As the reality of a looming long (and hopefully prosperous) career starts to bite, you realize that every job during college is a stepping-stone to what comes next.
The college cover letter should go much further than the functional resume. When your resume will likely only be one page, the cover letter offers a more free-flowing format.
Our guide can help you write the most convincing cover letter for a college student.
College student full text-only cover letter example
Dear Ms. Barwell,
As a student of organizational behavior and occupational psychology, I relish any opportunity to explore the human condition. Working as a research associate in your HR consultancy would offer a fascinating real-life perspective to my studies.
During my work at college, I have led several successful industry research projects. I am used to working within a corporate setting and know that occupational psychology only achieves a breakthrough when participants understand what the outcomes mean to them. Your practical approach is exactly how I have run my previous studies – one of which won me a Young Achiever Impact award from the local chamber of commerce.
My research has spanned seven different industries, with projects ranging from 2,500 to 45,000 employees. I am enclosing a link in my resume to my portfolio and academic papers.
While there are several relevant aspects of my experience for a role with LaneTech, it is my work with change management that is most impactful. I spent a year looking at the challenges of performance management after a $41m business merger. This is the sort of work that I hope to replicate with your clients.
I am also enclosing several references from both academic and corporate sources. While my healthcare experience remains rather limited, I am keen to broaden my experience in the medical devices and pharmaceutical industries. I believe that I have the transferable skills to bring a new dimension to your undergraduate research team.
I would welcome the opportunity of meeting for an interview and finding out more about your research priorities for the coming year.
Sincerely,
Amy Sanders
Sections of a college student cover letter
Every college student understands the value of a tightly structured argument. Hiring managers will be reading a large volume of cover letters, so you need to get to the point and convey your message with maximum clarity. The format of an effective college student cover letter looks like this:
- Cover letter header. The college cover letter header should contain your basic contact details – full name, email, and phone number. Don’t include any social media details unless you are going into marketing or sales.
- Greeting. The greeting for a college cover letter should be no different from any formal letter that you might write. Avoid an impersonal style.
- Introduction. For a college cover letter, a blend of your previous part-time work experience and your career objectives will work well. Employers of college students want to feel that they will be motivated by something greater.
- Body. Where you are studying, and your expected level of qualification is enough for hiring managers.
- Conclusion. Share one last compelling message and mention that you would love to meet them to find out more during an interview.
- Signature. End the cover letter with a professional sign off.
Every section of your cover letter works together to tell the tale of your career.
A one-page cover letter is more than enough for you to convey your personality and motivations. What is the objective of your career? How would this first job fit into your grand plan?
Need more inspiration? View our other related cover letter examples from this sector:
For more advice, read our guide on how to write a cover letter.
After designing the header and addressing the hiring manager, it is time to think about why exactly you deserve the chance to begin your career with this employer.
Introduction of a college student cover letter
It is worth spending a little time to think about how to start a cover letter. That first paragraph needs to grab the attention and get to the heart of what you want to achieve in your career.
Remember, the cover letter for a college student should be relevant for the role in question. You may well have your ideal “job search story,” but if parts of it are irrelevant to the hiring manager, they will likely not invite you to an interview. Pick out the parts of your experience and personality that will interest them.
Dear Mr. Watts,
I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Assistant position. As a recent graduate from State University with a degree in Marketing, I am eager to apply my academic knowledge and skills in a practical, professional setting. I am particularly drawn to this role because of its focus on innovative digital marketing strategies.
Hi, I have enjoyed my university years, but now it is time to enter the real world. I think that this job would be enjoyable and would like to give it a try for a while. I know how to work hard and would look forward to earning a regular wage. That is motivation enough.
Offer examples of instances when you’ve carried out duties like those listed in the job description. Lay out your strengths and potential contributions to the hiring manager.
Dear Ms. Barwell,
As a student of organizational behavior and occupational psychology, I relish any opportunity to explore the human condition. Working as a research associate in your HR consultancy would offer a fascinating real-life perspective to my studies.
College student cover letter body
In the body of your cover letter, consider including the following:
- Focus on your transferable skills. How will you make the best start in your job?
- Mention your motivations. What will keep you going when things get tough?
- Tell some stories about your volunteering or internships.
- Mention your appetite for training and professional development.
First body paragraph: Your suitability for the role (skills & experience)
There are certain traits that every college student should seek to display within their cover letter. These transferable skills can come from a wide range of work experiences. Here’s how you can demonstrate it:
- Enthusiasm. A cover letter should radiate enthusiasm, showing a genuine interest and passion for the position and field.
- Relevant Skills. Mention specific skills that align with the job requirements. Provide examples of how these skills have been effectively utilized in past experiences, demonstrating your capability and readiness for the job.
- Adaptability. Employers value candidates who can quickly adapt to new environments and challenges. Illustrate your ability to adapt by discussing instances where you successfully adjusted to new situations or demands.
- Professionalism. Displaying professionalism through your cover letter’s tone, language, and structure reflects your ability to communicate respectfully.
Second body paragraph(s): Alignment with the organization
The most important concern for an employer of a college student is whether the student understands what they are getting themselves into.
Do they truly understand the nature of the role? Are they the sort of person who would fit with the employer culture?
In this example of NYC Public Schools, some key points can be taken from the vision and mission statement, including:
- building trust
- support all students, families, and school staff
- resolve conflict, build relationships, and keep our school communities safe
During my work at college, I have led several successful industry research projects. I am used to working within a corporate setting and know that occupational psychology only achieves a breakthrough when participants understand what the outcomes mean to them. Your practical approach is exactly how I have run my previous studies – one of which won me a Young Achiever Impact award from the local chamber of commerce.
My research has spanned seven different industries, with projects ranging from 2,500 to 45,000 employees. I am enclosing a link in my resume to my portfolio and academic papers.
While there are several relevant aspects of my experience for a role with LaneTech, it is my work with change management that is most impactful. I spent a year looking at the challenges of performance management after a $41m business merger. This is the sort of work that I hope to replicate with your clients.
I am also enclosing several references from both academic and corporate sources. While my healthcare experience remains rather limited, I am keen to broaden my experience in the medical devices and pharmaceutical industries. I believe that I have the transferable skills to bring a new dimension to your undergraduate research team.
Call to action & conclusion: Finish off strong
Sum up your cover letter in the final few lines. One of the most effective ways to conclude is through a call to action. This sentence directly states your enthusiasm or interest in the position and encourages a hiring manager to contact you.
Finish your letter with a signature that is both polite and formal. “Sincerely” or “Best regards” are great choices for a closing salutation.
I would welcome the opportunity of meeting for an interview and finding out more about your research priorities for the coming year.
Sincerely,
Amy Sanders
Conclude by signing off with your name. First name and surname to keep things formal – even college students need to get serious at some point.
How to write a college student cover letter with no experience
You may not have much work experience, but you will certainly have enough life experience to excel in a college-level role. The key to a college cover letter with no experience is to frame what you have in such a way that it proves your potential. If you do not try to do this, the hiring manager will question your motivation.
It may seem like a fudge, but do your best to achieve the following:
- Share what you have learned in your part-time jobs and internships.
- Show an understanding of the role and what it takes to succeed.
- Demonstrate that your personality fits the company culture.
- Show you are results-focused by talking about your academic success.
So many college cover letters will focus on individual personality traits and ignore the realities of what the role requires. Paint a picture of the person that you will be when you are doing the job. Leave little to the imagination.
Key takeaways
A college student cover letter highlights your relevant skills, experiences and role fit. Every college cover letter should step beyond your academic activity into the world of work. How will you make a difference for your future employer? Try to include as much previous work experience as possible, but only do so if you can prove relevance for the role in question.
Try our cover letter builder to play with your career sales pitch. Read the cover letter back to yourself and imagine that you are the hiring manager – would they want to take a chance on you?
