover letter more appealing.
Q4: How can I make my cover letter different from my resume?
A4: A standard cover letter must be at most one page long and be in the range of 200 to 500 words. Contrasting it to your resume is important so that it does not become monotonous for the recruiter to go through. Elaborate on your educational qualifications and skills and showcase how they will be beneficial to the hiring company.
Q5: Do recruiters even read cover letters?
A5: Without answering the question in black or white, we would like to share statistics. As Resume Genius suggests, a survey conducted revealed that roughly 60% of recruiters require a well-crafted cover letter. And around 75% of them prefer that the applicants enclose a cover letter with their resume. So, simply put, it will be a good idea to hedge your bets and apply with a cover letter.
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