- What should your entry-level cover letter include?
- What can you write in the introduction of your cover letter?
- What should be mentioned in the cover letter body for an entry-level vacancy?
- How to write a cover letter closing
Getting your career off to a fantastic start begins with finding the right job. The first step in that process is writing a cover letter that gets you in the door for an interview. Learn how to craft the perfect entry-level cover letter with this writing guide.
Beginning the first job you’ll have in your career is exciting and a little scary at the same time. You want to find the right job; one that will help you grow, develop new skills, and advance your career. You’ll also need to ensure your application and resume stand out. The first step to take is to write a compelling cover letter that shows a hiring manager what you bring to the table as an employee, what types of skills you already have, and what you hope to do for the company when you are an employee.
As an entry-level employee, you may believe you don’t have enough history to include in a cover letter. Nonetheless, it’s still important to write one. Luckily, this guide will help you decide what to include in yours.
In this cover letter example and corresponding entry-level writing guide, we’ll show you how to write a cover letter that can help you land those initial interviews. Here’s what we’ll cover:
What should your entry-level cover letter include?
What can you write in the introduction of the cover letter
What information can you give in the body of the cover letter
How to write a cover letter closing
What should your entry-level cover letter include?
A cover letter is your introduction to the hiring manager, so you want it to give whoever is reading it an excellent first impression of you. Don’t be afraid to show your personality. However, it is also just as important to structure it correctly. Your cover letter should start with a header that includes your contact information and the contact information of the company you are sending it to. You’ll follow your header with a greeting.
The other sections of your cover letter are the introduction, body, and closing. We’ll be learning more about each of these sections in the paragraphs that follow.
What can you write in the introduction of your cover letter?
In the introduction of your cover letter, you’ll have your first opportunity to catch the attention of the hiring manager. It’s here where you can show the hiring manager you are a professional who is excited about their specific role.
Start out strong by showing your excitement and passion for the position. This paragraph should be short, so only include two to three sentences here. Even as an entry-level employee, you’ll likely have certain skills that can benefit this role. This is the place to start mentioning them. In the introduction, stay upbeat and positive, be professional, and always show your gratitude. But, above all, be authentic. The goal is to keep the hiring manager reading and eventually calling you in for an interview.
Dear Ms. Alexandra Greene
I understand that Horizon Enterprises is looking for a highly motivated, entry-level professional with not only the skill, but also a passion for supporting business operations in the entry level position role. I am reaching out to express interest in the role as I would appreciate the opportunity to interview and share more about my background and talents that I can bring to this team.
What should be mentioned in the cover letter body for an entry-level vacancy?
The body of your entry-level cover letter is where you have an opportunity to make yourself stand out from the other candidates by showing off your unique selling points (USP).
An effective approach is to break it into three different sections:
Why you. No two candidates have quite the same educational background or working experience. In the body of your cover letter, show the hiring manager what transferable skills you have that they would be passing up on if they didn’t choose you as their new employee. You can show your strong work ethic, your ability to work with a variety of people, or your understanding of the sales process. This section of the cover letter lets you highlight some of those skills you are beginning to develop.
Why here. What about this particular company makes you want to work there? A hiring manager will pay attention to a candidate who is excited about their company. Showing you have taken the extra step to research the company and connect with its mission statement will make you a more attractive candidate.
Why now. Whether you’ve decided to enter the job market for the first time or are moving to a new industry, why is now the best time for this company to hire you? The goal is to leave the hiring manager believing they can’t wait another second to get you on their staff.
If you are completely new to the industry, use this guide to write a cover letter with no experience.
- Customize your cover letter for the job you are applying for.
- Highlight relevant achievements that show your qualifications for the job.
- Keep your cover letter concise. It should be one page.
- Focus only on your skills and what you want out of the job.
- Include your salary expectations or use an unprofessional email address.
- Submit your cover letter without first proofreading it carefully.
Throughout my career and education, I have gained a broad range of business, marketing, and operational skills that make me an excellent fit for this role. I have a keen ability to build and foster strong client and partner relationships, and I am dedicated to achieving defined goals and exceeding the highest expectations.
Highlights of my expertise and experience include:
Strong ability to work directly with a variety of customers, learning how to identify needs and provide comprehensive, cost-effective solutions.
Trained to deploy strategic marketing initiatives and meet sales goals, delivering products and services that establish lasting customer relationships.
Able to lead teams and individuals in implementing management initiatives, communicating with stakeholders, and reporting on benchmarks and achieved goals.
Proven success creating and administering processes to support complex management strategies, building a strong client base and driving company profits.
I am an energetic professional skilled at supporting innovative programs, streamlining processes, and maximizing the results for the employers I serve. I approach my work with a strong sense of urgency, working well under pressure and within changing environments. Further, I am a forward-thinking, collaborative team player with a strong commitment to excellence.
How to write a cover letter closing
The closing lines of your cover letter are your opportunity to wrap everything together and leave the hiring manager with a positive impression of you. Keep this paragraph short, express your excitement for the role, and ask for an interview. This is your final opportunity to convince a hiring manager to review your resume.
Mention key skills. Remind a hiring manager what skills you will bring with you to this role: “I am an energetic professional skilled at streamlining processes and improving customer relationships.”
Include a Call to Action. Encourage the hiring manager to reach out for more information: “I’m eager to discuss my experience, skills, and background further in an interview. Thank you for the opportunity.”
An entry-level cover letter should be short! Learn some extra tips for writing a short cover letter in our guide.
Confident I can provide immediate and long standing contributions to Horizon Enterprises, I look forward to meeting with you so that we may discuss my experience and qualifications in greater detail.
Thank you for your consideration; I look forward to speaking with you.
Sincerely,
Ethan Bennet
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