Cover Letter for Entry-Level Jobs (Template and Examples)

Updated 9 July 2022

If you're applying for an entry-level role, you might not have substantial work experience. In this case, you can write your cover letter with a focus on your skills and why you're a good fit for the role. Understanding how to write an entry-level cover letter may improve your chances of gaining employment. In this article, we explain what an entry-level cover letter is, provide steps on how to write one and provide a helpful template and some examples you can use.

What is a cover letter for entry-level jobs?

A cover letter for entry-level jobs is a document that you provide to hiring managers when applying for jobs. Employers typically require you to submit a resume along with your cover letter. For entry-level jobs, your cover letter can focus on your skills, rather than your work experience. Most cover letters contain three paragraphs and fit on one page.

Entry-level cover letters can provide you with an opportunity to express why you believe you're a suitable candidate for the role. A cover letter can allow you to introduce yourself and leave a positive first impression on the hiring manager. If you've completed a qualification, such as a bachelor's degree, a cover letter can be a great way to show potential employers your skills and dedication to the industry.

Related: Is a Cover Letter Necessary?

How to write an entry-level cover letter

A cover letter often provides your hiring manager's first impression of you. Knowing how to write an effective and informative cover letter can help you become successful in your job hunt. Below you can find some helpful steps on how to write an entry-level cover letter:

1. Use a professional introduction

When formatting your cover letter, it's usually best to use a professional format that is clear and informative. Your first step can be to provide your contact information. This includes your name, address, mobile or phone number and email address. Following your contact details, you can professionally greet the hiring manager with a sentence such as Dear Hiring Manager. It's usually better to address them personally if you know their name.

2. Explain your interest

The first paragraph of your cover letter can express your interest and excitement about the role. You may also provide reasons you want to work in a specific industry, company or position. If someone refers you for a position, you can also mention them within the first paragraph. When discussing your interests, try to relate them to the career responsibilities listed on the job posting.

3. Highlight your skills and knowledge

In your second paragraph, you can discuss the skills and knowledge you might have gained through tertiary studies or job training programs. If you have work experience that relates to your potential career, you may include it in the second paragraph. It's often a good idea to keep the content of your cover letter in relation to the job posting. This can show hiring managers you've researched the job posting.

4. Align yourself with the company's values

In the third paragraph of your cover letter, you can discuss something specific about the company that attracts you. This can help you provide an example of how you share similar values with the business. Your closing sentence of the third paragraph can include a call to action, such as, I look forward to meeting you in person. In the last sentence, you may also thank them for their time and consideration.

5. Include a signature line

The ending lines in your cover letter can include a formal closing phrase, such as kind regards, and your full name. This can be a simple and professional way of closing a letter. If you're sending your cover letter via email, you can mention any enclosed documents that you might have attached, such as your resume.

6. Review your letter before submitting

Once you finish writing your cover letter, you can consider sending it to a friend or family member to review. Gaining a different perspective can help you correct mistakes and make sentences clearer. It's also important to review the formatting of your cover letter to ensure the content fits on one page.

Entry-level cover letter template

You can use the following template as a guide when creating a cover letter for an entry-level position:

[Your full name]
[Your address]
[Your phone number]
[Your email address]

Dear hiring manager [If you know their full name, you may use it instead of 'hiring manager']

My name is [your full name]. I am writing to express my interest in the position of [name of job title] within [company name]. I believe I am a good candidate for the role because [provide a reason]. This position aligns perfectly with my goal [your specific career goal]. I am eager and excited about the opportunity to work at [company name].

I have recently completed [your qualifications] from [name of the university or training provider]. I believe my [qualification] has provided me with the skills and knowledge to perform my duties as [name of job title] at [company name]. My coursework included [coursework you've completed that applies to the career].

One of the main reasons I am looking forward to working at [company name] is [provide a reason specific to the company you're applying for]. I am passionate about [something related to the career] which I believe aligns me with [company name] values. I look forward to meeting you in person and I am thankful for your time and consideration.

Kind regards,
[Your full name]

[Mention attached documents if applicable]

Related: Free Cover Letter Templates

Entry-level cover letter examples

Below you can find example entry-level cover letters for people with varying skills, interests and qualifications:

Junior accountant position

Below is an example cover letter from a recent university graduate with qualifications in accounting, but no work experience:

Davis Serr
Perth, WA 6001
+61 7 2935 6543
Serr@email.com

Dear Hester Lowe,

My name is Davis Serr. I am writing to express my interest in the junior accountant role with Capital Finance. I believe I am a good candidate for the role because I am eager to apply and improve my financial skills. This position aligns perfectly with my goal to develop my career in the financial industry. I am eager and excited for the opportunity to work at Capital Finance.

I have recently completed a Bachelor of Finance with Honours in Accounting from Hickman University. I believe my bachelor's degree has provided me with the skills and knowledge to execute my duties as a junior accountant at Capital Finance. My bachelor included units such as taxation, company law, financial accounting and financial analysis.

One of the main reasons I am looking forward to working at Capital Finance is the company's commitment to providing professional and quality services. I am passionate about upholding professional standards and gaining new skills, which I believe aligns me with Capital Finance's values. I look forward to meeting you in person and I am thankful for your time and consideration.

Kind regards,
Davis Serr

Enclosed: Resume

Apprentice cabinet maker position

Here you can find an example cover letter from a candidate applying for an apprenticeship in cabinet making:

Vito Barnes
Melbourne, VIC, 6001
+61 7 5142 6743
Barnes@email.com

Dear Clarence Grant,

My name is Vito Barnes. I am writing to express my interest in becoming an apprentice cabinet maker at Sands Woodwork. I believe I am a great candidate for the apprenticeship, because I enjoy working with wood and I am eager to gain skills using wood shaping machinery. This position aligns perfectly with my goal to become a professional cabinet maker. I am eager and excited for the opportunity to work at Sands Woodwork.

I have recently completed a Certificate II in Cabinet Making at Southside Carpentry School. I believe my certificate has provided me with the skills and knowledge to perform my duties as an apprentice cabinetmaker at Sands Woodwork. My certificate included the manufacturing and installing of kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

One of the main reasons I am looking forward to working at Sands Woodwork is because of the company's commitment to providing authentic wooden cabinets and furniture. I am passionate about expressing my creativity and I believe working at Sands Woodwork can provide me with an excellent opportunity to use my imagination. I look forward to meeting you in person and I am thankful for your time and consideration.

Kind regards,
Vito Barnes