Writing an entry-level cover letter can be daunting, especially if you're diving into job applications and realize one is required. It's not just an echo of your resume; it's your chance to highlight a singular achievement that showcases your professional pride—without resorting to overused clichés. Keeping it to a page, you need to blend formal tone with a touch of personality, ensuring you stand out. Let's tackle this challenge together and craft a cover letter that opens doors.
- Including all the must-have paragraphs in your structure for an excellent first impression;
- Learning how to write individual sections from industry-leading cover letter examples;
- Selecting the best accomplishment to tell an interesting and authority-building professional story;
- Introducing your profile with personality, while meeting industry standards.
And, if you want to save some time, drag and drop your entry level resume into Enhancv's AI, which will assess your profile and write your job-winning cover letter for you.
If the entry level isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
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- Entry Level Engineering cover letter example
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- MBA Application cover letter example
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- MBA Graduate cover letter example
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- MBA Student cover letter example
Entry level cover letter example
John Doe
New York, NY
+1-(234)-555-1234
help@enhancv.com
- Highlighting measurable achievements: The cover letter mentions specific percentages to quantify improvements made, demonstrating tangible success in previous roles—a powerful way to illustrate impact and competence.
- Matching skills to job requirements: The candidate aligns their skills (e.g., problem-solving and classroom management) directly with the needs of the school which shows a good understanding of the role and its requirements.
- Showing passion and enthusiasm: Expressing a keen interest in contributing to the academic environment exhibits a genuine passion for teaching and a proactive attitude, which can be appealing to employers.
- Expressing role-specific contributions: By detailing how they improved efficiency and teaching effectiveness, the candidate shows an understanding of the broader impacts of their role on the educational institution.
Designing your entry level cover letter: what is the best format
Let's start with the basics, your entry level cover letter should include your:
- Header
- Greeting
- Introduction
- Body paragraph
- Closing statement
- Signature (that's not a must)
Next, we'll move to the spacing of your entry level cover letter, and yes, it should be single-spaced (automatically formatted for you in our cover letter templates).
Don't go for a old-school font (e.g. Arial or Times New Roman), but instead, pick an ATS-favorite like Chivo, Volkhov, or Raleway, to stand out.
Our cover letter builder is also set up for you with the standard one-inch margin, all around the text.
Finally, ensure your entry level resume and cover letter are in the same font and are submitted in PDF (to keep the formatting in place).
P.S. The Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't be assessing your [job] cover letter, it's solely for the recruiters' eyes.
The top sections on a entry level cover letter
- Header: This includes your contact information, the date, and the employer's details, ensuring that your cover letter appears professional and provides easy reference for the recruiter.
- Greeting: A personalized greeting to the hiring manager demonstrates that you've done your research and are serious about the position. Avoid generic phrases like "To whom it may concern."
- Introduction: Here, state the job you're applying for and give a snapshot of your most relevant qualifications and your enthusiasm for the role, to grab the recruiter’s attention.
- Body: In one or two paragraphs, align your skills and experiences with the job description, showing why you are the ideal candidate and how you can add value to the company.
- Closing: End your cover letter with a call to action, such as expressing your eagerness to discuss the role in an interview, and a courteous sign-off, reinforcing your interest in the position.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
As the job title was not specified in the question, I'll provide general qualities, experiences, and traits often prioritized by recruiters for an entry-level role. If you have a specific job title in mind, please provide it for more tailored guidance.
- Educational background relevant to the role: Demonstrates foundational knowledge and a commitment to the field.
- Internship or project experience: Shows practical application of skills and a proactive attitude in gaining real-world experience.
- Adaptability: Ability to adjust to new environments and tasks, important in entry-level roles where responsibilities can evolve.
- Technical skills: Proficiency in job-specific software or tools required for the role, signifying job readiness.
- Communication skills: Essential for teamwork, client interactions, and effectively conveying ideas.
- Eagerness to learn: Indicates a growth mindset and the potential for future development within the company.
What matters most when tailoring your entry level cover letter salutation
Your entry level cover letter greeting should feel welcoming to recruiters.
Use their first name (e.g. "Dear Marshall" or "Dear Sara"), if you've previously been in touch with the hiring manager and are on a more friendly basis.
If this is the first time you're contacting the recruiters, start your entry level cover letter with:
- their last name (e.g. "Dear Ms. Ali" or "Dear Mr. Stevens") - look up who's the hiring manager for the role on social media or the company website;
- generalized greeting (e.g. "Dear HR Team") - just don't use "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam".
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Department Head's Name],
- Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr.] [Last Name],
- Dear Selection Committee,
- Dear Recruiting Team,
- Dear Human Resources Director,
How to start your entry level cover letter introduction
The opening paragraph of your entry level cover letter can seem like a real enigma.
Where do you start writing?
In your entry level cover letter introduction, focus on yourself by stating what:
- gets you motivated and excited about the role;
- you like best about the company, from culture to awards.
Write no more than two sentences, which are both authentic and show your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
How to select your best achievement for the middle, or the entry level cover letter body
You probably feel exhausted by this point in your application: you've dived into all the details of your success and skills in your entry level resume.
What else can you include in your entry level cover letter body?
Well, for starters, the next three to six paragraphs should show you further value as a professional. Or, why should recruiters choose you?
Think back on a noteworthy achievement that answers key job requirements and dive deep.
Structure your entry level cover letter middle as you'd a story: following chronological logic and highlighting outcomes, thanks to skills.
At the end of the day, you'd want recruiters to be able to see you as the best candidate for the role and understand more about who you are and what makes your success unique (and valuable to the role).
Thinking about the closing paragraph of your entry level cover letter
Before your signature, you have extra space to close off your entry level cover letter.
Use it to either make a promise or look to the future.
Remind recruiters how invaluable of a candidate you are by showing what you plan to achieve in the role.
Also, note your availability for a potential next meeting (in person or over the telephone).
By showing recruiters that you're thinking about the future, you'd come off as both interested in the opportunity and responsible.
Is it beneficial to mention that you have no experience in your entry level cover letter?
Lacking professional experience isn't the end of the world for your entry level cover letter.
Just be honest that you may not have had roles in the industry, but bring about so much more.
Like, your transferable skills, attained thanks to your whole work and life experience (e.g. the skills your summer spent working abroad taught you).
Or, focus on what makes you, you, and that one past success that can help you stand out and impress recruiters (think of awards you've attained and how they've helped you become a better professional).
Alternatively, write about your passion and drive to land the job and the unique skill set you would bring to enhance the workplace culture.
Key takeaways
Summarizing the most important aspects in writing your entry level cover letter, remember to:
- Create a personalized entry level cover letter for each role you apply for, that includes the recruiter's name in the salutation;
- Format your entry level cover letter with single-spacing, one-inch margins, and a modern, yet ATS-friendly font;
- Always start off your entry level cover letter with two sentences that reflect what is most important about your application;
- Your entry level cover letter body should feature your biggest accomplishments and the job-relevant skills it has taught you;
- Instead of opting for the "Sincerely yours" ending, close your entry level cover letter with a nod to the future with what you aim to achieve in this potential role.
