Student Cover Letter Examples

How to Write a Student Cover Letter

Write your student cover letter to highlight your strengths, skills and achievements so that you stand out from candidates with a similar profile. Use it to expand on the information in your CV, providing specific examples that demonstrate your unique qualifications and experience. Be sure to include personal contact information to facilitate easy communication.

Including a cover letter with your application demonstrates your commitment and professionalism, making a positive impression on potential employers.

Your student cover letter step-by-step

Step 1. Conduct Thorough Research

This is likely to be one of your first cover letters, so it is important to do your homework. Start by researching sample cover letters from the industry you’re applying to. This will give you a sense of what to include, the appropriate tone and any industry-specific jargon. Then research the company and the role you’re interested in. Visit their website, read their mission statement and read recent articles or press releases to familiarise yourself with their values, culture and projects. This research will help you tailor your cover letter and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company.

Step 2. Begin with Your Contact Information and Date

Start your cover letter with your contact details at the top. Include your name, address, telephone number and email address. Follow this with the date you are writing the letter. Immediately below this, include the company details, such as the name of the hiring manager (if known), the company name, address and contact email or phone number. Following this format will ensure that your letter is professional and organised from the very beginning.

Step 3. Address the Reader Professionally

Add a personal yet respectful tone to your letter by addressing your reader directly by name. If you don’t know the name of the person responsible, use an alternative such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Hiring Committee”. Avoid using “To Whom It May Concern” as it is outdated and impersonal.

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Step 4. Craft a Compelling Opening

Open your letter by clearly stating the position you are applying for and where you found the vacancy. Briefly introduce yourself by mentioning your recent graduation and degree. As a student or recent graduate, you may not have extensive work experience, so highlighting your education and any relevant skills or achievements is the best way to start. Express your enthusiasm for the role and the company to grab the reader’s attention.

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Step 5. Emphasise Your Relevant Experience and Skills

In the next paragraph, explain how you meet the qualifications for the job. Describe your relevant experience and skills, focusing on those that are transferable, such as critical thinking, problem solving, time management and communication. Use specific examples from your coursework, internships or extracurricular activities to illustrate your skills.

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Step 6. Demonstrate Why You’re an Ideal Fit

Tell the reader why you are a good fit for the company and the position. Mention specific projects or initiatives the company is involved in that match your interests or skills. This shows that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in contributing to the company’s success.

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Step 7. Address How You Will Manage a Part-Time Job While Studying

This is an optional step if you are looking for a job while you are still studying. Rather than avoiding the issue, explain how you plan to combine part-time work with your academic responsibilities. Include the hours you are available and mention the time management strategies you use, your ability to juggle multiple commitments, and your previous experience in managing similar responsibilities. This will reassure the employer that you can handle the workload.

Step 8. End with Enthusiasm and a Call to Action

Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and your willingness to take on the new responsibilities. Thank the reader for their time in reviewing your application and express your eagerness for an interview. Politely indicate your availability for further discussion.

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Step 9. Close with a Professional Sign-Off

End your letter on a professional note. Use “Yours sincerely” if you have addressed the letter to a specific person by name, or “Yours faithfully” if you have used a more general salutation. If the company has a more relaxed, casual culture, you can sign off with “Kind regards”.

Step 10. Ensure a Professional Format

Make sure your cover letter looks as professional as it sounds. Keep the format of the cover letter to one page, using a standard font such as Arial, Times New Roman or Tahoma, in 11 or 12 point. Align your text to the left and use single-spacing, with double-spacing between paragraphs to keep it clean and easy to read.

Step 11. Proofread and Edit Carefully

The final step is to carefully proofread your letter to make sure it is error-free. Double-check all contact details to make sure recruiters can easily get in touch with you. Attention to detail is crucial and speaks volumes about your professionalism.